Sunday 30 November 2014

Yes To Blueberries Cleansing Facial Wipes


I recently reviewed the Yes To cucumber facial wipes and after using those I just had to pick up another pack from the range. As I like a bit of variety I did go for a different scent and claim and these ones were actually from the Feel Unique sale - bonus! So what do Yes To say about these wipes:

'These Cleansing Facial Wipes are formulated with Blueberries and Coconut to gently cleanse, remove makeup, and moisturize skin all in one. With Lemon Peel and Apple to help brighten the appearance of your skin, these are a great addition to our Age Refresh collection. They leave your skin feeling clean, youthful, and glowy!'

If you've read my other review on these wipes (if not you can here) you will know that I loved those ones. The main difference between these blueberry ones and the cucumber ones I believe is the smell. I must admit I'm not the biggest fan of the blueberry smell, it's quite sharp and hits you when you get a wipe out of the pack. Having said that, the smell doesn't stick around for long (and some of you will love the smell it's just preference) and the actual facial wipe is just as great. Although I'm not quite fighting off the aging issue just yet I love that these wipes cleanse and moisturise in one step. So if I am feeling super lazy then this one wipe does it all for you.

As I said in my previous review on these the size of the wipes is great and perfect for removing my whole face of make up. These wipes just all round feel slightly luxurious which is great as to be honest, it's the really lazy option! I have also recently been looking into products to give my skin a bit of a glow, which these wipes claim. If I'm honest I haven't noticed much of a difference since using these and a glow in my skin. But they definitely do leave my skin feeling clean which is exactly what you want once you've removed your make up.

Overall these are great wipes I may just stray from this particular scent in the future for me. You can buy them here from Boots for £3.99 which again is a great price. I'd love to know branch out into the Yes To brand and try something other than facial wipes so any suggestions in the comments would be very much appreciated :-)
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Thursday 27 November 2014

Camel affair


4. Zara

A timeless classic has to be the camel coat and this year I am in desperate need of one (yes it's a must). These are a select few that I have my eye on and with it being payday tomorrow I don't think I will hold back. I am going shopping in London this Saturday so my eyes will be peeled and in search for a camel coat. I think they are just gorgeous and literally can go with any outfit. I am imagining a Paris chic outfit inspired by this coat and when I finally get my hands on one I cannot wait to style it. If you already own a camel coat I'd love to know your styling ideas and also where you bought yours from! I like to have the option and find the perfect coat for the Winter months that are approaching :-)
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Monday 24 November 2014

Garnier Moisture Match Dry Skin Moisturiser


Hello colder months and for the first time (ever I think) I'm suffering from serious dry patches on my face. I was shopping with my mum recently looking for a dry skin moisturiser when she recommended this one for me. I was like yep that will do and here we are today.

This product is actually from a range of five different moisturisers all targeting a problematic skin area. So if the dry skin one does not appeal to you then I would definitely recommend checking out the other moisturisers in the range.

I've been using this moisturiser for a few weeks now and I must say it's an absolute winner for me. It really does say goodbye to dry skin and leaved my skin feeling super soft. It's quite a thick consistency when you squeeze it out of the tube but once applied to the skin and given it a minute to sink in, you cannot feel it. It's weightless yet leaves your skin with a slight glow and leaving those dry patches perfect for applying make up. When my dry skin started cropping up on my face the particular hate I had was that I just knew my make up wasn't going to sit well on my face. I now know that when I have applied this moisturiser my make up will 100% go on effortlessly. My foundation now doesn't cling to my nasty dry patches, it leaves them well covered. My dry patches are slightly red so I also now don't have to panic that they're on show but are now covered from my make up.

The only slight downside to some may be the scent. It has quite a strong floral scent which personally I don't mind but I know others will. It doesn't linger on the skin for long though so if you can put up with it I definitely would for this product! On a plus side it's super affordable and if you do suffer with dry skin and haven't tried this then I would get yourself to Boots.

Overall this is my current go to moisturiser due to the cold weather we've been having and if you're looking to get your hands on it then you can do here :-)
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Saturday 22 November 2014

Space NK haul


My first EVER Space NK order has arrived! I've been waiting for this moment for a very long time and I finally took the plunge when I saw there was a free delivery offer on. I restricted myself rather a lot and could have really damaged my bank balance. But I stuck to the two main things I've wanted to call mine and I'm really excited about both. Also I'm just in a general excited mood as I'm off to see the new Hunger Games Mockingjay film this evening!! I cannot flippin' wait :-D

First I picked up the much raved about Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in the shade Vanilla. I was actually pretty worried about the shade as I just had to guess off of the internet but after looking at many swatches etc I chose Vanilla. It's pretty much perfect for the winter months but I think in the summer months I may have to opt for a shade darker. This was pretty pricey at £22, hence why I had put it off for quite some time, but I'm glad I took the plunge. I have started using this and I am very much in love but stay tuned for a full review in the future.

Secondly I picked the Malin + Goetz 10% Sulfur Paste which I haven't heard too much about but what I have heard was all amazing reviews. Again a pretty pricey product at £16.50 but I was hopeful. This is basically an acne/spot treatment which aims to help reduce breakouts. I hear you all screaming saying not another spot treatment Natalie! But it was a must. Again I have already tried out this product and I can say I was pleasantly surprised but again keep checking back for a full review.

I also got to choose a pack of three samples with my order. I did just pick at random but the three I received are pictured above. I think receiving samples with a beauty order is such a nice touch and when you're spending quite a bit of money it's nice to try something new which you may love.

And that's my first Space NK haul complete! I'm super happy with the things I purchased and may even have another haul lined up from them when I can make myself click that complete order button. If you're after either of these products you can get them from the Space NK website here. Happy weekend! :-)
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Thursday 20 November 2014

Updating


Picture taken from Google

I don't write enough lifestyle posts, I really enjoy writing them so thought I'd take a break today from the beauty bits and give you a slight update. I'm not quite sure what direction this blog post is going to take as I don't really have points written down to chat to you about, I'm just going to type and see where it takes me. So as the picture suggests, grab a cuppa and have a read if you fancy.

Firstly uni, I'm now in my second year and boy is it tough. I knew it was going to be harder than first year but it's definitely testing. The amount of choices and decisions you have to make at uni is crazy to begin with but in particular this year at uni, for me, there are so many decisions I have to make. One thing about me is that I am the WORST decision maker ever. Honestly I ask everyone everything, there's no such thing as a silly question in my world. So the initial first step, to some a simple decision, is by far the hardest part for me. 

Onto my blog actually, I don't know if you've noticed (hopefully you have) but I've been posting a tonne more than usual. I've introduced myself into scheduling my posts and tweets which has been an absolute lifesaver. I love being organised so this really helps me stay on top of posts and simply post more. I had noticed that I had a mountain of posts that I wanted to post but they were getting so back tracked that I would forget about them and just not share them with you until months later which annoyed me. I'm really hoping I can keep on top of this scheduling and therefore produce more posts for my readers.

On an other note I am super duper excited for Christmas this year, mainly due to a pretty big change on my work front. For the past three years I had been working at a retail store; starting firstly full time then when I started uni I became a Saturday girl. Now in order to pass my degree I have to be working with children so for the past year I've been working at a nursery, attending uni and working in retail on a Saturday. So a couple of weeks ago I quit my Saturday job and begun working full time at the nursery whilst still attending uni. It's been a big change but definitely one for the better. I'm loving being at the nursery more and finally have my weekends free!

So this leads on to my Christmas excitement. The nursery closes over Christmas so I get nearly two weeks off which I have never ever had before. Working in retail you don't really get a proper Christmas or any decent amount of time off. So this Christmas especially should be grand for me and I cannot wait. Spending time with my nieces and nephews over the jolly period is simply just perfect. Their excitement makes me even more excited.

I think for this post that's all the updates I'll be rambling about. I like finishing on a high, that is Christmas, and I hope you're all looking forward to the festivities too. I love writing lifestyle posts and fingers crossed it's something I can make myself do more in the future if you guys enjoy reading them. And on that note I hope you have enjoyed this post :-)
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Tuesday 18 November 2014

The Body Shop Flawless Finish Collection: Instablur & All-in-one BB Cream


I'm never normally one to shop in The Body Shop but when I do venture in I always find something new and exciting. This was a new collection which includes the instablur primer and bb cream. I'd heard a lot about these items before purchasing and couldn't resist when I had a voucher code for 40% off. The Body Shop are great for having voucher codes so if you're heading into store then I would definitely check out codes to get yourself some money off! This set was £20 for the two products but with money off it was a bargain considering the primer is £14 alone and the bb cream is £12.

First the all-in-one instablur primer which claims to be a 5 action perfector. These are:

  • Shine Controlling 12h
  • Reduces appearance of pores
  • Blemish Hiding
  • Complexion Unifying
  • Make-up Extending
  • This is a hell of a lot to claim and unfortunately I do not agree with all of them. The texture of this product is slightly strange but I rather like it. It feels super smooth applying it onto the face but being someone who suffers from blemishes I don't agree that it hides them. It does however stop shine and I am a matte girl but 12 hours is a long time and I know my shine doesn't stay away for that long when using this product. Make up goes on like a dream over the top of this primer as it really smooths skin and my complexion. This is a great product although I don't agree with all of the claims; the ones it lives up too work really well.

    Next the bb cream which also has 5 claims similar to the primer. These are:


    • Adapts to your skin tone
    • Light to medium coverage
    • Even finish
    • 24-hour hydration
    • Non-clogging 
    This product comes out white in colour from the tube and it's a pretty easy product to just slap on and go. The product adapts to your skin tone which I think is a great concept and actually works really well. The coverage is definitely light and something I would chose on good skin days and those 'no make up' make up days. I do find this product really does make me look shiny so if I am going to use this product I definitely have to really powder and set this bb cream into place. I have oily skin anyway but recently have developed some dry patches; this product just seems to illuminate the oily patches but work a dream on the dry patches. But working this with a great powder does work but not for a really lengthy period of time.








    Overall both of these products are great but do have their flaws. I'm enjoying occasionally using them at the moment but not sure if I would repurchase when empty. You can buy the primer here and the bb cream here (I can't find the set online for some reason). I'd love to know your thoughts if you've tried either? And also your favourite Body Shop product :-)
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    Sunday 16 November 2014

    Boots haulin'


    3 for 2 in Boots always catches me out, now I hear you ask; but you have four items, how does that work? Well I was shopping with my mum who only wanted two things so I pinched one of hers and bagged myself four. Thanks mum ;-)

    Firstly I was in desperate need of a new moisturiser for dry skin and my mum actually recommended this Garnier Moisture Match one to me. My skin has become really dry in patches on my skin since the colder months have appeared and nothing I owned was shifting the flakiness. So this was an emergency purchase and so far I'm really enjoying it.

    Next I picked up the Soap and Glory Drama Clean 5 in 1 micellar cleansing water and this caught my eye. I was in need of a new cleanser as my current one had completely run out and as always the packaging is divine. I do love Soap and Glory products so am hoping this one does not disappoint.

    Next was a re purchase for me and that's the Clearasil Rapid Action Pads. I used these a lot a while back and simply forgot to repurchase them so thought I would pick up another pack. These are super quick and easy to add into your skin care routine and are effective. I'm glad I re purchased and you can read my previous review about them here.

    Finally I picked up the Simple Kind to Skin Illuminating Radiance Cream. I'd heard a few things about this product and I am partial to a matte looking face but something about this drew me to buying it. I'm super excited to try this and see the results. It can also act as a primer which is a bonus.

    And that's my Boots haul! I can't wait to try all of these products out fully and I'm sure there will be full reviews up soon. I'd love to know your thoughts on any of the products I purchased :-)
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    Friday 14 November 2014

    Rimmel Sun Shimmer Instant Tan


    It may seem like the weirdest timing to write a blog post all about fake tan and quite frankly I agree. I do embrace my paleness over the colder months mainly due to sheer laziness and being so cold! Yes I love a good tan in the summer and this one was a staple this summer. But on the odd occasion throughout these colder months I have actually still been using this. This is the perfect tan for any occasion when you just want to liven up your skin whether it be a Christmas party or just a night out.

    I actually received this product in a goodie bag from the Clothes Show last year but only really got into using this product throughout this years summer months. It worried me that it was in the shade medium and I put it off for a while. But when I finally took the plunge I was super glad I did so. This product does look pretty scary when applying as it's practically black in colour. You definitely have to use a mitt to apply this product or you'll be in trouble. When applying this product you do need to act fast as when it says instant, it definitely is that. But once worked into the skin it sets like a dream. There's none of that sticky, wet feeling after applying this product.

    I wake up with a gorgeous glow and no streaks. The colour is not too dark but does show up. You do have to be careful around dry patches and awkward patches such as elbows, knees and ankles; but that's the same with most other fake tans.

    Overall this product is great for those one evening occasions or when you're feeling like a spruce up from the paleness. It's a great easy product to use as long as you have a mitt and are quite quick with it! What are your favourite instant tans? You can purchase this product here :-)
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    Wednesday 12 November 2014

    Nivea Express Hydration Primer: Dry & Sensitive Skin


    It's that time of the year where my skin type is changing due to the colder weather moving it's way in. I still get an oily forehead and chin but everywhere else has turned dry. I've never actually had skin as dry as it seems to have turned this year so I'm finding myself picking lots of new bits to help aid my dry skin.

    I picked up this product in Boots when it was recently on offer and previously I have tried the same product but for Oily/Combination skin (you can read that review here if you have that skin type) so I knew I liked the product just the different formula. I love the quick and easiness of this product, honestly I cannot stress that enough. It's a moisturiser and primer in one so you're knocking one step out of your morning routine with this one product. It's amazing for those running late for work mornings or like me where you work somewhere where you don't need to glam up; this is the perfect product.

    It helps hide and moisturise my dry patches as normally when applying my foundation my dry patches can go all flaky, but when I have used this it stops that from happening. It smooths out my face leaving it prepped for the rest of my make up. The lasting power is ok but nothing spectacular; my oily patches tend to wear off after around four hours but considering this product actually isn't aimed at oily skin then that's ok for me and I just blot it off on my lunch break and voila! As for the dry patches they do last quite a bit longer maybe around six hours before needing some attention.

    Overall this is a great product for those quick mornings when you need them like me for work and for that I would recommend this product. On the weekends I definitely tend to stray from this product and use something a bit longer lasting if I'm heading out. You can buy this product from Boots for £4.99 here. I'd love to hear your favourite dry skin products for the colder months :-)
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    Monday 10 November 2014

    Palmers Eventone Dark Spot Corrector


    Firstly I'm just going to put it out there that I'm trying to become one of those 'organised bloggers' and this is my very first (would you believe it) scheduled post so fingers crossed I've done it correctly and it works! I can't believe I've never done this before as it seems too easy if I can keep on top of it.

    Anyway onto the review, I picked this up a while back from Feel Unique when they had their sale on. The first thing that drew me to this product was the claim that it targets post acne spots in aim to clear them up. Unfortunately along with having blemish prone skin, my skin is also prone to scarring from the spots which is an absolute pain in the bum. The scars never seem to banish and it's months and months down the line before they start to fade. So this product really appealed to me from that sense.

    The second thing that drew me to this product is that it's a lazy, easy to apply product. It's basically a serum/moisturiser which you can just 'slap' on, if you will. So even on those really rushed/late for work mornings I still have time to apply this product. There's no indication on the product as to how many times you can apply the product; sometimes I go for morning and evening, if not then just the morning.

    Now I can't say I was expecting fast acting miracles from this product but it definitely has helped reduce my spot scarring on my face without a doubt. I've always loved every product I've ever tried from Palmer's and this one is no exception. The product glides on effortlessly, leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth. This doesn't strip your face or leave the scars dry or irritated. I think continuous use of this product and it will improve my scarring even more than it already has done. As with all of Palmer's products it has the gorgeous cocoa butter staple scent which I absolutely adore.

    Overall this product is a winner for me and I can't wait to see (hopefully) even better results whilst I continue to use this. This product retails for around £9.99 and you can purchase from Feel Unique here :-)
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    Saturday 8 November 2014

    The Glamour Beauty Power List 2014: Beauty Box


    This post has been meaning to go up for far too long and for that I must apologise! These pictures have been sitting on my camera for ages and to be honest I forgot they were there; but better late than never hey! The Glamour/Latest In Beauty boxes are a real winner every time for me. There is always a couple, or a few, products I've been wanting to try included and that was definitely the case this time. So let's get cracking onto what I received in this box..

    Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish + muslin cloth
    My word I have wanted to try this product for far too long and I thought this was a perfect way to get my hands on it and a few other bits I was excited for. This is a cute travel size and comes with a muslin cloth so I can give it a few test runs and see how I get on. I haven't actually tried it yet but I cannot wait to see if it's worth the hype!

    Eyeko Eye Makeup Remover Wipes 
    I didn't think much about this product when ordering but when they arrived I was excited. These are basically smaller make up wipes designed just for removing eye make up. I thought this was a great concept and a super easy step for those lazy, can't be bothered days. You receive 10 wipes in this pack which is a great amount to try out.

    Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence
    Surprisingly I'd actually heard of this product through reading another blog (I'm sorry I've forgotten which) and have heard rave reviews about this. Again not something I was overly excited about when ordering but the claims of the product sound really good so I'm looking forward to seeing if it actually works.

    Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
    This was a product I was super excited to receive and start using. I've always wanted to try so many different products from Laura Mercier but has never taken that plunge. Her foundation primers always seem to get great reviews and I'm nearly out of my current one so this one is next to try out.

    James Read Sleep Mask Tan
    Now I must admit this product slightly scares me a little, an overnight tan! I think applying this before bed, sleeping with it on (maybe coming off on pillow sheets?) and then waking up with a promising glowing look? I don't know this sounds amazing but something just doesn't quite add up and I feel I'd do something completely wrong, haha. This will definitely be a product I try where I don't have to go out the next day, for the first attempt anyway to see the results!

    Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara
    Another one I was super excited about, I had been so close to purchasing this mascara on several occasions so I was pleased when it was included in this box so I could finally try it. It's full size so when it's worth £9.99 on it's own it's amazing that it's in this box. I cannot wait to try this mascara and see if it lives up to expectations.

    Maybelline Stripped Nudes Lipstick
    Another full sized product and I do love Maybelline lipsticks. This nude collection looks gorgeous although I did get a rather dark shade which very clearly won't be nude on me but it may work for more of a vampy lip.

    Overall I'm super pleased with the products I received in this beauty box and they never seem to fail me! I can't wait to try out more of the products included. I'd love to know if you've already tried anything from this box? And if you still want to get your hands on this beauty box then you can get it here for only £15.99 :-)
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