HAPPY HENNA : Tips + Tricks !

HAPPY HENNA.My tips and tricks to a stress free henna.
I would recommend henna to a banana I love it that much. It is ideal for those "dye-a-phobes", like me. Who has only dyed there hair once and wants to do something a little different to their hair, but not much because they are boring. Yep, that's me. I use Lush henna, which means ethically, it is the dogs. No pun intended ... It has the best ingredients, and is surrounded in rich fair trade organic cocoa butter. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm good. (name that film !) I eased my way in with colours. Starting with Noir, then half noir and half brun. Now I am full head of brun. I haven't managed to succumb to the likes of marron and rouge. I am biased brunette through and through.
Not only is Lush's henna packed with all things good, it is also a gentler way of colouring those locks. Henna wraps around your hair like a hug, works with your natural hair colouring and makes it shinier than a bald mans freshly polished head. Whilst also thickening the hair. Which for my fine hair, I aint complainin. Compared to chemical dye, it's a hoot. Chemical dye penetrates your hair, alters the hair colour itself and makes in generally weaker. There is some techincal lingo, but ya know. It's a sunday.
I think today marks well over my 5th Henna and I have some tips and tricks for ya'll.
Tip 1: BE PREPARED + ORGANISED !
Make sure you have all the necessary tools. This comes down to the cling film and scissors. Cause once you got it on your head, dancing around the kitchen with head full of henna can only mean disaster. 

TIP 2 : KEEP CLEAN + TIDY !
This is made easier if tip 1 is well mastered. Before I even chop my henna up, I make sure I have bin bags down, the sink is prepped and everything is out of the way. Cause it does like to fling everywhere. Like a pig in mud. 

TIP 3 : The kitchen sink.
I set my henna station up over the kitchen sink. Then I can lean over it, and if you haven't had any jumpers, it will just wash away down the sink. If it jumps, then tip 2 will take in to effect.

TIP 4 : Consistency + temperature.
Something I feel I have mastered. I achieved the perfect texture of henna today. Smooth, just like chocolate. Also, leaving your henna over the saucepan of water to keep warm whilst applying also helps to achieve a richer colour.
TIP 5 : Sectioning.

I work with my hair in two halves. Always start from back to front. Always comb your hair through before applying. Always start at the root. Simples.

TIP 6 : Washing.
Again Tip 1 and 2 really help here, but I always find jumping in the shower nakey is the best way. It takes about 1 rinse and two washes, and I don't want a neck ache. To ensure an easy clean up, rinse the bath between rinse and washes. And a clean bath before hand, means stuff don't cling to them dirty patches.

There, I think that's it. Happy Hennaing chappies !
Let me know if your keen to give it a go !
x

My little lush secret !

If you haven't worked it out yet, I am little Lushobessed. 
Juuuuuuust a tiny bit.

My recent favourite comes from there EB range. This stands for Emotional Brilliance and is a very unique makeup product. With names chosen specifically to cator for different moods. I like to think of them as a sort of face paint, which can be used anywhere on the face, giving you more than just your averge make up feel, but makeup with a purpose.  

Dynamic is a peachy pearlescent, making this very versatile. It blends beautiful and can be used all over the eye, as a highlighter and even on the lips for that beautiful peachy sheen. 

Rose, jojoba and almond oil to keep it all nourishing. With cupuacu butter and glycerine to help blend and set the makeup. Oh and it hasn't been tested on animals. And for a bonus point, vegan !

This will certainly make a spring glow. 

Have you tried any of the lush EB range ? 

Mineral makeup goes Harry Potter !

B E A U T Y 
Woah woah woah it's magiiiiiiiic. 

Mineral Magic that is. I picked this up on a whim in Asda well over a month or two a go. Then I asked my mum to pick me up another. Yeah, it's not often I repurchase a product. So that say's a lot ! Pricing up at  just under 10 pounds this little beauty is a thing of wizardy. It's a kaolin base, which from my trusty Lush knowledge it is oil absorbing as well as being good for spot prone skin. Which is me down to a T. T-zone that is ! You can use this as a finishing powder or as a foundation. It has little beads, purple, yellow, green and pink. Making this correcting and concealing. With a little bit of collections lasting perfection concealer, you are wingardium leviosaing your ass to oil, spotless free skin and a flawless coverage that last's all day. I know, MAGIC. 
Have you tried any of JML's wonder products ?

My Charlotte SunJelly bag !

My Charlottes already getting her fill. Full of wool and crochet projects. This week I was the proud winner of Beauty In The Mirrors Twitter competition to win my very on SunJellies bag. Boy was I excited. At first I hadn't realised I had won, due to Twitter notifications on my app being down for the day. Then on the morning of my vibe class, I awoke to beeps and tweets. I immediately contacted the lovely people at SunJellies and requested the beautiful Charlotte. Black of course, that is the only colour I seem to wear. That, or white and the occasional red or floral/Paisley/Aztec pattern. But that is strictly occasional. For special times. They don't happen much. 

And on Thursday, it arrived. All collapsed down like nobodies business. Easy to assemble and in less than a minute I was taking photographs and posting pictures. 5 minute after that I had already filled it with yet another of my many crochet projects. I cannot wait to test this baby out, food shopping, beach times, even a makeup/hairdryer storage. With a tidy price of £10 you can't go wrong with this sheek black bag. Next on my list, black SunJellies sandals. 

Summer, hurry up please.

Do you guys remember jelly shoes ? 

Don't believe the hype : Fruit water bottle diffusers.

H E A L T H 
Actually, do. 

I'm sure all you food fitness fanatics have seen this plastered over your social media. Instagram, facebook. IT IS EVERYWHERE. And me being a sucker goes, oooh, yeah, gimme. So I gotta. I was careful though, looked high and low for the decent bargain. And bam, found one TK MAXX 4.99 thank you very much. And the hype, well now I know what the whole fuss is about. 

I find myself reaching more for my lemony water than I would the usual plain tap water kind. Not to mention all the benefits lemon water has. Digestion, weight management and skin. WIN WIN WIN.

Have you guys tried any fruit water bottle diffusers ?

I went to watch Fifty Shades of Grey and I bloody loved it.

I went to watch Fifty Shades of Grey and I bloody loved it. 

There. 

I said it.

We have all been there, fallen all smitten for characters and their love story.

The Twilight Saga, being one many can relate to. Yes, you did, admit it. Even though now, your like, what the hell was I thinking ?  We have all been there. 

The same can be said for the love story of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. Because "kids", that's why we read them and that's why my ass was in that seat at 1'o clock this afternoon. Not because of its questionable written literature. No offence James, you do a good story, but if I have to read; "looks up at him through my lashes" one more time I'm gonna go green man Hulk on you. 

Unlike Twilight, poor choice in actors, (I think just heard the whole world gasp). The people casting Fifty did good. I mean, real good. And it wasn't until I was 5 mins into the film that it had me convinced, because you know, you got to go in with a, "hmmm now I know this could be a bit s***", mentality.

Wrong wrong wrong and wrong again.

They seriously hit the nail on the head. Even how the dealt with the hot and steamy scenes, all were done delicately and weren't distasteful. Do I mention the submissive part ? Yeah, I do. So much controversy has been shed on this story, the films really highlight the turmoil of wanting that relationship and the struggles of what it will bring. But, in all honesty feminism and all that, if that's what floats your boat, then sail away sailor. 

Hats off to the actors, Jamie Dornan and Dakota Jonson, those scenes must have been, errrrrr ... uhhhhh ... difficult ? I am glad I am not Dornan's wife right now, s'all I am saying. 
It was very close to the book. The casting, directing, the music were completely on point. It's Beyoncé people, BEYONCÉ. 

And the ending, oh the ending left me wanting more. Let's hope they start shooting the next one ... 

How do you feel about the Fifty Shades Series ? Are you a lover or a fighter ? 

See movies trailor here ! 

On the go breakfasts, because sometimes you can't be assed for food preppin !

H E A L T H 

Friday was one of those mornings where breakfast certainly was not on the agenda, but something I was willing to squeeze into my schedule. 

In flew Moma to save the day. When I say flew, stared at me as I was perusing the shelves of the cafe before hopping on my train. 

Made with whole grain jumbo oats, apple juice, low fat Somerset yogurt and real fruit. Balanced. And stupendously delicious. Moma pride themselves on giving a balanced, slow released energy fuelling breakfast that will keep you pepping till lunch time. 

What you didn't see is the cheese and ham panini I had straight after. But that's either here nor there. 

What are you favourite on the go breakfasts ? 

Tasty nummys for my tummies !

H E A L T H 
Food. Need I say no more ? I have been playing with what I put in my tummy. From healthy mug cakes, to simply changing my bread from seeded to rye.

Here are a few of my faves. And the inspo behind them ! 

Iced green tea ! Now this little gem came from the amazing Carly Rowena, if you not aware of this youtube hottie. Then get aware. Inspiring, helpful videos and the bod to go with it ! 

So I adapted the recipe a little, chill a jug of green tea. I like the stuff with lemon. Leave this overnight then in the morning blend with frozen mango, a squeeze of honey and the juice of lemon. Booooootiful.

Next is the mug cake ! Now I followed this recipe to the T so head over to Mind Over Munch, where the beautiful Alyssia will rock your world with healthy alternatives. I was a greedy ganit last night and added half a sliced banana, a spoonful of Greek yog and a squeeze of honey. I can't get enough of this sweet treat. 

Now this crumble, is made of some sorcery. This little recipe I found from the lovely Kryshka Cooks, and this is what got through the dark cold winter months. A simple crumble made with cornflakes, a little flour, a little butter and cinnamon. My favourite fillings are peach and cherry. Canned peaches, the ones in its juice. And frozen cherries. Cheap and cheerful. Don't forget to check out this Welsh babes blog, you won't be able to stop yourself. 

Finally, just a simple poached egg on rye toast. With cut up avocado, tomatoes with salt and cracked black pepper. DELISH. 

What is your favourite healthy dish ?

Sunday's Skin.

B E A U T Y

Whilst in town with the ladies yesterday, I thought I'd take advantage and nab myself a sample of Cliniques new foundation. Beyond Perfecting foundation and concealer ! And boy, a little goes a long way. So this pot, will last me a fair few months ! The foundation is thick, but not heavy on the skin and sets well with just a little powder to finish it off. 

I got the fairest of shades, Alabaster. It could have done with being a little lighter, but that's just me being a picky piggy. It blends well and covers most. I had a big ass spot on my forehead too. Nothing that a dense brush and a dabbing motion can't hide. Giving thst airbrushed no massive mountain spots on my face look. 

For dryer skins moisturising is definitely a must, or a dewy finishing spray upon finishing. But for myself, a bloomin oil slick, it was fine. After a couple of hours wear no oil was obvious, although could have done with a little more powder to stop it sliding. Oil slick problems people, foundation just don't wanna stick. 

I paired this with my usual brow kit from Topshop, smudgy black liner and a slick of Rollerlash on den lashes. Which ladies and gents, y'all gonna wanna try that ! See blog post here ! Oh and not forgetting to set it all with some of Lush's emotional brilliance powder, which is a dream. 

Don't forget, most big brands offer samples, so always take advantge of that and don't waste those hard earned dollazzz.

Happy Sunday people ! Have you sampled anything fun recently ? 

Sucked me in !

F I T N E S S 
... And I am not just talking about the belly flab. Today has been the perfect running weather. For me, that is cold, dry and sunny. Nothing beats an icy chill as your pounding away to some drum and bass beats. Or heavy metal, or Fleetwood Mac. Variety is the spice of life people ! As much as I enjoy the cold, getting out there takes a lot of ... balls. Especially when you haven't gone for a run in well over 6 months. So H & M's fitness gear gave me just that, balls.

These full length Lycra are an absolute steal at £14.99. YES. That's on par with Primarks prices. Team that with a long sleeve top, gloves, your trusty sports bra and well worn trainers. 

Outfit, done. 

Have you tried any of H & Ms sports wear ?

Elle makes you feel like a REAL beauty blogger !

B E A U T Y
My first day back and I am wondering the aisles of our local co op. Alas, I stumble across the magazine section. And there it was, with the words, be the first to try Benefits new rollerlash, or something along those lines. SOLD. So I off I trotted, dolla in tow and purchased the blighter.

Benefit and I have a love love relationship. No hate, just a whole lotta love. I adored their original BAD gal mascara and the same applies to They're Real. And now, Rollerlash. I'm all about quick and convenience. So, one swipe and you are volume, length, defined, curled, out the door and running to work cause y'all always late, lashes! The wand is truly something, it hooks the lashes, gripping them to give them a coat of the good stuff.

I cannot wait for this to be released. For those Benefit lovers the date is the 12th of this month. Although, my bank account will just have to wait a little longer ! 

Did any of you guys pick up the March addition of Elle ?

It's Jess !

I'm back !

Hello 2015, yes I realise it is February, but my fresh start, it start's now. None of this new year new me bull**** ! Why not hey February, let's makes some changes cause I don't really like you January.

So, what's new ? 

Other than the blog title, not much. I have been taking some time out and just dealing with well, a lot. 

I moved. My mum got cancer. Then I moved back again.

No easy way to announce that really. But, that's what I have been doing. It has not been easy and support and smile is what has gotten us through this. Cause you know, my mum, she is like my best friend. We come as a one. You know the Gilmore Girls ? Yeah, that's me and her. With just a little more swearing. Well, a lot more swearing. 

But it is, what it is. And I am back. And ready to blog. 

Well, at least I think I am.  

Yes. I am. 2015, let's see what you have to offer !

You Snap The Whip. Cheeeeeky ...

It has happened. I have taken my Lush obsession to the extreme. How do you know when this happened ?
Well here are 3 easy warning signs:
1) Your haircare, bodycare and skincare are all Lush products
2) You tell anyone and everyone about Ultrabland
3) You apply to become a Lush Christmas Temp.

Yep. You guessed it. My name is Jess, and I am a Lush Christmas Temp/addict. Which can be said for all of it's employees, they aint foolin ya when they are generally enthusiastic about that product. They probably and most likely do have it by the buckets. Myself included.

Enough of that anyway and onto the product. This product was introduced to me at my group interview, and, GASP ! this is a product I have never heard of/used before.

HOOOOOOOOW ?! I do not bloomin know, but needless to say, there was nothing but smiles on my face.

Now kiddies, who of you LOVE the Comforter ? Silly question, who doesn't. But who out of you, loves the Comforter but do not have a tub ?

Raises own hand with a very sad sad face. Yes, I no longer have bath. A lovely well decorated house on a budget perhaps, but no bath. Alas, my Comforter days are long gone. I lie, due to my mummy I visit home more frequently these days, so I can sneak in a bath here and there.

But, for the in between visits, the product that keeps me smelling of blackcurrent and my skin buttery smooth.

You Snap The Whip.

Again, HOOOOOWWWW ?! HOW ?! Did I get through my days, without realising this product existed ? It is a beautiful exfoliating body butter, so lazy people, this is yo thaaang.

Now it's main base is cocoa butter so it will melt quite quick, but that is what you want, melt it baby, melt it all over your body. It uses charcoal and pumice to gently exfoliate, so it's a bit messy. But a sacrifice you should all be willing to make. Full of macadamia oil which helps cell renewal. And what gives it that black currenty scent, bergamont and cassis absolut. Oh booooooy.

Now I moisten my body with the shower turn it off, scrub then rinse. And definitely do not leave this one in the cubicle cause it's bye bye buffed bod. This lovely bar is £6.25, so a just a little pricey if you are on a budget. But, definitely one of those, 'what can I get for under a tenner that makes me feel like a goddess without breaking the bank products.' I have had about 5 uses out of my bar so far and pretty intense sessions with it too and some left for a couple more. Win.

Let me know if you have tried this Comforters best friend !

See you guys soon !

Jess, Just Another Blogger <3

I like me some solid wood.

So, after a month of absence, I am back ! And with another budget post. This time, furniture and homeware. Come on, we all love a good homeware haul.

This last month has been somewhat hectic, as well as emotional.

Anyway, on with the haul. At the beginning of the month, mine and my boyfriends housemate announced his leave, a long with some of his lovely furniture.

Fair well lovely leather sofas ...

We were anticipating this for a while and had two lovely ladies ready to move in with us. But as far as furniture goes we had a lot to purchase and on a very toight budget.

So gumtree, ebay and local charity shops I went.

Our shopping list was as follows. A chest of draws, a sofa, armchairs, a TV stand, a coffee table, a bookcase, a desk, a dining table, a shoe rack, a bathroom cabinet, a shower caddy, a few kitchen items and a cuddly toy. The last was optional.

We managed to bag all of this for under 400 pounds. Yes some of it was purchased from shops. TK MAXX, Hollllaaaaaaaa ! But all of the furniture was purchased from gumtree and charity shops. And good furniture at that. Wood, oak, pine, even a laura Ashley chest of draws. OOooooooh arrrrhhhhh.

Some of my favourite pieces, our bed. A bargain at only 50 pounds, solid wood and well made.

Next, with a little bit of work and imagination is the bookcase. An old tea chest and crates who were being made by a guy in Plymouth. 5 for £20. A bit of wood stain later and hello there beautiful bookcase.

Our lovely oak coffee table was £30 pounds from a lovely old couple, whose house was a cracker. All it needed was a quick sand down with a 15 pound Wilko sander and some linseed oil and this table is good to go.

My final favourite, two oak reclining chairs. Sensing a theme here. What can I say, I like things that are solid. Innuendo intended. At 20 pounds a piece. You can't argue with that can you ?

Some top tips for when buying furniture, be patient, take measurements, and also ask if they will deliver for an extra cost. The lovely people who we got our bed from kindly delivered it to our door and offered us help if we got stuck assembling it.

Wouldn't get that with Argos now would you ? Just poor instructions and missing pieces. Sorry Argos, it's true. You do a good bread bin though !

Let me know if you have purchased and home ware and furniture steals.

Jess, just another blogger

<3

Boohoo, a budget girls bestie !

Boohoo, every girls best friend.

So, in my old job, clothes was not an essential part of my job and I worked too much to warrant even buying new clothes. Wait, that makes me sound like a stripper. I just had a uniform. Yaaa know, that ol chestnut. So, after a much needed career change, fashion. The past month I have slowly become aware of how little I have in my wardrobe. And seeing that my boyfriends clothes occupy way over 2/3 of our clothes space. Summmmet had to be done. And guuurrrl, that S@#t cray. Let's just say, clothes have never been my strong point, too much bust and curve to dress, but I am slowly getting there.

And Boohoo did just the trick in helping me get there ! I was looking for quality, quantity, and money for my buck. Career moves don't always come with that desired pay cheque. Time is money people. I have heard of Boohoo before, tons of adverts, instagram, twitter and theYouYubers, OF COURSE. So thought I would check it out ... Annnnd well, after an hour of browsing a 100 pounds there, I was 12 items full. Now that aint bad.

5 Alice swing tops, of varying colours. A cardi, kimono, culottes, acid wash jeans, leggings, bodycon skirt, shift dress and a cuddly toy. I joke, no cuddly toy, but that would have been the icing. (N.B. everything is linked <3)

It arrived early afternoon, as stated on the ETA of delivery. And after my grandest achievement to date.
CONQUERING THE GRANNY SQUARE.
I was more than eager to dig in and have a fashion show. With dishevelled bed head hair and a juicy spot on my forehead, I looked the sex.

To my surprise, after feeling all morning, oh god, is this all going to fit, it did.
ALL OF IT.
Even the jeans.
I will repeat.
EVEN THE JEANS.

Happy as a cat. I did however, whilst ordering, get the tape measure out, checked the materials, to see if it was stretchy, had some give etc. So, a little bit of reading here and there does go a long way.

All in all. Love it. Fabulous quality. And probably one of the most comfiest jeans I have ever worn and body flattering tops to date !

So, if your looking for a quick closet over haul and are quite frankly bored of what Primark has to offer, check out Boohoo.

No, I was not sponsored to write this post. I would however like to thank my boyfriend for sponsoring the funds. You's the best.

Jess ! Just Another Blogger.

<3

P.S Instagram followers, be aware, many OOTD will be 'appenin !

Summer lovin soundtracks !

One thing that always gets me giddy is some good ol tunes. And boy, I have a right old summer treat. I used to blog weekly about my music loves in my last blog, so, I thought, why not continue with the tradition ? And seeing as I haven't posted in a while, why not do what I do best ? My absence has not been all fun and frolics. Horrific sickness bugs, twice in two weeks might I add !!! have done nothing but recover my poor food intolerant tummy, worked, watched many a TV series and listened to music. Eating healthy out the window, well eating in general hasn't been the top of my list. Exercising, none of that too. And beauty, well, it aint been a pretty site I can tell ye that now. So music will have to do.

Bombay Bicycle Club have always had a place in my heart. Easy listening and a perfect summer evening accompaniment. Especially when one walks to see the sights in Plymouth, I mean, quite literally. Walking up to the Hoe on a Saturday evening, with Bombay blaring, tons of people half drunk, it was quite a contrast. But a beautiful one.

One of my favourite songs has to be Luna. I can already say it will be making my "RUN FASTER YOU FAT COW" running playlist. It's one of those songs, ya know, that just make you wanna.

This album has it all. No, I mean quite literally. Genres and Cultures it is a treat for the teets. With that ever gut grabbing electronic vibe. And even better, it's only bloomin £4.99 on iTunes. Bloomin bargain !

So long, see you tomorrow !

Lush me longtime.

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of being invited to Lush Plymouth's first blogging event. Now, when it comes to Lush, we all know I aint no stranger. As you may have guessed, from the many product mentions and reviews. But I am that gal that will want to use every product from that brand. And I mean every product. And I've done it with most; clearsil, Clinque, Origins, John Frieda, Bed head. Lush is the one that stuck, and the one that's products really have worked.

But, back to the event. This marks the first official justanothablogger outing and it true Jess form, I did everything I could to make a tit out of my self. See evidence below.

That being said, the event was a true beauty bloggers dream. We were demo'd the teams summer essentials, scoffed a sufficient amount of mini cakes and drank tea from the most sexiest vintage tea collection I had ever seen. Definitely instagramworthy.

One of the highlights was making our very own Bath Bomb. Those little Lushies, don't lie when it comes to it being "hand made". As I struggled to make mine in 3 minutes, a Lushie will make 10 in just 1. Cray to the cray. (Name that YouTuber !)

Big Blue is full of sea salt, sea weed, lemon and lavender ! A perfect dip for all you beach lovers. That perfect pick me up for those of you who are unable to have that summer getaway this year. Myself included. But for those of you who are, Lush Plymouth have prepared the perfect plethora of products to prep your pins and piggies for the glorious summer sun.

First up, Buffy. Inspired by the Brazilians bought religiously by Kylie Minogue. Yes, that's why her booty always looks so buffed. The trick, ground aduki beans, the Eco way to exfoliate. This bar is also full of cocoa butter and shea butter. So for all you lazy folk, it's a perfect all in one.

Fake tan faff = SORTED.

For those who prefer a frothy alternative, have a go with Sandstone soap. Sand, lemon and coconut oil make it a fresh exfoliator. Once you've sanded yourself down, slick yourself in African Paradise. A light body conditioner, full of mangos, almond oil, Shea butter and aloe gel. This beaut will not only brighten the skin with its natural enzymes that eat away dead skin, but will soothe sun burn with its aloey goodness.

Now not to forget those piggies, feet.They make me cringe on all kinds of levels, but you have to give them some TLC. Soak your feet in the bath, bowl, or whatever you have to hand, even the shower ! Break off a piece of Stepping Stones and then go to town on those flappers. If you like pumice stones, you'll love this more. With lemon and lime to eat nasty odours and jojoba oil to soften. It's like a bath bomb for your tootsies.

So if you are fortunate enough to engage in the sun, it's that thing bright thing in the sky, often found in foreign climates where one has to pay to enjoy it. Brits, I can assure you, it is real. One thing you must always remember is to slather on that SPF. Even if you are in the sun or not. PROTECT YO SKIN. Now Lush, the clever beans have produced the most gorgeous sunscreens that will stop you from reaching for your usual sun protecting suspects. One that has me peeing in my little panties, well, rather large panties, is Million Dollar Moisturiser. SPF 30, rich in honey, shea butter, jojoba oil, lavender oil and shiny pigments for that million look. This won't only protect your skin but will keep it healthy and balanced. Good for you acne skin types, with Shea butter and jojoba oil being non comedogenic. So no blockages baby.

If you wish to find out more about the other wonderful sunscreens, nip into your nearest Lush, even better, pop down to Plymouth. The team are lovely ! And bloggers, old and new, Keep yo eyes peeled. There is talk of more #LushPlymouthBlogs events. Yet more peeing in my over large panties.

Cheers Plymouth Team ! You beauty blogging babes !

Also check out the other Blogging Talents, lots of lovely ladies here who have been blogging for a while, it's safe to say I have a lot of catching up to do ! All the links are on Lush Plymouth's Facebook page. Go onnn, give em a like too !

         

Monthly Offenders.

With every blogger comes the tags, the lookbooks, the series and more importantly the "Monthly Favourites". Or what I like to call, my Monthly Offenders. I am keeping it smiple, 5 categories, 1 from each. With the offenders I will also be doing a Most Wanted. Same deal, just things I reaaalllllly want. Sensing a prison theme here ? Yeah I need to stop watching Orange Is The New Black ... 

Spot Budget Busters. Neutrogina and Lush. Again.

It's no lie, that when it comes to a blog post on skincare, I will be the person blogging it, reading it, memorising it. That, and Caroline Hirons of course. DUH. It is the thing that got me hooked on beauty and everything that surrounds the industry, both positive and negative. Naivety is certainly not my middle name and when it comes to media, a pinch of salt is most certainly needed.

That said, I still hunt for that winning product. Even better, that winning product on a budget. Todays budget buy, spot treatments. And kids, I can tell you one that is free, available to all (in most cases), and if you get off your ass, you can have this product, this very second.

WATER.

I know, I know. But they don't lie about this one. Tried and tested. I can even notice a difference when I haven't been toting up the glasses in a week. So get it down you, force yourself too. You will notice a dramatic difference, not just in skin, mind, and body too !

The next one, that is free.

SLEEP.

Yeah, they don't lie about this one either. Sleep is golden. Lack of it causes; energy loss, making you reach for sugar instead of water. Makes you grouchy, causing arguments, makes you stress, increasing hormone levels and we all know what happens when equilibrium is messed with. Everything gets messed with. Not to mention, all that repair shit that goes on when your catching them Z's. So go catch them.

Now we have upped the water, upped the sleep, whats next ? Products. After committing, painfully, to the Ultrabland Challenge, I have noticed that reducing your skincare can work wonders. Too much can overwhelm your skin, so start with the basics. A good cleanser AND a double cleanse. I mean, take of your makeup, then WASH your face. The most simple thing, but again works a treat. Then if you need extra moisture do. If you fancy a tone, do. Reducing your skincare to what really works, and what you really need, will save your skin and your well earned pennies.

Okay, now onto the more satisfying things, retail therapy. So we have done all the good things we are supposed to do, we still want to buy something and a bargain buy too. When it comes to spot treatments, I am pretty sure I have tried most things on the market. Alpha H liquid Gold being my most expensive one to date. The trusted Origins Super Spot Remover. Freederm, you know the brands. Now I have a dupe for Origins SSR that will blow your socks off, okay, the ingredients aren't going to be word for word, but on getting the job done, it gets it done. Neutrogina Visibly Clear Rapid Spot Treatment. Full of salicylic acid, you know that stuff that helps spots. This will help reduce the little blighters and priced only at £4.99. Not bad huh ? My one and only tip, is use sparingly. This stuff is strong and can cause skin to dry out.

On the more gentler front, one that I use for little pimples and one that I currently have smothered on my face. You guessed it, it's another Lush product ! Grease Lightening, a couple of pounds more at £6.25. But for all of you product conscious beauties this will satisfy all those needs and more. Rosemary, Thyme and Tea Tree a lethal anti-bac and antiseptic trio. Witch Hazel and Grape Juice, the astringent and anti - flam duo. And finally Aloe Gel to soothe, because if its a biggun, that thing will bust through the skin causing all kinds of nasty and crusty bits. We don't like them crusty bits.

Crusty bits dealt with, let me know if you have tried these spot budget busters.

Ta Ta For Now !

Jess, Just Another Blogger, JAB <3

Lush's Solid. Budget haircare that works !

We all have that same love hate relationship ... One minute your in love. The next, screaming from  the top of lungs, scissors at the ready, wondering what you did to deserve this. Yes, I am talking about hair.

Ohhhh hair. One of the many things both women and men alike spend a fortune on. But fear not oh budget beauties, I have the thing that may save you and your bank account.

Lush.

Alas, me and Lush quite simply have a thing going on. Do not tell the boyfriend. The majority often see Lush as that "smelly shop that smells soap and bath bombs" and kids, it does. But it sells more than just soap, it sells wonder products that will change your life. Well, they changed mine at least.

I have tried it all and I aint talking about all the products in Lush. Which shamefully, I have. Bed head,Tigi, John Freda, Herbal Essences, Redken. You name it I have tried, but nothing gets these locks as shiny and soft as Lush products do. That and the fact I have only ever dyed my hair once.

So, on the budget menu today we have Solid Shampoos and Conditioners. Economical, self preserving and naked. I like naked ... These solid bars are not only packed with glorious oils and natural ingredients but they can out last two, even three bottles of 200 ml of shampoo. Priced at £5.50 each, you are getting more than money's worth.

How do you use it you ask ? Well my pretties, soak your hair, wet the bar, rub it on your head till you get your desired lather, put it back in your dry place, give it a quick massage, wash annnnnd done. The only con of this is, you need to make sure you leave it in dry place after use. This ensures you get your two to three bottles worth of washes. More importantly, it comes in a variety of "flavours" to cater all hair types. Lush has got it covered. My favourites are, Jumping Juniper and Seanik.

                                                                    My dry place.

Jumping J is amazing for all you oily hair types, or for those of you who like to give your hair a good cleanse every week to stop your hair going limp and laden with product. It's filled with; juniperberry, to balance sebum, Lavender to calm, rosemary to deeply cleanse and lemon and lime oils to help with shine. As well as making your hair smell fresh and zesty.

Seanik is one for you bouncy shiny folk. Solid seaweed, salt and lemon. No no, we aren't prepping your hair for a fishy feast. The seaweed is softening. The fine sea salt helps to give your hair some oopmmmmmmpfffff. And the lemon, well, we all like our hair to shine don't we ?

Now if I haven't enticed you enough, solid conditioner. There are only two solids ... Pun not intended. They do obviously have a ton of liquid conditioner. American Cream, strawberries and cream is a long lasting favourite but we are on a budget here people. And how more budget can you get than Jungle, pricing at £3.35.

YES. THAT'S RIGHT.
THREE POUNDS AND THIRTY FIVE PENCE.
So for both your shampoo and conditioner, that actually works, that improves the quality of your hair you will paying a total of £8.85. Proof is in the puddin.

This solid beauty will last you a life time, a little definitely goes a long way. If used correctly Jungle is suited for all hair types. After shampooing, wring out your hair, moisten the bar, get it as hot as you can, and run it along the ends of the hair. Just a couple of times will give you a good coating, too much and may end up with greasy mess. Packed with, cocoa butter, avocados, figs, passion fruit, Kumquat this doesn't only smell divine, it does divine and only for £3.35. I am in heaven. The smell last's all day and night, even to the following morning. You may even find yourself selloptaping your hair to create some form of moustache or beard, just to get a constant wiff of your passion fruit pong. And no, I have not tried it ... Yet.

Let me know if I have tempted you with the solid saver ?