March Empties

How is it the end of March already?  I blinked and it's already the 29th March.  What is going on?!  I have been so busy this month I have had no time for myself whatsoever, however I do seem to have had time to use up a few products which is what I am going to show you today.

Maria's Festival Guide

It's fast approaching my favourite time of year...

FESTIVAL SEASON!!

January Favourites

January.  It was a dull month.  It was a boring month.  And it was an expensive month.  I'm glad it's over.  During this first month of the year I got back into running, I barely visited the gym, and I booked a big summer holiday.  That just about sums up my month.

Travel.  This month my brain has been full of 50% travel and 50% sleep.  In the second week of January I booked my summer holiday to the USA.  But that is half a year away!  So I got into researching where else I would like to go in the year.  I still haven't quite decided yet but I feel like 2016 is going to be the year of travel, it's going to be a good one!

Yes this is my bed and my favourite blanket, and yes I have been loving my bed in the month of January (and yes I do have a favourite blanket).  I felt so tired all month and it was a chilly one.  In the mornings I could not wait for it to be evening so I could get back into bed, in the mornings I couldn't get out of bed, and many a time I got into bed way too early on a Friday and Saturday evening, and I loved it!!

I guess this is my empties come beauty section of the post.  I have absolutely been LOVING this St Ives scrub.  I purchased this in the last week of December and have been loving it all month, it has completely changed my skin!  My face feels cleaner and my skin feels clearer.  I love this product and have already purchased my second bottle.  Also this Aussie body wash is AMAZING!  I love their hair products but did not realise they did soap as well until I spotted this in Tesco! It smells a little bit like the distinct smell of the Aussie hair products but not quite so potent and a little different.  The scent of this body wash is so nice and it leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, I like to use this in the morning.

The foam roller.  Why have I not used one of these before?! My osteopath told me to get one of these and when I first used it, I was dubious.  But then I learn how to use it properly and oh boy does it hurt, but it's that good muscly sort of pain.  I mostly foam roller my legs and they feel so much better afterwards.  I love using this after a run or a workout.

The Hunger Games books.  I started on the first book in the first week of January, it was so good and I became so addicted to this book that before I knew it, I had completed the book.  I had to get more of the story, so I ordered the other two books and before the end of January I had finished reading them.  Best books I have read in a long time! I hated putting the book down and couldn't wait to get back to reading it!


Now on to February with bigger and better things!  How was your January?

Four Most Used Hair Products

My hair is my favourite thing about me.  It has always seemed so healthy and nice looking.  But years of dying and straightening had taken it's toll and it got to a point in the spring where my hair was looking a little dull and excessive amounts of hair seemed to be falling out every time I touched it.

Back in July I made the decision to grow my hair, and I decided that I was going to take it seriously.  No more dying, and no more straightening!  I prefer my hair short and red, so this has been a real challenge.  I haven't touched a single drop of hair dye and well, I have straightened my hair, but only the bare minimum.  The last five months of no hair dying has been so tough.  Each time I go in to the supermarket I eye up the hair dyes before reminding myself NO! The roots, don't get me started on those light brown roots!

So what products have I been using on my hair?  There are four main products that I have been using.


Renewing Moroccan Argan Penetrating Oil

I randomly picked this up in the supermarket when looking for a hair oil before dying my hair.  I immediately fell in love with it.  Firstly it smells so good!!  I could smell my hair all day.  I apply this to damp, towel dried hair.  I then comb it through and blow dry.  This oil makes my hair feel so soft and creates a little shine.  My hair is no longer dry and feels so silky.  I will purchase this time and time again.  My hair has never felt so soft!


Batiste Dry Shampoo - Cherry

My Mum once told to never use dry shampoo as it's bad for your hair.  I honestly have no idea how true that it.  But I didn't listen to her and went ahead and bought the stuff anyway.  Then again, and again.  I first bought dry shampoo went I went to a festival and felt like it really freshened up my hair.  Now I use it in between washes.  I don't wash my hair very often.  Only once, or twice a week.  Gross I know.  I do have some excuses though.  Firstly, I have my hair up in a bun every day for work.  Newly washed hair and buns just don't go well together. Also I have such a busy life and... ok yes I would get time to wash my hair. Maybe I am just lazy.  Anyhow, using this dry shampoo in between hair washes gets rid of the oil leaving it feeling fresh and cleaner.  The cherry flavour smells good too.  Just make sure you massage this product through your hair!! The first time I used this I didn't and ended up with grey looking hair.  Not a good look!


Head & Shoulders

I use this product as I feel it is one of the few shampoos that gives me a thorough wash.  It smells so good, my hair smells like apples!  My hair feels so clean after using this product.  If I have been adding a lot of hair spray to my hair styles I feel that this product completely washes that out.  I will always have a stock of this shampoo.


Johnson's Baby Shampoo

Babies can use it.  So can I.  Don't you just love the smell of baby shampoo?  I feel like this stuff gives my hair a good enough wash.  I give my hair one wash with Head & Shoulders first, then Baby Shampoo for the second wash.  Another plus of using this is that I get shampoo in my eyes all the time, with this product I don't get that awful red eye puffy look after my shower.  I am sold!


Can you recommend any hair products to me?

Moisturise This Winter

It's winter, my legs are hidden by trousers and are long forgotten.  Those pale limbs are hidden away, never to be seen again until the tiniest bit of sun shows itself and thus, moisturising goes right out of the window.  At work I seem to be washing my hands more than ever (I work in a hospital.  Winter = More sick people) and my hands are becoming rough and parched.  That awful winter cold has left my lips feeling chapped and dry.  But I'm not here to tell you how important it is to moisturise.  I am here to tell you which moisturising products I am using at the moment.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

I love Burt's Bees products.  You can really smell the peppermint in this lip balm, it smells lovely and gives my lips a little tingle.  This product makes my lips feel very soft and nourished.  My lips were feeling very chapped and rough after a cold and this lip balm helped to sort them out.


Burt's Bees Hand Salve

Another Burt's Bees product.  This product is particularly for dry hands and it does makes your hands feel very soft and moisturised however I feel that it takes a very long time to absorb into my skin.  This product smells of lavender, I am not normally too keen on lavender smelling products but I really like the scent of this one.  This product can feel a little bit oily once applied but if you have the patience it does eventually soak into your hands to leave them feeling smooth and supple.  This is a moisturiser that I use at night time before going to sleep when it can fully absorb into my skin.


Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula

This is my go to product at the moment.  I use it everywhere - arms, legs, hands and all over the body, except my face.  This moisturiser is super moisturising and leaves my skin feeling amazingly soft.  You don't need to use much of this product as it is very thick but absorbs into the skin quickly making it feel very smooth.  The only thing I don't like about this moisturiser is the smell.  It is fragrance free and I can't describe the smell but I'm not keen.  I can totally look past this though as it is super moisturising and good for my skin!


Johnson's Baby Light Oil Spray

What? Baby oil?? I hear you asking.  Yes, baby oil makes my skin feel amazing and super soft!  I use this after getting out of the shower whilst my skin is still wet.  I only use a tiny bit so my skin isn't too oily and it absorbs very quickly.  You can also buy the non-spray stuff and pour a little bit into your bath which is what I used to do back when I had a bath (although be careful if you put too much in as it can make the bottom of the bath a little slippery).


Garnier Intensive 7 Days Lotion

I have been using this moisturiser for years and will continue to use it for years.  Whilst I feel that it isn't quite as moisturising as the Palmer's Cocoa Butter, it still does it's job very well and smells so, so good.  This product is for very dry skin and does leave my skin feeling very soft and supple.  A ten out of ten for this moitsuriser for me!


Lola Rose Energising Rock Crystal Hand Cream

I keep this moisturiser in my work bag so I can use it throughout the day whenever I need to.  This hand cream smells amazing and is very nourishing.  You don't need to use a lot of this product and it moisturises very well.


Burt's Bees Honey & Orange Wax Body Lotion

Another from my friend Burt, did I mention that I love Burt's Bees?! This product feels so soothing and hydrating.  I love the way this moisturiser makes my skin feel.  I do dislike the smell of this.  This is the sort of moisturiser I opt for if I am spending a night alone and only use on my legs and feet due to the smell.  However, disregarding the smell I really do think it is a good moisturiser that makes my skin feel absolutely softened.


Satsuma Body Puree

My favourite thing about this lotion is the smell.  It smells oh so good and orangey, so yummy!  This product does moisturise my skin however I feel as if it may be a little watery and not so good as other moisturiers.  This lotion makes my skin feel soft and absorbs well.  This works well as a daily moisturiser but not for very dry skin.


Dr Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Moisture Melt

The smell of this oil is so, so good and coconut-y.  At room temperature this product is solid, but once warmed it turns into a liquid that absorbs into the skin leaving it feeling so soft! I use this after showering and once dry my skin feels amazing and completely moisturised. On the bottle it says intensive hydration and soothing and it does just that!!


What are your favourite moisturising products?

Last Few Weeks + October Empties

I cannot believe we are this far into November already.  I have been incredibly busy in the last few weeks.  Working, spending time with friends, working, trying to squeeze in time with family, working and trying to find time to relax.  So here is a sum up of the last few weeks in pictures.

1. Newly dyed and cut hair. 2. Fog in the hills. 3. Wore my boots out. 4. Trying on ridiculous things for Halloween. 

5. Make-up-less face. 6. Got a nose piercing! 7. Lots of Barocca was greatly needed. 8. Almost killed the microwave.

9. Made strawberry and white chocolate cupcakes. 10. Getting my boobs out? Dressed as a zombie Doctor. 11+12. 5th November. Fireworks!

You can find me on Instagram @megamegalolz

October Empties

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil
Oil?  On your face?!  Exactly what I thought too.  Surely it will make my face greasy and cause my skin to break out?  However it caused quite the opposite effect.  I used this product before applying make-up in the morning and my face did not become oily or greasy, and I am sure my skin was clearer whist using this product.  This product left my skin feeling lovely and soft.  I only had a tester and it lasted for ages.  So even though the full size bottle is £30 I think it is well worth it given the effect it had, and how long it lasts.

It's Potent Eye Cream, Benefit
Benefit claims that this moisturising cream fades dark circles and helps to smooth fine lines.  Did it fade dark circles from my tired eyes?  I am not sure, quite possibly.  It did, however have a very good moisturising effect.  This product is a thick cream with a freshening effect that lasts a long time.  I use this every day before applying make-up and was amazed at how long it lasted.  I would buy this product again, however before I do, I may try a cheaper moisturiser.

Peaches and Clean, Cleansing Milk, Soap & Glory
This was not the first time I had bought this product.  It is one of my favourite cleansers.  It is gentle on the skin, smells lovely and is a great cleanser.  I use this product at night after removing make-up and washing my face.  It is amazing to see all that extra dirt and make-up coming off my face.  Definitely a must-have for me!

Great Lash Mascara, Maybelline
I have purchased this mascara quite a few times.  It is not too expensive and I really like it as a day-to-day mascara.  Maybelline claims that this product thickens eyelashes without clumps... and it does just that.  Too many times I have bought mascara and it turns out to be clumpy.  I hate that.  So this mascara is a winner for me.

Well that was my first ever empties post.  I am slowly trying out new things on this blog :)

Sexy Eyes and Halloween

Do you ever feel like you are living in a dream? I often feel like I am. At the moment my life is perfect for me. I have an awesome job, I have developed good friendships, I have my own independence living with a few flatmates, my family do not live too far away and I enjoy life. My life doesn't feel real. I am now well and truly settled into my new life in this different town and feel like my decision to move and work over here has been the best one I have made in a long time.  Now I have this sorted out, I can carry on blogging regularly and continue enjoying and making the most of life!

New Mascara
I often buy foundation from Lily Lolo, and with a recent purchase they sent me a free mascara, Lash Alert Natural Mascara.  I am a bit wary of free mascaras, but nevertheless I tried this one out and I love it!  Lily Lolo claims that this mascara will volumise and lengthen lashes and it certainly does that! My eyelashes are naturally quite long, but this mascara makes my lashes look amazingly lengthened!  It's not too thick or clumpy, and it's not too much to wear during the day.  I have been wearing this to work, and on  evenings out.  I will definitely be purchasing this in the future!

Halloween
With Halloween coming up I am getting quite excited.  I love fancy dress, especially Halloween fancy dress and zombies are definitely my thing.  So whilst shopping yesterday I had to buy some fake blood to start off the costume preparations.  I have not quite decided what I will be dressing up as yet, but certainly something zombiefied.  I cannot wait!

Do you have a Halloween costume yet?

Happy Easter!

Firstly, Happy Easter!

I know, again, it's been a while.  But forgive me, I have been mega busy. I have had so much university work on lately I have barely had time to eat and sleep.  However deadline dates are flying by, and my final deadline is in two weeks.  I also started placement on Monday so I have been working 9-5 while trying to get my work completed.  

I have an interview for a graduate job! Yay!  It's in 4 weeks, and it's up north which means leaving everyone behind which is so scary but it is exciting so I am going for the interview to see what happens.  Oh and I got 80% in an exam the other week which I was quite proud of.

So onto the point of my post.  One of my favourite websites for beauty products is Latest In Beauty.  You can purchase samples and they also have a selection of beauty boxes all for good prices which is awesome for me as a student.  Back in February I purchased a beauty box.  Yes I know, that was ages ago, I've been meaning to do this post for a while now.  But at least it means that I have been able to properly use the products to have a definitive opinion on them.

For £19.95 I was quite impressed with the products.

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Seasilk Colour Hold Moisture Conditioner.
This product smells lovely and all you need is a small blob to make your hair feel lovely and soft.  My hair can get really dry as I tend to straighten it a lot, so this product was great for my hair, taking away the dry feeling.  Although I prefer my TRESemmé conditioner, I would definitely buy this product again.

EVE LOM Rescue Mask.
EVE LOM claims this product deeply cleanses without drying out the skin while smoothing and conditioning the skin.  I have been using this product once a week and I definitely felt that it cleansed my skin well.  At times after using this product I felt that my skin may be a little dry but this may be due to other products I use, it was quickly sorted out with a touch of moisturiser.  It did leave my skin feeling soft.  At £35 I think this is a little pricey for my student budget, however if it was cheaper I would purchase again.

Nicky Clarke Instant Calmer.
Love, love, LOVE this product!  If your hair is like mine and takes forever to straighten, this is the product for you. I have been putting a tiny bit of this into my hair while it is damp before blow drying.  It makes straightening much easier, it now takes less time and my hair looks great afterwards.  Someone even complemented my hair saying how nice it looked.  Would I buy this product again? I already have as it was on offer.  However I wouldn't mind paying a bit more for this product as I love it so much.

Melvita Rose Extraordinary Water.
I have been using this product after using a face wash and before moisturising.  This product has been replacing my usual cleanser and I am quite impressed.  It is not as harsh as my usual cleanser so did not dry out my skin.  It cleansed my face well leaving the skin feeling refreshed.  I think this product works well on my skin in the morning, however I may need a deeper cleansing product in the evening. I would buy this again.

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil.
My initial thought was: Oil on my face? Surely this will make me break out.  Nevertheless I gave it a go and in fact, it did not make me break out at all.  It really softened the skin and was not greasy at all.  I have been using this after cleansing and before putting on my usual moisturiser.  My make-up went well over the top.  Would I purchase again? Yes!

Lola Rose Energising Rock Crystal Hand Cream.
Absolutely love this hand cream!  My hands tend to get really dry.  Especially as I work in a hospital I am constantly washing my hands and applying the anti-bacterial gel, more so when the weather is cold my hands can get in a terrible state if I am not careful.  This hand cream moisturises well, soaks in quickly leaving my hands feeling soft and a little bit goes a long way.  I have been keeping this cream in my bag and applying it before work and in my breaks, and my hands are in pretty good condition at the moment.  It smells lovely too.  I would get this again.

Balm Balm Organic Lip Balm.
This lip balm moisturises very well.  As with my hands, my lips can become dry very quickly and this stuff has been great at softening the skin on my lips.  On doing some research I have discovered that others find this useful as a hand moisturiser.  I like the smell of this lip balm, however I am not too keen on this smell on my lips.  So after applying the balm and waiting for it to soak in, I have been using another lip balm or gloss on top.  I would buy this again but you don't need to use much at all for it to have an effect, so I can see it lasting a while.

Belleza Formula Botox Effect Gel.
This gel claims to target fine lines and wrinkles around the lips and eyes, nourishing and plumping the skin surface.  However I have not even opened it.  At 22 years of age I do not feel the need to use anti-wrinkle creams. I have read that anti-wrinkle creams can do more damage than good in young skin, and although I do not know how true this is, I do not wish to find out.  This product retails at £55 so maybe I should try and sell it.

Mavala Rouge Rubis Nail Varnish. 
I loved the colour of this nail varnish and it lasted a few days before chipping.  I feel that the colour is too bright for my finger nails but have been wearing it on my toes.

Ginvera Green Tea Exfoliating Marvel Gel.
I have been using this gel a few times a week, replacing it for my face wash.  I really like this product, it exfoliates well and leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed.  I like the smell of it and would repurchase.

Balm Balm Refresh Bath & Shower Oil.
I quite like the smell of this.  What is it meant to do? Soothe you? I'm not sure if it did.  This is one of those products that I would use if I had it, but would not buy myself.

111Skin Space Anti-Age Facelift Repair Serum and Day Cream.
This product claims to strengthen skin, increase collagen production and give dramatic anti-aging benefits.  Again as it is an anti-aging product I did not try it.  If anyone fancies trying it, it's a whopping £130 for 30ml.

All in all, some great products, I loved most of them.

I expect that I will not have time to make another post until after my final deadline now.
Have a good Easter everyone!

Few New Products

My course at university involves us students going out into the work place in a hospital for weeks at a time over the three years of the course.  Sometimes for two weeks, sometimes for 10 weeks.  However long that placement block is it involves hard work, studying in the evenings and can be very tiring when you're not used to it.  During these times of being on placement I tend to break out in more spots than normal.  I'm not sure whether this is due to the stress and being more tired, or if it is because I am wearing make-up all day for a long period of time.  Whatever it is I know that more spots only appear on my face when I am on placement.  Even though I have sussed out my own skin routine and what helps to keep my skin looking clear and good, I seem to need a different routine while I am on placement so I had a look in the shops and thought I would try out a few different products which I have now been using for a week and a half.

Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash:

This facial wash by Simple claims to deep clean and refresh the skin.  I have been using this both morning and night.  The wash contains small bits that exfoliate the skin and I find that it leaves my face feeling very clean and refreshed.  This face wash is a bit stronger than the usual face wash I would normally use so I think if I didn't moisturise I would start to get dry skin however as I moisturise my face twice a day I haven't been getting this problem.  This face wash also claims to control shine and I think that it does because after I have come home from a day at work my face doesn't seem to be so oily or shiny as it usually would which I am loving.  This product is suitable for sensitive skin which means it is perfect for my skin.  I would give this product 10 out of 10 as I love it so much!

Clean & Clear Morning Energy Skin Brightening Daily Facial Moisturiser:

This moisturiser is supposed to brighten the skin while making it feel soft.  I use this just in the mornings after using the face wash and before applying my make-up.  This moisturiser smells of lemons, but also smells quite sweet.  The smell is not too overpowering but smells so good and I can smell it all morning, it's lovely!  The cream has very small sparkly bits in that supposedly make the skin brighter, but after applying my make-up my skin doesn't look very sparkly at all which is a good thing (as I don't want to look like some sort of rubbish, fake vampire from Twilight!).  It makes my skin feel wonderfully soft and is not oily at all.  After applying this moisturiser I let it soak in for a few minutes and then apply my foundation.  My make-up goes over it very well and I feel that it brings out the best in my foundation as it looks good!
When I got home after purchasing this moisturiser I looked at all the ingredients in it and was a bit worried it would make my skin break out due to the amount that is in there however it did not at all.  But I only use this once a day due to the ingredients in it.  The only thing I dislike about this moisturiser is the price as I thought it was quite pricey for a small bottle, however you only need a tiny bit and it goes a long way so I can see this product lasting for quite a while.  I really like this moisturiser and will definitely purchase it again!

Without moisturiser:

With moisturiser:

Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser:

I bought this moisturiser because I wanted one to use at night.  Previously I was using Johnson's Baby Lotion but I was starting to feel this wasn't moisturising enough so I wanted something a bit thicker.  According to Simple this product nourishes and hydrates the skin and I feel that it does exactly that!  This moisturiser is not greasy, soaks into the skin quickly and leaves it feeling lovely and soft! Maybe it's my imagination but I feel that since I have been using the two new moisturisers my skin has started to look different... nicer and perhaps brighter!  This moisturiser doesn't smell of anything, but then again it doesn't have any perfume or nasty chemicals in which are no good for the skin so I don't mind.  I really love this moisturiser and it seems that I am starting to become a fan of Simple products!

I hope you have all had a good weekend!