Fave Five: April and May 2015

I'm back with my Fave Five for the months of April and May! I have saved this post for when I knew I had products I loved to feature, rather than ones that were ok but didn't 'wow' me and therefore, have accumulated my five favourites for the last 2 months, instead of the usual one. I have had such a busy time over the last couple of months. My birthday was at the beginning of April, at which time my friends returned from university for the Easter break. I have also been primarily occupied with work, with my hours changing too. I have, however, got a variety of my favourite things to talk about, many of which have been staples in my body life over the course of April and May!

My first favourite is a makeup product I'm certain will be a staple for me over the spring and summer months. When it comes to eyeshadow, although I wear it every time I do my makeup, I have never been too adventurous in terms of colours. I know that browns and golds suit me, that purple is perfect to make my eyes pop and a grey/black smokey eye compliments my eyes on a night out but, that's all I dare to use! I saw this beautiful eye shadow quad, the L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Smokey Eyes in Eau de Rose, and instantly fell in love. I went out on a punt and bought the quad hoping it wouldn't be a weird pinky red tone, looking as if I had an eye infection and look really pretty and pink over the summer months. First of all, the packaging is really well presented, each shade shaped to almost mimic an eye, with gold framing the lid to make it look even more beautiful. The lightest, pink shade is gorgeous all over he lid by itself for a light, shimmery look or even just as a highlighter under the brow or in the inner corners - this is probably my most used of the four. The second colour is a beautiful yet subtle pink, perfect when blended with the first shade. It suits my pale complexion and adds a shimmery, pearlescent effect that I love to wear with a winged liner look. The third colour I'm definitely not the biggest fan of, as I find it to be the only colour in the quad that either doesn't suit my skin tone or my eye colour. It is the only pink shade that although looks less vivid to the others, with almost silver undertones, comes out a lot darker and pinker than I'm willing to adventure to! Finally, the smokey, plum shade, with brown undertones to compliment my eye colour, is gorgeous and really adds depth to an eye look as it's so different from the other shades. I have loved giving a soft, smokey effect through the crease with this shade that can look subtle or dramatic, depending on how you choose to blend and build it! All the shades are so versatile for daytime or on a night out, be it on their own or blended to create soft and smokey eyes and I know I will get a lot of use from this little quad!

The second product I actually purchased a while ago but only properly integrated into my routine in the last few months. The Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructer Deep Conditioner is the best conditioning treatment I have used on my hair and I have been reaping the benefits of it ever since. My hair had become very damaged, dry and worn out from a variety of things from too much straightening to stress from exams. As it started to regain a bit of life, I decided to help it on it's way to the gorgeous flowing locks that I desire by adding a treatment into my haircare routine. I tried a couple, but nothing really left my hair feeling better than a regular conditioner would - I wanted something to really show it's worth! After reading reviews online, I thought to give Aussie a go, a brand I had no experience with before. Not only does this conditioner leave your hair smelling gorgeous, I don't think my hair has ever felt so soft! I have naturally wavy and frizzy hair yet my waves are defined using this conditioner, just without the frizz that tags along. I use this product once a week and have noticed my hair feeling so hydrated and soft as a result over the last few months - even my hairdresser commented on how much healthier and softer my hair has become. If your hair is in need of a rescue, this is definitely the product I would recommend to bring it back to life!

Next, is a product I am so lucky to have discovered, as it's rescued my pamper schedule. I have always heard about 'sheet masks' as a simple, quick way to pamper yourself but was never able to find them in a store. On my last visit to Superdrug, (click here to read about that haul!) I picked up a selection of the new sheet masks that they had available as part of their range. I tried the Superdrug Deep Cleansing Facial Sheet Mask back in April and was so pleased with the quality and how amazing it left my skin feeling. I am a huge lover of face masks in general but I must say this is the best I have ever used. The ease of placing the sheet over my skin rather than applying a product makes it perfect for a quick, little, mid-week treat and is a lot less messy to clean up after. What's more, even though you aren't actually putting a product in itself onto your skin, your skin still feels the 'tingling' sensation so you know it's working it's magic. After a 5 minute mini facial, my skin felt so fresh and clean. I have already gone back to purchase more of these and would recommend them to anyone whose skin is screaming for a treat on a budget!

As it was my birthday in early April, the next few favourites to conclude this post were presents I received and have absolutely fallen in love with! First of all was an item I held back from buying just in case I opened it on my birthday. As a big fan of Zoella, when her beauty range was released, I thought the products looked gorgeous and knew they'd sit happily in my collection. In search of a new makeup bag, I liked but didn't love the designs of the Beauty Bags from Zoella's range. The size, material and everything else was perfect for what I wanted in a travel makeup bag, which is what I hoped to use the product for, I just found the designs cute and maybe a little too young for me. When the 'Just Say Yes' makeup bag was released slightly after the others, as a lover of all things spotty, I knew this was the one for me. I have used this makeup bag for taking away with me when I'm not staying at home with my usual makeup and brushes. It fits a good selection of makeup as well as brushes and some palettes, without being too bulky. Also, the colour and design is really pretty - a sublte nude pink with shimmery, gold spots and Zoella's classic quote 'Just Say Yes' printed on the side, adding Zoe's stamp and setting it aside from other, normal makeup bags. I would definitely recommend this bag as it is affordable for such a great size, with a plastic, washable outside, perfect for in the home or travel!

Finally, is a gift that sums me up and I have worn everyday since my birthday! Anyone who knows me will acknowledge my love for all things Disney, in particular The Little Mermaid, which has been my favourite film for as long as I can remember. This pyjama T-shirt, printed with a picture of Ariel and the quote 'I Woke Up Like This', was given to me by my boyfriend Oli. It's such a lovely, soft material which makes it so comfortable when sleeping and the baggy style means it doesn't cling to anywhere or feel tight, perfect as the months become warmer in particular. I absolutely adore this T-shirt and know I will get so much use out of it - he knows me so well!

That concludes this edition of Fave Five and I know I have honestly fallen in love with every item mentioned! I have had a busy but great last couple of months and can't wait to try out some new products and discover some old gems for June. Have you tried any of these products and loved them just as much?

- Becca x

L'Oreal Color Riche Smokey Eyes in Eau de Rose - RRP £7.99
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Deep Conditioner - RRP £4.99 (for 250ml)
Superdrug Deep Cleansing Facial Sheet Mask - RRP £1.29 (for single sheet)
Zoella 'Just Say Yes' Beauty Bag - RRP £8.00

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New Product Review: No7 Early Defence Eye Cream

For a while now, I have been contemplating adding an eye cream to my skincare routine. Your eye area is very delicate and I knew that the earlier I took care of it, especially considering I dab concealer over it every time I apply my makeup, the more I would thank myself later in life. As I browsed the shelves in all the high-street shops, I couldn't find an eye cream that covered all bases for my skin type and what I was hoping to conquer. Many boasted their 'anti-ageing' or 'hydrating and cooling' formulas that just weren't right for my 19-year-old, normal skin. My ideal eye cream was one to primarily brighten my dark circles, something I am quite self conscious about. With a limited few on the market, and even fewer in my price range, I thought I'd wait it out until either one I had seen came down in price or I found another alternative. 

The No7 Early Defence range was released shortly after my quest began and it seemed to fit exactly with what I wanted. This range was replacing the infamous 'Protect and Perfect' range from No7, which targeted anti-ageing rather than early protection against the ageing process, like this range. I have used the No7 Protect and Perfect Day and Night creams and although I did get on OK with both - the night cream more so than the day however - I still felt they weren't actually miraculously helping my skin, especially for the price tag. I was so pleased to see the targets of the Early Defence to be much more suited for my skin, age and daily life - it's concept focused of preventing and defending against the signs of ageing rather than slowing them down! I purchased the eye cream 4 weeks ago in April and have used it every day and night since.      

The consistency is much thinner than I would have imagined. I thought having 'special' ingredients to target the eye area would leave it a much heavier product but luckily it is very light, especially on such a delicate area, and absorbs quickly to save you waiting around before applying your next product. Another bonus is the product isn't perfumed and seems perfectly suited for not only sensitive skin by also younger skin prone to other skin problems like breakouts. Working just a small amount across the contours of your eye is not only quick and easy to squeeze into a busy schedule like mine but also gives an instant refreshing feeling to your eye area when applied. 

Not only have I loved the concept and the quality of this product, the results have been so impressive. Each morning, my dark circles are getting brighter and brighter and also a lot less puffy. My skin looks so much more hydrated and the eye area just seems more youthful and bright. I feel more confident about my dark circles now and have also noticed myself using less concealer than I have before. I am very glad I chose to start using this product and know it will hang around in my skincare routine for a long time! My only wish is for the tube of product to be a little bigger! Also, although this product is a bit pricey compared to other brands in Boots, No7 are always giving out '£5 off' vouchers to bring it down in price, or it might be a nice little product to splurge on! I must admit I was sceptical to pay out for this product at first. The idea to 'slow mo your skin', as the tag line suggests, seemed a bit far-fetched, but am glad I stuck by it. The results have made me feel more confident about my eyes and ready to dare to go bare and makeup-free as summer comes along! 

What eye cream has rescued your skin? 

- Becca x

No7 Early Defence Eye Cream - RRP £13.50 (for 15ml) 

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My Pamper Night Staples | Bath & Shower

The next addition to my little Pamper Night Staples segment is sharing my favourite bath and shower products that leave you feeling relaxed and your skin feeling luscious! Of course a bath or shower could be had any day, but spicing your regular routine up with some special products or little extras to pamper yourself can turn a mundane activity into the perfect way to end a long and busy day.

For me, a bath is the perfect way to finish a busy day. I love just relaxing amongst the bubbles and really taking some time for myself to think and reflect on the day. Most of the days when I chose to have a mini pamper session, soaking in the bath allows for some quiet time, closing my eyes and enjoying the gorgeous scented bubbles that surround me. One of my favourite products to use after a long, stressful or busy day is the Radox Relax Bath Soak. This fills the tub with lots of light, fluffy bubbles and fills the room with the perfect lavender scent. I mentioned this products in a Fave Five a while back and I commented on how I find lavender quite a tricky scent to perfect. This bubble bath balances the strong scent with waterlily to make it sweet yet earthy and the perfect accompaniment to any pamper night. There are so many bubble baths on the market to choose from, even Radox have a vast range themselves, but sticking with natural scents, such as the lavender from the Radox Relax Bath Soak, I find to be the best way to complete a day where you've been stuck inside. I also adore everything Lush and find these the perfect little treats for a pamper night. Lush do such an amazing and vast range of bath bombs and bubbles bars to transform your bath into something colourful, scented or even glittery! My favorite for it's simple and sweet scent is the bubble bar 'Pop in the Bath' as I find it not too overwhelming or extravagant for a chilled out night in the tub. What's more, being a bubble bar, I can treat myself to several pampering baths, leaving my skin feeling incredible each time too.

If you don't have a bath in your home or are more of a 'shower person', there's nothing to say you can't bring this into your pamper night too! One of the best ways to turn a shower into something worth a space in your pamper evenings is to set aside a special, pampering body wash, different form the one you would use on an everyday or regular basis. This might be from your favourite luxury brand or filled with your favourite scent as a treat. I have used the Dove range of body washes before, including the Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash I have pictured above, and find they really treat my skin to a deep, nourishing clean, leaving it perfectly soft. This is the ideal type of product to feature in your pamper nights, a product with an affordable price yet reaches beyond others on the shelves to mix up an everyday activity such as showering and turn it into something special for your skin. Another option is to add a different product you wouldn't use normally in a rush in the shower, something to spend a little more time pampering yourself. For me, a body scrub is the perfect addition. I received the Strawberries and Cream Shower Smoothie from the I Love... range as a gift for Christmas and save it for my little pamper sessions. First off, the smell is so delicious and leaves my skin smelling fruity all day! Also, the little beads scrub my skin leaving it feeling fresh and soft after each use, the best thing to compliment the perfect pamper evening. This is only one of the little additions you can make to your shower routine to perfect your pamper session; you could always include shower oils and even in-shower moisturisers! It's all about bringing something new and special to your evening to set it apart and give yourself the treat you deserve, so why not try some different products?

If you are on a budget, there is the perfect compromise to complete your pamper nights in both the bath and the shower! Investing in products such as the I Love... Raspberry and Blackberry Bubble Bath and Shower Crème or the Zoella Beauty Soak Opera Bath Soak and Shower Cream mean you can have one pampering product, versatile to your preferred mood of a bath or shower. Building up a collection of pampering products, especially those more luxurious, can soon mount up price-wise. Having one pampering product can be the perfect solution to still treat yourself. Both these products have sweet and delicate scents and are gentle on the skin in both bath and shower use. I love the way they treat my skin and allow me to choose between a bath or shower and still reap the benefits of the product itself. And to be honest, I'd probably still buy them if they were separate products!

For me, a pampering bath or shower completes the perfect pamper evening, leaving me all warm and cosy ready to drift off to sleep. A shower or bath are so easy to fit into any schedule - we always need to wash! Adding that little extra something, be it a luscious body wash or gorgeous bath bomb, can transform that me-time from a 'must' to a 'love'! After the stress of the day, you deserve nothing more than to dream away the busy life you're living in the bubbles in your bath or scents of your shower gel, to leave you feeling special and your skin feeling just as wonderful! You deserve it!

What's your go-to bath/shower product?

- Becca x

Radox Relax Bath Soak - RRP £2.00 (for 500ml)
Lush Pop In The Bath Bubble Bar - RRP £2.95 (per bar)
Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash - RRP £3.99 (for 500ml)
I Love... Strawberries and Cream Shower Smoothie - RRP £2.99 (for 200ml)
I Love... Raspberry and Blackberry Bubble Bath and Shower Crème - RRP £2.99 (for 500ml)
Zoella Beauty Soak Opera Bath Soak and Shower Cream - RRP £5.00 (for 490ml)

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Fave Five: March 2015

It's been a long time since I shared my Fave Five of the month! The main reason for this is a complete lack of time with all the overtime I had done at work over most of both February and March, leaving little time for both shopping for new things to try and to sit down and write about them! I have, however, discovered some new favourites that have been staples for me over the month of March which I can't wait to share!

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen

To start is a makeup must-have that I can't seem to live a day without! The Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen is a jet-black liner that glides on for the perfect flick or just to add a little definition to your lash line. I had always been a khol eyeliner person and was scared to stray away from what I knew. I first purchased the Collection Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner to get some practice in but found it dried up too quickly from my everyday use. I had heard good reviews of the Soap & Glory version, both online and from friends, so decided to purchase it, hoping for the best. I couldn't be more impressed with the quality of this liner, especially considering it's incredible price. The intensity of the colour has not faded in the months I've had it and the nip allows for both thin, subtle liner looks as well as the more dramatic cat flicks. If anyone is looking for an all-day-lasting felt tip liner that also boasts an easy applicator and highstreet price tag, this is definitely the liner to try!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Secondly, another beauty fave, is the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. When this first came out, it seemed to be all everyone was using. I'm quite lazy when it comes to taking off makeup and always reach for my makeup wipes for a quick fix rather than taking the time to use a cleanser. For me, this cleansing water seemed like a perfect compromise, with it's promise to quickly dissolve makeup, aiding my desire for speed, yet the gentle and soothing ingredients not irritating my skin. This water, soaked up on a cotton wool pad, sweeps away your makeup quickly and easily without feeling harsh or heavy on the skin. I have used cleansers before that feel as though your skin is still clogged even after washing your face; I love the fresh feeling this leaves my skin with. The only thing I find tricky with this product is determining how much to apply to a cotton wool pad - too much leaves the water dripping down your face yet, not enough just doesn't work. Apart from this, I would recommend this to anyone trying to break the habit of reaching for makeup wipes in the evening. It's cheap, easy and perfect for all ages and skin types, making sure your skin is cared for after a long day.

The third product to add to this month's Fave Five is a fashion item. For a while now, black jeans have been the staple in my wardrobe that I can't live without. As my Next jeans began to fade in colour and loose their shape, I fled to the highstreet to find a replacement. High-waisted jeans were all over the shops, something I had never considered when first shopping. I tried on a pair from New Look and instantly fell in love with the fit and style. I was apprehensive at first to try this new style because I have a small waist and was scared it would make me look out of proportion. It did the complete opposite, complimenting my waist completely while also making my legs look longer. What's more, it's made me more adventurous with my wardrobe, daring to wear the pretty little crop tops (particularly helpful at the moment as 'crop tops' seem to dominate each and every high street shop!) and tucking in collared shirts for a different look. I can't wait to team these jeans with all my summer tops as the months become warmer!

Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara is my forth favourite from March. When it comes to mascara, my ultimate aim is long, fluttery lashes opposed to full and voluminous lashes that most mascara boast to achieve. When this mascara first hit the shelves, it seemed everyone was buying and loving it. The idea sounded really promising, separating your lashes to make them look fuller as well as lusciously long. Since I was given this product to try last month, I have used it every single day in my makeup routine. My preferences lie with plastic applicators anyway but, I love the arched shape of the wand that lifts and grips my lashes perfectly. Honestly, I'm not really sure if the flatter side with shorter bristles of the wand actually does anything for my lashes, so I stick with the long bristles on the other side. I find it does separate my lashes really well and achieves the beautifully long lashes that I desire. The formula is also easily buildable too, without clumping after applying a second coat. If you are after thick lashes with lots of volume, this probably isn't the product for you but, to get the perfect fluttery lashes to compliment any look, I highly recommend you give this a try!

My final favourite is very much linked to the beautiful sunshine that is starting to make an appearance here in the UK. For a week in March, my brother and I took a week off work to relax and take a break from our everyday, busy lives.We decided one day to dust off a map in one of our cupboards and plan a walk. The weather was absolutely perfect and we set out on a 2 hour adventure across the countryside. It was such a change from how we normally spend time together, it gave us a chance to just chat and enjoy each others company. We ended the wonderful walk with lunch at a little cafe, the best conclusion to one of the best days of the year so far! My brother and I get on like a house on fire and we love being able to spend time together on the days when we aren't working. It was so nice to do something out of the ordinary and I know we will both explore further afield on walks together as the months roll from spring into summer.

That's my top five favourites of March! Have you tried any of these products and loved just as much as I have?

- Becca x

P.S. Apologies for the fact this post has only just reached my blog. As my friends returned from University for the Easter Holidays, the days I would spend on my blog were spent meeting up for coffee or shopping with friends I haven't seen for months. With lots of posts and topics planned out, I'll start sorting my schedule out again! 

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen Carbon Black Extreme - RRP £6.00
Collection Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner - RRP £2.99
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - RRP £4.99 (for 400ml)
New Look High-waisted Black Disco Jeans - RRP £19.99
Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara - RRP £7.99

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My Everyday Spring Makeup Look!

The days are warmer, the sun is brighter and the brown and grey shades that consume winter are now overthrown by bright, beautiful colours. Spring is now on our doorstep and as soon as a vivid blue canvas and glowing sunshine is all I can see from my window, the coats are traded for jackets, the boots for trainers and my winter smokey eyes for this, colourful and fresh makeup look! 

FACE

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Peach Glow

Sleek MakeUp Face Contour Kit in Light

No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Coral Flush

EYES

No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow Trio in Organza (Middle Shade)

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen Carbon Black Extreme

Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara in Black

LIPS

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm

Nude Lip Gloss

I always like to keep my makeup simple but bright in the spring/summer months. For my skin, I love to dust a little extra highlighter just lightly all over my face to give it a glistening quality. Also, I use a lot more highlighter on my brow bone than in winter to really open my eyes up. I tend to opt for a lighter dusting of pressed powder over my face in spring to aid a 'dewy' complexion. Apart from these little extras, my facial makeup remains the same through the months, contouring, highlighting my cheek bones and applying blusher as normal! 

For my eyes, the gorgeous shimmery lilac shade from the No7 Organza Trio is my best friend. It is such a pretty pastel purple colour that just screams spring! It also suits my fair complexion and really compliments my hazel eyes too! This year, my trusty kohl eyeliner has swapped for a felt tip liner. I much prefer this liner look as it creates a much thinner, subtle line to not overpower the beautiful eyeshadow but add a delicate accent to my top lash line. A simple flick wings out the edge of the liner helping to emphasise the shape of my eye. A mascara to give long, fluttery lashes is all that's left to complete this simple eye look. 

Finally, the lips is the most simplistic element of the whole look. Of course, a bright, pretty lip colour is just as perfect a compliment for a spring day yet, on an everyday basis, you can't go wrong with a shimmery, pink-toned lip gloss. Lip glosses are definitely my go-to lip products, their shine helping promote the desired 'dewy' look and how easy they are to just touch-up out on a spring walk or picnic! Another must for the springtime is applying plenty  of lip balm to keep your lips hydrated under the drying sun. 

What I love most about this everyday look is the transition it takes from the everyday winter looks I have sported from the last few months. Autumn and winter are all about bold lips, dark eyes and subtle blushed cheeks. This March, and the summery months that follow, will be all about turning this upside down, with glistening glosses, pretty pastel shadows and an all over sun-kissed glow. The sun could not be more welcomed from me this year! 

What winter staples are you excited to swap as the temperatures begin to creep up the scale? 

- Becca x

*prices in order of products listed above*

FACE

- RRP £4.19

- RRP £3.99

- RRP £6.49

- RRP £8.00

EYES

- RRP £9.50

- RRP £6.00

- RRP £7.99

LIPS

- RRP £2.69

- Nude Lip Gloss bought as part of set!

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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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