Clean and Clear

Being a blogger, it can be very easy to constantly purchase new products simply to 'try them out'. I've also had a lot of trouble with my skin, as I still can't work out what skin type I am.

One product that I have used since I was about 12, and still use now is Clean and Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion for sensitive skin. It was bought for me when I started to get spots and it really helped to keep them under control. I used it up until I was about 16, and then I decided I'd venture out and try new things. But now I'm back.

Nothing has ever really compared to this. Every other cleanser I try doesn't quite seem to do the job. I'd use it, and then I'd use Clean and Clear and a whole lot of build up of whatever would be left on the cotton pad.

Not only does it remove a build up of make up and grease, it also helps prevent spots. The only downside to this, is that I wouldn't recommend using it after a bath or shower as it tends to sting quite a bit when used on open pores.

The best bit about this, is that it's only £2.99 in Boots, and there's often deals on - whether it's 3 for 2 or 2 for £5.

What are your holy grail products? What products would you recommend for troubled skin?

PS Are you following my other blog yet? You won't regret it if you do. :)

x

Instagram Collage 001.

These posts have to be one of my new favourites to see on other blogs so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon and do one too. The past two weeks (actually weekends, weeks have been full of work) have been amazing and I'm loving this weather (although by the time this post goes up it may be miserable).

As you can see, it's been mostly the beach for me! What have you been up to in this weather? Feel free to leave links to your Instagram posts below.

Jess's Guide To: Stop Biting Your Nails

For as long as I can remember, I have always bitten my nails. The worst bit is, I don't even know why I do it, I just find myself casually biting my nails and before I realise it, I'm in pain. It's not nerves that cause me to do it, it's simply a really bad habit. I've always hated my nails and so it's my aim to stop and I'm doing pretty well. I have the occasional slip up but now as soon as I realise, I stop, where as before I would carry on. Here's my tips to help you fellow nail biters grow your nails.

1. Wear false nails

With false nails on, you'll obviously not be able to bite your nails and therefore they'll grow underneath. The only problem with this is, it makes your nails extremely weak and can cause them to break.

2. Distract yourself

Work out when you are biting your nails. For me, it is when I'm standing or sitting still. So while I'm watching TV for example, I'll fiddle with a hairband or something. It sounds silly and you probably think I'm really weird, but it does work as you don't feel the need to put your fingers in your mouth as you are using them.

3. Paint them

As soon as your nails start to grow, or even whilst they are really short, paint them and get creative. If they look pretty, you're less likely to bite them.

4. File them

Even if you have the shortest nails, file them so there are no edges as I (and I'm sure you too) tend to pick at them. If there's no edge to bite, then hopefully you won't bite at all.

5. Treat yourself

The more they grow, the more treats you buy yourself. The reward will feel good and encourage you to not bite. Plus, any excuse to treat yourself hey?

x

Discounted MAC anyone?

Now I'm sure this title caught your attention, and no I'm not making it up. We all know MAC don't do sales, and everytime you see a cheap MAC product you immediately think 'FAKE'. Well, I know a little shop that has real MAC for a discounted price.

The shop I'm talking about is called Cosmetics Company Outlet, and after a little research I found out that there is more than one store and for more information, see Charlotte from Lipglossiping's blog post on it. The one I'm talking about is in Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. The area itself is lovely and full of outlet stores which I could spend all of my money in. There's also lots of restaurants and lovely views of the harbour; very worth a day visit (You can use that sentence when persuading your boyfriend to go with you.)

Cosmetics Company Outlet sells all Estee Lauder products (there may be more than you think!). These include MAC, Bobbi Brown, Clinique and Estee Lauder itself. The shop is quite small, so of course they don't store everything but they have a wide range. A few things I noticed in the shop include:

MAC make up brushes (not all)
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Clinique Cleansers
A lot of perfumes
Bobbi Brown eyeshadow palettes
MAC eyeshadows and lipsticks
+ many many more.

Now, I'm sure you're all thinking 'Ssh Jess and just tell us how much things cost in there'. It's roughly 30% off. I purchased MAC Hue lipstick last week for £9.50 (RRP £13.00)

Does this shop sound like heaven to you? It is for me!

Meet May's Sponsor

This month's sponsor is Becca who has a lovely lovely blog and here's how she describes it:

BDP World is a blog that will never take itself too seriously, as I am still a bit intimidated by the whole blogging thing, really. You can expect bright, flashy nails, leopard print clothes and heaps of irreverence and silliness sprinkled over product reviews and the odd opinion piece. There's a lot to be said for making a bit of the internet your own, and for me, that's what BDP World is. If other people enjoy it, well, that's amazing! xxx

You can visit Becca's blog here.

Would you like to sponsor my blog in June? There are five spaces available. You can e-mail me (jesswd18@hotmail.com) or tweet me (@ditzyglamour) if you are interested.

x

Simple Nail Art

I'm no nail expert but I love playing around with different designs and my favourite by far is the leopard print designs I did a very long time ago. Today's nail art is a little bit more simple and definitely very easy to do.

I did one coat of Barry M's Cyan Blue. This colour is gorgeous, although I always get a little scared with bright blue nails. Also, I was amazed that one coat was perfect.

After it dried, I used Models Own Nail Art Pen in White and did dots randomly on my nails. It's not perfect, but I'm pretty pleased with the results and it's perfect for anyone who wants to start dabbling with nail art.

Any nail art you'd like me to try? I'm willing to give anything a go!

Your Questions Answered.

I'm hoping to do a little Q&A post in a few weeks time, and I need your help as I clearly can't ask myself questions. You may not have any to ask, but if there are any questions you think I, as a beauty blogger or frugal blogger (not quite sure what to call it), may know, then please ask.

Examples could include:

- Opinions on anything beauty related, e.g. hair problems, skincare tips

- Any question regarding the Open University

- Any money worries you have, or anything you would like to know regarding how I save money

- Blogging questions (I've been blogging for almost 2 years)

- Anything random!

I love seeing other Q&A blog posts and videos and I think it would benefit anyone. You can leave questions below in the comment box, you can e-mail them at jesswd18@hotmail.com. You can even tweet me or be anonymous and use Formspring! All information is on my contact page.

First OOTD (I think...)

Now I'm not normally one to do 'fashion' posts, and it's clearly obvious I'm not used to it as I look so awkward in the photo's but I can't resist blogging about my lovely new dress. If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know that I got up super early on Tuesday and headed to Primark in Southampton in the hope of grabbing some bargains. I would definitely recommend going early (ideally as soon as it opens) as it's always tidy, empty, and even the sales assistants are lovely and not stressed. I only spent about £25 but I got a lot of lovely little accessories which I'll show in another blog post.

Dress (came with belt) - Primark

Leggings - H&M

Shoes - New Look

Cardigan - New Look

Bracelet and necklace - Gift

The dress is actually a size 8 which I thought would be too small. I'm glad I tried it on though as clearly it fits.

Let me know if you like these posts and I'll try to force my awkward self into more photos. :)

x

The Body Shop Shimmer Cube Palettes

When it comes to eye shadow, I have such a big collection but use hardly any of it. I prefer using palettes, especially my Urban Decay Naked Palette, and so everything else rarely gets a look in. As I travel to Aiden's reguarly, it's not practical to take my Naked Palette with me as it's quite big and the less I have to carry, the better.

The Body Shop Shimmer Cube Palettes are perfect. They contain four colours, which generally compliment each other and can be used together on their own. I have two; Shade 06 and 07. Shade 06 contains lovely neutral browns and is perfect for a natural smokey eye. Shade 07 (pictured) isn't online, but contains lovely colours.

What I love about these is that they are very pigmented, and they are perfect to travel with. They cost £16 which works out as £4 a shadow, which is pretty good. Also, each shadow is 4g! Compare that to a MAC eye shadow which has 1.6g.

There are a range of palettes available in store and online.

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