Frugal February

Last year, I noticed so many bloggers had signed up to Frugal February. I really liked the idea, but I didn't feel like I 'needed' to save money as I didn't feel I spent that much on beauty products. Over January, I wrote down everything I spent and most of my money (after car insurance, travel etc.) went on beauty. And that was whilst I was trying to cut down! I have vowed to make February my month of real saving, mostly because it's the shortest, but also because there's so many others doing it and I think it will be more of a success doing it as part of a team.

Just to clarify why I'm doing this, here is a photo of some of the things I have purchased in the last month:

What is Frugal February? It basically involves one simple rule that you must stick to:

I vow, for one month from 1st Feb, to avoid shopping for anything other than essentials.

It's that simple! (Well, not really, it's going to be tough!) If you want more details, and want to sign up yourself, click here. Let me know if you do, moral support is definitely going to be needed!

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Beauty Questions

I don't remember where I found this, but I wanted to do it anyway. Feel free to do it too, you can leave links in the comments. :)

How many times do you wash your face daily?

Twice a day, but that’s cleansing. I wash with a face wash once a day.

What skin type do you have?

To be honest I’m not 100% sure. I’d say normal/oily.

What is your current facial wash?

Sanctuary Fresh Faced Purifying Wash

Do you exfoliate?

Yes, once a week at the moment. I exfoliate more in summer.

What brand do you use?

Soap and Glory.

What moisturiser do you use?

At the moment I use Johnson’s Daily Essentials, but it’s almost run out.

Do you have freckles?

Yes, a few on my forehead and nose, but they aren’t very visible.

Do you use an eye cream?

Yes, I use one from Simple daily.

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?

I’ve always had spots from around 13, it’s not as bad now. 

Did you ever have to use Pro-Activ?

I’ve never used it.

What foundation do you use?

I use MAC Studio Fix Foundation Shade NW15. I’d love to try new foundation but I can never match myself.

How about concealer?

I use Witch Concealer but MAC Concealer is on my wishlist.

Do you know your undertone colour?

 I think yellow but I honestly don’t know. (and I call myself a beauty blogger!)

 What do you think of fake eyelashes? 

I have a whole basket full but I hate the rascals. They never work with me, and I spend about 2 hours applying them for them to just not look right. I love them on other people though and I’m sure with enough practice I’ll be able to apply them properly.

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?

Yes. But if I did that, I’d be throwing away 90% full mascaras.

What brand of mascara do you use?

I have so many, and use a different one every day. I’m loving one by Daniel Sadler at the moment.

Sephora or M.A.C?

I’ve never tried Sephora so MAC.

Do you have a M.A.C Pro-card?

Nope.

What makeup tools do you use in make up application?

I use makeup brushes, and sometimes my fingers when smudging concealer.

Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?

I have a few primers, but I only use them if I’ve got a long day and I know I won’t get time ti re-apply my make up.

For the face?

See above. :)

What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?

I love all of the colours in the Urban Decay Naked Palette, I couldn’t pick a favourite.

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner? 

Both!

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?

I never have a problem with pencil. I get liquid eyeliner in my eye too often though and it ends up getting stuck under my contact lens and my whole eye goes black. It’s really bad and I’m lucky to not have got an eye infection, so I tend to not use liquid eyeliner as much anymore. I’m too scared!

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?

Too scared to try them as I’m messy enough as it is.

Do you use mineral makeup? 

No, but I’d love to try some.

What is your favorite lipstick?

Probably Topshop Pillow talk.

How about lipgloss?

I don’t have a favourite.

What is your favorite blush to use?

I’m loving Benefit Coralista at the moment.

Do you buy your makeup on eBay?

No, never.

Do you like drugstore makeup?

Yes.

Do you go to CCO's? (Cosmetic Company Outlets)

I think I have. There’s one in Portsmouth right?

Did you ever consider taking make up classes?

Yes, and I still want to. I love learning, so why not learn more about something I love?

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

Very!

Name a makeup crime that you hate?

Not blending.

Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick, eyeshadow) or neutral ones?

I prefer sticking to less colourful shades of lipstick (pinks and nudes) but I love colourful eyeshadow.

Which celebrity always has great make up?

I love celebrities that look made up yet still natural, like Jennifer Aniston.

If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use?

Mascara.

Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?

I could go out with just mascara, as long as I was having a good skin day.

Do you think you look good even without any make up on?

I don’t feel as confident, but I feel comfortable.

In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?

It has to be MAC. I’m discovering more and more products that I love.

What do you think of makeup?

I think it is a valuable tool in boosting the confidence of women (and men too!). It’s not the be all and end all but if it makes you happy, then there’s no harm. :)

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Jess's Guide To: The Perfect Pedicure

Don't worry - no feet will be shown in this post! I honestly hate feet and never like to look at them, but recently I've realised that I'm going to have to make do with them, and make them look the best that I can! I'm no expert in pedicures, but this is how I've made my feet go from dry and ugly to smooth and okay-looking. (To me, feet can never me beautiful, just nice).

Here's a photo of what I use (Not forgetting a pretty nail polish). Before starting your pedicure, I suggest making sure they're clean (but you knew that anyway!).

1. First things first: taking off dry skin. I use my Ped Egg, which is one of my favourite products ever. There are similar products out there, but I don't think anything compares to this. If you suffer from very dry skin on your feet then get one! If you don't have one, then use a foot file. I use this on dry skin (most people do it on wet, but it's actually more beneficial to take off dry dead skin). If it begins to hurt, then stop as you're now filing off healthy skin, and it might leave your feet feeling very sore. I use the softer side of the Ped Egg to smooth feet over (if you have hardly any dead skin then just use that side or a soft pumice stone to smooth your feet.)

2. I then use my Lush Volcano Mask. I've already reviewed this here, and I think most people would use this before filing dead skin, but I prefer to do it after. I use this whenever I can, but it is very messy so I tend to not be bothered sometimes. If you don't have a foot mask, simply just miss this step out.

3. I then focus on my toenails. I apply cuticle cream (not pictured) and then remove cuticles using a cuticle stick. I use my Models Own nail file which I love as it has 4 steps on it. (File, remove ridges, buff, and polish and shine). I then apply nail polish.

4. I then apply foot cream. I use Soap and Glory which I've reviewed here. I apply all over and then I wear The Body Shop Moisture Socks. If you've never used them, then you need to get a pair. Wear them to bed on moisturised feet and your feet will be left silky smooth.

Like I said at the beginning, I am no expert but I've done enough to try and change my feet I'd like to think I could help at least some of you. :)

x

Top ten tips for beautiful Valentine’s skin

This is a guest post. More details at the end.
If there’s ever a day that requires a little bit of extra beauty titivating, it’s Valentine’s Day. It’s coming up quickly and so it’s best to make a start now. Think radiant and irresistibly touchable. Follow these simple tips and you’ll be glowing come February 14th.

1. Scrub up.

The sooner you start an exfoliation routine, the better. If you start now you can rid your body of any dry and scaly bits in time for your romantic night. I would always recommend Soap and Glory’s Breakfast Scrub.

2. Scrub again.

Don’t just leave your body well scrubbed; if you are going to achieve that glow then your face needs work too. Nubo’s Bio Electric Buff is pricey at £38 but it works wonders. It leaves your skin feeling tingly and refreshed and the mini micro beads wipe away dead skin.

3. Don’t stop scrubbing yet.

Finally, but most importantly, your lips need some scrubbing. Use an old toothbrush and a big blob of Vaseline and rub away a few times a week.

4. Cleanse.

Aesop is a great brand – all the products are nice and natural and based on botanics, plus they look great. Their Fabulous Face Cleanser is nice and gentle so you can use it everyday without your skin feeling stripped and tight.

5. Tone.

I always think this time of year calls for a bit of balancing. You might have some dry patches of skin and other oily bits that threaten spot outbreaks at any moment. Using a balancing toner should help sort this one. Elemis do a lovely lavender balancing toner that should hit the problems spots.

6. Moisturise. Moisturise. Moisturise.

You really can’t quench your skin enough at this time of year. Central heating and harsh winds take away moisture every day so you need to put it back. My top tip is to slather baby oil over your skin straight from the shower and then back this up with you favourite Body Shop body butter.

7. Sleep on it.

When it comes to moisturizing your face the best time to give your skin a drink is over night. Cleanse and tone as usual and then add a rich night cream such as Neal’s Yard Vitamin E and Avocado night cream – it’s just full of nourishing goodness.

8. Get a good foundation.

Once it comes to the big night use a night light foundation like Garnier’s BB cream. It’s only £9.99 and works as a moisturiser, concealer and foundation in one.

9. Bronzer, blusher and highlighter

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In the dark depths of February everyone needs a bit of help to look glowing and healthy. Invest in a non-sparkly cleanser for your cheekbones, a rosy-glow for the apples of your cheeks and a subtle highlighting cream for those bits that needs a little brightening.

10. Get set to go.

E.L.F’s lock and seal is a great little product (at the great price of £3.50), just apply over eyeliner, eyeshadow or lipstick for a look that will stay in place however much snogging you do.

Saisha Potts writes on behalf of www.cafelamoda.co.uk, the social fashion site. Visit Cafe La Moda to find all of 2012's beauty trends in one place.

New Hair

Up until last year I had never dyed my hair, but I took the plunge and went a darker brown. Slowly, it grew out and I got bored of doing it again for a while. As it's a new year, new start blah blah blah, I thought I'd do it again. When I went to Boots to get my normal dye (Nice'n'easy Shade 120), I noticed they had a new colour out that was more what I wanted (Nice'n'easy Shade 131), and I can safely say I'm really happy with the results.

It's a lot darker than I'm used to and I was worried I'd look 'washed out' and pale, but I don't. The only problem I have is matching my eyebrows to my hair, but I went to MAC and asked them to match an eyeshadow to use. She recommended 'Mystery' which is perfect.

Me and my hair have a very serious 'hate-hate' relationship. I've never liked it and I always struggle with it. However, I decided I need to embrace it as it's never going to change. People tell me every day to wear my hair naturally curly, but I don't think I ever could. I've straightened my hair since I was 15, and it's a habit I don't want to break.

x

20% Student Discount At Republic

Earlier this month, I was lucky enough to win a £50 voucher to spend at Republic. Those of you who follow me on Twitter will know that I had a problem with delivery as someone stole it. Fortunately, they were able to cancel it and send a new one, which I happily spent on myself and Aiden (Menswear there is amazing!). I just want to mention that the people behind Republic's twitter account are so friendly and helpful and I think other companies should take note. However, they should perhaps give some of their joy to the sales assistants as the one who served me was so bad! I felt awkward like I was stopping her from doing something.

Anyway, the reason for this post is to let you all know that Republic are currently offering 20% off for students from today. If you live near a store, do pop in and have a look as they do have some really good items in. Also, check out their website.

Click here for more information.

Happy Monday everyone!

x

The 3 Beauty Mistakes We Know We Shouldn't Make...

...but we do anyway!

There's a lot of times where I feel like I'm the only one who feels a certain way, or does a certain thing. But, thank to Twitter, I now know I am definitely not alone .. in anything! There are many 'bad things' that we all do, especially when it comes to beauty. As beauty bloggers/ make up lovers, we should all practice what we preach, but in reality it's not always possible. Whilst doing research (which means reading twitter) I noticed that there's three things that you all do (yes you) that I do too.

source: weheartit.com

1. Sleep with make up on.

We've all been there. We've come home late, either intoxicated or exhausted, and we know that we should take our make up off, but it's sooo long, and we're sooo tired. So you think 'just this once' and go to bed with your make up on.

Why is it a mistake?

We all know why it's bad, which is why 99.9% we take our make up off. It's clogs up your pores (especially bad if you have acne) and your skin has no time to breathe.

How to avoid making the same mistake again.

Keep make up wipes available to hand or next to your bed (even on your bed if you know you're going out and may not be bothered). Even if you have a quick wipe and get rid of most of it, it's better than doing nothing at all.

2. Squeezing spots.

You can see one that's been growing for days, and you can't help but give it a squeeze to get it out and send it on it's way, right? Wrong.

Why is it a mistake?

It actually makes it worse. Not only does it cause scars and infections, it will also stay a lot longer. I read somewhere that if left alone, a spot will go in 2-3 days, where as if it's squeezed, it will take up to 10 days.

How to avoid making the same mistake again.

It's very easy to be templted to squeeze, so my only advice would be to do everything possible to avoid getting spots in the first place. First, stick to number 1! If you feel a spot coming, apply treatment to it. There's lots of products that reduce blemishes etc. so find one that works for you.

3. Not getting enough sleep.

We can use all the creams in the world, nothing will beat a good night's sleep, so why aren't most of us doing it? Instead we're doing anything but, even if it's staring at a laptop screen for hours.

Why is it a mistake?

Your skin uses the time you sleep to repair itself, so the less you sleep, the less time it has. Let's not forget the puffy, dark eyes you get in the morning.

How to avoid making the same mistake again.

Try to aim for 7-8 hours sleep a night. Also, make it an aim to switch of your laptop and TV, maybe have a relaxing bath, so you can fall asleep easy. There's no way around it, we need to set time to sleep.

So there we have it - I know I'm prone to doing all of these things, don't try and pretend you don't too. And there's plenty more mistakes where they came from.

What is your biggest beauty mistake?

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