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.