Mini Haul | H&M, Superdrug, Boots & Boohoo.com

Earlier this week, I was in the mood for a little shopping spree and so my friend Katie and I embarked on a little adventure across town and I thought I'd share some of the little purchases I picked up! I love watching hauls and reading about splurges people have made, I find it a great way to open my eyes up to some of the gems in the shops that I might not have seen myself, while also getting peoples opinions and recommendations. So, here we go!

My first purchase was something I saw a few weeks before and I just knew I couldn't leave it in the store. Second from the left is the newest, retro addition to my wardrobe from H&M. This grey, cosy sweater is covered in pastel dinosaurs doing all sorts of things like roller-skating and skateboarding. It is possibly the best print I have ever seen! I can see myself cuddled up in this sweater on what will most probably be an everyday basis. I LOVE it! 

We next ventured to Superdrug where we stocked up on face masks. From my last post, you will know I love to use face masks as often as I can for a little pamper. The range of face masks at Superdrug is so varied and, being on a 3-for-2 offer as well, it was far too tempting. I picked up 2 of my favourite, the Detoxifying Dead Sea Mineral Mask, as well as some newbies like the White Chocolate Mousse Mask and a couple of Sheet Masks too, something I am yet to try. I can't wait to give my skin a little treat with these masks and all 6 only set me back about £4.50!

We finally moved to Boots, where my first purchases were boring things like moisturiser, after which I got to move on to some little treats for myself! As I am starting to take much better care of my hair, I thought it was about time I swapped my old and well-loved teenage hairbrush for a new, much larger brush for my growing hair! I picked up a Boots own-brand large, oval brush that is the perfect size and shape for what I wanted. It doesn't feel cheap either considering it isn't a branded item! It glides through my hair easily, without tugging on any tangles, leaving it soft.

Moving towards the makeup aisles led to my next few purchases. Whenever I go out, be it for drinks with friends, hitting a night club or a house party, I love to do sparkly and dark smokey eyes. I feel like it's so different from my everyday looks and is really glamorous for these types of occasions. The eyeshadow trio I had previously used I received in a set a good couple of years ago and was starting to look a touch sorry for itself. I found this gorgeous quad 01 Grey and Night by Bourjois Paris (far left picture). It has three perfect shades for a dark yet subtle smokey eye as well as an amazing glitter in the centre to dazzle the most special of occasions. I know I will get a lot of use from this and am so glad to have it in my makeup bag! Following this gem, I was on the hunt for a bright orange shade to begin sporting on my nails as we roll into the spring. I found a couple from Rimmel London and Barry M, but they were all too overpowering and neon. I found a beautiful, soft orange-toned coral with a subtle shimmer by Natural Collection. The shade Antique Coral screams spring and, as the sun starts to make an appearance, I know it will be the perfect colour to welcome it. I haven't yet used it and I'm not sure what to expect as it was on the cheaper side but nonetheless, I'm excited to try it! As Natural Collection was on an offer, I also picked up a Juicy Lips Gloss in Turkish Delight, another one of their products. I have glided this natural darker pink shade over my lips almost everyday before work as it looks so natural and suits every shade I wear on my eyes. It's a subtle way to complete a look and suits my fair skin.

To finish up this mini haul is a little purchase made before my shopping spree from Boohoo.com, that I thought I would just add at the end. Every summer, a pair of converse-style white pumps seem to be permanently glued to my feet. I have been on the search for a new pair ever since my last pair fell apart last summer. After trying many shops on the high street, I turned to Boohoo, where I found just the shoes to fit the bill. As soon as any sunny day comes along, I guarantee I'll be wearing these!

That's everything I've spent my money on over this little shopping spree. I am really pleased with everything I picked up, as well as glad to have had a girly afternoon doing some retail therapy! Have you fallen in love with any new products or purchases recently?

- Becca x

Grey Dinosaur Sweater - RRP £14.99
Superdrug Face Masks - RRP 99p (for 15ml packet)
Superdrug Sheet Masks - RRP £1.29 (for 1 sheet mask)
Boots Essentials Large Oval Hairbrush - RRP £5.49
Bourjois Paris Eyeshadow Quad in 01 Grey and Night - RRP £7.99
Natural Collection Nail Colour in Antique Coral - RRP £1.99
Natural Collection Juicy Lips Gloss in Turkish Delight - RRP £1.99
Boohoo Cady Canvas Lace Up Trainer in White - RRP £12.00

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My Pamper Night Staples | Face

With my days currently consumed with work, I jump at the opportunity to take a little me time. I've always been the type of person who loves a quite evening with my feet up, trying out pampering products and just relaxing. It's so difficult in our busy lifestyles to just sit down and take an hour for ourselves, even I have started making excuses! So, whether you have a pamper night every week and want to add to your essentials or are now ready to put your feet up after a long day and want to know where to start, in this little series, I'll write all about my favourites and why I always reach for them on a relaxed, pamper evening. This first post is all about the face and skincare!

To kick off a pamper session, I always take off all my makeup so I feel fresh, cleansed and ready to pamper my skin! I find it such a refreshing feeling to remove my makeup after a long day, like I'm simply sweeping away all the stress and worry from the day with it, and it automatically puts me in a relaxed mood to start the evening. If I don't have a lot of time or naturally on an everyday basis, I reach for the No7 Beautiful Skin Quick Thinking Wipes. These wipes are so hydrating and full of moisture to clear all the makeup I'm wearing and leave my skin soft. They aren't heavily scented or harsh on the skin so are perfect to quickly yet effectively wipe everything away - just the thing if you want more time to focus on another aspect of the pamper night. If I have a little more time, I'll opt for the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. This is a recent purchase of mine but I have really enjoyed the ease of use and quality! It works by splashing the cleansing water on a cotton wool pad and sweeping over the face to dissolve the makeup. Although it's a touch more time-consuming, I usually use about 2/3 cotton wool pads on a full face of makeup, it does leave your skin fully cleansed and soft. After using either of these to cleanse my skin, I wash my face over with a warm flannel, ready for the next stage! 

The best part about a pamper night is indulging in a treatment that you might not use everyday to help you feel refreshed and your skin feel amazing! My favourite thing to use on an evening to myself is a face mask. You can use face masks to achieve or combat all sorts of things! From hydrating to calming to deep cleansing and from strawberry to Dead Sea to chocolate scents, the best thing about face masks is trying all sorts of different ones to see how your skin benefits from each of their boasted qualities. Superdrug has an incredible range of affordable face masks which I always opt for during my pamper nights. I also purchased a couple of Montagne Jeunesse face masks before Christmas, known for their bright colours and beautiful scents, these are a real treat for the skin too! Relaxing for 15 minutes, your favourite slow and soothing songs filling the air, a creamy and cool face mask refreshing every pore is a simple yet wonderful experience that takes very little out of our busy lives but gives so much back! Even if you try just this quick 10-15 minute portion of the pamper night, it won't just be your skin thanking you for days after! If a face mask isn't for you, a cleansing facial wash can soothe your face just as easily and in much less time. My favourite to use on these days, when I find myself with less time to spare, is the Simple Moisturising Facial Wash, which foams on your skin as you massage it in, without the harsh and drying qualities of soap. The final product which I like to use every couple of months, or if I am having a particular problem with blackheads etc., are Superdrug's Tea Tree Deep Cleansing Nose Strips. As weird and daunting as these may sound, they are wonderful for a deep and effective cleanse of the area around the nose. If you find this area particularly oily or suffer with spots and blackheads like myself, you will definitely reap the benefits of these little strips. They draw out all the blockages that build up in your pores leaving the area truly refreshed and clean. This may not be something you've considered for a pamper night but it's such a satisfying feeling and I'm sure some of you will love beating those blackheads! After each of these pampering options, be sure your face is clean and free from any products before the next and final step before you can hop into bed! 

To conclude such a relaxed evening, there's nothing more important than locking in all the moisture and goodness your skin has received with a nourishing moisturiser. On an everyday basis, for both day and night wear, the Ponds Hydro Nourishing Cream is my holy grail of moisturisers. Its thick and creamy nature is perfect to hydrate my fairly dry and sensitive skin. I love the smell and adore the softness of my skin even when I wake up! It's the only staple of my skincare routine I can't see changing for a long time. If I am, however, in the mood for a slightly more intense moisturiser, I use the No7 Protect and Perfect Night Cream. I received this mini bottle in a set of other No7 products, all of which have really made my skin feel and look amazing! Some people swear by this to improve and perfect the look of your skin. I am quite lucky with my skin and wouldn't say I really needed a particular strong moisturiser to correct a certain aspect in particular such as acne, redness or fine lines, but if you do, this may be the one for you. Having said this, I do love the consistency which isn't as thick as the Ponds cream so absorbs into the skin much quicker - my skin almost felt hydrated immediately! I wouldn't say I find it better in a hydrating sense than the Ponds cream, but in terms of the general appearance of my skin, I love it for giving a little extra something that encourages me to reach for it on these nights where I want my skin to look and feel special!

After the perfect pamper evening, I get tucked up in bed with a book or drop my head to my pillow and fall asleep! We all deserve a little 'me-time' every once in a while and I hope reading this has encouraged you to pursue the pamper night you deserve. Looking after your skin not only makes you look great but feel great too! After all, that's the whole point of these evenings and if you feel de-stressed and better by the end, then you know you're doing something right! You deserve it!

What skincare essentials can't you live without? 

- Becca x 

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - RRP £4.99 (For 400ml)

No7 Beautiful Skin Quick Thinking Wipes - RRP £7.00 (For 30 Wipes)

Superdrug Face Masks - RRP 99p (For 15ml Packet) 

Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks - RRP £1.00 (For 20g Packet)

Simple Moisturising Facial Wash - RRP £3.49 (For 150ml)

Superdrug Tea Tree Deep Cleansing Nose Strips - RRP £3.99 (For 5 Strips)

Ponds Hydro Nourishing Cream - RRP £4.99 (For 50ml) 

No7 Protect and Perfect Night Cream - RRP £23.00 (For 50ml) 

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Fave Five: August 2014

I did quite a bit of shopping this month and bought some new things that I have absolutely loved. This is quite a beauty-heavy Fave Five as I've discovered/re-discovered some gems this month! So, let's get started!

I have had quite a few big changes in my life recently. I have begun not 1, but 2 part-time jobs to raise funds to support my university life and studies. This has meant my weeks have become far busier and are moving along much quicker than I thought. This has been quite overwhelming and stressful at times but also enjoyable at others and it's exciting to think I'm now starting a completely new chapter of my life.

Superdrug Face Masks

The first product to feature in this month's Fave Five is something I have not used for a while but I am so happy to have re-discovered over the current period where 'me time' isn't exactly abundant. Face masks are one of the best ways to pamper yourself and relax while also making your skin look and feel great. I picked up a selection of the Superdrug face mask packets like the two pictured above. These are cheap and easy to apply and have left my skin soothed, as well as given me a chance to take a break and relax. You can find different masks that seek to achieve different goals, such as de-stressing or even anti-ageing. Each are packed with vitamins and extracts to help you put your feet up for a bit and give your skin the pampering it deserves! If I ever need a little break, I will definitely reach for these again and, even better, check Superdrug for these are always on little offers!

Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara by Grow Luscious

My second favourite I have actually already reviewed in a blog post on it's own, and that is the Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara by Grow Luscious. It, of course, deserved a mention in this Fave Five for there has probably only been collectively 4 days in the entire month when I haven't actually used it! I used my previous mascara the other day as I was in a rush and the difference is so incredible, it made me love it even more. My lashes are not only long and fluttery but also look so much fuller than before. I think I probably spend the most time out of all my make-up on my lashes as they can add so much to an eye look. This mascara effortlessly lengthens and thickens my lashes - very noticeably as well as I've received many compliments! What's more, thanks to the waterproof formula that I picked up (it is also available as standard, non-waterproof mascara), it stays all day, not smudging below my eyes or losing it's amazing look. I would really recommend this to anyone who is searching for that perfect mascara to primarily lengthen their lashes but also add a touch of volume for a price not too over-budget for the great quality!

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balms

Next is another product by Revlon and one that I didn't intend on buying but, am so glad I have now! My mum was on the search for some new lipsticks and we stumbled upon the Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm. Like a pen, these lip colours are easy to apply and have a wide variety of vivid and beautiful colours. The effect is much deeper and vibrant compared to the Colorburst Lip Butters which I also own and are perfect for a quick and easy bright lip look that lasts well. I first wore this on a night out with my friends and was surprised to see how well it stayed put the whole night. The two colours I picked up were Flirtatious, a bright and deep red, and Whimsical, a glittery purple. Both shades are glamorous and glittery, although I find the glitter a lot more prominent in the purple shade. I adore the richness of both the colours and, now that I am adventuring into different lip colours rather than staying in the comfort zone of my lip balms and nude lip glosses, I am so excited to continue wearing both these gorgeous lipsticks. Another bonus is the balm aspect makes sure my lips don't become dry over the course of the day!

Collection 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner

Some of you might be surprised to read that, although I am a self-confessed beauty and make-up fanatic, I have always stayed clear of liquid eye liner. On an everyday basis, I sport khol pencil liner and have been too scared to attempt liquid eye liner. Constant complaints of the difficulty is what essentially put me off liquid eye liner, as I didn't want to spend hours trying to get both 'wings' to match. When on holiday, however, I didn't take any make-up apart from mascara and pressed powder and so, borrowed the eye liner that Hannah had brought. She had been using the Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner. I was surprised at how quickly I got the hang of applying this liner that is basically a felt tip pen, and the similarity to my familiar pencil liner. I purchased it myself when we got back and, even though I wasn't too adventurous on holiday, I have attempted a few different looks over this past month and have actually really enjoyed using it (something I never thought I would say about a liquid eye liner!). I haven't myself worn it for 24 hours to test that aspect of it, but it does stay put all day and looks really nice on the eye. I would definitely recommend this to rookies like myself and one of the best parts is the price at only £2.99!

Finally is a music feature and something I'm sure most of you are already aware of! I have been a fan of Ed Sheeran for absolutely ages and am in love with his voice and style of music. I was so excited to hear his new album X and must admit it has been constantly playing over the past month. I just love the feel good and happy vibes his music has given to my summer and how his wonderful songs have accompanied the good times I've spent with friends. My favourite songs are Don't, Thinking Out Loud and Bloodstream but, every single track is amazing and truly boasts the talent of Ed Sheeran. If you haven't given his album a listen, it's a definite must and you might end up obsessing like I have been the last month!

That's all this month! What have you loved through August? I hope you all had a wonderful and memorable summer!

- Becca x

Superdrug Face Masks - RRP 99p (For 15ml Packet)
Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara by Grow Luscious - RRP £9.99
Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm - RRP £7.99
Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner - RRP £2.99 
X By Ed Sheeran - RRP £8.99/£10.99 (For Deluxe Edition) on iTunes or RRP £8.99/£12.99 (For Deluxe Edition) as Physical Copy

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