Heard it through the grapevine.

No7 Pampering Dry Oil Spray - Boots (£8.75)

I hate those blasted No7 vouchers, i stand there for ages lingering over what to buy. Despite the fact i love the eyeshadow brushes, the staff are starting to give me funny looks i've bought so many. No really. After trying various dry oils in all these beauty boxes and falling in love with the Nuxe one (then swiftly falling out with the price) i decided to try the Pampering Dry Oil Spray with my £5 off No7 voucher, making it a rather steal worthy £3.75. I'm not going to lie, a) i didn't have the highest hopes with this product but then b) i am horrendously lazy when it comes to slathering on body lotion after the shower. Its flipping freezing and the quicker i get in my pjs the better, but the guilt of dry skin in the winter is rather pesky too.

However, after i swifty jump out of the shower and towel dry, a few quick spritzs of the dry oil spray, my skin is silky smooth. It sinks in instantly, which i find really rather impressive. It is neither sticky or leaves any residue on the skin either. A little also goes a very long way, i've been using it religiously for the past two/three weeks generously spraying everywhere and i've hardly dented the bottle. With the spray applicator its easy to spritz all over, even the troublesome patch on your back you can never reach. Its not heavy in the slightest and i can see this becoming a future staple in both sumer and winter. It has quite a distinct fragrance, which i rather like, but some may not. However, it doesn't last long on the skin, neither interrupting with perfumes or such.

Next time the vouchers are lurking in the pits of your handbags, i really recommend picking up a bottle. Especially for the girl who like me loves to feel pampered, in a rather lazy, easy way!

Every teardrop is a a waterfall.

I've been meaning to do a skin-care post for quite a while, like i said in a previous post i will continue to thank my lucky star as my somewhat complicated teenage skin has left me behind. I still suffer with the occasional breakout, but nothing on the scale i used to. The following products are both cheap as chips and on the pricier side, and this fits in with the two ideas i believe in when it comes to skin care:

It doesn't matter if your night cream is a couple of quid or a small fortune, as long as the product works for your skin and you see an improvement whats not to love? Expensive doesn't always give startlingly results, but be realistic that a budget line may not work to the standard needed. You should know what you want to spend more money on in your skincare routine, i prefer to splurge on cleanser that will ultimately remove any dirt or make-up, thus in turn providing a clean fresh base, but choosing to save on my daily moisturiser as its suits the job perfectly.

Secondly, i believe less is more. Slathering your face in a variety of creams, and scrubbing your face day and night will only encourage the skin to replenish its natural oils, resulting in a more oiler complexion. Not nice. 

As long as your routine works for you, and you alone, theres no reason to change to follow what is in the rule book as such.

Clinique Rinse-off Foaming Cleanser - (£14.50)

This cleanser is my go to, it really deep cleanses my skin throughly - nearly making it squeaky clean! When i ran of my last bottle just before pay day, i started using a Neutrogena face wash, my skin went haywire, i broke out like crazy. As soon as i started reusing the Clinique cleanser my skin balanced back out. Although pricey, the absolute tiniest amount lathers like nobodies business and washes away even the meanest of waterproof mascaras. 

No7 Hot Cloth Cleanser - (£9.00)

After trailing the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish i decided that this way of cleansing wasn't for me, i prefer to wash my face whilst showering giving it a good scrub quick and easy - not faffing around massaging in cream cleanser onto dry skin, letting my eye make-up move up, down all around, till my whole face is covered in the remains of liquid liner.

 However, this is the perfect method for taking slap off when a) horrendously drunk or b) very tired indeed. More effective than a face wipe, slathering it on whilst dampening a cloth with warm water, then one big swipe of the muslin cloth round your choppers and ta dah! Need you never go to bed drunkenly with make-up on again! 

I find Liz Earle a tad pricey for my drunken make-up removing escapades, but the No7 works just as perfectly fine, plus a bargain with the £5 off vouchers.

Botanics Pore Perfecting Day Moisture Lotion - (£4.95)

I absolutely loath heavy day creams, they either feel too heavy and mask-like or they make my skin feel tight and unable to breath. I have worked my way through many bottles of the Pore Perfecting Lotion, its incredibly light but still giving the skin enough moisture, creating the perfect base for my sun screen and make-up. I can't say if they product has prevented any spots or any clogged pores, but with such a light lotion it feels so healthy on the skin.

Clinique Toner in 3 - (this size part of a set)

I bought this jumbo sized Clinique toner as part of a set that was reduced in the sale last christmas, of which i don't think you can buy separately on normal counters. I use this toner as a substitute of a normal morning cleanse, it chemically exfoliates dead skin cells as well as removing any oil or night cream residue whilst i was sleeping. I find if i was to re-use my Clinique foaming cleanser each morning, my skin works extra hard to replenish moisture and results in looking oilier and then leads to break outs. A small splash on a cotton pad refreshes my skin each morning, ready for my moisturiser.

Johnson's Night Cream - (£4.07)

This night cream is incredibly simple, its highly moisturising and definitely rehydrating. It has a bloomin' lovely fragrance to it, and i really feel my skin is being taken care off. It doesn't promise any outlandish claims, which i find appealing, just a bog standard cream. Maybe i should start looking for a more enhanced age-prevention cream? For the time being, i'm perfectly happy using this.

Clinique City Block Sheer 25 SPF - (£15.00)

I'm a strong believer in protecting my face from harmful sun rays, one of the main reasons behind the skin ageing, developing wrinkles and sun spots. I use this incredibly light suncream all year around - even in the winter - for protection, after my moisturiser and before make-up application. It acts as a great primer, neither being too oily or heavy, it absorbs quickly and creates a smooth base for my foundation.

Trilogy Rose Hip Oil - (£16.50)

I received this at a press event a few weeks back and was amazed to hear its amazing qualities. I've always pondered on using a serum for the face, most on the market are horrendously expensive and are targeted at aint-aging. Where as the Rose Hip Oil is completely organic and can be used for a variety of conditions. I have started using two drops rubbed into my skin just before bed as an added treat of moisture and hydration.  

Boots Anti Blemish Gel - (£2.99)

I have tried countless spot treatments readily available on the high-street, and this fellow is the only handy little treatment i've found that dries up a pimple. I simply put this on the infected area at night and by morning it has reduced in size. I wouldn't say this is a wonder product (i don't think there is one!) but i am pleasantly surprised by the results from this gel.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - (£27.50)

This little tube is my ultimate skin care savour, the bottle may be battered and bruised, but it is throughly loved and it has transformed my hungover, ill, dull complexion completely. This balm is the ultimate primer of them all, only to be used on the most special occasions ora pick me up. Placed (not rubbed!) on  to the skin it creates a layer of moisture, creating the healthiest complexion i've ever had. With make-up added, it creates a dewy, fresh look. No wonder this baby is racking up skincare awards like crazy!

Johnson's Facial Cleansing Wipes - (£3.15)

Although i throughly believe using only a face wipe to remove all make-up is never going to happen, they are perfect for a quick fix here and there or every now and again. Whilst these wipes perform so well, their main fabulous quality is their ability to leave your skin uber uber soft! Literally skin like a babies bottom! They still wet within the packet, and unlike many they are soft on the skin and by no means scratchy. Like the night cream, they also have a refreshing scent. And occasionally Boots have any two Johnson's products for £4!

Orgins GinZing Eyecream - (£20.45)

I've never really been a sucker for eyecreams, far too lazy. Though whilst battling late nights and uni work, i suffered with dark under eye circles - not horrifically bad but when i saw this in a set for  reduced price after christmas i gave it a whirl. Its definitely a day eye cream as it instantly brightens a refreshes the eye area, providing the perfect base for concealer. I would recommend this entirely for that purpose, although the difference was noticeable i wouldn't say it was a cure for really bad eye circles.

Mint Helene Julep Mask - (£3.50)

This face mask has been mentioned many a time on my blog, not readily available in the UK i purchased a bottle of Amazon. Despite the fact it has the slight smell of weed, it does wonders to congested skin. This green clay masks actively dries up pimples, black heads and oily sections over time, giving noticeable results. I use this on a weekly basis, or every night leading up to an event  or just when my skin is going through the wars. I have had this tube for so long, its never ending! Throughly recommend.

So heres a run down of my skin care, i obviously don't use all the products every day, as and when i feel my skin needs them. I hadn't realised how many Clinique products i had within my routine, funny as i wouldn't look twice at their make-up and i feel that many of their products are very chemical based - though its doing my skin fine!

Have you used any of these products?

Best i ever had.

Prompted by a purchase on a naughty-lunch-break-make-up-binge, i decided to write a post dedicated to all the great products i've purchased in one the high-street counters. As much as i adore popping another Laura Mercier blush in my make-up bag, i'm no snob when it comes to finding a great bargain. Clearly, the high-street brands aren't going to have the most award-winning ingredients, but the sheer pigmentation, formula and colour range around now has seriously upped it's game. Dowdy and dull No7 has been completely revamped by MUA Lisa Elderidge their new summer collection, and has topped numerous skin care polls for its amazing skin care line, with one of their famous skin creams selling out in minutes. 

Here are some of my favourite drug-store products, i haven't included products such as foundations or concealers, because frankly i haven't found any outstanding ones!

Limited Edition Bourjois Blusher in shade 16, Rose Coup - Boots (£7.00)

I remember buying a Bourjois blusher when i was 14 years old, it smelt horribly of roses and the pigmentation was poor, so bad in fact i hadn't looked since. Somewhat a few years later, they have clearly taken this onboard and boy is it a whole other story. 

They have created the perfect pink/peach shade with a slight gold shimmer shot through, that actually translates on to your skin. This is everything that i wanted from Nars Orgasm, but without the chunks of glitter. Albeit, it still stinks of roses, i can ignore the smell for the beautiful flush of summer peach flush it gives. I really do urge you to swatch this in-store! The shade on the skin is bloody amazing, where as the pan colour looks like your bog-standard pink blush.

No7 Make-up Brushes - Boots (£6.75+)

Every time i get a £5 off voucher i frog march straight to the No7 brushes, for £1.75 the eyeshadow brushes are simply amazing. They are fluffy and light, perfect for packing on colour or blending out. Even so, i reach for these over the Mac brushes i received last year as a present. They can easily double up as a tool for blending concealer, and i definitely prefer to use the large foundation brush for putting on cream blush. And the fact of the matter is the more i buy, the less i have to wash. Savvy.

L'Oreal Super Liner - Boots (£6.19)

The only eyeliner i have ever been able to master. The blackest pigmentation, it has a long-lasting staying power, with the actual brush it's self being a dream to handle. I don't think i'll ever stray.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Peach Petal - Boots (£6.99)

This is everything i wanted from Mac Underage nude lipgloss, but wasn't. Its creamy, opaque and highly moisturising. It literally pairs it's self with every lipstick i own, from corals to nudes to pinks. Theres no need to use a lipbalm underneath, its that moisturising, so subtle and creamy! No nasty streaks here. Even when i haven't got a lipbalm to hand, i wack this on to plump my lips. I adore the shade too, nudey pink, but not concealer lips. 

17 Wild Curls Mascara - Boots (£6.29)

This is the mascara i purchase when i'm near the end of the month and i can't stretch to my overpriced disgusting mascara habit. It never fails to amaze me. Sod the curl, it gives the lashes serious va-va-voom and so much length, it leaves my Diorshow quivering in its empty tube (as seen here). 17 is also a brand that always has a fantastic range of products, especially blushers, varnishes and eyeshadows. I also have a fascination with a pink lipstick i bought years back called 'Candy Pink,' which makes an appearance in the summer. 

All in all, its obvious that the drug store make-up still has many flaws; limited skin-type shades and crap staying power to name a few. And most shockingly the prices have sky-rocketed recently, questioning whether its worth splashing out that extra few quid for a high-end item. But never the less, there are some real gems in the drugstore to be found, it really is worth hunting out. 

Whats your favourite drugstore item?

the specials

Whilst waiting for student funds to arrive - my wardrobe is seriously lacking the much needed A/W must haves. In the time being i thought i would show you my loves, 'mehs' and dislikes of the beauty world of this moment in time, there are many products you hear me batter on about but truth be told i'm rather addicted to trying out new skin and body products, so here goes:

Loves.

Queen Helene's Mint Julep Mask 

This mask is a godsend, something pretty special - have i ever found something like this on the UK market? No. This American brand Queen Helene's clay mask is formulated to dry up acne pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores, gross?  But, hey it works a treat. I've used countless clay masks promising to do the same, and sure they make a slight difference but not in any way as deep cleansing as the Mint Julep Mask. Working like any other clay mask, it is to be left on the skin for 15 minutes and then washed off, yet straight after use-age you can visibly notice the impurities being bought to the surface, yes, pretty gross again but the mask is actively working away at imperfections you have rather than just working to prevent new ones forming. I use this two/three times a week and can see my pores improving. The only drawback is that this brand in American, meaning it can only be bought online, i bought mine off of Amazon for roughly £5 - and this is amazing for the size of product sold (i cannot see myself running out of this any time soon!).

No7 Tinted Moisturiser - Boots (£11.00)

I have pretty much always over looked the No7 brand, simply because it struck me as outdated, with thoughts of blue crumbly eyeshadow accompanied by orange cakey foundation was enough to scare me off. But since Boots introduced their £5 off vouchers, it was practically inviting me to try some products rather than just stocking up on the amazing eye shadow brushes that they offer. I am a self confessed foundation addict, always on the search for the next perfect formulation. After my stint with the Lancome lady (for an update see end of post) i decided that at the moment my skin doesn't require such a heavy coverage, and slathering on foundation looks so tacky. So i gave the No7 Tinted Moisturiser in Fair a shot, it states that it is suitable for all skin types, it has SPF 15 and provides a beautiful sheer colour. First off i wondered how can one product be suitable for an oily skin as well as a dry skin? Secondly, already a winner for having an SPF. And thirdly, i don't understand the term sheer..

All you need to know is that this tinted moisturiser covers and blends perfectly to provide a very light base, enough to look like you are alive, but enough to make you look very natural. I simply add concealer on any blemishes or dark circles, and to keep the shine at bay i just re-powder like normal. I have an oily skin, and i wouldn't stay it applies either dewy or matte - just enough balance.


(click to read moar)

Johnson's Facial Wipes (£2.99)

I bought these for my holiday in Egypt last year, since then, i always have a pack of these within my beauty box. These go so much further than just your normal wipes, they check all the boxes for removing make up, but the way they make your skin so soft is just damn right crazy. I went through a stage of stoking my face after using these, in awe of soft they made my skin! Plus they smell so refreshing and don't tend to dry out at all. Winner. 

Chanel Soliel Tan De Chanel (£28.00)

Yes, a tad pricey but this product has been a staple in my make-up routine all summer, in-fact i have used this ever since i bought it and i haven't even dented the amount! This bronzer politely shoved my Nar's Laguna to one side, creating the perfect bronzed base. It can built up to create a really sunkissed glow or applied lightly to contour and add that extra hint of colour. I apply this after my foundation, using the ELF powder brush, which creates a seamless, natural finish. I really recommend this product for fair skins, who just want that light touch of tan. Plus is smells LOVELY, all tropical and fruity, yum.

Laura Mercier Eye Brow Pencil (£18.00)

I have very, very fair eyebrows. Needless to say, it actually looks like i don't have any. grump grump. Thanks to Mrs Mercier, i have conquered the brow pencil in a shade that actually suits me. Due to very crappy experience at the Mac counter, where the SA shaded in the darkest brown eyebrows which resulted in caterpillar vs alien territory, i'm a firm believer in sticking to your own mind, and thank god i did, this blonde brow pencil works wonders!  

Dislikes 

Revlon Colour Stay (£11.99)

For some people this is the holy grail drug store foundation, and i'm not going to lie, i thought so too. Until i looked in the mirror one day and wondered why my pores on my face looked twice the size, for that reason alone it completely fails. The coverage of this product is surprisingly good for a drug store foundation, i want to love it, but i just can't. Plus the shade Buff that i bought, is slightly peach toned which could possibly verge of the balance of looking to orange - it sucks. Another major rant, why the hell did Revlon not add a pump? See all that mess? Do not want.

Benefit Pop of Colour Palette 

Giving this product it's due, i did buy this a few years back and granted you can no longer buy it. Yet, Benefit do still stock the shades with the palette, so i thought i would throw my two cents in. The pink shade, known as Dandelion does not show on the skin. Instead if the pop of baby pink you expect: nada.    It states that it's a brightening face powder, but why on earth would i want a dusty layer of this on my face? Hoola, the bronzing face powder is like mud, it literally just looks like dirt. And Dallas, another bronzer, i personally dislike due to the glitter - ew. All round waste of money, and the brush is laughable. 

Nivea Visage Tinted Moisturiser - unless you are actually orange do not purchase

Bastistse Dry Shampoo in Blush - the smell of this, i find nauseating - stick to the original or Tropical.

And a product that doesn't get enough love..

Mac's lipstick in Chatterbox.

Have you tried any of these products?

(I'm still conversing with Boots on my experience at Lancome, but they Customer Service team are fantastic (oh the irony!) and i will post once i have received further correspondence).