Empties

I seem to have accumulated quite a lot of empty products lately, mainly moisturisers for some reason, which is rare for me as I'm terrible at trying new products before I can finish anything. Usually actually finishing a product is a good sign I really liked it, but here are my thoughts on the products and whether I'd buy them again:

 Hawaiin Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun
 It's about time I actually admitted to myself this product is finished and Summer is well and truly over! I've had a tiny bit of this left for months now, but it smells so good I couldn't bring myself to throw it away. This is obviously something I used on holiday after being out in the sun all day, and when I got home to try and prolong my tan (who am I kidding, what tan? I never tan). When it's full, it has a cool swirled effect with both a creamy moisturiser and an aloe vera gel. It leaves the skin really smooth and nourished but it's the coconut and papaya scent that makes this product. I can't wait to buy this again for my next holiday, since I expect it's not really acceptable to use in Winter after a day sitting in front of the TV in pyjamas. Shame that.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo
I caved into the unbelievable hype on this product after reading so many positive reviews hailing it as a miracle product. I am sad to say I did not have the same results, although maybe I was expecting too much. I've seen a lot of people say they use this a moisturiser. I have combination skin, but there is no way I could just use this as a moisturiser on it's own so I tended to use this layered under another light moisturiser. I just didn't really see much of an improvement on my blemish prone skin, neither in a reduction of blemishes or in improving the marks left behind. I've seen a lot of talk of the new Effaclar Duo Anti Blemish System combining this with the matching cleanser and toner, so maybe I'll have better luck using the products together? With my wedding coming up I am desperate for clearer skin, so if this means wasting more money then so be it!

 Nivea Daily Essentials Oil Free Mousiturising Day Cream
This is my favourite day moisturier during the Summer for two reasons, it does the job and it's a ridiculous bargain! I can always pick this up for a few quid, and the product itself is great. It's really light and not greasy at all, but still feels like it's actually moisturising my skin and leaves it really soft and smooth. It has that lovely Nivea smell as well. In the Winter I feel like I need something a bit richer but for the Summer this is perfect and I'll be definitely picking up another one of these next year.

 Superfacialist Vitamin C+ Skin Renew Cleansing Oil
Oh my god, this just smells amazing! I've almost been tempted to drink it, it smells so good. I haven't though. This is great for a pre-cleanse to get all your make up off, and it literally takes off everything, including heavy eye make up and mascara, with ease. It feels lovely massaged on the skin and the yummy citrus smell makes me look forward to taking my make up off. Well it did until it ran out. I will definitely be buying this as soon as I can find it, since the Boots near me never seem to stock this range. The only downside is that there's no pump and the gaping big hole is, well, big enough to drink from (again I promise I haven't..). This does make it a bit messy and wasteful if you over pour. So add a pump and it's a winner!

 Botanics Hydrating Eye Cream Radiant Youth

I was actually standing in the queue at Boots with a rather more expensive eye cream in my hands when I spotted a sale stand near the tills. This was reduced to something silly like £3 so I put back the more expensive eye cream and bought this little bargain instead. It's a really nice, simple eye cream that left my eyes feeling really smooth. I'm a big fan of Botanics skin care, and actually writing this has reminded me of how much I love their brightening toner, so  I may have to pick that up. I am a bit of product whore though and I'm always after the next miracle product. So as nice as this is, I'll probably try something else next time. 

Garnier Moisture Match Start Afresh

I think Garnier's range of moisturisers for Moisture Match is such a cute idea, with their little tubes and pretty colours. I was looking for something that was a little more moisturising so I picked this one as it's for normal/dry skin. I do have combination skin, lucky me with both oily and dry, flaky skin! This is nice, smells lovely and fresh, but it was maybe a bit too heavy for my skin and my make up didn't seem to last as long whenever I used it. If you've got drier skin this probably won't be a problem for you though. Not sure I'd pick this one up again but I'd definitely consider some of the other products in the range, as they're nice quality and a really good price.

Origins High Potency Night -A-Mins
Ooooh the smell! I just love orangey citrus scents and this just smells soooo good! I love Origins products and while a bit pricier this pot of cream lasted me well over a year with pretty much nightly use. Such a good moisturiser, other than smelling good, it's a really rich cream but never feels heavy or greasy. Lucky for me it's coming up to Christmas and I've got my eye on a few gorgeous Origins gift sets so hopefully I'll find myself with another pot of this soon!


Dove Damage Solutions Intensive Repair Conditioner
I love Dove hair products mainly for their gorgeous smell but also because they're really good products that deliver results for a reasonable price. This is a great conditioner for my dry, frizzy hair and leaves it a lot smoother. I have always got my eye on new hair products so this won't be getting repurchased just yet, although I have used this particular conditioner a fair few times now so it probably won't be long until it finds it's way back into my shower again.

Battle of the Dry Shampoos: Herbal Essences, Aussie and Batiste

I'm not sure why I've called this post a battle. It's not. Batiste is superior, king of the dry shampoos. No competition. This is really more of a rant. So you can stop reading now if you like..
I wash my hair every other day and on the second day, without the assistance of dry shampoo, it resembles a chip pan. Yuck. For that reason I have used Batiste dry shampoo for years. I also however, have a very annoying habit of being tempted by new products, particularly those on offer.
On one of my recent trips to repurchase Batiste I noticed the vast array of new dry shampoos. And I admit, I was swayed by the newness.


Herbal Essences Clearly Naked
This one boasts 0% parabens, dyes and silicone and promises to absorb excess oil with natural tapioca. There's also a formula for volume and one for coloured hair, but as all I want is fresh, cleaner looking locks I picked this one. It has a nice sleek looking can, and smells really pepperminty and fresh. This is where the positives end. This is literally like spraying air into your hair. I sprayed and sprayed, yet my hair was still the greasy mess I began with. Total disappointment, and bad hair day all round.

Aussie Miracle Dry Shampoo Mega Instant
Like the Herbal Essences, this also has a volume and coloured hair option (as does Pantene, in fact they all look suspiciously similar now I think about it...). This smells absolutely gorgeous. And that's about it. Exactly the same useless effect as the Herbal Essences, if anything it managed to make my hair look even worse. Yet another morning of panic, realising I'd have to face the day with greasy hair again.

Batiste Dry Shampoo
Nothing really to say that you won't already know, I'm sure everyone has tried this. It comes in tons of scents and also giant cans, which I love being such an excessive user. It can give a bit of a chalky, grey effect if you use too much but I'll take old lady hair over greasy hair any day.

So the winner is, Batiste by a mile. Shame as I'm actually a really big fan of both Herbal Essences and Aussie. On both occasions of being tempted by these new finds, I've ended up running back the next day to replace them with good old Batiste. Annoying, as it ended up costing twice the price of just sticking with it in the first place. Lesson learned! Sorry Batiste, I'll never cheat on you again!

October favourites

Here are my most loved products for October..

1. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

This may be boring to everyone who has had this for like, forever, but ahhh I've wanted this for so long and could never justify it till now. If you've read my introduction post you'll know that I plan on doing my own make up for my wedding in May. Queue spending hours watching bridal make up tutorials on Youtube. I kept noticing one item being used time and time again and that was the Naked palettes, which could mean only one thing. I HAD to have it. I got this for my Birthday in early October and I have to say it was worth the wait. The colours are beautiful and pigmented, and the shadows are really good quality. I love the brush, and it also came with some handy samples of eye shadow primer.

I have used this mainly for neutral daytime looks so far but will be spending time experimenting with different looks. I'm fairly certain this will have the honour of making an appearance on my big day.

2. Valentino Valentina Perfume

Another Birthday present. I just love getting perfume for Birthdays and Christmas, even if I do have several bottles still on the go. This is a lovely pretty scent that's not too overpowering. I'm useless at describing smells so this is the description from The Perfume Shop:

'With attitude, sophistication and unexpected characteristics, the bouquet of Valentina blends an irreverent Italian floral oriental in which each facet reveals a paradox.'
Now that explains it just clear as day don't you think? Who doesn't love the aroma of a good paradox? And the bottle looks nice on my dressing table, always a highly important aspect when choosing perfume.

3. Champneys Spa Indulgence Distant Shores Bubble Heaven

...and yet another Birthday present. Can you tell I'm skint? I dropped several hints for this as I've had some mini versions from the range before and they smell just gorgeous. I also got the scrub and body wash, but the bubble bath is amazing. For the rare occasions I actually have a bath (meaning I'm a shower person, not that I rarely bath..), I just love to pour in  something luxurious and yummy smelling, and this fits the bill nicely. And again, the bottle looks nice. Vitally important.

4. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Seriously, is there anyone left who actually hasn't tried this concealer? Which is annoying, as it means I've gone months without it cos I can never get my bloody shade anymore! What has become of the light shade?? The fair is too pale and Cool Medium is just too dark! I have reluctantly accepted Cool Medium into my life, as my other concealers just don't do as good a job as this one does. Don't know how I've lived without this one!

5. Revlon Photo Ready 3D Volume

I bought this a few months ago when it was on offer in Superdrug at 2 for £10 (which of course gave me an excuse me to buy yet another ColorBurst Balm). I didn't think much of it at the time, I just needed a new mascara and this one was cheap, but I'm really impressed! I think it's almost a bit of a dupe for my all-time-favourite-but-can't-afford-right-now mascara which is Benefit's They're Real. The brush is really similar, and it goes on clump free and can be layered up for a more dramatic effect. Pretty good for a fiver!

6. Champneys Facial Cleansing System

I've toyed with the idea of getting a clarisonic for a while now, but the thought of parting with over a £100 for something to wash my face with makes me feel queasy, especially when I have these things called hands which can also wash my face for free. I decided I'd give this one a go as it was only £15 and had some pretty decent reviews. I've not been using this long but already my skin is feeling so much smoother. It does make my brain shake and my skin feel like it's vibrating afterwards but I'm sure I'll get used to this!  I'll do a more in depth review on this once I've given it some more use, and it's hopefully transformed my skin to clear and glowing perfection! Fingers crossed!!

7. Garnier Intensive 7 Days Smoothing Nourishing Lotion
And last but not least.. this smells absolutely gorgeous and is a total bargain. I picked this up for a couple of quid and it's keeping my skin nice and smooth while having the bonus of smelling like chocolate. What's not to like?

Super Healthy Not Quite Green Smoothie

Let me introduce you to my new best friend:

I have wanted a smoothie maker for a while, even though I knew deep down that I'd probably have 2 or 3 before reverting back to sugary, fatty goodness. Mmmm.  But since getting this for my birthday nearly a month ago I've surprised even myself by having one every day! Well most days. Well maybe a few a week. But still, this is a massive step for me! 

The Breville Blend Active is so ridiculously easy to use and to clean up after, it actually makes me want to use it more often as it's kind of fun! It comes with 4 plastic containers, 2 large and 2 small, and you can drink them straight out of the bottle if you like, so no creating extra dishes.

This recipe is the one I've been reverting to most days because I can safely say it actually tastes nice, so I thought I'd share it below, along with some pretty basic instructions. 

Step 1: Pick your fruit and vegetables.

I usually go for kiwi, spinach, cucumber and a mix of frozen berries that will get rid of that off putting green colour (these ones came from a frozen pack of summer fruits from Asda. One pack costs £2 and will make a ton of smoothies). Just a side note: I obviously removed the skin from the kiwi.

I'm still skeptical even now that you can't taste the spinach but it's true, you genuinely can't. Not even kidding myself! You can, however, taste the cucumber. I don't really mind the taste of it, despite hating cucumber under any other circumstances, but if you have strong negative feelings towards cucumbers I'd maybe miss them out.

Step 2: Shove everything in one of the Blend Active bottles. 

I try to keep the frozen stuff to the top as this is what will hit the blender first.

Step 3: Pour in your liquid

I just used orange juice here but you can use whatever you like. Probably a lot healthier to opt for water, or better yet, the elusive coconut water than I can never seem to find in supermarkets. I fill the container about half way.

Step 4: Put the container on to the blender

The actual blades just screw right onto the bottle and then fits onto to the blender.

Step 5: Blend Blend Blend!

Just press the button to blend (obviously). You might need to take the bottle off a couple of times and give it a good shake to make sure everything is getting mixed in.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Et Voila! Browny/pink sludge! Not the most attractive looking of beverages, but I promise you it tastes good and is super healthy! I'm feeling healthier just looking at it!

My Top Ten Life Changing New Habits

Let me start by saying that I am a massive procrastinator. I leave everything to the last possible moment and I’m perpetually running around 5-10 minutes late. However, with my wedding looming closer in May, I’m having nightmares of waking up on the morning of the big day looking pasty, bloated and having gained 3 stone in weight. So I’m promising to start now and hoping these little lifestyle changes will transform me into a calm, glowing, toned, radiant goddess at which people will gasp in awe, on my Wedding Day (Yes, I am aware this is unlikely...). Anyway, here they are..

1.    Drink more Water!

It doesn't matter how many times I hear about the seemingly unlimited benefits of drinking more water, I never quite get round to doing so. I mean it must be some sort of miracle liquid with all these claims of glowing skin and weight loss.  Why on Earth haven’t I been drinking it straight from the hose? They say when you’re feeling hungry, you’re probably just thirsty, and a glass of water will definitely get rid of that craving for a chocolate chip cookie the size of your head. So from now on I shall be making an effort to consume more water. I've already made a start on this one, I’m only drinking water at work (no tea or coffee), so hopefully I’ll start seeing my transformation into Cheryl Cole shortly. (The constant trips to the toilet are, however, an annoying downside.)

2.  Drink Green Tea

So for all those occasions where I’m not drinking water, I shall only be consuming Green Tea (and definitely not wine..). Again with the alluring promises of infinite health and ageless skin. With the list of all the illnesses Green Tea supposedly helps fight, I’m surprised Doctors aren't trying to inject everyone with the stuff. So what’s not to love, other than the taste? I actually quite like the taste of Green Tea, so I don’t have any excuses at all.

 3. EXERCISE!!

Urgh, the dreaded E word. I despise physical activity. I like sitting down. But these pounds won’t shift themselves, and what more of an incentive do I need than my own Wedding than to inspire me to actually do something about it. Perhaps a financial reward if I manage to reach my target, if anyone would care to donate? I am easing myself slowly into this one, rather than hours in the gym or intense, vomit inducing Bootcamp work outs. So I’m aiming for 10- 20 minutes of exercise a day. Let’s not get too crazy. Youtube is an amazing thing, and even more amazing is how many short exercise videos can be found, made for lazy people just like me. (I just ignore the bit where they talk about doing the video twice through, or adding it onto another routine.) I will hopefully be stepping this up to some slightly more intensive exercise in the coming months, but baby steps for now.

4. Walking

From now on I shall walk everywhere, while my car lies a useless piece of metal on the drive. I won’t, that’s not true. I will however, and actually already have, use my dinner break at walk to go for a delightful stroll . Oh the glorious sights to behold on my wanders. My personal favourite is the medical centre plastered with posters advertising that no drugs are held on their premises. However, I work in a shoe box, so the fresh air and escape for half an hour is already doing me good, and if I walk at a fast pace then hopefully I’ll burn some calories too.

5.  Eating Healthy

This is going to be a difficult one. I like food. And I in particular like all the food you’re not supposed to have like bread, pasta, pizza, McDonalds..the list goes on. This one will be a bit of a work in progress but I am making only Weight Watchers recipes this weekend, which will completely wipe out the packet of Flame Grilled Steak McCoys I ate earlier. But I’m going to make a real effort to avoid all the naughty and delicious (but disgusting because it’s bad for you) junk food, and try and stick to healthier, low fat options. I already feel skinnier just thinking about it. Am I the only person who gets a smug feeling of satisfaction pinning healthy recipes on Pinterest, despite having no actual intention of cooking them? I must stop doing that.

 6. Smoothies

So this is actually one of my secret weapons towards my healthy diet! I got a Smoothie maker for my Birthday and while I am aware it is a fad and will be sitting in a cupboard gathering dust in approximately 3 weeks time, I am still currently in full on Smoothie Mode! I’m like a 5 year old when it comes to eating vegetables, so this is my new way of sneaking vegetables into my diet, much like you would with a toddler. You can’t even taste the spinach!! So I've been shoving spinach and cucumbers in all sorts of fruit concoctions to get my 5 a day. I’m also hoping to try this out with soups, so hopefully this will help too.

7.    Looking After My Skin

My skin is currently a mess. If my skin is still in this state at my Wedding than I might just have to call the whole thing off. I’ve actually always been really good for having a skin care routine and always taking my make up off at night. I have lately, however, let this slip and find myself using face wipes on a night instead of properly cleaning my skin, and rarely use a face mask. Oh the horror! I blame this on my annoying habit of falling asleep on the sofa after approximately ten minutes of attempting to watch even the most thrilling television programme or film. Which leads me on to...

8. Get more sleep

Once I've fallen asleep on the sofa and been nagged at to go to bed, I normally end up wide awake (isn't that the worst feeling in the world, having to wake up so that you can go to sleep properly? I’d happily sleep on the sofa most nights) I then proceed to sit in bed reading a magazine or spending literal hours browsing Pinterest, which should also be known as the vacuum that inhales all of my spare time.  Before you know it, it’s after midnight and I’m already in deep regret of how tired and whingey I’m going to be when the alarm goes off. So from now, more early nights.

9. Be more organised

I’m a fairly laid back person. Probably too much so. But with my procrastinating habits, the         organisation of a wedding is likely to quickly spiral into stress and sleepless nights and tears. I've read about brides who have are finalising details for their 2016 weddings. Mine is 7 months away and I've only just ordered my dress. (Much to the relief of all the bridal shop owners who looked horrified when I told them the date of my wedding) So I must, must, must start getting organised and actually writing in my wedding planner instead of being scared I’ll make a mistake and it will look messy. They’re not meant to have blank pages, I need to remind myself that.

10.  There is no ten. Let’s not get carried away here, 9 changes is enough for now..

A Quick Introduction

Hello! I'm Kat.
After years of reading blogs, and probably an equal amount of time insisting that I'm going to start my own, I actually have!
I'm getting married in May 2015, and have made the brave, if not stupid, decision to do my own make up. Which of course is just an excuse to buy tons of make up by justifying that it's for the wedding. So I decided what better time to start my own blog, than a time where I will be buying and trying lots of beauty stuff. I'll also be doing some lifestyle based posts too, so hope you enjoy! xxx