Thursday 26 November 2015

Late To The Hype

My lack of posts since being at uni has been horrendous, but I am determined to get back on the blogging ball from now. 

If you have even looked at a blog in the last, I don't know six months perhaps you will be more than familiar with these products and the blogger buzz surrounding them; L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation and Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water I had somehow not given into the hype, well until recently that is and I would like to say after trying these products I am disappointed that I didn't cave in and buy them before.

First of all please excuse how dirty my tube is, I think it shows its well loved. Mine is in the shade Porcelain 10; which I believe is the lightest shade and is the perfect match for my snowman like complexion. The coverage of this foundation is UNREAAAAL so may find it on the heavier side, but for me I am a fan as it lasts all day and I don't see the need for concealer with this foundation as it covers any redness around my nose and darkness under my eyes. I apply it with my damp beauty blender and it gives a nice skin like finish with no greasy shiny face syndrome after a good buffing in. There is also no need for powder with this foundation, I once made that mistake and was left looking cakier than a bakery. It also hasn't broken me out which means it gets a yaaaaaaaaaass from me.

Can we all just appreciate how cute this little mini is? Perfect for travelling or trying out like me. Before this the only micellar water I had tried was Bioderma, which I loved, but is definitely a lot pricier than this. This is without a doubt the most effective way to remove make-up it gives the effect of a cleanser in the time of a make-up wipe and has become a staple of my lazy uni student lifestyle. It leaves the skin feeling hydrated also, I find some cleansers can often leave the skin feeling as if the life has been sucked out of it. Another thing I have found with this is that it doesn't leave your face looking red after use, as I have sensitive skin I am often left looking strawberry faced, but not with this product. The only way I was disappointed by this slightly is it fails in the removal of waterproof mascara, other than that I love it and will definitely purchase the full size next time.


Have you tried either of these products? (lets be real you probably have) What did you think of them?

Saturday 3 October 2015

Freeman Facial Charcoal & Black Sugar Polish Mask

Sorry for the lack of posts, I have been busy preparing for, moving to and settling in to university, but I am now back and will be posting regularly once again. 
Today I will be writing about this mask that caught my eye the other day in Tesco. I am intrigued by anything containing charcoal, as I know its a popular ingredient in a lot of Asian skincare.

I am not fond of this kinda packaging as you can only use it once so creates product waste, but is ideal for trialing products- I guess. The packaging says this sachet contains 2-4 applications, I would disagree. I am not sure if I have a large facial surface (aka a big head) or the packaging is just being generous, there was more than enough for one application with some product remaining, but I am not sure I am convinced it would be enough for another whole application.



The consistency of this mask is more like a scrub than a mask so is rather odd, but I think this is because you're meant to massage it into your face later on in the application process, as it contains black sugar which acts as an exfoliant. I like the fact the scent of this product is neutral so is suited to all genders. This product has very simple claims "helps absorb oil and impurities without over-drying" which is definitely something I agree it does as it left my face feeling hydrated, yet extremely clean. It also states it "helps exfoliate away dulling skin cells for softness and clarity" which I would also agree it does as my face was left looking soft and subtly glowing. It claims it is suitable for all skin types, this I cannot either confirm or deny as I obviously only have one skin type which is dry, but I can safely say unlike some exfoliating masks this did not dry my skin out at all.

This product left my face feeling firmer, smoother and added a slight glow to my skin which was much needed as my skin was looking really rather dull after the lack of sleep during freshers week.  I would definitely recommend picking up and trying whilst in Tesco as its only £1.49 and if you do like this product a larger size in packaging less waste friendly is available on Amazon.




Friday 4 September 2015

Food Post Friday- Breakfast

I am a MASSIVE foodie so I decided I needed more food on my blog, I decided what better way to do so than to start a collection of food posts? 
Breakfast is without a doubt my favourite meal so I thought I would share my favourite breakfasts.



 Cracker breads with mashed avocado topped with chipped plum tomatoes and a green smoothie on the side (pineapple, banana, spinach and wheat-grass)

Monday


This was my first attempt at a boiled egg and I have to say it was rather successful. I went with cracker breads rather than actual bread for soldiers because bread bloats me ridiculous amounts and I did not want to start my day in bloated troll mode. I had a side of plum tomatoes just because I love them and why not eh?


Possibly the quickest most simple yet still filling and delicious breakfast- Wholegrain rice crackers, topped with peanut butter served with apple because apple and peanut butter is a wonderful combination in my opinion.
What is your favourite breakfast? Also if you enjoyed looking at pictures of my breakfast (which you probably did not) be sure to follow me on instagram  @clairefrancesxo

Sunday 23 August 2015

Heavenly Desserts

The other day after going to see the Bad Education Movie (which was hilarious- I would definitely recommend), me and my friends Eleanor and Amy decided to visit Heavenly Desserts in Derby. I was excited because I had heard some great things about this place. 
(please excuse the awful phone quality and terrible lighting I was sat outside in the dark, but this place was too good to not blog about)






If like me you have a sweet tooth you will love this place, the menu is basically a book so it was a hard decision, but I decided on some kind of ferrero rocher waffle which is also covered in nutella which was pure bliss and I have been having dreams about since, but it sadly defeated me as the portions are massive so it is definitely worth their reasonable prices.



The only issue was we were seated outside next to a table of smokers and the service was slow, but bearable because it was a Saturday night so was expected.Also I wish with selling such instagram worthy food they would invest in some outside lighting (just kidding) Other than that I would definitely recommend and will not hesitate to return.

Have you been to Heavenly Desserts?

Saturday 15 August 2015

BikiniByGray

If like me you're bored of seeing triangl bikinis EVERYWHERE lets face it everybody and their nan has one, you'll be pleased to know there's a new bespoke, hand embellished bikini brand in town to stop the embarrassment of rocking up at the pool on holiday to find someone else sunbathing next you to be wearing the same.


First of all how freaking TO DIE FOR is the packaging?

  I love the white bottoms with a blue top, both colours will gorgeous accentuate any tan or compliment any skin tone as it is- perfect for a beachy holiday.
My favourite thing about this bikini is definitely the white tassels which are sooooooo on trend right now.


The white pearl detailing along the bikini brought out my inner Ariel from the little mermaid.


 I am a size 8 and got a size small which fits perfectly- the tie bottoms make it easy to adjust if it originally suits a bit baggy or tight!


 The clasp fastening makes the top feel secure so you are sure to avoid any dreaded nip slip situations with this!

This lovely bikini is an equally lovely price- £20!!

Be sure to check out their Twitter and Instagram  @bikinibygray on details on how to order, or alternatively email them bikinibygray@gmail.com they are a lovey brand and will be more than happy to help.

(I was kindly gifted this by the lovely people at BikiniByGray, but this is my honest opinion and I would never accept anything I wouldn't genuinely buy)


Thursday 13 August 2015

Why Are You Dressed Like A Mamma Mia Extra? (And University)

I have recently been loving all things 70's inspired and this maxi dress is not an exception, I have always stayed away from maxi dresses in the fear that they would make me look beyond short, I was right but yolo. I decided to pair the dress with a crochet espadrille for them summer vibes.
The dress has a leg split not that you can at all tell, but- oooh cheeeky

Can we just discuss how stunning the back of this dress is please?

 Maxi Dress- Boohoo
Shoes- New look
Neckalace- Primark

Also on a completely unrelated note, I GOT INTO UNI!!!!

I am so excited so expect many more uni related posts! Did any of you get into uni this year?
 

Tuesday 11 August 2015

Organic Surge Replenishing Facial Oil

I am back again with another Orangic Surge product, safe to say I am obsessed. (click here for my review of their mask and their serum)


I've said it before and I'll probably say it again, but how pretty is this packaging?


As I have dry skin I have been wanting to incorporate an oil into my skincare for a while and I thought as I love this brand, I chose to give theirs a go. As a face oil virgin I was afraid I would be left looking chip pan levels of greasy after applying- I thought wrong. It makes my skin feel smooth and hydrated I have been applying this alongside my Simple Kind To Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser at night to add a little oomph to my skincare routine and waking up with skin smoother than a fresh jar or Skippy! which according to Bruno Mars is pretty smooth.

I would also like to note that it is enriched with natural argon oil- you know how us blogger types love argon oil. It is also vegan and vegetarian friendly. It has notably not clogged up my skin like I have read some face oils do and it has not broken me out. The product also claims to smooth the appearance of wrinkles, but as a teenager you can imagine this was not one of my concerns. This product has a delicate smell not at all overpowering. 


The pipette applicator not only reminds me of school and dodgy experiments that always went wrong in science lessons, but also makes getting the right amount of product an easy task.

As its an oil a little goes along way and I will definitely be repurchasing this when I have ran out which I imagine will not be for an awful long time yet- seriously can this brand do any wrong?

What are your favourite oils?

Sunday 9 August 2015

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint

As an avid collector of nail polish, I am always looking for a way to justify buying yet another shade of blue, which looks the same as ten I already own; so I saw the new formula of these Barry M ones as a perfect excuse to rummage through Boot's.


I picked up the shade 'make me teal' which on the Boot's website is called 'way you make me teal' but is obviously rather long for the bottom of a nail varnish, but a great name and stunning shade nonetheless.



The polish after being wore for four days (I forgot to take a picture at the beginning) - no chips which is impressive for me. Please excuse my chunky, yet funky (thanks to this lovely shade of nail varnish) man hands. This is after just one coat of the actual shade and the topcoat, it advises you to use to coats of the colour, but mine was more than ready for the topcoat after just one application as the applicator is a flat brush so helps you to easily coat your nails evenly. The colour and topcoat both dry very fast so I am afraid its not one for using the "I can't do the pots my nails are wet" as it dries practically instantly. It also leaves your nails looking hella shiny definitely giving that gel effect for the fraction of the price.


The lid was originally a lovely every bloggers dream rose gold colour, but somehow the paint came off? And it also scratches really easily.


Other than the slight problem with the packaging and the fact the are only currently six shades I was impressed and will definitely be picking up more.

Have you tried these? What do you think of them?

Monday 27 July 2015

VO5 Give Me Texture Shampoo and Revive Me Daily Conditioner

I am the least loyal person ever when it comes to shampoos and conditioners, I just love trying out different products. I recently stumbled across these VO5 ones, I like packaging so that drew me in along with the name of the shampoo- it intrigued me as I have lifeless flat hair. I stupidly didn't realise I had not picked up the matching shampoo and conditioner until I began to take blog pictures, but thought they were worth a mention nonetheless.



Give Me Texture Shampoo:


The shampoo lathers extremely well and I have noticed my hair is appearing slightly bouncier and I have used nothing else to achieve this so I am assuming this was a result of the shampoo.

Revive Me Daily Conditioner:


I found this conditioner was light, so did not weigh my already flat hair down; whilst still keeping my hair feeling soft and hydrated. It claims it is perfect for everyday use, although I do not washy my hair everyday and it also claims to have heat defence properties, I rarely use heat on my hair- but if I was too I am not sure I would trust a conditioner and go without a heat defence spray.

Overall I think at £3.99 both products do the job of cleaning my hair sufficiently and I love the scent of both. Also my hair is really thick and these products have lasted much longer than my shampoo and conditioner do so you definitely get more bang (or shampoo and conditioner) for your buck!

Do you have any shampoo or conditioner recommendations?

Friday 24 July 2015

Annie's Burger Shack

I have decided in order to add more lifestyle elements to my blog, I may start doing the odd food post as I am a MASSIVE foodie and I am starting with this. 

Yesterday I visited Annie's Burger Shack in Nottingham (Lace Market area) before going I had relatively high expectations as I had heard nothing, but good reviews.





First of all how lovely is the decor I think it definitely added to the lovely chilled atmosphere



 I ordered the "BBK King" with sweet potato fries because I love sweet potato fries more than life, I also had a mango and passion fruit slushie which was unreeaaaaaal.

The food came so fast (after I had made my mind up on what I wanted which was the most difficult decison ever as there was soooooo much to choose from) the staff were also very friendly and the service was great.

Overall I was mega impressed I spent less than £15 and left in a food coma- they also cater for vegans and vegetarians, so I would definitely recommend to anyone.

Have you been to Annie's? Do you have any food recommendations for places in Nottingham/Derby/Birmingham?





Wednesday 15 July 2015

Lace On Denim OOTD

When I saw this top on boohoo I just HAD to have it- its four of my favourite things in one top- white,lace,bell sleeved and has tassels what's not to love?

(Please excuse how pale and moody looking I am)






Top- Boohoo
Skirt- Primark
Sandals- Public Desire
Necklaces- Etsy, Primark & Random