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!

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!)