5 Beauty Products Worth Paying More For

Hey There :)

xXx

So you're saving (or trying to) and skimping on everything you can, but sometimes- just sometimes- the basic brands just don't cut the mustard. I thought I'd make a little list of the things I've found are well worth paying that little bit extra for.

1. Nail varnish I was recently sent some Essie nail varnish in the colour 'watermelon' from a blog friend of mine, Jen at Fefferbooks, and I must say, it is the longest lasting varnish I have ever tried, and it is so easy to apply, even I can get that (almost) professional look. Rimmel 60 Seconds is brilliant too, and the flat brush is genius!

2. Dry Shampoo Batiste is simply the best. It is the only brand I have tried which works properly, ie. gets rid of that greasy, stringy look and stays fresh looking the whole time you need it to, from only one application. I once used it at the beginning of a camping weekend where I wouldn't be able to wash my hair, and had no need to reapply until I got home.

3. Hairspray/ gel I recently bought some VO5 Mega Hold hair gel spray. Basically, it says 'all day hold' and it means 'all day hold.' It brushes away easily, not need to wash your hair to get it out, you can use it one evening and brush it out the next morning and restyle your hair for the day. And it is Mega hold, that certainly isn't an exaggeration, which is nice for a change.

4. Antiperspirant Deodorant I have found that Mitchum really does keep you dry and they have an unscented one as well as some lovely fresh fragrances, my favourite is 'powder fresh'.

5. Foundation Whether you have sensitive skin or not, it's never really a good idea to wear cheap foundation, especially is you wear it everyday. I don't mind having less expensive powers, although I may invest in some better quality ones some day, but whatever you use as your base layer, so your cream foundation for example, should be moisturising or else it could very easily dry out your skin. You can combat this by using a moisturising face cream or lotion under your foundation, but if you want something that will take care of everything at once, I would recommend Olay Regenerist CC Cream. It combines a moisturising, SPF cream with an anti-ageing serum and sheer foundation which blends into the skin to give a natural look. It's the product I'm most happy with for it's 'invisibility'.

xXx

What have you found is worth paying a little extra for? And what are your secret bargain bin favourites- those products that are friendly on the pocket and actually do their job correctly at the same time?

Everyday Make-Up: My Routine

 

 

Hey Hey.

 

xXx

 

 

I don't wear make-up every single day (although I'm rarely without mascara, at least) but for days when I feel like it, this is my current 'everyday' routine... did that make any sense? Hehe :)

 

After splashing my face and brushing my teeth, I apply moisturiser all over my face. I use an aqueous cream. Now I've been told these are no longer recommended as a moisturiser, and also that they can possibly cause inflammation so, although I've never had any problems using it as a day cream (I did stop using it at bedtime, as I found it actually dried my skin out over night) and find it works well for me, I'm not recommending it.

For my eyes I'm using the gorgeous Spring Style palette by Aerin, at the moment, in 'A Garden In Bloom'. (Thank you Jamie!) I use the pale pink colour on the inside corners of my eyes, and up to the brow bone and across my lids, then the dusky brown at the outside, blending up, and inwards a little on the crease.

The mascara I use for my everyday look is Une in black, as it's really gentle and washes off really easily at the end of the day, just with water, reducing the risk of irritating my sensitive skin. I prefer it applied only on the upper lashes, but almost inevitably end up getting some on the bottom ones  too each time (still looks nice though!)

I don't wear foundation, except for parties and things, because it gives me spots but I'll cover up any little blemishes with a tad concealer and add a little blush (from the Aerin palette) unless I know I'm going somewhere where I'm going to get warm (open mic, dancing, etc.) as I rouge easily!

I'll keep it simple and just stick to my current lip balm for my lips- usually clear or very pale rose colours. (Although I'm actually wearing lipstick in the photo-ooops!) At the moment I'm using Yves Rocher hydrating lip balm which smells lovely and is very cheap, so I'm onto a winner- plus, it actually works very well. I'm never without lip balm, my lips are awfully dry and until now this particular one is one of the best I've tried (ok we'll call it a close draw with Carmex), budget lip balms just do not work for me.

If I remember, I'll tidy-up my brows, but luckily I'm fair, and my brows aren't that noticeable anyway- to be honest, I rarely think about them.

Et voila, a simple, everyday routine. Not too fussy, but pretty and feminine at the same time.
Psst. you can have a peek inside my make-up bag here.

xXx

What products are you really into at the moment?

 

 

 

 

 

 



Autumn-time Wishlist

Hello.

 

xXx

 



Here are a few of the things I've been eyeing up recenlty. Not dropping hints at all Father Christmas...

 



Concealer I could do with some decent but inexpensive concealer, and I was recommened Collection 2000. Brushes It's about time I invested in some proper make-up brushes, no more making do with pound shop rubbish! Yes I admit it... Boots I've been daydreaming about finally owning a pair of black ankle boots ever since I passed some up at a carboot sale recently, totally missed out there! Dress I'm just in love with anything fox-print at the moment. Vest How can you resist anything from Run With Perseverance? Running shirt/shoes I'll have anything that Ellie has...

 

xXx

 

Montage created with the very awesome polyvore.com, yes, I look professional now ;)

 

 

 



 

Currently: In My Make-Up Bag

Hey There 

xXx

So these are the current contents of my make-up bag, the products I'm using most at the moment :)

     (I had a go at some photo editing...oh err! )

1. Aerin Spring Style palette- 'A Garden In Bloom' (eyeshadow and blush)
2. No.7 Stay Precise eyeliner
3. Cherry Carmex lip balm
4. UNE Casual Volume mascara in black/ Estee Lauder Double Wear mascara in black
5. Aerin lipstick in camellia
6. Kiko smart eye pencil in silver

Natural Yoghurt Face Pack

Hey there :)

So a short while ago I found an article on one of my favourite blogs, I think it was: A Beautiful Mess, about natural yoghurt being beneficial for the skin, and using it as a face pack. Unfortunately I can't seem to find the article to share with you :( But I found another you can have a gander at if you like at Crunchy Betty

Anyway, although always slightly skeptical (most things just seem to make my spots worse, and my mum has taught be to swear by fresh water every morning and nothing else) I thought I would give it a go- once wouldn't matter if it didn't do me any good ;)

It does make you feel very pampered, and the coolness of the yoghurt on the skin is so refreshing. I'd read you should apply it to clean skin, leave it on for around 15 minutes and then wash off with warm water, which indeed is what I did. It begins to feel as though it's 'setting' slightly after 15 minutes anyhow, so you know it's time.

I did find that my skin felt initially a little smoother than usual but, having only tried it once so far I couldn't comment any further than that I'm afraid. Very glamorous though :)

Have any of you tried this? How did you find it?

Yum!

Heidi-V

x