My Skincare Storage

Hello everyone! And welcome to part two of my little skincare series, the first part showing my updated skincare routine. Here I'm going to show you how I store my skincare bits and pieces, as well as a few other things that share the drawer.

 

As you can see, this little drawer (which is the top drawer of my TV stand by my bed) has been split into four separate sections, each holding different things. The bottom left box is an old sweet box, similar to the one I use for my make up storage, as is the box on the top left which is actually an old take-out box that has been washed several times before using. The top right is an old tin that I received as part of a lip balm gift set (minus the lid) and the bottom right is just the last little gap of drawer that was sectioned off by the other storage pieces.

 

The bottom left box holds most of my skincare bits and pieces: my Boots Simply Sensitive Toner & Cleansing Lotion (which I have a back-up of), the L'Oreal Miccellar Water, an Avon Peel-Off Mask, the Avon Eye Make-Up Removing Lotion and a Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion. The top left box holds a few fake tanners that I never use, mostly the Primark Wash Off Tan but there's a bottle of a Fake Bake tanner in there, too. The top right tin holds a few Lee Stafford hair minis which I adore, as well as a few Primark hand sanitizers, a random pot of glitter and a spare Jelly Belly lip balm. The bottom right section is my favourite section. It holds my Johnson's Day Cream (as well as a back-up), a pack of Primark Sensitive face wipes, my M&S Coconut and Shea Butter body butters and a few small sachets of the Avon Mediterranean Olive Oil face masks which I adore.

 

So there you have it. That's how I store most of my skincare products! Aside from a few other bits such as my Boots moisturiser (which I keep by my bed side) and my Johnson's Exfoliating Wash (which is stashed in my bath room), I hoard everything in here. I find the organisation so handy for when I'm preparing for bed and just think it looks pretty, too. (I'm an organisation freak)

 

xx

 

 

My Updated Skincare Routine (Sensitive Skin)

Welcome to a little impromptu two-part series that I've just thrown together to show you guys my updated skincare routine and storage! I last posted my routine at around this time last year and I've gone through a bit of a half-switch up as only a few products have changed. As you can see from the photos below, I use only budget-friendly high street products on my skin. Paired with drinking a lot of water, my skin's sensitivity, dryness and redness is tackled easily with these products.

 

As a side note, I'm really sorry about the quality of these photos, the weather has been so cloudy lately I had to make a mad dash to snap these before the sun disappeared again!

Left To Right: Back Row - Boots Simply Sensitive Hydrating Moisturiser // Johnson's Daily Essentials Exfoliating Wash // Boots Simply Sensitive Toner // L'Oreal Skin Perfection Miccellar Water // Boots Simply Sensitive Cleaning Lotion. Front Row - Planet Spa Mediterranean Olive Oil Face Mask Sachets // Johnson's Daily Essentials Day Cream // Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make-Up Remover // Boots Simply Sensitive Hydrating Eye Cream

 

My Night Routine.

 

This is when I do the bulk of my skincare routine. First off, I use the Simple Eye Make-up Remover to remove all of my eye make-up (including waterproof mascara!). Next, I use the fail-safe combo of the Boots Simply Sensitive Toner & the Cleansing Lotion also from that range to double cleanse my skin. Finally, I'll apply a few dots of eye cream to my under eyes and coat my skin in a generous helping of either the Boots Simply Sensitive Hydrating Moisturiser or the Johnson's Day Cream depending on how tight and dry my skin is feeling.

 

Twice a week, I wedge in my little mask-and-exfoliation slice of the routine in after the double cleanse and before the application of moisturiser. I tend to leave a gap in between this stage and the cleanse, where I hop into the bath and give my skin a good steam with what comes off of the hot water. Then I scrub my skin with the Johnson's Exfoliating Wash, pull on some pyjamas and apply the Planet Spa Mediterranean Olive Oil face mask before jumping into bed with a good book (currently, a re-read of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows).

 

My Morning Routine.

 

A little naughty of me, I know, but in the mornings I have other things to rush around and do rather than a good, in depth skincare routine. So a quick sweep over my skin with the L'Oreal Miccellar Water and another application of either of my two moisturisers and I'm good to go!

 

-----

 

I think when it comes to skincare, finding products that work for your skin is half the battle. The other half is that old cliché about a balanced diet and good water intake. Cliché as it may be, it's definitely true! Since ditching the fizzy drinks and drinking a lot more water, I not only feel rejuvenated in my energy levels but my dryness has definitely been helped. Overall, I'm very happy with my skincare routine, which is proven by my loyalty to the Boots Simply Sensitive Range ever since I discovered it last year.

 

What do you think of the products I use?

 

xx



Review: Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make Up Remover

For some reason, the one skincare product I have a love-hate relationship with is eye make-up remover. I've trialled many but they're just never up to scratch - they're always too oily, too drying, too sticky. And sadly, this is no exception. I'd had high hopes for my first Simple skincare product - they're well known for their suitability for sensitive skins and their natural-inspired ingredients list. And that part of this product is perfect - it doesn't irritate or sting my eyes and the fragrance-free, vitamin-enriched liquid doesn't dry out my skin at all. This is also a non-oil formula so it doesn't leave me greasy and is even good for use on waterproof make-up. However, it's the consistency that lets it down. I just find it far too sticky whilst in use and afterwards. My lashes become stuck together and my skin tacky to touch. It has a very smooth and very liquid consistency and yet it just doesn't glide over the skin very well. It does it's job as an eye make-up remover and it's bargain price is good but it just doesn't cut it as my product of choice when going through my skincare routine. This product retails for £3.25 from Boots for a 125ml bottle or if you opt for the tester size like I did it's priced at around £1.50.

xx

Bedroom Updates: Jewellery & Perfume Storage!

 

It's been a long time coming with many hours spent on Pinterest and a jewellery storage inspiration post here on my blog but I've finally took a step towards sorting out the storage for my bedroom. I wanted something that was pretty as well as practical, but also displayed my jewellery in such a way that I'd remember to wear it. In these two storage devices I have only a few pieces but they're certainly my favourites. My other pieces that require a home are more statement things such as chunky bracelets, collars and chains that couldn't fit in with the things I have now on display.

 

Let's start with my favourite: the photo frame (bought from The Range). I got this heart shaped photo frame for my birthday years ago, but as the little heart clips didn't meet together properly the photos just kept falling out and so I'd pushed it aside until I discovered it again earlier. The gaps between the clips are perfect for arranging chains inside without risk of them becoming caught or damaged and also make cute little hangers for earrings. Stored on here I have two necklaces, two pairs of earrings, a bracelet and a ring. I hang this on my wall next to my full-length mirror.

 

 

  Arrow Bracelet - Topshop

Bow Ring - Charity Shop

Gold Chain Earrings - Charity Shop

Chevron Feather Earrings - Primark

Eiffel Tower Necklace - Avon

Deathly Hallows Necklace - eBay

Secondly I have an adorable little breakfast tray that my mum bought me. I keep this on top of a chest of drawers in front of my books but it's in a patch of bad lighting so I just placed it on my bed to be photographed. The colours are a bit all over the place but I like that thrown together, eclectic feel. On the left hand side of the tray I have my cute little mint green and gold polka dot tea cup and saucer, where I store my River Island midi rings and my pearl bracelet. I don't wear a lot of rings as my fingers are so tiny it's hard to find any that fit me and my Crown Ring I keep stored by my bed in it's little case so I don't have much in here. On the right hand side of the tray I have a small variety of perfumes - Taylor Swift's Wonderstruck Enchanted, a mini Nina Ricci Nina and my boyfriend's Black Suede. I also have a chunk of natural Amethyst placed next to it for decoration.

 

I still have a long way to go with my bedroom but it's just finding the time (and the money) to do everything properly! I hope you like what I've done so far, let me know what you think!

 

xx

Current Go-To Nail Shades

 

 

Spring is approaching! And as distant as that may seem due to the impending weather difficulties in the UK, I am holding on to the hope that it's still on it's way. Obviously due to the previous point, the weather has put my spring clothing on hold so I have been embracing the pretty shades and textures and patterns in such a way that doesn't look too bad paired with my coat and scarf of choice: nail shades.

 

Here I have a mix of textures and colours, all my current go-to polishes (for the days that I'm allowed to wear nail varnish - college rules). Sorry about the dodgy quality of the photo - I had to take this snap within the two minutes the sun managed to break through the dark clouds and so I just went with the best shot I was able to capture! Coloured polishes pictured above are: Revlon's Cupid (the pink), Revlon's Cloud (the pale purple), Revlon's Blue Lagoon (the shimmery blue) and Barry M's Mint Green (the mint green.. obviously). And the three textures are: Sally Hansen's Sugar Coat, Avon's Opal Top Coat and Rimmel's Matte Top Coat. 

Textures:

 

Following the overwhelming but now out-dated success of the 'Crackle' nail varnish, I find it difficult to find unique nail varnish finishes that aren't a little tacky. I may or may not have previously mentioned the Rimmel Matte Finish Pro, but I'll be surprised if I haven't as I adore it. It literally changes any nail varnish into a matte one, whether it's a glitter or a regular polish. The Sally Hansen Sugar Coat is a new find of mine, which leaves my nails textured with a gritty, sand like finish. It's a little scratchy but gives full coverage in one coat and is a bright, clean white. Finally I have my last little grasp on Christmas - a glitter top coat. This one is a bit more subtle and features flecks of shimmery pale glitter, meaning it's great for the pastel spring trends.

 

Colours:

 

As you may have seen in my OOTD birthday post, I absolutely adore Revlon's Cupid: a bright bubblegum pink that gives full coverage in just one coat and lasts for ages. It's probably my most worn colour from this collection, as it always catches my eye if I'm a bit unsure of what to wear. My other two Revlon picks are Cloud and Blue Lagoon. Cloud is one of those shades that has a hint of so many colours that I don't know what to call it - a grey-ish lilac-y blue? It's super flattering despite it's split personalities, colour wise, and despite it's paleness, it only requires two coats to give intense colour. Blue Lagoon is a pretty pale blue laced with a subtle silver sparkle that works really well with my silver crown ring as it sets off the shimmer. Finally Barry M's Mint Green is my green of choice, but it's quite wishy-washy so I sometimes apply a white polish as a base to get maximum colour. 

 

Again I apologise for the poor quality of these photos - hopefully the weather will lighten up a bit soon! I hope you all had a good week.

 

xx

What I Wore: My Birthday Meal

Leather Jacket - Primark

Top - charity shop (tag says Dorothy Perkins)

Jeans - Primark

Shoes - Primark

Necklace - Primark

Nail Varnish - Revlon's Cupid

 

Happy birthday to me! I am now officially 19 and decided to mark the occasion yesterday by going out for a casual meal with my family. A photo diary of the meal itself is currently being edited together, but for now I'll just talk to you about what I wore.

 

The place we went was a simple pub-turned-restaurant which was child-friendly (very important, as my sister is 6!) and had a lovely, chilled atmosphere. I didn't want to wear anything too dressy - my brother couldn't be talked out of his 'Sunday' joggers - so went for the option of jeans and a white top, with a little twist.

 

It's not often I walk out of the house almost head-to-toe in Primark, but I love it when I do! This is probably one of my most budget outfits, but I don't feel like it looks like that. My lace top is an old charity shop find, although the tag says Dorothy Perkins. It has the prettiest cut-out lace design all over and has buttons running all up the back. Paired with this I threw on my black leather jacket (let's just ignore the super-long sleeves) and trusty Primark jeans to add a touch of casualness, as I felt the top would have looked too dressy with a skirt. Accessories-wise, I wore my multi-chain necklace and my new crown ring, paired with Revlon's Cupid nail polish.

 

Overall, I'm very happy with what I wore. I was super comfortable and didn't feel over dressed at all, despite the fact I wore a necklace, which is something unheard of from me!

xx

Testing, Testing: Skincare

 

I've always been afraid of mixing things up with my skincare routine: I fear tight, dry skin and angry, itchy red patches due to my skin's sensitivity. But I have tried to put a stop to such things over the past few weeks and have made some happy changes. I've introduced a new, thicker winter moisturiser and a super gentle exfoliant and have stepped things up a gear in the form of Christmas gifts: the Loreal Skin Perfection Water, the Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion and the Simple Eye Make-up Remover.

 

 

I'm yet to form rounded opinions on these three things, but I thought I'd give you guys an insight into what I've been testing over the past few weeks. I'm loving the L'oreal Water and have been using it for removing make-up and eye make-up before cleansing, or if I'm running late, I use this as a quick cleanser in itself. The Simple Eye-Make Up Remover has only had one use so far and although I find it a little sticky, it does it's job. As for the Clean & Clear option, I'm yet to delve into it just yet. The words 'deep cleansing' do make me a little nervous and I've been waiting for my social calendar to clear up a little, pending a reaction.

 

But as I say, I shall write up a post when I've made up my mind on these things, as well as an updated Skincare Routine soon!

 

xx

 

The £1 Tangle Teezer Dupe?!

On the budget of a college student, it's difficult for me to always try out new things as I'm worried that I wont love them, meaning I'm always reluctant to part with my pennies. I adore budget brands such as Nivea and MUA and Rimmel because, despite their tinsy price tags, I know their products work and that I like them. I don't own a lot of 'expensive' nail varnishes such as Dior or even something as 'low priced' as Essie, because I know that Barry M and Rimmel offer such amazing polishes as a fraction of the price. For this reason, I have put off the progressing mania of the Tangle Teezer: what appears to me to just be an overpriced hair brush.

 

Now I'm sure you've read the reviews (I know I have!) and that the Tangle Teezer is good for what it is, but naturally I spent my time (and tiny amounts of money) testing out a comparison. Such to my surprise, I found it in Poundland.

 

 

The Tangle Teezer 'dupe' named the Tangle Attack was sitting below a bunch of unwanted shampoos and conditioners on my recent trip to Poundland and their obviously duplicated shape drew me in, as well as the bright colours. Naturally, I picked one up and proceeded to use it as soon as I got home.

 

I can't compare to you the difference between this dupe and the real Tangle Teezer, but I can give you my thoughts on this which you can compare to the circulating reviews of the original, so I hope this will be helpful in some way.

 

Lets start off with the basics: this Tangle Attack is made from simple plastic and is filled with air, where-as the original is solid through-out. It's not neccesarily a sturdy design (as my dog chewed up my last one) but it's hardy enough to not bend when in use. The bristles are a mix between short and long, much like the original, but these are a little scratchy on my scalp. The bristles do the job, no doubt, and don't leave my hair with any static at all but I tend to reserve it for the ends of my hair rather than using it all over.

 

Overall, I think this is a pretty good dupe for the legendary Tangle Teezer, but I can't imagine it will lessen it's reign any less. It's certainly stopped me from going out and buying the real thing, though!

 

xx

Jewellery Storage Ideas

 

As I may have previously mentioned, I'm currently going through the re-decoration of my bedroom. This is turning out to be a very lengthy process for a number of reasons: 1. I'm a student and don't receieve much income so sourcing budget friendly items is rather difficult. 2. I'm a perfectionist and will refuse to buy said items unless I am completely, 100% sure that I adore them. 3. I'm waiting for a small amount of building work to be finished in my room before I change anything around.

 

But, I'm taking this impatient time to allow myself to completely plan out exactly what I want in my bedroom. Wether that's the paint colour, furniture or decorative touches.

 

My first matter of importance was nail varnish storage (which I have actually sorted out and will hopefully be posting soon). Next, I've moved on to jewellery.

 

Personally, I don't wear a lot of jewellery but I seem to have accumilated a small collection through Christmas, birthdays and jewellery sales in my favourite stores (I'm looking at you, Topshop). Here is a small montage of inspirational photos focussing on the storage and display of jewellery.

 

 

 

Necklaces & Bracelets:

 

 

Photo sources: Pinterest

 

As you can see, I have two obvious ideas in mind: beautiful little dishes/plates or displayed in empty photo frames. As beautiful as the dishes are, I think I'm leaning more towards the photo frames for a 'reminder' of what jewellery I have, simply because it's displayed more simply and is visually easier to take notice of what pieces I have. The dishes are more of a decorative touch, where-as the photo frames are more of a storage device if you see what I mean. I can imagine a pretty dish containing smartly arranged pearl necklaces on my dressing table, with an ornate photo frame laden with necklaces and bracelets hanging above it!

 

Rings & Earrings:

 

Photo sources: Pinterest

 

 

Kind of similar to the storage above, these two ideas feature either hanging up on the wall or creatively thrown into a container of choice. For earrings, I'm liking the simple rail as it's a quick and easy thing to source and to install. A trip to Ikea's kitchen section would be ideal for something like this, and for a budget friendly price too. As for rings, I think I prefer them all in a jumble together, displayed as they are in these photos on either a pretty cake stand or a dish.

 

I hope you liked this post and that you've gained some inspiration from it. I'm not entirely certain on what I'm going to go with yet, but the photo frames are my favourite. Keep a look out for more roomspiration ideas as I spend my nights procrastinating on Pinterest when I'm supposed to be doing my theory work.

 

xx



Christmas Gifting: For The Girls (Mum, Sister, Mother-In-Law)

Hello lovelies! I hope you're all well and feeling prepared and excited for Christmas.

 

Today I thought I'd give you guys a little sneak peek into what I'm going to be gifting people for Christmas this year. Don't worry, there's no chance of any of these people finding out about their gifts: most of them don't even know I run this blog! My boyfriend and I were on a strict £10 per person budget this year so I thought I'd show you guys in case you needed a little budget inspiration. I'm very very happy with what we've bought and think all of the individual people are going to adore their gifts!

 

-----

 

My little sister is only 6 years old but has definitely fallen in love with what she calls a 'spa bath' which is to say a lovely warm bath with a lush bath bomb and a delicious lit candle (of course she is supervised at all times!) so this year for Christmas I thought I'd stop her hacking into my Lush stash and give her the beginnings of one of her own.

 

 

Of course the obvious choice was FUN: Lush's 5-in-1 product that acts as a shower gel, bubble bath, shampoo, soap and a sort of play-dough. We chose the Limited Edition gold version (although they do offer five other shades that are permanent in the Lush range) which has the same scent as their Honey I Washed The Kids soap. This was £5. Next we decided upon the Space Girl bath bomb which is shaped like a planet and is dusted with glitter. This has a blackberry scent and is packed with popping candy which I'm sure she's going to love! This was £2.25. From Tesco I picked up the bauble filled with miniature bath bombs which was on sale for £1.50 and should keep her going for a while. Finally her last two gifts I got at Sainsbury's: the pink Smarties tube (£1) and the Ice Cream Print Notebook (on sale for 89p). I just have to get some accompanying felt tip pens and she's all sorted!

 

-----

 

Honestly this year the hardest person to buy for was my mum. Whilst she likes candles and perfumes she isn't the sort of person who enjoys long soaks in the tub or slowing down with a good novel - trust me, I've tried to sway her - so I decided that instead of giving her something to help her relax, I'd gift her something I know she'll actually use.

 

 

 

 

 

I dreamed up this sort of survival pack to keep in her bag when she goes to work. It contains chewing gum, lip balm, mini hand sanitisers, nail varnish remover wipes and her favourite Hand Food hand cream by Soap & Glory. As a little nod towards the pampering side of things I also threw in her favourite Barry M Nail Varnish - Mushroom. The lip balm, chewing gum, hand sanitiser and nail varnish wipes I picked up in the Poundshop but the Hand Food and Barry M Nail Varnish I got from Boots.

 

-----

 

My boyfriend's Mum was also quite difficult to buy for this year as she's the direct opposite of my mum - she loves a good pamper - but has really sensitive skin so can be allergic to some things she's received for Christmas over the years. I thought the safest bet was to go back to Lush and pick up her favourite Porridge soap: a lovely soap packed with porridge oats to help gently exfoliate and sooth skin. The good thing about Lush's soaps is that you can choose a piece to suit any budget (as long as it's over 100g). We also got her two Butterball bath bombs for their soothing cocoa butter and delicious scent as she prefers the simpler bath bombs that doesn't require her 'picking rose petals out of the bath' as she once told me. The Bath Bombs were £2.50 each so we got her a £5 piece of soap to make up her £10!

 

-----

 

As for my best friend - she does know about my blog and even though I told her I'd be posting her gifts so not to go on here, she might do just because I asked her not to. So I'm afraid I'll be keeping her gifts as a secret just in case!

 

I hope you enjoyed this post and have hopefully gotten a few more ideas for last minute gifts! I should hopefully be posting a 'Boyfriend Edition' of this post as I haven't wrapped his presents up yet but that wont be for a few days.

 

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

 

xx

Review: Johnson's Daily Essentials Nourishing Day Cream

 

 

Following a recent summer-winter swap in my skincare routine, I've re-discovered this little beauty: Johnson's Daily Essentials Nourishing Day Cream for Dry Skin. I'd found that my usual Boots Simply Sensitive Moisturiser just wasn't up to scratch for the colder months and the tight, flaky skin that comes with it and was looking for a thicker, more nourishing cream to replace it with. During my earlier teenage years I'd been a big fan of this moisturiser and had forgotten about it once I'd used it all, but scouring the shelves in my local Sainsbury's I found this again - and also on offer for just £2 (normal price £4)!

 

 

 

This day cream has a thick, luxurious consistency that isn't at all heavy and greasy or long drying - I simply apply a light covering all over my face following my cleansing and toning routine, leave it to sink in for a few moments and apply my foundation right on top. It creates the perfect base for my make-up and helps fight against flakiness through-out the day. You don't even need a lot of it - I just tap my finger gently onto the surface and gain enough to cover at least half of my face.

 

It's also very aesthetically pleasing, too. It comes in a little glass jar with a pink screw-top lid that rests inside of it's own little cardboard box. I think it's really cute and makes it seem a lot more luxurious and expensive than if it was in a squirty bottle like most other moisturisers. The cream itself looks so deliciously buttery and smooth and is literally packed to the brim of the jar. 

 

The SPF 15 that this cream contains is an essential all year round and paired with my Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation, keeps my skin protected from the suns rays (even if they are behind the clouds). It's also packed with nourishing nutrients which leaves your skin super soft without a heavy greasy residue.

 

Overall Thoughts:

 

This is the perfect winter moisturiser - it's nourishing properties keeps flaky skin at bay whilst still containing SPF to keep your skin protected. The price is so perfect - just £4 for a cream that will last you forever due to the fact you only need a tiny dab at a time. The packaging in itself is lovely and makes me think of more high-end products.

 

xx



Review: Lush Candy Mountain Bubble Bar

As I'm sure some of you know if you've followed my blog for a while, I'm a little bit obsessed when it comes to Lush products. In fact, one of my very first posts was showcasing their Seanik Shampoo Bar and I've featured several of their products since then.

 

 

 

Today I'm here with a review on one of their limited edition Christmas products: the Candy Mountain bubble bar. As I've mentioned previously, I don't really like buying limited edition products simply because I get way too attached to things if I like them and then it leads to bulk buying which leads to me not actually ever using the things because I'm terrified I'm going to run out.

 

Craziness aside, this is my very first trial with one of Lush's bubble bars. I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to try one out - but I'm glad I started my love affair with this beauty. I picked it up simply because of it's pretty pink, sparkly appearance and with the promise of the Sales Assistant of it's sweet candy scent. I was going to cave in to the hype and buy a bottle of the infamous Snow Fairy shower gel but decided against it for the reasons above and for the fact that it was around £4 for a tiny little bottle! This bubble bar offers the deliciously sweet scent but with sustainability and bubbles!

 

To use, you simply crumble a little chunk under running water to create frothy, foamy bubbles and lovely pink tinted water. Truth be told, I prefer to use this for it's scent and moisturising properties - I can't stand bubbles in my bath! They always work their way into my hair, especially when I don't want them to. So I can't give you guys any promises on a crazy Disney-movie-overflowing-washer scene but I can tell you that this smells divine. I got my baby sister to smell it and she described it as 'lemonady with a berry smell' which is pretty much on point. It definitely also has a hint of candy-floss-ish scent which isn't too sweet. The Lush website says it contains a vanilla fragrance but I honestly can't pick up on it!

 

Another reason to love this is because of it's gorgeous moisturising qualities. My skin feels super smooth and soft after use which isn't oily or greasy at all.

 

Overall I adore this bubble bar and I'm certain it's sparked a long love affair with them (next on my list is Karma). I've had 4 baths with this so far and I think I've got another 2 uses left with it but it of course depends on how much you use! An absolute bargain for £2.65, I'd love to see this in my stocking this Christmas!

 

xx



Budget Brand Focus: Boots Natural Collection

 

 

Personally, when I think of certain brands I have a certain product of theirs in mind. Collection: concealer. Rimmel: lipstick and foundation. Revlon: nail varnish. They all have their own sensational hits or depressing misses with products that are widely appreciated across the blogging world, so I thought I'd do a little 'Brand Focus' series here on Mega Beauty to show you guys my likes and dislikes with certain brands.

 

I thought I'd kick off with one of my favourite budget brands, Natural Collection. A baby of the Boots brand, Natural Collection's products are all Dermatologically Tested and Fragrance Free so they're perfect for even the most sensitive skins! The price range of this brand is fantastic, ranging from £1.79 - £1.99 per item or rather often they feature a '3 for £5' deal that I regularly take advantage of. The product range itself is rather good, they have all the normal products you would expect such as mascara, eyeliner, lipsticks and nail varnishes as well as blushers, foundations, concealers and bronzing pearls. However the shade ranges are lacking in some areas such as the blushers and eye shadow duos where-as the lipstick and nail varnish range is full of lovely shades.

 

So without further ado, I'll show you my little collection of their products and my thoughts!

 

 

I currently own one Blushed Cheeks Blusher in Pink Cloud, one Eye Shadow Duo in Mink/Sable and three Moisture Shine Lipsticks in Berry Blush (top), Raspberry (left) and Pink Mallow (right).

 

As you can see, the packing of these products are fairly simple and straight-forward: white plastic containers with clear screw-on lids for the potted products and a simple white lipstick lid for the lipsticks (obviously). The brand logo is written in a simple brown on the side/top. I personally like the packaging aesthetically, it's very simple and the clean white shade makes the colour of the products pop. The practicality of the packaging is awful though - the pans all fall out of the pots but it's nothing a little super glue wont fix.

 

Now onto the products themselves.

 

I've done a full review on the Blusher here so if you want the full info on this product plus swatches then go and take a look, but for now I'll just give you the basics. The pigment of this is literally incredible, you hardly need any on your brush and it does require quite a light hand as it's so packed full of colour so it means the little pot will last a long time! It sits very nicely upon the skin and lasts a fair amount of time. This is the only shade I have from this range as the others are more bronzy/peachy and they're not really my thing. This blush was £1.99.

 

The Eyeshadow Duo is my newest purchase, I got this when I went on a 'neutral eye' shopping spree (I also picked up a Heaven & Earth MUA Palette, review coming soon!) and have been using it regularly since. The shades I chose are Mink/Sable, a lovely light chocolatey brown and a slightly shimmery cream. Both of these shades are quite matte and yet at the same time have a slight luminosity to them that make them very flattering. The pigment isn't amazing, but that might just be because of how light the shades are themselves but they do last a long time. I wear these together, with a darker shade from the MUA Palette to accentuate the crease a little more. The other shades in the collection are quite nice but I think these are the only neutrals. This duo was £1.99.

 

Finally, the lipsticks.  My three shades are Berry Blush, a deep purple/red/pink shade that's packed with subtle sparkle, Raspberry, a pretty red/pink shade and my favourite, Pink Mallow, a gorgeous dusty pink shade that I can't stop wearing. The consistency of these lipsticks is really nice and buttery but despite being part of the 'Moisture Shine' range they're not particularly moisurising, a lip balm is definitely needed. The staying power is okay, but if you're planning on wearing it for an all-day-out kind of day, you'll definitely need to take it with you! The shade range is quite nice, a mix of nudes, reds and pinks but there's not really any darker shades. These lipsticks were £1.99 each.

 

 

So there you have it!

 

Overall, I do love this brand. There's a few gems within the product line-up but they also have their faults with shade ranges, so I'd say it's a mixed bag. The price definitely makes up for it though!

 

xx