Beauty // SPF Summer Skin care picks

These past few days have been wonderfully warm haven't they? I hope you've all been enjoying the weather.I've been trying to make the most of it by spending as much time basking in the sunshine as possible! This week I've really been making sure to include products that contain SPF in order to avoid that lobster red look.I wish I was able to get a golden tan like some people,but until then I'll stick to these as I've found these have really helped to keep my skin in check.

I've been applying this Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock religiously since it started getting warmer and I love that I can use it on my face without breaking out as it is oil free and non comedogenic (doesn't clog pores) I picked it up from the 99p store and it's the highest SPF factor that I've been able to find (let me know if you have seen any higher!) It sinks into the skin easily but it is quite slow to absorb so I'd definitely wait 5 minutes before getting dressed etc..I've used some sunscreens that have left my face looking like an oil slick,but with this one I can apply foundation over it and still have a completely matte finish.

This Holika Holika Petit BB Cream in Moisturising  is really great for those sunny days where you want to wear lighter make up and let your skin breathe.It's SPF 30 and its creamy formulation is amazing for sorting out tired dry skin whilst giving a medium coverage.I've got very pale skin and I found this to be a good match,despite looking quite orange in the tube it leaves my skin looking even and lessens the look of my pores.I wrote a full review a little while back which you can read here

As a 00's teenage girl,I was an huge fan of the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse,but as I got into my 20's I found that I wanted a foundation that offered a more coverage and was more suited to my skin tone.I've been using Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation in Light Vanilla (as you can see from the tatty much loved packaging!) It's £10.99 which is quite expensive compared to my budget buys,but as foundation can make such a difference I'm happy to pay it.It contains SPF 10 and has various pigments (yellow,red and green) to help combat dark circles,dull complexion and redness.It does cover light pimples and scarring,but if you're having a breakout you might need to apply some heavy duty concelear to add a little more coverage.One thing I've noticed is that it does stay on for a good few hours,a little swirl of powder is all that is needed to set this for most of the day.I could stand to go a shade paler (they don't do it!) but I love how it feels light and natural on my skin.If you're after a long lasting and medium coverage foundation then I'd really recommend it.


Although I've got my trusty skincare routine to help keep my freckles safe and the wrinkles at bay,I'm really struggling to find a foundation for pale freckly skin!


Does anybody have any recommendations?

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?

Beauty // Products I wouldn't repurchase

I have a corner shelf that has all of my toiletries on it,most of which I really love and use religiously.However,there is a dark corner that never gets touched,which is full of products that I have relegated to the back,never to be used again.I hate it when I buy a product and I'm really excited,but it turns out to be really disappointing, that's why I'm glad I don't spend too much money on these things!

I bought Oz Bonatics Major Moisture Shampoo from Poundland, and I was really expecting good results as it seemed like such a good dupe for the more expensive Aussie haircare range,but no luck! It smells really good,kind of like bubblegum,but it left my hair feeling really lank and weighed down.

I'm a big fan of dry shampoos because I get up very early for work,and I can't be bothered to wash my hair in the early hours of the morning.I usually use Batiste which works wonderfully,but I was really interested to see this waterless foam shampoo from Tresemme which I bought from Boots for around the £5 mark.I was willing to pay more because I thought it would give me really similar results to washing my hair,but all that happened is that it smelt slightly fresher.It didn't remove any grease and it left the ends of my hair looking really frizzy.You're supposed to distribute it through the hair and then blast it with a hairdryer,but I formulation is so gloopy that it gets everywhere! I'd stick to traditional dry shampoo.

I can't make my mind up about this Shine Gloss Booster from Bristow's  which I bought from Poundland.It says that it "gives hair a healthy shine" and that it has an "instant visible effect" but it doesn't seem to do anything! It smells quite nice and fresh but I haven't really seen any difference in the glossiness of my hair since using it.Maybe I'm not looking hard enough? Apparently it does protect against breakage, and my hair is looking quite breakage free at the moment,but I doubt that's got anything to do with this product.

I definitely won't be repurchasing these again,and this is a great reminder to myself not to get sucked into all of the buzzwords that promise me the swishy,glossy hair from a L'Oreal Advert.Oh well,I can still dream!

Have you bought any products you're dissapointed with? 

99p store bargains // Fitvits gummy vitamins review

I always seem to get a cold around Easter time,no matter what I do but recently I've been trying to make sure I take more vitamins and drink plenty of water (easier said than done!) to keep them at bay. I normally take the standard tablet vitamins,but I was browsing my local 99p store and these really caught my eye.I know I may be 22 and these are aimed at kids,but anything that encourages me to take vitamins can only be a good thing.They are by a brand called FitVits which make great tasting vitamins for children aged 3-12 (damn I just missed it!)

Both boxes were 99p each and contain a week's supply of vitamins,so this definitely isn't the most cost effective way to take supplements,but they are really easy to carry around so they're great for popping in your handbag or in your suitcase if you're going away on holiday.Also,if you find it difficult to swallow tablets or don't like the taste I would really recommend looking for a gummy vitamin.

These are the Calcium Cows and one pack of five gummies provides 12.5% of the RDA of Calcium and 20% of Vitamin D.They do say that these aren't to replace actual food and drink that contain vitamins,but they're great to top up your nutrient intake.There are two flavours,Strawberry and Banana milkshake and I love that they don't taste artificial or leave a funny aftertaste in your mouth.Also these are Vegetarian friendly as well as being Gluten and Dairy free,so they are suitable for everyone (over the age of 3.) 

The Multivitamin Gummy Bears taste a lot like Jelly Babies except they offer much more in the way of nutrients.They are also Vegetarian friendly and Gluten and Dairy free,I really like that this company don't exclude anyone from using their products.The bears come in four great tasting flavours which are Apple,Blackcurrant,Strawberry and Orange.

One pack of 7 gummies offers these percentages of the RDA

Vitamin A 75%

Vitamin D 100%

Vitamin E 83%

Vitamin C 75%

Folic Acid 100%

Vitamin B12 40%

Pantothenic Acid 100%

They also have no artificial colours or flavours,as do all of their products (that I know of) so they're great if you're trying to be more mindful of what goes into your or your child's body.

I would really recommend FitVits vitamins as a fun break from other more cost effective supplements,I mean who can resist the cute shapes and with flavours like Strawberry milkshake you can't really go wrong.If I see any more I'm definitely going to pick them up.

Do you take daily Vitamins?  If so,how do you remember to take them? (I'm so forgetful)

Beauty // Morning Make Up Musthaves

I'm pretty sure that I'd run down to the shops in my pyjamas if I ever ran out of these.I always make sure I've got enough,and because they are all under £5 I often have a couple of back ups lying around in different places.They're not high end products but they're really effective and do the job well.

Wilko refreshing eye drops (£2-£3 from Wilkinsons)

I can't remember exactly how much this lifesaver cost,but I know it's very budget friendly.I'm basically a walking allergy,and these drops are great at making sure that my eyes stop running and they stay clear and bright.They're great to use after a long day too,although I don't use them everyday because it might disturb the natural balance of my eyes.

Sanctuary Spa hand cream (£3 from Boots)

I was lucky enough to receive this in the Sanctuary gift set for Christmas from my lovely husband! My hands get really dry and this formula is rich enough to give my skin day long moisturisation, without leaving a greasy film on my hands.It smells so good too,it's got a lovely sweet and subtle almond fragrance that lasts for hours .I've had it since December and I don't even think I'm halfway through as you don't need much,so this is a great cost effective option.

Maybelline Pure Cover Mineral Concealer (£1 from Poundland)

After trying this out, I went to Poundland to pick up another as it was that amazing! This one is shade 02 (Natural) and is great at hiding the redness I often get around my nose and chin.It's quite a creamy formula too,so it's really moisturising for dry skin.I also love that when you apply it to a breakout it doesn't cake or leave it looking worse than before,it just gives a nice even coverage.

Vaseline Rosy Lips (£2.18 from Boots)

I think I've tried just about every type of Vaseline but this is definitely one of my favourites.It isn't heavily scented but it does have a light rose fragrance which I love.The almond oil helps keep my lips free from cracks and moisturised all day.I often use it so that I have a smooth base to apply lipstick or gloss,but it's great by itself as it gives my lips a beautiful rosy sheen.

I know they're nothing exciting,but I couldn't be without these.They definitely help me feel more put together and polished.I always feel like I'm going to have a good day if I have everything to hand.I'm still trying to scout out more bargains to add to my collection!

What are your must haves?

Poundland bargains // £1 Minnie Mouse polish review

I'm obsessed with everything Disney related,as I know lots of people are.I don't enjoy paying their prices though,it seems that anything with the Disney name can retail for twice as much as another brand.That's why I'm so happy to see lots of their products in Poundland at the moment.I also love buying more polishes than I need,and at only £1 I can justify that!

I picked up this beautiful Minnie Mouse polish in "Red".Not a very inventive name,but the packaging is so cute that I don't mind.I found the short brush made it really easy to apply and the formulation wasn't too goopy (technical word.)

I would definitely recommend this to someone who want a simple but pretty nail polish for a good price! They did have a few other pastel colours too,which I think I'll have a look at another time.It didn't smell too strong either,which I think is a bonus as some polishes really have that chemical smell to them.

This is after 2 and a half days and I'm terrible at nail care,so I'm pretty impressed by it's staying power.If you regularly use hand cream and apply top coat I'm sure it will last longer.Looking at them,I wouldn't say that it was a true red,they look more of a orangey red to me.Or "blood orange" but I can't say that or "oxblood" without feeling like a pretentious twit.

What polishes are you wearing at the moment?

Mothers day picks // What I bought

Mother's Day is coming up on the 30th March,and like most Daughters I have been racking my brain trying the think of perfect gift ideas.As much as I love her,she is the most awkward woman to buy for! She can't used scented body products and has a lot of aversions to different types of food.Finally, I think I've picked some things she'll love.

Card from Etsy £2.95

I'm really soppy so this card definitely appealed to me.Unlike my husband who insists on buying humorous cards for everyone in case someone thinks he's being soft! I love the cute font and I completely agree that you're never to old to need your Mum (even at 22).I thought this really stood out as something unique and pretty to look at.

       Quote book from WHSmith £5.99

Cadburys Eclairs £1

I love memorising quotes to help me though tough times, and I always share them with my family,they never fail to cheer Mum up.This little quote book really caught my eye,it's full of lovely words that she can treasure forever.I also picked up a bag of Cadburys Chocolate Eclairs because I always remember her eating them when I was a child,she even managed to give me a few! I don't even like them that much,but I felt so important when she handed me one.

I thought this quotes were so lovely and heartfelt,they would make a great gift for any Mother.I know holidays can be quite commercialised now,but I think it's wonderful when we have an excuse to give our loved ones a well deserved present.If you're still trying to find the perfect Mother's Day present,WH Smiths have lots of lovely books which have offers on,so try and get yourself a bargain.

Have you bought anything for Mother's Day?

Primark & New Look haul

In my previous post,I wrote about how I popped into Exeter yesterday,well this is what I bought!I was pretty impressed with Primark's offerings, there were lots of dresses,which is great for me because I haven't worn a pair of jeans since about 2008! I really admire those girls who wear cute denim shorts and skinny jeans,but they are just not for me.I did find some awesome pieces though!

I had been umming and aahing about this dress for ages,I love the colour and this was the last one in my size,so I thought i'd get it whilst I could.It's perfect for Spring/Summer,but I could also wear it in the Autumn with thick tights and black boots.I think I'm going to get lots of wear out of this.There were lots of other styles on offer and they were all £5,bargain!

This dress really caught me eye! I think it has a touch of Taylor Swift about it,I think I'll try and channel her style by pairing it with some Converse (well, Primark's own Converse.) It's really comfortable and it has sleeves,which is great as you never know what's going to happen with the weather in England.It was reduced to £5 from £8,as were a lot of things,so if you're after some new clothes to update your wardrobe,i'd go soon!

This wasn't from Primark or New Look,but I was so pleased with it that it was definitely worth mentioning! I walked past an "everything £5" clothes shop called Limelite.I debated whether or not to go in because some parts of the shop looked a bit unfinished (maybe they're a new shop?),but I managed to pick up this lovely printed jumper.It's very cosy and feels like it's well made,in Topshop you might pay four times as much for a similar jumper.I'm going to wear it with a little dress and tights for those chilly days.

I've been searching for a travel mug for ages,and this was just what I was looking for! I love everything about it;the polka dots,the cute quote and the gorgeous coral colour.This was £5.99 from New Look,which isn't too bad as it's quite sturdy and should keep my tea nice and warm.

P.S According to their website, if you bring your own mug into Starbucks,they will give you a 25p discount!

I hope you enjoyed my little haul.I was pretty impressed with Primark this time,and I think they're upping their fashion game even more.I do want to branch out a bit more and try shopping around a bit.

What shops would you recommend for cheap-ish and fashion conscious clothing?