Summer Ready Skin...

Now I'm a huge huge fan of Palmer's body lotion. But, as the weather gets warmer (well, for the UK I guess this is pretty warm!) I'm finding that I don't need such a heavy moisturiser. So, I went in search of a new one, something a little lighter and fresher.

And I found one - Superdrug’s own 'Cranberry & Pomegranate' body lotion. There are other flavour combinations available to buy, and you can view some of the collection here. Alternatively, visit your nearest store. That way you can smell all of them and decide which one you want! I always find that the fun part. However, at times I can be so indecisive so it can equally be a nightmare! After using the lotion for about two weeks I decided it was high time to do a review of it.

First Impressions...

I was quite impressed with the packaging, simple and clean looking. It's the kind of packaging/bottle that would look nice perched on a bedroom dressing table. There's no dispensing pump but that works for me as the bottle can be tipped upside down to get the remainder of the lotion out when it starts to come to an end.

A decent sized bottle (300ml) means good value for money

One thing I was slightly disappointed with was the fact that I don't think it smelt like cranberries or pomegranate, nor like the two had been mixed together. I thought it smelt more like summer fruits (think raspberries, strawberries and blackberries) mixed with candy floss. Don't get me wrong, I like the smell but I don't think it reflects what’s written on the packaging.

At £2.99 I can't fault the price. Beauty products don't have to be expensive, and I'm a big fan of 'beauty on a budget'. Plus, it earnt me some 'beauty card' points at the same time, so I left the store a very happy shopper indeed!

The simple and clean packaging looks very effective

After Use...


The lotion went on nice and smoothly, and was thus easy to apply. It was quite a thin consistency, but I found that was a plus. It sunk into my skin quickly and dried quickly. Great if you haven't got a lot of time in the morning! I also found that after application my skin wasn't sticky from the lotion, so it absorbs in very well.

It's also a light pink in colour - very girly!

    

The smell of the lotion is very sweet and it lingers long after you've applied it. I could smell it on me long after the original application, and I'm sure others could too! However, if you aren't a huge fan of sweet smells, especially because the smell will be covering the majority of your body, I'd say go for one of the other less sweet smelling flavour combinations.  

I've got sensitive skin and eczema, and it passed the 'initial' test. I had no reaction or flare up to it so it can be used by all skin types. 

My skin feels moisturised and I haven't had any dry patches even if I don't apply religiously every day. I'd say it’s moisturising enough for an even application every other day. 

Final Verdict...

- Despite the smell issue, overall, I'm very happy with this product. I'd definitely recommend this product if (like me) your after a change for summer! Or even a change in general. When I run out of this one, I've got my eye on the 'Plum & Red Cherry' version! 

- It gives good even coverage and keeps even the driest of skin hydrated so I'm going to give this product a well deserved 8/10.

Until next time lovelies x

Festival Fun...

With the Degree done (scary times!), what better way to celebrate that and the Jubilee Weekend than to go to a music festival?! That's exactly what I did! For my first ever festival I thought I'd start off small and go to a relative unknown one. 'OsFest' in Oswestry is in its 3rd year and offers music and fun in a fairly rural location. Razorlight headlined with other supporting acts including Hard-Fi, One Night Only, Dappy, Stooshe, Delilah, Ed Drewett, plus lots of other talented unsigned bands. Despite the rain I had a wicked time. Here are some pictures in case you're interested...

One Night Only

Razorlight

Benjamin Francis Leftwich



                     

With the festival season well underway I thought I'd give you my guide to festivals. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a festival virgin have a read...

Cosmetics  


There are no showers at festivals so before you go stock up on face wipes, baby wipes, deodorant & dry shampoo! Only bring the minimum amount of makeup products - it saves on packing & less to replace if lost/stolen. A nice hairband/headscarf works wonders too, as they hide greasy hair. It's also best before you go to practice putting hair into a bun, as this helps for the inevitable greasy hair dilemma that will at some point arise. Sunglasses are also a must, whatever the weather. They help hide a multitude of sins, mainly hangovers and tired eyes. 


Clothing


Be sure to wear lots of layers. That way you can cover up or strip off when necessary. Weather at festivals can be unpredictable to say the least. Always pack a good quality waterproof and some wellies so you stay dry and mud free should the heavens open! A good pair of cut off denim shorts are good to take as they can be worn with tights if it's cold or with bare legs if it's warm. Hoodies and t-shirts are good to take as they are layer-able items. Don't forget the obligatory band t-shirt too!

Me keeping the rain at bay

Music


Pick a festival where you like the line up, not just because it's a 'trendy' one to go to. If you prefer to go to a smaller, lesser known one because that suits your musical taste, then go for it! When you like the line up the whole experience is much more enjoyable. Camping in the rain will be much more bearable if you get to see your favourite acts perform live.    


Food & Drink


Both food and drink are very expensive once inside the festival arena. The campsites usually allow food and drink to be brought in, but if you're careful you can usually sneak some alcohol in! My friend got very good at sneaking her hip-flask in filled with vodka ;) We decided to buy food beforehand and then buy something hot once a day from the food stalls. Things like crisps, cereal bars, rice cakes & oatcakes are good to buy because they stay fresh. Also, do check with the festival organisers whether they allow glass bottles in at all. To be on the safe side buy cans or decant spirits into plastic bottles beforehand to prevent security confiscating you're paid for goods!
    
      
Whatever festival you're going to this summer, enjoy & have a blast! x
      

Purchase Peek...

After another busy few weeks I'm finally back on the blogging trail! Apologies again for my absence but the move back from Uni and starting the ball rolling for jobs have been taking up the majority of my time! In between all this I managed to squeeze in a trip to my first ever music festival (I will be blogging about that, so stay tuned if you are a first timer and need some advice!) and go shopping. But, of course!


A quick trip to Matalan a couple of weeks ago for some underwear turned into a mini spree... Why does that always happen??! Underwear aside, I spotted the most amazing blouse, in the sale, reduced to £9 - Bargain! I've been after an aztec print blouse for a while now so when I saw it I had to have it. Apologies if it isn't there anymore, but the High Street sells lots of just as good alternatives. I loved the colours in it, bold and very stand out. I also liked the 80's vibe to it. A print like this will see you through to autumn because as the weather turns colder, it will still be bang on trend.

    


In just a couple of weeks, this blouse has firmly become a wardrobe fave. It looks just as good dressed up or down. I've worn it to interviews tucked into my suit and to meet friends with black leggings for a more relaxed look. It looks great with gold jewellery and also red lipstick (red is set to be a big colour for a/w 2012), as that brings out the green in the blouse.

Until next time lovelies x