Beauty // Budget problem skin favourites

My skin changes from one day to the next,so I'm never sure what I'm going to wake up to! In the likely event that a few spots will have appeared,I like to keep a couple of fail-safe products in my collection to help clear my skin gently and quickly. I've been using these for a while now and I'm really pleased with how they've worked for my skin.There are so many expensive washes for acne prone faces out there,but I think if you look around you can find products to suit any budget,especially now that cheaper stores are everywhere.I managed to pick these up from the 99p store whilst browsing around town.

I was drawn to this Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash because I love the smell of Pink Grapefruit,it's so energising and zesty which is perfect a refreshing morning wake up.I was concerned that it might leave my skin feeling tight and dry because it's acidic,but it has a gentle gel formulation which doesn't leave any residue or affect my skin.If you suffer with enlarged pores and spots around the t-zone like I often do, I'd really recommend this because since using it I've found that the area is much smoother and free from breakouts.It contains Salicylic acid which is effective at reducing inflammation and works to keep pores free from the build up that can encourage acne.I like to use a hot washcloth to open up my pores before applying as I think it helps it soak into my skin, followed by a cold blast of water afterwards to close my pores (it definitely wakes me up too!) Apparently, it's boosted by "MicroClear" technology,but I'm not too sure if that makes a difference as it sounds like one of those skincare buzzwords to me! Words aside,I'm really enjoying using this wash and I've seen a good improvement in my skin tone and texture.

In my lifetime I think I've had about every kind of acne you could imagine,but none as bad as the dreaded "bacne" or back acne.Although it's calmed down now that I'm in my twenties,I'm still prone to getting sore under the skin spots on the top of my back.You know the kind that you can't pop and never seem to leave? Well I'm intending to wear cute tops this Summer, so I had been looking for a body wash that would leave my skin acne free and smelling good.That's where this T-zone Revitalising Body Wash comes in! I haven't used T-zone products since I was a teenager,but I've been pleasantly surprised by how good they still are.You only need to use a 50p sized blob as it lathers up really well and it fills the bathroom with a fresh peppermint scent.It also contains tea tree oil which is well known for being an antiseptic and helping to prevent breakouts.I like to apply this to a bath lily (or bath poof, whatever you want to call it!) and really work the product into my skin,it feels so soft and clean afterwards.afterwards. I've been using this  every morning for just over two weeks and I've noticed that the areas normally affected are much less inflamed and sore,it's surprising what a difference it's made to how I feel about myself.

Although there's nothing wrong with buying high end brands,if you often walk past budget stores,I'd really suggest going in and seeing what they have to offer. I've noticed that many pound shops have the same products,but they're often a foreign version,so if you are a brand lover you might find one of your favourites in there.These products are really working well for me,so I'd definitely suggest you pop in to the 99p store and have a look.


What do you use for breakouts? Does the toothpaste trick really work?

Perfume // Next Just Pink EDT review

You know when you walk past someone who's perfume smell gorgeous and you've just got to ask them where they got it from? Well that happened with my Auntie a little while back and she said "Next Just Pink".
I've never really thought of heading to Next for perfumes,but they've got a great range of fragrances all under £20.This beautifully packaged perfume was only £12, but the adorable glass heart bottle and long lasting scent really makes it seem higher end.Apparently,this is a great dupe for "Ralph Lauren's Romance".

This is a very feminine and floral fragrance but it isn't cloyingly sweet or over the top,it fills the air with the light scents of flowers and it smells very clean .It's the perfect perfume for day or night because it mellows out to a more muskier scent after a few hours.

I love the glass bottle,it's the perfect size to put in my handbag and I think it's really pretty.It also looks equally as good being displayed on my cabinet! I love the simple design and 30ml is a good amount of perfume for £12.

Next Just Pink describe it's fragrance as "a fresh green floral fragrance with soft fruits and pink blooms" and I think it would be perfect for a woman of any age,it's very unobtrusive and would be great to wear at work or at home.It definitely adds that extra something to any outfit and now I know how good Next's perfumes are,I'm going to try the other fragrances they have on offer!

What perfumes are you enjoying right now? Have you tried Next perfumes before?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Beauty // Miss Sporty So Clear Pressed Powder Review

Miss Sporty was one of my staple make up brands when I was a teenager! I would save up my money and then head to Superdrug to see what I could get for £5 (which was most things.) I've just finished my last powder which was my beloved ELF Mineral Foundation in Fair,and I was looking for some a little cheaper and that offered something a little different.

The only problem I have with Miss Sporty products is they do tend to feel a bit plastic and cheap,but let's not judge a book by it's cover.Their target market is young girls so this kind of packaging is perfect for that make up experimenting phase.I picked this Miss Sporty So Clear Powder in Translucent from Superdrug for £2.99 and I must say I'm very impressed.I have combination skin where my t-zone can get really oily and my cheeks tend to be drier (great),but this powder leaves my problem areas looking matte and smooth,without irritating my sensitive skin.I apply it over Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in Vanilla  before work and 7 hours later there is little sign of change,it could do with a touch up,but my skin still looks even and relatively flaw free!

If you prefer the matte look on a budget and are prone to breakouts and blemishes,I'd really recommend this product.It settles really nicely and doesn't creep into any dry areas,I'm definitely going to repurchase this as it makes my skin look much more polished.I'm happy I picked this up!


What powder are you currently using?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Fashion // Charity shop budget OOTD

As payday is nearing but the funds are still low,I thought I would pop into my local charity shop to see what I could find.I've been having a look at people's OOTD/N posts more recently,and I've been really inspired by all of the different body types and fashion styles out there.This Summer I'm really trying to challenge the thoughts about my body and wear things outside my comfort zone,so I was very excited to come across this lovely dress.It was a complete steal at only £6.75 and was originally from Peacocks.It looks like it's barely been worn!

I usually tend to stick to neutral colours and cover up my arms so this is definitely a big fashion step for me! I love the print and the vibrant mustard yellow colour,it has a bit of a 60's feel to it I think,but correct me if I'm wrong.It kind of reminds of the Missoni print that was popular then.This dress also gets a gold star for being amazingly comfortable,it's got just enough stretch in the waist to accommodate food babies and period bloat.

This bag is from Primark and it goes with absolutely everything and it has enough room to store all of my essentials and some not so essentials.It feels really luxurious and well made,despite only being £12.If you're looking for a high quality bag on a budget,I'd definitely head to Primark right now!

I've just styled this dress with some black tights and brogues but I'm really looking for some new ways to wear it.What would you pair it with? 

Beauty // Kindred Spirit Perfume review (CK One dupe)

I love the feeling of finding that perfect scent that I can't stop wearing,it can make such a difference to my mood and I'm starting up a collection for every occasion.I always make sure to buy budget perfumes,so I can apply them liberally without having to shell out every couple of months.

I bought this Kindred Spirit Eau De Toilette from Trago Mills,which is a Shopping and Leisure park that has 3 centres in the Devon and Cornwall,you can buy anything there and they have great deals on beauty products! This large bottle of fragrance was only £2.29 which is so unbelievably cheap considering the generous size of the bottle.I wanted a neutral scent that I could wear everyday and to work,so this seems like just the thing I'm looking for.

This fragrance is definitely a dupe of CK One,both in appearance and smell.The bottle actually feels heavy and much more expensive than its price.It all seemed too good to be true,but then I spritzed a little on my wrists and I was pleasantly surprised.I love the detailed description of the scent and I'd say it's pretty accurate.Describing scents online can be hard but it's a citrus scent that has musky sandalwood undertones.If you love very sweet floral fragrances I would say this isn't for you,but if you're after a crisp and slightly more sophisticated fragrance then I would recommend it.I love that it doesn't smell overwhelming or cheap too,no one will ever know how much I paid for it! It's a very clean and uncomplicated fragrance which would be well suited to Men or Women.Women. I've been wearing it for about 4 hours and it's only just begun to fade,and for the price I don't think that's too bad really.

I'm definitely going to be looking for more budget fragrances to add to my collection.I've heard and read great reviews about perfumes from Lidl,Poundland and Primark.What would you recommend?