Banish the Oil

I have oily skin and so need a primer when wearing foundation or BB cream, in order to keep it on my face, as it has a tendency to slide. Lovely.
 I bought this primer a while ago from The Body Shop but have recently re-discovered it at the bottom of my plant pot full of Skincare. Yup, I keep my skincare in a plant pot. It's a very prettily decorated one however-that makes it better right? It has a slightly odd consistency (the primer, not the pot) -it’s very gel like, and feels quite strange to apply. Unlike other primers which completely soak into the skin you can feel this almost like a film on your skin. That makes it sound very unappealing but I actually quite like how it feels.  I can’t really describe it, but hopefully you get my drift. I apply it all over my face, but apply a little more on my most oily areas-nose and forehead.

Helen x

Soap and Glory Loving

I've always been a fan of Soap and Glory and am always drawn to their products whenever I go to Boots. Who can resist pretty pink packaging and their signature floral smell? Not me, certainly. I've grown my collection a little recently, thanks to friends and family who also understand the love. Here are some of my favourites. 

I keep the body scrub in the shower and use it daily. I get really dry skin in the Winter-especially on my elbows-and this has really helped to get rid of all the dead skin cells. I just squeeze a large pea shaped amount onto a shower puff and scrub away. It smells amazing and wakes me up in the mornings, to the extent I never want to get out of the shower. The foot scrub is also great for a really invigorating pedicure and perfect for making your toes smell of flowers and all things nice.

Next is this shower gel. It has a different scent to the rest as it's part of the ‘Orangeasm’ range. It has a really uplifting, refreshing smell, also perfect for waking you up.

The hand cream has long been a favourite of mine. It’s super moisturising but just smells so good I can’t help but slather it on at far too regular intervals.

Helen x

Snowy Snaps

I live in the North East, where there's been a bit of snow recently (yay). There wasn't much in the town where I live so a couple of weekends ago we ventured up the dale in search of more. We found lots, so I thought I'd share with you some wintery photos.

Helen x 

Book of the Month

I'm a regular reader of the Guardian and usually the first thing I do is turn to the beauty section to read Sali Hughes' weekly column which I love, and so I was very happy when I finally got my hands on her book- Pretty Honest. It's £22 (though cheaper on Amazon-you can get it here)

It's a good thick book packed with sensible, straight forward tips and advice on everything from salon etiquette to acne. All the sections are written in Sali's characteristic no-nonsense style, which I love, and all are genuinely useful. I particularly enjoyed the sections on daily skincare routine, foundation and Teen beauty-all very relevant and well thought out. There's some lovely photos in it, but its mainly just good solid advice. I read it cover to cover, irritating my family by continuously saying 'Sali says…' and then quoting some new fact I'd learnt. I'm now dipping in and out, picking it up before heading to Boots so I know what ingredients to avoid in skincare for oily skin, or what blush she recommends. It truly is a Beauty Bible. I love it-can you tell?

Helen x

Back to the '50's: Record Players and the vinyl to play on them

You know those presents people receive, which are partly your present too? Well, that’s what happened with the record player my dad got last Christmas. He'd unearthed his record player from his youth along with stacks of vinyl and for a while was able to relive his teenage years very loudly. Then it broke and for a while the house was peaceful, until the new one appeared under the tree.

Also under the tree was some vinyl of my own (my dad and I don't have exactly the same music taste, though I do love many of his records). I was very happy to be able to play Mumford and Sons in LP form at last. My friend also got a record player recently, so I thought I'd do an appreciation post of sorts. Below are links to devices on the lower end of the price spectrum (so you still have money left over to splurge on all your new music) and some of the many artists who release in vinyl.

5 of the best Record Players under £70

•  GPO Stylo 3 Speed Stand Alone Turntable
•   Crosley Cruiser Briefcase Style Turntable
•  PylePro Retro Turntable    
• ION Duo Deck Turntable  
•  Steepletone Stereo Record Player 

 5 artists who release in vinyl

• Young the Giant 
•   One Direction (yup, that surprised me too)
•  Taylor Swift
•  Two Door Cinema Club
•  Bombay Bicycle Club

Avon Argon Oil Review

I don't use many products on my hair, simply because I don't tend to find it needs it (though I am searching for a good spray to calm some of the frizz. If you have any recommendations, please let me know). However, now it's winter it's become a bit dry like everything else and I was searching for something to give it a bit of extra moisture.

Enter Argon Oil. I know, I know, I'm pretty late to the party in regards to this. I wish I'd joined sooner because this stuff is good. This is the 'Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argon Oil Leave in Treatment' (bit of a mouthful) from Avon and is currently only a couple of pounds. It's suitable for wet or dry hair but I use mine after I've combed it through in the shower, distributing it all through my hair but focusing on the ends as these get the driest. Don't expect dramatic results with this-it does what it says on the tin, but it does it pretty well. And for that price, who's complaining?

Helen x

What I'm Currently Loving

Porridge

I'm normally in such a rush in the mornings I barely have time to shove some toast in my mouth whilst applying concealer, packing my bag, and finding matching socks. When I have a little extra time however I like to make some porridge. I make mine with half milk, half water, and simply microwave it till thick (I like mine pretty solid…yum)  My favourite toppings are banana, brown sugar, red berries and granola.

Suits

Not the clothing, the programme. I've been re-watching this series about an American law firm over the holidays, and I'm completely gripped. It's so good! I really love the central characters and how they're constantly evolving as the plot develops.


Writing letters

I know it seems a bit out of date, what with facebook and twitter etc making it so easy to keep in touch, but there's nothing quite like writing letters (or receiving them-it makes a nice change from bank statements). At the moment I'm using this letter set from Paperchase which always makes me smile, it's so bright and cheerful. 

Helen x