April/May Favourites

As I'm sure some of you will have noticed I've been really crap the past month at getting posts out. Half due to no time with work and then half cos' I'm in a bit of a funk. Its the hardest thing to get back into once you've had some time away. But I'm going to try get my arse in gear for the rest of the month. (Don't go holding your breathe though, you know me!) For the first time in forever, I didn't do a monthly faves, so this month I'm combining the two together. 

First off has to be the bloody fab stuff that is Vo5 give me texture spray. This gives the perfect bit of somethin' somethin' to my hair and I find that I can go longer without having to use dry shampoo or the feeling of really needing to wash my hair. Plus, all that volume! I'd highly recommend picking this up if you have hair. I about my third bottle, best stuff.

Theres nothing like a nice body oil, but I've found it really hard to get one that doesn't go all over the place and doesn't leave a greasy residue. I picked up the Nivea firming body oil about two months ago and never went near it for some unknown reason. But last month when I ran out of shaving cream I tried this out and it worked really well. I've also been using it on my legs and arms to add a little mote moisture. I don't think theres much truth in the firming claims, but its a nice oil that goes on really easily, smells nice and sinks in well. If you were in the market for one, then this is half price in Boots at the moment for €4.49 if the mood struck you! - It does need a good shake first though.

New to me, but two beauts that have fast become my go to products are Revlons colour stay foundation for combination and oily skin and Maybellines eraser under eye concealer. I bought these both at the same time, on the hunt of something new to try out. I wasn't expecting anything much from either of them, but after almost daily use for two months and they are just finished. I can't get over the coverage and staying power of the foundation and will be buying it again asap. Its the perfect shade for my skin tone and although I haven't used many of Revlons products before, this alone would make me linger a lot longer at the stand in future. Really can't praise this enough.

The world and his wife have been going mad over the past few months for Maybellines eraser under eye concealer and because of the hype, it was really hard to come by in my shade. However I managed to nab one and its safe to say that the hype is justified. It covers blemishes (yes, I use it all over my face, sorry!) and dark circles, it brightens and stays put all day. And its so handy to use as your not getting make up all over your fingers. The one down side is that the applicator is a sponge so if your any way afraid of the buld up of bacteria on your sponges and make up brushes this will freak you out. I managed to clean it a few times, but I did end up breaking off a piece by accident. This wouldn't deter me from picking it up again however. Utter gems!

The new love of my lip lip wise is Sleeks Exxxagerate. Its a beautiful deep matte purple that is to die for. I've been wearing this all month and at the rate I'm going, I'll need another one soon. I don't think that Sleek lipsticks get enough love and considering their pigmentation, gorgeous packaging and range of shades, its crazy theres not more lovin'. Plus €6.49 for a lipstick? Where else would you get that kind of bargain. 

Lastly I've been slapping on a hella lot of La Roche Posay targeted break out corrector the past while. I break out when I'm under stress and the past month and a half has not been a pretty site. I think this works well if you have a few small breakouts that are past the worst point. I wouldn't be using this on a load that are brand new painful ones, but its good with small ones as its gentle and theres no strong smell from the product either. 

What have been some of your favourites over the past two months?

Boots Haul (Soap&Glory Inspired)

Back at Christmas I got a lovely Soap&Glory set - the one that was the big boxes on special offer one of the weeks? And inside it had a voucher for €4 off once you spent over €15, which is no bother to someone like myself who is a big fan of the brand and going into Boots to spend in general! The voucher was expiring on April 1st so I couldn't let it go as it was a decent (enabling) amount of money off. Boots had a lot of stuff on offer and 3 for 2 on nearly all their make up too, so I'm going to give their normal prices first and then their on offer price. Just so you know what they currently are verses what they are now!

As you can see above I got myself a lovely big bottle of Smoothie Star Body Milk (€13.99) as I love their almond scents the most and really wanted something that I hadn't tried from the range before. I also got a repurchase of Hand Maid Hand Sanitizer (€3.49) as I'd almost run out of the one I keep in my hand bag. For years I never got why people raved about it, but now that I've become more almost overly aware of making sure my hands are clean, I use these a lot when I'm out for the day. 

I ran out of all my makeup removing skincare at the same time so I've been stocking up on it a lot. I always need backups of my backups! Garniers regular eye make up remover (€2.99) always keeps me happy so I picked up one. I find it never stings my eyeballs and gets rid of heavy eyeliner and mascara without having to rub the eyelids off myself. 

I also picked up some Boots own brand cleansing milk (€3.79 - €1.90) and a toner (€3.79 - €1.90) that both have aloe vera in them for sensitive skin. I got some face wipes from the same range (€3.99 - €1.99). I never use face wipes but their handy for taking off lipstick to eat or wiping away make up from the back of your hand. I've not used this range before as far as I can remember, or if I have they weren't in as nice looking packaging. I'll report back how they are on my skin once I get around to trying them out. 

This is the essentials pile of bits. Who doesn't need a few good razors (€6.99) to keep away the crazy forest like legs! I have been hairing (- see what I did there!?) my way through nail varnish remover recently as I've been redoing my nails loads, so I got a bottle of Cutex (€2.25). I think this is one of the best brands on the market as they take way less time to totally get rid of the product then other ones I've used. I can't speak much for them being nail strengthening or whatever claims they have but there good at the physical getting rid of bit.

Also got some Nivea rolls ons that were 2 for €4, normally €2.99 each. I'm a big fan of roll ons in recent times as they don't clog up air if you want to freshen up before bed and they also don't effect my asthma. Saying that, I picked up my favourite Impulse (€2.79 - €1.39) too as I'm a fan of having a body spray in my handbag if I'm out and about.  

Lastly I couldn't go into Boots and not pick up at least a few make up bits! I was on a mission for a cheap eyeliner as I had only earlier lost my own to my sisters clutch in the car. I got a Collection one (€2.49) in black that does the job grand. 

I was on the hunt for a Barry M (€5.99) light blue nail varnish after I saw it on Instagram. I think this is called Green Apple but I could be wrong! I've misplaced my bottle so I can't double check, but no doubt I'll put it up on Instagram or twitter soon enough!  

And I've saved the best for last. Just look at that Sleek lipstick!! (€5.99) its in the shade Mystic and it was made for me. I haven't even swatched it yet as I wanted to take photos of it in perfect condition for this post. Man I'm so restrained! It is just beautiful and even before I try it I want everyone to have it. It just makes me happy.

Well thats all of it! I actually saved €16 and got triple points on my Boots card too so I'm extra delighted! At the til I came across the most lovely lady called Cathy who recommend products to me (which I picked up!) and talked about the things I was buying. She gave me some baby wipes as I had a lot of swatches on my hand and gave me loads of brilliant vouchers for things in the shop (and some handy tips too!). I've come across some lovely staff in the Boots at Liffey Valley in the past, but this lady went above and beyond. Just had to give her a mention, she was so friendly and I left the shop feeling extra happy after such a nice chat.