February Favourites

So today is the last day of February and that means its February favourites time, let’s see what I have been loving this month.

Although my favourite shampoo and conditioner will always be the TRESemme Salon Silk, I’ve currently been enjoying the Alberto Balsam Coconut & Lychee Shampoo and Conditioner they smell amazing. These live in my swim bag, and I love using them on a Sunday morning after swimming my 2k, it leaves my hair clean and smelling great.

It’s been a moth of rediscovery rather than new ones, after a period of dry skin recently I repurchased the Nivea Daily Essentials Express Hydration Primer. If you’ve followed my blog for any period of time you know this is one of my go-to all-time favourite products that ensure my makeup sits well and it sinks in quickly so it makes makeup easily. Why did I go a few months without it? Maybe you never appreciate something until its gone.

I am always wary to not go on and on about products on my blog, but when you trial something for review you can often end up falling in love with a product. This month I have been loving the Revlon All-in-One Ultimate Mascara, I posted the review last Tuesday and really fell in love with it this month, it truly is an all in one mascara. However, if you want more than my word for it you can read my in-depth review here.

In the December sales I picked up a great bargain with a Ted Baker set half price and I am in love with the body spray I have been wearing this every day. The Ted Baker Pink Body Spray is described as “Sparkling fruity grapefruit, mandarin and mango are teamed with subtle floral notes of neroli and jasmine, while the base of patchouli, sandalwood and musk completes the scent.”, but all I know is that it smells amazing. It’s safe to say me and the women I work with are currently obsessed with it.

What have you been loving this month let me know in the comments.

Gwen
xxx

Whats in My Bag? Spring 2016

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It’s been a long time since I’ve done my normal ‘What’s in my Bag’ post but they are such a traditional and nice post to do, it feels like a shame not to do one. If you want to see previous editions including “What’s in My Compact Bag?”  or “What’s in my Festival Bag”  click on each one respectively, or check out all of my past ones here. I don’t think what I keep in my bag tends to change but I always think this is an interesting thing to find out what people lug around, do they carry their whole life in their bag or if they have such a streamlined organised bag and I can do nothing but look on in amazement.

Let’s start with a little bit about the bag itself, I got it as a gift for Christmas and it was greatly received as I wanted a more slouchy type of bag but that was still a practical size and I love this. It is the New Look Pin Stud Duffle Bag, which is a suede type texture and obviously stud detailing it has a super long adjustable strap so you can really make it work for you. It has one internal side pocket and other than that is a good sized space to ram everything in. I’m not someone that has to carry everything but I need some space at least.

So first up are the usual bag essentials which we might as well get away starting with my phone and keys, my keys are huge so they are easy to find. Another must is my purse, which is a Primark Purse from summer 2014 and it just has everything in it from cards to receipts all in their own special section. I also keep a reusable shopping bag in there at all times, seeing as there is now the bag charge so it’s handy if I pick something up unexpectedly.

With a full time job and a blog I like to make tons on lists and note everything in order to help me stay on top of things. I have my personal planner with my pen attached so I don’t use it, I love this planner to death. (If you want to see an indepth view of my planner click here). As well as my planner I have my blogging note book, to help me make notes on current posts, post ideas and check my blog schedule.

 

I keep thinking about getting a small makeup bag, but as I just carry powder and my current lip product is I just used the inside pocket for now. So I carry my Ruby & Millie Kabuiki Brush, Collection Pressed Powder in Ivory and an assortment of lip stuff. So with no rhyme or reason I have 5 different lip products at the moment including: YSL Volupte Rouge in Lush Coconut, BareMinerals Marvolous Moxie Lipstick in Be a Star, P.S. Love Matte Long Lasting Lipstick in Whisper, The Body Shop Lipstick in (I can never remember), Rimmel London Appocalips Lip Lacquer in Nova. Got a good mix of colours, finishes and budgets for once, and I can change it up during the day.

Finally I have a little (or maybe not so little) Ted Baker Makeup Bag which holds all of my ‘essential’ or useful bits to have in your bag. Most importantly there is medication such as my inhaler, allergy medication and painkillers as well as the basics such as plasters (my friends love me for these) as well as tissues. The usual girly must haves such as hair ties and hair grips, although I tend to go for hair ties as I’m most likely to want to keep my hair out of my way. As well as the not such important but always wanted Peach Delight Hand Gel, Ted Baker Lip Balm, Ted Baker Body Spray and Molton Brown Coco & Sandalwood Body Lotion which to me are all pretty self-explanatory. As one pair never seems enough I have two pairs of headphones and finally a little random but I find them endlessly useful in the form of the Primark Footlets.

So what do you carry in your bag? Let me know in the comments below or link me you ‘what’s in my bag’ post I adore reading them.

Empties #11

Straying away a bit from the blogmas and Christmas themed posts today, it’s time for some mini reviews and some empties.

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Foundation in Light Porcelain: I wanted to try a full coverage foundation and considering my previous positive experience with a number of Rimmel London picking up the lasting finish foundation was a no brainer. I love this for having a high coverage without looking cakey although make sure you moisturise and primer beforehand as it can sit slightly funny on dry skin. Would I repurchase: maybe.

The Body Shop Extra Virgin Mineral Foundation in 102 Natural Ivory: This is pretty much done and the texture has gone semi odd. It’s a terribly dry foundation, which may be good for oily skin but it doesn’t work for me and no matter how much I sheer it out or very little I put on it looks cakey and awful. So I’m getting rid of it as I tried so many different way to make it work for me but it wasn’t going to. As it’s on the pricer side and I didn’t have anyone to give it too I tried damn hard to use it up. Would I repurchase: definitely not.

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Primer: This is more of a moisturising primer and I’ve enjoyed trying it, I’ve liked a lot of the Rimmel primers. This moisturises the face and just leaves it a really smooth and helps my makeup last all day, good primer but with the blogger bug I know I’ll end up trying some more primers before coming back to this. Would I repurchase: yes.

Nivea Daily Essentials Express Hydration Primer: I have gone through countless pots of this over the last few years, and I always repurchase this. A bargain at the rrp of £4.99, it is often on offer at one shop or another between £2.49-£3.00 so I always stock up then because I know I will use it, its smart buying rather than buying because it’s on offer. I use it sometimes as a primer or sometimes as a moisturiser, it’s just a great base, light and hydrating which means it is a perfect base with my combination/dry skin. Would I repurchase: Always.

Skin Therapy Sensitive Skin Fragrance Free Wipes: These face wipes are a bit of a dud for removing makeup as they really do not take it all up, which sucks and these cannot be a lazy makeup day option. I’ve used them as a quick face refresher if I’m not wearing makeup and they are alright for correcting makeup application mistakes or wiping foundation of the back of your hand. Really you are just better getting something more these are fairly dry and pretty useless. Would I repurchase: No.

Yves Rocher Hydra Vegetal 24 Hr Intense Hydrating Gel-Crème: I had this in a 3 pack as a ten day treatment, but this lasted longer, it got a bit rejected for a  bit but this does wonders for my skin deeply hydrating and repairing. Would I repurchase: yes.

Yves Rocher Pink Grapefruit Vitamin Face Mist: I got this from the lovely Danielle in a beauty swap back in January and I have finally used it up. I mainly used this over the summer to either freshen up my face during the day, to cool me down or a light way to put back in some moisture and it worked a treat. I didn’t want to wait until next summer to use it with that little voice in my head telling me I’d end up losing it and ended up using it for makeup application, spraying in onto my egg shaped sponge to wet it before makeup application and it worked a treat I feel as though it just added a touch of extra moisture and helped my skin feel fresher, no idea if it did though. I’ve since refilled with water which spritz a low better and its super handy. Would I repurchase: if I could get it over here yes.

The Body Shop Almond Hand Cream: This sat for ages with a tiny bit left as I moved to a repurchased tube and forgot about this one. Smelling like Cherry Bakewells and deeply hydrating what more do you want from a hand cream, also I find that it doesn’t leave hands feeling greasy. I’m not a fan of the non-traditional body shop, body shop hand creams if that makes sense like the strawberry or satsuma ones are nowhere near as nice. Would I repurchase: yes.

Superdrug Sensitive Bikini Hair Removal: I know hair removal, especially intimate hair removal is rarely talked about but due to this being a complete dud of a product I thought I’d share it. I wanted to try something other than shaving that didn’t hurt like waxing, but due to the nature of the area you need something that is made for it. This however was a dud, I left it on for the maximum time and it did nothing at all and with hair removal creams I don’t like to leave them on any longer than the maximum as they can burn the skin. The aftercare cream was really nice but the cream is not worth trying. Would I repurchase: definitely not.

Ted Baker Body Wash: The last bit of this has been sitting there for ages and I’ve finally used it. I love the Ted Baker scent and always get some around Christmas time, so I’ve finished this just in time. Would I repurchase: definitely.

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Shower Crème: I got this super cheap from the body shop last January and as I brought so much stuff. I feel as though this is slightly more toffee, sweet sort of smell but unlike some fragrances it is not too sickly sweet. Would I repurchase: yes.

Lush Butterball Bath Ballistic: This is the only bath bomb I can use from lush, leaves my skin feeling amazing. Also it’s so gentle and inoffensive, sure your bath isn’t sure pretty and colourful but these will definitely benefit your skin. Would I repurchase: yes.
 

Dove Anti-Frizz Serum: This year has been all about hair oils but this has been the first one I have finished as I like to mix and match. This smells delightful and leaves my hair feeling silky and smooth, keeping it repaired and strong. Would I repurchase: yes.

 

Ted Baker London Body Spray: A mix of rose, sandalwood and raspberry a delicate mix of sweet and spicy, perfect for all times of year with its warms and depth. The thing I love with body sprays are that they last all day never loosing much scent, it’s also handy that it comes in a plastic bottle so you know that it is safe and won’t break. This scent is great and there is a whole range to complement this which is a great set to pick up over Christmas. Would I repurchase: Yes.

Primark Blackcurrant and Plum Scented Candle: Some of the Primark candles smell amazing but don’t kick out that much scent when burnt but this one was absolutely amazing. It is probably more of Autumnal scent as it is so warming and blackcurrant is definitely more of a winter thing. Would I repurchase: yes.

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Phew! another empties over a done with just in time for Christmas.

Empties #7

I never know how to start an empties post its like ‘hey everyone look at my trash!’, it is an odd premise but always insightful. The only difference between us and huge ass youtubers and beauty bloggers is that we tend to pay for everything ourselves or have limited money, we tend to use everything up no matter how much we like them but it is still useful to find out what people think of items.

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Skincare

Superdrug Tea Tree Skin Care Exfoliating Cream Wash: This is something that I tend to use once or twice a week, or as and when I remember just to thoroughly clean my skin. It is quite scratchy and rough so I think next time I’ll go for one with the exfoliating beads in that is less rough.

Balance Me Daily Essentials Pure Skin Face Wash: I got this with a free with a magazine and I have been thoroughly enjoying using it daily, but the full  size product is £16.00 which as a student feels like an awful lot for a face wash. It feels amazing and really cleans the skin but the price is off putting.

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads: I do love using facial pads as a quick but effective way of clearing up and dirt and build up on the skin, I’m all about the corner cutting. This was nice to use really cleansing and clearing and I’d recommend them if you can pick them up at a good price although I think they are probably better value for money across the pond than here in the UK>

L’Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Micellar Water & L’Oreal Paris Skin Perfecion Cleansing and Perfecting Milk: I’ve grouped these two together simply for ease, both amazing when paired together and when used individually. Both all of your make up with minimal effort and leave yous skin feeling clean and fresh, I love having a quick but effective make up removal method. I have loved using both of these and I will definitely make sure I will come back to these in future although I am currently using the Ganier Micellar water. I’m definitely a micellar water convert.

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Body

I Love Strawberries and Cream Refreshing Body Spritzer: Although I love perfumes there is something nice about still using body spritzers, with a fruity light fragrance which is great to throw in your bag if you need a refresher throughout the day. Also sometimes you don’t always want a heavy perfume so these can be great, also they come with plastic packaging so it is ideal for travel and are worry free.

Macadamia Oil Extract Foot Pack: I love trying out new foot packs as I find them one of the best ways to deal with dried and cracked heal. There is very little difference between any of the foot packs I’ve tried but with them only costing £0.99 per pack it doesn’t matter what you pick up. I highly recommend picking up a foot pack or two especially as it gets into sandal season and you want your feet looking there best.

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So that’s another empties over a done with, slightly smaller than usual but I don’t want too much crap building up.

Lots of Love

Gwenllian Branwen

xox

January Favourites

So first favourites of 2015, woo woo. January has seemed like a long month with coursework, semester A exams and the start of semester b of my final year its been busy, I’ve also be lucky to have a week off where I took part in some pampering and retail therapy. So on with the favourites . . .

Ted Baker London Body Spray: I got this in a set from my sister for Christmas and I love the scent I’m unsure how to describe it but its mean to be rose, sandalwood and raspberry which is probably true its a floral fruity cross. This essentially fits in bag and is so handy the perfect go to scent/spray.

Tanya Burr Nail Polish in Midnight Sparkles: Another beautiful nail polish from the Tanya Burr cosmetic line this is a beautiful dark purple with glittery flecks, perfect for these colder months and I haven”t gotten over glitter nails yet so I can still keep the festive glitter in a more subtle way.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair: A long time youtube/beauty blogger favourite and definitely mine, so in expensive and such good quality its thick and creamy so is ideal for hiding anything you may want to hide. A savoir during late night study sessions, early morning exams and balancing life in general. If you haven’t tried it yet, then why haven’t you?

Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy in 1 Lush Coconut: (Glossy Balm Crystal Colour) So I got this as a gift from my loving boyfriend and I’m in love, I wanted this for ages and as there was nothing else to get me he brought me this. The sheer candy just add a subtle wash of colour to your lips and its simply perfect I wear it everyday.

Hello Kitty Shimmer Dust in Dappled: My mum brought me a bunch of cutesy hello kitty stuff for Christmas and she picked this up, despite been hesitant at first to use it I finally took the plunge and tried it and I love it, its a purple neutral shade ideal for every day or romantic looks. Basically a complete surprise but it is absolutely amazing.

So those are my monthly favourites, I’ve limited it to five but I’m trying to work out if that is the right amount or not, let me know. What have you guys been loving this month, let me know?

Love

Gwenllian Branwen

xox