Grapefruit Glow Sauna Masque

I picked up this Montagne Jeunesse (I still have no idea how to pronounce that) a while back in Primark as I hadn't seen this variety before and it was less that a pound, I think! I've been getting into face masks again lately and I've been trying to apply one every weekend. I used this one up over two weekends and overall I'm very pleased with it. I don't find that face masks have that big an impact on my skin in general, they're just nice and relaxing to use. Basically I don't expect miracles! This one is self heating which I love. The heat doesn't last long at all but it's novel whilst it lasts! I also like to think it's opening up my pores a little bit and hopefully giving them a bit of a clear out. The mask itself is a light green colour and smells nice and zesty. In the past I've found a few to be very strong, so much so that they've made my eyes stream, but this wasn't the case thankfully.  It can be a bit sticky if you're face isn't damp enough, as I found out this morning! It was a bit difficult to spread and it didn't heat up as much. Removal was fine though, I just used a muslin cloth and it came away no probs. My skin was left feeling soft and looking a little but more glowy- although the exfoliation with the hot cloth probably helped a great deal! 

Overall I love these masks for a cheap treat and they rarely let me down. I'll probably pick this one up again at some point. They have so many 'flavours' though that I like to try a different one each time. 

What's your favourite Montagne Jeunesse mask? 

Home Bargains bargains!

Oo I do love a mooch around Home Bargains, and seeing as I only live about ten mins from one I'm there quite frequently! Yesterday I went with my boyfriend after he had taken me out for a lovely lunch. If you live anywhere near Oswestry then I'd really recommend Wednesdays Cafe Bar. The sundried tomato and mozzarella panini I had was yum!  Anyways, back to Home Bargains,  I ended up getting 2 packs of Kleenex shine absorbing sheet as they were just 29p each. What a steal! These are always handy to have in my bag as my face often feels like it's melting off during a busy day! I also bought these cute animal containers. They were in the food storage section but I'll probably use them to keep all my beauty bits and bobs in. I think these were £1.99.

 Now one of my favourite parts of the shop is the sweet aisle as nearly everything is super cheap and you often come across brands you've never heard of before! I got a Frank Honest Snacking blueberry and chocolate snack bar for a mere 10p- just to try it out! The packaging says it's 100% natural, gluten, nut and dairy free as well as being a source of protein. I don't have any intolerances or allergies but I was intrigued all the same, plus it seems healthier than the average choccy bar. Speaking of which, I also got a Polish chocolate bar with banana filling. I love all things banana flavoured so I'm hoping this is nice and not like the crappy banana chocolate I tried in Romania!

I went to Home Bargains again today with my mum after we had been to a car booty (tat galore!) and this time I found a Little White Lie exfoliator for £1.49 which is currently retailing on the brands website for £7.50. It's intended to be used before applying fake tan  but as I hate the stuff  I'll just be using it to smooth my skin out. It contains argan oil as well as sweet almond oil and walnut shell granules. I've tried it out on the back of my hand and whilst it's not as scrubby as my St Ives one it's still fairly gritty and should be good for more frequent use.

Oh and whilst I was shopping with my boyfriend we made a visit to the best sweet shop ever! Mollies! I love it in there as it has the biggest selection of pick & mix sweets I've ever seen. It also has a really good American sweet section and they do slushes and ice creams as well. I adore blue raspberry slushes! It's pretty much heaven for a sugar addict like myself!

So that's what I've bought this weekend- all very bargainous I'd hope you'd agree :)

Current Skincare Routine

Now I'm not terribly strict when it comes to skincare but I do try and have a vague routine. I'm not great at taking off my makeup at night, and often just use a micellar water or face wipes. I know people talk about face wipes as if they are the devils cleanser of choice but they are quite the boon when it comes to quickly taking off my mascara whilst sitting in bed! So at night time I tend to use the L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution or my cheapo Skin Therapy fragrance free facial wipes from Wilko's. If I'm honest I'm going off the L'Oreal micellar solution as it often stings my eyes and I don't really find it that effective at taking off mascara. It is really cheap when it's on offer though, and even when it's not, so that keeps me coming back to it but I may have to find an alternative soon. There's nothing really to say about the wipes apart from the fact they are dirt cheap and do the job. I wouldn't use them as my sole cleanser but they have their
uses!
*Soz for the poor pics, I've basically given up trying to get half way good ones with my old cam now!

Next up is my current cleanser which is Soap & Glory's Peaches and Clean 4 in 1 wash-off deep cleansing milk. I got this last Christmas as part of their massive gift bag thingy so I thought it was time I started using it. Again this is a product I'm not 100% happy with as even though it's a milk, and they're normally more hydrating, I find this to be quite drying, leaving my skin feeling a bit tight sometimes. It also contains AHA's so I thought it might have a more positive effect on the texture of my skin but so far I really can't see it doing much at all bar getting it cleaner! It does smell amazing though, I'll give it that, but scent's not everything! As it's a cream cleanser I like to make sure it's all off so afterwards I've been using Botanics All Bright Cleansing Toner. This is a very recent addition but so far it seems to be doing a good job. However, I don't think it can replace my favourite Garnier Simply Essentials toner.

After cleansing I always moisturise as though my skin can get quite oily I also get dry patches around my nose and mouth and in the space between my eyebrows. A firm favourite is The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream. This never leaves my skin feeling all greasy and tacky and sinks in straight away. If I'm having a particular spotty day I'll use my Clean & Clear Dual Action moisturiser. This isn't as light as the seaweed one but it still sinks in quickly. It also leaves my skin feeling all tingly, which is probably down to the menthol in it. I doubt this is actually very good for my skin but it's refreshing all the same! Oh and whilst the seaweed cream is quite expensive for the amount you get, I never buy it full price as The Body Shop always have great discount codes going on. I absolutely love the 40% off ones!

Regarding spots I've yet to find a good gel that is really effective but now and then I've been using Creightons Perfecting Clear Calming Spot Gel from Poundland. It's a bit sticky but as I usually dab some on at night it's that big a deal.

So yup, for now this is my routine. It's not ideal but it'll do. I also have a feeling my skin would be much better if I didn't use any of this and just used water but what with makeup and all it's just not going to happen!

The Fashion Tag

I saw this tag over at The Style Khaleesi and thought I'd do it too as I seem to be in a tag post mood lately! Feel free to do it too :) 

What are your favourite stores to shop for clothes?
I really like H&M, Primark and sometimes New Look. 

What are your favourite stores to shop for accessories? 
I love Accessorize as there is always something in there for me to lust over! I always find a bag I like but they tend to be quite pricey! 

What are your favourite stores to shop for shoes? 
I get a lot of shoes from Primark but the quality isn't great a lot of the time. A lot of the flats I've gotten from there lately for work have just fallen apart! I also like Schuh as well as Sports Direct for trainers. 

What are your favourite trends at the moment? 
I am the least trendy person ever! I like what I like and I won't wear stuff just because it's the 'in' thing. I do like all the rich, autumnal shades that are in the shops now though, especially burgundy. 

What are some fashion trends you loathe? 
I really didn't like all the cropped stuff around this summer as well as the shorts that were basically denim knickers! 

Are you a jewellery person? Which do you prefer:bracelets, earrings, rings or necklaces? 
I never really wear rings or earrings so I'd have to say bracelets and necklaces. To be honest I rarely wear any jewellery as I haven't got much of it and I tend to forget in the first place! My favourite and most special piece is probably my silver Georg Jensen daisy necklace that my dad got me. 

Name a few items at the top of your fashion wish list at the moment.
I'd love a new winter coat as well as some new boots. I also really want some new converse but have made do with some Primark ones. Oo and I've seen a gorgeous bag at River Island! 

Most expensive item you own in your warbrobe? 
Nothing is very expensive in my wardrobe at all- it's mostly Primark!  I'd have to say my coat from Next as I think that set me back about £60. I don't really have the money to spend on pricey clothes and shoes, though I wish I could splash the cash on something really luxurious! 

How much do you typically spend on fashion? (Are you a huge splurger or a thrifty shopper?) 
Thrifty mostly out of necessity  Though I did spend a fair bit recently on a load of new work clothes. The individual items were fairly cheap but it all added up! 

List 5 wardrobe essentials that you feel every girl should possess.
A good pair of jeans (in whatever style you feel flatters you most-I'm very un-trendy as I said and favour bootcut!), a black vest top, a LBD, a pair of good quality boots and a hoodie for slobbing about in! 

What is your favourite season, in terms of fashion? 
Probably Autumn/Winter. Like I've said previously I find dressing for warmer weather stressful! I just love jeans, boots and hoodies/cardigans! 

What would you say your style is typically like? 
A bit boring really! I tend to stick to basics that I feel comfortable in and I'm nearly always very casual. I love having the opportunity to dress up though-shame it doesn't happen very often. I can't walk in heels to save my life so maybe that's a good thing! 

What is your go-to outfit for lazy/comfy/ casual days when you just feel like throwing something on?
Every day is like this for me really. I tend to just stick on jeans and a t shirt or vest. 

Do you have any influential style icons? 
Nope! 

What is your favourite nail polish at the moment, or just some nail polish colours/brands you love? 
I have so many polishes that I can't really pick a favourite. If I had to though I suppose I'd say my Models Own polish in Purple Poppy as it goes on so well and always cheers me up. Plus it reminds me of one of the first dates I had with my boyfriend. 

What is your favourite fragrance? 
I like Narciso Rodriguez For Her, The Body Shop Brazil Nut body mist, So...? Kiss Me and Kenzo Madly.  
I'm a bit uncool and I like a few of the Impulse body sprays too! 

Pantene 2min Deep Smoothening Masque

I got this hair mask or 'masque' from Poundland quite a while back now but I've only recently started using it. It's not been open long but I've nearly finished it as my hair is so dry and crapola lately- I've been drenching it in the stuff! I've also only recently found out that Pantene isn't cruelty free which is disappointing as it works really well and leaves my hair feeling much softer. I think I will be paying more attention to the products I buy from now on, and I'm sure I'll be able to find a cruelty free alternative that is just as good. In any case if you are interested it has a good texture in that is it neither too runny or thick and has a fresh, clean scent. I do like the typical Pantene smell! It's also easy to rinse out and doesn't weigh my hair down. It works well at helping to detangle my hair but, like I said, my hair is a bit of a mess at the moment and it can only do so much! For a pound though overall it's been good. 

What hair masks would you recommend? 

The Autumn Tag

Today I thought I would do the Autumn tag that is floating around. Even though I haven't been tagged I'm doing it anyway as I'm bored dammit! :-)

1. Favourite thing about Autumn?

I like that I can cover up in jeans and hoodies again and that I can hide away my pasty legs and ugly feet! I find dressing for Summer quite stressful! I hate the shorter days, especially dark cold mornings, but I do like getting all snuggly in my dressing gown and slippers once I'm home. I also start having more baths again (well when I'm back at my mum's at least) and I love soaking with lots of bubbles and magazines. 

2. Favourite drink?

Well right now I'm mad about chai lattes but knowing me I'll probs make myself sick of them soon! I reckon I'll be moving on to hot chocolate shortly. Not too fussed on cream but I have to have marshmallows. They're always a bit sad without them! 

3. Favourite scent/candle?

I like a lot of scented candles but I love the Yankee baby powder one and I've still got a huge one that needs burning up. I've also spotted a big blackcurrant one recently at our local garden centre that smelt lovely so I may try and hunt that one down too. 

4. Best lipstick? 

I have so many lipsticks that I don't really wear any specific ones. Hopefully I will be getting a lot of use out of my new Collection Gothic Glam lipstick in Seduction. My lips turn into lizard skin when it gets colder and the heating goes on so its likely I'll just be slapping on some lip balm. 

5. Go to moisturiser? 

Whatever season I either use The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream, Clean and Clear Dual Action Oil-Free moisturiser or Superdrug Simply Pure Light Moisturiser for sensitive skin. I also like to use a bit of Organic Surge Blissful Daily Moisturiser around my nose as I always get dry patches there. I don't use it all over though as then it looks like I've rubbed in lard! 

6. Go to colours for the eyes? 

I tend to go for neutral shades such as browns, taupes and minks. I love olive and antique gold shades in the Autumn though. 

7. Favourite music or band/singer to listen to? 

I'm not really big on music. That'll probably sound awful to some but it's not really a big part of my life I do enjoy music but I don't really have any faves, I just listen to whatever is on the radio when I'm in my car! 

8. Favourite outfit to wear? 

I like wearing my grey corduroy skinnies (well if they still fit me that is!) and boots along with slouchy cardigans. I love wearing my oatmeal-y one I got from Internationale last year. 

9. Autumn treat? 

I'll be looking for a new winter coat soon as my current one from Next is about 2 years old now and is starting to go a little bobbly. I think I'll look in Next again as even though they are quite expensive I find the quality to be really good. 

Oh and Terry's Chocolate oranges. I'll probably start getting addicted to them again soon. 

10.  Favourite place to be? 

I just like being at any of my three homes with my family or boyfriend. As long as I've got good company I'm happy anywhere.

 I also love being out in the cold and wrapped up watching a firework show. I usually go to the one in Chester but I think we might be going to a different one this year. 

I heart...

I've been lacking  motivation to blog lately but seeing as my boyfriend is hogging the TV and I'm feeling a bit bored and sorry for myself I thought I write a little post about what I've been loving lately. A nice and easy post without having spent any money!

• Chai lattes and chai tea. I just can't get enough of the stuff! 
• The Great British Bake Off. I love food in general, especially all things sweet, so this is my ideal show. I've even got my boyfriend enjoying it and he usually hates what I like. 
• The Body Shop Brazil nut body mist. I adore the smell of this and it's especially nice as the weather is gets colder as it's such a cozy, snuggly scent. 
• MUA Power Pout in Rendezvous. I initially thought that this would be more nudey but it's actually quite pink. I've been wearing it for work a lot recently as a more glossy and brighter alternative to my Revlon balm stain in Honey. 
• Slippers! I've got some new unicorn ones from Primark and some new koala slippers socks and they're so cute. I can see my feet being practically welded to them of an evening soon. 
• Ikea. Well not really loving as we've only been once, rather I'm loving thinking about moving myself in to my boyfriends flat properly and getting more things to prettify the place. I desperately need more storage but all we really ended up with last Sunday was a new whisk, a candle and a mug. Oh and hot dogs and cinnamon rolls! 
• Getting the winter duvet out again! I love being all snuggled up and grub-like. Not enjoying the chillier mornings though, especially post showers! 

So there you have it-just some random trivial waffle!

Collection Lipsticks-retail therapy!

Yesterday I took my dad out for a coffee and afterwards we had a quick mooch around the shops. Whilst in George getting some new boots for school, I perused the Collection stand and picked up the new Deluxe lipstick in Talullah, a pretty pinky peach shade, and the Gothic Glam lipstick in Seduction, a rich berry shade. I thought the former would be a great day time shade and the latter a good choice for Autumn/Winter in general. At £3.98 and £2.98 I reasoned that they would be little affordable treats, though in reality I really don't need any more lipsticks-actually any make up full stop! I haven't worn them properly yet so can't really comment on how they perform but the colours are pigment packed and they both have lovely smooth textures. Overall these made up for a rather stressy day at work and I'm looking forward to giving them a proper outing.
On a side note, I think I really need a new camera-never happy with my photo's lately :/

Have you tried any of these? If so, what do you think of them?

Book Review: Brand New Friend

Wow, I've not done a book review on here in ages! This is the first book I've had the time to read in a long time, which is a shame as I love reading and being able to escape for a little while. This was also a complete bargain as I got it in Poundland as part of a 2 for a quid deal. The other one was called 'Sausage in a Basket: The Great British Book of How Not To Eat'. Strange name aside I actually really enjoyed it but then again I am a bit of a food fiend!
To be concise this is about a guy called Rob who moves to Manchester from London to live with his girlfriend and has to leave behind all his mates. Consequently he has to make new ones which at the age of 32 he finds difficult as everyone already has their own friends. The trouble starts when he finally meets someone who he clicks with. The problem is that she is a girl and the age old issue of whether guys and girls can stay as being 'just friends' surfaces.
I've never read anything by Mike Gayle before but I thought it was well written and accurate in the way he described the complexity of  relationships. The chapters were also quite short too which I like as it keeps the story going at a good pace. The characters were believable and it wasn't as predictable as I first thought it would be. I really do hate predictability, it's so lazy! It was also a change for me as the books I read normally have a female as the main character so it was good to read something from a males viewpoint. Even is he did act like a knob at times.
Overall whilst I didn't find this book amazing I did enjoy it and would recommend it. I love reading books that explore relationships and this do so very well.

What have you read lately? I'd love some recommendations!

Naked For Kids Orange Lollies Untangle Me Spray

After washing my hair it is nearly always in need of a detangling spray, especially now that I am in desperate need of a hair cut! I was using a kids Supersoft one that I got in Home Bargains for a quid but when I saw this one reduced to just 75p in the clearance section at Boots I had to give it a go! Apart from the bargainous price the best thing about this product is the smell. It does indeed smell of oranges and it's so zesty and refreshing. I also like that it's a more natural product. It has not been tested on animals and is vegetarian and vegan friendly.  So far it's been doing a decent job of helping to get the knots out of my hair. I do think the Supersoft one might be marginally better, but like I said my hair is in a bit of a state at the moment and anything would find it a tough job! Still, for the price, it's a lovely product and one I will continue using.

Do you use detangling sprays? If so what would you recommend?

Wet n Wild Coloricon Nail Polish

Hi! Yet again I've left it weeks and weeks without posting anything! As usual it's because I've been a busy bee and unfortunately blogging has had to take a back seat. I still read blogs every day but when it comes to doing my own I just can't seem to get motivated! I thought I would do an easy polish post to ease myself back into writing but frankly these polishes has made me feel right naggy! They were so hard to capture on camera- my pics definitely don't do them justice.
Anyways, the polishes in question are two Wet n Wild Coloricon polishes in 'Speak When Spoken To' and 'Bow In My Presence'. Cool names you have to agree! These were a complete impulse buy from Cosmetics Fairy but at just 99p each I thought they were worth a try, especially after looking at swatches online. The blog 'Scrangie' has great swatches- much better than what I can give! Check them out here.  Although my pictures give the impression I have picked up two of the same they do actually have their differences. 'Speak When Spoken To' has a more purple tone and 'Bow In My Presence' is a little more greeny blue. My pic shows just two coats of each but I have tried them over a black polish and that is when they really come to life! So pretty! These also apply really well and dry super fast. The polish is glitter packed so there is no need to dab it on! I haven't used a topcoat but I do think they would benefit from the glossiness.
Overall I'm very pleased with these and love how they remind me of fairy dust!