Hey everyone, today I think I'll try something a bit different. This post is about beauty products I cannot live without. I highly recommend these products for everyone to try out - so much so that I've actually compiled a list. Enjoy!
I know so people may disagree, but brand names are very important, especially with nail varnish. Quality is key to make sure the coat won't chip, smudge or dent - moments after it has fooled you into tricking you that it has dried. I've swore by Nails Inc for five years now. This UK based brand is so good that it spoils me from using any other brands. I've lost count how many times people have complimented my nail colour and some have even asked if they are gel because they are so vibrant and shiny. Although slightly more expensive than other brands, they are totally worth the money because they last for much longer.
Good: They are probably the best nail varnish brand on the UK market, with a variety of 'Special Effects' top coats too (crackle, metallic, beading etc).
Bad: More expensive, with some at £11-£14 a bottle! Yikes! Also beware, the glittery 3D special effects are very stubborn to remove.
Claudia's Tricks: Have no fear, the bargain hunter is here. Try stores such as TK Maxx, where they sell Nails Inc gift sets really cheap after Christmas. I once purchased a set with 8 bottles for £20, all with great block colours I would use. Also try Factory Shops, where I've seen (and purchased) bottles been sold separately for £4 each.
The Body Shop: Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
I was recently introduced to this by a friend and I can assure you all, I will never use anything else ever again to remove my make-up. Here's the trick - you scoop a small amount (a little more if you wear a lot of foundation/eyeshadow) and blend it over your face. It feels quite oily and looks a bit messy when you go over the eyes at first (the winter soldier comes to mind), but don't be alarmed. Keep going and the makeup will DISAPPEAR. The oils soak it up, and both your hands and face have no evidence of makeup ever being there. Wash your face and you're left with bright and smooth wonderful skin. It's absolutely magical!
Good: A lot more efficient than wipes, which previously left my skin cold and raw after using. A tiny bit goes a long way so it definitely lasts longer!
Bad: It doesn't take makeup off as thoroughly as a wipe would, as I found when I used my towel to dry my face afterwards that there was foundation that the butter missed. Therefore, you need a facecloth when washing it off afterwards, especially you wear heavier foundation.
Claudia's Tricks: If you're big into using The Body Shop products, they often do 3 for 2 deals for face products, both online and in-store. So I highly recommend giving this a go when you're next buying the other essentials, at least you'd save a bit when you're buying them all at once!
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Deep Treatment Mask 300ml
“Claudia, why is your hair so shiny” The answer is THIS!! Tresemmé is a fantastic brand whom I’ve used frequently for as long as I can remember. The Keratin Smooth range are all excellent, but I swear by the Deep Treatment mask. My hair would be quite frizzy and doesn’t sit right after washing. Since applying this mask (I use it every other hair wash) my thick hair is incredibly smooth, shiny and makes styling a whole lot easier.
Good: The big tub lasts ages, smells nice and is the best (and most underrated) leave-in conditioner on the market. I don’t think I could live without it now.
Bad: Can cost up to £5.99 per tub but I still think it’s worth every penny because it lasts a long time.
Claudia’s Tricks: Superdrug offer great deals on their Tresemmé products so keep an eye out for them. I buy a couple of the 300ml tubs on the offer and keep well stocked up at home.
Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment Pink 200ml
In 2008, I cut my hair into a bob - at the time I thought it was a fantastic idea, but growing it out was a complete disaster. A long 7 years later, it ceased growing, only getting thicker and thicker. I was recommended by friends to try this treatment, but I was skeptical. Miraculously though, it works. In a short 6 weeks, my hair grew from 20cm to 25cm after applying it in every wash. Now I use it every other wash (I take this treatment and the Tresemmé conditioner mask turn about now). If you need hair to grow fast, definitely try this out! It’s fantastic.
Good: IT WORKS! Fantastic stuff. Magic in a tub. Makes your hair feel and smell amazing too.
Bad: Make sure you apply this between your regular shampooing and conditioning. Strangely it left my hair really greasy otherwise.
Claudia’s Tricks: It’s expensive at £8.50 a pot, and wouldn’t be great value for money because it doesn’t last very long. I haven’t seen it on offer anywhere yet but found it was cheaper to buy online than in the shops (that’s if you can manage to find it not being sold out).
- Claudia
