My Travel Skincare Essentials

Hello, lovelies!

So, on Saturday, I made a post about how much I love travelling, and I thought I would do a series of travel related posts. Keeping with the beauty/lifestyle style of my blog, I figured lets do the most important things first. Skincare.

Skincare is literally one of the most important things in my life. I wish I was joking. No matter where I am, who I'm with, or what time it is, I always make time to fit in my skincare routine. Now obviously when I'm travelling I have a very limited access to my full supply of products, but I always take my trusted and true, which, of course, is mostly made up of Soap and Glory. For any occasion, no matter what, birthday, Easter, Christmas, or even just a Saturday sale, I get Soap and Glory gift sets.

There are a few things I have left off this list, like hand sanitiser, lip balm etc, this is just the things I use mid-travel. Like when we stop off at service stations, or I've been on a flight or train for a ridiculous amount of hours, these are my refreshers.

First off, hand cream.

Soap&Glory's 'Hand Food' has been my go to hand cream since I was in high school. I've switched up scents over the years but the formula has always been the same, thick and creamy and moisturising. I am a massive germaphobe, so I've always got at least two different types of sanitiser on me, using one after the other, especially on public transport, and then I follow with my trusty hand food. My beautiful baby.

Next, face moisturiser.

This little beauty you can pick up in Tesco, Asda, Bodycare, pretty much any store that stocks skincare that isn't extremely high end. It's only 99p, and you get an amazing amount of product for such a little tub (it can go in your hand luggage with no problem). You can use it for body, hands and your face, but I personally use it for just my face. Sometimes travelling can take a toll on your face, the recycled air making your skin dry and irritated, so I always have this to hand. Plus, its super moisturising, and smells amazing.

Now, I switch between these two products, but always have both with me: moisturisers.

Again, both Soap&Glory. Again, both absolutely beautiful. I have been known to disappear into the plane bathrooms just to use these, because I feel like I need a little bit of pampering. 'The Righteous Butter' is the original S&G body butter, and it's got the classic rose and bergamot scent. 'Sugar Crush' is for when I need a little bit of a 'ZING' in my life. It's citrusy, sugary, sweet and zingy! It wakes me up instantly. My bathroom is full of these travel sized products, because even when I'm not travelling, they're perfect for taking to visit friends, and it saves a heck of a lot of space.

These four products save my life whenever I need them to, and I will live by them until I find anything that makes me feel even half as good as these do.

I hope you enjoyed this post, thank you for reading, and as always -

I'll see you next time, then.

Ree xo

Serious Sunday - How Working Out Helped My Mental Health

Hello, lovelies!

I figured I would start a new series on this blog - Serious Sunday. Above all things I want to keep this blog true to what it started as... An honest, open insight into my life.

If you've been reading for a while you'll know I suffer from a wide variety of issues. Both mental and physical. From anxiety, to depression, to BPD, to OCD, there isn't a place in my head that feels like a "safe" place some days. That is where the gym has come in. In the last six months I have seen improvements in my mental health, as well as physically, just from going to the gym three to four times a week.

When I'm stressed - gym. When I'm angry - gym. When I'm happy - you bet I'm at the freaking gym. Spending that hour, two hours, three hours, on my body and focusing my mind on nothing else is incredibly therapeutic. I sleep better, I pay more attention to what goes into my body, I feel like I can breathe better. It doesn't matter if all I do is run on the treadmill for 45 minutes, and then picture who ever has pissed me off's face on the matt while I medicine ball slam out all my anger.

Working out, for me, is a way of clearing my mind. The thoughts that spend so long every day trying to pull me apart are the last thing on my mind, because I'm too busy focusing my mind on the muscles I'm working. On the same note - clearing my mind helps distract me from my physical aches and pains brought on by my Fibromyalgia. Of course there are still days when I physically can't go to the gym because my body needs to rest, but they are a lot fewer and far between than they were before, which is strange considering I've been working my body more, right?

My muscles are getting more used to being worked in such a way that Fibro pains, whilst still constant and always present, aren't as debilitating as they were before.

Basically, the point of this post, working out has changed that way I look at life, the way I look at my body, and the way I look at myself. I have a much healthier relationship with my body, and a much more positive outlook on life. It's true what Elle Woods says: "Exercise gives you endorphin's, endorphin's make you happy, happy people don't just shoot their husbands."

I hope you guys don't mind the addition of these more serious posts!

I'll see you next time, then.

Ree xo

12 Days of Blogmas: Day 6 - Last Minute Gift Ideas

Hello, lovelies!

Half way through already, can you believe it? I don't know what I'm going to do when Blogmas ends, I may just have to keep going with this daily blogging, because I'm loving it.

With Christmas a week today, I thought I'd do a quick high-street last minute gift guide.Everything on this list is under £20 and available from Boots, so if you want to get last minute stocking fillers, or just that one extra present for your mum, sister, best friend - I got you covered, boo.

1: No7 Illuminated Makeup Mirror

LINK

I - personally - would love to receive this as a gift. It's on offer for £19.99 rather than £49.99 so you're really getting a bargain, plus what makeup obsessed beauty doesn't need a light up mirror? It's by my trusty No7 as well, so if you want quality for a good price you're in the right place.

2: Soap & Glory Soaper Spa

LINK

My mum and I have actually bought 5 of these for different family members, because it's just too good of a deal to pass up on. All of the products in this box should retail at about £45, but you're getting it for £20! Can you say bargain? Especially since 3/7 of the products are full size, with the fourth and fifth being travel sized samples and then the two shower loofas. It's just too good. I'm going to pick one up for myself to be honest.

3: Sanctuary Stay Home & Relax

LINK

At this time of year there's nothing better than having a cosy night in with candles and movies. This Sanctuary kit is perfect as it comes with two scented candles, two reed diffusers with ten reeds, and a scented room spray, so making your living room cosy will be no hassle whatsoever. Give this to that one person who you know will love sitting with their candles lit, The Grinch on TV, and a hot chocolate.

4: Jack Wills Winter Warmer Gift Set

LINK

This. Is. Gorgeous. And it's a steal considering how expensive Jack Wills usually is! With a mug, a microwaveable mug warmer, hot chocolate sachets and mini marshmallows, this is the way to any girls heart. 

5: Zoella Lazy Days Fragranced Candle & Socks Set

LINK

Sets like this are the perfect stocking filler or last minute Secret Santa, so I couldn't really leave this off this list. Of course having the beautiful Zoe Sugg's branding on it bumps the price up a bit, but how cosy do those socks look?! It's definitely worth it for that one YouTube obsessed little cousin everyone has. (If any of my cousins are reading this - that's me. This is what I want. Please.) 

6: Soap & Glory Simply The Zest

LINK

Soap & Glory's SugarCrush scent is probably my most favourite scent in the world. I love it. It's perfect for waking you up and getting you ready for the day, but also lifting your spirits when you're feeling a bit low. If you know someone who is bubbly and bouncy and energetic, this is perfect for them! 

So, my lovelies! That's it! I loved making this list and if I'm honest I've added 5 of them onto my Christmas list - whoops! 

I'll see you all tomorrow for Blogmas day 7!

Ree xo

12 Days of Blogmas: Day 3 - Boots Haul

Hello, lovelies!

So, which clever-clogs decided the best day to go into town is 10 days before Christmas? OH! Me.

I thought waking up early this morning to head into town with my mum was a good idea because maybe we'd avoid the crowds, but alas, we did not. So, after all but fighting my way through the crowds in Primark, I finally got to Boots, and I finally got one (well, two technically) things from my winter skincare wishlist.

First things first, the beautiful skin cleansing brush from No7

Coming in at £24.95 this cleansing brush is at least £100 cheaper than it's competitor Clarisonic, and £50 cheaper than the Clinique version. The first thing I did when I got home was wash my face with this, and I can already tell I'm going to love it. My skin is smooth. It has two speed settings for if you want a slightly deeper clean, and the vibrating, spinning brush head pulls all the dirt out from in your pores. Of course it'll take more than one use to see the real benefits of using this, so I'll keep you all updated!

Next is something I briefly mentioned in my last post, the beautiful skin melting gel cleanser that goes with the brush!

Albeit a terrible photo, this stuff smells amazing. So clean and fresh smelling and not fruity or chemically like some cleansers. It's a clear gel that warms up when it's on your face so you can really feel it working straight away. Slather a generous layer on your face and then use the brush, and damn, the clean feeling is almost too much.

Spare brush heads, because I'm gonna need them. Pretty self-explanatory. £8 for a pack of two is a bargain though!

Now, I will admit I don't wash my makeup brushes nearly enough, so when the woman at the counter mentioned that this was on sale, I thought I'd give it a try. It's the No7 Makeup Brush Cleanser, and it's meant to help remove product build-up and strengthen your brush hairs. So, as someone who is quite harsh when putting on foundation, I'm hoping this will keep my foundation brush in shape until Christmas. (It's really on it's last legs.)

I didn't just buy No7 products, believe it or not! I also picked up the following makeup bits:

Rimmel's Fix & Perfect Primer! I have used this before and I loved it, but I switched it out with Benefit's The Porefessional. Now, as it's getting closer to Christmas and I don't have the money to splash out on that, I decided to go back to my tried, tested and true baby. It's got the exact same - if not better - quality as the Benefit one, so if you're looking to save some cash but still want quality, definitely check this one out.

Jamie Genevieve talked about this concealer in her latest video with Rimmel, and since I ran out of my favourite Collection 2000 one I thought I'd pick it up and try it out. I got it in the shade Ivory, and testing it on the back of my hand I've gathered a little bit goes a long way.  It's super creamy and light but gives an amazing coverage, and it doesn't break the bank. It's no Collection 2000, but it's a very close second so far.

Last but not least - Rimmel Scandal Eyes Micro-Liner. Running out of my Kat Von D tattoo liner was honestly probably the most heartbreaking thing I've had to deal with in a long time, and while I feel like I'm betraying it by buying something else, desperate times call for desperate measures. (And I can never skip out on a 3 for 2 deal.) It's got a super narrow tip which is perfect if you're like me and like your eyeliner to be SHARP, and it's staying power seems pretty good too, which, again if you're like me, is great if you're gonna be drunk crying your way through NYE.

Well, my lovelies, that's that!

I hope you enjoyed this post, and I'll see you all tomorrow for Blogmas Day 4!

Ree xo

12 Days of Blogmas: Day 2 - Winter Skincare Wishlist

Hello, lovelies!

I made a skincare post not long ago, and while I haven't tired of my trust No7 routine (there is actually an No7 product on this list!) I do like to mix things up now and again! Especially now it's winter and my skin needs that little bit of extra loving!

So, here we go, my winter skincare wishlist!

1. No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Brush

LINK

I've seen a few people raving about this brush, and while I would love a Clarisonic, I just can't justify the cost! This is an amazing alternative, and does just as good a job for literally a quarter of the cost! At £24.95 not only are you saving £100+, but you're getting a spa quality facial! You can use it with any cleanser, although No7 do offer a foaming one for £9.50 that I would love to get my hands on, so you don't need to worry about splashing the cash to get a cleanser!

2. GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment

LINK

If you spend a lot of time looking at the beauty scene online, you'll have definitely seen GlamGlow kicking around. They do amazing, amazing, masks and moisturisers that people like Jeffree Star, NikkieTutorials, Jamie Genevieve, and a whole bunch of other influential people and even celebrities have raved about! This particular mask was brought to my attention by Jamie, when she said she used it mostly when she was hungover, (girl, I feel you.) I have spent a ridiculous amount of time looking into this and the next product on this list, and while it is a little bit on the pricey end at £39, I do believe it will be worth it. Especially with New Years Eve and my 21st birthday coming up. I'm gonna need it. 

3. GlamGlow SuperMud Clearing Treatment

LINK

Another GlamGlow product, another feeling of need so deep in my stomach I could screech. This one is a mask, that uses "the most advanced clearing treatment" to pull all dirt and impurities out of your pores. I suffer pretty badly with large pores and blackheads around my nose and chin, so I feel like this would be extremely beneficial for me. It goes on as a thick, black mud and dries as an ashy grey, while remaining dark in all the places its working hardest, aka pores, blackheads, oily patches. Sounds gross, looks gross, is EXTREMELY addicting to look at. Again a bit pricey at £39, but worth it. 

4. Bodyshop's Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

LINK

A friend of mine actually recommended this to me on a post I made on Facebook. I was looking for recommendations for cleansers, and while I got a whole list full of ones I'd love to try, this one is definitely top of it. Working as a makeup remover and a cleanser, it's made from pure Camomile extract sourced right here in the UK, and is suitable for all skin types. I have super sensitive skin, but it's also pretty combination, getting dry on my cheeks and forehead and oily around my nose. Can you say nightmare? So, I would love to try this, and the size of the tub is unbelievable for only £10.

Well, my lovelies, that's it!

It feels so good to be blogging again, I've truly missed this.

See you all tomorrow for Blogmas Day 3! 

Ree xo

Skin Care Routine

Hello, lovelies!

 I promised my skin care routine, and here we are! It's not going to be a long post as I probably don't take as good care of my skin as I should (oops) but nonetheless, I hope you enjoy!

First things first, washing my face.

 Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash - Neutrogena

 I've been using this face wash for God only knows how long, and I love it. It makes my face feel tingly in the best way, and always leaves me looking baby soft. I struggle with blackheads quite badly around my nose, but this sorts them out right away.

Next, I go in with my cleanser.

NO7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Water for Normal/Oily Skin

I've seen my mum using No7 for as long as I can remember, and when I was 14 she bought me my first ever cleanser from them. It was one for younger skin and it was pink, and since then I was hooked. Now I'm 20 I'm using their Beautiful Skin range, and I noticed the benefits straight away. My skin around my nose and T-zone gets super oily sometimes, and since I've been using this I've hardly had to deal with that at all, which is a lifesaver, and a confidence booster, since I don't feel as bad about going out without my makeup on.

NO7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream for Normal/Oily Skin

Obviously depending on the time of day I alternate between my day cream and night cream (pictured bellow.) 

I've noticed with my day cream my makeup sits better, my face feels smoother, and altogether I feel much more hydrated. You only need the tiniest bit as well so it's well worth £20 a tub since it lasts a super long time. 

NO7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream for Normal/Oily Skin

I use the night cream right before I'm about to go to bed, and it soaks in whilst I'm sleeping. Then when I wake up my skin is feeling fresh and ready to start the day, as opposed to how it feels when I don't use it. (read: awful. groggy.)

Occasionally, like today, I do a face mask. Since it's Sunday and I got this one for free from Lush, I decided I'd add it in here.

Lush Cosmetics Love Lettuce Fresh Face Mask

My first thought about this mask was that it smelled amazing. I am a sucker for anything lavender scented. This can also be used as a scrub when applying it to your skin, because of it's gritty texture.

I slapped it on and then sat and watched fifteen minutes of How I Met Your Mother, and once washed off I couldn't really see much difference. I like it, because it's made my skin soft, but it's nothing extra-ordinary. 

Well, my loves, that's that. I hope you enjoyed reading about what I smother my face in every day.

I'll see you next time, then.

Ree xo