Ren Skincare Bundle from M&S

My mum was the enabler in terms of this purchase, and I blame her everyday for it. Haha, no not really. This is actually an amazing skincare bundle from M&S, with two of their prized Hot Cloth Cleansers, Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream, a sample of their Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial and two muslin cloths. It's a pretty amazing deal, so when my mum showed me the advert in the paper, I immediately said 'omgosh yes' and popped online to order it. Costing just £30, for a a bundle worth £51, this package, which is still available from M&S (here) is pretty amazing. I had never tried any REN Skincare before; and I was initially so overwhelmed with the choices, I hesitated purchasing anything. So I kept my eye out on blogs whenever someone mentioned REN and lo and behold, when this became available, I jumped at the chance to try some products, as from what I'd read, their Hot Cloth Cleansers were an industry favourite, amongst professionals as well as bloggers.

I don't want to give too much away, as these products will pretty much be getting their own review posts, as you know, they deserve them. I'm especially feeling the love for the Hot Cloth Cleansers, as I've moved on from the same product from Sanctuary, which I adored so much; so this product, really impressing me, is something I so wanted, but was reluctant to talk about until I'd been using it for a good six weeks or so. I purchased this before my #beautystoptober, and have been using all the products, except the sachet for the Flash Rinse 1 Minute facial, over and over again - with the same skincare I always use, so my opinion is completely based on how my skin has reacted to them, with the introduction of the Hot Cloth Cleanser as the second step into my double cleanse routine, morning and night, as well as the Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream, which I've been interchanging with Embryolisse's Lait-Creme Concentre and Korres Wiold Rose Brightening Day Cream for Oily/Combination Skin. I like to switch moisturisers around, based on what my skin needs for the day ahead, or how it's behaving - and I'd like to say a quick little bit about how REN is holding its own against moisturisers that I've been using for a long time.

I cannot wait to get the full reviews up, and hear all your thoughts. Have you any favourite REN Skincare products that you'd recommend? Or any that you'd love to try?

Dr Jart BB Cream: From Summer to Winter.

You know when i'm having a good skin day, or a lazy makeup day... then this is what I go for. It's a BB Cream, which were huuuuuge in the Spring/Summer season, but why not take it into winter as well? It's light, moisturising with a kick of SPF 25 in it as well; skincare experts always say not to store away your SPF for Winter - it's still needed, but if you don't want to do the whole routine you did in the Summertime, then why not just use a BB Cream with built in protection, like this little beauty? I use this to give myself a bit of colour and glow when I'm wearing next to nothing on my face, aside from some concealer and my brows, as this cream is darker than my skin tone, but when rubbed into the skin, it's really not noticeable. So all you fellow pale faces out there, don't be scared. This does blend. But if you do find yourself totally put off by the colour, why not mix it with some light foundation, just to give you something a bit paler? I think it's totally worth an experiment. I'll just say, watch the tidemark on the jawline - I tend to use it in the centre of my face to add that certain glow.

This isn't the Balm from Dr Jart, instead, it's called Water Fuse which aims to slow down the process of water being lost from the skin. I don't really know about that, but my face does feel pretty plump all day, which can't be a bad thing, right? It gives a fab glow; glow and oily skin usually don't mix, as I'm all about the matte skin usually, but giving just a dab of power on my t-zone keeps me happy for a good six hours, before a little touchup is needed. This is pretty much lazy makeup - I may even stretch to curl my eyelashes and put mascara on - where you do your skincare routine, and then use three or four products just to make you look presentable. I like to have a few on if I'm having a lazy day, but bare skin and going out is totally a thing as well. I say, do what you feel. I bought this balm in the Summer, possibly even last year, when it was a big thing in the blogging world.. and aside from those warm months, it just sits in my makeup drawer, next to all my foundations, looking sad and alone. But not anymore. I'm going to embrace the lighter foundations and creams in a bit to come up with a look that suits me, whether out for the day or not. Dr Jart's Water Fuse Beauty Balm (£18, here) is having a second lease of life this season, and combined with some illuminating concealer, it's all aglow over here. Are there any foundations that you only wear for one or two seasons? And how to you change them up?

This BB Cream in the summer was worn with bright lips and glowing cheeks, but with the colder weather, it's worn with darkly smudged eyes and berry stained lips. Who says glow is only for when the sun comes out? It's the UK. We need to fake that glow. 

Autumnal Berry Lips from the High Street and High End

Wanna see some berry lip swatches? Of course you do. It's Winter... its almost synonymous with berry stained lips, and I thought that I'd dig out a few, from the high street and some high end, just to see how they compare - colour and texture wise. They may differ slightly in the bullet, but when swatched.. they're very similar - strikingly so. I know that most bloggers are familiar with Rimmel's Kate Moss 107 and to be honest... I forgot to put that in here. I know. Shame on me. But what you will notice, is that there is a lot of mention of the colour 'cherry', and the different colours that they swatch as. Some are more pink and red, the other more blue - it's a relative small difference in terms of the range of lipstick colours out there, but you know, Cherry doesn't always mean Cherry. 

I almost always use a lip liner with a dark lipstick, as it not only lasts longer, but increases that pow of colour - with dark lipsticks, my lipliner of choice is Burgundy by Mac, but I've found that this is soooo drying on bare lips, so I slick on some Reve de Miel beforehand leave that to sink in, before applying lipliner and then my lipstick of choice. I do get a lot of wear around the centre of my lips, so that's how I judge wear during the day. Burgundy does make all dark lipsticks that bit darker, so if you want something a bit lighter, than its worth changing up the liners and having a bit of an experiment. From the high street, we have Revlon, Barry M and Sleek - which I think represent three different areas of makeup from Boots and Superdrug. You've got Revlon, who we all know and rely on - matte balms, anyone? Barry M is synonymous with nails and nail care, so I think a venture into lipstick and everything else to do with the face is always exciting; and finally, there's Sleek, a relatively new brand in the past five or six years, with glorious packaging that can totally give more expensive brands a run for their money.

Then we have two pretty cult lipsticks, anything by Mac and also anything from Urban Decay. Let's all look at the glorious packaging from UD, it's sleek, metal and with an embossed UD on top of the bullet... it's one thing that I've always admired from them, their packaging blows other brands right out of the water. I think Shame and Diva, by UD and Mac respectively, are perhaps two of the closest lipsticks colour wise - there's a deep, reddish blue purple in there, but I think it's the quality is where my decision was just as difficult. Shame slides on like butter - its so soft and creamy, and the same can be said for Diva, and when applied with a layer of Reve de Miel and Burgundy underneath, they are pretty much like for like. I think there's something a bit drier about Mac than UD, so if you have dry lips, then some flakiness might show through, despite having some lip balm on underneath the liner and lipstick. Even though the lipliner is dry, with Shame on top of it, it still feels really wearable and not too restrictive - which I think can be a big thing when wearing liner and lipstick - kinda like when you put a face mask on, and as it dries, you get that tight, lack of movement... stiff feeling - unpleasant, but it has happened to me before. 

From left: Revlon's Black Cherry, Mac's Diva, Sleek's Cherry, Barry M's Black Cherry and Urban Decay's Shame. 

Much like with Mac, Revlon's Black Cherry can be a bit drying and cling to dry parts of your lips - I think it's the formula... or my lips, but even the swatch looks a bit clingy, yes? Revlon's is a bit more blue than Mac's, which is a red based - much like Sleek and Barry M. If we look at the swatches, they're all very similar. So similar, I was like '...how do I buy more berry lipsticks when these are all almost identical?' but the answer was simply, they're not identical, because even a dash more blue or red, combined with the formula, can make or break a lipstick. For me, the formula of Sleek and Urban Decay are the most similar, as they just glide onto the lips - there's always wear around the centre of the lips for me, regardless of formula, but these two feel comfortable and easy to wear; despite the fact that Sleek is more pinky red than Urban Decay, with the same liner, UD, would only be slightly darker. I suppose it depends if you'd rather play up the red underneath it, or the purple. Just remember, a different lipliner used, is a different look entirely. 

High Street vs High End is a constant debate, and in my opinion, there are gems to be found in either end - I think you just need to swatch and consider the formula, whether look at Seventeen or Estee Lauder, because if you don't like it, chances are, it's going to be a wasted purchase. Berry lips are a big love of mine in Winter months, with a cosy hat and wind bitten cheeks - if you want something to stay put all day, then maybe something drier would suit you, but if you don't mind a bit of a touch up, then something creamier would suit. I think it's all a bit of personal preference. I do wear all of these lipsticks but I do think it's time to experiment with a different lip liner - just to see what happens. I hope this has inspired you to look at some berry lipsticks this season - so go away and swatch, no matter whether high street or high end, fabulous things can be found. What are your berry lipstick essentials this Winter?

Picture Wall Inspiration from Pinterest

Image found here

Since moving from my tiny box room and into the bigger bedroom next to it when my brother moved out, I've been wanting to make it my own. Ideally, the walls would be white instead of dark grey, in order to let more light in... but I can't paint it anytime soon, so I'll just have to make do with 50 shades of grey on my walls. My brother chose the colour before he moved out...with black furniture, White would be better, but what can you do? Men and their silly choices. I already have two canvases on my wall, but I feel like I need more. I want that mismatched but together look - a mix of quotes, typography, prints and classic artwork. 

I love the idea of mixing colours, but finding a common theme, like in the picture below. It's a mishmash of fabulous things and I can't help but afmire it. There's also the idea of getting those thin ikea shelves, the ones that sit so close to the wall, so you can rearrange the artwork as often as you can like in the picture above - you can change things based on your mood, or whether there's a new piece in your collection. Do you have a feature gallery wall? What inspires you when you arrange pictures? 

Image from here

#dontfearthesmear Talking about the Smear Test

I just had my smear test. And it really wasn't that bad. I know there's this massive fear and anxiety related to it ... but to be honest, I'd be more scared of knowing what was going on down there. I mean, at least you know that you're ship shape, and if not, then you know that there are treatments and how you need to proceed. Knowing is definitely better than not knowing in my opinion. But let's talk about the actual test. I hate tests. I'm useless at them. I'm more of a coursework kinda girl. But there is not coursework for this test. All you have to do it pop your jeans/knickers off (I left my mismatched socks on, and we both had a giggle about it) lie back, cover yourself, ankles and knees together before parting your knees and... displaying all to the lovely nurse. Let's be honest here. She'd seen 15 vaginas before mine, and sees about 50 on a daily basis. She will not judge yours. All vaginas are beautiful and think of it this way; she's a medical professional - she knows what she's doing and what she's looking for. 

Smear tests I find, are more awkward than anything else and the build up is scarier than the actual event - so please, please go for your test. Smear tests start at age 20, and then every 3 years after that. My first was at age 20, when I was in uni, and my best friend told me all about it - it's always best to talk about these things with someone beforehand if you're nervous about it. She calmed me down a little bit, but I was still terrified. You never forget your first smear test, because.. it was so silly to work myself up - because the nurse was amazing and friendly, and everything was over within 2 minutes. And it was the same when I popped over to my GP earlier today. The nurse and I had a good laugh together and just so you know (don't giggle when you're actually having the test, ...apparently that's counterproductive and will actually force the instrument (called a speculum) out...so yeah, don't do that) which was something I learnt first hand as we were laughing over my mismatched socks and just how awkward people find these tests. 

Just remember, it's not a test for cancer - its a test to determine the health of your cervix. You can actually read all about it on the NHS website here and I hope that'll put your mind at ease. Please, if you're the age for a smear test, have one. Tweet me, email me, and I'll do my best to put your mind at ease and metaphorically hold your hand. Women that my mum works with haven't had a smear test in 20 years. Stats like that terrify me. Please, go check. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you whenever you go. So if you're scared, let me know - I'll send you encouraging tweets all day. Once you get it out of the way, you'll feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. #dontfearthesmear 

My work handbag - the small bag essentials.

Now, I used to have the biggest work bag ever. But there were three very big problems that came with it. One; it was impossible to find anything in it. Two; it didn't ft in my locker in work without some serious stuffing, and thirdly, it used to weigh me down on my walks to and from work - leaving me with some aching shoulders and a slight miserable look before work had even started. So, enter the small 'I can't believe I can fit so much stuff in this bag' bag. It's from Primark, and I believe it was a Christmas present from...last year? I think. But anyway, it's so handy... basically a Mary Poppins bag in the sense I can fit so much into it - I can literally astound my work colleagues by pulling out, almost an entire beauty counter from my bag for some break-time touchups. 

I'm very into my primers, so I know my base is going to last all day - my mascara is waterproof and doesn't budge, so the only things that tend to suffer whilst I'm in work is my nails (retail life), my lips (lipstick fades when I talk to customers) and my scent... because let's face it, after a looooong day running around doing this and that, no one would smell good - so I make sure to stash some perfume in my bag for a quick spritz now and again; mainly so I don't repulse anyone. I picked up this little bottle of L'eau Rose from Next in their summer sale, and it's been a handbag staple ever since. It's such a shame they don't do it anymore, as I would have purchased about five of them. It's the kind of fragrance when everyone goes 'that smells so wonderful' whenever I spritz it on. A little ego boost is always a good thing when you're in for a long day. 

Onto the makeup. That's the most important thing, as injecting (not literally) some colour makes me look alive, more approachable and less 'is she okay? she looks really ill'...Nope, just naturally as pale as a ghost. So, I do lip products and then a little cheeky (literally this time) cream blush, because colour = not being mistaken for a member of the undead. First up is Maybelline's Colour Drama Lip Pencil (£4.99, here) in Nude Perfection because its the most perfect matte nude lip - so effortless to wear, and really chic. You don't have to worry so much about fading because it's a nude lip - that's the beauty of it. Next up is Korres Wild Rose Lip Butter in stick form, which I can't seem to find online... does anyone know where I can find it? For link purposes. Anyway, this gives a soft, sheer hit of colour whilst keeping the lips moisturised, and it gives you that hint of red, which I think glams up any look. Then we have Maxfactor's Miracle Touch Creamy Blusher (£6.99, here) which I pat onto my cheeks if I need that pinch of pink - I've also dabbed it on the lips, just for another wash of colour, and who doesn't love a good multitasking product? 

Last but not least, we've got Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (£5.99, here) which smells like lemon curd (omg yum), is thick and gorgeous when applied to the nails - my poor nails, retail tries its hardest to wreck them, but i'm trying to do my best to fight back. If I notice my nails are looking a big haggard, I rub this in gently when on my break, just so I have fresh, lemony scented fingers before going back onto the shop floor - I think it puts me in a better mood, but then again, anything lemon related puts me in an amazingly good mood. And a final cheeky mention to my Cath Kidston purse, which was a birthday present from my best friend, and has been present in every handbag of mine since my birthday in July. So this is everything aside from loads of receipts which I removed from my bag, because they just clutter everything up. What are your handbag essentials? Are you a big or a small bag kinda person? Let me know. 

Bimuno Prebiotic Immunaid

Now, if you follow me on Twitter, then you know I've been tweeting about vitamins and generally making myself a bit more healthy, so when Bimuno offered to send me some products, I said yes immediately. I'm always on the look out for something to give me that extra kick of Vitamins, and since its a prebiotic, Immunaid* is supposed to help keep your immune system nice and healthy. Yay. I'm all about a good immune system boost because I do feel quite sluggish and tired, so rather than saying 'this' and 'that' is wrong with me, I wanted to see if boosting myself up, with vitamins and lovely things, would help. Couldn't hurt at this time of year, right? It's the season of colds and flu, so this will definitely be taking pride of place with the rest of my vitamin stash (a collective post I'll be writing up this month). And you know what I quite like about these already? Bimuno prebiotics come in a chewable pastille form, and it may be the kid in me, but taking massive vitamin pills is something I've never really liked doing... so making it chewy is brilliant, not only for adults who pout at the thought of taking huuuuge vitamin pills, but also children, 6 and over can take them. 

I'll be giving these a good test out for the next few weeks, and I'll write back with what I find. Let's keep those cold's and flu's at bay. Probably best for me, I'm terrible when I'm unwell. Still better than my dad... but that may just be a man thing. Men being ill always reminds me of that terrific Boots ad, the husband being in bed with a cold, when his wife is smothering with cold, and running around doing everything. Still makes me giggle to this day. So, what are you taking to boost yourself up this season? Anything I should look into? Anything I should include when I do my full review? 

* These two products were sent to me by Bimuno, all opinions are my own :)