September Favourites

This month has gone by so quickly, I swear time goes faster when you're living on a monthly income! This month I have bought quite a few new products that I have been loving, and have also rediscovered some old gems. So lets get started...

Nivea Lip Balm
I bought this in Poundland a couple of weks ago (see my haul here) and this month I've been using it daily on my lips to keep them moisturised. I find a lot of lip balms and lip products such as Carmex leave my lips very dry after a couple of weeks but I have yet to find the same problem with this product.

Just Pink by Next
I'm quite fussy when it comes to perfume, especially the more expensive ones but every now and then I like to try something. This is quite a heavy scent and it reminds me of Euphoria by Calvin Klein a little bit. I would call it quite a 'grown up' perfume and definitely one for an evening. I've worn this out in the local pubs and out for food and it lasts ages.

Bourjois Vintage Rose Palette
This is another of my new purchases. I never really go for coloured eye shadow, I normally stick to greys and bronze shades but these colours are so gorgeous that I could not resist! I use the light shade for highlighting the brow bone and for the inner corners, the medium shade for the lid and then the dark shade in the crease and then blend with the medium shade on the lid. Its a really lovely palette and one that can be worn when the weather is changing as it suits end-of-summer and Autumn clothing.

Tangle Teezer
I am so so so happy that I decided to buy this, I'm actually a little gutted I waited so long! I've done a full review of it here but all in all its a lovely brush to use especially with long, damp hair. I've been using this every day, and where my hair used to be quite greasy I've noticed it been a lot better since using this brush so a big thumbs up!

Wella Reflections Oil
Another new purchase and another product that I have fully reviewed (click here) but I have loved using this product. It has a gorgeous smell to it, after using it for a few weeks my hair already feels softer and thicker, and I just think it has helped improve the overall condition of my hair.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer
I have rediscovered this concealer this month. I have been suffering with quite dark eye circles and although my Lasting Perfection Concealer is very good when it comes to coverage, this concealer just makes my under eye area look much brighter and more awake.

So there we have it! I love discovering new little gems and also rediscovering old favourites, I always have my staple items that I can't live without but its nice to change to different products every now and then.

Has anyone else been loving any of these products? What are your monthly faves? Leave links below.

My Bourjois Collection

I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but this summer Bourjois has taken over the number one spot in drugstore beauty! I love love love Rimmel and Revlon but for the last couple of months, every time Bourjois have released a new product I have been desperate to buy and try it. I thought I would do a little review on the Bourjois products I have recently collected.

Healthy Mix Serum
I've read about this foundation a few times on other blogs and was quite eager to try it especially as it is a light coverage (its actually more like a tinted moisturiser) which I like for daily wear. I used about  pump size amount to begin with and used my Real Techniques buffing brush to work and blend it into the skin. I need a little more as it is very light coverage but its a lovely base to work with. I found it blended really easily and although it left me with a polished look, I didn't feel caked in foundation like some of the heavier coverage foundations.
Colour Boost in Red Sunrise and Orange Punch
These are just lovely! Theyre designed in the style of the Clinique Chubby Sticks but at half the price. They apply very easily on the lips for either a slick of colour or it can be built up to a much more bolder statement. These feel very moisturising on the lips and look glossy yet aren't sticky at all. And the colours are beautiful. I currently own Red Sunrise, which is quite a bold lip colour so is perfect for an evening look, and Orange Punch, which I a lot more subtle but is lovely if you're going for a smoky eye, or just for during the day.

Maxi Delight Bronzer
I usually use Rimmel Sun Shimmer bronzer but decided to pick this one up as part of a recent 3 for 2 in Boots. The first thing I prefer about this bronzer is the larger size and although this doesn't make it very compact, its nice having a larger palette to work with. The bronzer hasn't got as much shimmer as other bronzers I've tried and seems more subtle which I like, it looks more natural and doesn't give the orange glow like some so will be good in the winter. I use a bronzer brush to apply the bronzer to the hollows of my cheeks and then any areas of my face that tan easily. I do really like this bronzer and I'm really happy I gave it a try.

Flower Perfection Translucent Smoothing Primer
This is a lovely light primer that absorbs very well into the skin, so that foundation application can happen immediately. In terms of staying power, it does a very good job and definitely helps my oily skin keep my make up in place. Another purchase I am happy with!

Smokey Eye Eyeshadow Palette in Vintage Rose
I've never tried any of the eye shadows from Bourjois but as soon as I saw this little palette, it had to be mine! The colours are gorgeous! The lightest shade is a perfect highlight shade to use on the brow bone and the inner corners of the eye, it is very pale but if you want a more striking contrast the colour could be built up. The medium shade I used on the lid, the shadow is quite pigmented so I didn't need a lot which is another bonus. The dark shade I used in the crease and then just to extend the eye slightly. this is another real winner, it could work as a subtle daytime look or be built up for an evening look.

Product Review: Real Techniques Core Collection

This is a product I have been after for quite a while. I always find with make up brushes that they are crazy over priced and that they're pretty universal. I had read countless reviews on these brushes, and every single 'Get Ready With Me' video or make up tutorial I watched, these were featured at some point. I had put off buying them purely because of the price but the more I heard these rave reviews the more I knew I had to try them out.

So the Core Collection consists of 4 brushes-a Buffing Brush, a Contour Brush, a Detailer Brush and a Pointed Foundation Brush.

Buffing Brush

This was the one I was most excited to use as it always has excellent reviews. I decided to try it for the first time with my Revlon Nearly Naked foundation. I dabbed a little on to the brush and then 'buffed' the foundation onto the skin. When I say 'buffed' I mean that I dabbed the brush gently onto my skin and moved in very small circles so that the foundation blended in and gave an even coverage. I have to admit I honestly didn't expect such good results, I thought it would be another overrated product. However I was pleasantly surprised. Using this brush changed the way I apply my make up, it leaves such a flawless finish. I have since used it with concealer and that has also had the same effect. This brush leaves a very smooth and even finish, and makes sure the product blended perfectly.

Contour Brush

I am certainly not a contouring kind of girl, the whole idea scares me however I am always willing to attempt to contour, just very subtly. I already have a bronzer brush and a blush brush that I am happy using so I suppose I could use this brush for highlighter, or to just blend so I don't have any lines. I accidently picked this brush up instead of the buffing brush and it does a fantastic job at blending in concealer under and around the eye. I know that's not the proper use of the brush but I have found it works really well.

Detailer Brush

I have used this brush for a couple of things. Firstly was for applying concealer under the eye, especially towards the corners and just making sure there is no build up of product that the larger brush might have missed. I have also used this to apply the Maybelline Colour Tattoos. I find using an eye shadow blending brush to be a bit to soft for this product, but this brush seems to work wonderfully. I use it too apply the product to the outer part of the lid and build up the colour. I then use an eye shadow brush just to blend.

Pointed Foundation Brush

This is the only brush of the collection that I am not sold on. As I have said, I use the Buffing Brush for my liquid foundation and have found that works so much better than this brush. This brush feels like you are painting the foundation onto your skin, and it leaves stroke marks on the skin. The only area this brush is good for is around the nostrils as the tip of the brush can blend any foundation that might have been missed by the bigger brush.

So there we have it! I am glad that I bought these brushes as I really wanted to try them and, apart from the Pointed Foundation Brush, they have really impressed me and lived up to their name.

Has anyone found a good use for the Pointed Foundation Brush? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Product Review-Tangle Teezer

This is something I have wanted ever since I started reading blogs. I've never put much thought into hair brushes as I usually use combs on my hair, I find brushes just pull my hair out. But even then, I buy a cheap wide tooth comb from a drugstore. When I first started to read blogs, the first thing I noticed is a staple item amongst beauty bloggers was a Tangle Teezer. I read lots of reviews about them but decided that £12 was too much for a hair brush. However as the weather started to get warmer, my hair just seemed to be going from bad condition to worse. Something needed to be done! I put a lot more thought into the products I was using on my hair, started using deep conditioning masks and just worked hard on building back up the condition of my hair.

I then decided the time had come for me to make an investment in a Tangle Teezer, and I'm so glad I did. I know that sounds a bit over dramatic for just buying a hair brush but it is honestly the best brush I have used. My hair is very tangled after washing, I use this brush and it has detangled within a couple of brushes and I hadn't felt a thing. I also have noticed that my hair hasn't been so frizzy or been getting greasy as quickly as it used to. My mum is a hairdresser and she has even commented on the change in quality and condition of my hair.

So if anyone is contemplating buying one of these beauties, just do it! Its a miracle worker, and an absolute must have now in my hair care routine.

Has anyone else had similar results?

Poundland Haul

I'm a bit of a sucker for Poundland. I used to be a bit of a snob and would wait outside whilst whoever I was with went in to venture through the aisles, but now I love it! You can find so many random things in there and if it doesn't work out to be the best thing you've ever bought, it was only a £1! So I had a little splurge this month...

 

Rimmel Glam Eyes HD in Heart Of Gold
This is why I love Poundland, there are some real beauty gems in there if you look properly! I really like a bronze eye look at the minute so when I saw this mini palette it had to be mine. I haven't used it yet but I think it will look lovely as a subtle day time look or a bit more glammed up in the evening.
Rimmel Wake Me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch in Radiant Rose
I already have the Shimmering Sand shade in this product and as we're heading for the cooler months I think a pink cheek can look lovely. This one has a slight shimmer to it as the name suggests, but not quite as much as the Shimmering Sand. I have tried it and it leaves a subtle pink tone to the cheek, which could be built up for a more striking look.
Beauty Formulas Deep Cleansing Nose Pore Strips
This is one of those products that could work out being pretty useless but if it is then I won't lose any tears. I'm going to have a go at these on a pampering night, after a facemask maybe? I haven't tried anything like this before so I'm quite eager to give them a go! They claim to remove blackheads, dirt and grease, tighten pores and help remove bacteria that cause spots. I may report back if they do a good job.
Just 4 U Max Volume Powder
I don't really know what made me pick this up. My mum is a hairdresser and she's been on for a while about volume powders. I wasn't really that interested as my hair isn't overly flat but when I saw this I thought I would give it a try. The idea is to use a small amount of powder on the roots of your hair before styling. Another product that could swing either way. #Dodge
Johnson's Cotton Buds
Bit of a beauty staple item here. I use cotton buds for tidying up my eye make up-random I know! I'm not the best at applying eye make up and my mascara always seems to leave specs around my eyes, so I use one of these with some eye make up remover and just tidy it up a bit. Bob's your uncle!

So there we have it, a small haul but I found some products that I'm pretty keen to test. Does anyone else enjoy a Poundland splurge? Found any other treasures?

Product Review-Wella Reflections Oil

 

 

 

I have always been a bit dubious about using oils on my hair as my hair is quite oily anyway and can become greasy very quickly with too much product. My mum is a hairdresser and when I was moaning to her about how dry the ends of my hair was and that it was taking ages to grow, she suggested trying an oil. As she works in a salon she has tried and tested a lot of the latest hair products. She has remained loyal to Wella throughout her career and so, naturally, suggested I try this oil from Wella. She ordered it for me so I paid £7.50 for it (which is pretty good compared to others). It comes in quite a large bottle and has a pump which I find really useful.

Wella Oil Reflections contains macadamia seed oil, avocado oil and vitamin E which is a natural anti-oxidant for hair. I use 2 pumps as my hair is long and thick, and then just run the oil through the mid lengths and ends with my hands after washing my hair. I wouldn't dare use oil on the roots of my hair as my hair is very naturally greasy and oily anyway and I know that this product would just make that even worse. Then I either leave my hair to dry naturally (I'm lazy and drying my hair takes an absolute age!) or if I'm going out somewhere and need dry hair, I'll blow dry it. I noticed the difference in my hair the first time I used this oil. The results are so much better than what I had anticipated. Firstly, the smell is beautiful. Its quite a nutty scent but it smells very luxurious. Before using this product my hair was very dry on the ends and mid lengths, but now they are much softer and don't feel so coarse. After using this for a couple of weeks, I definitely think it has helped improve the condition of my hair. This is a product I would absolutely recommend, even if you're someone who suffers with greasy hair. This is the first oil I have used so unfortunately don't have anything to compare it with, but I have used Argon oil based cream on my hair but that didn't really have an effect, no the extent of this product.

Has anyone else tried Wella Oil Reflections? Can anyone suggest any other oils?

Empties

This is one of my favourite type of posts because it shows what products the blogger has actually been using. I have got quite a few empties to talk about so I'll get started...

Nivea Regenerating Night Cream
This cream I picked up on an absolute whim because I needed a new one and this one was on offer. Simple. I've really been struggling with my skin this summer, it has been so oily, so I've been reluctant to use too much moisturiser as obviously this doesn't help. I have been applying a thin layer at night just before I go to bed. Its helped my skin but I can't say its made a remarkable difference. Definitely putting more thought into my next moisturiser!
Radox Moisturise Shower Cream in Chamomile & Jojoba Oil
My favourite shower gel, ever! I only really buy shower gel when they're on offer and then I just stock up. But this beauty is my favourite. I've loved it for years and I also have the hand wash version. I'm not too good at describing scents, it just smells very clean and fresh. Its a lovely calming shower cream and really feels like its moisturising your skin. The smell stays on your skin for ages after aswell which is lovely.
E45 Intense Recovery Moisture Control Lotion
Although I suffer with oily skin on my face, my arms are the complete opposite. They are very dry and in the winter there are always broken areas of skin or scratch marks. I use a thicker moisturiser in the winter but in the summer I want something lighter and easily absorbed. So I read about this in Cosmo one month and I love it! Its thin but ideal to apply in a rush. It absorbs really quickly and has absolutely helped with my dry arms. I've used occasionally on my legs aswell and it always leaves them feeling super soft.
Simple Kind To Skin Purifying Cleansing Lotion
I really like Simple as I know that a lot of drug store brands do use harsh chemicals in their products. I like to use the least amount of products as I can on my skin and I like using simple products because I know its good for the skin. I use this lotion at night after I have removed my make up. it almost feels like a moisturiser but it absorbs really quickly. I will definitely be repurchasing this!
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner
Another favourite brand of mine. I am a major shampoo and conditioner hoarder. If one of my favourite brands is on offer in a supermarket or drugstore I will always stock up, and if its herbal essences I usally get 3 or 4 bottle from their different ranges. I love their Bee Strong range but my other favourite is Hello Hydration. It has a coconut scent which has been lovely using in the summer. I use this after I have shampooed, on the mid lengths and ends. What I love most about herbal essences is that you can always smell their signature scents on your hair the day after. I think I have already repurchased this bottle ready for use!
John Frieda Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo
I have to say, this has probably been the least favourite product out of all of these empties. I don't think its done an amzing job in the colour of my hair, I don't like the smell of this shampoo at all and I never feel like I've rinsed all the product out as it lathers up so much. I have used this product before but I don't think I'm going to be repurchasing, it can be quite pricey when its not offer and I don't actually think its worth it. I would like to try their Total Repair range as I think that would probably be better for my hair in its current condition.
Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait
These lip butters are so lovely. If you haven't tried them yet then I highly recommend. They are well pigmented so last ages, feel really moisturising on the lips and come in a lovely selection of shades. This is a subtle nude shade and I wear it a lot at work. It has a bit of shimmer in so can be built up for more of an evening look. I am definitely going to purchase more of these come payday!

So there we go :) Has anyone else used any of these products? What do you think about them?

Boots Haul #2

Another naughty Boots spend! The item I was most keen to get my hands on was the Real Techniques brushes because I have been wanted them for so long. A couple of necessity items and then a few Boots deals.... (P.S. sorry about the quality of the pics, I'm having a bit of difficulty at the moment with my photography skills so if anyone has any good tips or related posts, please feel free to share!)

 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum
I've been after a new foundation for a little while and although I was looking for one with a bit heavier coverage, I've heard rave reviews about this so decided to pick it up. It has a similar coverage to a tinted moisturiser but I prefer that. I will do a full review soon!
Bourjois Maxi Delight Bronzer
My Rimmel Sun Shimmer Bronzer didn't last very long before I dropped it and it shattered into a million tiny pieces. So when I saw that Bourjois also had a 3 for 2 in Boots I thought I would pick this is up as part of the deal as I watched a video by LLYMLRS and she raved about this bronzer. I haven't used it yet but I'm pretty excited to use it, I love a good bronze!
Models Own Nail Polish in Blueberry Muffin and Nude Beige
I'm not going to lie, the only reason I went for the blueberry muffin shade is because of the scent it promised. I haven't tried it out yet so I don't know if this smell sticks but its still pretty cool. Plus the colour is lovely. Another brand another Boots deal (2 for £8) and as I only buy nail polishes when they're on offer I thought I would add these two to my collection. Plus I've never used Model's Own so I'm pretty excited to test them out.
Real Techniques Core Collection
Another blogging fave! In every single YouTube tutorial or 'Get Ready With Me' video that I have watched, these brushes are used. I'm a bit tight with brushes and I always think they are crazy overpriced but when I saw that for one single Real Techniques brush it would cost £9.99 I thought I was getting a pretty good deal buying 4 for £21.99. And they are lovely to use, especially the buffing brush. I actually think these brushes are changing the way I apply makeup. I love it!
Bourjois Colour Boost in Red Sunrise
This product has been reviewed by every single blog that I read so the time had come where I had to try it out for myself. I couldn't decide on the colour as I loved them all but I haven't really got a lip colour like this one so went for it. Its a deep pink/red shade and is super glossy, I love it! It applies really easily and lasts quite a while, leaving your lips feeling moisturised but not sticky. Perfect!
Boots Oval Cotton Wool Pads
A staple item in one's beauty collection, I must go through so many cotton wool pads! When I saw these slightly bigger ones I decided to go for them as they will probably last longer because I won't have to use as many.
Boots Nail Polish Remover
Another necessity. I've almost ran out of my current bottle so needed to pick one up. I believe that one nail polish remover is the same as another so I'm not prepared to splash out on a more expensive brand. #Cheap

So that was my second Boots haul, 2 in one month! I do feel for my poor bank balance. I do love Boots though, I always go for whatever they have on offer. I just love looking at my receipt after and seeing what I've saved so that later, when I have to justify my purchases when buyers remorse sinks in, I have some proof that it was actually a bargain!

Has anyone else made the most of the Boots deals? Or got their hands on some new beauty goodies recently?

The Liebster Award

I have been nominated by Beauty Loves for The Leibster Award which I an award for blogs with less than 200 followers.

These are the rules:
-Share 11 random facts about yourself
-Answer the 11 questions given to you by the person who nominated you for this award
-Nominate blogs with less than 200 followers
-Create 11 new questions
-No tag backs

11 Random Facts About Me
1. I have a strange talent where I can remember most of the lyrics to a song after listening to it 2 or 3 times. I tend to sing out loud a lot (ooo that could have been two facts, sneaky).
2.  I don't like Christmas or my birthday.
3. My natural hair colour is mousey brown but I have coloured it ever since I was 11 (I worked pink dip dye waaaay before it came back in fashion).
4. I have 4 dogs and a tortoise called Neil.
5. I love listening to the rain when I'm in bed. I don't like the rain at all any other time.
6. I'm a huge boyband fan. My favourite used to be Westlife until they split up, now there are just way too many to choose from.
7. I have very vivid dreams every single night and I always remember them.
8. I'm 5ft 4".
9. I'm terrified of anything that can fly but in particular birds. I cant even walk past a pigeon.
10. I used to be addicted to Coca Cola and would drink 2 litres of it a day. For 2 and a half years now I haven't touched a drop and tend to just stick to water (Coca Cola anonymous anyone?).
11. I cannot cook to save my life. I can just about rustle up a stir fry but I would never trust myself to let other people try my food.

11 Questions Asked By BeautyLoves
1. If you had to go back in time and give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
It would be to not worry so much about how you look or what you wear, when you're young you're supposed to make mistakes! I remember just sticking to the same old thing (jeans, t-shirt, hoody) because I knew it was safe, but it was boring! I'm now so much more adventurous with everything, so yea I would tell my younger self to just relax about everything and be yourself!
2. What is your guilty pleasure?
This is a hard one! Its a bit of a foodie one but I love love love marmite and soft cheese on toast. It sounds random and weird, yes, but honestly give it a go, its so good!
3. Why did you start blogging?
I have become addicted to the blogging scene and every time I read a post about how they got started or tips for starting out, it always said if you think you can do it and write about things that interest you then do it. So I did! And I love it. Its so much harder than I thought in terms of gaining followers etc. but I love it and I get all excited when I see I've got a new follower or someone commented on my post.
4. What's the best opportunity you have gained from blogging?
I haven't really had any opportunities to be honest. I'm still just getting used to it, getting to know more people and asking for advice.
5. What is your favourite magazine?
Has to be Cosmo, 100%! I also like Look but I only get it when I'm getting my hair done or going on a train or something.
6. What are your go-to beauty products?
My Rimmel BB cream has been a saviour in these hot months. My tangle teezer is my latest go-to product because it is simply amazing (I'm posting a review very soon) and my Nivea lip balms are another go-to product. I suffer with really dry lips and they just keep them moisturised throughout the day.
7. What reality television programme do you wish you were part of?
Made In Chelsea! I am completely addicted to it, I love their way of life! I get really caught up in all the drama and just love seeing what they do. I'm such a nosey person.
8. What celebrity do you style yourself upon?
I don't style myself upon anyone but I like Holly Willoughby's style because she knows exactly what to wear for her figure. I also love Millie Mackintosh's beauty style. I know that she is a make up artist, but she always looks effortlessly flawless!
9. Makeup, shoes or bags? (if you had to pick just one)
Probably make up but its a very hard choice between that and shoes. I'm a collector of both! (I bet most of us can admit we are though)
10. Other than blogging, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I don't really get much spare time but when I do I catch up on all my favourite programmes, do a bit of shopping and catch up with friends and family.
11. What do you hope your blog will be like in a years time?
I don't know what I hope it will be like but I hope that I still enjoy doing it and that I'm still jus as passionate if not more! I also hope to meet some more new people.

Questions For My Nominees
1. If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
2. Favourite drug store beauty brand?
3. How long have you been blogging?
4. What advice would you give to yourself now about starting a blog?
5. Do you have subscriptions to Beauty boxes and would you recommend them?
6. Do your friends and family know about your blog?
7. Do you have any goals for your blog in terms of followers or future posts etc.?
8. Would you ever star in a Big Brother style reality show?
9. If you could only pick 5 makeup products to use for a whole weekend, what would it be?
10. Is there a beauty product that you absolutely could not live without?
11. What is your favourite part about blogging? (Very general I know but thinking of these questions is hard!)

I'll tag my nominees on twitter, remember to tag me in your reply so I can read your answers :)

Hair Care-Heat Protection

Due to years of colouring and heat damage, my hair has become very dry and damaged. Throughout my school years I was dying my hair every few weeks, then when I turned 16 I started getting bleach highlights and straightening my hair. I was a bit naïve about using  heat protection products and so now my hair is suffering. I have been using a range of products to help restore and nourish my damaged hair.

John Frieda Full Repair Perfect Ends Deep Infusion
I picked this up at the beginning of the summer months. I don't know what it is about summer but I always want my hair to look extra lovely, extra smooth and in tip top condition. I have noticed I've got a few split ends so I thought I would try and give them an extra helping hand. I used this product religiously on my hair for about a month and can honestly say I saw no improvement. You're supposed to use a pump size amount on wet hair, concentrating mainly on the ends and damaged areas, before using heated appliances. I was pretty disappointed, but I think I had hoped a bit too much that my horrible split ends would disappear. I won't be going back to this product.
Phil Smith Total Treat Argon Oil Hair Transforming Cream
I've been very nervous about using oil based products on my hair. I know everybody raves about oils and how marvellous they are, but I suffer from greasy hair so adding more oils into my already oily hair is something I was slightly hesitant about. However after reading an article about someone who described their own hair as I would mine and said oils worked a treat, I decided I would pluck up the courage and give it a go! I received this little sample in a magazine so whilst waiting for payday to go out and treat myself to an oil, I thought I would try this. This is a oil based cream rather than an actual oil. But I have to say so far so good! You only need a pea-size amount for your hair whilst its wet. It leaves the hair much softer but without the greasy effect that some products give my hair. I always find it feel a bit thicker after using this for a while. I'm pretty impressed so far, this encourages even more so about jumping on that bandwagon!

V05 Smoothly Does It Heat Protect Serum
I don't use heated appliances that much on my hair, I'll use the hair dryer if I'm going out afterwards and sometimes use my straighteners. Obviously protecting your hair from the intense heat is very important and I like the V05 range so that's why I opted for this one. If I'm going to use the hair dryer, I'll run a very small amount of the serum through the mid-lengths and ends of my hair. Aswell as protecting hair from the heat, this product claims to fight frizz and leave a shine, and it does do what it says on the tin! I suffer from frizzy hair, especially in these warmer months, so am always happy for a product that helps with that. So this one is a double winner! I also use this before using the straighteners on my hair for that extra bit of protection.

A combination of these products and using good conditioners is definitely making a difference to my hair. Can anyone recommend other products that could help with my damaged/dry hair?

Tesco Haul

I know that people can be a bit snobby when it comes to supermarket clothing but I love them, and I love buying a good beauty bargain from the supermarket aswell.

Berry Peplum Top
I fell in love with this top as soon as I saw it! The colour alone drew me in as its a lovely colour for autumn, but I really like a Peplum and I know they look very flattering. I also think the black sheer panel under the collar of the top is a bit different and an attractive detail to the top. The texture is quite different aswell and something I haven't seen before. This top is something I would wear on an evening either going out for food, to the pub or into town to hit a few bars. I think I will probably pair this top with a pair of black or denim jeans and then some heels and a blazer.
Navy Cardigan
I have been after a new navy cardigan for ages as my old one is now used for work. Although this one is a bit thicker than I would like, its fits lovely and I think it will be really cosy when the months get a colder. Its quite a versatile cardigan, I could wear it during the day with a dress or a pair of jeans and a top, or on a casual evening to the pub.

Green Vest
Another item that I had to have as soon as I saw it. This isn't a colour I would normally go for but it actually quite suits my skin tone. The reason I love this top is the texture of the front of the top. Its almost got a mock croc-type finish to it but the back is just cotton. Its very loose fitting so would be perfect to wear out for food. Another item that I could wear during the day or out on an evening.
Green Studded Shoes
Once again this isn't a colour I would normally go for but it was another item that as soon as I saw it I had to get it. They're really comfortable and I love the shape of these shoes, I just think they're quite classy in their fit. The studs also add a bit of grunge to the pair without being too obvious. The best part was they were reduced to 50% off! I think they would look really nice with my acid wash jeans, a plain vest and my leather jacket.

Pantene Repair and Protect Shampoo
I am a massive shampoo and conditioner hoarder. If one of my favourite brands are on offer I will most definitely purchase a couple of bottles so I've got them ready. Pantene isn't a brand I always go for but I now they are good quality products. This bottle was half price so I can't go wrong really.

E45 Cream
I suffer with dry skin on the top of my arms and during the summer, as it hasn't been so bad, I've just been using a light E45 lotion but as the weather is going to change soon, I need something a bit thicker and more moisturising for the skin. This E45 cream was on offer in Tesco and I would have been a fool not to have purchased it. Although its only a small tub, because its so thick and I only use it on one area of my body, it should definitely see me through the cooler months.

Shower Gels-Imperial Leather Soft Touch Shower Cream and Palmolive Pampering Touch Shower Cream
Something else I like to keep in stores are shower gels. In Tesco or Asda they have always got shower gels on offer so I just have a whiff and pick the smell I like the most and Bob's your uncle. What's the point in spending loads of money on a product when you can get one at a fraction of the price?!

So, that was my little spree in Tesco. I do love supermarket shopping, I could get lost in there for hours! Has anyone else picked up some real bargains from a supermarket recently??

Boots Haul #1

I went to Boots recently and spent a small fortune on goodies that I've been after for a little while!

 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

This is an amazing concealer! Its heavy coverage and is perfect for blemishes or under the eyes. It lasts ages aswell.
Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze
I stupidly decided to do a swatch of this product on my hand before buying it, even though I knew that was the shade I wanted. I couldn't get the damn thing off! But at least it proves it lives up to its name. I found this product really easy to apply, easy to blend and the colour is really pigmented so you don't need to use a lot which means this little pot of bronze will last me a while ;)

 

Maxfactor False Lash Effect Fusion
I can never stick to just one mascara. I use the Rimmel Lash Accelerator during the day but when I'm going out on an evening I like to have big full lashes. I used to use the Maybelline Falsies mascara but when I saw that Boots had a 3 for 2 on Maxfactor I couldn't resist! I like this mascara as it its a black/brown colour which I think is a bit different. The wand is quite wide and I found that in order to get really full lashes, it needed a few coats. But it achieved the look I was after so I'm impressed.
Maybelline Colorsensational Shine Gloss
I haven't tried these lip glosses but I'm running low in my collection at the moment and fell in love with this colour. Its a lovely peachy pink and is easy to wear with so many different things. It could be an every day lip gloss or worn out on an evening.
Maxfactor Wild Shadow Pencil
I only picked this up because of the 3 for 2 offer and I'm a bit gutted I didn't go for a darker colour. This is a lovely highlighter colour or could be used as a subtle colour on the lids but I found it took ages to build up the colour, I had to apply lots of coats because of the lightness of the colour.
Maxfactor Wild Shadow Pot
Another disappointment. I thought this would be brilliant as a highlighter shade and one I could wear with a lot of different colours but you can hardly see it on the skin! Its so light and even after trying to build the colour you couldn't see it. Disappointed.com!
Tangle Teezer
Once again, I have heard a lot of raves in the blogging world about this brush. I've been after one for ages but always found an excuse not to spend £12 on a hairbrush. But I decided after a bit of a rubbish month that I would treat myself. And oh my goodness what a treat! I have never ever used a hair brush like this that has the effect it has. Its amazing! I used it on my tangled wet hair first and the tangles practically disappeared without me feeling any pain. I've used it since, and my hair is normally very greasy 2 days after washing it, but it stays lovely and soft, and with the right type of shine!

Maybelline Baby Lips
This has to be one of the most sought after products of the century! Absolutely everyone has been trying to get their hands on these babys. I haven't been that bothered but when I saw them in Boots I thought I might aswell give them a go, I picked up Pink Punch and although its probably a little too baby pink for me, I think its a nice lip product and it is quite moisturising. Maybe I'll try one of the other colours next time.
Simple Products
I love Simple, I always use their cleansing lotion as I think its soothing on the skin and I always feel very clean after using it. This was another brand that had 3 for 2 in Boots (I was one happy girl, I love my Boots deals) so I was after a new cleansing lotion as mine has ran out, and when I saw this beauty was a cleanser and a toner I had to pick it up. I also got some oil reducing moisturising cream and some face wipes (naughty I know).

So that's that! Has anyone else been making the most out of the Boots deals? They've also got a '10 points per £1' event happening aswell :)