Product Rave|Soap & Glory Sugar Crush

Soap and Glory.  Three little words that will always bring a smile to my face.  I’ve been a fan for years and I’m yet to find a product I don’t love.  So when my sister gifted me their Sugar Crush Body Wash , I knew instantly it would be a permanent addition to my collection. 

If their original Clean On Me shower gel is the subtle, pretty and sensible one, Sugar Crush is the loud, brash and vibrant younger sister.  With lime extracts and secret ingredients such as ‘COOLCAPSULE™X’ and ‘Kiwi Water Juice’, this shower gel pulls an intense punch and definitely wakes you up in the morning.  It foams, it lathers and best of all, it makes your bathroom smell like a sweet shop – definitely a winner!  And my original fears that it wouldn't be as moisturising as its predecessor were unfounded - my skin was left just as smooth and soft due to a large helping of veggie oils which, although hardly sound glamorous, absolutely do the job.

It’s safe to say, Soap & Glory definitely didn’t disappoint again and at a cool £6.50 for 100ml, it’s a love affair that is sure to continue!   Sugar Crush, welcome to the family…

What are your favourite Soap & Glory products?  Could you start a shop with your collection like me? xxx

Battle Of The Cleansing Gels|Clarins vs No7

For a number of years now, my – extremely glamorous – Mother has been a fan of Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel .

As such, I have also been a fan for years; always stealing it every time I’m at home.  Its unique formula – gel to oil to milk – ensures every trace of make-up is removed easily and without irritating my annoyingly sensitive eyes.  The result is beautifully cleansed skin that is soft, plump & radiant.  The only downside?  A £19.50 price tag. 

Now don’t get me wrong, it is by no means the most expensive cleanser out there but as a poor student/struggling London grad, this has always been somewhat out of my price range and I therefore left it as a little ‘at home treat’.  Until now…

No7 has long championed high quality skin care at high street prices (remember the stampedes for Protect & Perfect?) and they show no signs of slowing down.  Their offering – Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser

is pretty much the perfect dupe and comes in at a sweet £9.  Couple that with their regular £5 off skincare vouchers and you’re on to a winner!  But how do they compare?

In a highly accurate scientific experiment, I used Clarins on one half of my face and No 7 on the other.  The result?  Almost identical. 

Both products have exactly the same gel consistency which, when applied to a dry face, turn into a light oil which literally melts away make up.  Once water is applied to the face, both oils turn into a milk ensuring your face is left thoroughly cleansed and hydrated at the same time.  In short, to the naked eye, these products are more or less, exactly the same.  Both feel the same and leave my skin clean, soft and radiant.  I have to admit the Clarins did remove my mascara slighter more easily but it is by no means a deal breaker and is definitely not worth an extra £10.  I mean come on – that’s enough to buy another Essie and still have change left over; what more could a blogger want?!

Have you tried either of these products?  Do you like to try high street skin care or do you think you always get what you pay for?  Let me know!

xxx  

New In|Michael Kors Hamilton Saffiano Tote

I mentioned in my weekend post that on Saturday I took a little trip to The Bullring.  With a very unexpected tax rebate cheque burning a hole in my pocket, I was in the mood to splurge.

Within seconds I was immersed in the handbag section like a moth to a flame.  And a further few seconds later, I was in love.  

Michael Kors - you did it again....

This is the beautiful Michael Kors Hamilton Saffiano Tote - a winning combination of matte black leather and chunky gold hardware that I was unable to resist.

It's the absolute perfect size for work or play and with the Birkin inspired padlock and adjustable sides, it's more than roomy enough for all your essentials.  The interior is lined with MK embossed fabric and boasts 5 pockets of varying size to ensure that even a girl like me, who throws her entire life in her handbag, can find everything at ease.

It’s safe to say that I’m in love and will be a very happy girl walking down the road with Michael on my arm ;).

Are you as big a fan of Michael Kors as I am?  What would you treat yourself to with some unexpected cash?  Let me know!

xxx

A Weekend in Warwickshire

As much as I love living in London, Warwickshire will always be my home.  I make the journey back as regularly as possible and it's always my favourite weekend of the month.  Two full days surrounded by family & friends, home cooked food and delicious treats, what's not to love?!

My favourite sale find from Zara - black suede and gold studs...a match made in heaven.

I love getting ready on Saturdays - no stress and no time constraints.  My trusty Boots tongs gave up on me a few months ago so my hot tool of choice is now the amazing Enrapture Totem Styler.  I use a 3-2-2 combination to get the curls above.

Some of the pretty bits and bobs I left in my room rather than take to London.  The Scrabble print was a beautiful handmade birthday present from one of my very best friends.

Mother Bear and I took a trip to the Bullring and I picked up a few back ups of my favourite black Leigh jeans.  Unfortunately Topshop seem to have changed the fabric and they don't look as nice but I managed to find two pairs of the old style so I'm stocked up for a while!  And with the monochrome trend in full swing I couldn't resist a stripy skater dress; perfect to throw on for work with ankle boots and my trusty leather jacket.

I also made a pretty special and rather large purchase in Selfridges but I'll leave this for a later post all of its own....

The weekend was finished off with a delicious treat in one of my favourite pubs in Warwick - thick hot chocolate, lashings of whipped cream and a more-than-generous handful of marshmallows...what more could you want?!

What did you get up to this weekend?  I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday night xxx