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.