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. //