Beauty, Bargains and Beyond

I recently purchased a packet of COSRX Blackhead Silk Finger Balls from Cult Beauty.  I had a noticeable blackhead on the tip of my nose for ages that I couldn't get rid of, every time I looked in the mirror I couldn't help but obsess over how big it was (although I am sure no one else noticed it).  When I saw the COSRX Blackhead Silk Finger Balls on Cult Beauty (£8 for 12), I thought it couldn't hurt to give them a try.  They are bizarre looking things, but they are made with 100% natural cocoons which helps to exfoliate damp skin cells and blackheads around the nose and mouth area. Simply soften the finger ball by soaking it in warm water for a couple of minutes, then place it on your fingertip and gently massage it over your nose and around your mouth.  You can then rinse them and reuse them a couple more times, although I prefer to just use them once. I noticed a difference straight away.  The noticeable blackhead that was slightly larger than...

Primark is really knocking it out of the park right now.  I literally cannot walk into Primark and just browse, I just have to buy something every time I go in.  I think the reason for this is that if you see something that you like, chances are you will never see it again in any other Primark store, the stock moves so quickly in Primark I don't want to risk missing out.  Here is a haul which includes a few different shops including one from Oxford Street in London which has London branded products that I would assume will not be available elsewhere in the country. These denim look backless shoes with a bow cost a bargain £8 as did the gorgeous black print shoes below which are also backless. When I was in London I bought a couple of items with London printed on the front.  The t-shirt was £4 and is made of a really soft material and the bag was £2. I love these mirrored sunglasses which were £3 and I finally managed to pick up the chain extenders whic...

I was kindly sent the JANJIRA Grapefruit & Tangerine Therapy Massage Candle* to try out recently.  I haven't come across this type of multi use candle before. You light the candle and let the wax melt and then you are left with an oil which after blowing out the candle, you pour into your palm and use as a massage oil, face and body oil or moisturiser. The lovely warm oil has a great citrus fragrance which helps you relax.  Once the oil is applied to your skin, it absorbs gradually leaving a light fragrance behind.  The oil is great for dry areas so I made sure to apply it to my elbows and feet.  JANJIRA Grapefruit & Tangerine Therapy Massage Candle costs £32 for 200g and is available on the JANJIRA website .  The key ingredients are Soybean oil and Coconut oil. I think this is a great idea as you get a lovely candle but at the same time you are getting a great massage, face and body oil. All Janjira products a...

I came across Greenfrog Botanic in the Love Lula Beauty Box that I used to subscribe to.  I have tried 2 of their products Botanical Bodywash Neroli & Lime & Soapberry Handwash Geranium & Peppermint. Both products are made with botanical soap sourced from the Himalayas.  The Botanical Bodywash  has a subtle zesty scent and is perfect for dry skin conditions, whilst the organic aloe vera helps to cleanse and moisturise your skin.  This product does not contain any parabens or SLS.  The ingredients are all botanical and are certified vegan and cruelty free and costs £8.95 for 300ml.  This is such a lovely product and great for the whole family.  My skin can be dry and sensitive at times and this bodywash felt really gentle on the skin, it left my skin feeling clean, but was not drying at all. The Soapberry Handwash contains natural antibacterial Soapberry Saponin which is used in Ayurvedic medicine to trea...

I was kindly sent a Chloe Ferry Liquid-Matte Lipstick* to try out in the shade Rouge.  First of all who is Chloe Ferry?  I must admit that I had to look her up online.  She is one of the stars of reality show Geordie Shore (which I won't hold against her) and she has collected all her favourite beauty products on her website By Chloe Ferry .  All the products are suitable for vegans and are cruelty free which is great. The Liquid-Matte Lipstick that I tried is called Rouge and is a very bright, vibrant red.  I don't have the plumpest of lips, so I tend to avoid very bright colours like this and I sometimes find liquid lipsticks way too drying for my lips.  I was pleasantly surprised that this liquid lipstick was really easy to apply, only needed one coat and it didn't leave my lips feeling like I was stuck out in the desert.  The doe foot applicator makes it so easy to apply with precision and one coat completely covers my...

I have managed to use up loads of products in the last couple of months.  Check out my pile of empties. I will start with the body products that I have used up first. Rituals Organic Touch Body Cream - nice enough, but nothing special so probably would not buy it again. L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil - you can read my full review here . Bath & Body Works Hibiscus Guava Fresca Ultra Shea Body Cream - I included this in my favourite body products which you can read here . Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion - Works well, reasonably priced.  No complaints. Optiat Pick Me Up Coffee Scrub - this smelled wonderful and works really well, so would definitely buy again. Now onto the skincare that I used up. Jojoba Company 100% Natural Makeup Remover* - I did a full review of this product here . Dr Jart+ Tight Effect Toner - This is an oil control toner, so as my skin is not oily, I did not notice any difference to my skin when using this product. ...

I set myself a challenge to use up 10 specific products in the course of 2017 (you can read the post here ), so I just wanted to do a quick update on the products that I have used up so far. Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly - 30ml - This was easy to include in my daily routine, so was easy to use up.  I didn't think it did anything amazing to my skin, so probably would not bother to repurchase. Essie Mirror Metallics Polish in Nothing Else Matters - I love metallic polishes as they are so easy to apply and dry really quickly.   I have to admit that I have been using this regularly since the start of the year as I really do love the colour.  If I didn't have 100's of other polishes I would definitely buy this one again. OPI   Excuse Moi! Nail Polish - This is a lovely deep berry colour with tones of glitter particles in it which I loved.  Honest Beauty Magic Balm - This was a nice balm which I enjoyed using, so I w...

I don't use self-tanning products much as I find the results can be disappointing.  When I had the opportunity to try out Skinny Tan Express Mousse* and Pre-Tan Primer*, I thought I would give self-tanning another try and I am glad that I did.  First of all it's pretty easy to use and the results depend on how long you leave the product on.  As an added bonus, this product actually smells very pleasant. When I first posted a photo of this product on Instagram, I did get quite a few comments about the name that I definitely agreed with.  I totally acknowledge that Skinny Tan is not the best name for a product.  Being skinny has nothing to do with having a tan does it.  Whilst having a tan, may make you look a little slimmer, it's hardly going to make you skinny is it.  That being said, I am reviewing the product not the name. EDIT: I just wanted to update this post to explain one of the reasons behind the...

What is wrong with me? I haven't shopped in Primark for a long time and now I just can't stop (see my last couple of Primark posts here and here ).     Here's some of my recent purchases.   I bought these sparkly denim slip-ons for £4.  They fit perfectly and are really comfy so they will be great to take on holiday. Not the most exciting of purchases but these were a bargain reduced to £6 from £8 and will do for work. I loved these blue shorts which only cost me £2.50. They are really nice and light for warm summer nights (if there are any). I thought these shorts were a really pretty blush colour.  They cost £5.   I think this top will be great as a PJ top.  I love the back strap.    This cost £4 and what can I say reflects my mood on a morning. I live in skinny jeans and these are lovely, soft and stretchy material.  These cost £12. I needed another pair of joggers for the gym and the...