I'm really not one for spending loads of money on beauty or skincare items. I much prefer shopping in places like Superdrug, Savers and Body Care and finding 'the bargains!' Maybe if I tried some high-end products that worked miracles, then I might be converted but I've had a few experiences in the past when I've splashed out on something 'high-end' and the product hasn't lived up to expectations or its price tag! Also, maybe it's just me but I'd rather have, say 10 different 'cheaper brand' lipsticks in different colours instead of ONE really expensive one. Or a giant tub of moisturiser that I can slather on instead of a teeny tiny tub I feel guilty using up.
There are a few bargain skincare products that I've been buying for years (and some I've just discovered) that really are 'must haves' for anyone who doesn't want to splash the cash but still look and feel great.
Skincare essentials
Vaseline Lip Therapy - £1.99 - Superdrug
This little tin of Vaseline has been a firm favourite of mine for years, and it's all I use to keep my lips in check! (the aloe-vera version is also fab) Not only can you use it as a lip-balm, it can be used over groomed brows to keep them in place, to perk up lashes without any mascara or on stubborn dry bits of skin!
Germolene Antiseptic Cream - £2.15 - Superdrug
Over the years I've spent loads on 'spot fighting, zit zapping, blemish blasting' products in an attempt to reduce the appearance, and occurrence of blemishes on my face. Hardly any that I've bought in the past have made a difference but the one thing I've found that actually helps is traditional old Germolene! It might smell like the stuff you got covered in when you were wee and had chicken pox, but the simple Antiseptic formula works wonders on the spot-fighting front.
Sudocrem - £3.50 - Superdrug
Although there's not much chance this happening in Scotland, if you've overdone it in the sun then Sudocrem is brilliant for relieving the pain/redness of particularly OUCHY sunburn.
Superdrug Vitamin E All Over Body Cream - £2.99 - Superdrug
Less than £3 for a massive tub (475ml) of this great moisturiser from Superdrug is one of my best buys! It smells lovely, isn't greasy, rubs in well and is inexpensive so you don't feel bad about using loads of it to cover yourself after a bath or shower!
Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Gel - £1.50 - Boots
I don't always remember to use eye cream, but it's something that I'm going to try and use more in the future! This little eye gel is great for refreshing tired eyes and reducing puffiness. Keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling treat!
Boots Epsom Salts B.P - £1.25 - Boots
Although more traditionally used for ahem, digestive problems Epsom salts are an absolute bargain for a multitude of uses!
To combat cellulite and bloating add a couple of tablespoons to a bath, soak for 15 minutes then wash it off in a shower. The magnesium soaks into the skin to draws out excess water, and removes toxins from muscles. (also great for relaxing muscles after the gym!)
You can also add some of the salts to a cleansing cream for a gentle facial scrub, or add some olive oil to a larger amount for an exfoliating body scrub.
Connect to my blog to make sure you don't miss the 'must have' beauty products for under £10 coming soon!
What's your 'bargain' skincare essential?
Thanks for reading, Melissa x
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Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Thursday, 9 May 2013
NEW Collection Gel Nail Colour review!
During my lunch break I like to try and take a walk around, and working near Argyle Street in Glasgow means I'm never too far away from some shops to have a wander in! I noticed today on Twitter that Collection were releasing new 'gel' nail paints so I thought I'd head to Superdrug to check them out. When I got there I discovered that Superdrug currently has 3 for 2 on all cosmetics and lashes (great offer!) Whenever an offer like that's on I try to think about what I actually need, so I actually save money in the long run instead of just buying more random stuff...to fill my already overflowing make up drawer!
Anyways, I found the Collection polishes and decided to go for the 'Soft Peach' colour as I seem to suit coraly/pinky nail colours the best.
I would have liked the polish to have gone on a little bit brighter, but I was impressed with the pearly/shiny finish. It took around 2/3 coats to get a really opaque coverage, which I think was due to my light colour choice. For £3.19 I'd say they are a great buy and with 15 colours to choose from I'm sure they'll be really popular. The 'coral reef' shade looks gorgeous!
I've already tried the Barry M 'Gelly Nails'...I wonder what brands we'll see joining the 'gelly' bandwagon next?
Price - £3.19 (buy here)
Colour - Soft Peach 13
Finish - Very shiny, pearlescent effect
Staying power - need to check in a few days but seems good so far!
Plus point - wide application brush
Any bad points - took a few coats to get full coverage but I think that might have been down to my colour choice
Plus point - wide application brush
Any bad points - took a few coats to get full coverage but I think that might have been down to my colour choice
Monday, 6 May 2013
MUA Power Pout in Rendezvous review!
I was excited to try MUA's latest offering of 'Power Pouts' after seeing a lot of hype about them online!
I've bought a few things from MUA before and you can't really go wrong as the products are so cheap but I've always been happy with what I've bought! (I'd thoroughly recommend their highlighting powder!!)
There are 6 colours in the Power Pout range and I opted for 'Rendezvous' which had a kind of browny/nude coloured packet. When applied the product goes on more of a light pink/nude colour rather than brown (like the packaging). It has a nice minty flavour and glides on easily leaving a glossy finish (but no stickiness)
The product is described as being a 'tint and balm' but I'd say it goes on more like a very moisturising lipstick. For £3.00 it's a definite bargain and I think I'll pick up another one next time I'm in Superdrug....possibly 'Runway' which looks a cool bright coral colour!
Price - £3.00 (buy here)
Colours - Rendezvous: goes on a light pink/brown colour
Finish - Glides on, not sticky, glossy look.
Staying power - Need to re-apply after eating and drinking.
Plus point - Easy twist up design and minty flavour!
Plus point - Easy twist up design and minty flavour!
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