The Body Shop Primers- Matte It & Instablur

Oh primers. I'll be honest there was once a time I swore by primers nowadays not so much. I often find myself pondering over the purpose of primers, I mean essentially if your serum/day cream are on point isn't primer just an added unnecessary layer? The majority I have tried have left me underwhelmed (with the exception of a NARS offering & Clinique) I find they do nothing in terms of prolonging foundation and I'm almost sure the majority are to blame for congested skin. So as the weather heated up (for a day, damn you British summer) and my skin got a little more oily I decided to give primers another go, here are my thoughts on TBS's offerings-

Even with the 40% discount code there's no denying both primers left me underwhelmed, save your pennies ladies. TBS 'Matte It' primer has a clear consistency and almost feels gel like in texture. It's a silicone based primer, something I'm not usually a fan of but I thought I'd give the texture a go. This melts into the skin and feels tacky in texture. So tacky that I actually felt the need to cleanse my skin again after applying the primer. This smooths over the skin, but does nothing in terms of pores/blemishes. I'll be honest this felt greasy, so, so, greasy. If anything I actually think this made my skin more greasy after using despite it's claims to offer shine control. Oh yes, its also worth mentioning in terms of shine control (if you didn't guess by the greasy texture bit) there is none. This doesn't prolong foundation, if anything makeup had a tendency to slide and wear away more throughout the day with this primer. This ones a total no go for me and is now gathering dust at the bottom of my makeup bag. What a waste.

Okay, so I know what you are thinking there's still hope but nope I'm afraid The Body Shop Instablur left me equally underwhelmed. Now when a product makes as many claims as Instablur it really does build your expectations. Instablur is marketed as a five in one primer promising to extend make up, unify the complexion, offer 12 hr shine control, reduce pore size and even hide blemishes. So the obvious comparison is going to be to Benefits Porefessional (something I didn't like) the biggest difference is texture and colour. TBS offering is translucent making it more universal and suitable for all skin types. The texture is pretty similar to Porefessional, although a little less cakey/pasty. It terms of shine control I'd give this a thumbs down. If you've tried the NARS Matte primer or Clinique Instant perfecter (both primers that genuinely reduce shine) this primer will seem a little meh. For me this offered zero shine control my t-zone still looked oily throughout the day. I also didn't notice that this prolonged foundation. Pore minimising/blemish hiding, again I have to say I noticed no difference as this applies translucent I didn't find it to do much in terms of concealing spots. With the texture I expected this to smooth over the skin, blurring pores/spots but this sadly wasn't the case. In terms of complexion again as this is translucent I don't really see how it can 'unify' the skin, to promote an even skin tone I'd almost expect a slightly tinted primer.

It's also worth mentioning if you suffer with sensitive skin (like I do) tread carefully, as both primers had a tendency to leave my skin feeling a little congested and in good need of a deep cleansing clay mask. I feel like this was a little bit of a negative nelly one, but if you are going to market a primer as a 5 in 1 with big claims you do expect something a little more spectacular. I'm still on the fence with primers and whether they actually make a difference to make up application/longevity. Perhaps my expectations are too high, who knows. My theory is if it doesn't prolong or make application easier why  bother?

Have you tried TBS Instablur? Fan of primers?

It's Love -June

Here's a shocker although I have the 'Beauty Blogger' title I don't actually purchase that many products monthly. This can often mean that my favourite products remain the same through months (hence why I haven't really included monthly favourites on my blog before.) Once I find something I love I tend to stick with it, which often means I only have one/two products per category in my makeup and skincare collection. I decided to introduce an 'It's Love' series (basically monthly favourites) but with a more 'flexible' name. Here's my loves from June- 

The Soap and Glory Breakfast Scrub will always be a firm favourite of mine when it comes to body scrubs. The breakfast scrub is still one of my favourites for scent, it smells amazing and does an incredible job of buffing away dry skin. Unlike some S&G body scrubs that end up straight down the drain (I'm looking at you Sugar Crush scrub) this one actually sticks to the skin allowing you to really get your scrub on. I feel like the texture is slighter more abrasive than other S&G scrubs too.

This HURRAW Vanilla Bean lip balm has to be my most reached for balm, I'm in love with this stuff. This 'all natural' organic, vegan friendly balm is super moisturising on my lips. What I like about this is that it stays for the longest time, instead of disappearing like other lip balms I have tried. My lips  have been in a much better state since introducing this into my morning makeup routine. This also creates a lovely layer before matte lipsticks. Sorry, but I just have to mention the smell, it's just amazing like vanilla and cocoa. Thanks to lovely Rachel (AllNaturalAspirations) for recommending this product - it's a keeper! 

Well, I tell you what this Clinique lipstick has been well and truly loved throughout the month of June. There's nothing else I've reached for. The shade is called 'All Heart' and it has to be one of the most wearable shades I own. Having naturally pink/red lips most nudes look odd on me, but this provides me with a perfect everyday neutral shade, it matches my natural lip colour perfectly (see instagram picture here) The formula is super moisturising on the lips too.

The Bare Mineral Ready Touch foundation is the only base product I've reached for through the hot sticky month of June. This easy fuss free base has survived pretty well through heat/humidity. This just creates a natural, even looking base. It's so lightweight on the skin, and it's just quick, easy and fuss free. I can tell how much use this has received throughout the month as my RT Buffing brush is sitting spotlessly clean, my powder brush on the other hand not so much.

If you read my little book post over here you'll know I'm a fan of the crime genre. I finished this book in a week. What a cliffhanger, a brilliant 'who done it' style book that has you clinging on to every word. If gritty, blood, violence, gang crime isn't your cup of tea you won't like this book as it can be pretty explicit and hard to read at times. Throughout the book you constantly play the guessing game and when you're super sure who the killer is, something happens and a new potential suspect appears. There's just twists and turns throughout. I must say though I've read a few Neil White books and they seem to be pretty hit and miss.

At the gym I make a conscious effort to stay hydrated. I aim to drink at least a litre throughout most workouts yet I still face that dreaded post workout headache. After reading a few fitness style articles a supplement drink was suggested. 'Everything But The Cow' is a fat free, dairy free, gluten free, no artificial anything post workout drink. The aim is to create a a drink that's as creamy as a milkshake but still remains as fruity as a smoothie. I must say the blend works well. I love the Mango and Orange one, and the Banana & Kiwi are equally yummy.  Super tasty and my headaches post workout have eased. If you're after a healthy drink that's a great source of carbohydrates and protein for post workout this yummy drink may be for you.

So there we have a little mix of the products, reads and drink I've loved throughout the month of June. I'd love to know what products have been a standout for you this month? Any book recommendations I need a good lighthearted holiday book.

Debated Decisions #3 Too Old For Uni?

It’s not often a lifestyle posts crops up on these parts but it is something I’m hoping to get on board with as I personally love a blog that has a mix of posts, it creates a little balance and sometimes it’s just nice to throw something different into the mix.  My ‘Debated Decisions’ series seems to have gone down well in the past, so today I thought I’d share some more ramble with you lovely readers. It’s a dilemma that’s been on my mind over the past few months, so today I thought I’d write it all into a post to see if there are any thoughts or opinions on the subject. An unbiased view can often provide a lot of reassurance.

The dilemma I can imagine is probably one that is relatable amongst people in a similar age group, but I’ve mainly begun to think about my goals, future, career and ambitions. I’ll be honest it’s something I usual sweep under the rug but after a recent wake up call (by my supportive colleagues) I came to the conclusion that I may be underselling myself in my current line of work. When I think about my current role I ask myself is there career progression? The answer is most certainly yes. There’s scope for progression through grade structure (more money) a chance to take on more responsibility and shift through Departments. But when I ask myself do I see myself here in five years’ time? The answer is definitely a no. So if I’m not here where am I? Good question right. 

I’ve always been one of those young people who had no idea what they wanted to be. I even recall the painstaking 1 hour career meeting in my school days where I left feeling disheartened. I feel like so much pressure is put on young people to stay in study. After leaving school I was keen to earn an income through small part time jobs and my apprenticeship (something I have successfully completed) but when I suggested this at my school it was almost frowned upon. It feels like expectation of young people is school, college, University, some people are very reluctant to suggest any options outside of academic study and as a young person it can be extremely confusing. 

So after a long (so long) think I’ve finally decided further study may aid me in career progression. I’ve researched the degree I am interested in (Psychology.) My current BTEC qualifications aren’t  sufficient enough for the course I want to do, so I’ll most likely need to take a year out to complete an ‘Access to HE’ course. I’m hoping to continue in my current role and study for my degree part time.  

The thought of returning to study is very much a daunting one. I even began to question am I too old for Uni? This probably sounds like a ridiculous question from a twenty something year old, after checking the age gap I’m not classed as a mature student but still. I guess studying till the age of 28 (the degree part time would be six years) isn’t something I originally envisioned I’d be doing. Working at a University we have many mature students that study with us and successfully complete the course, I don’t have anything against studying as a mature student but I just don’t know if it's necessarily for me. By 28 I'd hope to have my own place, a mortgage, full time income. Six years of study will be a huge commitment for me and I only feel like I have a certain amount of time to make my final decision (I’m not getting any younger!)

I guess sometimes you have to view the bigger picture, remain in jobs that you don’t necessarily enjoy or put the extra study in for a career you’ve always dreamt off (cheesy!) Although it may seem like a huge commitment it could be truly worth it long term, this degree could open up so many opportunities. 

Did you study as a mature student? Am I worrying over nothing? Have you studied a part time degree?  Do you feel that there’s a lot of pressure placed on you as a young person to remain in education? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Soap & Glory Orangeasm Range

I'm a huge fan of Soap and Glory (and have been for many years.) With their vintage inspired packaging, quirky names and affordable prices they really are my go to brand for skincare, makeup and body care. I was super excited when I first heard about the cheekily named 'Orangeasm' range after waiting for the hype to die down and finally getting my hands on a couple of products from the range I must say, I just can't get enough. 

As you can see I picked up the shower gel and body butter, there's also a perfume (I thought it might be a little overkill!)  I'll go right ahead and say I love this scent, it's fresh, zingy and super uplifting in the mornings. However, I can see why some people haven't been a fan.The orange scent has a sort of spicy smell to it, I love this though as it makes it both summer and winter time appropriate. If you are expecting a similar scent to say The Body Shop satsuma range you will be disappointed, as the TBS range has a more artificial orange scent whereas S&G have gone down a more spicy route. The scent is very overpowering though so if you're not 100% definitely have a whiff at your local Boots before buying. 

As with all S&G shower gels these bottles last for yonks. Only a small amount is needed to create a foamy fruity lather. The showers gels are super moisturising, and the smell really lingers even before applying body butter. I think it's so handy that the S&G shower gels come in a pump form too. 

The body butter is just amazing and so addictive. The scent just smells divine. This texture is like no body butters I've tried as it has tiny beads, similar to those you'd find in a body scrub. They disappear and melt into the skin as you apply the lotion. As with all S&G body butters this feels super moisturising without feeling greasy or sticky. The smell lingers throughout most of the day too.

I've really enjoyed incorporating these two products into my daily shower routine, it's amazing how such an uplifting scent can really make those early mornings a little more bearable. I feel energised, fruity and summery. I was a huge fan of the Sugar crush line but I think Orangesam may have taken the top spot. Now all we need is a scrub, a scrub in this scent would just be a-mazing especially if it had a similar texture to my favourite S&G body scrub of all time..Pulp Friction. 

Have you tried Orangeasm range?  Favourite products from Soap and Glory?