The Craft Company

I love baking, and I love any website that sells anything to do with baking. I was recently asked to review an item from The Craft Company website and I was overwhelmed by choice. I ended up in the recipe books section and came across a book called 50 Easy Party Cakes which caught my eye and I decided to choose.

The book itself has incredibly clear pictures and an array of cake decorating ideas with simple steps. I can't wait to try some of them, although I'm not sure if they'll be as good as the pictures!

The Craft Company itself has an incredible range of items including ingredients, decorations, and baking sets and I will definitely be purchasing from there again once we've got our own place and I can have an area for all my baking finds!

Where do you get your baking items from?

Favourite Samples

Samples are something I come across often. Whether it's a freebie in a magazine (although I tend not to buy magazines much these days) or something like Glossybox (although I unsubscribed), I seem to have collected a majority of samples. During my aim to de-size my collection, I thought I'd start on the samples and smaller sized products as they'd get used up the quickest. Here's my pick of the bunch.

Soap and Glory Clean on Me shower gel - link

I love this Shower Gel as it always lathers up nicely and has a gorgeous scent. I have a larger size bottle which I use to fill this up so I can take it to London with me when I visit family.

Eve Lom Rescue Mask - link

I got this in the Latest in Beauty advent calendar and fell in love. Although the full size version is a little pricey, I think it's worth it as it really worked well on my skin and reduced all blemishes.

Lee Stafford Poker Straight Dehumidifier - link

This is one of the best hair products I've ever used, and I'm not sure why I'd never tried it before. Almost every day I used to battle with frizz, and this just banishes it all without weighting my hair down. No stray hairs anymore! I will be getting the bigger size version on my next shopping trip because I really love it.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream - link

Again, another item I got in the advent calendar, which I really like because it smells amazing, but not too overpowering, and it is really moisturising due to the shea butter in it. :)

Where do you get most of your samples from?

This Week #6

 

// Enjoying my new clean car // Hot bath and a book // My best friend this week // A cheeky Shakeaway

 

- So this week I got ill. It came as a shock to me as I never get ill. I get the odd headache now and then, but what I thought was a sniffle got worse and worse and Friday I couldn't get out of bed. I think it was more the bad night's sleep that made me feel awful because I couldn't lay down without struggling to breathe. Luckily it's passed now, and I'm feeling back to my usual self again!

- Not much else has happened this week; I feel like I've got into a blogging routine too. I do a 'This Week' post every Sunday, and then a blog post on Tuesday and Thursday/Friday. It helps me feel less stressed as I usually have a few blog posts scheduled in case I'm busy all week. Today is a blogging day though, so I'm hoping to get lots done.

x

My Top 5 Current Lipsticks

Before I started blogging, I never wore lipstick and never owned any. However, I've slowly fell in love with them and eventually built up a little collection big enough to have a top five. I own lipsticks from a lot of brands and they range in price from £1 to over £20. Here's the lipsticks I find myself reaching for the most at the moment.

l-r // Topshop Pillow Talk, MUA Shade 15, MAC Hue, Revlon Lip Butter Cotton Candy, YSL Rouge Volupte Shade 1

 

 

Topshop Pillow Talk £8.00 - link

 

I purchased this when it was still part of their limited edition range, but luckily they've added it to their range. It provides a lovely pink matte finish and feels lovely and soft. Perfect for summer!

 

 

MUA Shade 15 Juicy - £1.00 - link

 

I am obsessed with this colour. I purchased this one because I wanted to break away from the traditional pink and went for a slight coral, but not too bright! This nude/coral colour lasts all day too. Definitely worth trying MUA lipsticks.

 

MAC Hue £14.00 - link

 

I found this in the Cosmetics Company Outlet store in Gunwharf Quays (I blogged about it here) and only paid £9.50 for it. It's a perfect every day nude lipstick and I do admire Mac for selling moisturised lipsticks.

 

 

Revlon Lip Butter Cotton Candy £7.99 - link

 

Okay so it's not exactly a lipstick but I have been wearing it almost every day for the last two weeks. They are incredibly moisturising and creamy, yet they are pigmented and give a long lasting coverage. I have two lip butters but definitely want to get more.

 

 

YSL Rouge Volupte Shade 1 - £24.50 - link

 

Sometimes I just can't justify a price on something, but with this I can. It feels so soft on my lips and has the creamiest texture. The colour is one of my favourites, and I am in love with the packaging.

 

x

 



A Day Out In Chichester

When the sun comes out, lots of people seem to as well, don't they? We all come out of hiding and embrace the sunshine. Aiden and I both had a day off on Saturday so we decided to go and visit Chichester in West Sussex.

Chichester is a cathedral city that has some of Great Britain's oldest churches and buildings. We didn't explore much of it but we spent our day strolling around the shops, and taking in the culture. Chichester has a mixture of high street shops such as Topshop and River Island, and small independent shops (including many selling cupcakes and sweets!). Another thing that surprised me is how happy and friendly everyone is there, although I'm not sure if that was because of the sunshine!

I had a lovely time there and I'll definitely be going back to visit, especially as it's less than an hour away from where I live.

This Week #5

// Lunch with Mum // My brother making me pancakes :) // My baby <3 // Twister lolly // Aiden's certificate letter // Lunch at Slug and Lettuce // Car cleaned inside // Car cleaned outside // Painting //

 

 

- Don't you find that being out in the sun allows you to get so much more done? This is the first time since starting this little series that I feel like I've done a lot with my week. I started my week in London visiting my family, and I sorted through all my stuff there and gave a ton of stuff to charity which felt pretty good. It was also nice to just spend time with my family and chill out. I also cleaned my car fully inside and out which I've been putting off for so long. It looks so much better now.

 

- Aiden passed his theory test first time this week too. I am so so proud of him and always knew he would do it. And on Saturday we went to Chichester for the day (but I'm going to do a full blog post on that).

 

- I'd also like to ask what type of blog posts are your favourites. I'm struggling with reviews as I don't have much spare money at the moment so I'd love to see what you like to read the most.

 

x

April Favourites

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover - review // £4.99

This has made my life so much easier, as I used to get so frustrated with normal nail polish remover and cotton wool. I've been using it regularly and it still works just as good every time.

Collection 2000 Pump Up The Volume Mascara - review // £4.99

I've had this for a while, but only recently have I started using it again (trying to use up some products). I really love the intense volume it gives.

The Body Shop Almond Nail and Cuticle Oil - link // £7.00

No matter how much I grew my nails, the cuticles were always awful until I started using this. This tidies my cuticles and it has also strengthened my nails which was definitely needed as I used to always bite them and they would break very easily. It's very easy to use and perfect for travelling with.

Real Techniques Stippling Brush - review // £11.99

This brush has definitely got my seal of approval and I will be buying more from the range. Even after washing them, it feels luxurious and leaves my foundation looking flawless.

Review | Real Techniques Stippling Brush

The Real Techniques make up brushes have been orbiting the blogging world for a while now, and ever since the lovely Samantha Chapman from Pixiwoo released them, I've wanted to get my hands on them. Before my spending ban, I popped into Boots and took advantage of their 3 for 2 offer. I bought just the one brush, but now I know I will head back for more once my spending ban is up.

I decided to purchase the Stippling brush after seeing it featured on many blogs and Youtube videos. The brush is a perfect all rounder, and can be used with liquid foundations, powder foundations, cream blushers, highlighters and setting powders.

So far I've just used it for liquid foundation and a setting powder. I found that my foundation went much further so I used less foundation and got the same coverage. It blended in so well, and looked flawless and natural, but still allowing me to have good coverage. I love it so much, it has taken over my old holy grail foundation brush from Sigma. I prefer to use a larger brush for powder, but it still provided good coverage.

 

Not only does the brush do an amazing job, it is also made of synthetic hairs and therefore 100% cruelty free. I'm actively trying to make sure that the products I purchase from now on are cruelty free (although it's quite a struggle as you never know what is and what isn't!)

I couldn't recommend the collection more, I'll definitely be getting more than one next time! The Real Techniques brushes are available in Boots.

This Week #4

Blogging // Me // Best flavour crisps // My comfy Jack Wills trackies // Organised beauty shelf // Isle of Wight

 

 

- I almost forgot to blog this as it just doesn't feel like a Sunday to me. I think it's because I worked Thursday to Sunday this week. I went to the Isle of Wight for three of those days and although it was a very long journey, I actually really like it there. I'm definitely going to go back, but for a visit rather than to work!

 

- I did a lot of spring cleaning and organising this week (you can see the before of my beauty table on Instagram - my name is ditzyglamour) and it feels good to have things tidy. I've also been ebaying again too.

 

- I'm so excited for Off Their Rockers tonight. It's one of a few shows that can make me laugh at loud lately. Anyone else loving it?

 

x

Jess's Guide To: The Perfect Foundation

I'm planning to start a little series on making the most out of your make up and getting it just right for you. I'm not an expert, and most of my advice will come from things I've been taught, things I've read, and things I've found out through practice. I hope you'll find at least one thing useful. Today I'm writing about finding the perfect foundation, but I hope to do the rest soon (let me know in the comments which make up 'area' you struggle with the most)

Choosing the right formula

Decide what type of base you want depending on what coverage you want and what skin type you have. It does differ for each person, but here's a rough guide to each skin type.

Oily/combination skin

An oil free foundation will absorb excess oil and give you light/medium coverage. Alternatively, you could use a powder compact or mineral powders. If you want full coverage, I'd suggest using a liquid/cream foundation and a powder on top. Mineral foundation won't block your pores, but no matter which foundation you use, always be sure to remove all of it after as you don't want it to stay on your skin.

Normal skin

If you want light coverage, then a tinted moisturiser or BB cream would be ideal (especially if you're skin is clear). If you want a bit more coverage, then a liquid foundation is ideal.

Dry skin

Again you could use a tinted moisturiser or a liquid foundation. You could also use a tinted face balm if you have very dry skin. If you have dry skin, use a moisturising foundation.

// There is no reason why you can use a different foundation to what is generally recommended for you. I have oily/combination skin but I use liquid foundations. However, I set them with a powder as I find this works best for me. Play around with make up, get makeovers done, so you can find what's best for you and your skin. //

Choosing the right colour

For me, there is nothing worse than having the wrong colour. However, it's so easy to make the mistake. There's plenty of things you can do to make sure you get the right colour.

- Test the foundation on your jawline, never your hand. The foundation should disappear into your skin when blended. If you can see it, it's not right.

- Try two or three shades next to each other. You might find two shades are very similar but one is more pink-toned and one more yellow.

- Test in natural light. Go to a window or outside for a better look. A second opinion is also useful!

Application

It's up to you which tools you use. A brush is best for fuller coverage. I don't think sponges are that great, as most of the foundation disappears into the sponge. You can also use your fingers as the heat from your fingers helps it blend in.

- Always moisturise first. Even if you have oily skin (use an oil free moisturiser). A primer will also help foundation to set and last longer, but it's not a necessity.

- Apply foundation to problem areas first. I find that using a small amount at a time and building up slowly is much better than just slapping it on.

- Blend, blend, blend. Take the foundation right to your hairline, on your ears, and blend into your neck so there's no line.

Help!

- Too shiny? Use a powder on top.

- Too yellow? Use a lighter foundation

- Doesn't match your neck? Use a bronzer on your neck (not too much!) It looks more natural to make your neck darker than it is to make your face lighter.

- Feel free to leave any problems/questions below and I'll do my best to answer.

// Quick tip: If a foundation has SPF in it, do not wear it if you are having photos taken with flash. You will come up very white! (Talking from experience!) //

This Week #3

// My diary // A quick OOTD // Sunshine // Hot chocolate // New shoes // Aiden hard at work // Ice cream with sprinkles // Cup of tea and the marathon // Heading to work in the sunshine //

 

- What lovely weather we've had this week. It feels like summer is definitely on it's way but I'm not sure how long it will last. I couldn't resist taking a few pictures of the sunshine. I need to be more inventive with my photos though as I keep forgetting to take them!

 

- I went to Bournemouth this week for a training course but sadly didn't take any pictures. It is such a lovely area though and I'm definitely going to go back in the summer and visit the beach! Next week I'm off to the Isle of Wight so I promise I'll get some photos!

 

- My thoughts are with everyone who was injured in the Boston marathon. It was so sad to see the whole story unfold on the news. <3

 

x

 

 

30 Ways To Save £1

As you may or may not know, today marks the 30th anniversary of the £1 coin, and Moneysupermarket.com have asked me to share 30 ways that I would save £1 (or maybe even more). Now most of you may have read my other money saving blog (which I sadly deleted as I wanted to focus on this one) but money saving is still a big part of my life, as I'm currently saving up for a house!

I've decided to make it more appealing to my blog readers and by including tips that I think you will all like and use - so I'm going to split it into sections - shopping, beauty and fashion! (plus a few others you may not know)

Shopping

1. Sign up to cashback sites such as Quidco and Topcashback. You'll get money back when you shop online (and sometimes in store). Most shops are on there so it's worth checking!

2. Always write a list, so you know exactly what you're getting and don't buy more of what you don't need.

3. Bulk buy when items are discounted, especially items like deoderant and cotton wool which you'll always need.

4. Take cash when you shop and leave your card at home. That gives you a limit and you can't go over.

Beauty

5. Cut bottles and tubes open. When you think you've finished it, you probably haven't!

6. Make your own hand scrub using sugar and oil.

7. Put mascara in a cup of warm water to loosen it and get more out of it.

8. Store nail polish in the fridge so it lasts longer.

9. Make your own facemasks instead of buying from the shop. (There are lots of recipes online!)

Fashion

10. If your trousers are too short, cut them into shorts.

11. Wear shoes on opposite days so it gives them time to repair and they'll last much longer.

12. Search for clothes in charity shops - you'll get good finds!

Other

13. Switch saving accounts after introductory offers are up.

14. Turn your heating down by just one degree (you'll save £100s per year)

15. Make your own gifts for friends and family (Pinterest will help you!)

16. Make your own lunch/coffee each day instead of purchasing (even just trying this for one week will help you see how much you can save from doing this)

17. Leave your car at home and walk for just one journey a week can save you money!

18. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.

19. Visit all toothpaste websites and get free samples of toothpaste (They all do them!)

20. Check all insurance quotes to make sure you're getting the best one.

21. Set a budget, and reduce it every 3 months/6 months (even by just £1!)

22. Set up a direct debit to your savings account on payday (even just £1)

23. Don't throw away odd socks - use them as dusters.

24. Keep bananas seperate from other fruits as this stops them going off so quick.

25. Cook extra when making dinner and freeze it for those lazy days (stops you buying a takeaway)

26. Turn lights off if you aren't in the room.

27. Make your own! Anything from cakes, biscuits, bread etc.

28. Grow your own vegetables and herbs.

29. Instead of buying gifts, offer to provide a service instead (e.g. free babysitter for the night)

30. Have a clear out and sell on ebay or at car boot sales!

What tips do you have that I haven't mentioned? Let me know in the comments. Or even feel free to do this blog post yourself - the details are here.

*sponsored post

Wishlist | John Lewis (Home)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

 

John Lewis is a shop I have really fallen in love with recently. Their decor is beautiful and everytime I go into their store I find myself in their home section dreaming away my money. Luckily for us, we have £100 of vouchers which we won't spend until we actually move in somewhere, but I have a list worth much more than that of what I'd love to get. I really want to make our house a home. I'm pretty sure it won't be the biggest house, but we will make it ours and I think John Lewis will really help create that.

 

What other shops have nice home things in? Next, Ikea and Debenhams are all on my list. I'll probably do wishlists for those shops too.

 



Review | Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover

Having just started growing my nails and being able to paint them, I was excited to try the Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover. It drives me mad removing nail polish normally and I always tend to get bits of cotton wool stuck everywhere. Just me?

The Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover requires no cotton wool - you simply just dip your finger into the sponge, twist, and remove. To be honest, I didn't think it would be that good as surely it wouldn't be that easy to remove nail polish?

I was wrong. This product is a life saver. It was very easy to use, and most of the nail polish came off with just one twist. The photo belows shows this, but the rest came off after a second twist. There was no scrubbing needed, and it didn't leave any wet residue on my fingers either.

// please excuse my horrible nails - I'm still trying to grow them! //

 

The polish remover has a red fruit and vanilla fragrance, which you can't smell in the pot, however you can smell it on your fingers after - which was quite nice.

This is perfect for travelling with as I always have a fear of nail polish remover going everywhere, and I would definitely recommend it. My only worry is how long will it last, so if you've had it for a while do let me know!

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover costs £4.99 and is available at Boots and Superdrug.

This Week #2

Blue Greatest Hits // Natural hair // Free chicken nuggets // My three babies // Me and my brother // Having a drink for my great grandad // Grandad's flowers <3 // John Lewis at home window shopping // Pizza Hut

 

 

- This week seems to have flown by. I can't believe I haven't blogged since Tuesday. I think it's because I try to post every other day but I went to London on Thursday so I forgot.

 

- This week has been up and down in emotions. I went to London for my great grandad's funeral, which was such a lovely send off. It was also nice to see my family, but it felt so weird being in his local pub and him not being there.

 

- I also popped in to a John Lewis at home store for a bit of window shopping (still on a spending ban!). They have such lovely things in there, it's really inspired me to keep saving for our own place.

 

- I've got quite a few new ideas for blog posts which are a bit different from normal so I'm looking forward to cracking on with them. I'm planning to schedule lots of blog posts tonight!

 

x

Interiors | The White Company

Ever since Aiden and I made the plan to save up for our own home, I've been searching the high streets and websites for things that will make our house a home. Now we haven't actually got our own place yet, but that hasn't stopped me planning.

The White Company is one of my favourite shops. Every time you go in, it smells gorgeous and you're overwhelmed by the beautiful home interiors, from their candles to their bed covers. I even applied for a job there, and got it! Sadly the hours weren't enough but I would have ravished that staff discount.

When I think of my dream bedroom, I see white furniture, pale blue walls and bed covers and an array of cushions and candles. The Dream cushion* from The White Company will fit in perfectly with my plan and it's inspired me to find more to go with it.

I recently visited their Gunwharf Quays store, which is an outlet (hence Aiden not wanting me to go in there as he knows I'll spend!) and they have the most amazing candles. When my spending ban is up, I'll be purchasing this gift set of candles.

This Week #1

Finishing work at 7pm and coming out to daylight // Two treats for stopping biting my nails // What I won from Money Supermarket // Gnomes in Sainsburys // My new iPad background // Me and my baby brother who turned 16 yesterday

 

- This has definitely been a week of working hard and playing hard. Last night I went out for the first time in Portsmouth city centre with girls from work and had one of the best nights in ages. I'm feeling it today though!

 

- Week one of the two month spending ban and it's going well (apart from last night, but I did pre-drink and didn't spend a lot out!). I've started writing a wishlist for what I want to get when it's over, and I'm also rediscovering some old products that I've fallen in love with again.

 

- I'm off to London next week for my great grandad's funeral and to see my brother who is now 16 (making me feel way too old!). I'm looking forward to spending time with my family.

 

 

 

March Empties

Seeing as I didn't do an empties last month, I have a fair amount this month. So the blog post should really be called February/March empties.

This month I tended to finish a lot of shower gels (which is great because my collection was bordering on obsessive) and face washes. Rather than chopping and changing products, I've been focusing on using the same things day in day out, which is a bit boring but it clears out my cupboards. And now I'm on a spending ban for the next two months, I hope to see my collection decrease a fair amount.

Here's what I used up:

 

Products I'll miss the most:

 

Ted Baker Body Butter // It smelt so gorgeous and left my skin feeling so soft.

 

Soap and Glory Perfume // Again, it smelt so good.

 

Sanctuary Face Wash // It felt like a spa treatment in a bottle, and lasted for ages.

 

Leave your March empties links below.

March Favourites

Hairy Jayne Hair Perfume // review

I'm still amazed by how gorgeous this smells, and whenever I use it I catch a drift of the scent every now and then. It's going to last ages too as you don't need a lot.

Nars Orgasm Illuminator //

I received this in a Glossybox way back when it first began and after using it a few times then, it's sort of sat in my drawer and not been used. I started using it last month and fell in love again. I can't work out what it smells like but I love it, and it leaves my skin with a healthy glow. This will be perfect for summer when I don't want to wear too much make up. (If we get a summer!)

Vaseline Healthy Hands and Stronger Nails Hand Cream // review

Every night before we go to bed, my boyfriend and I both use this hand cream. I think he loves it more than I do! I've been growing my nails for the last few weeks as I used to bite them, and this has really helped them stay strong and grow.

Ted Baker Body Wash // link to website

Working my way through my shower gels, I don't usually give them much thought. However, this one smells like jelly babies. It lathers up so well, and feels like a luxury shower gel even though it only costs £5.50.

10 Things I've Learned Lately.

I recently read Jennie's blog on things she'd learned lately and I thought it was a perfect opportunity for me to do a little update for you all. I haven't blogged in a while, and I thought this was a good way to get back into it. So here's 10 things I've learned lately. Enjoy.

1 / People don't live forever.

It seems like I should know this already, right? Deep down, of course I do, but you never expect it.

2 / Don't be ashamed of anything.

My blog is my pride and joy, and a lot of people in the 'real world' know about it, but I still find it so awkward to talk about it. I've learned to start being proud of it, I've been blogging for almost 3 years now, I think I should be shouting it from the rooftops!

3 / Talking doesn't make it happen.

I've been doing a lot of talking about saving money (ususally in the queue to buy something!) and I've learned to do less talking and more doing. I'm tempted to do updates on money saving but I'm not sure.

4 / You can never be overdressed or overeducated.

Just a quote I heard that has stuck. I think it's so true.

5 / Making other people happy makes me happy.

There's nothing I love more than making other people happy, and the more I do it, the more I seem to be happy myself.

6 / Spring means nothing to the UK weather.

Where is the Sun?!

7 / A hug, a laugh, a bath or a nap solves pretty much anything.

I don't know why I never realised this before.

8 / Everything happens for a reason.

However, I need to be that reason for getting where I want to be.

9 / It's okay to not like the same things as everyone else.

If we were all the same, life would be boring.

10 / Life is what you make it.

So get out there and live it. I am.

// This post is dedicated to my great grandad Gary. My great-grandad was someone I thought would always be around, but sadly we lost him on the 23rd March 2013. I'll always be greatful that I got to have 20 years with my great grandad in my life - not many people can say that - but it still doesn't make it any easier. I'm just reassured by the fact that he's not in any pain anymore. I'll miss his stories, and he'll always be my great great grandad. I love you. //

Hair | How To Do A Fishtail Plait

Lately I've been trying to do more hairstyles that are still easy to do in the morning's and don't take too long to do. For the past few months I've been stuck in a ponytail rut, and I desperately needed to get out if it. So every day I try and do a different hairstyle, even if it's just up in a bun, down with a headband, or a fishtail plait.

When I first saw fishtail plaits, I immediately thought it would be so difficult to do, but in fact it isn't. It might take a few tries to get it looking perfect, but I quite like the messy look anyway. I did try and film a video to show this, as it's easier, but it came out awful so hopefully my words will do it justice.

1. Brush hair to one side.

2. Using your hands, seperate the hair into two. (For a normal plait you would do three).

3. Simply take a small amount of hair from the end of one segment, and cross it over to the other section.

4. Then take a small amount of hair from the second segment and cross it over to the first.

5. Repeat until you've got to the end then tie with a hairband.

That's really it! At first I found it a bit fiddly as you have to hold two sections plus cross a bit over at the same time, but you get the hang of it.

Here's the finished look:

I've done it quite loose here, but you can create a tighter plait too (which also looks amazing). And if my words don't explain it well enough, there's plenty of videos on Youtube showing you how.

What other simple hair ideas are there? I need inspiration!

 

 x

Review | The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream

I've spent a long time searching for the perfect day cream. And I think I've found it.

The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream is for combination/oily skin. How it works is it moisturises dry patches of skin and mattifies oily patches of skin.

Throughout my teenage years I had oily skin. I'd get horrible breakouts and I now have the scars to prove it (never pick spots, you'll regret it like I now do). However, recently I've started getting dry patches around my nose and my mouth which shocked me as I've never had to deal with dry skin before. All the skincare products I used dried out these areas even more (as they are for oily skin) so I invested in the Seaweed Day Cream.

 

The cream has a very light consistency and a subtle clean smell. I apply onto my skin using my fingers (or sometimes a foundation brush) and it sinks in immediately. There's no residue left on my skin, and my dry patches feel moisturised instead of sore. There's no shine and throughout the day my skin feels 'normal'.

I would definitely recommend this cream to anyone who has slightly oily skin or combination skin. Most people with oily skin tend to think they shouldn't moisturise but you should - it's all about finding a moisturiser that is best for oily skin, like this one!

The Seaweed range is available online and in store at The Body Shop.

x

Meet My Blog Advertiser & Ways To Follow My Blog

Each month I offer blog advertisements to bloggers and small business owners, with plenty included in the package (see my advertising page for more details). This month I have one advertiser, who has such a lovely and beautifully presented blog, which I was a fan of before she started appearing on my sidebar.

Carousel Diary features a mixture of blog posts, from beauty reviews to fashion and I love that, like me, sometimes she can't resist buying a few purchases. She's also a bit of a whizz at social media, so if you need a hand with that, head over to her blog.

If you would like to advertise on my blog, feel free to tweet me at @ditzyglamour or e-mail me at jesswd18@hotmail.com My rates are really good, and there's lots involved too.

Also, there's lots of rumours about GFC going, so just incase, here's a few ways to keep up with my blog.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ditzyglamour
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ditzyglamour
Bloglovin: http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2559980/ditzy-glamour
HelloCotton: http://www.hellocotton.com/mypage/ditzyglamour

Let me know how you usually catch up on your favourite blogs, I'd love to know.

x

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Give and Make Up

When I set my New Year Resolutions in January, one of them was to be more charitable. However, as I'm saving this year, I didn't want to just hand over money, so I had to find other ways.

Give and Make Up is something I heard about last year and what they ask for is everyday essentials that they can give to women and children who have suffered from domestic violence. They don't ask for money and they are non-profitable. It all goes to those who need it most.

Statistics about domestic violence are quite shocking, and after going through something like that - a little bit of help goes a long way. Some of these women and children have left their homes with nothing, and so a little bit of help can make a difference to their lives.

I think Give and Make up is such an amazing idea, and I think bloggers should really do their bit. The list of items you can send includes pretty much anything, from body lotions to hair dye to lipstick. They also accept anything for babies and hair straighteners etc. There is a full list here. They also take samples. If you're fortunate enough to receive PR samples - used it once and didn't like it - donate it!

Now you could always go shopping and buy items to donate too - most things are really cheap, especially shower gels etc. However, I decided to raid my cupboards and give them some items that I don't use.

For more details, visit their website - and even if you don't have anything to donate, at least spread the word. Share this blog post, or write your own. Do your bit. :)

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Review | Benefit They're Real Mascara

Benefit They're Real is a mascara that I've lusted over for a long time. So when there was a small sample in the Latest in Beauty advent calender, I squealed with excitement.

 

It claims to lengthen, curl, volumize, lift and seperate lashes - everything I look for in a mascara. I have such a collection of mascaras, but most claim to just do one or two of these. I normally shy away from mascara reviews as there's only so many words you can use to describe it - and a picture shows it all - but my camera was always rubbish. However, for Christmas I got a new camera so I put it to the test and you can really see how good this mascara (and my camera!) really is.

 [left - no mascara. right - two coats of they're real]

 

Look at the amazing difference! I love how it was so easy to apply and didn't clump my lashes at all. It lasted all day and even was a struggle to get off at the end of the day.

 

I would definitely recommend this mascara, it's perfect for those of you who, like me, can't seem to put on false eyelashes. You won't need them with this!

 

Benefit They're Real Mascara retails for £18.50.

 

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February Favourites

For the first time in a very long time, it was incredibly easy to find favourites this month. Normally, I haven't used many new products and so I can't think what I've loved, but this month I tried lots of new products and fell in love with a few.

Purity One Step Facial Cleanser - RRP £17.50

This cleanser has been a part of my collection for quite a while but for some reason I never used it. After finishing my Sanctuary face wash, I started using this as I'm trying to use up everything before I buy new things and all I can say is wow. I'm going to do a full review soon, but I'd highly recommend it as it is a cleanser and toner in one, so perfect for anyone who struggles to get into a skincare routine.

The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Body Mist - RRP £7.50

Smelling nice is so important to me, and I really love wearing different fragrances and body mists. The Body Shop's range of body mists all smell gorgeous, and Pink Grapefruit is a strong favourite. It smells so so good, and it lasts on your skin.

Pearl Drops Transform Instant Beauty

I've been trying out different whitening products and this one is by far one of my favourites. I use it every morning (and a regular toothpaste at night) and I can already see a big difference.

Benefit They're Real Mascara - RRP £18.50

This. Is. My. Best. Mascara. Ever. I am so in love with it and I will definitely be purchasing a full size when this runs out. I've got a full review coming soon with before and after pictures just to show how much this changes your lashes.

PS. No February empties this month. I only have two and it's not worth a blog post. I'll add them to next month's.

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