I'm 25 today...

(Click image to enlarge)

...and here is what I've learnt in my modest quarter of a century:

- be true to yourself. I can't stress enough how many hours of my youth were spent wasted wishing I was 'her' with the nicer hair, 'her' with the more fashionable clothes or 'her' with the richer Daddy. I've learnt that I'm me, and whilst I might not have made total peace with everything, I know one thing for sure: there's no one else I'd rather be.

- "people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart". This quote I once read somewhere has stuck in my head like glue. I can count on two hands my true friends, who I can rely on in a heartbeat, and vice-versa. It's quality not quantity, and I'd much rather have just one true friend than dozens of 'mates'.

- in the face of real adversity and struggle, I can survive, I am strong enough to cope.

- you can never be too thankful for the incredible privileges and opportunities in your life. Being humble is a very endearing quality, and possessing the skill to truly appreciate your life is a hard but vital one to learn.

- there is no such thing as perfect.

- life isn't easy, but I don't think I'd want it to be. Try and look deeper than the surface. Difficulties provide challenges to overcome, skills to be developed and honed, and achievements to bring pride and strength. I am glad to look back and not regret a single thing, because each action and event made me the person I am right now.

- grief is one of life's most overwhelming and crippling emotions. Grief is the dark-side of love, the part we never want to experience or feel, yet an inevitability along the path of life. Losing someone will never get easier, and the pain might take a very long time to fade, those wounds might never heal. The imprint on your life of those lost will always remain, a bitter sweet memory to treasure and cherish.

- love and pride are what make me tick. Everyone is different, that's the beauty in the uniqueness of people and life, and understanding our emotional needs is key. I'm not motivated by money or material things, I'm needy and dependent, I've made my peace with that. Knowing I am loved and that people are proud of me makes my heart burst and my smile wide.

- priorities are hard to make, especially once children enter the equation, and all of the demands placed upon you seem to be of equal importance, but sometimes you need to take a step back. This poem sums it up perfectly:
"I hope that my child looks back on today
And remembers a mother who had time to play
There will be years for cleaning and cooking
But children grow up when you’re not looking
Tomorrow I'll do all the chores you can mention
But today my baby needs time and attention.
So quiet down cobwebs and dust go to sleep.
I’m rocking my baby, and babies don’t keep."

- I'm a big believer in karma. It is true what 'they' say you know, what goes around comes around, and good things do come to those who wait - eventually.

- on the inside I'm very deep, I'm a thinker and a procrastinator. On the outside I'm quite shallow. It's easier and less stressful to be that way for day to day life, but I'm a big believer that ultimately it is what's on the inside that counts.

- I'm proud of myself, really proud. It's taken me this long to realise it, but I'm incredibly proud of the things that I've achieved, great or small, I've accomplished them myself, and no one can take them away from me.

It's my birthday today, my day to celebrate being me.

A Review: Garnier Ultralift Day Cream

 Garnier Ultralift 

Anti Wrinkle & Firming Day Cream

What Do I Think?

I was initially approached by the PR company affiliated with the new Garnier Ultralift campaign, and on the same day I actually saw the TV ad (featured in this post), although I have to say I don't normally pay any attention to beauty adverts on TV (I don't watch much TV, and I'm not personally influenced by TV, more by blogs). My Mum and I were sent the free 14 day sample kit and set about using it daily. I replaced my normal Clinique moisturiser with this, and the sachets easily lasted me two/three applications, so the 14 samples have done me well! My Mum concentrated on using this on her neck and around her eyes (she actually only used it on one eye so she could compare the results), so continued to use her normal moisturiser in conjunction with this. As you can see from the above photos, we were also sent a 'Wrinkle Reader' each, but luckily my crows feet are very faint and barely visible, so this tool was pretty redundant to me. My Mum has really good skin too, and barely any wrinkles at all, so she didn't really have a need for it either (lucky us, hey?!). This lotion is safe to be applied around the eye area, although I could definitely feel a very, very slight burning/stinging sensation, nothing uncomfortable or overly worrying, but worth mentioning. This product smells nice, it's fine on sensitive skin, and it is absorbed really quickly, providing a good base for make up. This claims to leave your skin noticeably different after the very first application, and although my skin was most definitely smoother and softer, I still haven't noticed a particular difference to the firmness of my skin (although to be honest, I wasn't worried about that before). I have seen a reduction in the appearance of my wrinkles (I do have some, fine lines around my eyes, mouth and on my forehead), but my skin just feels healthier in general since I've started using this moisturiser. My Mum has noticed positive improvements to the texture of the skin in the areas she concentrated on, although I'm not sure she will be repurchasing, she's a happy bunny with her Clinique. I'm going to continue using this moisturiser, and hope that it continues to have positive effects.

Where Is It Available?

Garnier products are sold in most UK supermarkets, pharmacies and drugstores.

How Much Does It Cost?

I've seen this on offer in various places, you can expect to pay something between £5.00 and £7.00 I'd imagine.

Would I Recommend It?

I'm really surprised by this moisturiser actually, I haven't strayed from my Clinique Dramatically Different for about 2 years, but this is definitely more affordable, and I'm pleased with the results I've seen with my skin. So, yes, I'd recommend it (although, I don't like the jar packaging of the full size version, I find jars a little unhygienic).

Star Rating:

4/5

*Disclaimer: My 14 day sample kit was sent to me by the PR company, however at the time of receiving it they were also available free on the Garnier website. I am not affiliated with Garnier in any way, and all views and opinions are my own. I have since purchased a full size pot, using my own Mum's money.

Loving & Loathing #3

LOVING ♥

Scheduled blog posts. When I get 5 minutes free time I've been drafting and scheduling for the coming weeks, which gives me more time to focus on other things...like that huge pile of clean laundry that wants putting away. On second thoughts, perhaps I'll just carry on blogging ;)

Camping. The prospect of a weekend away camping at a VW festival (Bug Jam), in our very own VW! Colin has been busy using his unemployment time wisely, and in-between job hunting he has pretty much rebuilt Bumble by himself! She came to us with no engine, gearbox, wheels or interior, and although she is by NO means finished, she's working and fully road legal, just in time for Bug Jam! Jamie's going to his Nanny & Grandad's for the weekend, and along with Colin's family and some friends we're off to Northampton for 3 days, bright and early on Friday morning! I really hope the sun has got his hat on by then...!

Guest posts. Having one of my blog posts featured on the Sudocrem blog. I was contacted over the weekend by one of the blog authors, asking if they could feature one of my posts. To find out which one they chose, visit their blog. It made me chuckle actually, because the evening before I'd actually applied Sudocrem to a spot that had deviously appeared on my chin! It just gave me a warm fuzzy feeling to have my little blog featured on another website.

Jamie's baby babble. He's more active in the speech department than the moving department, other than rolling he mostly sits quite still at the moment, although he's so desperate to crawl! I love listening to him babble away, he can say Mum, Dad, "ook" (accompanied by a point), "herro", gone, oh dear, dog, "ater" (accompanied by waving) and "yesch" quite clearly now! He is very vocal, and I could listen to him all day (well, in fact I DO!).

Birthday parties. The majority of Jamie's little friends are turning 1 over the next couple of months, so there is a frenzy of parties and presents. It's so amazing to see how far all of his friends have come, given that I've known most of them from a couple of weeks old. I've organised Jamie's 1st birthday party - it'll be a big garden party for his friends, with my family and friends joining later in the day. Time is going way. too. fast.
 

LOATHING
 

Unemployment. Still. It's not fun trying to keep a family of 3 afloat with no income, and although we're obviously claiming all of the benefits we're entitled to, it's not enough and I hate the very real worry of not being able to pay the rent or afford food each month. I don't think I ever have, but I'll NEVER take having even a tiny bit of spare cash for granted again. If it wasn't for our generous and supportive families, we'd be in big trouble, not a nice feeling I'm sure you can imagine.

Hair loss. My hair is still shedding rapidly, and whilst I know it's normal post pregnancy (yes, even 10.5 months in), I'd really like it to go back to normal now. I've got so many short, fluffy tufts of regrowth, which even lashings of hairspray can't keep down. It's really annoying to keep finding my hair EVERYWHERE (in Jamie's nappy, in the changing bag, the fridge...gah!), not to mention it clogging the drains and Hoover! I've been trying out a new hairbrush that might help with my hair loss, so stay tuned to find out more.
 

Spots. My skin is generally pretty good, but when I do get the occasional pimple, I'm a naughty girl and I have to pick it. I've currently got a couple on my chin that look horrible because, to put it bluntly, I butchered them. Boo hiss. Concealer, meet face!

*Disclaimer: At the time of publishing this blog post, I'm pleased to report that I tackled the huge pile of laundry, and it's now all put away. Oh, wait, no it isn't, most of it's packed in our camping bags!

A Review: Batiste Dry Shampoo's

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Light & Blonde, Original and Boho

What Do I Think?

I won't be irritating and arrogant and say that I'm sure you've heard of Batiste dry shampoos, because the chances are, there are a fair few people who haven't. I was first introduced to the concept of dry shampoo a little over two years ago, although I didn't physically own or use any until much more recently. I don't think I'm wrong in assuming that Batiste are the most popular and well known brand of dry shampoo, and they are rapidly increasing their product ranges. That cute, unassuming little bottle in the middle of the above picture is the 'Original', the Daddy of dry shampoos if you like, with a sweet but not sickly scent, and a white, powdery consistency. They are essentially very simple products to use - you wake up with second or even third day hair, have no time or facilities to wash it, so in your bleary eyed state you pick up your bottle of Batiste and aim it at your roots. You open your eyes up a little more, and notice your roots are now a dull white colour, so you quickly (well, as quickly as you can muster early in the morning!) pop your fingers up to ruffle up the hair. Job done. Depending on how dirty/greasy your hair is (mine is naturally very greasy, and on the whole I'm a daily hair washer), after using Batiste your hair should look cleaner, feel less greasy and even be slightly more voluminous at the root. For me personally, dry shampoo isn't a miracle worker, but they do provide light relief in the place of actual water and real shampoo - they are a godsend for festivals/camping trips. Batiste have recently launched some coloured versions of their dry shampoos, and I have been testing out the 'Light & Blonde' version - it really does give your roots colour, so it's great for in between hairdresser visits, but do be careful when applying, because it will transfer onto your skin/clothes if you're a bit haphazard. The other product pictured above is the new 'Boho' version, marketed with festival goers in mind, who will most definitely be in need of a little hair refreshing and revitalising. I'm not massively keen on the scent personally, but I'll be taking this with me on my impending camping trip this weekend.   

Where Are They Available?

Batiste is available from Boots and Superdrug in the UK, as well as in Sainsburys, Tesco's, Savers and Lloyds Pharmacies.  

How Much Do They Cost?

 £2.99 for a 200ml can.

Would I Recommend Them?

Yes. I've not used any other brands of dry shampoo with which to compare these to, but they do the job well, and I like the variety they have introduced with their new product ranges. I like the funky packaging designs too, so if you're essentially drawn to things like that, you'll love these!

Star Rating:

4/5

*Disclaimer: I was provided with these products by the Batiste PR company for review consideration purposes, however all words and opinions are, as always, my very own.

My Palmers Army!

Sometimes in life you simply can't do things on your own. You need a task-force of hard workers behind you. Without further ado, meet my Palmers Army:

 

A tough looking bunch, I'm sure you'll agree (even the pretty pink one on the end)!

 Winning the War Against Dry Skin

I'm a long standing advocate of Palmers Cocoa Butter, in fact I've probably bored you to tears when waxing lyrical about it previously. If there is one body lotion I could not live without, it is without a doubt this one. It's packed full of goodness, and it smells divine - I urge you to use it, you'll almost want to eat yourself, it smells that good! It literally does do everything it says on the bottle. It doesn't need to shout outrageous claims obnoxiously from it's packaging, it is without bells and whistles for a reason: it works. The end.

 Slaying Away in the Quest for Silky Skin

Body oils are like Marmite - you either love them or you hate them. I'm in the first category, I don't use them daily, but sometimes my skin is just crying out for a product like this. I have raved about this product before, and it's yet another Palmers product than stands the test of time and works wonders. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, as 'they' say. I love that this is a multi-purpose product - you can drip a few drops into your bath, or slather it over damp skin when you get out to lock in even more moisture.

  Triumphing in the Tousle Against Premature Ageing

Up until this point in my life, I wasn't in the slightest bit bothered about preventing premature ageing of the skin on my body. Call me naive, but when I thought of ageing I thought mainly of crows feet and frown lines, not baggy, saggy skin that's lost its pizazz! The Olive Oil in this body lotion literally makes my skin sparkle, not in a 'chunky glitter' way, more of a 'light glinting off of the hairs' way - subtle and sexy. I adore the scent, but it might not be for everyone, moreover I adore the effects of this on my skin, it leaves it silky smooth and healthy looking.

Fighting the Battle Against Stretch Marks

As an honest woman, I can't lie to you about stretch marks. I managed to go the vast majority of my pregnancy without a single sign of those dreaded slithery red lines, but fast forward to those last few days and labour, and POW, there they were. I was gutted, I can't deny, but what's done is done, and all I can do now is try my hardest to fight hard in reducing them. Using any body lotion regularly (I'm talking twice daily) will help in general, improving the skins condition, but it can't hurt to use something a little 'stronger' and designed to specifically target those little red lines. This is working, mine are certainly not gone, they never will be, but they are no longer red and angry looking, more silver and...er, sweet?!

Do you have an army of Palmers? Or even an army of products helping you to fight your battles?

*Disclaimer: All of the products mentioned were purchased with my own pennies, from my own piggy bank. As ever, all words and opinions are my own, and although I do have an undeniable love affair with Palmers products, I'm not in any way professionally affiliated with them. 

A Review: Soap & Glory 'The Scrub Of Your Life'

 Soap & Glory The Scrub Of Your Life

Smoothing Body Buffer

What Do I Think?

A big claim to make right? The scrub of your life. Not far off I'd say! As you know, I could wax lyrical about Soap & Glory products all day long, but I really think the products speak for themselves. They are presented beautifully, and having the pink, retro products dotted around my bathroom instantly cheers me up, and I know I can genuinely rely on them to do the job well. You also all know that I am somewhat of an exfoliating addict, so it's no wonder I love this perhaps, however, it's never exactly hard to big up a product that really is the bees knees. As with all Soap & Glory products, this boasts a really fantastic smell: "The scent is a combination of fresh bergamot and mandarin, rose, jasmine, peach, strawberry, oakmoss, amber, woody notes and warm vanilla. In short it smells really good". This scrub has an almost gel like consistency, and is packed full with teeny tiny beads, just waiting to buff your skin to perfection - or near enough! My skin always feels fantastic after I've used this, and it is never left dry, tight or itchy - some scrubs can do that I've found. The only problem with this is, I've run out...and that is bad news!

Where Is It Available?

Soap & Glory is available at Boots, Harvey Nichols and ASOS.com in the UK.

How Much Does It Cost?

£6.50 for 200ml, which is slightly higher than I'd like to pay, but Boots often have offers like 3 for 2 on Soap & Glory products, so keep your eyes peeled.

Would I Recommend It?

Yes I would! I love this stuff, and when something does exactly what it says on the tin, you can't go wrong.

Star Rating:

5/5

*Disclaimer: This was purchased with my own money, and all words and opinions are my own. 

Reflections of Motherhood

Source

Record of the Week #3

Loick Essien ft. Tanya Lacey - How We Roll

 I literally can not get this out of my head. LOVE IT. If you like it check out this

acoustic version on YouTube, it's fantastic :) 

NOTD ft. Ciaté & an amazing offer!

Ciaté Paint Pots

Cupcake Queen

I've featured Ciaté Paint Pots on my blog in the past (here, here & here  - I do also own quite a few more that I appear not to have shown *slaps wrists*), and I'm generally a big fan of them. Ciaté have a really great selection of shades, with some really unique colours that I've not seen from any other brands. The Paint Pots dry to a really glossy finish, and are chip resistant on me for approx. 48 hours - I've never found a nail polish that lasts longer than this without any chipping at all. I love the design, the cute little bow adds an obviously feminine and girly touch, the bottle design is really easy to hold and the wide brush allows for easy and relatively neat application. These polishes retail for £9.00, for 13.5ml of product, and are available from www.ciate.co.uk

The shade pictured above is 'Cupcake Queen', a gorgeous bright pink with an iridescent purple shimmer shot through it (which I have to say does look prettier in the bottle than on the nails, unfortunately the shimmer doesn't translate onto the nails once dried, although I don't think this distracts from the colour because the pink is gorgeous - perfect for summer!). I applied the Ciaté 'Polish Grip' as a base and top coat, although it is primarily designed to be used as a chip prevention base coat, and is very fast drying (FYI I used two coats of Cupcake Queen). As part of my mini manicure process I also used the Ciaté 'Love Me Oil', a cranberry scented cuticle oil, which I've previously reviewed, and although I'm not a massive fan, I will continue to use it because it serves its purpose and does what it says on the bottle!

Aside from the products featured in this post, I've owned my Ciaté Nail Paints for well over a year, and I'm somewhat disappointed to report that they have dried up a little, and although they still seem to apply well and dry to an equally good finish, the consistency has undoubtedly changed. However, I do still rate Ciaté as one of my favourite nail polish brands, and will definitely purchase more polishes in the future (when the finances allow for such luxuries).

Now for the exciting part...check out this pretty darn fabulous offer Ciaté are doing on their website, for a limited time only:

Yes, you did read that right. Ciaté are indeed offering £100 worth of products for £40! Plus, you get free delivery on all orders over £25. WIN!

Are you a fan of Ciaté Paint Pots? Will you be taking advantage of this fantastic summer offer?

*Disclaimer: The 3 products featured in this post were provided by PR for review consideration, as was the press release. All words and opinions are my own, and I am not affiliated in any way with Ciaté. 

When I grow up...

...I want to be a princess and live in a castle. I might not live in a real castle, but at least I get to visit them with my big prince and mini prince*!

Hever Castle, Kent

Welcome to our kingdom!

 

 Spot the tourist anyone?!

 Adventures of the mini prince!

 Just call him the swan whisperer!

Maze champions!

 *Nanny and Grandad were there too, but I didn't get any photos of them!

Record of the Week #2

DJ Fresh ft Sian Evans - Louder

Tuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuune!

NOTD: Nails Inc OMP! & ATOMIC

Nails Inc 'Fabulous'

OMP! & ATOMIC

I hope my readers don't find it controversial that I am featuring two polishes that were given away in a News of the World promotion, but controversy about the paper aside, I really like these nail polishes, and as someone who has NO money, I can't really say no to freebies. For the grand total of £3.00 (each paper was £1.00, you needed 3 tokens to redeem for your nail varnishes) I have £22.00 worth of nail varnish.

These shades of these nail polishes almost personify summer, so what better time to take the NOTD photos than when the sun is shining?! Normally, orange really isn't 'my' thing, although perhaps I'm coming around to it, prior to this I was wearing China Glaze 'Peachykeen' on my fingers and toes (no NOTD because I'm a moron and deleted the photos!). I really love the vibrancy of these colours, and think the bright coral pink and zesty orange compliment each other pretty well.

P.S. Apologies if I have offended you by mentioning the News of the World, for what it's worth, I did not read or support the paper prior to this promotion, and I do not feel it is my place to become involved in a debate about the morals behind the actions of a select few members of their journalistic staff. My blog will assume Switzerland status (as my dear friend Liv always says!), and merely focus on the shallower points!

P.P.S. Sorry about the photos of my toes if you're phobic or just a bit averse to feet!

P.P.P.S. As you can tell, no editing or airbrushing has occurred in the making of this blog post, all 'excess' cuticle polish has been included! All silly expressions are also 100% my own!

*Disclaimer: sorry to disappoint but the stones are not authentic beach pebbles, merely humble gravel from my Mum's garden!

A Review: Soap & Glory 'The Righteous Butter'

 Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter

Body Butter

 

What Do I Think?

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I don't think there is a single Soap & Glory product that I dislike, and this is no exception. I don't actually have any of this at the moment (am hoping some kind soul might like to refresh my S&G collection for my impending birthday this month *hint hint sister wink wink*), but I can clearly remember it's fabulousness. I think first up I need to quote the scent from the Soap & Glory website: "Smells like bergamot, strawberries and mandarin, with floral and fruity mid notes and musk, amber and warm vanilla notes on the bottom". A feast for your nose indeed, I mean, that's just blimmin' lovely right?! This body butter boasts shea butter and aloe vera, which are well known for their epic moisturising and nourishing properties, and I do tend to favour products with those ingredients. It has a typically thick and creamy consistency, being a body butter it is traditionally a thicker formulation than your standard lotion, and it sinks into the skin quickly leaving no greasy or sticky residue, and really locks in the moisture. It leaves my skin super duper soft, like a babies bottom, just without the nappy rash! Did I mention that is smells yummalicious?! 

 

Where Is It Available?

Soap & Glory can be found online at ASOS.com, or in Boots and Harvey Nichols in the UK.

 

How Much Does It Cost?

£10.21 for 300ml - a little on the pricey side, and I'm sure it used to be significantly cheaper, but it's a great product. The mini will last you quite a long time though if you don't fancy getting the big tub.

 

Would I Recommend It?

Yes. I like my products to compliment each other, mainly in scent, so this goes perfectly in conjunction with my favourite shower gel. This also comes in a lighter, lotion formulation, which I've not tried, but if body butters aren't your thing it could be worth a try. In summer I tend to use the spray lotion Girligo, for ease and speed, and that wins over this slightly, but once funds allow I will definitely repurchase this (again).

 

Star Rating:

4/5 

 

*Disclaimer: This was purchased with my own money, and all words and opinions are my own.

A Review: OSiS Dust It Mattifying Powder

 OSiS Dust It Mattifying Powder

10g

What Do I Think?

I have to point out, I don't think I'm the ideal candidate for this product, and I don't think I can test it to it's full potential because I don't really do anything much with my hair. Also, my hair is pretty long and thick (although at the rate it's falling out perhaps that statement is slightly invalidated?!), and I think this product is designed more with short haired beauties in mind. My review of this might be slightly unfair given those reasons, but I did want to go ahead and share my thoughts regardless. Primarily, this product is designed with volume in mind, and there are some good video demo's on YouTube if you fancy getting a better understanding. You really only need to use the teeniest, tiniest amount, too much and your hair will be one big, sticky mess. The packaging is pretty flawed in this respect, it's similar to a salt shaker/talcum powder pot in design, with little holes at the top to distribute the product. However, the holes are slightly too big, and there are slightly too many, meaning that you have little control over how much product is dispensed, and as I said, a tiny bit goes a long way. The idea is to apply the powder to the roots of your hair, as close to the scalp as possible, then ruffle up with your fingers to create the 'va va volume'! Admittedly, this product does work (as you can see in the photos), however, the feel of my hair is just as important as the look to me, and I can't get over how disgusting this makes my hair feel. It leaves it really sticky, and very dry - this is intentional, being that it's a mattifying powder, but I'm not at all keen - and it is also incredibly hard to wash out. This is a long lasting hair product, marketed at lasting 24 hours, however if you don't wash your hair the day after use I imagine it would still produce a volumising effect once activated (by ruffling). I wouldn't be 'me' if I didn't include some comedy photos of my initial experimentation with this, so cue the giggles now:

BEFORE







AFTER

 Where Is It Available?

OSiS products can be purchased in selected salons, and online from hairsupermarket.com and beautybay.com

How Much Does It Cost?

£4.95 for 10g of product

Would I Recommend It?

As I said, this product is not for me, however if you're after something that will produce serious volume every time you activate it, then this could be right up your street.

Star Rating:

1/5

*Disclaimer: I was sent this product for review consideration by a PR company. I am not affiliated with Schwarzkopf in any way, and all words, opinions and crazy hair are my own.

Record of the Week #1

This week I am mainly listening to:

Chase & Status ft Tinie Tempah ~ Hitz

What is your record of the week?

A Review: Soap & Glory 'Clean On Me'

 Soap & Glory Clean On Me

Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel

What Do I Think?

The smell of this product instantly transports me back to my blissful holiday in Grenada (paradise). I took a mini bottle with me, and although I'd used it for ages prior to that holiday, whenever I've used it afterwards, I'm right back in that shower, washing off the days sun, sea and sand. I'm a huge fan of Soap & Glory products (look out for a series of reviews coming up), from their gorgeously retro and girly pink packaging, with it's witty and fun quips, to the sweet and sexy scents, not to to mention that quality of the products, for the price, are fantastic. This is probably my all time favourite shower gel, a little bit lathers up so much, and goes a long way, it has a 'built in moisturiser' which helps to leave your skin extra soft, and best of all smells divine. This comes in such a huge bottle, with a handy pump - my favourite kind of packaging for a shower gel, practicality and looks, win win - and will last you forever. If you're a bit skint like me, you can also put a couple of pumps of this under running water in your bath, it bubbles up nicely. There isn't anything I don't love about this product, I urge you to try it!

[As a side note, Soap & Glory are endeavouring to encourage more responsible showering, with their 2 minute rinse challenge. I'm going to see if I can do my bit to try and save water, I do hate to think of all of that waste running straight down the plughole whilst I'm doing my thing.]

Where Is It Available?

Soap & Glory is sold in Boots and Harvey Nichols in the UK, and is also available from ASOS.com.

How Much Does It Cost?

£5.11 for 500ml -  now that's a bargain!

Would I Recommend It?

Yes, yes, yes. That's all I have to say on the matter!

Star Rating:

5/5

*Disclaimer: Purchased with my own money, all words and opinions are my own.

FOTD: Benefit Posietint

You might all fall off of your chairs in shock, but your eyes are not in fact deceiving you, and I am in fact posting my second 'Face of the Day' in a week! If you can bear to look at photos of me again, then this instalment features my other new found love (thanks to UK Glamour magazine and their freebies), Benefit Posietint.

I'm wearing:

Clinique City Block SPF25

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Concealer

Estee Lauder Ideal Light Brush On Illuminator

MAC MSF Natural

Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara

Benefit Posietint as a stain on the cheeks and lips

I'm really liking this girly, feminine hint of pink, it's perfect for summer and is so low maintenance and easy to wear. The only problem is, now I've come to love these lip and cheek stains from Benefit, I'm seriously lusting after the new Cha Cha Tint...good job it's my birthday in the not so distant future!

What are your favourite simple summer looks?

Garnier Ultralift Challenge

Do you think that anti wrinkle creams work? Or, are you one of the 71% of consumers that, like me, are hugely sceptical? Garnier and Davina McCall have launched the Ultralift Challenge to try and prove us cynics wrong. 

 

 

All you need to do is head over to the Ultralift website and sign up, free, to receive your 14 day sample pack, complete with a nifty wrinkle reader! Trying before I buy is right up my street, so I'm loving Garnier's idea here. You can share your results on the website after your challenge if you wish, however there is no obligation to do so.

 

My Mum and I are in the middle of partaking in this challenge, and will soon be reporting back with our results and thoughts on the Ultralift Day Cream, so keep your eyes peeled for that. I wasn't actually using a specific anti wrinkle cream prior to embarking on this challenge, but given that I'm turning 25 at the end of the month, and I'm not getting as much beauty sleep now I'm a Mummy, wrinkle prevention is definitely something I want to be proactive about.

Will you be taking part in the Garnier Ultralift Challenge?

  

*Disclaimer: I was sent my free 14 day trial pack by the PR company, however it is free to sign up and try it for yourself. Words inspired by the PR campaign but written by myself. Videos, photograph and statistics provided by Garnier.