The future of the cleansing routine!

Today, on my trip to Asda to get some ink for my printer (oh the fun...), I decided to take a stroll down the skincare and beauty isle- I've found since I've stopped working at Boots as much I'm really lost with all the new products! I was just grabbing some cotton wool when I spotted this, Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water! I've read a few reviews online and hadn't actually realised that formulas like this have been around for a while (Loreal sell an equivalent etc..). I've become a bit bored and tired of my cleanse, tone, moisturise routine and as I've been travelling quite a bit recently I've really not enjoyed lugging so many bottles around with me.

Garniers' product claims to remove make-up, cleanse and soothe- for face, lips and eyes and also suitable for sensitive skin! In one simple step Garnier claims, this non-fragranced and dermatologically tested fluid will remove all traces of make-up and dirt, as 'like a magnet, the cleansing agents capture and lift away dirt from the skin.' Containing over 200 uses, it is simply applied to a cotton pad and wiped away- no rinsing required.

And do you know what- it does all those things... I have only used it once and I absolutely love it! It left my face feeling so fresh and clean, but also not dry or greasy as I expected it might! It didn't sting my eyes either which is great. This will definitely be my skincare routine from now on- so simple and most importantly QUICK! 

[Only £3.30 at Asda at the moment!]

My Last January Birchbox products!

I've chosen to Blog about the remaining items in my BirchBox all at once together! As I went out Saturday night, I decided to have a lovely pamper Sunday and tried out the remaining items :)

First up, Philip Kingsley 'Moisture Balancing Conditioner'.

Available at Birchbox £19 for 250ml

I decided to use the conditioner during my normal routine to really see what difference it made in comparison to my typical products. The conditioner is created to solve the issue of moisture difference in the roots of the hair in comparison to the ends, which are often more dry. I usually use John Freida, 'Frizz Ease' shampoo and conditioner as I often find my hair can be rather frizzy after blow drying, and I accompany this with their serum which is applied to damp hair. Anyone who knows me well will tell you I have a massive head of hair- very thick and quite long! Therefore, to really get the most out of this product I had to use the entire tube for the job- which is a shame really when it is so expensive! To be honest.... I really could not see a difference- and if anything I felt it made my hair feel dryer than my John Freida products! The product washed out my hair really quickly, leaving it feeling as though I had only used shampoo, and there were really no long-lasting moisturising effects after blow drying! I know they always say you should stick to the same brand of shampoo and conditioner to really see the effects, I really don't see myself spending £38 on a haircare routine anytime soon....

Last, but CERTAINLY not least....

Available at BirchBox £12.95 [size unknown]

I love love love this body lotion! Not only does it smell absolutely gorgeous, but it also absorbs into the skin and leaves you feeling so fresh! I couldn't quite put my finger on the fragrance when I first used it, but having read that it contains honey and organic chamomile, and that its scent is a mix of lemon and verbena, I now understand where that citrussy fresh feeling comes from. However, it's not tacky like some lemony products I have used and the scent stays around just long enough for you to appriciate it- but not too long for it to give you a headache! Recommended (AS A LUXURY)!

Although you can see in the photo that a Miso Soup was included in my BirchBox this month- I am really not a fan so I gave this to my mum- sorry!

The Next Two

Seeing as I am sat here in the library twiddling my thumbs and attempting to do anything BUT write my assignment, I thought it would be a great time to review my next two BirchBox products which I have used last night and this morning!

First off, one that coincidentally I have actually been wanting to try for a while, it's Benefit's 'The PORE fessional'!

£24.50, available at the 3 B's! Benefit, Boots and of course, BirchBox.

At about half the actual size, I think that this is a great BirchBox item! I decided to try this this morning using my normal makeup routine, on top of my Simple moisturiser and prior to applying my MAC foundation. The texture of the product was lovely, really silky and as I have read in previous reviews, a little definitely goes a long way! 

Specifically aimed at minimising the appearance of fine lines and pores, this isn't really a product that I would usually buy as I have to say these aren't really my main concerns.

Advertised as the 'UK's best-selling primer' by Benefit themselves, I do think this is a lovely addition to my makeup routine, and certainly ensured my foundation went on smoothly- but I have to be honest, it really didn't make much difference to much overall look.

I applied this product at 8am, and 8 hours later I would admit that it has 100% helped my makeup to stay put.

So I guess, in a nutshell, yes a lovely product, but I wouldn't pay £24.50 to address an issue which I'm not that worried about- maybe in a few years hey! 

Next up, the special, REALLY high-end one, blanc cachemire day moisturiser..

£54.75, exclusive to BirchBox in the UK!

To start with... I'm sorry... but RIDICULOUS price! I honestly don't think I have ever met anyone who would pay that much for a face cream- but that is why I LOVE Birchbox (this little mini must be worth at least £10- £20!). I know it's a day cream, but I decided to try this out after I cleansed my skin last night as I was just desperate to put some of that dollar on my face! I have one word: disappointed... Not only was the fragrance not exactly what I would call appealing, but for me this did nothing more than my faithful £3 Simple! Yes, it was lovely and light, rubbed in easily and was non-greasy, but I really do fear that if someone passed me this bottle and it was actually filled with a standard high street brand, I wouldn't notice the difference. I have no doubt that this is a lovely product, but value for money, all I can say is- NO THANKS!

One more note, the BirchBox bags certainly make perfect holders for all those little bits you don't want to get lost in the bottom of your handbag- it's certainly served me well at the library today!

January's BirchBox

So as I signed up a tad late for this month, I have finally received January's BirchBox! It's so exciting!

I received five main items (and an added 'lifestyle' extra) and I have decided to review one each day as I use them!

First off I'm going to start with my favourite this month....

LAVERA Basis Sensitive Hand Cream £4.45

Available at BirchBox

All I can say is.. I am in love! Although it's only a 20ml bottle (actually perfect for the handbag-standard 75ml), this little beauty is honestly the best hand cream I have EVER used, and that is saying something! Described as consisting of, 'Organic shea butter and almond oil,' the fragrance honestly smells like something from my childhood! I really can't pinpoint which sweet it smells like and it's been bugging me all evening, but the gorgeous 'sherberty' smell is not overpowering or sickly but refreshing and almost lifting with citrus undertones. It rubs in really easily, no horrid greasy stickyness and is definitely perfect for parched winter hands. When this bottle is over, I will 10000% be ordering another- £4.45 seems pretty much a bargain for a high end hand cream to me! Maybe it'll just be one of those... presents to me, love me x

BirchBox!

So I was recommended to try Birchbox a while ago by a reader of my Blog, but at the time I hadn't really thought much about it.

Birchbox are basically a really great company which do something different. You pay £12.95 a month, and receive a really exciting package! Contained in this are 5 high brand beauty items. These can range from makeup, to haircare, to face creams, body creams and even bath and shower products!

You go online, create your own personalised profile, noting some of your preferences and complexion colours etc. and each month they select a range of samples to send you!

I know £12.95 may seem a lot, but I am really excited to give it a go- and it's always nice getting something unexpected in the post!

You can cancel the membership at any time, so I thought- why not! Also, they are offering FREE POSTAGE on the first box, making it only £10! (Enter code NEW14 at the checkout).

I will keep you posted with my views on my first box- but I'm really excited to have something really great to blog about each month (5 things even!!).

Visit Birchbox now!

First things First.... MISSGUIDED!

I'm really aware that all my previous posts have predominantly revolved around beauty/health tips, so I wanted to start the new year off with something different!

Missguided is an online clothing company who I have been religiously using for quite a while now- and I think they are FANTASTIC!

One of the most important aspects of online shopping for me is postage and returns. It is so frustrating dealing with a company who not only charge you extortionate amounts to send you your items, but also to return them! In this respect, this is where my love for ASOS also comes in (10% student discount, free postage, free returns- they've really got it in the bag!). Missguided offer free next day postage on orders over £40 if you order before 21:30, which is absolutely great and such a life saver sometimes. When returning a parcel, they deduct a £2.50 processing fee, which, yes, is slightly irritating- but it could be worse!

I absolutely adore ALL their clothes. They have great bargains and also higher priced special pieces which are beautiful. They often offer 20% discounts, and always 10% student discount which is fantastic. I definitely feel all their items are really reasonably priced and excellent quality for your money.

And most important of all, they have excellent customer service- really responsive and always process returns quickly!

Here are a few pictures of some of my recent purchases..... Definitely give them a go!

Nerina Rose Print Pencil Skirt £9.99

Ambuja Tartan Trousers £24.99

MY FAVOURITE: 

Dajca Tartan Swing Dress In Black £19.99

Samala Chiffon Cami Top In Lilac and Candy Pink £9.99

Kelsey Chiffon Strappy Jumpsuit In Black and Navy £24.99

alinka Floral Tailored A-Line Skirt £14.99

Visit Missguided

Right back to it...

So, I realise it has been a while since I last posted a blog. The end of last term at University became pretty hectic with numerous assignment deadlines within the last week, so I made the decision to put various things aside in order to complete my work!

I had a lovely break over Christmas, but now I am really keen to get back to writing and tell you about some of the great things that I have discovered in the last few months!

As you can see from my blogs at the end of last year, I have been really keen to get fit and really be the best I can be in terms of my health! I have really stepped this up this year, both with the motivation of my fellow housemates and friends and family at home I really hope that 2014 will be the year I feel truly happy in my own body! With so many things to look forward to, it would be such a shame to give up now!

I hope that this year I can really get back into the swing of things with my blog and really bring some great recipes, health and fitness tips, discount guides and product reviews to the table, so I really hope you enjoy reading.

So here goes..... to 2014!