Review: Body Shop Aloe Vera Day & Night Creams...

Aloe Vera Day Cream 50ml // £11

Aloe Vera Night Cream 50ml // £12

A few months ago, I was on the hunt for a new moisturiser because the one I was using wasn't doing what I wanted it to do. So I thought I'd give the Body Shop a try as I have been loving using their other products such as their Seaweed Face Mask and Tea Tree Toner. 

Whilst in the Body Shop, I came across these two Aloe Vera ones which sounded perfect for me as they were aimed at sensitive skin and have both been dermatologically tested.

The Aloe Vera Day Cream is described as a moisturiser which hydrates skin that needs more gentle care, leaving skin soft and smooth. Whilst the Aloe Vera Night Cream is  also described as a moisturiser which hydrates skin that needs more gentle care but this time in a much richer consistency. 

To use the Day Cream, I apply it after I have cleansed and toned my face on a morning and it is perfect underneath my foundation. To use the Night Cream, I apply this after removing my make up and toning. 

Verdict

Statistics

Skin Type: Sensitive

Application: Fingers

Size: 50ml

Cost: £11 (Day) £12 (Night)

Positives

-Hydrating

-Soothing 

-Fragrance, colour and alcohol free

-No added preservatives

-Only need a small amount for the whole face

-Nice packaging

Negatives

- The night cream can make your t-zone a little oily

I really enjoy using these creams so would definitely repurchase them.

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Book Haul...

Since completing my A Level in English Literature, I have finally been able to wave goodbye to Shakespeare, and have instead been able to read whatever I want. A lot of people have probably already read the majority of the books I've recently purchased but thought I'd share them with you anyway. More often than not, I purchase my books from Amazon as they tend to be a lot cheaper than bookstores - especially if you can find the one you want in the "used" category. 

The Bridget Jones Omnibus: The Singleton Years - Helen Fielding // £6.99

Bridget Jones Diary was first published during the 90's and was praised by critics and soon became the number-one bestseller. Bridget Jones; The Singleton Years combines together 'Bridget Jones' Diary' and 'The Edge of Reason'. Helen Fielding portrays Bridget as she struggles through the social minefield of her thirties and tries to weigh up the eternal question: Daniel Cleaver or Mark Darcy?

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy - Helen Fielding // £3.00

This is the long-awaited return of the much-loved character, Bridget Jones. 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' is timely, tender, touching, witty, wise and bloody hilarious. Pondering on modern dilemmas, Bridget stumbles through the challenges of single-motherhood, tweeting, texting and rediscovering her sexuality.

The Devil Wears Prada - Lauren Weisberger // £3.85

When Andrea first sets foot in the offices of Runway she knows nothing. She's never heard of the world's most fashionable magazine or its feared editor, Miranda Priestly - her new boss. Move on a year later and she knows altogether too much. But this is Andrea's big break - it's going to be worth it in the end. Isn't it?

Rape: A Love Story - Joyce Carol Oates // £6.20

Granted the title of this book may put you off. 'Rape: A Love Story' begins with the almost unspeakable. Depicting the brutality and cowardice that overtakes the city of Niagara Falls in the aftermath of an attack on a woman and her young daughter. However, it is also the tale of their silent champion, a man who knows the meaning of justice. And love. 

What books have you enjoyed reading lately?

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The Beauty Scenario Tag...

I thoroughly enjoy both watching and reading these tags so thought I would also complete one even though I haven't officially been tagged. 

Q1//You have to get rid of all your foundations and you can only keep one high end and one drugstore, which do you keep?

I haven't actually used many foundations as when I find one I enjoy using, I tend to stick to it. However, the high end foundation I would choose would without a doubt be Nars Sheer Glow (see my review here)as it provides a great coverage which is buildable and also leaves my skin looking radiant. The drugstore foundation I would choose would be L'Oreal True Match I love this foundation and actually find it very similar to Nars Sheer Glow with the added bonus of SPF making it more suitable for daywear. 

Q2//You go for an interview and the lady interviewing you has lipstick on her teeth. Do you approach the subject or ignore it completely?

I'm the type of person who would be so awkward in this sort of situation; throughout the entire interview I'd be in a debate with myself about whether or not to tell her! However, I'd probably choose not to as I wouldn't want her to feel embarrassed although she probably would wonder why no one told her when she see's it for herself later on. 

Q3//You're not feeling yourself and you need a pick me up lipstick, which one do you go for?
As I have quite thin lips I don't really wear out-there lipsticks and tend to stick to neutrals/peachy pinks. Therefore, if I needed a pick me up, I'd probably choose Bourjois' "Peaches on the Beach".

Q4//You go back in time for a day to your teenage years, how would you do your hair and makeup differently?
During my early teens I didn't actually wear too much make-up however, I would completely ditch the white and silver eye shadows! And who can forget the glitter eyeliner phase?! In terms of my hair, I used to wear it tied up in a ponytail an awful lot so would not do this as much. Oh and I'd never ever EVER get blonde highlights again.

Q5//You ask your hairdresser for a shoulder length Pixie Lott hair cut, but they hear you wrong and give you a pixie haircut. Do you. A) Smile, say thank you, leave, call your mum and cry hysterically, B) Cry in the chair and things get awkward, or C) Complain to the manager and demand a refund. 
I'm 99.9% sure I'd realise  if someone was chopping my hair off into a pixie cut especially considering how long it is! However, supposing I didn't, I'd probably smile and say thank you but then call my mam crying hysterically who would then ring the salon.

Q6// Your friend surprises you with a 4-day city break and you have 1 hour to pack. Which 'do it all' palette do you pack in your make up bag?
Firstly, I'd have a heart attack because I'm such an organisation freak! But the palette I'd take with me would be my Nars Guy Bourdin 'One Night Stand' Palette as this has blush, highlight and bronzer covered.

Q7// Your house has been robbed, don't worry everyone is safe, but your beauty stash has been raided. What's the product you really hope is safe?
This is a hard one but I think it would have to be my Nars Guy Bourdin 'One Night Stand' Palette because I love it so much and its Limited Edition.

Q8// Your friend borrows your make-up and returns it in awful condition. Do you, A) Just pretend you haven't noticed, B) Ask them to repurchase it, or C) Secretly do the same to something of theirs? 
Definitely A, although I would be upset if it was a product I adored, it wouldn't be worth falling out over.

I really enjoyed doing this tag and I'm sure you all would too. If you do complete one, leave it in the comments below!

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Review: Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask...

Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask 100ml // £13

As well as recently purchasing The Body Shop's Tea Tree Facial Toner, I also picked up the Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask. as recently, my skin has been feeling very congested and dull so, I after reading a lot of fantastic reviews, I picked up this product in an attempt to combat the problem.

This mask claims to draw out impurities and cleanse and control excess oils and since using this mask I can definitely see a difference in the amount of shininess on my face. As well as reducing the excess oils on my face, this mask has also helped reduce the number of breakouts and has also began to reduce the amount of congestion on my face; however, my cheeks are still quite congested so I'm hoping it kicks in soon.

To use this product,  I apply it to my face twice a week sometimes three, using an old flat foundation brush and leave it to go hard which takes about 10 minutes and then simply wash it off with a muslin cloth and warm water.

One thing to be aware of when using this product is that it can sometimes cause the skin to become a little dry therefore, a good moisturiser is a must afterwards and if you have dry skin then I wouldn't recommend this product for you.

Verdict

Statistics

Skin Type: Combination/Oily

Application: Foundation Brush/Fingers

Size: 100ml

Cost: £13.00

Positives

-Great for calming breakouts/reducing breakouts

-Unclogs pores

-Mattify's skin

-Refreshing

-Only need a small amount for the whole face

-Nice packaging (travel friendly)

-Affordable

Negatives

-Can be drying on certain areas

I thoroughly enjoy using this face mask so will definitely be repurchasing it when I run out.

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What I Bought in Chester...

Last week, whilst on holiday with my family in Chester, we went to Cheshire Oaks where I picked up some great bargains and also a few things from a couple of other places we visited so thought I'd share them with you.

Whilst at Cheshire Oaks, I picked up this skirt and this top from the Warehouse Outlet. The skirt was reduced from £42 to £12 but I ended up getting it for £11 with student discount. I also picked up this top which was reduced from £30 to £8 but again, with student discount, I got this for £7 meaning I spent £18 instead of £72!

Whilst at Cheshire Oaks, I also bought these cake pop moulds for £9.99 instead of £15.75 and the sticks for £2.25 instead of £2.99.

One of my best bargains of the day whilst shopping at Cheshire Oaks was in The Body Shop; here, I picked up a Tea Tree Toner, Seaweed Face Mask, Seaweed Face Wash and the Aloe Vera Day & Night creams all for £26.73 instead of a massive £49!

My final bargain at Cheshire Oaks was from The Cosmetic Company store where I picked up the oh-so-famous Smashbox Photo Finish Primer for £17.50 instead of £25 and as well as getting the full size primer, you also received a travel size version.

The final things I bought where these two candles whilst in a local village close to where we were staying costing £2.99 each and both smelling amazing. And finally, these two key rings from our visit into Llandudno as I have quite the obsession with collecting them from places I visit.

 
Although it wasn't the most exotic of locations, it was nice to have a break and pick up some great bargains.
Have you been anywhere nice lately?
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High End Lust List...

For today's post, I thought I'd put together just a small selection of the designer items I am currently lusting over. 

Chanel Espradilles 

Chanel Classic Flap Bag

Cartier LOVE Bracelet

Mulberry Daria Purse

YSL Classic Clutch Bag

Christian Louboutin Iriza Patent Nude Heels

My favourite item on this list has to be the Chanel Espradilles. I love them! 

What designer items are you currently craving?

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Review: Body Shop Tea Tree Facial Toner...

Tea Tree Facial Toner 250ml // £5

Does anyone else ever feel like they're in a constant battle with their skin? Well I for one do!

After suffering from an awful breakout about 5 weeks ago, I was determined to find a product that would help reduce these and that's when I came across The Body Shop's 'Tea Tree Facial Toner'. This product claims to remove traces of make up, cleanser and impurities, contains mattifying powders to leave the skin shine-free and has been clinically proven to give clearer-looking skin. 

I've been using this product for about a month now and have seen a drastic reduction in the amount of breakout I have had and the one's I have had have tended to be small under-skin spots rather than red sore ones which used to come about. 

To use the Tea Tree Toner, it is essential that you shake the bottle before each use to activate the product as the main ingredient tends to gather at the bottom. Once I have shaken my product, I pour a small amount onto a cotton pad and gently rub it onto my skin focusing on the T-zone, as it can be a little drying on my cheeks, and any areas with a lot of spots. At first, you may feel a tingling feeling but this is completely natural as it is letting you know the product is working. 

One thing to be cautious of about this product is the fact that it does have a strong Tea Tree scent, something I've never really been a fan of, however, this disappears immediately  after the product has sunken into the skin and you soon get used to it after a couple of uses.  

Verdict

Statistics

Skin Type: Combination/Oily

Application: Cotton Pad

Size: 250ml

Cost: £5.00 

Positives

-Great for calming breakouts/reducing breakouts

-Unclogs pores

-Mattify's skin

-Refreshing

-Only need a small amount for the whole face

-Nice packaging (travel friendly)

-Very Affordable

Negatives

-Strong smell

-Can be drying on certain areas

All in all, I absolutely love this toner and will definitely be repurchasing it when I run out. 

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Things To Do In Chester...

I'm currently in Chester for the week with my family so thought I'd make a little post about some of the things there is to do in Chester.

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

Cheshire Oaks is one of the largest designer outlets in the UK with over 145 boutiques, restaurants and cafes including fashion brands such as Burberry, Michael Kors, Mulberry and Polo Ralph Lauren. 

Chester Zoo

I don't care how old I am, I absolutely love going to the zoo. I've been to Chester Zoo once before and its definitely one of the best I've been to housing over 11,000 animals from 400 different species. My favourites are the elephants and monkeys. 

Chester Races
During the summer months, the races can be a lovely day out if you get the right weather.

Chester Cathedral

If you enjoy finding out about history and heritage, then Chester Cathedral is a beautiful place to visit and even if you aren't, the building itself is magnificent to look at.

Have you ever been to Chester, if so, what did you enjoy doing?

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Review: Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner..

In July's edition of Glamour Magazine, they were giving away the award winning  Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in the choice of either black or navy worth £12 and after recently becoming an avid fan of eyeliner, I couldn't refuse picking it up when it was such a bargain. 

As you can see from the above images, I decided to go for the black option although I have read great things about the navy so wish I'd ventured out of my comfort zone and picked up one of those as well. The black eyeliner is a bold jet black which is exactly what I like in an eyeliner to add definition to my eyes. Furthermore, the nib of the pen very easy to work with allowing you to apply lines of all different thicknesses therefore making it perfect for both day wear and nightwear. 

 One thing I have found is that this eyeliner dries incredibly fast after being applied to your eye which is great but not so much if you make a mistake. 

Have you tried the Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner? Or are there any other Eyeko products you would recommend?

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Holiday Notice...

I'm off for a weeks break to Chester with my family tomorrow (not as exotic as the above picture but hey-ho) so thought I'd leave a little note letting my readers know that I have my posts scheduled for the week, including two beauty reviews of two of my current faves, so it will be like I haven't gone anywhere!

I hope you all have a lovely week doing whatever you're doing whether it be going away somewhere or getting on with your day-to-day activities. 

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