Birthday Post and TK Maxx Haul

Well blog-lovers, a few days ago I celebrate my 34th birthday. Whilst I wasn't in Paris having breakfast in bed and visiting the Moulin Rouge this time around, I still had a lovely day with my nearest and dearest.

 

MY other half brought me a lovely breakfast in bed, replicating the one we had last year. Yummy pastries, croissants and chocolate dipped strawberries along with a pot of twinnings. (Being eager, I tasted the strawberries before thinking to take the pick! ooops!)

Family and friends were as generous as ever. Loads of cards and some lovely gifts too.

I had some nice wine, chocolates, books, new pjs, earrings, a scented candle, bath bombs, a Joico hair care set, nail varnish and a skincare set from No7, a shopping bag and a cat themed tea towel (thanks Nan). I also got quite a bit of money, some of which is heading into the car fund, some of which I spent today in TK Maxx. (more on this further down).

 

In the evening we headed to a lovely Italian restaurant just a few streets from home.... excellent as it meant we could both have a bottle of wine....

 

 

The food was so tasty! We'll definitely be going again asap.

And, here's what I spent some of the cash on thanks to a splurge at TK Maxx ....

A gorgeous pale pink oversized bag at £24.99. This will be perfect for travelling as it's got lots of compartments inside and the zip allows you to open it fully. It's easy to carry either over shoulder or in the crook of an elbow. I love it!

Not one, but two Missoni scarves. They were so gorgeous I just had to have them. I nearly always wear plain coloured clothing - usually black - so these will add a touch of colour to my outfits.

Priced at £39 each they aren't cheap but compared to the original prices, they are a steal. Confession - I also had four Oscar De La Renta ones and a further two Missoni in my arms for ages but managed to narrow it down!

New Year Spending Ban - Update

It's now been over a month since I stopped spending money I could ill afford on needless items and started to focus on saving instead. I'm overjoyed to say that since this time, I've made over £700 in sales both on ebay and via facebook. In addition, I've saved ££££s through avoiding offers on products I may well want, but definitely don't currently need.

 

Popping £1 in a jar each time I used up a product seemed (in theory) an excellent idea. However it was far too easy to dip into it for bread/milk/petrol/postage so I've opted for a longer term solution and popped the cash into my ceramic saving pot instead. As a result, I've no idea how much has gone in there but will keep on dropping the coins in - It'll come in as a nice treat next year. Who knows, maybe even my third trip to Paris!

 

I've spent just a small amount on products I genuinely needed to replace - mascara (my Clarins Wonderperfect had seen it's best days long ago) and skincare and thought I'd include these in this post, after all, I've nothing to hide and a whole lot to be proud of since making what at the time seemed to be a hard decision.

 

I'd had an email from Lancome  (it's worth signing up to them as now and again you get some great offers - only to be used when needed though) whereby for 24 hrs only, you could get a fab free trio with any order made.

 

This same trio is available free with orders over £50 using code FEBTREAT until 28.02 while stocks last.

 

After a little browsing, I opted for the Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara set (RRP £21) which contains a full size mascara (sold seperately for £22!) and deluxe sample sized Bi-Facial and Khol Pencil.

I'd also added the Baume In Love lip balm (RRP £20) to the order - it sounds so similar to the Clinique Chubby Sticks which I love (read my review on those here). This meant I'd get free postage and a choice of a further two sample products. I chose a La Vie Est Belle EDP mini and 2ml Hypnose Mascara.

 

Unfortunately the Baume in Love was out of stock. Fortunately, I still got free delivery and all my samples! A great deal for just £21.

 

 

My skincare bargain came courtesy of Ebay. For just £1.25 and postage I got this lovely selection of skincare minis: Clarins Day Cream x2, Exfoliating Refiner and Bi-Serum, Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme sachets x2 and L'Oreal Visible Lift Foundation.

 

 

I'm hoping to continue the current trend as long as I have products to use up. For the things I need to replace I'll carry on searching out the best deal and to keep my thirst for trying new things sustained, I'm entering competitions and giveaways whenever I stumble across them.

 

I hope all the other ladies and gents who are also on a spending ban/restriction are doing as well too, and that those that aren't still enjoy sharing my journey.

 

UPDATE - I've literally just finished a blog sale page (UK only I'm afraid). Here's a link for those interested....  

 

Meanwhile blog-lovers ....I do my best to reply wherever possible so if you like a post, please comment, and if you love one, please follow.

 

x Gem

 

 

DIY - Home Made Candles

Some months ago now having done some research on the internet, I ventured into attempting to make my own teacup candles. You see these retailing for around £8 upwards each so I thought I'd see how expensive, and difficult it would be to make my own.

 

You'll need some essential items:

 

Double boiler (1 saucepan on top of another)

Paraffin / Soy Wax

Beeswax (optional but gives a more even lengthy burn time)

Wick Pins (keep the wick central and straight whilst cooling)

Wicks

Dye Discs (if you want coloured candles)

Essential Oils (if you want fragrant candles)

Thermometer
Tea cups / appropriate vessels

 

Being my first attempt, I decided to opt for an ordinary, unfragranced candle. I purchased the paraffin wax, beeswax, wicks, wick pins and dye discs in a set from Ebay for around £12. Although you can also re-use the left over wax from other candles - just be mindful of the scents if using scented ones - you may not like the end result if mixing too many together!

 

Next, I headed to the charity shops to search out some suitable cups and saucers. I picked up a set of six for just £2.99.

 

I won't bore you with the details, but you can get an easy step-by-step guide on the process from this page (gotta love Kirstie!) and loads of other sites.

 

Here are a few quick pics of the process....

 

 

 I'd chosen 'Antique White' as the shade - as you can see, whilst in liquid form it looks more 'black tea' than white. Don't worry though, it transforms when cool. The wick will also need trimming once cool to ensure the flame isn't too high .....

 

When the wax cools, it creates a 'well' around the wick - make sure to keep some spare wax to one side so you can top it up and get a smooth, level finish. You don't have to do this but if intending as a gift, it'll look that much better.

And, here's the finished product.....

 

 

 

Pretty impressive for my first attempt if I do say so myself. What's more, it works out at less than £3 per candle too! The burn time on the candles was around 8hrs each making them excellent value.

 

 

 

 I've been meaning to do some more and experiment with oils this time too. If/when I get around to it, I'll be sure to update you all.

 

If you've been thinking about giving it a go, do it! So easy and effective and they'd make great little gifts too - just wrap some cellophane around and tie with a ribbon/bow or get a pretty box to put it in.

Now... I'm off to have a soak in a candle-lit bath....

 

 

What Are Your Favourite Body Scrubs?

I absolutely LOVE a long soak in a hot tub, or a short sharp blast under the showerhead. What makes it even more enjoyable though, is using a favoured skin scrub! A couple of my own favourites are:

 

Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream (£20 for 250ml) - I love the way it feels like a burst of freshness on my skin and sloughs off all the dead cells leaving me feeling energised and alive!

 

L'Occitane Verbena Body Salt Scrub (£27 for 400g) - This one is a course scrub but full of lemony scented oily goodness. It leaves my skin with a healthy glow and  with a soft smooth moisturising sheen afterwards.

 

 

The more pocket friendly ones I use most often are from Marshmallow Blends (£4.99 a pot). The creme brulee and caramel cupcake smell lovely, have a good small grain consistency and melt away.

 

But, enough about me... onto the girls off Facebook's favourites (I've gathered this info, with permission, through a number of groups I'm a member of).

 

 Claire (aged 33) LOVES body scrubs and always uses a shower scrunchie to maximise the effect. She has two favourites: Sanctuary Salt Scrub (£11.50 for 650g) and Dirty Works Buttery Salt Scrub (around £11.95 for 300ml) both of which she describes simply as "just so so nice!!" Claire loves the "heavenly" scent on these products and finds that they leave her skin feeling the "type of really clean that you just can't get from a normal shower gel"

Zara (age 24) Rates The Body Shop African Ximenia & Salt Scrub (£15 for 350ml) as her favourite. Her reason - "it works, smells good, and is a huge pot for the price!" (You can read Zara's blog here)

Tracey (age 34) loves using the Sanctuary Body Scrub (£5.50 for 200ml) which "leaves skin silky smooth and smells lovely".

Nicola (age 28) also names a product from The Body Shop as one of her favourites - The Brazil Nut Scrub (not currently available but the range of scrubs retail at £12.50 upwards for 200ml). She gives her reasons as because "it smells yummy, has brazil nut kernels which exfoliate but it's also thick and creamy so feels very indulgent".

Steph names her favourite indulgent scrub treat as being the Neom Real Luxury: Organic Body Scrub (£32 for 332g) saying that the product is 'so luxurious and smells amazing'.

 

Lynne (age 41) claims Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish (sadly not available in UK) to be her favourite skin scrub. She states "OMG - I have yet to find a scrub that is such a pleasure to use! It smells delicious and my skin feels amazing afterwards!"

Sarah (age 29) Rates the Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub (£8 for 300ml) as one of her favourites. The product is "Amazeballs!...smells like I want to eat it!" and it "leaves my skin so smooth afterwards as well as being easy to use too"

Denise (age 31) has two top scrubs: Soap & Glory The Breakfast Scrub (£9.50 for 300ml) and the L'Oreal Paris Exfotonic Skin Revealing Exfoliator (costing around £8 for 200ml). She states that "both of these scrubs really get rid of all dry patches and don't leave a greasy residue."

Fi (age 30) is another fan of the Breakfast Scrub. "this smells amazing. Hard to explain but ... like toffee, really sweet. I use this 3 times a week and it leaves my skin smelling good enough to eat and very refreshed. It also seems to help with cellulite."

 

Ramsha (age 15) too is a fan of the Soap & Glory range. She loves using the Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Scrub (£7 for 300ml) which is "good at what it does, it keeps my legs flake free and smells really good!"

Emily (age 23) also loves the 'flake away' scrub. It "smells delish and leaves my skin feeling oh so smooth! It also moisturises so that I don't have to worry about my skin getting too dry." 

Gemma (age) Is another fan of Soap & Glory. She uses Pulp Friction Foaming Fruity Body Scrub (£8 for 250ml) It "smells amazing! It's my product of 2012!Will be using this on my wedding day!"

Helen (age 34) Loves the Elemis Tranquil Touch Body Polish (£21.50 for 150ml). She says the polish is "The best I have ever used. Leaves my skin so soft and really smooth."

A lot of products all rated highly! Some common choices amongst them too.

Laura (age 27) has yet to find a scrub that suits her and has that 'wow' factor. Hopefully this post has given her somewhere to start looking.

I hope you've all enjoyed taking part in this post and reading it. I know I've loved writing it! It's definitely given me some suggestions for my wish list.

Gem. x
 

What Are Your Favourite Face Scrubs?

Nothing makes my skin feel softer and smoother than a good old scrub! I've created a few posts on 'favourites' recently and just had to include Face Scrubs, after all, they play a very important part in any skin care routine.

 

I tend to use a scrub prior to a mask - after all, why waste the benefits of a good mask on dead skin when you can cut straight to the healthy stuff?! So, here are the responses I've gathered from some lovely ladies on facebook regarding some of their favourite scrub products ......

 

Tracey (aged 34) uses the Sanctuary Radiance Exfoliator  (£10.50 for 100ml) on her oily skin. She feels the pros are that the product is "not too harsh but does the job quickly and easily. It's also not too expensive. I go through these quickly and so wouldn't buy expensive brands."   

Nicola (aged 28) with normal/combination skin prone to occasional breakouts uses Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose In It (£7.50 for 125ml). She loves "the tingly sensation and the fact that it is not too harsh." The product is also "dual purpose too as it can be used as a mask!" Nicola uses a scrub 1-2 times a week.

 

I've tried this one and can vouch for Nicola's comments - a great purse friendly multitasker!

 

Fi (aged 30) is another fan of this product. She comments on the "amazing fresh feeling once I've used it and it lasts throughout the day too". She's "noticed a real difference in (her combination) skin after a few weeks of using this."

 

 

Zara (aged 24) has combination skin. She uses a facial brush combined with Tesco Vitamin E Face Wash which she finds "the most effective way (as it) isn't harsh on my skin". (You can read Zara's blog here)

 

Sarah (aged 29) Has recently started using the St Ives Apricot Blemish Control Scrub (£3.99 for 150ml). She loves the product as "the grains are big enough to (provide) a deep clean but it's not harsh on your skin" after use she notes "it leaves my skin so smooth and it definitely gets everything out of the pores on my nose!"

 

 

Denise (aged 31) Loves the YSL Top Secrets Exfoliator (mentioned in previous post here) and the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (priced around £30 upwards for 75ml). The microfoliant "works well with my skin as it doesn't scratch it or leave it feeling tight and uncomfortable."

 

Lynne (aged 41) has combination skin which she finds a "curse and a blessing!" Her favourite scrub is again, the Dermalogica Microfoliant. Lynne finds that "no matter what I put on my skin afterwards, (it) always looks better!"

 

Gemma (aged) says her favourite is also the Dermalogica, it's "non harsh and feels like my skin has had a deep clean".

 

 

Laura (aged 27) has oily skin. She's also become a recent fan of the Dermalogica Microfoliant but tends not to use it every day. A scrub she's used for a long time is the Aapri Original Scrub Cream (£3.99 for 150ml). Laura finds that "it's really grainy so gets all the dead skin off with ease (without) feeling harsh on my skin." Cost is also a factor as she finds it does the same job as other high street versions with a heftier price tag.

 

Emily (aged 23) has combination skin. She uses Garnier Anti-Blackhead Deep Pore Wash (priced around £4 upwards) twice a week. Her reason is "it's not too rough on my skin (not like sandpaper!) and the smell is lovely! Cleans right down in the pores!"

 

Helen (aged 34) also has combination skin. Her favourite face scrub is Clarins Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream (£24.50 for 50ml). Helen says this product is "not harsh but does a fab job at getting rid of dull skin and cleans out pores."

I've got a full size and sample size of this product and am sure I'll love it after Helen's glowing review.

 

 

So, there you have it. A vast array of products, all of varying prices and consistencies and all rated highly by the users.

 

Hopefully for those of you looking to try a new product, there's one listed for you.

 

I hope you've enjoyed reading this post as much as I have writing it!

 

What Are Your Favourite Face Masks?

A big part of my skincare routine is regular use of face masks - not only do they help control excess oiliness, reduce pore size and keep my skin in great condition, but they also give me an excuse to pamper myself and relax in a hot bubbly bath! I'm always keen to hear from others about their favourite products, and, as with my previous post 'What Products Do You Use To Combat Oily Skin?' I've asked some fellow facebookers for their must-have products...

Here are the results.......

Annie (early 20s) has normal/oily skin. She rates the Lush Mask of Magnaminty (£8.75 for 315g) as her favoured product. "It's refreshing, smells yummy and the peppermint and spearmint break through any oily without stripping the skin and dry out any spots."

 

Nicola (aged 28) has normal/combination skin prone to occasional breakouts. Her 'go to' mask which she uses every 1-2 weeks is the Apivita Intense Hydration Mask with Cucumber and the reasons for this choice? Nicola states the product "Feels very gentle and nourishing. Smells fresh and leaves my skin soft and supple. I also love the packaging and it's great now they are stocked at M&S." (£3 for 2x8ml sachets).

 

Denise (aged 31) Has oily skin and quotes her favourite face mask as the Superdrug Aloe Vera Mud Mask (£2.59 for 75ml), stating "it doesn't irritate my skin like a lot of mud masks I've tried and leaves my skin really clear."

Fi (age 30) names her favourite as the Body Shop Blue Corn 3-in-1 Deep Cleansing Scrub Mask (£10 for 100ml) "It's great. It goes on and dries and once it washes off, your skin feels so fresh and clean. It draws out impurities and leaves skin feeling fresh and clean." 

Laura (age 27) Uses a variety of masks and still likes to try new products in her search for "the one!". She's  also a fan of the Body Shop Blue corn mask "for years!" and has recently started to use the Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask (£12 for 100ml) too, alternating between these and using them no more than once a week.

Sarah (aged 29) has oily skin and has also previously favoured the Ionic Seaweed Mask, using it 2-3 times a week and finding the clay mask "right for me".

Zara (aged 24) Has combination skin. She uses The Body Shop Warming Mineral Mask (£10 for 100ml) and finds that "it moisturises the dry skin and clears up the oily patches."

(I've actually got one of these in my stash I've not yet got around to trying out so might well put it in my 'next' pile! Thanks for the reminder Zara!)

Claire (aged 33) has oily/combination skin and doesn't have a particular favourite brand of mask, more a favoured type. She loves the cloth masks (any ones!) She finds that they are low cost and "feel fab."

Emily (aged 23) loves using "any" of the Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks "they come in little sachets and have always been my fave face masks. From peel off to wash off, olive oil to chocolate, there is a wide variety to always suit the mood i'm in!"

 

Lynne (aged 41) names the Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (£30 for 50ml) as her preferred product. She said it makes "my skin feel amazing afterwards! And, I can use this withouth using an exfoliant as it does the job of that too when I'm being lazy. It smells amazing and makes my skin glow."

Tracey (aged 34) has oily skin. She also loves to use the Ren Mask and says "I love peel masks. It Dries quickly and peels off fully. My skin feels very refreshed afterwards. I use this one over others as I have very sensitive skin and I have no reaction to this mask."

Ramsha (aged 15) Has dehydrated skin and favours two mask products, one of which is again the  Ren Glycolactic Mask as it "deeply cleans my skin, leaving it renewed." And the Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask (£20 for 100ml) which "is so easy to use, you just slap it on and let your skin do the work while your asleep...it really helps keeping my dry skin nice and plump."

Gemma (aged) Doesn't use a regular face mask "I have a facial once a month" but she's used the Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask (£14 for 75ml) and finds "this really does help with my blackheads!"

Helen (aged 34) Uses Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel (£29.50 for 50ml) - "Nothing leaves my skin better than this divine mask. A little goes an awful long way. It's my weekly indulgent treat. It smells great and my skin glows afterwards." 

So, there you have it. A quick poll of products from a variety of skin types and ages. For those of you looking for a mask or unsure whether to take the plunge and try one of these, maybe it'll help you make the decision.

I hope you all enjoy reading this as much as I've enjoyed writing it. It really has been a labour of love.... and now I need to make sure my credit card stays where it is as my blasted spending ban is stopping me spreeing!

What Products Do You Use To Combat Oily Skin?

Skincare is THE most important part of my beauty regime and whilst I'll often scrimp and forget to put on certain steps of my makeup - favouring the extra time in bed over looking my best I never, ever avoid looking after my skin.

 

Being 34 and with oily skin, it's difficult to find products that work with my skin and make it look it's best. I often get told I look a lot younger though, so must be doing something right! lol.

 

Staple aspects of my regime invlove regular exfoliation, using face masks (largely clay/mud based as these work best to draw out impurities) and of course, cleansing, toning and moisturising (for best results I always moisturise as soon as possible after cleansing and use my fingers to apply it in outward strokes on face / upwards on my neck).

 

Recently I've pulled away slightly from my usual routine - Clinique 3-Step - and started trying out new products, some of which are pictured above and some I've not yet started (Don't worry, I'll add some reviews as time goes on). Previously I'd made the mistake of trying a few different products in a short space of time, not giving my skin the time to adjust before deciding whether I liked it or not. From new year in, I'm actually finishing one product at a time to give me a real sense of the pros and cons which has helped make a more informed decision.

 

I've done a little research in a few of the facebook groups I'm a member of which include 'Beauty Box Swappers', 'Beauty Box Swaps' and 'Battle of the Boxes'.

 

Please note, I've asked everyone for permission before adding details to this post.

Question: Which product can't you be without in your skincare routine and why?

Katie (aged 31) A few months ago had noticed her skin becoming oily during the day, after a recommendation, she's been using Dr.Nick Lowe Oil Control Day Cream (priced £15.49 for 50ml) each day to combat this and has noticed that her skin now no longer gets oily. Katie's verdict: "I'll definitely be buying it again."

She tends to exfoliate around 2-3 times a week and curently uses the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (priced around £30 for 75g). Katie says this "makes my skin feel super soft", but the price tag puts her off repurchasing at present.

Loz (aged 27) Has "Oily skin but it still needs moisturising, something which most 'mattifying' day creams seem to forget". She's also a fan of the Nick Lowe day cream and has found it "lifechanging". It moisturises her skin without it "becoming an oilslick" and she even goes without primer now as a result of the positive effect the product has had.
(You can read Loz's blog here)

Claire (aged 33) Has found that the moisturiser that best suits her skin is the Biore Oil Free Shine Control Moisturiser which is sadly discontinued (don't worry, she's stocked up on it!). Claire finds that this product "goes on well, it's not greasy, it absorbs really well and skin feels great the next day".
(You can read Claire's blog here)
 

 Alison (aged 31) Tends to suffer "a greasy forehead but dry around the mouth". She loves DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (priced £21.50 for 200ml or £11 for 70ml) as "it seems to regulate the oil my face produces" and finds that after cleansing, "it doesn't leave that tight dry feeling" she's experienced using other cleansers.

 

Alison also loved the sample she received in a previous beauty box of Freeze 24/7 Ice Crystals Anti-Aging Prep and Polish (priced around £35 for 70g). They made the skin on her face "feel amazing and the effect seemed to last". The cost has put her off purchasing the full size but she's now seriously contemplating splashing out!

 



 Ceris (aged 34) Has combination skin with open pores and favours a daily 'home made' approach which is definitely food for thought. Ceris states:

 
"I absolutely SWEAR by making a baking powder mix (not soda) with any cleanser that contains either glycolic or salycilic acid. I use Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash. (priced at around £4.95 for 200ml)

The acid removes the dead skin plus the baking powder is a mild grain exfoliant which gets down in the pores and neutralises nasties.

Mix 4/5 pumps of the face wash with a desert spoon full of baking powder in your hand until it forms a paste. Wash your face for about a minute then rinse.
Your skin will feel smoother after the first go - and after about 2 weeks you should see a big difference."

As a treat, Ceris uses the Dr Braggi Intensive Treatment Mask (priced £10 per sachet) the benefits of which she finds as mainly "brightening and tightening - makes (my) skin look plumper." But a little too expensive for a weekly splurge.

Kristiana (aged 32) Has combination skin and "can't live without my Betty Hula Wonder Oil (priced at £15.99 for 50ml).

I put it on at night after cleansing and toning and give myself a little facial massage to work it in. It has got rid of spots, dry patches and makes my skin really silky."

 

 Sarah (aged 29) Uses Garnier Pure Deep Clean Foam Wash (priced around £2.95 for 200ml) and doesn't know where she'd be without it. It's completely changed her skin since using it, to the extent that she feels the oiliness is "almost non existant!".
(You can read Sarah's blog here) 

 

 

Lesley (aged 44) Currently uses Elemis Pro Marine Cream (priced at £79 for 50ml) and Elemis Pro Radiance Cream Cleanser (costing £29 for 150ml). Lesley says: "the cream really hydrates my skin without feeling greasy" and "the cleanser is the best I've used. Leaves my skin supersoft." Although she sometimes deviates from the range, she always finds herself going back to it.

Lucy (aged 28) Has oily/combination skin prone to breakouts. At present, she favours Benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion (costing £19.50 for 50.3ml)It's a lightweight moisturiser which "absorbs quickly and keeps my face moisturised without excess shine". Lucy's current cleanser is the Liz Earle Cleans & Polish (priced £14.25 for 100ml) "it's gentle on my skin, I try not to use anything that's too harsh."

Denise (aged 34) Has two must-have products to help control oily skin. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 (costing £16 for 200ml or £25 for 400ml) being the "main product that controls my oily skin and clears those annoying blackheads on my nose".

Her second product choice is YSL Top Secrets Natural Action Exfoliator (priced £30.50 for 75ml) a "non abrasive gel exfoliator" which after use, leaves "me with clean smooth skin that feels unbelievable."

So, as you can see, you don't have to spend a fortune to find a product that works for your skin type. There's so much choice available out there, whatever your budget! The main thing is, you take the time to look after your skin, and look for a product that works for you.

I hope you've found this post of interest. I've really enjoyed writing it and just want to thank everyone who's taken part.