PrettyPottering: January 2013

The Body Shop Aloe Lip Treatment

My lips hate the winter. They get so dry and chapped, sometimes to the point where they're painful. They also tend to get really bad when I've done a few shifts at work on the run without a day off, I don't know why this is but I'm convinced it's something to do with the salt off the fries!

I find that a combination of Carmex and Burt's Bees tends to work for me, but I had a £20 off a £40 spend at The Body Shop, so I decided to give this a try seeing as I technically only paid about £2.50 for it.

I found that it is really soothing on the lips and provides a nice relief when my they are particularly bad. However I don't think that in the long term it really made much difference to my lips. I have been using it in the daytime and also overnight with an extra thick layer but I have to admit I don't notice any difference when I wake up. Also, I don't know if it's just me but the thought of applying a minty lip balm to chapped lips feels a bit strange to me, especially when they are at their worst it's just the last 'flavour' I would want to apply to my lips. This in particular scent isn't too overpowering but I still feel that I would much prefer a fruity or a warming scent.

Overall, I do enjoy using this for an instant relief for chapped lips but I wouldn't say that it worked for me as a 'treatment'.

Liebster Award

I've been nominated a couple of times for the Liebster Award.. Thank you very much Amy and Jade! The Liebster Award is given to blogs with under 200 followers by other bloggers. I think this is a great thing to participate in as it gives 'new' blogs a chance to be recognised and shared with other bloggers (isn't blog a funny word!).

There's a few rules:
1. List 11 facts about yourself.

2. Answer the 11 questions given to you.

3. Ask 11 new questions for the bloggers you nominate for the award.

4. Choose 9 bloggers with 200 or less followers to nominate.

5. Go to each blogger's page and let them know about the award.

6. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.

11 Facts About Me:

I'm from Wales but I don't speak Welsh and I don't have a welsh accent.
I spend all my money on beauty products and have none left for clothes.
Animals are my favourite thing in the world! They fascinate me.
I am the procrastination queen.
I bite my nails subconsciously and get really annoyed when I realise.
I still, half way through my second year at uni, do not have the slightest clue what I want to do with my life.
I'm really nosey.
I'm addicted to Diet Coke.. like really. (But at the moment I'm on a ban and have gone a week with only one glass which was at Nandos!!!!)
I'm afraid of dairy products.
I love to bake and cook.
I'm an obsessive clean freak but horrendously messy.

Questions for me: (from Amy, I felt that I would struggle to answer some of Jade's questions so instead of writing 'I don't really know' for the majority I chose Amy's, hope you don't mind Jade!)

1) What was the subject of your first ever post?

It was about me and my new blog.

2) Describe the town in which you stay in.

It's a little seaside town in North Wales. It's lovely in the Summer but the rest of the year it's a bit naff!

3) What is your favourite animal?

I have to choose ONE?? I can't chose between a dog or a cat :(

4) What shops do you usually shop in?

New Look, Primark, Topshop, River Island, Republic.

5) What do you love the most?

My bed!

6) Where would you like to travel to in the next 10 years?

I'd like to travel to places that are interesting geographically and in terms of the wildlife. I'm not very well travelled yet so I don't know where that would be.

7) What is your dream job?

I literally don't know. Working with animals?

8) What is your favourite perfume?

I've only recently began to properly embrace fragrance! But I'm loving Vera Wang Princess at the moment.

9) Favourite place to eat out?

Nandos! I agree that it is overrated but I literally crave their coleslaw and chips together!

10) Dress or jeans?

For the daytime I'm definitely more of a jeans girl. I never used to be though!

11) What is one of your 2013 resolutions?

Lose weight. I've started off good by cutting out the Diet Coke I just need to cut out some of the food now!

My questions to you!

1. Which ONE item of make up could you not leave the house without wearing?

2. Which ONE item of clothing would you be lost without?

3. What's the most disappointing beauty product you've ever used?

4. What's your biggest fashion regret?

5. If you had £100 to spend on one item what would you buy?

6. What do you hope to be doing in 10 years time?

7. What's your favourite time of year? Why?

8. What's your perfect Saturday night?

9. What's your favourite movie?

10. Do you prefer a bath or a shower?

11. What's your bedroom like?

I nominate...

I tried my best to make sure the blogs I chose hadn't already done the Liebster Award. but I apologise if I missed it!

Life is Good and the Girls Are Gorgeous

I'm really annoyed that I haven't had time to blog this week, I've been dying to get on my computer for days but it has just not been possible! I had uni at the start of the week along with a mountain of uni work and then on Thursday some of my friends from home came for a night out with me in Liverpool which is always fun! I battled through the snow and came back home on Friday and worked all day today, no rest for the wicked. I'm just looking forward to a lie in tomorrow before heading back to Liverpool for the week.

I thought I'd also take this opportunity to share something I've just seen on Facebook. MUA have reached 50,000 Facebook likes and so to celebrate they will be holding an offer, 50% off AND free delivery, which is completely and utterly incredibly unmissable!!! It starts on Monday and apparently *everything* is included but we will have to see about that. I can't see any mention of a minimum spend but I would assume there would be - all the more reason to stock up! Whenever I have posted about MUA products the comments have always been positive and many of them are wanting to give the brand a try, here's your chance girls! I'm personally hoping to get my hands on some brushes, nail polishes, eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks.

* Update! * - MUA say everything is included bar the vanity case (which will however qualify for free delivery bringing it from £30 to £25). If you're as ~~sad~~ keen as I am you can make an account with them and go through the website today adding what you want to your cart then tomorrow hopefully you can quickly pay for them. The last time they held a similar offer the website was down for the best part of two days because of the amount of people trying to buy - after which time a lot of the 'good stuff' had gone! I've stocked up on things I want to try and also a couple of bits I already know and love! I currently have 25 items in my basket which should come to a grand total of £23. LESS THAN A POUND AN ITEM!

Soap and Glory Smoothie Star Body Milk

I'm a bit lazy when it comes to moisturising my body. I never really bother unless I'm having a bit of a pamper session and even then I get so frustrated waiting for it to sink in before I can comfortably put clothes on!

Soap and Glory's Smoothie Star Body Milk has come to my rescue! As it's a body 'milk' the formula isn't thick like say S&G's 'The Righteous Butter' (which I would probably use on those rare pampering sessions) and so I've found it doesn't take nearly as long to sink into the skin. However, this does not compromise the moisturising power and the skin is left feeling soft, smooth, hydrated and smelling like a dream.

I really love this product as it's so easy and quick to use. Before, where I 99% of the time wouldn't have bothered to moisturise my body it has now become a normal part of my routine. I think this huge bottle will last me a while but I will definitely be repurchasing when I run out!

Unnecessary Essentials

Sorry about the crappy picture!

So today I might have got a bit bored of doing work and might have accidentally stumbled into town and accidentally broke my 'no spending on beauty products' rule... but I had a £20 off a £40 spend in Body Shop voucher (from vouchercodes.co.uk) and I just could not resist!

I picked up...

The Body Shop Mini Brush Kit - I have recently noticed a severe lack of make up brushes in my possession and thought it would be nice to give these a try. They're teenie-tiny but I think I'll get a lot of use out of them.

The Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask - I've been on the look out for a facial mask to try for a while. I have never tried anything like this before but have quite high hopes!

The Body Shop Aloe Lip Care - My lips are horrible in the winter. They get so chapped and can become really quite painful so I picked up this lip treatment in the hope that it will help keep my lips soft and moisturised.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Reviver - I think this works kind of like a primer - it says to apply after moisturiser but before make up. I've tried it on the back of my hand and it has quite a weird consistancy. It actually feels similar to Benefit's Porefessional. It made my skin feel really smooth. I'll see how it compares as Porefessional is a staple in my make up bag! This also smells lovely - like oranges!

OPI 'Let's Seal the Deal' - I might also have stumbled across to John Lewis with no real intentions in mind until I saw this OPI set for £18.55. Basically you buy the OPI Nail Envy and get the OPI Rapidry Top Coat free, which as I had been thinking about purchasing Nail Envy anyway was too good a deal to miss out on! I've used both already tonight and will report back soon.

Batiste Dry Shampoo - I don't really know why I have included this, it's nothing exciting but an essential in my mind - I really do miss it when I run out unprepared!

You can expect reviews on these products soon! I have been trying my best to blog every day as that is what I LOVE and look for in blogs that I choose to follow. While that's not always possible due to uni/work/sleep/life it's really motivating to have started to receive comments and new followers. At this stage in a blogs life it's really exciting and sometimes I just wish I could blog all day long!

MUA Pro-Brow Kit

Alongside their standard range MUA also have a 'professional' range which if you follow their page on Facebook you'll know seems to be growing every day with new products. I picked up this eyebrow kit in Superdrug for a tiny £3.50.

The kit contains three different shades plus a setting wax, a double ended brush and a pair of mini tweezers. The light brown colour above the wax is a good match for me so points are scored straight away! The lightest shade can also be used as an under-brow highlighter. I find the wax a useful addition to this palette as I usually use the HD Brows Brow Beater but this condenses the products I need to carry in my make up bag. I'm not very impressed with the brush, it's fine and it's workable but I actually choose to use the brush out of my HD Brows palette (more on that later). The tweezers are also not the most amazing pair I've ever used (they are quite stiff) but they work and it's handy to have them within the kit.

I do feel however, that any complaints I do have with this palette are slightly irrelevant due to the pricing! I paid a mere £3.50 for this. At that price I was not expecting amazing quality (although the quality is a lot better than you probably would expect!) and if you remember that then this is actually an amazing product and outstanding value for money. The powder is pigmented yet blendable, the wax works really well at setting the hairs in place and the mirror which comes inside the kit is really useful.

As I mentioned I do have the HD brows palette which I got in a Glossybox. Unfortunately the one I received did not contain the right colours for me but I have used it a couple of times mixed with various eye shadows to create a suitable shade - so I am able to give a vague comparison. Visually, I don't really rate the HD Brows kit over MUA - they are both very similar. As I mentioned I do use the brush from the HD brows palette with the MUA palette as it is better than the MUA one but for the price difference (£18.45 for HD Brows, £3.50 for MUA) this is a minor issue and to buy a brush suitable for this I'm sure would not be too expensive. The MUA palette is definitely an amazing and much more affordable dupe.

Overall, another impressive product from MUA - great value for money!

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream

I think I may be going a bit crazy. It's so unlike me to even CONSIDER purchasing a moisturiser for somewhere between £20-30. Sadly, I am coming to the end of this mini Benefit Total Moisture facial cream, which I've come to love! Why?...

Firstly, the packaging. I think it may be the cutest moisturiser I have ever seen! As I said this is a mini version, which comes in this little glass screw top pot. It is the perfect size to put in my make up bag (ideal as I live between two places and travel a lot!) and if I did decide to fork out for the full size I would probably keep this pot and dispense into it from the big one.

It has a very fresh fragrance to it which when it comes to facial products I usually much prefer as opposed to synthetic perfume smells. Once when I had just applied this to my face my boyfriend asked if I had sun cream on - which I suppose is a fair description but I think it's a very lovely sun cream smell!

Onto the important bit... When I use this I feel as though my face looks/feels really bright and fresh and super hydrated. It's perfect for wearing under make up as while it's quite a thick formula it's not greasy in the slightest. I think it feels really luxurious and is so refreshing, I really don't think I can convince myself that I don't need this.. I'll just have to buy it!

You do have two options if you were considering purchasing this though! You can get it as part of a mini Benefit skin care set (which is how I have this) which is perfect if you would like to try a few of Benefit's main skincare products without committing to the somewhat pricey full-size versions. The set usually costs around £10 - at that price I definitely recommend you give it a try as the other products are also amazing! OR you can dive straight in and purchase the full size product which I think is around £26 at most places.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara

A few posts ago I declared my love for the Soap and Glory Thick & Fast Mascara, and I was pretty sure I'd never need another mascara ever again! Then I got this mini They're Real! mascara as part of the Benefit Upgrade to Gorgeous gift set and after reading more and more raving reviews I would be a very bad and silly blogger if I didn't give it a go.

Benefit They're Real Mascara

These were my results! The lashes clearly are looking a lot thicker, seperated and I was really impressed by how much longer they look. I also noticed the lack of black speckles which I have previously experienced forming underneath my eyes from flaky mascara throughout the day. The marketing point Benefit have clearly focused on is how this mascara looks as if you could be wearing false eyelashes, I'd say this definitely achieves this, I'm super impressed!

If I was to choose between my previous love of the Soap and Glory mascara however, I think I would still choose S&G purely because of the bristle brush. I don't know what it is about these plastic brushes that I don't like - I just much prefer the old school ones! I do like how this particular brush has the bristles on the tip of the brush though, it makes getting those little lashes in the corner of your eye a lot easier!

Soap & Glory Peaches and Clean Deep Cleansing Milk

Soap & Glory Peaches and Clean

Peaches and Clean is a '4-in-1 wash off deep cleansing milk' which claims to purify, energise and remove make up. I like this product as I think it's a real 'I just want to go to bed and not have to endure the whole skincare regime' kind of thing. It removes make up easily and although the instructions say to just rub it in to the skin and wash it off I find it works to remove eye make up if you just use a cotton wool pad to do so. I realise if you were feeling that lazy you would perhaps just use a make up wipe but I think this gives you a little extra in terms of cleansing and softening the skin. I also sometimes like to use this in the mornings as it is very refreshing and energising. Whenever I use it though I feel my skin definitely needs some moisturiser afterwards as while it feels smooth and soft it does not feel very hydrated.

As to be expected with S&G it smells gorgeous! It actually smells like some sweets my dad sometimes buys from Aldi which come in a tin, kind of minty and I think the sweets are pomegranate? Obviously I'm guessing the smell is meant to be peaches though. (I apologise for my awful fragrance descriptions, someone needs to invent smelly-vision already!) It's very refreshing whatever it is!

The label says it contains fruit acids to smooth the skin, Quillaja bark - a natural 'soap', Jojoba oil (always raved about) which softens the skin, Detoxyboost technology which helps to purify and deep clean and Poreshrink R2 which gives a clearer, fresher and softer complexion. It also says that it contains a 'special clogged T-zone formula' and since using this I have to say I have noticed a fair difference in my oily T-zone. It doesn't seem to get as 'shiny' as it usually does throughout the day.

The only thing that I find a bit strange with this product is a little warning on the back of the bottle about the fact that it contains 'exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids, which can make your skin photosensitive' which after reading up on actually seems rather nasty! For this reason I try not to use this too often on my fair skin, but I figure if it was a real danger the product would not be allowed to be sold. I would recommend reading up on this if you are considering purchasing though as you may have a different opinion and this product may not be for you.

BTW... I feel like I may be bombarding my blog a bit with S&G, I just own a lot of it and I do really love it so I feel that their brilliance needs to be shared! I promise I do use other brands too!

John Frieda Full Repair Deep Conditioner

My poor hair has fell victim to years and years of heat abuse, hair dye and general neglection. I am currently on a conquest to make it shiny, healthy and longer but I simply cannot stop using the heated tools as without them my hair is one big frizzy mess! So to compensate for this I am on the hunt for an amazing hair product that will improve the overall quality of my hair, but one that doesn't break the bank obviously! Does this exist!?!

It quite possibly could! This product claims that it 'penetrates deep and repairs the look and feel of overstyled hair, reducing the risk of breakage. Damaged hair becomes silky and full.'

After shampooing, you simply apply this mostly to the ends of your hair and a little bit to the rest of it, brush through, leave for five minutes then rinse. The first time I used this I wasn't very impressed but I blame my bad judge of timing and the fact that I didn't leave it in long enough, because the second time I tried it (and actually timed it) it was so much better! As soon as it came to the rinsing I could feel a difference in my hair, it felt so soft and smooth. When drying and straightening afterwards I could feel my hair was a lot softer but also stronger and very healthy looking! I now use this around once a week instead of my usual conditioner just to give my hair a little boost. I don't think this is THE product that I am looking for, but I am glad to have found it and I am more than happy to stick with this until something even better comes along!

MUA Blush Perfection Cream Blusher

I have never tried a cream blusher before but in true MUA style this looked like a real bargain and I have read nothing but good reviews about their cream blushers so I decided to give it a go (wow, the word 'blush' begins to look very strange after you've typed it a few times).

To begin with I wasn't entirely sure how I should apply this and there was no suggestions of how to do so, so I've given it a go with both my fingers and my real techniques contour brush. The finger application technique worked fine but it obviously left my fingers covered in the stuff which was slightly inconvenient. So I have decided that the brush application was better suited.

This is the 'Blossom' shade which is perfect for me. It's not too pinky which I usually look for in a blusher and it's a very buildable colour which can be handy depending on the look you are going for. I actually really like the cream formula which I wasn't actually too keen on the thought of before I tried it. It's easy to apply and I found it can be blended in easier than a powder could be. I was concerned about the staying power but it really impressed me.

At just £2 I think this is another absolute gem product from MUA and for the time being I would definitely say I'm a cream blusher convert!

Wishlist #1

1. Nike trainers - This is a bit of a strange one as I haven't worn trainers for years, but I think they look really cool and I know they would be super comfy. I do wonder what I would actually wear trainers with, there's just so many different types and colours I'd have to spend a good bit of time trying to find the perfect ones for me!

2 & 3. Topshop Shirt and Jumper - I am going to make a concious effort to stop buying more and more unnecessary beauty products and concentrate more on my wardrobe (or lack of it). I hardly ever buy actual clothes but I have loads of jewellery, bags and accessories. These two items from Topshop are simple, easy to wear pieces of clothing that I know I'd get a lot of use out of!

4. Disco Pants - Now these, I'm not really sure about! I think you have to have a very particular style and figure to pull these off however it really does seem like everyone and their mum owns a pair and swears by them. If I were to purchase I would definitely not fork out for the proper American Apparel ones straight away as although I do really like them, I'm almost certain I will feel silly wearing them. I just want to see what the fuss is about!

5. iPad Mini - This started off as a bit of a 'hmm I would like one but I'm sensible and know I don't really need one' and has become a bit of a 'THEY'RE AMAZING I CAN'T GO A DAY LONGER WITHOUT ONE'. I think it would be very useful and especially being the mini version it's so portable and super cute! It's my birthday in March so I'm planning on saving some money up before then and maybe asking my parents to pay the rest or something along those lines!

Soap & Glory Mist You Madly Body Spray

Soap & Glory Mist You Madly

I think this may be one of those products that everyone has, but just in case you don't, I feel that I should share with you as you really do need this in your life!

Mist You Madly body spray is simply a floral mist spray which I personally cannot get enough of! I spray it all over me as soon as I get out of the shower and the gorgeous smell lingers on the skin all day. Literally until I next have a shower the smell doesn't fade which I think is amazing. This is at least my third bottle and I will continue to repurchase this forever and ever. They do have alternative fragrances available which are also lovely, so you can find the best one to suit you.

Superdrug Simply Pure Calming Cleanser and Refreshing Toner

Having used these products for a few days now I have to say I am impressed. The cleanser does a good job at removing my make up easily and really soothes the skin. This followed by use of the toner is really refreshing (as you'd hope a 'refreshing toner' would be!!) and it leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean!

I like how both these products are fragrance free as I do tend to prefer the more 'natural' smells - not that it's really a natural smell but it's not a synthetic, overpowering fragrance. They are also paraben free (I don't exactly know what a paraben is but they have recently been associated with breast cancer and I know at least that they just aren't good!) which is a bonus!

Both products are currently on offer both in-store and online (follow the link in the caption) but even at normal price I think these are great value for money. I hope Superdrug are planning to release more products in this range!

MUA Bronzer

I am very pale skinned so when it comes to picking a bronzer I go for more of the 'sun kissed' look or results can sometimes turn out rather tangerine-esque! This MUA bronzer in shade 3 I came across a few years ago is actually the perfect shade for me. Not only did it end years of purchasing the wrong colour bronzer over and over again but do you know how much this is? Are you ready?.... IT'S £1!

ONE ENGLISH POUND!

As I mentioned I have been using this bronzer for a couple of years now and I have never felt the need to change for anything better quality as I honestly cannot fault this one. It's pigmented but not overly (which I think in this case is a good thing) and it's also very build-able This shade is quite matte but if I remember correctly I think the other shades that are available are fairly shimmery.

Here I am wearing it slightly underneath my cheekbone in an attempt to give my face a bit of structure! I find it a very warming addition to my pale face, I think it works really well.

This isn't the first MUA product I have tried, their £1 range is actually incredible value for money and I am definitely keen to keep trying more of their products. I am especially intrigued by their new brushes as I have already read lots of amazing reviews!

Soap and Glory Thick & Fast Super Volume Mascara

..... and 'Super Volume' it most certainly is! I love this mascara because it creates maximum effect with little effort. I'm one of those girls who loves big thick eyelashes (obviously not the clumpy kind) and if I can get away without wearing falsies then I am sold!

That is a picture of before and after two coats (close ups.......EEK!) I think this mascara creates quite a dramatic effect really easily, it thickens and lengthens the lashes without being clumpy and it stays put all day long! I also prefer this kind of brush to the plastic ones you sometimes get now, they just don't seem to do it for me.

I got mine as part of the 'The Best of All' gift set but you can get it online here, I'm not sure if the £3 off offer is also available in store?

This is the first S&G make up product I have tried and I am really impressed, I will definitely be looking into more of the range.

Superdrug Vitamin E Exfoliating Facial Scrub and Intense Moisture Cream

I've heard nothing but good things about the Superdrug Vitamin E skincare range. They claim that Vitamin E is a 'powerful antioxidant that will help shield your skin against environmental damage and premature skin ageing by combating the harmful effects of free radicals'. So I thought I would try out a couple of their products.

The Exfoliating Facial Scrub for normal to dry skin has a very clay-like consistency and is one of the grittiest scrubs I've ever used - which I LOVE! I can't stand 'exfoliators' that have hardly any beads in them and so feel like they are hardly doing anything. The 'grit' as I like to call it is actually oatmeal, which provides 'gentle but effective exfoliation'. My face always feels like it has had a real good scrub, and is very soft and super clean after using this.
The Intense Moisture Day Cream is quite a thick facial moisturiser but I still find it wearable under foundation, although I will perhaps try the 12 hour moisturising day cream rather than this 24 hour 'intense cream' as I feel it may be more suitable. It smells really nice and is very soothing on the skin, my face feels very hydrated but without feeling greasy after using this.
I am very impressed with this range and will definitely be trying other products. I am especially interested in the day cream and also the skin oil.

Sales Purchases - Perfume Gift Sets

I have never really been much of a perfume enthusiast. I've always suffered with bad hay fever and strong smells tend to give me headaches. Recently, however, I experienced a sudden urge to buy some perfume. I don't know where this came from but I figured what better time to splash out that the January sales! And for the record, my hay fever has not been a problem yet and while I am getting the odd slight headache I think they're worth it for these two gorgeous fragrances.

Juicy Couture by Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum Spray & Frothy Shower Gel

I bought this set from Boots for about £22, reduced from £35 (I think). They didn't actually have a sample spray in the shop for me to test but I had a faint memory of smelling this once in the past and loving it. So I took a bit of a gamble, but I was right and it is a really nice smell. It's very floral and fruity but for me it's more of a night time scent as it's also quite powerful. I find the staying power quite good, the scent does tend to 'mellow' after a few hours though.

I'm not even going to attempt to explain top notes etc. (do people actually work that out themselves or do they copy it like I am about to do??) ... This is what the Juicy Couture website actually says ...

"...top notes of watermelon, mandarin, and passion fruit combined with the sparkle and freshness of bright marigold and green apple, lightened by a splash of water hyacinth and crushed leaves. Deeper notes of wild rose with sophisticated princess lily and creamy tuberose undertones. Base notes of caramel créme brulée and vanilla meld with elegant precious woods and patchouli to create a delicious linge"

Vera Wang Princess Gift Set

I bought this here!!! on boxing day when it eventually sold out but they seem to have it back in stock but instead of the lip gloss in my set I think it's an eyeliner and a sharpener? The 30ml bottle alone can retail for up to around £35 so this set for £18 I think is a mega bargain (if you like the scent obviously!).
This is also very floral and fruity, but definitely more of a day time scent for me. It's not as 'overwhelming' as the Juicy Couture fragrance. The staying power is brilliant, I can still smell this on my skin after a long day! The scent (according to 'www.verawangprincess.com')......

"...Created for the modern day Princess, this sheer, fruity floral fragrance is definitely born to rule! The scent sparkles with the captivating, sweet, tart aroma of delicate lady apples and the coveted tahitian tiare flower and finishes with a tasty vanilla chiffon - a treat fit for royalty!"

Soap and Glory Glad Hair Day Shampoo and Conditioner

Who doesn't LOVE Soap and Glory? I can't seem to get enough of it. I bought myself the better than half price HUGE S&G set from Boots both this year and last. As a gift I also received the Shampoo and Intensive Conditioner.

First things first.... the smell. OH MY GOD IT IS AMAZING! It's not the usual smell that I would usually associate with S&G products, but really.... it's so much better!! It's fruity in a way my nose has never experience before! I'd seriously buy these two just for how amazing my hair smells for a good couple of days afterwards. Amazing. Have you got that it's amazing???

Now to the actual performance of the product. I didn't really notice anything special about how it left my hair feeling. The shampoo made my hair feel just as clean as it would with any other shampoo and the conditioner left it feeling silky smooth. They retail at Boots for £5.50 each which I think is pretty reasonable, although maybe ones to try when they have their fairly regular 3 for 2 deal on S&G? I am impressed and would definitely consider repurchasing purely for that AMAZING smell!

Happy New Year!

I know I am a day late (I won't tell you what time I actually got out of bed yesterday) but I just wanted to wish everyone a happy new year! I've had the best few weeks at home with my family, friends and my boyfriend - so much so that I am actually dreading going back to uni this weekend! As much as I love being there you just can't beat being at home with your family.

2012 started off a bit rocky for me but it quickly became what I can now call an amazing year and I'm hugely excited for 2013!

In the new year I intend to create more opportunities for myself and start thinking about life post-university. I am half way through my course now with still no clue what I want to do afterwards!

I also hope to concentrate more on this blog. I have finally started getting into it a bit more now and although it does seem rather pointless when you're wondering if anyone is actually paying attention, I'm willing to stick at it as I really do love it. I'm going to work out all the layout and html stuff (is that the right word?) and hopefully work out how to take some better pictures!

Finally, the usual one... I'm going to be more healthy. I've decided not to call it a 'diet' or attempt any 'exercise regime' as every year that is just one big fail. I'm just going to eat healthier, at set times and try not to snack during the day or late at night, and any exercise I feel like doing inbetween is a bonus!

So here's to 2013, and ~~hoping it's~~ making it a good one!

Burt's Bees Tips and Toes Kit

I have been dying to get my mitts on this little set for ages but it was out of stock at all my usual choice of places to buy (where things are usually slightly cheaper). The set consists of 6 (mainly) mini's -

- Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream 7g
- Burt's Bees Hand Salve 8.5g
- Burt's Bees Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Cream 20g
- Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream 20g
- Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream 8.5g
- Burt's Bees Replenishing Pomegranate Lip Balm Tube 4.25g

I see this kit as kind of an extreme, deep-moisture emergency supply! When using the products they all feel very luxurious and as if they are really going to make a difference to your tips and toes. It's also worth noting that the scent of the products I feel are of a rather 'acquired' nature. They aren't awful, but they are definitely unique.

Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream - This has a very strong almondy-marzipany scent. It is quite thick which I think is the reason it absorbs really quickly and is not greasy. My hands feel so soft and moisturised after using this.

Hand Salve - I can't quite put my finger on what this smells of, it's kind of a spicy lavender (don't quote me on that!). It has a similar consistency to vaseline and I think is brilliant for those EXTRA dry bits like the very tips of my fingers. I love using this on my poor index fingertips after work as they are always sore from hitting the touch screen tills all day.

Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey & Grapeseed Oil Handcream - This is more of a general (while still an extra moisturising) hand cream. I keep it in my bag so it's handy whenever I feel my hands are in need a little tlc boost. Again, it absorbs really quickly and my hands feel lovely afterwards.

Coconut Foot Cream - I don't tend to pay much attention to my feet but I have used this a couple of times and it is a nice product to use and it dries really quickly so you don't find yourself stuck to the chair while it takes an hour to absorb!

Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream - I can't say I've noticed an actual change in my nails since using this but it is really nice to use and smells lovely. I'm sure it is improving my nails but the way I abuse them with constant nail varnish remover and repainting them, it does have a tough job!

Replenishing Pomegranate Lip Balm Tube - This product alone is a good enough reason to buy the set. It really works against my horrible dry chapped lips and it has a kind of a warming scent which is even more lovely addition in this horrible weather!

I think this makes a lovely gift at usually between £10-£15 - for someone else or even to yourself as a little treat for your hands, feet and lips during these challenging winter months! I got mine here.