Tuesday Reviewsday - April Favourites

In April 99% of my time was spent with my head in a book, revising for my final university exams. Although I did not purchase a lot of new things, I did become loyal to a few items which saw me nicely through the month. 

I'm sure every beauty blogger and their dog has heard of the Essie offer on Fragrance Direct, so I don't want to ramble on about it. If by some chance you haven't, you can read my full post here. I bought five colours, but my favourites have been Mojito Madness, Bikini So Teeny and Cascade Cool. All very summery colours, and the large Essie brush makes application super quick and easy for those of us who rush painting them before bedtime!

I had a small breakout on my chin due to stress and bad eating habits (anything quick was my go to meal) so Garnier's Pure Active Deep Pore Unclogging Wash was a great everyday cleanser, complete with microbeads to unclog all of that dirt that gets trapped underneath the skin's surface. I've been using the No7 Beautiful Skin Purifying Exfoliator twice a week after using this cleanser, and am already noticing results.

I like to rotate my fragrances, so that I don't get too used to one and start to become "immune" to the scent. My boyfriend bought me Ralph Lauren's Big Pony in Yellow for my birthday last August, but I haven't really used it too much until now. It's the perfect summer scent and the 30ml bottle is perfect to pop into my handbag without weighing me down!

xxx

Tuesday Reviewsday - Trevor Sorbie Beautifully Straightened Smoothing Balm

Confession - I've had this product for ages now, I bought it in a large giftset because i liked the box and wanted the brush that came with it. However, it is only recently that I have actually delved into the other contents of the set, and doing so, I found this little beauty.

To start with, this product has a really thick formula, it isn't lightweight or 'thin' like some of the other serums  I have tried in the past. I have really long and thick hair, which is more than likely the reason why this balm works so well, because it isn't disappearing at the first sight of my hairdryer. Don't get me wrong, this doesn't weigh down my hair, it just feels like it is actually sinking in for once.

I like to run this through my ends before I start to blow dry my hair. Although the balm contains heat protection, I usually spritz my Charles Worthington Salon Finish Heat Defence Spray over my hair before.

The end result is similar to having your hair done professionally, it feels lightweight and is completely defrizzed. I really enjoy using this balm, and would without a shadow of a doubt recommend it to anyone with thick and/or long hair - but only use it on the ends, it's too thick and moisturising to apply further up or you may just end up rewashing your hair!

Have you tried this product?

xxx

Tuesday Reviewsday - Essie Bikini So Teeny

Last Wednesday, for the first time ever, I purchased an Essie nail polish. Not just one though, five, after I found them on Fragrance Direct's website for the crazily bargainous price of one pound and ninety-nine pence. Hannah, who loves painting her nails and nail art, has never owned an Essie polish before? Indeed, this was my first purchase. I'm not sure why I have never bought into this brand before, but I have been satisfied with my Models Own, Nails Inc and Barry M and never felt the need to further explore the realm of the nail polish market. However, when I saw this offer, I jumped in head first and bought five new colours to try out.

Bikini So Teeny is more than likely a shade that you, your sister, your friend or a blogger you read already owns. A cult classic, if you will. This lilacy blue shade is very pretty, and perfect for Spring, so without further ado... here are my thoughts.

The brushes in Essie nail polishes are wider than normal, which is great for painting as you can cover your whole nail in one stripe. Seriously, it expands over the whole base of your nail and glides evenly along to leave a perfect coat with one stroke. The only other nail polishes I have ever used that do this are the Rimmel  London Lasting Finish polishes, with a specially designed "fatter" brush.

So, 20 strokes later (two coats on each nail), I had a full set of pastel talons. Another pleasant surprise from Essie was what I call the "setting time". This is how long it takes for the nail polish to dry and set on your nail, before you can touch them properly without fear of smudging or taking off the top shine. Drying and setting are very different things, and as a victim to painting my nails just before I go to sleep, I need them to set quickly to avoid nasty chips and creases on the polish when I wake up. Essie satsifies this need, so I am looking forward to continuing my relationship with them.

Overall thoughts? A great nail polish, chip free for three days and a beautiful colour which for once, I haven't already got a crazily similar version of. 

xxx