pretty and witty and bright

Today is a hard earned day off... although as it's two weeks until I board the plane for a year in America (!) I haven't been able to go full slouch and have had plenty to do- buy a new suitcase, ring bank, look into return flights... and I still haven't found anything to spend my Topshop voucher on (crazy, right?)

One of the things that can easily fall apart when you get really busy is a beauty regiment, and unfortunately hair and skin really show the effects of diet, stress and lack of sleep. Like a lot of bloggers I am a complete beauty product junkie and I thought I'd share with you the products I really think are amazing and do provide results.

Over the years and basically since I began earning money at 16, I've tried many, many different creams and lotions. Generally, high end stuff usually works best but these items don't cost the world.

Freederm Lotion
Now, strictly speaking, I don't use this as instructed. Rather than rub in/wash off, I apply post-cleanse as a toner and massage into my skin. As it's lightweight and creamy it all gets absorbed without any residue and my face is notably clearer within a fortnight.

Dr Nick Lowe Purifying Foaming Cleanser. Available from Boots
I've suffered from bad skin a lot and out of everything I've used (basically every brand and prescribed medicated cream) this really has worked best. I love the results and would recommend it to anyone whose had trouble with their complexion. The downside is that it appears to be only available at Boots and only at bigger stores. It usually retails between £10-£20 but there are frequently deals or vouchers to offer it at a reduced price :)

Charles Worthington 'Results' hair healers
I haven't had a hair cut in a year- I may occasionally give the ends a slight trim myself but it's remained in good condition, noticeably improved when I've used a leave in conditioner etc.
My own little advice is to massage conditioner or a hair mask into dry hair 15 minutes before you take a shower/bath; that way it gets absorbed and remains undiluted by the water that it does post-shampoo.

Sudocrem
It maybe known as Nappy Rash Cream but it's good at calming skin for anything; sore feet from a night out, post-waxed skin, legs after shaving. It's rather cheap and very practical.




This last product is one I picked up recently and really enjoy using but I haven't had it long enough to see the non-instant results.

Boots Coconut Body Oil
It's solid in the jar but when you massage it into skin it melts and absorbs instantly. It smells rather amazing and leaves skin glistening in a pop star manner.

 Do you have any beauty products you swear by?

What would you recommend?

Going back on my word from my last post (trying to save a bit more money ahead!) I've listed a lotta clothes on my EBAY, there's some really nice things there and everything is in top condition!