natural world moroccan argan oil

Natural World's Moroccan Argan Oil is a moisture repair hair oil treatment, I've never used any form of oil on my hair before unless it's been in my shampoo so I was unsure what to expect. My hair was beginning to feel dry and a bit "lifeless" so I thought for a few pounds this could be worth a try! The packaging says that "this luxurious and lightweight hair treatment oil is infused with precious certified organic Argan Oil, known for its ability to lock in moisture, nourish, smooth, repair and instantly restore shine and softness. Silky perfection for all hair types" and that's a pretty big claim for a product. Though I have been impressed as it has restored my hair and made it feel so much more healthier, so much that I've used it every wash since I've used it and I can instantly tell if I haven't used it.

Also there isn't one set way to apply this, you can apply it to the ends of damp hair, comb through dry hair, used before shampooing in the shower or mixing a little bit with your conditioner, and after blow drying. I've tried most of these and I think it's easier to mix a few drops with my conditioner and this makes my hair feel a lot softer and harsh. Although I am interest to try it after blow drying as it says it will maintain frizz, which sadly I haven't mastered the art of blow drying my hair without it resembling hermonie granger yet.

It's also purse friendly option and a couple of pounds for 100ml it's such good value for a good product that works, and as you're only using a few drops at a time it'll last such a long time. I'd definitely recommend this, but I've never tried any other argan oils before so it could be the actual product rather than the brand's version that I like.

garnier summer body moisturising lotion

I started using this Garnier gradual fake tan/ body moisturiser last summer and because it looks like quite a big bottle I feel like I should like it more than I do. For 250ml and I'm sure this costs under a fiver it's good value for money and it does last a long time because you only need a little bit to cover your body. For the consistency, it is moisturising and refreshing on the skin and dries quite fast so you're not spending ages waiting for it to dry. It does have the fake tan biscuity kinda smell but the apricot extract mixed in with that doesn't make it unpleasant (even though the way I've described it does).

On the bottle is says it will gradually build a natural looking sun-kissed tan and gives 12 hours of moisturisation both of these I agree with. However the reason I dislike this product is I love it when it's first applied but then after one wash I'll discover an orange patch somewhere on my leg or my arm, which isn't too noticeable as this is only a gradual tan but I know it's there and it is a bit orangey. Though when it's first applied it always looks even and natural so it's hard to judge this one. So I actually do like this fake tan, I'm just not able to get the perfect even tan with it (it's probably something I'm doing rather than the fake tan itself)

the spending ban

After numerous shopping trips, it's time to start being a bit more careful with my money. This is why from the 22nd of July to the 22nd of August I am going on a spending ban. This means I'm going to not buy a single beauty product unless it's necessary and I've run out. This is because I know I'm going to need some new face wash and some new powder, but I'll definitely not be buying them to I've completely used the others up.

Though after spending a good twenty minutes telling my mum the other day how I needed to be so careful with money this month, I then found a topshop gift card left over and placed on order online, in my defence with the gift card it only cost me £7! So we'll see how this plan goes. which is why the next month of blog posts will be reviewing all the new products I've brought and have yet to post about and using all my make up. I've also got a post lined up about easy ways to save up money.

If you're thinking of doing a spending ban let me know how it goes!

what I brought in Birmingham

As of September Birmingham will be my new home, a pretty scary thought, so in order to get myself even more excited and settled I recently had a mini break there with a friend. This made me so excited to move there and I feel more settled that I at least know my way around the town centre a bit more. I also found the Bullring, it would have been rude not to get my bearings around the shopping there too. After recently having a clear out of things I tried to only buy things I actually wanted but I'm not so sure how much that worked.

First, the only item of clothing I picked up is this adorable cami dress from New Look, it's such a simple pastel pink dress with a pretty design so you can dress it up or down, and with 20% off this only cost £13!

I also brought this cute light blue/mint wash bag for Primark which is the perfect size to take only the bare necessities to a festival that I'm off to in august (I'm sure I'll take more than the essentials but I'll aim to fit it all in this bag!). The rest of my purchases are more beauty product based and I didn't really intend on buying any (apart from the face wipes because I forgot to pack any!) I just thought it would be nice to treat myself after using the cheaper budget alternatives. I've used the Palmers moisturises before and liked them so I was intrigued at the idea of this being a gradual tan as well. I've been using the Garnier Summer Body to try and build up a tan but I'm not really getting on with it so I wanted to try an alternative. Then on to the body shop treats. I thought it was time to get back into face masks as they do help to clear my skin and try and reduce the spots I get. I picked up the Blue Corn 3 in 1 Deep Cleansing Mask as it said it would cleanse, ex-foliate and purify my skin. That's exactly what I feel needs to happen, just in the summer I tend not to wear as much foundation so I find it important to try and keep my skin as clear as possible. The next were treats, but I got the pink grapefruit set for £12 when it should have actually cost £19.50. I originally wanted to try a body sorbet but it made more sense to treat myself and get the shower gel and spray instead and I'll know I'll use them.

Also if anyone has any tips for surviving a festival please comment below, I need help!

the same three necklaces

As much as I love a simple outfit with a bold necklace for every day wear I simply stick to my three dainty silver necklaces.

Firstly, and the one I wear the most is a simple small engraved locket that I got from a locket jewellers last Christmas. I remember picking this because I loved the idea of having a necklace that I could wear every day and with everything. That's exactly what I do! Most days I just pop this locket on that's my jewellery sorted and truth is I still haven't got anything inside it.

Next is similar and is a small heart shaped Daniella Draper necklace that my friends got me for my 18th Birthday. I love how small and simple this and like my locket I can wear it with anything and it goes perfectly. As mine was a present I have "18" engraved on the heart and so it'll always remind me of my friends and my 18th Birthday. 

Finally, this is the cheapest one of them all and cost just one pound fifty from primark and that is the simple silver bar. I wouldn't wear this with everything but when wearing a simple cami I like the combination of the two of them together.

It's probably bad that I'm only 18 and just wear the same three dainty silver necklaces all the time but if you're happy why change it.

barrym nail paint in peach melba

I feel like summers completely here and I've actually managed to get the tiniest bit of a tan from being in the garden but every year I always wear this barrym nail varnish in Shade 318, Peach Melba. It's such a perfect summery peach colour that goes with any outfit and looks even better with a bit of a tan. It isn't too bright which means I can wear it as a subtle nail varnish. Also as it's a barrym nail paint you know you can trust the formula and it'll will last a few days without chipping. However my only problem with the complete barrym nail pains is in summer when it's hotter I find it's harder for them to completely try and set. This usually lands up with me getting a dint in the middle of one of my nails just because I'm so impatient and can't wait long enough for my nails to dry. Though considering I've used this nail varnish so countless times and still have so much left for a few pounds it's definitely good value.

What's your favourite summer nail varnish?

maybelline eye tattoo in on and on bronze

This maybelline colour eye tattoo in on and on bronze is something that I've been lusting over for ages but kept telling myself I didn't need another eyeshadow but I'm glad I gave in. Earlier this year I brought this in pink gold because I was unsure about the colour and wasn't sure if I'd like the naked 3 pallette but I loved the lasting formula. It's so simple and easy and gives you a complete and put together eye look that lasts all day.

The packaging is a sturdy glass pot and plastic lid, which is perfect, simple yet does look sleek and you can see the colour on the outside so it's easy to identify which one's which when you have more than one. In the pot, the warm bronze colour can look incredibly shimmery and daunting but you can build the colour up to be as intense or as subtle as you want. This is particularly useful as it makes it easy to be a quick everyday eye make up look when you just want to quickly apply something to your lids, put your mascara on and go!

As this is such a natural brown colour you'd be able to use a powder shadow over the top if you wanted to, however I prefer to use it on it's own. I like to apply it using my finger and it's easy to just pat on the lid. I then take a small brush and bring it across my lower lash line; this is something I've only recently started to do but I love the more completed look it gives.

Once again, I'd completely recommend trying on of maybelline's gel-cream eyeshadows as they're so easy to use, on their own or as a base. Also maybelline products will always be on offer somewhere and so for less than five pounds each and on an offer it's a bargain and it'll be a product you'll keep going back to.

what I brought in London

In my recent trip to London, we had to visit Oxford Street, it would have been rude not to! But shopping wasn't the main priority of the trip and so that's why I only picked a few basic items up. Sorry for poor picture it was hard to work with the rubbish sunlight. I had a lovely weekend doing the tourist things, and we even went up the shard which I never realised how much taller than the London eye it was. I also saw Wicked which was amazing and I would definitely recommend it! I love seeing shows and wish I could see West End Shows all the time but sadly that's not a realistic option. Also I've got so used to using my Oyster card, I definitely love London but don't think I could live there in all the business!

So the main thing I picked up was a cami top from Miss Selfridge which is a lovely bright pink summery colour, I already own a lilac one of these and love and when I saw the lace detail on this I thought it was a perfect top to wear skinny jeans and that's an outfit done. I love these style of cami tops because they're more dressy than a vest top and just look nicer and smarter but still casual.

Then I brought these adorable cute daisy earrings from river island which are just perfect for summer, especially when I wear my hair up and you'll be able to see them.

Finally I made a quick visit to boots, and this wasn't planed to pick up any make up items I just needed some concealer after all my packing I forgot mine and needed some on the go! I made use of the maybelline offer and picked up the better skin concealer which is lovely creamy texture and had lasting coverage. So far this looks like a good buy and it didn't seem cakey at all but we'll have to see how that goes. Then as the buy one get one half price offer I saw it as an opportunity to pick up the maybelline colour tattoo in on and on bronze. This is something that I've wanted for ages and was always like there's no point getting another eyeshadow but for half the price I thought it was worth it and we'll see if it was or not. I love my pink gold colour tattoo so I'm excited to try this out a full review will follow soon.

what's in my bag for a long weekend away

With any long weekend away it is normally accompanied by a long journey, and this is why I like to make sure I take enough things to keep me occupied. I've always been an overpacker and by the size of this list and trying to fit them all in one bag you'll soon tell.

My Phone

Like most teenagers, this is sad to admit, but my hand is pretty much glued too my smart phone. Whether it's texting, snapchatting, checking twitter or instagram or just googling the answer to the question I like to have my phone with me. Though I'd say this is more the journey, because it's just as important to remember to appreciate where you are and relax your friends will still be there after a few days. *Also remember your phone charger you'd be lost without it

iPod

As I'm travelling to London using the train, I like to make sure I have my Ipod with me so I can chill out and block the noise of the train out. I also find that this is a nice way to relax. I'm really enjoying Ed Sheeran's new album at the minute too.

iPad

This is similar to my Ipod, it has my music on but I use my iPad to read books on now, I probably should have brought a kindle but now I've brought some books on there I don't see the point changing. I love reading and after just doing alevels it's lovely to just read a book for enjoyment rather than to plan an essay on it. I also like my Ipad as it as games for when I get a bit bored, after three months I'm still unable to get anywhere near to completing 2048!

Tissues

I feel like a granny always carrying tissues around with me, but you'll never know when you'll need them, and they're particularly useful if there's not toilet paper! But the pollens so high at the minute as well and I normally don't suffer from hay fever but this year I am.

Umbrella

My red dotty one from primark lives in my bag, I really don't want to be caught in a shower and if it's always there you'll never be stood there wishing you had one! But if you're going shopping and there's a downpour you'll easy be able to pick on up for a couple of pounds

A mish mash of items:

I like to make sure I have my purse ( wouldn't get far without that!) ,sunglasses, lip balm, some powder and concealer and then for the journey I make sure I have some snacks and a bottle of water with me

I know I over pack but at least I'll be prepared come any weather! what items are always in your bag?

my over night make up bag

With a trip to London, Birmingham and lots of nights away coming up I've realised I need to get used to using a condensed make up as to take all my make up would be an unrealistic option. So here are the essentials that I will be relying on this summer. Also I'm sure I've reviewed half of these items so if you're interested in something have a look around my blog and it will probably be there or just ask me any questions.

For my base, I'm relying on my 17 Photo Flawless Primer, Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation (Which I'm beginning to love) and Concealer and then the Seventeen Miracle Matte Pressed Powder which is nothing special but does finish of my face.

Then for cheeks I'm using the Bourjois Delice de Poudre in the darker of the two shades. I love this bronzer, it's the only bronzers I own to be honest but why ruin a  good thing. Then to just add a little bit of colour to my cheeks I'm using the Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush in the shade Rose de Jaspe, this is the perfect light and flirty pink for summer so doesn't look overpowering on the cheeks at all.

On to eyes, the Maybelline Brow Drama which I love for quick fix to sort my eyebrows out, I'm kinda lazy really! Then to keep my eyes simple and I don't want to have to worry about maintaining my eyeshadow I'm just going to use the Bourjois Colour Edition 24HR Eyeshadow, which is soft and lovely and lasts all day. My eyeliners and mascaras are just rimmel, collection and seventeen.

Finally for Lips I'll take my strawberry Chapstick (or the other first  lip balm I come too), then one Elf Lip Gloss (I'm not really a lip gloss person but I'm trying to train myself to like it) and then a Bourjois Rouge Editon Lipstick as this is subtle and not too heavy and  will go with everything.

Phew, and this is me trying to condense my make up bag! still I'll probably get there and wish I'd brought something else instead!

my holy grail blusher!

When thinking about this post, it was definitely a close call between my Benefit Bella Bamba blush which I adore and the Body Shop baked blush. The reason I decided that the Body Shop blush was my holy grail blusher is because I've had that a lot longer and I still  use it even though I have Bella Bamba. 

As you can see from my blush collection which I did a while back, I only a own a few different blushers so there wasn't much to choose from and I am by no means a blusher expert! However I thought I'd share with you why I love my Body Shop baked blush so much, mines in the shade 02 Coral and I think they're just over £10. However I've had this blusher for two years and constantly use it and it's still not really dinted. I know people have problem with the residue on baked blushers but I've never experienced that but I do just scrape the top sometimes to make it a bit fresher. As you can see it comes in  pretty simple clear packaging and the symbol has slightly worn of mine and you get 5g of blush. The blush itself is deep rosy pink with shimmer, but I'd say it still has pink undertones and not coral, so I don't really agree with the shade name which has always confused me. Also a third of the product is a lovely apricot highlighter with shimmer, which compliments the blush perfectly. This means that this is the perfect product for on the go and travelling with

I like to apply this blusher with my real techniques blusher blush, and just dust it across my cheeks to add more colour and life back in to my face! Mines a bit old and looks a bit worn now but I guess that's just because I've used it so much!

Blushers are my weakness because I find the colours and the packaging both so pretty, what's your holy grail blusher?