Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

A couple of years ago I tried my first sample of a cleansing water. It was a high end brand and was fairly expensive, so I didn't buy the full sized version even though it worked wonders. I stuck with my trusty makeup wipes and Cleanse and Polish by Liz Earle to keep my face fresh. I slowly, finally figured that there's only so much a wet wipe can do, so on a whim I bought the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. I hadn't heard of it before but it was on a pink "pedestal" in Boots and I liked the packaging, what can I say! It went straight in my basket....

Trying this for the first time was exciting. I wasn't sure what to expect for £4.99 but I was astonished with the results. Depending on how heavy my makeup is during the day, I only need to use 1-2 cotton pads soaked with Micellar cleanser to clean my face. To remove mascara, I hold the pads on my eyes for a few seconds and swipe off. I'll admit it's a little harder to remove mascara with it, but it's better than the results I get with a makeup wipe by far. 

The feeling after I've removed my makeup with the cleansing water is incredible. My face feels flawless and fresh. I don't feel clean unless I use a face wash but I can use this water alone to remove my makeup and be happy if I don't have my Cleanse and Polish to hand. The product instructions say no rinsing required; considering it's mainly water, that makes sense! My face looks radiant after use, whereas with a makeup wipe my skin can look quite dull and dry. I use this sometimes if I want to have a makeup free day to give myself a bit of a glow.

I don't usually find a product that I love instantly but this is genuinely my new favourite. It's now part of my daily routine and it's going to take a miracle product (at the same price, if not less) to replace it.

You can find the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water at your local drugstore and online in stores such as FeelUnique.com. It comes in a 400ml bottle or a handy 125ml travel sized bottle. Great for holidays, weekends away or festivals! 

Buh-bye makeup wipes. I have a new love in my life!

Have you tried the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water? What do you think of it?

bareMinerals Loose Powder

I was recommended bareMinerals by a friend who's skin makes me green with envy (although I know she wouldn't agree!). We often agree that we hate foundation because of the way it feels on our skin, but one day she told me about bareMinerals Loose Powder. Apparently it provided lightweight, long-lasting coverage whilst improving complexion. I had to try it for myself...

I visited a bareMinerals counter in Bluewater one weekend. The staff were happy to match my skin tone with the bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation. Honestly, their customer service is the best! The young lady I spoke with removed the foundation I was wearing and applied a moisturizer and primer before she tested my skin tone so that we could achieve the best results. Once we found the right colour, she gave me a mini makeover so I wouldn't have to walk around with no makeup on. Using the bareMinerals Full Flawless Face brush, she buffed the loose powder onto one side of my face. Then she asked me to do the other side so she could see whether I was applying it right and to give me guidance on how to apply it properly. She then applied a bit of bronzer and showed me the best technique to use (which essentially contours your face in seconds) and added a setting powder. My skin looked fantastic! I took home the power, the brush and the primer.

The shade of powder I have is Fair. Using the Full Flawless Face brush, it's so easy to apply. Just buff on in circular motions. I like to apply a thin, natural looking layer onto my face, but you can build it up as much as you like. It is extremely lightweight and feels much better than many other powders I've used.

As it's a loose powder you only need to tap out a small amount and it will cover your whole face. As I said, use more if you want a more built up finish. I do this if I'm going out for the night and need that little bit of extra coverage!

The thing I love most about this foundation is that it is completely natural looking. It doesn't go cakey like some foundations and although it evens my skin tone, I can still see some of my "imperfections", such as freckles, underneath. Plus, the SPF protects my skin from those harmful UV rays, which helps my skin stay in good condition.

Applied over my bareMinerals Primer, my makeup will stay put throughout the majority of the day without sliding off. So no need for re-application. Result!

Convinced? Head over to your local bareMinerals counter and get colour matched. You won't be disappointed!

Birthday Wishlist

1. New Look Bag - £24.99

2. Urban Decay Smoky Palette - £38

3. Pandora September Birthstone Ring - £40

4. Go Set a Wachaman by Harper Lee - £9

5. L'occitaine Immortelle Precious Cream - £46 

6. Public Desire Jayda Lace Up Heels - £29.99

My birthday is coming up so obviously I've been busy thinking about what I'd like to ask for. I got a bit stuck to be honest. I usually treat myself and buy myself what I want throughout the year so there's not much I want/need.

I love this cute little bag from New Look. Most of my bags are New Look and are such great quality. I love these colours too!

Obviously the new Urban Decay Smoky Palette is on my list. Everyone I follow on Instagram seems to have it and I want it too! I only own Naked 3 which is a beautiful palette, but I do love a smokey eye.

This Pandora ring is beautiful right? My sister has two of these rings and I absolutely adore them, so she's actually bought me one of my own! I only know because I had to get it sized when she bought it, whoops! But I can't have it until my birthday *big sigh*. I can't wait to wear it every day!

I'm currently reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee which is a classic. I wasn't fortunate enough to read it in school (we read Of Mice and Men instead, great book!). I really like the sound of Go Set A Watchman. I think it's cool that it's being released as a sequel so long after To Kill a Mockingbird was released. I'm hoping that I enjoy both books. Considering how well both books have done on the market, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

I'm not going to ask for this one, it's way too expensive! But maybe if I get any birthday money I'll buy it myself! I tried this face cream around 6 months ago and have been dreaming about it ever since. It smells amazing and made my skin so clear. Every time I walk past L'occitaine in Bluewater it takes every bit of strength to not buy this! It is such a dream product! Birthday present to myself, perhaps?

PublicDesire followed me on Instagram so I checked out their website. I fell in love with these Jayda Lace Up Heels (not just because of the name!). Although I'm lusting over them, I'd have nowhere to wear them to, or wear them with. But they are just gorgeous though aren't they?!

My birthday's on the 29th and I'm going to be 22 which isn't a huge milestone. I have nothing special planned other than a day in my pyjamas drinking wine like the grown up I am.

Boy. I'm getting old.