Balance Active Formula | Hyaluronic 554 Youth Serum

Hi guys

I have been dying to write a review for this product as I have been using it for a couple of months and found it to be one seriously good serum! My skin has been going through a major dry patch for the past couple of months so, when I was out shopping with my mum one day, I popped into my local B&M to pick up some food containers and came across their beauty section. I don’t know about you but I have never even looked at the beauty section before never mind bought anything from them so after having a nosey around I noticed the Balance Active Formula Youth Serum (from £3.99 on Amazon or a B&M store). With bold statements such as “Immediate hydration”, “Visibly Younger Skin” and “24 hour moisture” I was intrigued so I ended up buying it and I have to say, I am shocked at how good it actually is.

I know I’m probably not the only person who hasn't heard of this brand before so I had to do a little research on them before committing to the purchase as I don’t really like buying something that might break me out or cause more damage in the long run. Once I had read the numerous great reviews and had a look on their website I decided to go ahead and keep it. The Hyaluronic 554 Youth Serum contains ingredients that will result in visibly younger skin and keep it re-hydrated and feeling smooth. It doesn't contain silicon or parabens and doesn't really have a fragrance to it either. To say this serum is light weight is an understatement, it is actually more like water which doesn't leave the skin feeling greasy or bogged down with too much product.

I have been using this every morning by taking a little of the product from the pipette dropper included and then working all over my face, focusing a little more time on the drier patches. I apply by patting it into my skin rather than rubbing in as I feel this works better. After using it every morning for the past couple of months I can safely say that it has lived up to its bold statements and made my skin look and feel great. My skin has felt bouncier to the touch, looked radiant and the dry patches around my nostrils and my cheeks have dyed down a little. After loving this, I have decided to try some other products from their line as I was blown away with this so I can only imagine how good the other items will be.

Have you heard of this brand?

What other products would you recommend for dry skin?

Have you checked out my latest post featuring Student Friendly Makeup?  I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |   

My Student Friendly Everyday Face

Hi guys,

I had a bit of writers block recently and couldn’t find any inspiration but after spending a few hours online I started to get my mojo back and decided to put together a student friendly post. I didn’t see anyone with this post, although I’m sure there will be a few out there as it’s obviously not an original idea. I myself am a student; I decided to go back to college after working for 12 years in the customer service industry either in retail, hairdressing or a good old fashioned call centre to study accounting. I figured I was good with numbers so I might as well get a grown up career where I can use my skills to the best of my abilities. So far I have completed a HNC and one of my major exams within the HND program, both with A pass marks which was a bit of a shock but I am proud of what I have accomplished and hope to get another A or B on my final exam in May! What I am trying to say is, I understand the money struggles that go hand in hand with the student lifestyle so I wanted to put together a beauty based post for all you students out there or younger readers who don't have a lot of spare cash.

I have combination skin, I have an oily tzone and dry cheeks every so often and I also suffer from sensitive skin. I have picked products that work best for my skin type. I prefer powder products but if you want to substitute out for cream based products then feel free to do so.

As everyone knows, the morning make up routine can be a bit of a struggle as we are tired and might not be arsed putting on a full face. I normally keep all of my items on top of my dresser so I can grab them, shove them on my face and not worry about spending more than five minutes applying. I start my morning by cleansing my face and applying my skincare products. I then have my breakfast, a cuppa tea and get dressed to allow my skincare to absorb.

I have seven go to products and I start off by applying my Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation (£9.99) and blend this in very quickly with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush (part of the core collection £21.99). Normally I don’t have time to apply a primer so I make sure I spend an extra minute or two perfecting my foundation. I then apply some Rimmel Wake Me up Concealer (£5.49) under my eyes and on any blemishes before patting in with my fingers. Once my base is good I then work a little Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder (£3.99) all over my face and then apply some Crème Puff Blusher (£8.99) in 15 Seductive Pink, the name suggests it’s a cream product but it’s very much a powder product. 

Once my face is all good to go, I apply Soap and Glory Archery Brow Tint and Pencil (£10) to my brows and comb through. I then apply the best eyeliner ever, in my opinion, the NYC Liquid Eyeliner in Pearlised Black (£2.49) (sometimes I miss this step if I am really running late) and then coat my lashes in the gorgeous Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara in Very Black (£7.99) and that’s me done. When I am going to college I can’t really be bothered picking out the perfect lipstick so I normally throw on whatever lip balm is in my bag or jacket pocket and then run out the door. I always set my makeup with some setting spray as I am running out the door ha-ha.

Superdrug and Boots normally have 3 for 2 offers so if you are buying any of these, pick your favourite 3 and you will get the cheapest one free. Superdrug also offers free delivery on all orders over £10 so TAKE ADVANTAGE! I would also highly recommend getting a Boots Advantage Card and a Superdrug Beauty card which you can get in store as they allow you to save up your points which can go towards something special later on down the line.

What products what be in your Student Friendly make up bag?

Do you use any of these products?

Have you checked out my latest post featuring Double Cleansing?  I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |   

Skincare | The Importance of Double Cleansing

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Hello guys,

I have been reading a few skincare posts over the past couple of weeks and I am shocked to see people are still taking a full face of make up with either a face wipe or micellar water on a cotton pad and then carrying on with their expensive skincare routine which in my opinion is pretty pointless. The whole point of cleansing your face is to remove the dirt from it which won’t be removed by one wipe or cotton pad, please believe me on that matter! With double cleansing AND a good skincare routine you are reducing the chances of blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes, spots etc. and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a fresh clean face at the end of the night and first thing in the morning.

I started double cleansing a couple of years ago when I read an article by the one and only Caroline Hirons who, for me, is the most influential skincare expert out there. She doesn't load you up with useless information but rather she helps you and makes it easy to follow a simple routine which will make your skin become the best it can be. I have noticed a major difference in my skin and I also thank this brilliant lady for introducing me to some of the most wonderful products I have ever tried.

When cleansing your face with a face wipe, it isn't actually cleaning anything. All it does is remove the makeup not give your skin the goodness it needs and deserves. I have put together numerous skincare posts over the past year so I won’t rabbit on with everything that I use but I will discuss my favourite cleansers and how I wash my face.

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When I wear makeup I love to remove it as soon as I get home as I love a fresh cleansed face and I also like all of my skincare products to sink in for a few hours before heading to bed. I never use any foaming products on my face as they are very drying and I feel like they just strip away the essential oils so I stick to cleansing balms or oils for my first cleanse.  You know by now that I absolutely love the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (£36)  but I equally love the Merumaya Cleansing Balm (£14.50) too as they both remove every trace of my makeup including waterproof mascara and don't irritate my skin. I take a little product and rub it all over my face starting with my eyes as they normally have the most products. Once I have melted off my makeup, I use a fresh wash cloth and lukewarm water to remove.

I then go in with my Magnitone and another face wash to fully cleanse my skin. You can use the same cleanser as you used to remove your makeup but I prefer to use something else such as my Alpha H Balancing Cleanser (£25) or Cetaphyl Gentle Skin Cleanser (£8.99)

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If my skin is a little sensitive then I use a gentle exfoliator such as the Yes to Carrots Fragrance Free Exfoliator (£6.99) or the Clean and Clear Exfoliating Daily Wash (£2.99) which I rub into my face and then wash off with lukewarm water rather than my Magnitone.

This is all I do to actually wash my face and sometimes I am surprised to see I still have a tiny bit of dirt on my face when I apply my toner so if you are only using a face wipe or make up remover then you can be guaranteed that you are just moving the dirt about on your face which will cause breakouts and not be completely cleaning your skin.

It’s never too late to start, but if you are young and reading this then please try it and see how you get on. I guarantee after a week you will notice a difference in your face and your skin will 100% thank you. I understand some of the products above may be too expensive so here are a list of cleansers I have tried previously and loved. I do have oily skin so you may have to look out for cleansers for your skin type. Please see my skin type for beginners post by clicking here which will help you figure out your skin type.

Good Things Argan Oil Nourishing Cleansing Oil (£5.99)

Cetaphyl Gentle Skin Cleanser (£8.99)

How do you normally cleanse?

What other products would you recommend?

Have you checked out my latest post featuring 144 Eyeshadows?  I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |   

Makeup Revolution | 144 Eyeshadow Collection

Hey guys,

This palette is mammoth! I mean 144 eyeshadow shades is all you need to create some unbelievable looks but if you are anything like me, then you know you still want more palettes. I have been reaching for this almost every day as the shades are so versatile and can be worn both day and night. As you probably know, Makeup Revolution have really blown up since launching in the UK in March 2014 with almost everyone I know owning at least 5 of their products. I know most beauty bloggers rave about their products too but their eyeshadows seem to be the biggest talking point.

Since launching they have created similar eyeshadow palettes to Urban Decay Naked Palettes (£38), Too Faced Chocolate Palettes (£39) and the Lorac Pro Palette (£44.99) but as soon as I saw the 144 eyeshadow collection (RRP £20) I literally jumped for joy and ordered without even thinking. This is a huge price jump from any of its competitors with a bigger variety of colour. There is almost half of a palette dedicated to all different shades of brown, a neon section, not quite 50 shades of grey but there are all kinds of greys and some beautiful purples. As well as the impressive colour selection there is also a range of mattes and shimmers within the palette so you really do have a lot to work with. I am loving this palette. All of the colours are highly pigmented but I do have to complain about the blending ability. They are ok when blending out, but I feel I have to really work at it before it looks seamless.

It has taken me quite a while to pluck up the courage and use any of these eyeshadows as I was slightly overwhelmed by the array of colours but after working with some semi neutral eye looks I have decided, I am going to venture into the more colourful shades. Please beware if you are allergic to talc or mica then you won’t be able to use these shadows as they have them listed in the ingredients list. If you want to sample them, then I would suggest buying a singular shadow to see how you get on.

Have you tried this palette yet?

Have you tried any other palettes from Makeup Revolution?

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My Selfridges Wish List?  I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |   

Selfridges | Current Wish List

Hello guys,

I thought I would put together a wish list today as I have been lusting after some springtime releases that have made their way into Selfridges. As you know, Selfridges is one of my favourite stores and when I lived in London, I would save up for a while and then splurge in there with some friends. I love their sales as they don’t just take off a couple of £s, they deduct a substantial amount of money which can make all the difference. I have focused on items under £50 for this post though so they aren’t too crazy.

Estee Lauder - Pure Colour Stay on Shadow Paint in Chained (£20)

I haven’t really played about with shadow paints in the past as I have always been happy with primers and building up my shadows but as soon as I saw the colour range, I knew I wanted one.

Nars - Audacious Lipstick in Julie (£24)

I have been eyeing up Nars products for the longest time and as the audacious lipsticks haven't disappointed the millions of fans out there I had a look. As soon as I saw the shade Julie, I absolutely fell in love with it and thought it was the perfect spring time shade.

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Balm (£25)

I love Charlotte Tilbury so it’s only natural that I would want to try this new lip balm from her ever expanding skincare range. I agree, it is a little more expensive that a normal lip balm, but I think this would be wonderful.

YSL Te Blue Primer (£29.50)

As soon as Sam Chapman spoke about this on her Instagram, I knew I would need it. This is a light-infused primer that smooths out pores and helps your make-up last longer. I do love my normal Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer but I want to give this a go as it’s a gel formula which leaves your skin looking illuminated.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Nectar (£32.50)

Who doesn't love a shimmer brick compact? I love the highlighter this gives off as well as a beautiful blush to your cheeks. 

Bobbi Brown - Cheek Palette in Calypso (£34)

Please tell me that this doesn’t scream Springtime to you, The colours are gorgeous. 

Tom Ford Lip Colour in Spanish Pink (£37)

Who doesn’t have Tom Ford on their wish list? I’ve had this guy on my mind since he first burst onto the scene with his delectable beauty range back in 2010. I bought my beautiful friend Siobhan one of his new mini lipsticks for her 30th birthday along with a few other items and I have to say, it made me want to try out some more of his range so what better than a lipstick in the beautiful shade Spanish Pink? 

Nars - Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette (£45)

I still haven’t bothered my back side trying any of the Nars products that I was lusting after recently but rather than buy one or two eyeshadows at £21 I thought I would be better buying this palette which is going into my shopping basket on pay day (hurry up!)

Well that’s all that’s in my wish list at the moment. I thought I done quite well with this as I didn’t go mad and pick over 20 items (this is quite easy for me) rather I picked all items under £50 which hopefully some of you are lusting after too.

What is in your current wish list?

Would you like to see a drugstore wish list?

Have you checked out my latest post featuring A New Maybelline Mascara?  I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |   

Maybelline New York | Lash Sensational Mascara

Hey guys,

I bought the newly released Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara (£7.99) which I picked up in a recent haul. I completely forgot I had it as I have been focusing on the utterly amazing Benefit Roller Lash Mascara (£19.50) which I received in last month’s Elle Magazine. I’m gutted that I forgot about the MLSM as I have absolutely loved it. I first wore it on a recent date night with Liam when I found it again and I was pleasantly surprised when I put on just one coat. My lashes were so long and gave a gorgeous fanned out look which looked like I had applied false lashes.

It is quite similar to the Roller Lash Mascara meaning that it gave the exact same finish but for a lower price tag. The brushes for each mascara are very similar in the sense that they are both plastic and both curve to one side which catches every lash. The Maybelline mascara brush is slightly different as it has longer bristles on one side but it does the same job as the Benefit mascara. 

I absolutely adore this mascara, the colour that is dispensed onto each lash is absolute perfection and it leaves my lashes looking so dark and beautiful. The formula and the brush create such a dramatic finish on the eye as it coats every lash and gives them the most intense length especially to the tiny little lashes at the inner corner of the eye. The formula of the mascara is that of the Maybelline Falsies Mascara in Very Black (£7.99) which has a wet consistency. I thought this would be an issue if worn over a long period of time as it may smudge and I have to say I was right to be concerned as it did smudge ever so slightly on the corner of my eyes.

I would 100% buy Maybelline Mascara over Benefits as I feel I get a better finish with it and the price tag is a little more purse friendly. The only issue would be the smudging but keeping a few cotton buds in your make up bag will clean that up straight away and leave your make up looking fresh.

Have you tried this mascara yet?

Have you tried Benefit`s new mascara yet?

What is your favourite mascara at the moment?

Have you checked out my latest post featuring Mac Prep and Prime Highlighter?  I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |