September Favourites

Hello lovelies,

I swear I say this every month but it has just flown by, I've been in France nearly 4 weeks now and I'm loving it. I can't say it's been a smooth journey but I'm getting to the point now where I feel organised and happy to be here. It's my first time living away from home and yes, it's difficult and new, but I wouldn't give up the opportunity I've got. I've met so many great people and our paths would never have crossed without me doing this. I know I'm rambling but yano... My September Favourites were surprisingly easy to pick, I didn't come to France with much and I'm waiting for some items I've ordered to be delivered, so expect a big haul next week.

M&S Limited Collection Tinted Moisturiser 30ml - £5.00

I've had this quite a while and just not used it. For some reason when I was packing I threw it in my bag and before I went to the beach the other week, I pulled it out. My skin has improved but not to the extent that I would feel happy enough to go barefaced in front of people that I've only known a couple of weeks. And I know I should be confident enough to say this is me and this is what I look like but I'm not. This provided a light coverage and just perked my skin up, I popped it on in the morning before heading to the beach and the shade, light, is probably a bit too light for me now, so I used bronzer on top, it stayed put all day in 30 degrees plus. I prefer to use this over a foundation in hot weather as they tend to melt and leave my face just looking like an oily mess. A big thumbs up from me.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream 30ml - £8.00

I have no idea where this came from. Honestly. L'Occitane is somewhere I wouldn't tend to go into, to me it looks expensive and I haven't tried any of their products until now. With living in France, I've had to learn how to do the washing up - it's never ending but that's another story! My hands have definitely felt the aftermath, they've been dry and flaky. This is everything I look for in a hand cream, it's so nourishing, sinks in beautifully and doesn't leave any sticky residue, which is the reason I don't use hand creams often, I hate that sticky film.  

Nivea Sun Protect & Bronze SPF30 200ml - £14.99 (currently on BOGOF at Boots) 

You're all going to think I'm odd putting a sun cream into my favourites going into Autumn but if you're going on holiday, stock up. This gives you the most perfect tan without burning, it's so easy to apply and isn't thick or sticky. For those who think SPF30 is high, I still got a tan wearing it, I'm not going to rant on about how important sun cream is, as you all know but please wear it for your skins sake. This keeps your skin safe and you get a great tan. 

Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion - £11.99

I may have to say I like this more than my beloved L'Oreal Telescopic. I just love it, it gives such a great result, I have long lashes anywhere and this just boosts the volume and doesn't clump. Lashes are significantly lengthened and thickened, yet they still look natural. It stays put all day and I couldn't ask for anymore, I've definitely been won over. 

What have been your favourites this month? Have you tried any of these?

Review: Bioderma Cicabio Soothing Repairing Ointment

Hello lovelies,

This is my first product that I've tried from Bioderma. When you hear Bioderma, you automatically think of the micellar water and as much as it has been raved about, it's not something that appeals to me. This was an unintended purchase but after my sunburn incident, I was left with a bright red ear which was painful, so I popped into the French Pharmacy and the pharmacist recommended this, so I decided to dip my toe into the Bioderma pool.

Cicabio is designed to be used for skin irritations. It provides epidermal reconstruction and antibacterial properties, and is designed to treat severe skin damage. It is particularly recommended following chemical peels (please get medical advice before using this after a chemical peel!) and for outbreaks of extreme dryness. I did a bit of research on this product after buying it as I like to know what I'm putting on my skin, and I discovered it contains a significant quantity of hyaluronic acid, which is great for re hydrating the skin. Exactly what I needed for my poor red elf ear. 

The directions for use are to apply quite heavily to the damaged area after cleansing and drying, then use twice a day until the skin is completely repaired. I layered it on to my ear and also onto my forehead where I had caught the sun. Surprisingly next morning, my skin actually felt quite smooth and the redness had gone down considerably. I've continued to use it over the past week, I thought it might clog my pores or cause me to break out on my forehead as it has quite a thick consistency but it hasn't.

If you're coping with irritated skin, I would definitely recommend giving this a try. I've even popped it on a couple of mosquito bites and it's just helped to sooth the skin. It's definitely a skincare staple, it's not something I would use everyday but a product that I'll turn too when in times of need.

Bioderma Cicabio 40ml can be picked up on Amazon for £9.99 those in the UK.

Have you tried any other lotions that do the same job as this?

Review: Soap & Glory "The Righteous Butter" Body Butter

Hello lovelies, 

So today, I'm going to review S&G's Righteous Butter, as you may know I've been making a rediscovery of S&G's products ... and I do love them. The packaging is just so unique - I adore their tongue-in-cheek names, vintage inspired fragrances and pink packaging, who couldn't like that?!

The Righteous Butter had the traditional fragrance of all S&G's pink products, I can't put my finger on what it it is, but I would definitely recommend giving it a sniff. The fragrance has a good staying power and I like to layer it up by using Clean On Me in the shower and then moisturising afterwards with this.

Texture wise, it's so creamy and thick. I would say it's not as thick as The Body Shop butters if you've tried those and it's fairly easy to massage in. It isn't instantly absorbed and you do have to stand their for a few minutes waiting for it to absorb but then again, you find that with the vast majority of body butters. 

I have to say this butter is fabulous at moisturising. I got sunburn on Sunday at the beach and I didn't have any aloe vera gel, so I've been slapped this on to help and so far so good. It makes my skin feel soft and smooth, taking away that feeling of burning heat. Wear sun cream ladies!

Overall I would say it's a good moisturiser and definitely something I would highly recommend for the Winter months to rectify dry skin. 

Soap & Glory "The Righteous Butter" Body Butter 300ml is available from Boots for £10.50 or you can get a smaller 50ml for £2.50, perfect for travelling. 

Have you tried any of Soap & Glory's Body Butters?

NOTD: Rimmel 60 Seconds in Mind The Gap, Victoria

Hello lovelies,

As soon as I saw "Mind The Gap - Victoria" on Estée from Essiebutton, I knew I had to have it. It's a vibrant blue but with a pastel undertone to it. Mind The Gap is from the 60 Second range at Rimmel and has a rather large brush, making it apply smoothly. I would say it needs two coats as the first coat can be a little streaky, yet it is opaque, so if you're in a rush, go ahead!

I've worn this a couple of times and the lasting time really is brilliant, I get the odd chip after 4-5 days. I've had several compliments on the colour, it's so beautiful for these last Summer days. The first time, I wore Mind The Gap, I popped a glitter topcoat over the top and the contrast worked fantastically. 

You can pick this up from Boots or Superdrug for £3.69

Have you tried this? 

Shower Time Essentials

Hello lovelies,

During my mini pamper session last night, I was thinking about what I would share with you for my next post. It occurred to me that I had not featured a what's in my shower, what's most used in my shower and it wouldn't feel right not having them there. Am I the only person who has a little shower routine - shampoo, face wash, conditioner, shower gel? Every time in that order.

I was going to take a picture of them all inside my shower but no one really wants to see an off-white student shower, plus I would probably have to sit on top of the basin to take a half decent picture!

For a while now, the Avon Advance Techniques Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner have been a part of my routine. I normally wash my hair everyday - I just like it to be squeaky clean. They both smell divine, particularly the conditioner and leave my hair soft and shiny. There will be a more in depth review of the pair, so that's all for now folks on these two.

Next up is the Soap & Glory Pulp Friction Foamy Fruity Body Scrub, I have to be honest and say I've only used it once. I went off Soap & Glory for a while, I think I just had a bit of a S&G overkill, every year I received the big box of goodies for Christmas and then I had an issue with the hand creams, they just kept going off. Sort it out S&G! But I'm glad I gave them another chance, I just used this on my arms and legs, and it buffed away all the dead skin.

Following on from the scrub is The Body Shop's Shea Shower Cream, I love this. It is literally the texture of cream and lathers up well. Personally I love the fragrance and I love The Body Shop's ethics. I apply a few squirts to my hands and lather it all over my body, it leaves my skin feeling soft and clean, plus it smells good. What more could you want?

The final product that is essential to me is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Gel Cleanser, I just wouldn't be without this and you can find my review here. 

Avon Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo - £2.80

Avon Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner - £2.80

Soap & Glory Pulp Friction Foaming Fruity Body Scrub - £8.00

The Body Shop Shea Shower Cream - £4.00

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Gel Cleanser - £10.21

What are your shower/bath essentials?

Winter Woolies Wishlist

Hello lovelies,

I hear the weather at home has been changing and I just can't wait to be buying chunky knits so I thought I would put together a few of my favourites for you to see.

1. H&M Cable Knit Jumper - £14.99

2. MissGuided Gaba Leopard Print Jumper - £16.99

3. Dorothy Perkins Black Cat Face Jumper - £22.00

4. Miss Selfridge Ribbons Jumper - £20.00

5. Topshop Knitted Zip Back Jumper - £36.00

Do any of these take your fancy?

The Autumn Tag

Hello lovelies,

So I thought today I would this tag and seen as the weather seems to be changing, then it's the perfect time to be doing The Autumn Tag. I spotted this original post created by the lovely Georgia of Make-Up Pixie, which you can find here. Autumn has to be my favourite time of the year, especially September, you still get the lovely sunny days but I love the fresh crisp leaves on the floor.

For Autumn, what is your... 

1. Favourite thing about it? I think I may have just already answered that but I do love just getting cosy and snuggled up, wearing about twenty layers as much as I complain about being cold all the time.

2. Favourite drink? It has to be hot chocolate, with the full works - cream, marshmallows, sprinkles. And cinnamon, I love a sprinkle mixed in, it reminds me of Christmas. I must be the only Northerner whose not really a great fan of tea.

3. Favourite scent/candle? Again anything that smells like Christmas, I tend to pick something quite spicy and deep, it usually has cinnamon in. For perfume, it has to be Ellie Saab, there's just something so enticing about it.

4. Best lipstick? Oooh this is a difficult one, I don't tend to wear that much lipstick in Autumn as my lips get so chapped. I usually just stick to the Nuxe Reve de Miel balm as it's so nourishing or slap on a Revlon Lip Butter.

5. Go to Moisturiser? I don't really change my moisturiser for seasons... I know I'm awful. I'll probably stick to the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo for night and I might pick up something slightly more intensive for the day.

6. Go to colour for the eye? Just a simple smokey eye. I have great difficultly doing my eye makeup, so I might go for a neutral golden bronze eye.

7. Favourite music/band or singer to listen to? I like quite a lot. I seem to be listening to Gabrielle Aplin a lot on Spotify, it's ultimate chill out music. Or Arctic Monkeys, as it would be rude not too.

8. Favourite outfit to wear? It has to be skinny jeans, mint green jumper, long parka coat, snood and little brown boots. 

9. Autumn treat? I'm thinking about picking up the Parka Coat from Next that Miss Budget Beauty has, it would just be perfect. And I have to have it. 

10. Favourite place to be? It has to be the seaside, it doesn't matter what time of year, I just love it.

If you want to do this Tag, please leave your link below in the comments, so I can have a nosy.

NOTD: Barry M Nail Gelly Hi-Shine in Prickly Pear

Hello lovelies,

Now I've had the Barry M Hi-Shine Gellys for months but this was the very first one I bought and always pick out when I'm not quite sure what to go with.

There nail paints caused quite a buzz when they were first released and I read such great reviews, no one had anything negative to say about them and I decided that I needed to have them in my life. Several brands seem to be jumping on the bandwagon and bringing out gel effect nail varnishes and I can't say I have tried any others to compare but I'm very happy with this one.

Prickly Pear is a lovely pale blue toned lilac, it's exactly the same shade to what you see in the bottle. Barry M claims that these are Hi-Shine polishes and I can confirm that, I don't need to use a topcoat. It has a gorgeous glossy finish that stays shiny for as long as you wear it. There's nothing worse than when a polish turns dull after a couple of days wear, I don't have the time to be changing my nails every couple of days. I'm really impressed with how these wear too, I find after a few days wear, I tend to get the odd tiny chip but that happens with most polishes and this lasts a lot longer than more expensive brands I've tried.

If I wasn't living in France, I would definitely be treating myself to more of these, Barry M have recently added more shades to the line and I can't wait till I go home to try these!

At just £3.99, they really are a bargain and can be often found on buy one get one half price of two for £6. You really can't go wrong. Barry  M Nail Gelly High Shine's are available from Asos, Boots, Superdrug and Barry M.

Have you tried the Gellys? What did you think of them?

Review: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

Hello lovelies,

It seems so long since I last reviewed anything! But it would just be plain rude of me not to review this much hyped product... when in France and all that jazz. I'm sure everyone has heard of this product as it's been making regular appearances on the blogosphere but for those who haven't, I'll explain. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo aims to help "reduce the appearance of imperfections and purifies pores. Effaclar Duo is a complete skincare solution that combines 4 active ingredients to act on the 2 major signs of skin with imperfections. Niacinamide and Piroone Olamine help reduce severe local imperfections by purifying the skin and protecting against breakouts developing. The LHA/Linoleic Acid combination helps unclog pores by eliminating dead cells responsible for their obstruction. These active ingredients are combined with soothing and anti-irritating La Roche-Posay thermal spring water." I hear you asking what? Basically a non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic light moisturiser that helps to purify and clear blemish prone skin.

Does it work? I apply this on cleansed skin in the evening, I use it as a moisturiser, some people apply it as a serum. If you had dry-combination skin, I would suggest using it alongside a separate moisturiser. I noticed an instant difference the first morning, my skin felt softer and smoother. I'm not saying it worked miracles over night because no product does, you have to use a product on a long term basis to work out if it's right for you. My skin was gradually improving from day to day but around about the two week usage mark, my skin broke out. I persevered, I felt that the Effaclar Duo was helping to purge my skin and draw all the impurities out. It got worse before it got better. 

I've been using this for around about a month now and I have noticed my pores are starting to feel and appear less clogged, the blemish marks are fading and becoming less noticeable. I feel like this sinks in well, the skin doesn't instantly absorb it but it doesn't leave any residue either. I would class it as lightweight moisturiser for problem skin. I have seen negative reviews but I reckon when it gets to the breakout stage, people stop using it and thus a negative view is formed.

It's something that I will continue to purchase for as long as it works for me. I picked mine up in Parapharmacie in France for 7.99 euro but for those in the UK, it is currently on offer for £9.75 at Boots (normally £13.00)

Have you tried this? Did it work for you?

Something A Little Bit Different

Hello lovelies,

I know you're all expecting a beauty post but y'know I just felt like doing something a little bit different - more of a lifestyle post. Some of you may know that I've moved to Bordeaux for the year, I've only been here two days and I'm not quite settled in yet, so I thought I would show you some pictures as it really is a beautiful city.

Oh, nearly forgot to say, I went into Sephora today, if you thought Boots was a beauty paradise then Sephora is heaven. It's quite expensive for what they have but perfect to spend an afternoon in. And I may have made a cheeky purchase or two.

Bonjourrrrrr

Hello lovelies,

Just to let you know that I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth but just moving country. I'm now in Bordeaux after a rather stressful day and normal service will resume soon. A big thank you to everyone for being so patient with me.