New Love: Accessorize Makeup!

Every time I buy a new mascara, I tend to search for a new type/brand to try out. I'd stuck to MaxFactor for a while, but I really fancied a change, always thinking that there must be a better product out there somewhere!

So last week, I came across the Accessorize brand of cosmetics.. and I fell in love instantly! I have to admit, my attraction was purely to the packaging (at first), but I actually love the products!

Because of the gorgeous pattern, I purchased the Volumising Mascara, at £6.49.

For the product, and other mascaras out on the market, this doesn't seem too unreasonable. Unfortunately, most of their items aren't actually available online (Superdrug- or the Accessorize website), but they have a fantastic range in store- but they're not just a pretty face, I absolutely love the mascara!

Although I've had my Benefit BrowZings for years, and it's not even on its' last legs, once it's finished, I will definitely be trying the Accessorize Brow Palette, which appears to contain exactly the same product- and great brushes (I will keep you posted)!

Definitely a great up-coming makeup brand- and they seem to building up their product range every time I visit the store!

Don't forget you also get 10% student discount at Superdrug- check it out!

£1?!?!

  As I recently described my difficulties with the Cosmopolitan foundation brush, I returned this to Superdrug, only to find that I was able to exchange only.... No refunds! (Also, the lady was extremely rude- annoying).

So, whilst wandering round the shop looking at things to buy with my £6.99, I came across the MUA cabinet of makeup.

My housemate had recently purchased a few lipsticks from the brand, but I hadn't considered their cosmetics since I last used her nail polish (see earlier blog).

What I hadn't realised was that most items were £1, I had thought it was only the nail polishes!!

I came across a gorgeous lipstick, no.15, Juicy, just the colour I love; a pale, orangey coral colour!

I was really skeptical about how good it would be, but for £1 you really can't go wrong! 

But, I'm pleased to announce, it is actually REALLY GOOD! Unlike some cheap lipsticks where the colour is really difficult to transfer, the MUA lipstick goes on extremely smoothly, with an almost moisturising texture! I am in love, and this is my new favourite thing! (Since Topshop stopped stocking my fave lippy in Whimsical!)

Much to my surprise, the bottom also unscrews to reveal what I can only assume is a primer/balm! I have researched the purpose of this little hidden gem extensively, and I am yet to confirm what it actually is- any helpers?! 

Long story cut short, MUA lipstick, absolute bargain, I'm 100% going back for more!

Perfect for us students! 
(Available at most Superdrug stores.. and online: www.muastore.co.uk)

Foundation Brush Dilemma

I like to replace my foundation brush every few months- despite constantly washing and taking care of them.
I know I've blogged about the fantastic eco-tools set before, but this time I decided to invest in a different brand to give it a go- and boy did I regret it for a while.
I'd never seen a review on the COSMOPOLITAN brush collection (now I know why!), so decided to give the foundation brush a go. At £6.99, I guess you could say it is a reasonable price- not necessarily one of the cheapest or most expensive.
At first I thought this brush was, what can i say.... alright?! The bristles are not very firm, which isn't always a bad thing as it means the product can often be applied over a wider area.
After about the fifth use of the tool, I started to notice the bristles clumping together and also a few falling out. I never apply my foundation too thick, so to notice the bristles forming into one after only a small use of product was really, well, irritating!
It actually got to the point where I could no longer bring myself to use it- and referred back to my older brush (I will definitely be returning this).

The main reason for my annoyance was probably the fact that I had a massive dilemma whilst in the shop about what to buy! My other option had been the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. At £8.99, I had chosen to go for the cheaper option- and REALLY regretted it!
So, putting my disappointment aside, I went and purchased the RT brush, and gosh am I impressed!

The shape of the brush is so innovative- a rounded head (in comparison to the usual flat type as seen on the cosmopolitan brush), which makes application amazing! You are able to use circular motions to work the product into the face- avoiding caking in certain areas. A multi-use brush, perfect for mineral, powder, liquid, mousse and gel products- truly one for all. I have now used the brush multiple times- and it's still in fabulous condition- no sign of bristles lumping together or product residue.

Lesson learnt- you really do get what you pay for!
I'll definitely be investing in the Real Techniques range once I have the 'dollar'!

£6.99 at Superdrug

£8.99 at Superdrug

MY NEW LOVE

So, despite pulling my leg at the gym yesterday (very annoyed), as I have mentioned in previous posts- I am really trying to keep fit and healthy this term at University! Eating the right foods, exercising and drinking plenty of water have been key on the agenda.
As I am sure many of you will understand, this is extremely difficult on a student budget- and it's so easy to reach for cheap convenient snacks like chocolate and sweets whilst reading laborious articles and research documents in the library!
Whilst at a friends a few weeks ago, she introduced me to 'Velvet Crunch' crisps. I have completely fallen in love with them!
At 84 calories per pack, and containing only 2 grams of fat, they are the perfect campus companion!
My favourite have to be the Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar Flavour, but Cheese & Spring Onion and Thai Sweet Chilli are yummy too!
At only £1.59 (Tesco) for 6- you can't really go wrong, all in-keeping with the student budget (and they're quite often on offer at £1!)

QUICK POST: LATEST H&M DISCOUNT CODES

Just quickly though I'd post the latest H&M discount codes I've come across:

0560- £5 off
1304- 25% off the most expensive item in the basket


x

Polar FT4F Heart Rate Monitor & Sports Watch

Since I've been back at University, I've tried really hard to get back into going to the gym, eating healthily and drinking lots of water! It often becomes quite difficult when I start to feel the pressure of lots of work to complete, but I try to do the best I can.

I've recently got into using the MyFitnessPal app on my iPhone, which allows you to count your days calories accurately by entering the food you have consumed into the diary- by either searching or scanning for an accurate result.

I absolutely love this app, as it easily sets you a calorie figure for a specific weight loss goal (calculated by taking into account your weight and height), and helps you to manage keeping this under control. 

I have been finding it really difficult to stick to my 1200 target, so as I have been attending the gym more regularly, I have been adding in my calories burnt to the calculations in order to ease the difficulty of my target. 

I NEVER trust the machines at the gym for an accurate calorie count, so about a month ago, I looked around to purchase a 'calorie counting watch.' After reading a few reviews, I established that the watch itself cannot actually give an accurate heart rate reading from the wrist alone, so in order to be more specific, it's best to look at products with a chest band.

With this in mind, I purchased the Polar FT4F Heart Rate Monitor and Sports Watch! I had read some really great things about this product online, so thought I'd give it a go- and I am so impressed!

Not only am I able to get an accurate reading of calories burnt in each session, but I am also able to monitor my heart rate to be working in my best fat burning zone.

Although I bought the watch to manage my calories better, I actually find it a huge motivation to go to the gym! Whilst I am working out, watching those calories add up really spurs me on to keep going- all my gym buddies out there, you should definitely give it a go! (Search around on eBay and Amazon for the best deals- it's really worth it!)

Lauren's Way

I've been using Lauren's Way Tan for quite a while now. As my family and friends would be sure to tell you, I'm a bit obsessed with trying any tanning product I can get my hands on!

What really attracted me to the range was the 'Darker than Dark' tan, as apart from Dark St.Tropez (which definitely turns out a little green!), I'd never really tried anything other than Medium colours. I would usually apply a few layers of any medium coloured product, as for nights out I really like to be quite a dark bronzed colour- and this can get a little annoying..and not to mention expensive!

I always apply my tan with a mitt- as although some tans wash off, I still find it impossible to remove the staining from the palms of my hands. Applying with a mitt allows you to achieve a nice smooth application and keeps it perfectly mess free!

n.b. Image taken from Twitter.

I use the mousse version of the Lauren's Way tan, purely because I have always used mousse and I know it sits well on my skin.
I found the colour perfect- a natural brown/gold tone- nothing too orange or fake looking! After one application there is a visible difference which is what I love most about this product! It stays on perfectly- dries quickly and doesn't transfer onto clothes easily.

This is definitely my new favourite tan!

Visit Laurens Way to buy yours now- they do a fantastic range of other beauty products too!