Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Light Moisturiser for Combination/Oily skin

Hello lovelies!

I was kindly sent the next two steps of Liz Earle's Daily Essentials. You can read my review of the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser here.

Instant Boost Skin Tonic - £11.75 for 200ml

'This heavenly floral-scented, non-drying toner refreshes, soothes and brightens your skin. Gentle and alcohol-free, it also adds a fine layer of moisture.'

This is so, so refreshing. It also comes in a 'spritzer' (a spray) bottle, which would work wonders in the Summer to freshen up. Some toners sting when you apply them but I haven't experienced that with this. This refreshes my skin, which is nice, but I haven't noticed it having any other benefits. I find it difficult to see physical changes with toners.

Skin Repair Light Moisturiser for Combination/Oily skin - Pump and tube packaging - £17.60 each

'Light and gentle, this easily absorbed moisturising lotion is ideal for combination, oily or problem skin.'

This feels light on the skin (it is called light moisturiser, after all). What I mean by that, is that it doesn't clog my pores and sit on my skin. It absorbs into my skin well, which is important for people with oily skin because you do not need any extra residue sitting on the surface. 

Both of these products, along with the cleanser, are good to use all year round, but especially in the Summer because the regime is so light and refreshing.

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Someday Summary - Tuesday

Since I finished my exams Friday, I haven't done a great deal!

• I'm making sure I do something each day so I don't get bored. So far, I've tidied my room, washed my make up brushes, walked the dogs multiple times and bathed them.
•  I had a load of Sleek brushes, which I won last year, and yesterday I shoved them under my bed. The quality of them is not up to scratch. I can't believe Sleek want 80 odd pounds for the set! I'm now left with my trusty ELF Studio brushes :)
• I'm becoming more confident with how I look. I still don't think I'm pretty (don't think I ever will!) but I'm not repulsed when I look in the mirror. I think it's because I haven't been at school for a few weeks so I haven't been comparing myself to other people.

• I went to the shops today and bought some childhood favourites! They're no longer 1p though - they're 2p!

• These are delicious! 10 for £1.99 at Lidl!

• I live in Plymouth, Devon, right next to the Tamar River, which is in-between Devon and Cornwall. I took the dogs for a walk today and brought my camera along. The photos aren't very good because it was so sunny and the dogs would not stay still!

Looking over to Saltash, Cornwall.

Tug of war!

Jessie :)

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June Favourites!

I haven't done one of these posts in a while! I rarely change my routine so don't see the need in showing you the same products every month. I don't think the products below have been featured in a monthly favourites though, so it's all good!

Sleek Rose Gold Blush and Bloom Shadow Liner in Soft Taupe

ELF Eyelash Curlers - £1.50

Recently, my eyelashes have lost their curl so these have been part of my morning routine. If you're looking for a pair of eyelash curlers, I'd definitely recommend these.

Carex Grapefruit & Lime Hand Gel - £1 something

This smells so refreshing and makes a necessity that little bit more interesting.

Sleek Rose Gold Blush - £4.30

I didn't expect to like this as much as I do. In the pan and swatched, it's nice, but doesn't blow me away. On the cheeks however, it gives a beautiful glow. It also lasts all day.

Boots Extracts Mango and Brazil Nut Body Butters (post here) - £2.55 for 50ml

These smell ah-maz-ing! The mango one smells like, well, mango! and the brazil nut one smells sweet, like fudge. They are also very moisturising. I would definitely recommend these over The Body Shop ones.

Bloom Shadow Liner in Soft Taupe - $25

I've been wearing this literally everyday for months! I don't like wearing black eyeliner anymore because it can look too harsh. This colour is perfect at defining your eyes and looking natural at the same time. However, this brand is hard to get hold of in the UK and is fairly expensive.

Bourjois Volume Fast & Perfect Mascara - £11.99

 The rotating wand works surprisingly well! However, it works just as well without the wand rotating. This gives your lashes volume and length. A review of this will be up soon :)

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Sleek Goodies Galore!

I have quite a few Sleek goodies to show you! I was one of the winners from Sleek's recent FB competition and bagged myself the Mediterranean collection, 10 True Colour lipsticks and a Luminaire concealer. I then bought Pixie Pink and Flamingo blushes from a blog sale and the Storm palette & Rose Gold blush online.

Palettes: Storm and Monaco

Blushes: Pixie Pink, Flamingo, Rose Gold and Santorini

Lipsticks: Stiletto, Papaya Punch, Coral Reef, Peaches & Cream, Barely There, Liqueur, Baby Doll, Fuchsia,  Amped and Mystic

Pout Polish: Monte Carlo

Concealer: Lo1

I will be reviewing the products in separate posts. If I didn't, I would be taking photos for hours and this post would be extremely long!

Oh and sorry the photos aren't very good; it was too much for my camera to handle!

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Shop!

I only bought my sister's birthday present and a few essentials but I thought I'd show you anyway. I personally find it quite useful when people show what essentials they've bought.

Boots:

17 blush in First Flush - £3.49

17 blush in China Pink - £3.49

Natural Collection WaterGuard mascara - 3 for £5

Natural Collection LashLength mascara - 3 for £5

Natural Collection LashCurl mascara - 3 for £5

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection foundation in Ivory - £5.99

17 Nail Bar in a Bag - Free when you purchase 2 or more 17 products

My sister's make up 'collection' consists of a foundation (Collection 2000), a very well used blush, a scratchy blush brush, a dried up mascara and a few lip balms. It saddens me when I look at the state of it! That is why I've bought her a load of make up for her birthday.

Wilkinsons and Poundland:

Wikinsons - Dove deodorant stick - £1.94

Wilkinsons - Germolene - £1.24

Poundland - Eucryl teeth whitening powder - £1

Poundland - Airwick squidgy air freshener thing in Country Berries - £1

Poundland - Dog rope toy - £1

I'm looking forward to using the teeth whitening powder; I'll let you know how it goes!

The air freshener smells so good!

And of course, I had to get Jessie another toy :)

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Exams are nearly over...

This post will be a ramble about my future, feelings and whatever else comes to mind. You've had your warning!


I've just had my Psychology exam and completely messed it up. People say "you've probably done better than you think" but I know I've failed. There's no way I could have passed. I've took four exams so far and have my last one on Friday. I don't feel confident about any of them and I'm definitely not going to do well in the exam Friday. I've ruined my chances of getting into Uni this year so I'm planning on getting a job, retaking my exams in January and applying for University next year. For all I care, the job can be scooping up doggy doos. As long as it keeps me occupied and I get paid for doing it. I've decided not to retake year 13 because I cannot be bothered to redo the whole year. I'm fine in lessons anyway, I just need to keep revising my notes and practise answering questions.


Anyyyway, onto a happier note; my exams are nearly finished and I'm going to have a good few months before I plan my next step. I'm going to make a list of things to do during the Summer. In previous years, I've wasted my Summers doing nothing so want to make the most of this year. The list will only comprise of small things, but as long as I do something each day, I won't get bored. For example, I'll aim to bake cookies and draw on one day. I'm also going to try and walk the dogs, read and write a few blog posts (of course) everyday. I also want to volunteer at my local RSPCA charity shop. It's one of my favourite charities and it will boost my confidence.


Oh, and I have STILL not received my Sleek prizes. It's been nearly three weeks. Tut tut.






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NIVEA - Feel Closer

NIVEA is 100 years old - happy birthday! They are celebrating how close people are to their loved ones in today's society. 

Psychologist Professor Geoff Beattie has found that we're closer than ever to our friends and families, which is good because they're vital for our health. Being close to others can help with: 

-a healthier heart – close social contact helps lower blood pressure and overall risk of heart disease. 

-lower risk of cancer – one study found women without a strong social and emotional support network were nine times more likely to be diagnosed with a malignant breast tumour during routine screening. 

-better mental health – loneliness and social isolation are major risk factors for conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to Alzheimer’s disease.

^ I've learnt something new today.

There are probably several interlinking reasons for all this, say scientists (And Louise, as she studied correlations in Psychology hehe). Lonely people are more likely to rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as smoking and excessive drinking. And, lacking the self-esteem boost we get from positive relationships, they may be less motivated to exercise and eat well. In addition, without someone to confide in during difficult times, the lonely may experience a build-up of stress that can have a direct physical impact, even accelerating the ageing process.

Personally, I don't have many friends and certainly no one I'm close to and this has made me less confident. Maybe I should put an ad in a newspaper? haha

To celebrate how close you are with your loved ones, you can take part in NIVEA’s A Million Moments of Closeness. Upload photos of you with your best friend, sibling, partner, parent or child at facebook.com/niveauk. Everyday, someone's photo is chosen and the winner will receive one of 100 prizes worth £100.

I think this is great. There is so much hate in the world and this helps us remember, that there is hope for the human population!

So go on - Feel closer.

Sponsored Post

Viral video by ebuzzing

Sleek Storm i-Divine Palette

Price: £6.49

Although the palettes have increased in price, they're still great value for money. These eyeshadows have fantastic pigmentation, just like the other palettes Sleek have to offer. Personally, I think Sleek eyeshadows can give higher end brands a run for their money. I'll let the swatches do the rest of the talking :)

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Update!

Good evening beautiful people!

My reason for why I haven't been blogging much recently is above. Look up... yeah there.

Exams... I've never been so stressed! In the past, I knew I could retake so wasn't nervous about failing, but this time I do not have that opportunity. Well... I do, but it then means I won't be going to University this/next year. I've taken two exams and have three to go. I cannot say how I've done because you really do not know until results day. 

Let me tell you, Media is the hardest subject to find motivation for. I've been meaning to do hardcore revision for it for the last two days but I've only managed a few hours, at most.

I realised this week that I only need CCD to get into Marjons, which has eased my stress levels... slightly. I say only but I think I'll be lucky to get that! At the beginning of sixth form, I thought 'Three C's will be easy to get'. Ooh how I was wrong. You really do need to put the effort in. I didn't and now I'm paying for it. Quite literally actually, because I had to pay to resit my exams. Seriously though, I don't care what grades I get, as long as I get into Uni.

My blog's 2nd birthday is in August! Times flies eh? If I get into Uni, I'll be holding a few giveaways to celebrate both. Cross your fingers for me! Or even better, if you know anyone who marks exam papers, give them my name along with a present of some sort ;)

I have so many posts coming up! You can see what ones by clicking 'Upcoming posts' at the top of the page. I have a number of Sleek products to post about. I won Sleek's Facebook competition so am receiving a load of products from that. I also bought a few blushes in a blog sale and I ordered a few things from their website. I'm going to have so much fun swatching!

My China Glaze and OPI collection. Oooh purdy.

Left to right: China Glaze For Audrey, OPI No Room For The Blues, Lucky Lucky Lavender, Shorts Story, Elephantastic Pink.

I won Hannah's giveaway and was allowed to choose two OPI polishes, so I chose No Room For The Blues and Lucky Lucky Lavender. Thank you again Hannah!

The basket I store my polishes in is overflowing, so I'm looking for some new storage. I don't want them in boxes because I like seeing them on display. I also don't want to spend over £15.

That reminds me, how gorgeous are the new Bourjois polishes? The bright/neon shades are right up my street. I was going to buy a few China Glaze polishes but think I'm going to buy the Bourjois ones instead. They're currently 3 for 2, so they'll work out cheaper.

I bought this diary at the beginning of the year. At £8.50, I think it's quite expensive. Do I use it? Nope. I'm used to my planner layout of a week per two pages and this diary uses a day per page layout. It's a shame because the diary is absolutely gorgeous.

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GlossyBox

May 2011 contents

I could have written this post a few weeks ago but didn't want to add yet another GlossyBox review to your dashboards! I've also been busy with my A Level exams (boo!).

If you do not already know, GlossyBox offers their customers the chance to try luxury products, without the price tag that comes with them. You pay £10 a month and each month you receive a box of 'high-end luxury product miniatures'.

The box you receive each month is beautifully packaged and feels like you're opening a present. I think the packaging is so nice because GlossyBox probably get most of the products for free, so they can afford to 'splurge' on the details. It's great advertising for the companies/brands so they're bound to offer GlossyBox a load of samples. I'm not complaining though! Everyone benefits :)

I love the concept. Personally, I cannot afford 'high-end' skincare and cosmetics but with this, I get the chance to try them out. However, if I end up loving a product, I'm unlikely to be able to purchase it because of the price tag. 

I was sent this box to review, so the question is, will I be signing up? No. At the moment, I cannot afford to spend £10 a month on basically, samples. But if you have the money, I think it is a great little treat to receive each month.

I'm not sure how great future boxes will be. I think the full sized NARS product in May's box was included to interest people, but you never know, this month's box may be just as good!

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