Garnier Moisture Match - Wake Me Up

Garnier Moisture Match - Wake Me Up (50ml)

The one designed for dull skin (5.99)

A couple of days ago I shared with you the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, my new favourite cleanser - guys seriously if you're looking for a new one, want to try out micellar waters or just fancy spending some pennies go out and buy it now! - but now I have another lovely Garnier product to share with you, one that has been part of my daily routine for a couple of months now.
Recently I've been trying to take better care of my skin, sometimes I think no wonder it's so bad after all the things I put it through but that's a post for another day. I realised my skin was starting to feel tight and uncomfortable everytime I used a face wash - I guess that's the problem when you are used to buying products designed for oily teenage skin and you've grown out of the oily (and teenage) phase into the "normal skin" one - so I decided it was time to actually go and get a moisturiser. I know *shock*, *horror*, I wasn't already using one on a daily basis but I was already worried about my skin looking too shiny, and I'm probably a bit lazy too.
I wanted to try out something that wasn't too expensive and would meet all of my hydration needs, and this one from Garnier has been doing the job perfectly for the last couple of months. Part of their Moisture Match Range, Wake Me Up is designed specifically for dull skin. It contains citrus extracts which are known for their revitalizing properties to help wake up your skin. The moisturiser has a very delicate scent, you can faintly smell the citrus, but it's still a very fresh fragrance. It's different to other daily moisturisers because of it's gel consistency, it's incredibly light and absorbs into the skin in a flash yet I've found it's still enough to keep my skin feeling soft and hydrated throughout the day. Best of all the range has moisturisers to meet all skin needs: there's one for normal skin, oily/combination skin, normal/dry skin and very dry skin.Each one has different textures and properties, designed to target the specific skin problems associated with your skin type. Of course I can't speak for them all, but if they're as good as Wake Me Up then this is definitely a moisturiser to add to your routine.
You can buy the Moisture Match collection at Boots or Superdrug stores, or online here for £5.99 each.

What do you think of the Moisture Match collection? Which is your favourite?

Beth xx

The Online Positivity Challenge

Image source - from We Heart It

When I read this article published by Cosmo I found myself in complete agreement with them and Body Gossip. Far too often we use our Twitter, Facebook and other social media channels to complain, bitch or argue. I'm lucky that on my Twitter I follow lots of lovely, inspirational bloggers and magazines, but not a day goes by where I don't plenty of negative things. I don't know about you - and maybe it's just me - but my Facebook is full of people complaining about everything and anything, or using social media as an excuse to write a very pointed, bitchy status without actually naming the person involved (come on guys, we all know who you're talking about). While we all may enjoy a bit of drama once in a while - especially if it doesn't affect our life - it does get a bit repetitive.
So for the next week I will be joining Body Gossip and Cosmo Online on their Online Positivity Challenge. On all my social media I will only be posting and sharing positive and inspiring thoughts and pictures, and I encourage you ALL to do the same. Hopefully then when we all log on to our Twitter or Facebook, we'll feel happy instead of envious, angry or upset. Life is hard, and we all need a bitch and a moan, but think how much good we could all do together if we stayed positive for just one week.

Here are some thoughts to get your started!

1) What has inspired you in the past week?
I'm finished my degree in about four months time, so I'm starting to look for internships and jobs. While it's encouraging to see so many *paid* opportunities out there, it can be disheartening to know a lot of people will be applying for the same one. I'm lucky that I've found some jobs that I really want and know I would be good at, so it's inspired me to really get stuck into my university work and try my best.

2)Who do you know doing good in the world?
Some of my closest friends. One who is always off raising money for charity and another who has trained incredibly hard to become a veterinary nurse, hearing her stories is so inspiring.

3) What was the last thing you heard that made you think your city/country/area was a great place to live in?
On days like today where it's warm and sunny, Bournemouth is a really amazing and positive place to be. I think it's got something to do with being by the beach in good weather, it just instantly puts everyone in a happy mood.

4) Who are your style icons?
My friends and the amazing bloggers I follow! Thanks to Twitter I have found so many amazing fashion and beauty blogs which have inspired me to try something new. Pinterest is also amazing for finding new ideas

5) Which celebrities or public figures do you admire?
Jennifer Lawrence (who doesn't) for keeping things real, and being a positive role model for women everywhere. Cameron Diaz and Gywneth Paltrow, both for being so laid back. Helen Mirren and Judi Dench, they are both amazing actresses and prove you can look fab at any age.

Will you be joining the Online Positivity Challenge? Let me know so I can follow you!

Beth xx 

Weekly Wishlist 002

Weekly Wishlist 002 

Another week that's just flown by! This week I've tried really hard to be motivated; going to the gym, blogging and sharing all the time, and most importantly keeping up with the dreading dissertation. So this morning I decided to treat myself to a bit of online shopping (read: online window browsing) and these are just some of the beauty items I'm lusting after at the moment. (From l-r)

1) Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream: £29.00 I've loved Smashbox ever since I tried their Photo Finish Foundation Primer, which is one of the best primers I've ever used, and I'd love to try out this CC Cream next. £29 is quite a lot to shell out for one product, but when it comes to foundations/BB creams/CC creams and the like, I think if it's something you're wearing everyday it's worth spending a few more pennies. I'd also like to switch to something lighter for the spring and give my skin a chance to heal from its latest breakout!

2)No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette: £12.00 No picture online can do this palette justice, I've seen it in store and it is absolutely stunning. The background colour is lovely warm pink, in the foreground you have a dusky rose colour and the back to shimmery gold petals to highlight. Three products in one for just £12, what more could a girl ask for!

3) Essie Nail Polish Twinkle-Belle Duo Kit: £12.99 I always love the little kits that Essie come out, they're really well put together and the colours complement each other perfectly. In the Twinkle-Belle kit you get a Crème-de-Menthe green and a multidimensional top coat in incadescent pink. Wear alone, wear together, it's up to you.

4) Marc Jacobs Honey Eau de Parfum 30ml: £39.00 This perfume has been in stores for a while now, but I still can't resist a spritz whenever I pop into my local Boots. I'm not much of a perfume girl - I stick to my two favourite DKNY fragrances - but this lovely summery floral scent. With top notes of green pair and juicy mandarin, it's very fresh and energetic, and the honey scent isn't overpowering at all.

5) Barry M Aquarium Nail Effects: £3.99 each Barry M is my favourite nail polish of all time, and one day I am determined to own every shade they have! I saw these on Twitter yesterday and I instantly thought it was such a pretty collection for summer. There are four mirror tone shades and two glitter top coats in the range, perfect for creating that mermaid look.

Have you tried out any of these? What beauty products are on your wishlist this week?

Beth xx

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - £4.99
(Currently available at Asda for £3.33)

I've always struggled with finding an effective make up remover, most them - even Simple - are far too harsh for me and dry out the delicate skin around my eyes leaving them feeling tender and painful.
Micellar Water was the beauty buzzword a few months back, with every blog raving about them and every company releasing one, but this is the first time I've actually tried the product. They contain micelles, which act as magnets to draw away make-up, dirt and impurities from the skin. I picked up this one by Garnier in my local Asda store for the bargain price of £3.33. To be honest with you, it was a bit of an impulse purchase. I knew I was running out of make up remover and I couldn't see anything on the shelf that took my fancy, and met my sensitive skin needs.
I've tried out this cleansing water for the past few days now and I have to say it is on it's way to becoming on of my favourite cleansers of all time! A big claim, but this stuff really does the job. I use this Micellar Water at twice a day as part of cleansing time - a third time if I've just come back from the gym - and it so gentle and refreshing, perfect for even the most sensitive of skin types. I find that one or two cotton pads dampened with Micellar Water is enough to remove all traces of make-up, including waterproof mascara.
Another thing I love about this product is the size of the bottle. Most make up removers come in tiny, little bottles which I go through in no time at all where as the Garnier Micellar Water comes in a whopping 400ml, enough for 200 uses - or so the bottle claims.
You can buy Garnier Micellar water at your local Boots or Superdrug store, or online here for £4.99.

Have you tried Micellar Water before? What's your favourite brand?

Beth xx

Liebster Blog Award #2

Back in February I was nominated for a Liebster Blog Award by the lovely Katie, who blogs over at Beauty, Boo and Tea Too. This is the second time my blog has been nominated for the award, and you can read all about it here.

What is the Liebster Award?

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. So, what is a Liebster?  The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. It's a great way to connect with other bloggers and help spread the word about newer blogs.

Rules

1. Link the blog that nominated you
2. Choose 11 bloggers to nominate who have less than 200 followers
3. Answer 11 questions given to you
4. Let the people you nominated know you have done so
5. Create 11 questions for the blogs you nominated
6. You can't nominate the person you nominated you
7. You must follow the blog that nominated you

So here are the questions Katie sent me, and my answers:

• What is your favourite beauty product?
  At the moment I'd say it was the Max Factor Whipped Creme Foundation, it's one of the best foundation's I've tried and it gives a lovely finish.
• What does your blog mean to you?
  I love my blog, it's a place where I get to practice my writing skills and write about all the things I love - something I don't always get to do as part of my Journalism degree. It's a great way to meet new people and find lots of amazing products
• What's your favourite song at the moment?
  That's a hard one! There's so many, I usually have a playlist of about 20 songs which I listen to on repeat but if I had to pick one for right now it would be Be My Only by FM Radio
• When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?
  I think a friend and I planned to have our own beauty salon, we even drew plans of what it would like haha! 
• Did you make any new years resolutions, and have you stuck to them?
  I didn't make any proper ones but I wanted to try and be more motivated this year and I'm really trying. I've started to blog more, go to the gym, tried to eat a bit healthier and get stuck into my university work
• If you were a Disney character which character would you be?
  I think I'd like to be Cinderella
• If you had to describe yourself in three words what would they be?
  Creative, thoughtful and determined
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
  I'd love to be working in London, in a media based job - perhaps writing for a magazine or working in PR.
• What is your most prized possession?
  Sentimentally it would be my photographs and the toy bunny my grandma gave to me the day I was born. Money-wise it would be my laptop - because it has absolutely everything on!
• What's your guilty pleasure?
  Long, hot bubble baths with a good book
• If you could have any superpower what would it be?
  I would love to be able to read people's minds and know what they were really thinking, you'd want to be able to turn a power like that on and off though because it would be pretty annoying to have to hear everything all the time!

Okay, so I'd like to nominate: 

ChattyNics,

The Beauty Swatch 

Sophie Says 

Liverpool Lashes

Alexandra Quinn

ChantellEve

Blog de Sherrell

Fearless Vogue

Lady Brunette

Touch Of Belle

Ellie's Beauty Edit

Here are my questions for you:

1. What are your five favourite beauty products?
2. If you could go on holiday anywhere in the world, where would you go?
3. What is your favourite book?
4. What was the last film you watched, and what did you think of it?
5. Favourite candy?
6. What inspired you to start blogging?
7. What beauty products have you splurged on?
8. Top three blogs you read all the time?
9. Where do you hope to be in five years time?
10. What is one of your favourite memories?
11. What is your favourite thing you own?

Good Luck! I look forward to reading all your answers!

Beth xx

Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Top Coat

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri top coat £5.99

A few months ago I shared the Sally Hansen No Chips Acrylic top coat with you all, and I was incredibly disappointed with the formula. Not only did it make my nail polish crack and chip, but it actually damaged it more than wearing no top coat at all. The experience did put me off Sally Hansen a little bit, but I've heard so many positives about the brand from friends, family and other beauty bloggers that it was difficult not to go back and try a different product. Plus I would hate to write a brand off completely just on one bad performance.
The first time I tried this top coat I actually borrowed it off my housemate, who blogs here, and I was really impressed with it! It completely made up for my bad experience with the No Chips Acrylic Top Coat, and more! If like me you are too impatient to wait for your polish to dry, or if even when it seems dry you still manage to smudge it, then this is the perfect product for you.
As it says on the bottle Insta-Dri is a clear top coat which you can apply to freshly painted nails to "instantly dry" them. I was a sceptical when I first tried this top coat, I thought there was no way it could dry my polish s quickly but it has worked every time. All you need to do is apply your nail polish (after you've put on a base coat of course), wait two minutes, and then apply a single coat of Insta-Dri and in a minute or so your nails will be completely dry! The top coat also contains UV filters, which helps protect your manicure and prevent nail colour from fading. Definitely worth the £5.99, just for the frustration it has saved me with ruined nails.
The only downside I've found with this product is that towards the end of the bottle it can tend to get a little sticky and tacky. I'm not sure why this is, maybe it's the drying properties, but if you try and apply it when it's like that it will ruin your polish. So just go out and get another bottle! You can buy Insta-Dri at Boots and Superdrug stores, or online here and here.

Have you tried the Insta-Dri top coat? What did you think?

Beth xx

Weekly Wishlist 001

I was going to title this post "March Wishlist" but there's so many lovely things out there that I want at the moment I didn't think it would all fit into one post. On another note, how is it March already! This year is flying by so quickly it makes me sad, I don't know whether it's because I only have a few more months left of university and I don't want it to end or because there's so much I need/want to do that it's making the time go faster. The only thing I'm hoping that is on it's way quicker is the better weather! We are in desperate need of some sun, and I want my spring wardrobe to start making an appearance. It's definitely one of my favourite seasons and it's definitely inspired this week's wishlist.

1. Blue Longline Relaxed Boyfriend Blazer: £35.00 As soon as I saw this blazer I fell in love. Baby blue, as you can tell from the rest of my wishlist, is one of my favourite colours! It's perfect for spring and this blazer is so versatile, it would look great with a dress or teamed with skinny jeans and heels.

2. Black Ditsy Floral Belted Playsuit: £19.99 Florals make up a great deal of my wardrobe, and this playsuit would make a welcome addition. I love the structured look of this playsuit, with it's belted waist, I think it would be a great shape for anyone. The red belt also adds a lovely pop of colour.

3. Navy Cut Out Polka Dot Playsuit: £25.00 I already own one polka dot playsuit, but this one is so cute I couldn't resist. It's the perfect transitional outfit for spring/summer: great during in the days with sandals and a denim jackets and then swap the shoes for some heels, ditch the jacket and you're ready for a girls night out.

4. Mini Tulle Skirt: £15.00 this skirt reminds me partly of one I used to wear when I was really little and partly of my younger sister's ballet skirt. Pink is not usually a colour I go for, but this is so pretty with the tulle overlay that I think it would make a great addition to anyone's summer wardrobe.

5. Pale Blue Gemstone Statement Necklace: £12.00 this necklace combines my love of pastel colours (blue, mint and yellow) with flowers. Everyone loves a statement necklace but this one is just a little bit dainter, making it the perfect partner for all sorts of outfits.

6. Light Blue Satchel: £28.00 The final baby blue item (for today), satchels are my favourite type of bag because they're so versatile and, to be honest, really pretty. Of course the colour caught my eye with this one, but the mini size makes it perfect for everyday use.

What items have made it on to your weekly wishlist?

Beth xx

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo*

Corrective and unclogging spot treatment*

3ml sample size*

I can never say no to a freebie! If an email lands in my inbox telling me about a free sample, and all I have to do is sign up to the website, then I'm there! Of course it means my inbox gets buried in newsletter emails and like, but on the plus side it means I get to test out some fab products like the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo.
This is one of the best quick spot treatments I've ever tried and, trust me, I've tried a lot. As I've mentioned before I've suffered from acne for the past five years so a lot of my top spends are on skincare which promises to clear your skin and leaving you blemish free. I've tried endless bottles of face wash, lotion, creams and toners and it's very rare that'll you find one that will consistently work for you. Now I'm 20 a lot of the highstreet ranges targeted at blemish prone skin are far too harsh for me, because they're designed for teenage skin which can face a bit more of the oil-stripping tendencies they come with.
This is the first time I've tried something from the La Roche-Posay range so I was excited when this sample landed on my doorstep. I've heard nothing but good things about the brand throughout the blogosphere so my expectations were high, and I have to admit I was not disappointed.
The Effaclar Duo is a targeted spot treatment designed to help unclog pores and correct imperfections. It has the same texture and consistency of a light everyday moisturiser, and I apply to this a particularly bad spots at least a couple times a day. Unlike other highstreet spot treatments it doesn't leave your skin feeling dry and tender, in fact my skin has felt much softer and smoother skin I started applying this cream. The light consistency also means I'd have no trouble dabbing this on over make-up if I felt a spot coming up in the day.

La Roche-Posay have just released a newer version of the Effaclar Duo, called Effaclar Duo+, which I can't wait to try. You can buy the new formula in Boots stores and online, or from the Escentual website.

Have you tried the La Roche-Posay range? What's your favourite product?

Beth xx

Max Factor Whipped Creme Foundation

I hope you all had a great pancake day yesterday! I was by myself this year, but I still whipped up a stack of pancakes which I ate while watching When Harry Met Sally - not as fun as last years pancake day, but still a nice evening. Today I'm sharing my thought's on Max Factor's Whipped Creme Foundation, a product which I have been using for a couple of months now.

Max Factor Whipped Creme Foundation

Swatch: Light Ivory (40)

This foundation reminds me of the first time I bought my first proper "grown-up" foundation, the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse. I think I must have been about 15, shopping with my mum and swatching loads of foundations to try and find the right shade for my skin tone. I remember being so excited to be allowed to wear actual make up for the first time - the truth is I was so nervous putting it on that it probably looked like I was wearing nothing anyway!
Unfortunately I did my usual blogging thing with this product: bought it and got so excited about using it that I forgot to take any pictures! So I'm doing more a look-back review, and seeing as I use it everyday I feel I know everything about this foundation.
I've always loved mousse foundations, they're light, easy to apply and really blendable. The only downside is sometimes they can get a bit cakey if you try and layer it on. Although the website recommends applying it with a foundation brush, I prefer to blend it with my fingertips because otherwise the coverage is far too heavy for me. The hydrating formula means it's perfect during the winter when your skin can start to dry out (unsightly dry patches? Anyone else?) but it's light and dewy enough to keep using right throughout spring/summer. As an added extra bonus it's also oil and fragrance-free, so suitable for even those sensitive types. I loved this foundation so much that I've already picked up my third pot - my sister pinched the second one for her make up stash, so it must be good!
You can pick up a pot from Superdrug or Boots stores or online here and here.

What's your favourite type of foundation? Have you tried the Whipped Creme Foundation from Max Factor yet?

Beth xx