Products Currently in Use #2

Products In Use 2

Products Currently in Use

So I’ve used up almost all of the products in my last ‘Currently In Use‘ post & thought it was time to switch things up and add in a few new products. I love switching up my skincare and consciously looking at my stash and rotating products, it means I use up more things and discover some gems that have been languishing at the back of the cupboard. These are just four products I have added to my routine, I do use more than this but these are the latest additions.

DHC Pore Face Wash

I have tried a couple of skincare products from DHC and never been disappointed, this is a Foaming Cleanser but don’t be put off by that, It is sulphate free and won’t strip or dry out your skin. It’s gentle but effective at removing makeup and dirt so your pores are not enlarged by dirt, I wouldn’t say it reduced my pores but its very good at unclogging them and helping remove dirt and excess sebum. This cleanser is also a gentle exfoliator and ‘has been blended with two caring exfoliants: pear juice alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) which help refine the complexion, and softly abrasive baking soda which dissolves dirt and eliminates impurities’.

This cleanser leaves my skin feeling refreshed, clean and looking radiantoh and Its has a light grapefruit scent which is nice and uplifting. I use this at night and you need the smallest amount, honestly a pea-sized amount, you will be surprised at how much it lathers up. Another fantastic product from DHC, it’s easy to see why they’re one of Japans best selling brands.

balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm

I love using balm cleansers and they’re my favourite way to remove my makeup and this one from balance Me has gone right to the top of my favourites. Not only is it a fantastic balm cleanser but it has tiny oat powder in too which act as a very gentle exfoliator so your skin is not only left extremely clean but it’s also polished and smooth. Love a good two in one! This has a thick balm consistency but it feels so nice to massage over the skin and really break down the makeup remove all the dirt and grime from the day. It’s great for both Normal & Sensitive skin

  • Normal skin: Shea, Mango and Cocoa Butters dissolve make-up and deeply hydrate, creating a radiant, balanced complexion for all skin types.
  • Sensitive skin: Rosehip Oils help to soothe sensitivities and encourage healthy cell renewal.

This has been getting a lot of use since looked it out & my skin has never felt as smooth and soft. This is a great affordable cleanser and if you’re looking for a new balm cleanser then look no further!

Liz Earle Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash*

This smells like a luxurious spa or a summer holiday to Italy, it’s beautiful and when I use it in the morning my whole house smells incredible. With foaming agents derived from soap bark, corn and coconut plus soothing organic oats it leaves my skin smooth and hydrated. This massive bottle will last me until this time next year, I have been using it every morning for over a month and it still feels like its full to the brim. It contains ‘Naturally active ingredients include organic oats, natural source vitamin E, plus orange flower water and ten pure essential oils to lift spirits and delicately scent the skin.’ It’s the perfect uplifting product, its crazy how a scent can affect your mood & these citrus aromas are so nice and refreshing. I’d say this product is indulgent by so very worth it.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

This product comes as a dry powder which you mix with water in your hands and massage over your face. It’s not grainy or abrasive but turns into a paste-like consistency. It smells like porridge which is strangely nice and familiar (I eat porridge every morning). This is meant to be used after you have cleansed, but I have used it in the morning & only used this, it left my face clean and smooth.

  • Rice Bran and Rice extract gently microfoliate skin surface to facilitate penetration of the brightening complex.
  • Papain Enzyme and Salicylic Acid help dissolve excess surface cells.
  • Skin Brightening Complex of Licorice, Aspergillus and Grapefruit helps even skin tone.

I have used this 3 times over the past couple of weeks, I’m not 100% sure if its a product I need in my skincare routine. Especially as the DHC & balance me products also have exfoliating qualities. I think I will do a more in-depth review of it once I have been using it a little longer.

Let me know if you have used any of the products in my current line up or let me know what new skincare you have added to your routine.

Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However, if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.

Christmas Party Survival Tips #GeorgePartyTips

Christmas Party Survival Tips

I thought I would share a 3 of my tips for surviving the Christmas Party Season, these have seen me through many an Office Party!

1. Wear What You’re Most Comfortable In 

When it comes to the Christmas Party I’m someone who above all else wants to be comfortable, I don’t want to wear something that feels too fancy, glitzy or overly festive looking. I have a few parties to go to this year & they’re not all in the evening so I wanted an outfit that would be suitable for both day & night.

George for ASDA have an incredible selection of party wear this season & if you like more glamorous, low key or even full on festive sequin number there is an outfit for you!I knew I wanted to wear black its what I feel most comfortable in and to my surprise I was quite spoilt for choice but for me you can’t go wrong with a little Black Dress and you can easily add a touch of glitz with shoes, a bag or jewelry.

I picked this simple Fashion Box Embellished Neck Dress £16 which sits a little above my knee. The fabric is quite thick and is textured so it adds a subtle pattern to the dress. The fabric is soft and sits really nicely. Its quite a flattering cut and I like that the necklace it detachable so if you want to wear different jewlery you can just take it off. This is a style that is easy to wear and you can wear from day to night so was exactly what I was looking for and I even had to go down a size which is always a great feeling.

Christmas Party Outfit

2. Footwear Can Make or Break Your Evening

I’m terrible at walking in heels, so there is no way I will miraculously be able to do it on my Christmas night out. I risk looking like an idiot & by the end of the night my feet will be so sore. I know most people love high shoes but I’m just not that girl, I love a flat shoe but If I must wear a heel I like to wear an ankle boot, they’re comfortable and most of the time they don’t wreck my feet. These Gold Panel Ankle Boots £20 have a nice manageable heel and I liked the gold detail on them too, its a nice subtle touch – I will look party ready but I’m also secretly pleased my feet will be toasty warm whilst queuing to get in the club or waiting for my taxi home (such a granny at heart).

Festive Footwear from George at ASDA

3. Take a Small Handbag

You can’t go out without the essentials and If I use a clutch bag I end up leaving it somewhere like the back of a taxi, so I need a bag that I can wear. A small bag is all you need no one wants to take a massive handbag out with them so a cute bag is perfect. All I take is money, bankcard, phone & my lipstick, I try to take just the essentials! This Cross Body Glitter Box Bag is so pretty and adds sparkle to my outfit, I love the gold chain detail on the strap. It fits everything I need in & there is a little room for a few more makeup items if needs be. I think its the best bargain at only £10 its a Christmas Party must have!

Christmas Party Dress

So I will be dressing to impress but making sure I’m comfortable.

I hope you all have a great Christmas Party and remember to have a look on George for your outfit. Also let me know what kind of Christmas Party outfit you go for, are you all about the glamour or are you more like me & like to be more low key.

*Party clothes were kindly gifted by George

Christmas Decor Ideas

Christmas Decor Ideas

I usually put my tree up on the 1st of December which most people would say is far too early but in my defence we are always away from home for Christmas so I like to have time to enjoy my house looking all festive. This year its the other way round and we are away for the first 3 weeks of December but at home for Christmas so I won’t be able to put up my tree until the 21st (sad face).

I don’t really need any new decorations, we use the same decorations every year & over the past 15 years we seem to have collected a very eclectic mix of festive decor, but there are just so many lovely things this year so I thought I’d share what I have my eye on.

What is on your Christmas Decoration Wishlist & where do you go for the best deals & cute offerings? I have seen so many lovely festive bits in M&S, ASDA & IKEA

Alpine Present Stocking £10

Ceramic Nordic Town Scene £12

5 Piece Felt Character Tree Decoration Set £19.50

Vinter 2015 Hanging decoration, diamond-shaped £3.50

Gold Star Christmas Tree Topper £12

Pompom Wreath £12

George Home Stargazer Tea Towels £4

John Lewis Wooden Houses Advent Calendar £40

Jingle Bell Cushion £16

Strala Pendant lamp, star bronze-colour £10

Fabric Christmas Bunting £8

Wooden Christmas Countdown Blocks £15

Set of 6 Decoupage Baubles £8

 

Homeware Gift Guide 2015

Homeware gift guide

I think Christmas is a great time to buy homeware, especially if that person has wanted a particular item for a while & just can’t justify buying it for themselves. I have rounded up a few things that I have had in my basket for a while. I have to say that ASDA have some incredible things this year and as you would expect they’re affordable but also great quality. The Amsterdam Print has been on my list for so long, I think I will buy that as a treat to myself – or as a house warming pressie even though I have been in my new house for over 2 months.

Oliver Bonas Ethel Four Drawer Wooden Jewellery Box £59

Geometric Terrarium £20

H&M Dog Print Porcelain Plate £4.99

Tripod floor lamp £52.99

Copper Box With Lid £3.99

M&S Knitted Throw £59

HEMA You Are Just Lovely Candle £2.50

Kate Spade Scented Candle Be Dazzling £33.80

Rifle Paper Co Amsterdam Print $40 

George Home Initial Cushion £5

Seletti “Lighthink” wooden box light £63

Hepperton Crome Wall Clock £34.99

Decorative Square Black & White Tray £2.99

Selfridges Tala Vintage Tea Caddy £6.25

H&M Metal Basket £12.99

Let me know what is on your homeware wishlist or if you’re tempted by anything on mine.