HIGH STREET HITLIST

Living within the confines of a constant budget is BLOODY HARD, especially when one of the biggest pleasures in my life is blowing cash on makeup and cosmetics. Which, when I read that back, makes me CRINGE inside. There's got to be more to life than moisturisers, serums and lotions at upwards of £50 a pop, right? RIGHT????!!! 

The past few months I've found a few actual GEMS in the likes of Boots and Superdrug - most for under a tenner...

Tresemme Split Mend Intense Recovery Masque 

Buy it here for £3 when you place a total order for £10, or usually £5.75 at Boots

Replaces: Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe Bio-Advance Restorative Treatment £26.95 at Feel Unique

Rarely have I been wowed by a hair mask or conditioning treatment. After going blonde, like BLEACH blonde at the end of last year, then dying it back to brown in February, my hair was pretty much ruined. Lots of it snapped and fell out (at the hairdressers. I ALMOST cried), and the hair left was weak, brittle and damaged beyond belief. THAT'LL TEACH ME! 

This is the first thing I've used that made a visible difference after just one use - and believe me, I tried just about EVERYTHING. Even the Philip Kingsley Elastacizer failed to impress, but this budget baby gave me noticeably smoother, softer, less unruly hair after the first go. It claims to actually FIX existing split ends and reduce new ones over time, and while I don't believe in hair WIZARDRY of this kind, I can vouch that it's doing SOMETHING for my poor, poor hair. 

One of the first ingredients is hydrolyzed Keratin, which, for a high street product under 6 quid, is pretty amaze.

Another happy side effect from regular use is that I've noticed my hair is starting to feel a little thicker and more lustrous. It's bouncy, shinier and altogether BETTER. It doesn't tout volume as a result, but it's another happy accident, as well as locks that smell delish. Try it out, I bet you love it.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Secret Agent Perfecting Creme

£5.59 from Boots (newly rebranded, but mine looks like this one above)

Replaces: Morrocanoil Hydrating Styling Cream £23.75 at Feel Unique

Sticking with hair, this has ALSO been a saviour of sorts. I actually think I've mentioned this on here before, and I know I've used it for years, but over the last 3 or 4 months I'm never without it in my bag.

After aforementioned hair disaster (you could definitely call it that) I've been left with lots of damaged hair, broken off at different lengths, and stupid flyaways that stick out all over the crown of my head, giving me an unattractive HAIR HALO should I be unfortunate enough to be lit from behind.

If you're not one for hair oils (I have oily skin, scalp and hair - slathering oil onto my hair is about the last thing I want to do), this is a great option for smoothing over a finished, dry style without weighing it down or greasing it up. Rub a decent squirt between hands, smooth through from top to bottom, and BOOM, flyaways be gone. 

I also find that throughout the day, my ends get drier and drier so that by the evening  it's absolutely desperate for a drink. Rubbing some of this through the ends refreshes it really nicely, again without overloading my hair with loads of product. 

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

£3.25 from Amazon

Replaces: Origins Clear Improvement Mask £22 from Origins counters

I must have tried literally THOUSANDS of clay-based face masks, and this is ALWAYS the one I reach for first. A thick, gloopy, minty green mask that dries hard and does that weird cracking thing on your face if you try to move it, but honestly one of the best things ever at sooking out oil, dirt and grime from the skin. For this price, it's a STEAL, and it's super effective. It can dry out the skin a bit, so follow up with a good moisturiser, but if you've got oil issues, stubborn plooks and open pores you have GOT to give this a go.

I coaxed my bf into giving this a try last night and I THINK he gave it the thumbs up. I asked him if his skin felt any different and he said no, but when I inspected it at closer range there were definitely fewer open pores on show. SO WHAT DOES HE KNOW?!

La Roche Posay Effaclar K

£13.00 from Boots

Replaces: Paula's Choice RESIST Skin Transforming Multi-Correction Treatment £38.80

A little pricier now, but totally worth it. I, like everyone else, tried the LRP Effaclar Duo and liked it, but wasn't blown away. I found that, despite being targeted at sensitive, imperfection prone skin, sometimes it would sting, and now and again I'd get these weird dry, flaky patches where I'd used it. Plus, it didn't do what I really wanted - EXFOLIATION. 

This Effaclar K lotion from the same anti-blemish range contains AHAs and very little alcohol so it gets rid of dead skin cells daily, but isn't as drying or irritating as the Duo, and I prefer its slightly mattifying effect as a makeup base for daytimes.

Over the few months I've been using this I can say that I've noticed a reduction in new scarring, and the overall surface of my skin is smoother. I'm still cursed with the odd breakout, but I find this clears things up fairly quickly and smoothes over any raised areas a peach. It's moisturising enough during the day to be used alone, but at night I slap on a cream over the top, or alternate it with oils and serums. Nevertheless, a necessary step I wouldn't be without now.

It smells weird though. Like, be prepared. It's odd...

Korres Wild Rose Brightening and Line Smoothing Serum

£9 from TK Maxx (or £26 from Amazon, £30 from LookFantastic.com)

Replaces: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Complexion Correcting serum £42.75 from Feel Unique

So, this is a bit of a cheat. OK, a total cheat. RRP for this seems to be around the £30 mark online, which is why, when I spied it in TK Maxx for less than a tenner, I just HAD to get it! 

It's designed for older skins - hence the anti-wrinkle claims - but of course it was the word BRIGHTENING that attracted me. On a never-ending quest to brighten and perk up my sallow, sometimes dull skin, anything that claims to do this is OK by me. Happily, this serum is a nice, creamy consistency which takes around 5-10 mins to soak in fully, and adds a lovely extra layer of moisture. I do notice that it plumps up my skin nicely, and leaves it feeling really...juicy, without leaving a sticky film. It seems to appear more nourished, and any latent redness fades quickly after massaging this in. I'm really not a huge fan of the smell though, but as it doesn't contain any artificial fragrance (or prabens or mineral oil or any of those nasties) I can't complain really. 

TK Maxx often has the odd gem in their skincare section, mostly from brands like Lavera, Melvita and Korres. I've even seen a REN hand cream! Basically, you can often be lucky with a nice selection of natural/cruelty free brands usually only available online or in Whole Foods, at a FRACTION of the RRP. Definitely check one out if you can.

Avene Skin Recovery Cream

£9.37 on Escentual.com or £12.50 at Boots

Replaces: Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Cream £26.00 from Feel Unique

I KNOW I've mentioned this guy before, but he's still a total favourite I always repurchase. Now and again, despite having pretty hardy, oily skin, I'll develop the odd dry, flaky patch. LOVELY! Seems to spring up for no reason, often on my cheeks, or just under my eyes. I don't use an eye cream (though I know I should) and I just take my normal moisturiser under there and over my cheeks, and 9 times out of 10 this is sufficient, but for the days when patches of my skin is irritated, seemingly for no bloody reason at all, I ALWAYS come back to this and it sorts it right out. 

It's 67% spring water and the rest of the ingredients (only 13 in total) are designed to calm inflammation and intensely moisturise. It's weird, because the second ingredient down from water is mineral oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) which I've literally JUST told you is a NASTY ingredient, causing breakouts and offering no visible skin benefits, however I can categorically say that I've had ZERO negative side effects from using this on isolated areas on my face. Quite the opposite, actually. My sore, dry skin loves it.

Burts Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Treatment

£3.69 at Boots or £4.95 at Feel Unique

Replaces: By Terry Baume de Rose £38 at Space NK

 I am a die-hard 8 Hour Cream fan for a lip balm as I just don't think ANYTHING works as well as that (although I've yet to try Lanolips and I've got a good feeling about it!), however it's pricey, and this Burts Bees alternative is ALMOST as good, and certainly better than Vaseline, or even any of the other Burts Bees chapsticks in the range. 

The silver-lid variant is described as "ultra moisturising" and it definitely is. The other flavours (versions?) I've found to be too waxy to actually penetrate the skin, instead creating this thick, sticky barrier over the lips. Yes it prevents more moisture leaving, but it doesn't absorb well, or actually fix flaky lips at all. This version DOES all of that, thanks to its slippier, lighter texture which glides on much easier and really feels like it's doing something. A winner if you're strapped and can't justify the likes of the By Terry Baume de Rose or Dior Creme de Rose, or any of the rest. At the end of the day, this does the job and does it well.

PHEW. I mean, yeah, none of this stuff is MEGA cheap, but all do what they say WELL and are, for the most part, readily available. I don't know about you but there's some things I'm happy to go without when I'm skint, but skincare/makeup/cosmetics isn't really one of them. Substituting expensive products for these more affordable babies has been no detriment to my skin or hair, and a big advantage for my bank balance.  I know I am the saddest person alive, but I'd rather eat beans on toast a week out the month than give up slathering my hair/face/body in good things. Is there a support group I can go to?

SKINCARE BITS: DAMAGE CONTROL

Le sigh. My skin saga continues...

So a few months ago the skin on my face had a TOTAL freak out. I mean it went into complete and utter meltdown. As you'll probably be aware if you've read any of my skincare posts before, it's always very up and down, but this was different - something I'd used had caused horrible blotchy, flaky, painful red patches of spots and rough skin around my nose and chin, and even the skin on my cheeks felt BURNT. GROSS, right? I know.

I have my suspicions it was a combination of the Origins Make a Difference (not the plus version, the old original kind) skin rejuvenating toner and moisturiser which I'd been testing out for a few days that made it react so dramatically, but I can't be sure. The toner actually sizzled and stung on contact with my skin and the moisturiser was greasy and smelled so bad I almost boked putting it on. So, yi know, use with caution, that's all I'm saying. I have a weird love/hate relationship with some Origins products but all I know is that since I chucked those particular items out, my skin has been on the mend. Slowly...

But back to a few weeks ago. It was clear I had to have a total rethink. Time to bust out the big guns to sort this situation out, STAT.

EXFOLIATION

Number one on my priority list was to get rid of the gross patchy, flaky areas. I was almost like whatever I'd used (*fires Origins daggers*) had burnt my skin and left it scabbing over in an attempt to repair itself, and I could NOT be doing with that. Makeup can deal with redness in the short term but no amount of foundation or concealer will hide rough texture.

It was with MUCH trepidation I decided to go for the most potent glycolic exfoliator I've got in my arsenal. I've used Alpha H's Liquid Gold before and found it way too harsh for my sensitive skin, but frankly I was at my wits end and prepared to do anything.

Instead of using this at night and leaving it on for hours, I swept a bit of this over my face on a cotton pad, left it for about 45 mins and then used my Clarins Extra Comfort Cleansing Cream and gently removed with a flannel. I found the dry patches came away much easier with less redness than a manual exfoliant, but I didn't end up with the raw and painful skin I did the last time I used this over night. If you have sensitive skin but are still looking for a hefty exfoliator that gives visible results I'd recommend this method. 

I repeated this every night for about 4 days and slowly started to see a difference in the texture of my skin. Thank God.

Once I could see a slight improvement in my skin, I figured I could move on to manual exfoliants. Generally harsher and more abrasive than their chemical counterparts, manual exfoliators physically remove the surface of the skin by buffing it away using rough beads, or in this case natural bristles in the form of a face brush by Botanics.

Like virtually everyone in the universe the Clarisonic revolution didn't pass me by unnoticed, but I wasn't up for shelling out over £100 on a giant electric-toothbrush-for-your-face as it seemed gimmicky and I'd read some scary stories about "purging" aka horrific breakouts as a consequence. But I walked by this wee oddity in Boots a few weeks ago and had to get it, purely for the novelty factor and the fact it was only around a fiver. Anyone else feel like a total CHOOB standing BRUSHING your face of an evening though? I know I did/do!

But I have to say, I'm getting really into it. I've been using it with my Elemis Tri-Enzyme cleanser or the Clarins Comfort Cream - I wouldn't double up with this and anything harsh and stripping - and I've been finding my skin is smoother and softer as a result. It hasn't revolutionised my face or anything, but it does a good job of buffing away dry flaky bits gently... Gads.

Now that the majority of my sore and scabby skin had gone, I moved on to alternating this gentle exfoliating cleanser from Clarins with my other cleansers and have really been enjoying it. The beads are just the right size and there are just the right amount of them so as to get an effective amount in one dollop - if that makes sense. It doesn't feel scratchy in the slightest, plus it smells deliciously of oranges and doesn't leave my skin red raw or dry. I'm sure there are cheaper alternatives of this that do much the same job, but when my skin is sore and traumatised I always come back to brands like Clarins that I trust and know.

TREATMENT

Once my skin had been buffed down, it was then I could really see the damage done. I almost wish I'd taken pictures of it but I just can't bear putting pictures of my naked face online, especially when it looked how it did. Picture bright red scarring and papery thin, sensitive skin. Ouch.

Again I went back to the drawing board. I needed something nourishing and repairing, while helping to minimise the scarring and redness.

At first the thought of slathering oil on my face really freaked me out, but I could see my skin was crying out for something that would add moisture and nourishment deep down so I bit the bullet and started applying a few drops of this Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil at night underneath my Advanced Night Repair, patting it in all over but concentrating particularly on the sore and damaged areas.

Rosehip oil (or this one anyway) is a totally odourless, yellow-toned oil which is used to moisturise, help heal scarring (including stretchmarks) and minimise the appearance of wrinkles.

This is an oil, OBVIOUSLY, so saying it's non greasy is a moot point, but I do find it to sink in quickly and when applied under my other night time skincare routine (after the Caudalie beauty elixir but before ANR and moisturiser) it disappears quickly with little residue. I have to say though for the few weeks when my skin was in a mess I really didn't mind the feeling of oil on the surface, it felt healing and medicinal somehow. I think now I'll just be using this a few times a week but it did definitely help to add back vital moisture and elasticity.

This is the second bottle of this Antipodes Apostle Skin Brightening and Tone Correcting Serum I've purchased (and it's not bloody cheap, believe me!) and I'm still absolutely loving it. It looks and smells like crushed up fruit because that's essentially what it is, with added goodies like aloe vera juice, grapeseed concentrate and mushroom extract thrown in. I have to say, it's not been the most dramatic thing ever to correct my skintone, but it's by far the nicest to use because of the delicious smell and organic origins.

After those hellish few weeks I wasn't going to take my chances with anything I'd not tested before and I knew I could rely on this to do the job of sorting out the scarring and redness left behind, albeit slowly. A few weeks down the line and one of the patches of discolouration has virtually disappeared, while the other, more severe area of redness is fading day by day.

As a side note, I've also been using my Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask regularly to calm my skin and help to cleanse and purify it, and I've been finding it to work WONDERS. I can't recommend either of these products enough.

MOISTURISER

The fact I have a sneaking suspicious this was all at least PARTLY caused by a moisturiser in the first place (*shakes fist angrily in the direction of Origins*) I was very nervous to try anything new, but torn because quite honestly I feel I've never really CRACKED moisturisers. I have dehydrated, combination skin that can be quite sensitive, so I need something light than can work well deep down to add serious moisture, but that won't overload my skin or clog pores. I've yet to find my holy grail daytime and nightime moisturiser, but in this case of massive DAMAGE CONTROL I was less concerned with finding something I loved than with something to soothe and heal my broken and damaged skin in the short term.

Enter Avene's Skin Recovery Cream. A fairly thick, white hypoallergenic cream targetted at healing sensitive, intolerant and allergy prone skin using thermal spa water. It claims to repair the skin's emolient layer which is exactly what I was looking for so I slapped it on, only to realise the second main ingredient in this is Paraffinum Liquidum... THE DREADED MINERAL OIL.

I have to be honest though and say I've noticed NO adverse side effects to this, despite being terrified of mineral oil ever since Caroline Hirons denounced it as the root of all skin evils. Instead I found this to do exactly what it said, and relished applying it morning and night, even if it meant I was a little shiny by hometime.

Now that I don't need something as HARDCORE as the Avene Recovery Cream, I'm still scared to start testing out moisturisers again after this, so I've gone back to an old favourite of EONS ago, The Body Shop's Vitamin E Moisture Cream. I've been alternating it with the REN Hydra-Calm moisturiser which I also like, but there's something more comforting about using this. Maybe it's the fact it smells more grannyish, or it's pink, or it comes in a tub, but for whatever reason this is what I've been reaching for most days and nights and it's been keeping my skin soft and hydrated a treat so far.

So yes, that's how I attempted to heal my damaged skin, and thankfully it's almost back to normal. Normal for me, I mean. I'm sure it'll still be as tempremental as ever! While I can't be SURE it was those Origins products that caused it, I won't be rushing back to test them for a while. I've been disappointed by  Origins before and I think that if it's organic skincare you're after you can do way better - Antipodes, REN, Trilogy and Melvita to name a few.

Have you guys got any skincare-testing disaster stories to share? Mon in for a group hug!

RECENT PURCHASES: MARCH

It's been AGES since I've done a recent purchases post. Like I mean months and months. Don't be fooled, it's not been because I've not been BUYING stuff... AS IF! I guess I've just been lazy about keeping track of it all. But over the past few weeks I've made a consented effort to keep a note of where all my money's been going... To GUILT myself into a spending ban, if nothing else because SERIOUSLY, it really is out of control.

Anyway, yeah, here we go.

Antipodes Apostle skin brightening and tone correcting serum

Sigh. Yes, another brightening serum - they are my own personal brand of heroin and I am DEEP into my addiction. I'd run out of my REN Radiance Perfecting serum (did I even mention that in a blog somewhere?) and to be honest I wasn't wowed at all. I never DON'T use a radiance/skin tone correcting/brightening serum though, so I guess it's hard to gauge results. But retailing at over £30, I had expected to see SOMETHING happen and, honestly, I didn't. Thankfully the same can't be said for this! It's dispensed via pipette (like ANR) and the weird red fluid and smells like crushed up fruit, because basically that's what it is. It smells GENUINELY like you could eat it.

After patting in twice daily for about four/five days now I can say that some annoying scarring from a few recent breakouts has definitely reduced. Also, a few minutes after putting this on, any residual redness on my skin has completely vanished. It can leave your face feeling a bit tight so a moisturiser on top is a must, but overall I'm really loving it so far - feels and looks like it's actually doing something. Yay!

Caudalie Eau De Beaute Beauty Elixir

This is a firm favourite I've gone without for ages and I don't really know why. Well, I do really - the price. It's basically some lovely oils dissolved in water that smells heavenly and can be spritzed under or over makeup, but it's not cheap.

I caved though, because I love it so much. I use this in place of a toner, which I always felt was a bit of an unnecessary step, but this definitely wakes my face up a bit (wow, clarity), closes pores and makes whatever you put on next (the serum usually) sink in much quicker. I don't know exactly how it works but it does and I love it.

Caudalie Divine Oil

I blame Estee from Essie Button on this ENTIRELY. I have no idea what video it was but I was watching one of hers on YouTube (actually I think it was a winter favourites or something) and she mentioned this multi-purpose body oil and how it smelled AMAZING and that was it. Hooked.

I've been using a Soap and Glory body moisturiser for a while - God knows what one, there's hunners! One that comes in a squeezy tube not a tub - and it's been working OK but nothing to write home about. The sweet scent is nice but after weeks it can start to grate a bit and I've been after something a little more sophisticated smelling for a while. This is DEFINITELY it. I used the NUXE multi-purpose oil a while back and loved it, but this is even better since it comes with a spray pump and smells ACTUALLY heavenly. Sweet, woody, rosey, mmmm just actually SO GOOD! For best moisturising results I spray it all over when I'm still a bit damp after a shower and it sinks right in.

[Every time I write the word "multi-purpose" I have to fight my fingers not to type multi-porpoise. FACT.]

Joico K-Pak Reconstructor

This was a totally random, last minute basket-addition on Feel Unique. I had in the back of my mind that I was MAYBE looking for a nourishing hair mask of some kind, but I'd done no research and I'm pretty sure I just bought this cos there was some money off. Like £5 or something, but still....

My hair has been kind of dry and damaged recently. I had some highlights (how 90s) put in a few months ago and then decided to lighten the ends myself a bit for a sort of UBER soft ombre effect. I used the L'Oreal Wild Ombre kit in number 2 by the way, and I was really pleased with it. It didn't make a massive difference but I wasn't looking for one so it suited me fine, but if you were looking for a dramatic ombre effect you might be disappointed. AAAAAAAAANYWAY, as a result my hair hasn't been in the best condition. Some days are better than others but it's generally a bit dry, tuggy and breaks easily.

I've only used this once and I liked the results. It made my hair feel smooth and nourished without weighing it down, but it smells REALLY weird, like over-ripe bananas and oats or something. Kind of like it was once a "fresh" product that went off. Not sure if I can really stomach it to use it often... Every time the wind blows and you get a waft - BOKE. We'll see.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24 hour eyeshadow

Jumped on the bandwagon and bought On and On Bronze. Can you believe this is my first foray into cream eye shadows? I like it I guess, but I never normally have a problem with eye shadows creasing anyway so I wasn't looking for it to solve any particular problem really. It's very creamy, blends nicely and lasts all day. Am I BLOWN AWAY? Nah, but it's decent enough. Although it's a bronze, it's quite cool-toned which doesn't work brilliantly with my colouring so bear that in mind, and it's SUPER shimmery.

MAC's Satin Taupe

I've wanted this FOREVER but the stupid MAC concession in Silverburn has been out of it for weeks and I've given up trying to get anyone to serve me in Frasers - actually a shower of rude, ignorant eejits working in there and I don't care who knows it. SO many times I've had a bomb burning a hole in my pocket ready to drop on loads of stuff, but no one has approached me even though I'm OBVIOUSLY mooching about totally clueless, or sales assistants have blatantly ignored me and carried on their own conversations behind the till. I've walked out loads of times absolutely fuming and spent the money elsewhere.

Rant asise, I finally manged to get my hands on this and I'm completely underwhelmed. The formula is lovely, typically of MAC shadows it's high quality, soft, blends like a dream and lasts all day, but the colour is totally wrong. I should have known it wouldn't suit me - GAHD! When will I learn, I only suit warm-toned bronzes and browns on my eyes and this is very grey and ashy, it almost leans a little purple in some lights. Basically it makes me look like I haven't slept in a week/have the beginnings of a shiner forming. Not good. If you have brown eyes go get it though, bet it would lovely.

MAC 217 brush

I've been using a cheap No7 version of this for donkeys but finally got the real deal and it's as good as the hype - blends amazing, feels sturdy and solid but can be really gentle and subtle. Never picks up too much product and reduces fallout. It's pure good.

L'Oreal Rouge Caresse 301 Dating Coral

This looks super pink in the picture but in reality it's a lovely soft peachy coral colour. Still obsessed with coral lipsticks and this is just the latest edition to an ever-expanding collection. I'm really loving creamy lipsticks at the moment, as opposed to matt, drying ones, and I prefer the formula of these to the Revlon Lip Butters as I find them a bit sticky whereas the Rouge Caresses are much more moisturising. I do find that this acts as a slight stain on my lips as after the glossy/creamy finish has worn off the colour hangs about for another couple of hours. It's a subtle shade but warms up the skin and looks amaze with a tan. Love it.

black Topshop playsuit £40

Another whim, but you can never have enough LBPs for going out, right? Topshop is the only place I can buy playsuits that actually fit me thanks to their petite line - everywhere else, and even the regular line in Toppers, playsuits are cut for GIANTS. Saggy-crotch is not a cool look guys! Anyway, this fits nicely - the sleeves are quite tight and the shorts are VERY short but with tights it's all good. It's tight enough to fit me properly at the waist as well and not BAG out which is always nice. Bit fancy, bit goff, bit bangin. Done.

Stripe Topshop dress £38

I bought this without trying it on as I was pushed for time and figured it might be nice for work but I REALLY should have bothered because it's a very weird fit. I got a 10 but it's cut really big so the shoulders and waist are stupidly baggy. Obviously, because it's me, the ass bit fits fine but it's everywhere else that it's too big. Comically so. An 8 will be out of the question due to my BOOTAY so I think it's going to need to go back. It's such a frustration when dresses that look like they're cinched in at the waist aren't quite cinched enough. Proper grinds my gears. If you are boyish I'd say this would probably work much better but go a size down to be safe.

Kurt Geiger leather Winchester Chelsea Boots - £50 in the sale

Such a bargain, these were originally £130! Spotted them in T5 when I was down in London but they had sold out in 5s and ordered me one of the last two pairs left to be delivered to the Silverburn store. They're really comfy and shiny and (though you can't tell from the pic) VERY pointy which makes me think/act like I'm one of the Horrors circa 2007. Mind them? Anyway, yeah, love. I'm not convinced they suit me massively cos they come up quite high and cut my wee legs off right at the bit when my calves start to get a bit fat but C'EST LA VIE.

Volkswagen Polo S white - PURE HUNNERS

Yassssss! Actually so excited for this! I've had a lovely wee yellow VW Fox for about 4 years now but it's getting a bit past it and I'm doing more driving with my job so I wanted something a bit more sturdy. The Polo is inbetween the Fox and the Golf and my new wee one is white and has amazing, mind-blowing things like CENTRAL LOCKING and a bit for your IPOD and AUTOMATIC WINDOWS and lots of fun things like that which the Fox, bless it, never had. I pick it up on Friday and I'm so so so so pumped I can't even wait. Jesus, I am so sad.

So there you go, reasons why I've been skint recently. I also went on a mini break last weekend which was SUPPOSED to be a romantic getaway but because my life is ACTUALLY a farcical chick lit plot, THAT fell apart and I ended up going with my awesome pal Laura instead. We stayed at the Isles of Glencoe hotel in Ballachulish next to Glencoe and it was honestly so beautiful, I've never seen scenery like it. Hutch and I are not big OUTDOORSY types but we managed a walking trail thing up a big giant hill and did lots of boozing and sleeping and laughing and eating and it was generally brilliant. So yeah, I guess that counts too cos it wasn't cheap either.

And, not to be a pure cheeseball, but it just goes to show that even if things turn to utter shit it's nothing that good pals, good booze and good times can't fix. FOR. REAL.

NEW SKINCARE BITS

It's been a while since I did a skincare post and since the last time I've pared things back quite a bit. A few reasons for this - my Advanced Night Repair ran out and I'm too poor to repurchase the big one at the moment, and apart from some INTENSE hormonal issues last month (gross, TMI) my skin's been really not too bad.

I still have the same issues I've always had (dullness, scarring etc) just with less breakouts. Hurrah! No idea why though - I've slept in my makeup a couple of times in the past few weeks so it really should be kicking up a spotty shitstorm, but hey ho, fingers crossed this random spell of good skin luck lasts a bit longer!

I have totes just jinxed myself.

Anway, onto the new bits...

Indeed Labs - Hydraluron Moisture Booster

I read about this over at Beauty Mouth (my new obsession) and Caroline's review was so glowing I ran out and bought it that day. Essentially it's pretty much pure hyaluronic acid which sounds scary but totes isn't. It's a chemical our skin makes naturally which allows it to absorb water particles and keep it plumped and baby soft. The natural hyaluronic acid we produce disappears as we got older (hello wrinkles) so the synthetic stuff is often found in anti-ageing moisturisers and the like. This, though, you slap on BEFORE your normal moisturiser to maximise it's absorption and make it work more efficiently. It's just a clear, scentless gel and it sinks in straight away.

I've been using it day and night underneath both my REN sensitive skin moisturiser and my Lancome Hydra Zen and it works fine. In terms of results, since I've never had dry skin I can't say I notice that it's WAY more moisturised, but certainly something I've been doing is keeping breakouts and excess oil at bay and I'm inclined to think it's this since I've been using it for around a month now. It's fairly cheap from Boots too so I probably will repurchase. But I can't lie, I am pining for more ANR...

La Roche Posay - Effaclar Duo

I've used a few products from the LRP Effaclar range before with mixed results, but I've heard a few whisperings about this badboy on the blogosphere and knew I would have to try it for myself. I'm not convinced I know exactly what it is though...? The packaging says it's "corrective and unclogging anti-imperfection care" but what does that MEAN?

 The instructions say to use it all over your face rather than just on problem areas so that's what I've been doing and I find it's working out well as a kind of all-in-one product. I expected it to be quite harsh or stripping, but surprisingly it's actually pretty moisturising, and once it sinks in it leaves the skin comfortable and matte without any stinging or tingling. The last few days I've been using Hydraluron and then this and then a little bit of the Dermatologica mattifier as a primer and it's been working great. Feels weird to skip a separate moisturiser though, but as I said, this weird wee product kind of does it all. I don't think I can credit this with sorting out my skin since I've only been using it for a week, but I'm ALL about preventing new blemishes so I'll stick with this for the time being.

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash*

A wee sample of this was sent to me by those nice folk over at PURE Spa (keep an eye out for their upcoming Good Skincare Campaign - a cause close to my heart since, yi know, I'm obsessed and all) and I love it!

Elemis is a brand I always associate with spas as I never see it for sale anywhere else, except online, and I tend to equate its exclusivity with high quality and that's definitely true in this case. It's one of those products designed to chemically speed up cell turnover and is part of their anti-ageing range, but it's really for anyone into using AHA's or BHA's (think Alpha H Liquid Gold or REN Glycolic Peel) for exfoliation. All the RAGE these days dahling!

This is by far and away the most gentle yet effective facial cleansing wash I've used. It removes dirt and makeup, does that whole thick, luxurious foaming thing that's so DELICIOUSLY pleasing, smells gorgeous and doesn't leave a weird film on the skin afterwards. I haven't checked the ingredients but I'd be willing to bet this is because the glycerin content is low, but nor does it strip the skin either. Genuinely so glad to have found this and will definitely repurchase.

Jergens Original Beauty Lotion*

Again, this was sent to me for review but I was pretty happy to accept it since I've used the Jergens Naturals range before and enjoyed it. Well, as much as someone who never really uses body moisturisers cos of the FAFF FACTOR can enjoy a faffy body moisturiser...

This appears to be a relaunch of a "brand classic" and the big selling point, according to Jergens, is the sweet cherry and almond scent. To this end, the package they sent me contained some cute but completely DESTROYED cherry bakewell tarts and a bag of sugared almonds. Which was a nice thought...

And yes, the strong scent is the first thing you notice about this. I happen to like cherry bakewell tarts RATHER A LOT so the scent is pleasing to me, but I know loads of folk are funny about sweet smells and this may put you off. Happily (or unhappily) it doesn't linger for too long on the skin and the moisturiser itself is thick and absorbs quickly. I may well repurchase this but I'm still loving body oils for winter, when I can be bothered at ALL that is.

By the way, Jergens are running a Facebook competition to win a goody bag worth over £600. Click the link if you want, but I won't shoot you if you don't.

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

I'd been interested in the Origins Drink Up overnight hydrating mask for a while since it's been raved about absolutely everywhere, but I held off because I'm not sure it would be all that beneficial for my skin type. This, on the other hand, sounded RIGHT oop ma street. It contains Mankua honey (as the second ingredient which means it really does ACTUALLY contain a tangible quantity) which draws moisture to the skin and calms any irritations or breakouts.

I put this clear, creamy mask on once or twice a week and leave it for a few hours if I can. By the time I rinse it away it's almost completely dry and my skin feels absolutely gorgeous afterwards. Not one for those who prefer a clay-style clarifying mask but if you're looking for organic hydration with soothing properties and a LUSH mandarin and vanilla scent then this is for you.

Origins Modern Friction exfoliatior

This isn't TECHNICALLY mine but it hangs about in the shower so, YI KNOW, I've given it a go.

I've been on the lookout for a good manual exfoliator for a while, and after a disastrous dalliance with Simple, I think I've found one. I know some folk think manual exfoliators are bad for your skin (my new skincare Yoda Caroline Hirons included) but I find that my skin often gets badly irritated by AHA exfoliators like Liquid Gold and even the Origins Brighter by Nature peel pads can leave it red and sore, plus sometimes you just NEED that satisfying scrubbing action!

This is the best of both worlds - the beads of rice starch aren't too scratchy and the thick cream contains lemon oil to soften and soothe. I'm not a fan of the weird smell but I can get over it. I'm definitely going to have to buy my own soon before my Dad's girlfriend notices hers is being slowly pilfered from under her nose...

So that's what I've been using recently. Next on my list is the Emma Hardie cleansing balm (always), a new bottle of Advanced Night Repair (double always) and that Clinique anti-dark circles roll on thingamajig. As ever though, if you have any awesome recommendations by all means PLEASE ENABLE ME!

And by the way, thanks for the comments on my last post, peeps. Especially Jessica, whoever you are. Your comment made my life day! I hope y'all didn't think I was fishing or anything. I mean, maybe I was a little bit... It's just nice to be reassured folk are interested in the same mince I am and can stomach my ramblings, especially amidst a barrage of constant outfit posts and Glossybox reviews.

I think I was just having a bit of a weird insecure moment about it all. You know when you meet new people and they say "So, you're a BLOGGER," and you die of embarrassment a little inside? Yeah. That. I would never want folk to take FFS as an accurate representation of my serious writing style or anything - CRINGEFEST! At the end of the day it is what it is. A glimpse into the frivolous guff that takes up a large portion of my time, because, ultimately, I'm too chicken to write publically about anything else. And I'm just going to carry on the same way as before because GODDAMNIT I enjoy talking about clothes and makeup and whatever else, and I've got to do SOMETHING in between opts at work, right?!

Love y'all.

RECENT PURCHASES: AUGUST

Another Recent Purchases post to remind me why I need to go on a spending ban QUICK SMART.

It'ss something I've been SERIOUSLY considering, because, quite frankly, my spending is out of control. Honestly. And bear in mind I haven't even included the Motel or Evil Twin dresses...

I need help...

Sheer floral open-backed tunic - Topshop £38

This was a totally unnecessary purchase, but I'd been eyeing it up online and when I tried it on in the shop it just sat so nicely with it's wee three-quarter sleeves and open back and pretty print that I caved. I'm weak.

High-low floral tea dress with open back - Topshop - £48

I went to Edinburgh for the festival this weekend (photos to come) and I knew I wanted something floaty and pretty to wear for a day boozing in the capital. It's been so muggy and warm recently that I didn't want to wear tights if I could absolutely help it, and when I spotted this wee number it ticked all the boxes! The high-low detail makes it really comfortable, especially if you're like me and don't love getting your pins out, plus the open back adds an interesting touch that stops it from being too granny-ish. One thing I'll say though is that it's cut quite low at the front and it's always falling forward. More than once I found myself  having to HOICK it up for fear of flashing a boob or two, and Carlin nicknamed me Tits McGhee for the day - so make of that what you will!

MAC sheen supreme lipstick in Blossom Culture

Y'all will probably be aware of my obsession with Cut a Caper by now, and how it's FRUSTRATINGLY permanently out of stock - sob! Well I think I've found the next best thing in Blossom Culture - a sheen supreme lippy which has all the pigment of a traditional lipstick but the high-shine finish of a gloss. It's ALMOST VIRTUALLY the same colour, maybe slightly more muted, but feels very moisturising on the lips and comes in a much more attractive bullet than the normal MAC lippies, no? It's just so CLASSY looking! Only thing is because of the finish it doesn't last very long and it WILL melt in the heat. Trust me!

MAC mineralise blush in Dainty

This is maybe the most pointless purchase of the lot considering I am still loving my Accessorise blushers and I just recently found my Sleek blush in Pixie Pink - which I adore - hiding in my underwear drawer... But LOOK HOW PRETTY! I always thought Dainty was a very pale pink, but actually in real life it's a little warmer in tone and goes with both Blossom Culture and Cut a Caper a dream. It's finely milled and very pigmented with a slight sheen, but not as much as I was expecting from a mineralise blush. Beautiful, but yes, totally unnecessary. Someone stop me.

MAC select cover up in NC20

This is actually a total fail of a purchase. Number one it's in the wrong shade - WAY too pale and yellow - despite the fact I was actually matched at the new MAC counter in Debenhams Silverburn. I'll be honest and say I'm not convinced the sales assistant had any clue what she was doing but I bought it anyway cos I needed a new concealer and I kind of felt like I had to after she'd slathered it on my face.

Also, I'm pretty disappointed with that MAC concession in general. When I went in last week they didn't have ANY of the Heavenly Creatures collection and couldn't tell me when they would, they'd never even HEARD of cut a Caper let along got it in stock, and no-one knew where anything was. Everything just seemed a bit haphazardly placed and unprofessional. BUT, at least a sales assistant actually approached me and asked if I was being served which makes a massive change from the MAC in Frasers where I've lost count of the times the sales assistants have actually full on IGNORED ME or continued to gossip and chat at the till making everyone wait. That MAC needs to seriously sort out its customer service issues.

AAAANYWAY, yeah, so this is the wrong shade and doesn't offer anywhere near the amount of coverage it claims. Fail.

Real Techniques blush brush

I needed a new tapered face brush and I'd heard this was the perfect one. In reality it's one of the softest brushes I've ever stroked on my face (eew) but it's definitely too big to be used for blusher in my opinion... Unless you have huge cheeks? I dunno. But yeah, the tapered tip makes it perfect for light contouring and adding powder to the t-zone. Before this I'd been using a kabuki brush for powder and bronzer but I found it didn't give much control over placement of product and often made the powder look too cakey. All issues which this brush avoids. Plus it's like a tenner or something. Score!

Caudalie Beaty Elixir

I went without this for AGES but now I'm totally hooked again. For a while I'd forgotten why I loved it so much in the first place and was happy just using my Liz Earle skin tonic, BUT NO MORE. This amazing toner spray smells absolutely gorgeous and really does VISIBLY shrink pores. But also, I feel like after I've used it my other products (serums, moisturisers and primers) sink into my skin better and actually WORK better too. I really honestly feel like whatever's in this makes my skin DRINK UP whatever else I put on it, especially at night, which, when I'm using my beloved Advanced Night Repair, makes me a very happy bunny indeed. 

Garnier Skin Naturals dark spot corrector

What's that, another skin-tone lightening moisturiser designed to fade pigmentation and scarring? SURELY NOT! Y'all probably know by now about my never-ending search for radiant, even skintone and this is just the latest product in that epic quest.

I'm still using a mix of the Caudalie vinoperfect serum and the Origins mega bright serum, both of which I like, but I couldn't resist giving this a go on top. I've been using and LOVING the Lancome Hydra Zen as a daytime moisturiser for ages now, but over the past few weeks with this sweaty and humid weather it's been feeling a tad heavy on my skin. By contrast, this is a light fluid moisturiser that dries quickly with no residue and makes a great base for makeup. I wouldn't recommend it if you have dry skin, but for oily/combo types it's perfect. I'm really liking the consistency of this and the pleasant smell reminds me of a product from donkeys ago that I cant put my finger on... It's too early to tell if it's actually doing anything, and I don't expect particularly dramatic results for the drugstore price, but I'll keep using it anyway until it runs out or until the weather takes a turn for Autumn. Which I for one CANNOT WAIT FOR.

So yeah, that's totally REDONK-A-DONK. Anyone got any good tips for avoiding the shops?