Thursday 29 August 2013

Charles Worthington Strength & Repair Shampoo Review

I've decided, I love Charles Worthington shampoo. I really enjoy using their On The Go hair serum too, which I reviewed earlier this year, here and used to love the Frizz Free shampoo - which has been discontinued and replaced with a generous handful of new ranges and that is where the Strength & Repair shampoo comes from.
The new ranges include Volume & Bounce, Moisture Seal, Shine Booster, Strength & Repair, Colour Enhancer, Style Setter, Straight & Smooth, Curl Definer and more. So there really is something for everyone but for me it was between Strength & Repair and Straight & Smooth although I thought if I get a repairing one then my hair serum can do the smoothing part which helps it stay straight.. Good thinking, right!?

Charles Worthington Strength & Repair Shampoo Review

The shampoo now comes in an upside down squeezy type bottle which although doesn't look quite as nice as the old style shampoos, in my opinion, it makes getting all of the product out of it much easier. For £5.99 per 250ml bottle, it's not the cheapest of shampoos but it's very thick and lathers up well so a little goes a long way. I found one bottle lasted me around a month to a month and a half - baring in mind I have quite long and very thick hair and I wash it twice every time, 3 times a week. So it probably works out cheaper than the shampoos I used previously once you weigh it up - they may have been cheaper but I found myself using more product to get a good lather which means it runs out quicker.

Charles Worthington Strength & Repair Shampoo Review

I have noticed a difference where breakage is concerned although I have also been very good and not used my GHDs in over a month. I've been using this shampoo with the Goldwell Elixir hair oil which I reviewed here and where my hair used to feel a little bit dry and coarse, it now feels "normal" again :) I do keep meaning to use some hair masques too though so if you can recommend any, please do!
It may also be worth noting that I don't use conditioner on my hair, I never really have but my hairdresser said my hair is in very good condition. It's mainly because I can't be bothered but also cause it makes it greasy too quickly and I don't see the point in spending out on finding one that doesn't when I'm too lazy to use it anyway.. Least I'm honest!

I find my scalp can be rather picky when it comes to shampoo.. Unfortunately there are some brands I really don't get on with, mostly all for the same reason - product build up on my scalp where it just won't wash out properly. I have no idea what it is about certain brands, does anyone else get this? 4 brands I know I can't use because of this are Aussie, Herbal Essences, Tresemme and Fudge.

Charles Worthington Strength & Repair Shampoo Review

Smell wise, Charles Worthington are way above any other brand I've used. Sure, Tigis gorgeous Oatmeal and Honey shampoo that they discontinued (booo!) is amazing at first (or when you're undoing the bottle over and over to have a quick sniff) BUT you can still smell this stuff in your hair 3 days after you've washed it, which I've never found in a product before.. And the smell is just SO good. Literally, I couldn't stop going on about it to Aaron!

I love this shampoo. I can't fault it.
I'd really like to try the Straight & Smooth and Moisture Seal too but I'm on my 2nd bottle of this stuff with 3 bottles left (they're on offer!) so I may be a while!
You can buy Charles Worthington Strength & Repair shampoo from Boots, here for £5.99 per bottle. Sometimes it's on 3 for 2 but the current deal is 3 for £12 on selected Charles Worthington haircare.. Which is pretty much 3 for 2 anyway!

What shampoo, conditioner, hair masques do you love? xxx

Sunday 25 August 2013

30 Before 30.

Hi guys! Just a quick post to let you know I've written my own 30 before 30 list, which you'll see a tab for at the top of the page, if not you can click here. I've seen a few floating about and loved the idea of writing (another) list but also giving me something to strive towards and push myself to make them happen.

It's my 25th Birthday next month (half way to 50, I know *sigh*) and I knew I wouldn't have 25 things I could do before next month so I thought I'd give myself 5 years and really think about what I'd like to achieve in that time. I plan on writing a blog post each time I've achieved one of the things on the list and shall cross them off as I go.

This is kind of more for me than anybody else although I do enjoy things like this myself so maybe somebody reading this might too? Let me know!?
Hope you're all well :) xxx

Tuesday 20 August 2013

Small Superdrug Haul

It's not often I get to treat myself to things, although now have a job I can't wait to have a good spend! It's been way too long. A big chunk of my first wage will go on clothes, it's shocking how old my clothes are and I very rarely leave the house feeling good about what I'm wearing so expect some outfit posts when I start spending :) Then I have a beauty product wishlist the size of my arm.. Plus I want to do my driving, we'd like a nice holiday, a newer car and to move to a nicer house too... There's no rush though, it's all just "stuff" at the end of the day, isn't it.. I'm grateful for everything I already have, anything else is a bonus :)
Anyway! Here's what I bought!

Haul Reat Techniques Sleek Rimmel Barry M

I tend to shop in Superdrug more than Boots because 99% of the time, their prices are lower. I also like how when you spend your loyalty card points, you can split it with money meaning you don't have to add it all up unlike at Boots where you can't split money with points and when you want to spend the points, you have to add your items up to make sure whatever you're buying falls within that. What a palava!!

Real Techniques Blush Brush

If you saw my last wishlist, you'll know I've been after the Real Techniques Blush Brush (£9.99). I've never been a big wearer of blusher but since getting into make up (which is only really since blogging) I've wanted to make more of an effort and in order to wear blusher, I need a lovely soft, pink brush to apply it with, obviously! ;)

Kate Moss for Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick in #03

I never wore lipstick until I started blogging. There, I said it.. Blimey! I had a couple of lip glosses (clear ones!) but no lipstick. The only reason for this was that I just wasn't that bothered about make up before - I didn't even wear foundation until 2 years ago! :O I'd just wear mascara and lip gloss. Now I have a growing collection of lipsticks, which I much prefer to lip gloss. This is the Kate Moss for Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick in #03 (£3.99). I do wish they had names! It's a lovely, creamy lipstick in a pinky/brown blue-toned nude colour. I like nude colours :)

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine nail polish in Blueberry

Another product I've been lusting after is Barry M Gelly Hi Shine nail polish in Blueberry (£3.99). The matchbox sized Superdrug store in my town was always sold out so it wasn't until I went to the next town, I was actually able to pick it up! What a gorgeous colour it is. I can't stop looking at my nails when I wear it. Unfortunately it chips pretty quickly, even with a topcoat, I had a chip the following day. The longest lasting colour I've found from the Gelly range so far is Pomegranate, which easily lasts a week without chipping and I can't say that about many polishes at all.

Sleek Face Form Contouring and blush palette in light

Another product I've happily ticked off my wishlist is the Sleek Face Form Contouring and blush palette in light (£9.99). I have wanted this for so long, isn't it just the most beautiful thing you've ever seen!? I've never tried to contour my face but always been very intrigued so I'm finally going to push the boat out and give it a go!


The colours are very pigmented and so gorgeous, especially the blush which has a golden shimmer to it. I can't wait to try it out! I'll have to put pictures on when I do - providing I don't end up looking like a clown that is ;) hahaha. I love the packaging too, it feels nice to hold?! Ooh and a nice big mirror inside too, how handy!
The only thing that annoyed me about this was that someone had touched it, which unfortunately I didn't realise until I'd got home. It annoyed me more because there was a tray for samples to go and none had been put out for this particular palette. Even if you're going to open it, do you really need to stick your mitts in it if you're not going to purchase it?! And if you wanted to swatch it, ask a member of staff where the sample is! Lesson learned for me anyway, I'll make sure to check next time!

Do you have any of these products? I'd love to hear your thoughts on them! xxx

Friday 16 August 2013

Sports Direct Review

When I was contacted by the lovely Natalia from Sports Direct, offering me the chance to review something within the category of ladies swimwear, I was in 2 minds as to what I should do. I don't wear swimwear but I've also not put many clothes type posts on my blog yet, although I have said on Twitter several times that I want to, once I have more money (which will start happening very soon!) I replied letting Natalia know that I don't wear swimwear but would be happy to review something else and she gave me a link and said to pick out something myself which I thought was a really nice thing to do.
I chose a funky pair of shorts and a summery top :)

Ocean Pacific Koh Samui vest sports direct

The top I picked is the Ocean Pacific Koh Samui vest. Unfortunately, they didn't end up having this top in my size so I was sent a size smaller. I tried it on and it's only just too small around the top part so providing I continue to lose weight, it will fit me nicely next summer so that's not a problem. I love the bold, colourful print on this top which is why I chose it - I don't have anything like it in my wardrobe and I'm always saying I need to wear more colour! It's elasticated and more fitted around the bust area then the bottom part flows out a little which makes it really comfy to wear. In my opinion, the picture on the website doesn't do it justice, I can't wait to get some wear out of this!

Ocean Pacific Caribbean small shorts sports direct

The shorts I picked is the Ocean Pacific Caribbean small shorts. Thankfully, they did have these in my size and they're a perfect fit. I thought they might have been slightly shorter than they are as they're called small shorts but they're "normal" (if you know what I mean!?) which made me like them even more, although it depends where you wear them, of course! I have always loved the look of these type of shorts and since I don't have many clothing items in purple, even though I really like the colour, I thought I'd pick these. The waist is elasticated and like the top, they're so comfortable to wear - I've worn them a few times already. I popped into Sports Direct last weekend for some trainers for Aaron and had a look to see if they had these in any other colours but they didn't :(

Ocean Pacific Sports Direct

As you can see, the top has some purple in it so you probably could wear the top and shorts together although personally, I would wear the top with my plain white shorts or white leggings and the shorts with a plain white/cream or black top but it's all about personal preference. I'll be honest, I never thought Sports Direct had nice non sporty looking type clothes - I always think of them as just a sports shop but they actually have some really nice items too (and nice shoes!) so I will definitely be popping back to purchase things myself :)

You can purchase the top for £4.50 (reduced from £14.99) here: Top.
You can purchase the shorts for £4.00 (reduced from £12.99) here: Shorts.

Where are your go-to shops for summery clothes? xxx

Tuesday 13 August 2013

Life Update #2

I've only gone and received THE BEST news today... *drum roll* I HAVE A JOB! I HAVE A JOB! I HAVE A JOB! Oh my giddy aunt!
As you may (or may not) be aware, I've been unemployed since this blog started, around a year and a half ago now. Unfortunately there aren't enough jobs for the amount of people out of work and so finding a job has been a heck of a task!

My new job title is Bank Care Assistant. This means I won't have set hours and will be covering holidays etc. but the lady said I will pick up quite a few hours as there is always plenty going, plus I'll be able to do days and/or nights. The rota is 4 weeks in advance too, so I'll know what I'm doing from one week to the next which is much better and means I'll be able to stay at Barnardos doing volunteering as I really enjoy it and won't feel like I can't go out or plan things just in case.. Aaaand I was told it can lead to permanent, set hours too so that's something to strive towards.

Vinnie, Chester and Braxton.
In other news.. 

- The kitties are growing so bloody quickly! They're not even 6 months yet and look at them! There is so much to say about them but I'll leave that to a separate post. They're doing well though, bless them.

- I've really been enjoying the warm weather, we've lit the BBQ several times, had days down the coast and I've got loads of washing done! I haven't enjoyed the storms much though!!

- We had a lovely night out with Aarons parents, uncle and his other half recently, that was nice. It's good to get together every now and then. We won't leave it so long next time though!

- I've really been missing watching Home and Away, sad I know but it's my favourite and it stops every summer.. Booo!

- I've been addicted to Big Brother again this year, I can't help it. Don't judge me!!

- Since starting volunteering, I've really noticed an improvement in my mood. I've been a lot happier, I smile more and I'm less of a grump bag because I'm not cooped up in the house every day on my own. It's like a big heavy weight of gloom has been lifted and I love it :) I'm sure Aaron does too!!

Current favourite song: Stooshe - My Man Music

Hope you're all well too xxx

Wednesday 7 August 2013

My Every Day Make Up.

My every day make up is literally the bare minimum, for me. Sort of because I want my make up to look more natural looking on an every day basis whilst at work (I don't bother wearing make up unless I'm actually going somewhere!) but mostly because I spend too long in our comfy bed and I don't end up having enough time! Whoops!

every day make up rimmel wake me up foundation real techniques

Foundation is a must for me, I have quite blemish prone skin and large pores (meow!) so foundation makes me look umm.. normal!? Haha :) I've tried a large handful of different foundations from different brands but I've finally found one I love (it's also the first foundation I've found that I don't need to use primer with!) that matches my skin tone nicely and that's Rimmels Wake Me Up foundation in ivory. I apply this using my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, it's such a nice brush to use and also the first RT brush I bought. I've never used my fingers for applying foundation cause I hate getting grubby hands!

I also have quite oily skin so a matte powder is needed on top of my foundation and if it's hot a little top up may be needed half way through the day too. Since Miss Budget Beauty mentioned 17s Miracle Matte Pressed Powder (which I have in ivory/porcelain), I haven't been without it. I find 17s products to be rather hit or miss but for me, this is definitely a hit! I apply this using my Real Techniques Powder Brush which I love as so soft and huge, meaning it takes just a couple of seconds to sweep some powder across my face and I'm done, no messing about with this brush!

My mascara of choice, since 2/3 weeks ago is the Max Factor Wild Mega Volume in black. It's everything I've been looking for in a mascara since I started wearing the stuff! - You can read my review of it here. Before this one, the two I always went back to were Day to Night mascara or Volume Flash x10 mascara, both by Rimmel. The Max Factor mascara has the edge on them just about though because it holds the curl longer and needs less work for a good result.

As you may have noticed before, I have terrible eyebrows! I plucked them to death when I was younger and they never grew back properly as I done it for so long.. What a plank! Because of this, I have to pencil them in every day. I've tried a few different pencils and powders for doing my eyebrows but I've stuck with the MUA Intense Colour Eyeliner Pencil in rich brown the longest. It matches my hair well and is soft so it applies really easily - it also means if you press to hard, you'll look like a clown but I learned that early on! ;)

My lipgloss of choice for the last 8 months has been MUA Intense Kisses in lips are sealed. I just love the colour of this stuff, it's very much 'your lips but better' with a nice gloss but not stupidly glossy or sticky. Like most lip products out there, it doesn't have super staying powers but what's a few seconds just to top it up? If I could find a drugstore lipstick in the exact same colour, I'd purchase it as I do prefer lipstick but until then, this is doing just fine.

So these are the products I use on a regular day, like at work. Weekends and days/nights out, I make much more effort, use a lot more products and mix it up more!  
What products do you use on a regular day - do you just do the minimum like me or do you give yourself more time and do the lot? xxx

Friday 2 August 2013

Max Factor Wild Mega Volume Mascara Review

You know when you go to pay in shops and you're asked if you'd like any of the products they have next to the till.. I always said no.. Until the other week that is. I saw Alice over at Bright Town Girl had purchased this and it made me want it too.. So when I was asked by the cashier if I'd like it, I said "Ummmm.... Oh go on then!" This is the first Max Factor mascara I've ever tried - I'm not really sure why.

Max Factor Wild Mega Volume Mascara Review

I really like the packaging of the Max Factor Wild Mega Volume mascara because it stand out unlike other mascaras I have that all blend in together with their black packaging.. Yawn! The wand is completely different to any I've used before too and the product appears quite dryish already so I'm unsure of how long it will last although you're supposed to chuck them after 3 months anyway. Am I the only one that doesn't do this though?

Max Factor Wild Mega Volume Mascara Review

When I saw the wand, I wasn't sure what it would do for my lashes, if it would be messy or hard to get your lashes to look how you want them. It sounds cheesy but the wand/product really seems to do the work for you. It can be a little messy if you're not careful (nothing a cotton bud can't fix though!) but apart from that it's a dream! You could actually get away with one coat if you want a more natural look, that's how good I found this mascara to be. I love how I no longer need to spend forever adding coat after coat to get my lashes to look half decent.

It coats my lashes evenly and doesn't clump on the first 2 coats, anything more and it will start to though. It's called Wild Mega Volume, and it does give a natural looking volume to my lashes but it done a pretty awesome job at lengthening them and giving them a good curl too, which lasted all day - I've never had that from a mascara before so I'm really impressed.

Max Factor Wild Mega Volume Mascara

I found this mascara easy to remove of a night time and on a normal day, I didn't find it half way down my face although on the few really hot, sticky days we had, I did find it smudged a little bit after half a day at work but it hasn't put me off at all. I have naturally short eyelashes that usually won't hold a curl so finding a mascara that makes me look like I'm actually wearing some has been a job and a half but I think I've finally found one in the Max Factor Wild Mega Volume, currently priced at £4.99 here.
I will purchase this again, I know it. I'm a happy bunny! :)

What's your favourite mascara? xxx