The Jewellery purchases from Next

I am a big fan of bling. A biiiig fan. I'm one of those who likes small pieces, but lots of them, so when I see something shiny and a bit sparkly, i'm instantly drawn to it. Costume Jewellery takes up a large place in my collection, with only a small section actually being somewhat expensive -  which have usually been gifts from family, friends etc. Now, one place that I always look to for good jewels, has to be Next. Not only are they on trend with their styles, but I find them to be quite reasonably priced compared to other, 'more hip' shops; which works out very well for me, but doesn't everyone want to have fabulous jewels in their collection whilst spending less? We all do, it's alright to admit it.

I have found, that it's not only good quality, but I get a lot of compliments and questions from others, asking where my jewellery is from - which is always a good thing, as I love it when people take a fancy to something that I'm wearing. This little silver trio has been an almost permeant addition to my person over the past few weeks, and I adore them. I really do. The rings are ridiculously sparkly, and the necklace... I have this thing for circles, and it's only a recent development - so why would I spent a large amount of money to indulge myself in something that I may not want to wear a few months down the line? Well, I wouldn't. But you know what, I have this feeling that i'll be wearing these for years, as although they're a bit blingy, they're stylish and chic; they're just lovely pieces of jewellery to own, and they add that something extra to any outfit.

And whilst the necklace isn't something I can find online, the two rings are available here and here, and are very reasonably priced in my opinion. Nothing like a little bit of sparkle to improve the mood. What are your recent jewellery purchases? Let me know xx

L'oreal True Match Foundation in N1

I am the first to admit, I don't have that much experience with foundations, and although I own about four/five of them, I'm not very adventurous when it comes to base products. I like products that have a medium + coverage, as there is redness and uneven skin tone that needs covering, as well as using the combination of two concealers on top; I like my base to be flawless and well concealed, so imagine the surprise when I took a shine to the sound of L'oreal's True Match Foundation which boats a light to medium coverage, with a glow like property, that's been compared to Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation. I can't say anything about the duplicate like quality of the foundation, (this knowledge can be found on Amelia's blog here) but it's been raved about, and I thought I would give it a go.

And I'm certainly glad that I did! It's sheer, but buildable, for when you want more coverage, and I like a good bit of coverage on my cheeks, but fairly light everywhere else, so this is a really great foundation for that. It gives me this glow, and having oily/combination skin - glow usually means oil, and whilst I may think 'Oh my god, I look so shiny', everyone says 'You look really glowy today'... I'm not sure if it's just my reaction to any type of shine (IT MUST ALL BE MATTE) but this foundation has actually allowed my matte foundation o.c.d to take a back seat, and just let me look all glowy. And I really like it. Now, I do use a primer (Witch's Anti-blemish Skin Clearing Primer), it's pretty much an essential with my skin type, and use Soap & Glory's One Heck of a Blot pressed into the skin to allow the foundation to last longer.

You see that blob of foundation? Well, you see what's to the left of it? Looks like nothing, right? Well, that's the foundation blended to perfection. Looks like skin? I know. Now, my hands are very pale, and this allows the blueness of my veins to really standout (currently there is a very purpley-blue one) on my left hand, but this foundation covered it with no qualms at all. I use the shade N1, and you can find your shade here, although they did tell me I was a N3 on the online shade range; so I wouldn't fully heed their advice, just take it into account, but don't be afraid to swatch in store - you know your colouring better than they do. 

Wear wise, this foundation does last for a good eight hours, with minor touch-up's in between (like a gentle powdering of the nose etc) and the glow it gives, lasts all day - so much so, that I sometimes hate to remove it at the end of the night, as no longer will I have that lovely, even glow. Being very pale, and having that wonderful glow usually associated with having a tan, is a lovely feeling, and it made me feel a bit more confident, as although i'm by far one of the palest people in my place of work, when I stand next to a tanned person, I don't feel like my skin isn't glowing, like theirs do (if that makes any sense). I just look glowy and I like it. Did I mention that my mum has stolen this foundation and claimed it as her own?

Let's talk about another skin type. My mum's. She has mature, dry skin, and this foundation makes her skin look so good. Now, she has really good skin anyway (and she's totally my inspiration for looking after my skin) but this makes her look glowy, and when combined with a Bourjois Cream Blush (also mine) she feels, and looks really good. It's definitely something I would recommend, not only for younger skin, but for mature skin as well, as who doesn't like a bit of glow?

What do you think of this foundation? Is it something that you like the sound of? xx

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

So, I've been using this little beauty for about two weeks now, after finally tracking it down in Asda, and after seeing loads of bloggers swoon over this little product. I take that back. It's not little at all -  it's actually 400ml of goodness and a brilliant size for all of your cleansing needs, whether it's removing makeup as a pre-cleanse or touching up your eye makeup or lips with a cotton bud; this is the product to go to. I like this product. I really do. It's for sensitive skin and doesn't irritate my eyes at all, which is brilliant, as who wants red, bloodshot eyes when you're just trying to go about your day to day life? Certainly not me. 

The cleansing water doesn't really have any discernible smell or look; so much so, it looks like a bottle of water. My mum actually thought that it was one of those fancy, artisan bottles of water. Ahhh, if only. I'd love a bottle of water to look like that. Anyway, the packaging is very sturdy, and you get a lot of product, far more than in the L'oreal offering, which is always a good thing by me. I do really like the L'oreal cleansing water as well, but this has so much more product for the money (unless they're both on offer, then it's more of a personal preference). For me, I have to give the edge to Garnier, as not only does it remove makeup very quickly and without fuss, it takes off all that eyeliner and mascara (although to remove waterproof mascara, you do need to hold in over the eye for a good 20 seconds). It just removes product seamlessly, and is a wonderful addition to the market of Micellar Cleansing Waters. 

It claims to soothe skin whilst it removes makeup, and I do partially agree with that, as although it's not overtly smoothing, it doesn't irritate my skin, which is oily/combination but still sensitive in places (ahhh the joys of facial skincare). I apply this to a cotton pad and run it all over the face, taking extra care around the eyes and the makeup on there. It usually takes me two or cotton pads to remove everything before I go onto the next step of my nightly skincare routine. I follow this with my pre-cleansing oil, then my hot cloth cleanser and then all those fun skincare bits (toner, serums, oil, moisturiser... that never ending list) and it's really working for me. Because it says that it's suitable for even sensitive skin, and I have been using it for the past two weeks or so, I would definitely recommend those looking for a good Micellar water, to give this a go. Especially as it's on offer in Tesco right now.

Is this something that you'd try? Are you a micellar water fan? xx

Clarins Daily Energizer Cream Review

I've taken to referring to this as a little pot of sunshine. My mum and cousin have both gone 'Ooooh' and promptly put it on their faces (to good reviews), and since i've had it, it's been putting a smile on my face each morning. It may be the smell, to me it's citrusy orange, but not too strong as to be overpowering. It's creamy and moisturising, leaving the skin feeling plump and fresh. It's been a brilliant day moisturiser for me, to add that moisture back into my skin after using two Effaclar products, morning and night (Duo + and K).

I stumbled upon this product at the Clarins Counter in Swansea after failing my theory test (sad time, I know) and I thought i'd buy myself something lovely to cheer myself up, and after chatting to the lady at the counter, I decided upon this moisturiser after she smeared it on my hand, and I fell in love with how soft it made the back of my hand feel. Since buying it, I realised that has been on quite a few blogs, and I'm even more impressed with my choice, as everyone seems to adore it. Yay. 

This cheery little product, as well as the miraculous sunshine (sunshiiiiiiiiiiine!) outside, complete with my new sunglasses (a cheeky little purchase from TKMaxx) and some daffodils, I've been in such a wonderful mood. My skin agrees with me, as not only is the sun giving me a good dose of Vitamin D (though i'm still applying my SPF) it's making me glow. My skincare routine is very good recently, and using Trilogy's Rosehip Oil which I reviewed here, my skin hasn't been this good for a long time. I like to think it's a joint effort, by all the products that i'm using, but this Clarins moisturiser, is, in my opinion, gorgeous and it makes my skin look brighter, and feel brighter (if my skin feeling brighter makes sense…).

I bought my little pot of sunshine from Boots where it retails at £21.00 for 30ml, and since i've had mine (three weeks or so), I have barely made a dent, so I think it's well worth the money, and definitely work a look if you find yourself near a Clarins counter anytime soon. Do you think you'll be giving this moisturiser a go?

Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil Review

I love this stuff. End of review. Haha, not really. Shortest review in history? Yeah, that's not my style, you know I like a good ramble about things that I love, and this will be no exception. This Trilogy oil, which I purchased from amazon (here, at £15.85 for 20ml) has been a very important aspect of my nighttime skin routine since it arrived. I knew I needed an oil for my skin, especially since using two Effacalr products on my skin, I just felt that I needed something to skin in and moisturise, whilst the La Roche-Posay offerings helped to clear my skin (and they certainly are). 

My first impressions were a bit superficial. It has a dropper (which I love. I feel like a scientist. It's amazing) and this allows you to dispense a very precise amount of product, and although it said apply 2-3 drops, I just said 'Naaaaaa' and went for 4. Yes, 4. That was clearly a mistake, but the lesson has been learnt. Three drops, i've learnt, is the perfect amount of oil for my face and I apply it with top thirds of my fingers (sorry to be precise, but that's what works best for me). Now, I know people rub in oil, but for me (rebel that I am) I've taken to patting it onto the skin and gently, gently rubbing on areas where I have scars, such as my forehead. In patting this onto the skin (or pressing it on, if you want to get technical) I just feel like my skin is reacting better to the product, and drinking it in a great deal quicker. The majority of the oil is pressed onto my face, any residue on my hands is patted onto my neck so there's no waste at all. 

To add to the skin renewing properties of this oil, I use it with a little implement. The Body Shop's Facial Massager (£6.00), which I reviewd here ages ago and it's become such a brilliant duo. Once the oil is on my skin, I run the massager from the edge of my nose and out, down the face and neck in one stroke. Kate from Gh0stparties spoke about the way she removes toxins from her face, and that was with a facial massager; moving the built up toxins away from the chin and jawline, down the neck and away from the face. It works. It really does. I used to use my fingers, as I had always previously used the Facial Massager to stimulate the skin, and make it more glowy; but this is two birds with one stone. 

But back to the oil. I've been using this for a few weeks (and barely made a dent, so don't go thinking 20ml is too little product) and have found that the redness on my cheeks has started to fade, as well as improving the general tone of my skin. I also have considerably less blemishes then before, which maybe a combined effort with La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo + and K, but it works for me. Finding a skincare routine that works for me, has been years in the making and I'm just glad that Trilogy's Rosehip Oil was recommended to me (pretty sure it was Amy from srslylou. Oh, that enabler!) and I'm pretty darn confident with my skin now. So much so, I can do a thin layer of sheer foundation, bit of concealer and walk out of the house. Previously my skin had made me feel quite selfconcious, but this oil, and it's little facial massager friend (which, I won't lie, looks like a medieval torture device) is the bee's knees. Lots of love for it.

Have you tried any Trilogy products? Which facial oils do you swear by?

Escentual Haul - 1/3 off French Pharmacy Purchases

Being a fan of French Pharmacy products, although only Avene and La Roche-Posay have been purchased previously, I practically leapt across my room to fish my debit card out of my purse for my first Escentual order. As soon as I saw the French brand names, I knew exactly what I was going to order (this was indeed helped by Sandra of The Black Pearl, and her amazing post on the 1/3 off offer, which can be found here) and you can bet that I kept her blog post open in another tab whilst I made my order. I knew I wanted Caudalie's Beauty Elixr (was £11.50, now £9.20), because not only is it this amazing cult product, the scent was meant to be really fresh (so much so that I cannot stop spraying it on myself), and you can spray it on your face to give your makeup a kick of life after a long day/few hours, or just on yourself. I have found in the last day, that it really helps to calm me, and keep me relaxed (which is an ideal when you're feeling a bit stressed). It's peppermint, lemon and a hint of rosemary, and I am in love with it. How did I live my life without this little beauty?

Another little thing that I was determined to purchase was Nuxe's Reve De Miel (was £9.50, now £6.33) lip balm, which I have heard sooooo much about from bloggers I really admire *cough*Sandra*cough* and I knew I just had to have it. It's not the texture I expected, which was a really pleasant surprise, as I don't think it's possible to use too much product, as it's quite solid, and unlike the little pot of Korres Wild Rose lip balm that I have, this isn't messy or sticky at all (still got some serious love for that Korres pot though).

The next two purchases are from La Roche-Posay, and I have some serious, serious love for Effaclar K (was £14.50, now £9.66). I know it's all about Effacalr Duo + in the blogging world right now, but I love this product. I find it's a lot creamier than Effaclar Duo, which I use under this, morning and night, and find that it sets to an almost matte finish. I'm going to put up a proper review of this product, as this is my second tube, and explain just how I use, what it does for my skin and why I love it (there are many reasons). The second purchase, is Cicaplast (was £6.50, now £4.33), a soothing repair balm and one that I happened to stumble upon when a blogger mentioned have a serious skin reaction to a skincare clay mask. This apparently, reduced redness and those little spots that flare up when something has seriously irritated the skin. You can bet I felt like I needed this in my little arsenal of skincare supplies, as my skin is very sensitive despite is oily/combination ways. It's my 'just in case balm' and I feel a bit more assured that it will help me, should skin cares woes happen.

Last, but not least, is Klorane's Conditioner with Mango Butter (was £6.50, now £4.87). Anything with Mango in it, hair wise, hold a bit sway for me, as although I have oily roots, my ends do tend to get very dry. So Mango Butter in a conditioner ticked a very important box for me, and I cannot wait to give it a try. It has a subtle scent in the bottle and hopefully, fingers crossed, it'll be full on mango when it's on my hair. I'll make sure to report back. A little goodie that they threw in, was an Escentual nail file. Now, for someone who loses a lot of these (read: mum steals them all) this was a delightful little gift to receive. 

Remember. Escentual has a third off French Pharmacy brands throughout March. So, what are you waiting for? And make sure to let me know if you do purchase anything. I look a good snoop. (By the way, this was not a sponsored post, I just thought a 1/3 off was post worthy news, and check out my goodies! Gotta love 'em!) Another cheeky little incentive is free delivery if you spend over £30. Bargain.