eBay Bag Bargain

Everybody likes to feel like they're getting a bargain and I'm no exception. When I started seeing rucksack handbags popping up on my Instagram feed I was hooked - but I  definitely questioned whether I'd be able to pull off this look.

I trawled the internet looking for the new arm candy (well, shoulder candy) and eventually came across this lovely item! 

Usually, I tend to find alot of minor faults with products from eBay sellers, however this bag is much higher quality than you'd expect for the price. I was particularly impressed that the hardware was protected by blue plastic backing to prevent scratches! 

Whether you want a dupe or just a cheaper alternative head on over here and for just  £8.95 this beauty could be yours! 

L'Oreal Infallible Fixing Mist

Even as I sit here writing this, I can't quite fathom how I've never been drawn in the direction of a setting spray. As the owner of a particularly greasy visage, surely a simple spray that would fix the 40 minutes of hard graft in place indefinitely is the answer to every girls prayers, right?

Alas no. Up until very recently I've been burying my head in the sand; reassuring myself that caking myself in layers of powder would fix my makeup meltdowns.  Cue L'Oreal Infallible Fixing Mist...

As always with L'Oreal, you get a generous amount of product for your money. I also like the fact you can see the amount left in the bottle.

I could hear there was a ball bearing in the bottle; this is to mix the solution so remember to give it a good shake before applying.

The dispenser is smooth so you get a fine, even spray. As of yet I haven't been left with 'droplets' on my makeup after use. I like how fast it dries and the smell is quite pleasant  (if a little hairspray like).

Anti Melt. Anti Crack. Anti Fade.

Big promises but I think the spray delivers. I wanted to be sure the spray was setting my make up and not just melding it, so I braved the day without powder. To my total and utter surprise my make up looked fresh and glowy at the end of the day, without patches or shininess. In fact, I prefer using this in place of powder. Being able to achieve a dewy, radiant finish is almost impossible for me but L'Oreal's Fixing Mist has helped me to achieve just that!! 

Top tip : After applying, wait a few seconds before moving your face to avoid setting any expression lines!

Garnier Moisture Bomb Range Part 2

I recently posted my thoughts on the Moisture Bomb day cream, which is here should you want to take a little peek. Spoiler... Loved it! 

Today's is the turn of it's partner in crime, the Super Recharging Antioxidant Gel-Cream, hereon to be referred to as Night Cream. 

Now, my desire to adopt a grown up skincare was what actually led me to search out a night use cream. Being such a fan of Garnier, I was instantly drawn to this! 

Like the day cream, the packaging isn't chic but it is clean, simple and it's a good size.

The product is a super lightweight gel consistency that almost melts into the skin when applying. It absorbed super quick and left my skin feeling refreshed soft with no greasiness. 

When I woke up my skin still felt moisturised, soft and clean. A definite and permanent addition to my bedtime routine! 

Garnier Moisture Bomb Range Part 1

As I reach the 25 year milestone, I am more aware of the need to take care of my skin. I'm not saying I have 'wrinkles' but my skin gets duller by the day alongside the fine lines appearing around my lips and eyes. Even if they're only visible to me, I feel like it's a prompt to take action.

Prevention is better than reaction so I'm taking the proverbial bull by the horns and starting my skin journey with Garnier's Moisture Bomb range.

I use Hibiscrub to control my acne prone skin and if I'm honest it is extremely drying, which is only exacerbating the problem. I wanted a product that promised radiance and fine line reduction as well as an intensive moisturiser. This duo ticked all the boxes, were from a brand I trust and were on offer; it was fate!

First up, the 3in1 day cream. Packaging wise, it's not the most chic but does it really matter so long as it does the job? Besides, it's in the bathroom cabinet for all but 10 minutes a day... The product is dispensed with a pump, which I am particularly pleased about, as it is much more hygienic!

The 'cream' is actually more of a lotion, and a little goes a long way. One and a bit pumps is all you will need unless you've got a larger bonce like moi; in which case I'd play safe and go for two.

My skin literally drinks this! Once applied, my skin felt beautifully hydrated. The moisturiser left my face looking smooth and glowy; I've actually been favouring this alone instead of moisturiser and primer together. Although this range is for dry/dehydrated skin it controls my oily skin like nothing I've used before...

One last note, this smells like suncream so it invokes that summer holiday feeling for me... *sigh* If only I was on my jollies!

Part 2 || Night Cream coming soon!

Product Appreciation || Primark Nails

On a day where effort is completely off limits, a good set of talons can prevent you from looking like you've just dragged yourself from a skip after a few too many sambucas. 

A manicure is a wonderful thing but I'm far too much of a commitment-phobe for the upkeep that gels and acrylic demand. Instead, I'm rather partial to press on nails!

Usually I tend to buy the Elegant Touch stilleto nails, which are great, but I have to paint them (boooooo). 

To indulge my laziness, I picked up Primark's nail offering, all pre painted and jazzy looking! I'm pretty impressed with them; with plenty of variety on the nail sizes, this easy to apply and long lasting set more than holds it's own against similar products. There were a huge range of shapes, lengths, colours and designs so I'm definitely going to bulk buy on my next visit!

April Birchbox

I can't believe it's been a month since my last box - March seemed to fly by. This month's box was a collaboration with Rifle Paper Co, who designed the box. 

The So Susan Lip Dome is a tinted lip plumper. I like the berry colour however I think this is more Autumn/Winter appropriate. It's a semi sheer lip colour that feels quite moisturising so will definitely come in handy for later in the year.

Eye care hasn't been a lart of my skincare routine but as I progress further into my twenties, it's something I feel I ought to incorporate. I've been looking into eye creams so was pleased to see Balance Me's Tinted Wonder Eye Cream in my box. 

Benefit is always a welcome addition to my collection. Dew The Hoola is a liquid bronzer. I expected it to be shimmery, but it's actually a matte tan coloured product. I'm going to save this for the summer to enhance my tan!

As ever, there are products that I would rather have not received. I'm not fond of the feeling of cream on my tootsies so foot cream isn't something I would ever reach for. 

Almost for the same reason, leave in conditioner makes my hair feel greasy. I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt and try it but I don't hold out high hopes.

Avocado Milkshake

Bikini season is around the corner and I, like many, are hitting the gym and watching what I eat. I've been turning to smoothies and my current favourite is this Avocado Milkshake.

Avocado has been a buzz for health enthusiasts for some time now. The fibre packed, creamy fruit is packed with heart healthy fatty acids and has been dubbed a superfood by many people.

I'm not a fan of avocado in a savoury foods so this smoothie is a perfect alternative. 

Ingredients: 
1-2 small avocados (to taste)
125mls vanilla yoghurt
250mls fat free milk
Honey (optional, to taste)

Method: 

Scoop the flesh of the avocado into a blender. Add the yoghurt and milk and blend until smooth. Add honey if desired and blend again to mix.

Facial Cleansing Pad

I wasn't going to share anything on this curious little device. Mainly because I expected not to like it, bought as a novelty and shoved to the back of a cupboard never to see the light of day again. Didn't I just get a surprise? 

This tear shaped silicone contraption is Primark's Facial Cleansing Pad. Simply slip it on your finger, apply your favourite face wash and move around your face in small circular movements. The little bristles help give the skin a deeper clean and actually feel rather pleasant. Much like a beauty blender, it's tapered to a point, so you'll be able to reach around the eye area and any other nooks on your visage!

The result? Smoother, massaged, slightly plumper skin. When you're done, rinse under warm water and use the sucker on the back to attach it to the tile! 

For a bargainous £1.50, I've been able to up my skincare game. Now, off to stock up... 

Rimmel Colour Precise Liquid Liner

Eyeliner and I had a very close but troubled relationship in my late teens. With liner almost as bold as Miss Winehouse herself, my eyes looked small and often a bit of a mess if I'm honest. Eventually, I reluctantly gave in to that sinking feeling that liner was just not for me and broke it off.

Being that winged liner has made a humongous comeback recently via Insta and YouTube, I decided to give my long lost love a second chance and invested all my faith into Rimmel's Colour Precise. 

Bold colour, clean lines and all day wear are the selling points of this boy wonder and I feel like I can I can back that. 

The colour is a very deep, pigmented black that will only require one coat. 

Achieving clean lines is made easier by the whole concept of a felt tip. The tip is tapered to an extremely precise point for super fine detailing, but applying a little pressure will thicken the line to your desired width. I'm also obsessed with the sillicone grip on the body of the pen - a genius idea for improved control.

As for all day wear, it's pretty hardy stuff. On top of having ridiculously oily lids, I am a compulsive eye rubber (is that even a term?). I am forever fiddling around with my eyeballs and it seems to hold up pretty damn well. 

All in all a pretty impressive first venture back into the wing liner fold.

Primark Haul April 2016

I ventured into Primark with the sole intention of buying some cheapy flip flops for garden errands... I came out with a little bit more (whoops). However I'm pleased as punch with what I did pick up, especially so from the beauty section.

First up, the obligatory Primark nails. I've seen these on every YouTuber's Primark Haul recently. I usually use Elegant Touch which cost me around £6 so these are a bargainous alternative at only a £1 per pack.

Feeling the summer vibes, with the glorious sunshine we've had this weekend, I picked up a plain matte white stiletto set and a white set with gold stripes. I also spied the mauve stiletto nails that jumped into my basket.

Not the most glamorous item but I picked up these little floss harps. 80p for 32, you can't really go wrong.

I'm rather excited about the facial cleansing pad. I usually use my hands with my face wash but this may help achieve a deeper clean.

Onto accessories and I'm so glad Primark has finally jumped on the rose gold trend - it seems like it's taken ages! I found this multipack of midi rings that will be a perfect addition for Spring/Summer outfits.

Along with that, these hair charms will be perfect for festival season. I'm not a massive jewellery wearer but these will add a touch of boho glamour to the double dutch braids I've been obsessed with recently!

I only picked up a couple of clothing items. I was a bit disappointed because it seemed half the store was slogan tee's and that's just not my thing.

I did pick up some basics; a long sleeve black scoop neck top and black leggings. Both are great for casual workwear.

I feel like midi has been in for so long I'd disregarded anything above knee length as an option, but this A line black denim mini is so flattering. I almost had a heart attack when I got home and realised I'd picked up an 8 rather than a 10 (Primark, sort your hangers out grrrr...) but luckily it did actually fit and I love it.

Perhaps my favourite purchase was this chiffon midi skirt in a dusty pink colour. I don't usually wear this colour but I felt like a bit of a princess in it so I couldn't resist. I think I could also style this with a structured crop for Goodwood ladies day.

I seem to never buy flip flops or 'poolside' shoes. I always opt for the million buckle gladiator sandal that I always regret on holiday. 

Determined to avoid the ten minute struggle this year, I've got in early and purchased some sliders. This pair are plain black with a matte croc skin effect band on top.

And last but not least, the flip flops I actually went for. Classic black. 90p. 'Nough said.