Review: The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser

From L-R: The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser, Partially blended

I ordered this online when The Body Shop had its 40% sale a few weeks back. The Tea Tree Pore Minimiser usually costs £7.50 for 30ml, which I think is fairly reasonable. When I opened the package, the tube was smaller than I thought it would be! Does anyone else find that happens when you order online? I think the packaging is great for travel though, as it's nice and compact. I also like that it's in a tube as it's more hygienic than a tub.

On use, straightaway you get a very strong whiff of tea tree. I personally really like the smell, but if you don't like the smell of tea tree, then this might not be for you. However the smell passes quickly. I only apply this to the places I get oily - forehead, nose, sides of my nose and chin and I find that I need approximately a pea size amount to cover these areas. It's easy to blend in and makes your skin look slightly paler over the applied areas, before settling to clear.

As soon as you apply it, the skin looks matte and feels soft. My pores look smaller and my skin looks smoother. By lunch, I usually have shine and my base usually wears away fastest on and around my nose. But after using this primer, I find that my skin doesn't get that shiny even 7 hours later! I still get some slight shine on my nostrils, but my forehead is fine. My make up lasts so much longer when I use this, which is a god send, especially when it's hot. I've never really been a big fan of primers, but boy am I glad I found this!

What is your favourite primer?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

November Favourites 2012

This month, I have been loving a number of products. I uploaded my favourites video to Youtube and I think this may have been one of my longest videos. I have also forgotten to include a few items in the photo above that were in my favourites video. Oops.

I have been enjoying using a lighter base over November and my favourites were Origins Vitazing and YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation. Although the Origins Vitazing is very sheer, it adds a nice healthy bit of colour and leaves my skin looking even once a bit of concealer is thrown into the mix. The YSL foundation is lovely. With 2 layers, I feel like my skin looks glowy, dewy and healthy. I like to set my base with Collection 2000 Sheer Loose Powder (not pictured), as it leaves the skin looking mattified but not chalky or cakey.

I have been wearing eyeshadow more often lately. I love using NYX Walnut all over the lid with Urban Decay's Naked (not pictured) in the crease, as they add a bit of definition without being too dark and dramatic for day time.

For lips, I have been using the Eve Lom Kiss Mix lip balm a lot. It's a lovely minty lip balm, which is glossy enough to pass as a lip gloss and keeps my lips feeling moisturised and soft. I have still been loving the MUA Lipstick in Shade 11 and I have also been enjoying using the Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain, as it adds a lovely pink tint to the lips which stays on for ages.

Ten's Instant Lifting Cream has been my favourite moisturiser of choice for the past few months. It has helped balance my oiliness and dry patches and has left my skin feeling so soft. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo is a godsend and helps to keep my skin clear. I have a more in depth review of that coming.

I have been loving this Radox Shower Gel in Brazilian Fusion. It kind of has a unisex scent, which is slightly musky but also a little fruity. It foams up nicely and doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or tight. Lastly, I have been loving this L'Oreal Everstrong conditioner. I love the herbally smell and the conditioner has left my hair feeling so soft and less frizzy.

What were you loving throughout November?

Thanks for reading. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #14

This month has been quite a successful empties month. A lot of the products were products that were half full and had been hanging around for a while, so I am glad that I have finally finished some of them.

Starting from the left, going clockwise:

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Butter

Review: This smells yummy and the scent lingers, which is great. I hate moisturisers which smell nice in the tub, but the scent doesn't transfer on the skin. This left my skin feeling so soft and never felt greasy.

Will I repurchase? Yes

Impulse City Collection 'London'

Review: I love body sprays, as they're great to throw into your bag and use on to go. This one has a lovely sweet scent, which some may find sickly but I really like it.

Will I repurchase? I'm not sure if this collection was limited edition, but if it wasn't - Yes

Garnier Pure Active Spot Purifying Toner

Review: This was a nice toner that left my skin feeling fresh. It had a slightly clinical smell, which was a little off putting. I like that it has 2% salicylic acid in, as salicylic acid helps with blemishes. It claims to fight spots and fade marks. To be honest, I didn't notice any difference in my skin when using this.

Will I repurchase? No

Soap and Glory Face Soap & Clarity Foaming Face Wash

Review: This cleanser was alright. It was an effective cleanser and left my skin feeling soft. It foams up slightly, but never left my skin feeling dried out or tight. This cleanser had little pink beads, which get absolutely everywhere!

Will I repurchase? Maybe

Origins High Potency Brightening Pads

Review: Here

Will I repurchase? Yes

Garnier Body Tonic Sugar Scrub

Review: Here

Will I repurchase? Yes

Fade Out Active Fade Cream

Review: This cream has an awful scent and can feel quite heavy on the skin. However, it truly works. I used this on my body where I have some areas of pigmentation and it seriously helped lighten them and even out the skin tone. It does take time, but it's worth the wait.

Will I repurchase? Yes

Elemis Balancing Lavender Facial Mist (Free GWP)

Review: This smelt lovely and felt refreshing on the face. If you spray too much, it can leave your skin feeling a little sticky but I like having a small face spray in my bag to refresh my makeup every now and again.

Will I repurchase? Yes

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

Review: Here

Will I repurchase? YES

Tesco Cucumber Cleansing Wipes

Review: These are my favourite face wipes. I have repurchased them so many times now. They're great for the lazy days where you can't be bothered or after nights out.

Will I repurchase? Yes

Avène TriAcnéal

Review: Here

Will I repurchase? Yes

Phew! I hope my Project Empties progress continues, as I really want to downsize my skincare and make up collection. I have way too much stuff for one person to use!

What have you finished this month?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

No Heat Hair Care Routine

As you may or may not be aware, I haven't been using heat for the past few months and I have noticed a change in my hair. (You can read my posts here). It hasn't grown that much as I keep trimming it to maintain healthy ends, but it feels stronger and I have less breakage. I've also been loving the extra time in bed that I used to spend on my hair!

Today I have decided to share my current hair care routine with you. This is just the products I have been using lately. When I use heat on my hair on special occasions, I have other products and tools that I use, which won't be featured in this post.

First of all, I just thought I'd let you know my hair has a natural wave to it. It gets frizzy and dry easily and is quite fine. I also don't have much volume.

Shampoo and Conditioner
I have recently been using Aussie and I am loving the products. All Aussie products smell amazing! Aussie Volume shampoo gives your hair a nice boost of volume. I have noticed it works better when you use a hairdryer though. It cleans your hair well without stripping it. The Aussie 3 Minute Miracle works well as a conditioner and as a leave-in conditioner. It really moisturises your hair, leaving it soft and manageable. The scent from the 3MM really lingers on the hair too, I can sometimes still smell it the next day!

Deep Conditioner
I bought this massive Tresemme tub almost 1 year ago and I still have loads left! I use it once every 2-3 weeks and tend to leave it in for about 20 minutes before rinsing it out. It leaves your hair feeling so soft, without feeling weighed down or greasy.

Sorry about the state of the middle hairbrush! It really needs a wash!

Tools
I use the Tangle Teezer (left) when my hair is wet to get rid of any knots. It works amazingly for getting out knots painlessly and without pulling out too much hair with it. I love the Denman hairbrush (middle) for general styling. I prefer this one to the TT as the bristles are longer, so I find it easier to use. The comb (right) is from China and I just use it to find my parting and to backcomb my hair.

V05 Ultimate Hold Hairspray
This works really well. It doesn't leave your hair feeling crispy and holds the styles well. It smells lovely! It's also great value for money as you get such a huge can.

V05 Miracle Concentrate
This is a lovely leave-in treatment, which I gushed about in my January Favourites. It leaves your hair feeling moisturised and soft and stops the ends from looking all dry. It smells amazing too! You only need a small amount, unless you want your hair to be greasy, so this bottle will last ages!

The Body Shop Coconut Oil Hair Shine
This has also been in a previous favourites video. It's a waxy texture, which is nice for taming frizz, moisturising the ends and styling (to an extent). It's perfect for throwing into your bag for use on-the-go. The coconut smell is lovely, not as strong and sweet as some others, but still nice.

H&M Clip
I decided to feature this as I have been sleeping with my hair in a bun on the top of my head to give my hair some nice curl/waves. I was previously using hair bands to fasten the bun, but I recently watched a video on Youtube by Nikki Phillippi where she uses a clip, so I thought I'd give it a go and I have to say, I prefer it. I was initially worried about breaking the clip, but the bun is so high up on the head that you wouldn't be able to (unless you sleep on the top of your head).

What does your current hair care routine consist of? Are there any products you would recommend?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #10

This month has been quite successful on the skincare/body and make-up usage. I'm slowly, but surely working my way through everything. Although it doesn't help that I recently bought some new La Roche Posay items!

Clarisonic Nourishing Care Cleanser
Review: This is designed for dry skin, so it was nice and rich without being too heavy. It had a sort of artificial sherbert orange scent, which I initially liked but eventually grew sick of! The cleanser worked well with the Clarisonic, and worked just as well on it's own.
Would I repurchase? Maybe

Neutrogena Multi Defence Daily Moisturiser
Review: Here
Would I repurchase? Already have

Soap & Glory Clean, Girls Body Wash
Review: This is a lovely body wash. It smells amazing and leaves your skin feeling soft and clean. The smell lingers a little on the skin, which is lovely. I did find that sometimes this didn't foam well and I would need 4-5 pumps to make it lather up nicely. However the bottle lasted me ages, but annoyingly I couldn't get the last dregs from the bottom as the pump didn't reach it and I couldn't tip it out easily due to the bottle shape.
Would I repurchase? Yes

The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Mask
Review: Here
Would I repurchase? Yes

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara

Review: This mascara is brilliant! It's super lengthening and adds a little volume as well. It layers brilliantly with other mascaras - I have layered it with Max Factor False Lash Effect and Rimmel Lash Accelerator and it worked a treat. The formula does not smudge at all, so you get a nice long wearing formula without having to buy a waterproof mascara. I did find it difficult to remove the last few traces of mascara at night, so that goes to show that it really hangs around.

Would I repurchase? Yes

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara

Review: Here

Would I repurchase? Yes

Collection 2000 Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner

Review: This is a fantastic, pigmented felt tip eyeliner for a great price. It's so easy to use and would be great for anyone that is a little shaky when applying liquid eyeliner. The nib is quite big, so it may be difficult to get a thin and precise line, but it's perfect for cat eye/winged liner. I thought it dried up quite quickly, however if you press the nib onto the back of your hand, it would bring more fluid to the nib and it would work again. I never found this smudged on me, however it was easy to remove.

Would I repurchase? Yes

These are just a few mini samples that I received from a magazine (I think). The shampoo and conditioner were nice and left my hair feeling clean and soft. However the winner was the deep conditioner/mask. It left my hair feeling so soft and shiny, without making it weighed down.

What have you finished this month?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #9

I managed to finish quite a few products in January. As per usual, they are mainly skincare items and very few make-up items. However I am determined to persevere! I am quite proud that I haven't any new make-up or skincare since Christmas (excluding restocking up of the essentials).

Estée Lauder Soft Clean Moisture Rich Foaming Cleanser

Review: It is a really rich moisturiser, which is designed for dry skin. It smells fresh and clean and foams nicely, leaving your skin feeling soft and clean. It never left it feeling tight or dry. It worked really well on it's own, with a muslin cloth or with my Clarisonic. However I didn't really think this cleanser was anything special to be honest. This was a free GWP, but the original price is £20 for 125ml, which is quite steep for a simple foaming cleanser.

Would I repurchase? No

Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser

Review: This was a nice gel cleanser. It foamed well with the Clarisonic, but didn't leave my skin feeling dry or tight. The gel was really pretty as it had a kind of glittery iridescence to it. As with the Gentle Hydro Cleaner one, I found that this worked best with my Clarisonic but could also be used alone.

Would I repurchase? Yes

 

Alberto Balsam Coconut and Lychee Shampoo

Review: This is a lovely and cheap shampoo. It lathers nicely and cleans the hair well. It never left my hair feeling dry or stripped. The coconut scent is so yummy and the best thing is that it lingers in the hair!

Would I repurchase? Yes

Nads Ingrow Solution

Review: I have had this for ages and when I bought this I really liked the idea of how it helps to prevent ingrown hairs. I don't think this made much difference to be honest and found it to be a bit of a waste of money. It's jam packed with alcohol, meaning that it burns if you have any broken skin and always makes me cough when I spray it.

Would I repurchase? No

 

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara (Waterproof)

Review: Here

Would I repurchase? Yes

Cowshed Wild Cow Invigorating Body Lotion

Review: This is a lovely moisturiser, which did wonders moisturising my skin. However I really hated the scent. It has essential oils of lemongrass, ginger and rosemary and the scent of lemongrass protruded the most, which I didn't like.

Would I repurchase? No

 

Carmex Lip Balm

Review: One of my favourite lips balms!

Would I repurchase? Yes

Dove Intensive Repair Express Treatment Conditioner

Review: I love this conditioner. I recently went through a phase of not using conditioner, however this has converted me back. It smelt lovely and left my hair feeling soft, nourished and not weighed down. 

Would I repurchase? Yes

 

These are just a few mini samples that I received from magazines, with purchases or through their websites. The Klorane shampoo and conditioner were alright, nothing special to be honest. The Body Shop body butter sample smelt so yummy. Even though it's chocolate scented, it didn't smell artificial. It left my skin feeling lovely and smooth.

What did you finish in January?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Current Favourites

I didn't do a November favourites, because I was using pretty much the same make-up throughout November as October and I didn't see the point on posting the same favourites. But recently, I've been loving some new products so I thought I'd share them with you by doing a quick video.

What are you loving at the moment?

Thank you for watching. xoxo, Joy

Review: Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask

What they say: (From TheBodyShop.co.uk) Sink some antioxidant Vitamin E into your skin. Bring skin back to optimum moisture level with this intensely hydrating mask.

Price: £12.00

Swatch:

What I think: On the website, they recommend applying a thin layer and leaving for 10 minutes, before removing it or leaving it on overnight for an intensive moisturising treatment. Personally I don't see the point of applying it and wiping it off again, so I've been using this as a night moisturiser for the wintery weather. I've been really liking it, as it leaves your skin feeling soft and non-greasy the next morning. When I first bought this, I applied large amounts to my face and it left my skin feeling tacky and sticky for a while and almost made my face feel like it was stinging a little. You literally need a pea size amount, and that is more than enough to leave your face with a thin, moisturising layer.

It smells clean and fresh, without having an over powering scent. The texture of this mask is quite hard to describe. I'd say it's a gel-like, wibbly texture (I don't know if that makes any sense, but hopefully the pictures in this post illustrate what I'm on about...!). I initially didn't like the texture, as it's quite unlike any other moisturisers I've tried, but the more I used it, the more I got used to it.

This mask is also great for other parts of the body. If my skin is feeling extra dry, I use this like a normal moisturiser and slather it onto my skin.

I would recommend this for people with dry skin. I have an oily t-zone and it hasn't made me break out or get an oilier. You get a generous 100ml in the tub, which I think will last ages. I haven't tried The Body Shop Vitamin E night moisturiser, but I assume that this would be more moisturising. So if you're considering the night moisturiser, maybe give this a go as the night moisturiser comes in at £10 for 50ml and this is £12 for 100ml, which is great value for money as you get double the amount of product for £2 extra.

I got an Origins Intensive Mask in the Origins gift set from Bicester (mentioned here), which I think is a similar product to this, so I'll definitely be using that soon and maybe comparing the two.

Have you ever tried this product or any other intensive moisturising product?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Project Empties #7

I haven't finished much these past few months. Although I'm not sticking to a strict 'Project 10 Pan', I am actively trying to use up products that I have before buying more.

TIGI Bedhead Foxy Curls Shampoo

Review: Here

Would I repurchase? Yes

The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter

Review: This smells so amazing and leaves my skin feeling so lovely and soft! It isn't overly greasy, yet it is extremely moisturising. The scent lingers on the skin, which I really like.

Would I repurchase? Yes

Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2in1 Face Wash and Mask

Review: This is a nice creamy face wash, which is gentle enough for every day use (unlike many cleanser aimed at acne-prone skin), however I don't feel it made any difference to any spots or blemishes I had during my breakouts. I preferred using it as a face mask and leaving it on for about 10 minutes when I was feeling a bit spotty. My skin was left feeling soft and clean, without feeling tight.

Would I repurchase? Possibly

Boots Cold Cream

Review: Here

Would I repurchase? Yes

Neutrogena Multi-Defence Night Moisturiser

Review: Here

Would I repurchase? No

Finished Items: 5

Accumulative Finished Items from December 2010 to October 2011: 32

What have you finished recently?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

July Favourites 2011

This is my first favourites post. I normally find it quite difficult to pick out monthly favourites, but this month a few products have really stood out for me :) I decided to do a video, because I felt like it.



I've written this in the downbar on Youtube, but in case you don't go to my Youtube I thought I'd just post it here too -
1) My camera doesn't autofocus during videos, so I had to film the 'macro' parts separately and used voiceovers in those sections.
2) I don't know why it's so zoomed in and up close, sorry if that scares you!
3) I think I've overused the word 'absolutely' in this video!
Before I go, I just wanted to apologise about how slow I've been replying to comments and commenting on everyone's blogs. I'm currently in the midst of packing up my uni room (because I finally break up for summer on Friday!) and I'm trying to enjoy the lovely weather we're having at the moment, so please bear with me. Thank you all for understanding :)

Thank you for watching. xoxo, Joy

Recent Purchases

I posted this earlier this week, but with all the problems on Blogger, it seems to have unposted itself... So I am reposting this!

I realised that my first two Youtube videos were collective hauls for February and March, but here's another one for the month of May. I find doing haul videos easier than haul posts with photos and text. Plus I find editing videos quite therapeutic. Haha.

One of the comments I received on Youtube was that I'm not smiling in the video, so I apologize for that now.




Thank you for watching. xoxo, Joy

First FOTD, plus a few other things

This is my first FOTD post (Actually it's yesterday's FOTD...), eeek. I was quite hesitant about posting this, because I was feeling self conscious about the picture as my skin hasn't been that great lately and I filled in my eyebrows unevenly! But in the end, I just decided 'What the heck, I'm just going to post it'. This is just a simple, neutral day look which I wore to my lectures yesterday.

Please excuse my washing in the background!

Face
Benefit Dr. Feelgood (As a primer)
Revlon Photoready in Shell
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC15
Collection 2000 Sheer Loose Powder
MAC Virgin Isle CCB
Bourjois Rose de Jaspe

Eyes (I forgot to take close up pictures of my eye, sorry!)
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MUA eyeshadow in Shade 11 all over the lid
MAC Brun eyeshadow in the outer third, crease and eyebrows
No7 Gel Eyeliner
No7 Exceptional Definition Mascara

Lips
Body Shop Sheer Lip Shine in Sheer Pink

Last week, I was lucky enough to win another giveaway. I was so chuffed when I saw an email from the lovely Leah telling me that I'd won. The parcel with the prizes arrived at the weekend, so that was a really nice way to start off a lovely weekend :) Thank you so much, Leah!!! Go take a look at Leah's blog (Look! Flying Monkeys!), it's full of a mix of beauty, fashion, food and all things lovely. :)


I just wanted to share a quick Boots purchase with you all. It never would have occurred to me that you could buy jewellery in Boots, but I was waiting for my friend while she was buying some stuff and was surprised to see a jewellery stand. Not only a jewellery stand, but one with lots of pieces that had 1/2 price stickers on them, score! There were some other pretty pieces, but this ring really caught me eye. It reminds me of a wing ring that I'd seen on ASOS a while back, but smaller and cheaper at only £2! I really like how it has the diameter of the ring on the label, rather than S, M or L. Although when I first tried the ring on, I almost had a panic attack when I thought it was stuck, lol! From now on, everytime I pop into Boots, I'm going to keep an eye out for their jewellery section! :)


Have any of you bought any jewellery in unexpected places before?

Thank you for reading. I hope my FOTD didn't scare you off, lol! xoxo, Joy

Review: Body Shop Sheer Lip Shine

Hey everyone. How are you all? Can you believe it's only just over a week until Christmas! I've had this review saved as a draft for ages, I just kept forgetting to post it! :/

Shade: Sheer Pink

What they say: (From TheBodyShop.co.uk) A beautiful range of luxurious moisturizing lipsticks that offer sheer colour coverage with a high shine finish and a sweet scent on application.

Price: £5

Swatch:


What I think: I bought this in the Body Shop sale a while back and I've been wearing it pretty much every day since I got it.

It's a pretty, slightly glossy pink colour, which looks extremely natural on the lips due to how sheer the lipstick is. It can be built up to give a more intense colour. The lipstick applies easily and is extremely moisturising - One day I left my Nivea lipbalm at home and used this to keep my lips moisturised throughout the day. Therefore, I'd call it tinted lip balm rather than a lipstick. It has a slightly fruity fragrance, which is rather pleasant. I also really like the packaging, it looks so sleek and elegant.

The main disadvantage is that the staying power of this lipstick isn't very long, only a couple of hours max. When the lipstick is full price (£9), I would say that it's expensive for a high-street make-up brand.

I would definitely recommend this product if you like a sheer and moisturising wash of colour on the lips. However, I don't know if they still sell this product anymore. I looked on the Body Shop website and couldn't find this particular product anymore, but I think the Delipscious Sheer Lipsticks are the new alternatives.

Do you like sheer lip colours?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

In Style Magazine

I popped into the local Co-op today to buy some bread (My life is so glamourous!) and as I was perusing the aisles, I spied that there was a free Body Shop Lip and Cheek stain, worth £9.50, with the September issue of In Style magazine. There are two colours to select from: Bronze Glimmer and Rose Pink - I chose the latter, because I thought that this colour would be more versatile and it kind of reminded me of the colour of Benefit's Benetint.

In Style Magazine: September

Doe foot applicator

Swatch:

With flash - Left: Slightly blended, Right: Unblended

Have any of you picked up a copy of this month's In Style magazine? Or have any of you ever tried the Body Shop's Lip and Cheek stain before?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Review: The Body Shop Facial Brush

I meant to do a review on this ages ago, but I kept forgetting! I guess the good thing about doing the review a month or so after buying it is that I've had quite a while to use it and get a better overview of it.


What they say: (From TheBodyShop.co.uk) A small nylon brush for the face suitable for use with cleansers, facial washes or exfoliators from The Body Shop®. The ergonomically improved shape allows for maximum control. Supplied with a flush-fitting lid, which allows excess water to be drawn away from the bristles after use for increased hygiene and protection.

Price: £3

What I think: I LOVE this facial brush! I've used it pretty much every night since I bought it and my skin feels much smoother. I regularly get dry patches on my cheeks, regardless of how much I exfoliate or moisturise, and I've found that this facial brush helps to keep them at bay for longer, which I'm loving. I feel like my skin tone is a bit more even than before, due to the facial brush boosting the blood circulation in my face. The facial brush is very versatile, it can be used with a face cleanser for a deep clean or with an exfoliator for a double exfoliation.

Comparison to an electric toothbrush head

I love the size of the facial brush. It's small, so it doesn't take up too much space and is great for travelling, but it's still easy to use and doesn't fall out of my grip when I'm using it or if my hands are wet. It has soft, densely packed bristles, which reminds me of an electric toothbrush head. Even though the bristles are soft, you have to be careful not to be too heavy handed with the brsuh (I learnt this the hard way) - A gentle pressure does the same as a large amount of pressure, but doesn't leave your face red and feeling a bit raw. It comes with a lid, which is a bonus, since it keeps dust and bacteria from getting onto the brush. I wouldn't recommend putting the lid onto the brush while the bristles are wet, because I found that it stopped the brush from drying completely between uses. Also, be careful when putting it the lid back on, because it can bend some of the bristles out of shape.

When I first started using the facial brush, I found that the smell of the cleanser that I was using lingered in the bristles and when I changed cleansers, it smelt weird due to the two scents mixing. To overcome this, you have to make sure you clean the facial brush properly after use by thoroughly rinsing it in warm water and deep cleaning it once a week. I deep clean it like I deep clean my make-up brushes. I'm tempted to try using my MAC brush cleaner on it for spot cleaning...

I would definitely recommend this to people who get dry patches or feel that their skin looks dull. Actually I recommend this to everyone, regardless of your skin type! The facial brush is definitely cost effective at only £3 and I would say that it only need changing when the bristles are starting to look frayed and battered. (Maybe change it once every 3 months, like a toothbrush?).

I recently bought The Body Shop's Facial Buffer after reading Holly's rave about it on her blog and then hearing her rave about it in her skincare routine video on Youtube, so after I've had the opportunity to use that for a while, I will do a comparison between the two.

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Recent Purchases

I am at home for reading week at the moment, while the rest of my friends at uni have exams. (I am doing an NHS funded course, so it runs slightly differently to other courses at my uni - The terms are like school terms, where I have long terms, short holidays and half terms and my exams are at different times).

I had to pop into town today to buy some groceries, but somehow managed to come away with a lot of skin and hair care products as well. Oh dear, I think my debit card is beginning to hate me.

The Body Shop

Facial Brush with Lid - £3.00

Superdrug


Dove Pro-Age - £4.99
Vitamin E Skin Oil - £2.99
Vitamin E Eye Cream - £2.49
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lip Balm - £1.69
Anti Shine Sheets - £2.49
L'oreal Elvive Shampoo- £3.40 [BOGOF]
L'oreal Elvive Conditioner - £3.40 [BOGOF]

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy