Seeing as I haven't talked about skincare for ages, I thought that today I would update you on my current favourite products in my routine. I tend to stick to drugstore skincare so that I can try lots of different things without splashing out on one product and not knowing whether it's going to work for me or not.
Simple Purifying Cleansing Lotion: I mentioned this a while back now in another skincare post, but since then I haven't stopped using it! As I have combination skin, I like to use a gentle cleanser that doesn't irritate my skin but is still really thorough at taking off my make-up. Simple is also really affordable, and they always seem to have offers on too. They're definitely one of my favourite skincare brands, as I also use their cleansing wipes and toner on a regular basis.
MyChelle Wrinkle Spot Treatment*: You might be wondering what a wrinkle treatment is doing in my routine, as I hardly have the need for one yet! However, when I was sent this to try I still wanted to give it a go and I've actually really enjoyed using it. I haven't been using it for wrinkles as such, I like to use it under my eyes to perk them up a little and it also gives a really nice glow to the skin. The rollerball applicator is great too, as it gives a cooling effect to my under eye area.
Soap & Glory The Ultimelt: Lastly is another cleanser option, but this time it's a hot cloth cleanser. I've been breaking out a lot recently and so have tried to make sure I use lots of purifying and cleansing products to clear it up, and this product is great for that. It has a lovely warming effect as you rub it into the skin, and then after that you wash it off with a warm muslin cloth. I just find it works really well for a deep cleanse and making sure all your make-up is completely removed.
What are your current skincare favourites?
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
(Disclaimer: I don't any of the above photos.)
As it's coming up to Christmas, I wanted to share my take on a gift guide. All the products I've included are under £20 and so would make great stocking fillers or presents on their own.
The first thing I chose was this cute gift set from Soap & Glory. Their sugar crush sent is really popular, and it's also handy that it comes in a pretty box too! This is available at Boots at the moment and is part of their 3 for 2 deal on Christmas gift sets - such a good offer! Next is the Mug Cakes book which I think would be perfect for baking lovers, or even someone who doesn't really know how to cook and would enjoy some simple recipes like these. I've also chosen a couple of beauty baubles which would be good for stocking filers.
Next are a couple of nail products - I personally think these are great gifts for girls like me who are obsessed with nail polish! The first is a stunning velvet polish from Urban Outfitters, or - if they're a bit short on time - then this Elegant Touch set would be perfect instead. I also like these slipper socks from Urban Outfitters - they're adorable but still affordable too. And lastly is a set of Bourjois' Colour Boosts. Considering the price of each individual product, this set is great value for money - and perfect for any beauty lover.
What do you think of these gift ideas?
Today I wanted to talk about a recent purchase of mine - the Soap & Glory The Perfect Ten palette. This is part of their Christmas range, and although it seems a bit early to be talking about Christmas, I bought this as a present to myself as it's not particularly festive or anything. However, I still think this would make a great gift too!
I'm not usually a massive fan of this type of flip-open packaging, but I actually don't mind it in this case because it's really sleek and compact, and I also like the design on the front. Inside are ten eye shadows, with seven shimmers and three matte shades. They have great pigmentation and, like most Soap & Glory products, are generally really good quality. It comes with a brush as well, although I wouldn't recommend keeping this as it's tiny and not worth using.
My favourite shades would probably have to be the browns and taupes, like Aubersheen, Taupe Cat and Brownie. It also comes with a gorgeous gold called Gold Coast, and a unique rose gold/copper colour called Sunset. At £16, it's not too pricey and could be a cheaper alternative to the Naked palettes.
Have you tried this palette? What do you think of it?
As you may know, this Saturday is my birthday! I'm actually working all day, so last weekend my Dad took me shopping to pick out some things that I wanted. I didn't ask for anything in particular this year, so this was much easier!
The first place I went was Primark. Firstly I picked up a couple of vests - one yellow lace top and one thin navy top. I also bought some new pyjama bottoms as I absolutely love the Primark ones and definitely needed some new PJ's. I then chose a couple of cute gold necklaces, as I really wanted some new jewellery. And lastly, I got a 5 pack of ankle frilly socks along with some pretty black flats.
Next, I went to Boots - where I probably did the most damage! To start with, I bought a few nail polishes - I got one of the new Barry M Gelly's in Huckleberry, one of the new Models Own speckled polishes in Magpie and an Essie one in the shade Splash of Grenadine. I also got some lip products (a girl can never have too many) - I picked up the Maybelline Colour Sensational Gloss in Cashmere Rose, as I've heard so many good things about it recently. I also chose the Revlon Lacquer Balm in Demure which I've been eyeing up ever since they were released. Next, I bought the Soap & Glory Archery in Brownie Points, which again I've wanted for a long time, and the Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray. Lastly are a couple of boring bits - the Blistex Intense Moisture Lip Balm and the Blanx White Shock Treatment.
I then went to H&M and Topshop and got a couple of things. In H&M, I got a simple black bag as the one I use at the moment is really tatty and so I needed a new one. I also spotted this gorgeous white jumper with big black daisies on that I love, as well as a cute silver arrow necklace. In Topshop, I picked up a pair of thick leggings/trousers in a black and white checked print, and a dress that I've had saved to my favourites for way too long!
And that's everything I bought! What have you picked up from the shops recently?
January has sped past so quickly, and so of course it's time to share with you the products I've been loving this month, along with a couple of non-beauty related things.
Soap & Glory Hand Food - I've had this product many times before, but never in this type of container. It was something I received for Christmas, and I've definitely been using it a lot! I put it next to my hand wash in my bathroom and so after I wash my hands I can pop a bit of this on for some extra moisture. The smell is the typical Soap & Glory one - which is amazing - and I'd definitely recommend trying it if you haven't already.
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat - Again this is something I received for Christmas (sensing a theme?). Before getting this I was never one to use top coats, and yet now I don't paint my nails without it! It smooths down any bumps and dries super fast, so it's perfect if you're in a rush.
Rimmel Scandal Eyes Micro Eyeliner - If you know me, then you'll know I'm not a huge eyeliner wearer at all. However, I've always wanted to master felt tip liner and so I spontaneously picked this up in Boots a few weeks ago. Since then, I've been slowly incorporating it into my routine and have even attempted some cat flicks (without much success), and overall I've been loving it!
Diesel Loverdose Perfume - I'm a huge fan of sweet scents, and so when I received this for Christmas I was so excited to give it a try! Since getting it, I've used it pretty much every day and I absolutely love the scent. I've even had to stop myself from using it sometimes as I don't want it to run out too quickly.
Imperial Leather Foamburst Shower Gel - This is a bit of a random addition, but one I just had to include! This is my second bottle of this shower gel now, and I swear I'm never going back to the regular formula. Instead of the usual gel type consistency, this comes out as a white mixture, which when mixed with water turns into a foam! It's so much easier to use, and there are tons of scents to choose from (I recommend the lime or honey one).
MAC Quad Palette - I've already done a post on this so I won't say too much, but my MAC Quad has definitely been my go to palette this month, especially All That Glitters and Sumptuous Olive, as they go great together.
That's all of my beauty favourites for the month, but I also wanted to include a couple of lifestyle bits as well. I've really been getting into Tom Odell - especially his song I Know - I love his style of music and his songs are just amazing. I've also been reading a lot of books this month, my favorites so far being the Mortal Instruments series. I'm currently on the fourth one (so no spoilers please), and I'm in love!
What have you been loving this month?
New Look earrings / Loverdose perfume / Guerlain perfume set / Rimmel Space Dust nail polishes / MAC quad palette and eye shadows / Nail styling kit / No 7 Highlighting Stick / Dixi jewellery / Paddle brush / No 7 light up compact mirror / Lush Luxury Lush Pud, Phoenix Rising and Fun / Soap & Glory Hand Food / Sally Hansen Insta-Dri top coat.
H&M grey jumper / Emporium necklace / New Look jumper / WH Smith notebook / Allegiant by Veronica Roth.
Mahalo ukulele and level 1 book.
I hope you all had an amazing Christmas yesterday! I spent the day at home as I usually do, spending time with my family, opening presents and watching lots of Christmas specials on TV! As you all loved seeing what presents I received last year, I thought I'd show you again this year too! I'm in now way bragging or showing off, I just find it really fun to see what other people get so hopefully you do too. The presents shown above are all from my family, but I also got some great gifts from friends as well which I'd opened before Christmas.
I received some really amazing presents, including a MAC quad palette with 4 eyeshadows from my parents, which I can't wait to use (and blog about). Some of my other favourites were the perfumes, jewellery and the bath bits from Lush. I also can't wait to read Allegiant, as I love the Divergent series! One present I wasn't expecting was the ukulele I received from my godmother - it's such a quirky and cute gift and one I can't wait to use!
On the whole, I had a great Christmas, and thank you to everyone who bought me any gifts - I loved everything.
What did you get for Christmas?
