Spending Ban Update

As my spending ban is due to come to an end tomorrow I thought it was time for an update. I've become a lot more restricted with myself due to it though but I've had to be when a lot of my monthly income was going straight back out on beauty items. The fashion side of things isn't too bad, it's all stuff that I have worn or pieces to wear for Summer and I've cut down a lot on that too. I do want to give myself a pat on the back for the massive cut down on beauty products though. I could go into Boots and spend £65 without blinking in that matter of minutes. My make-up collection is somewhat out of control now and there's plenty of products I've learnt to love over the past few months due to this spending ban.

I wouldn't say I'm continuing with my spending ban in so many words, just being more strict with myself. Do I really need that lipstick when I already have one lying around at home that's very similar?

Has anyone else tried a spending ban before?

Recent Purchases #1

My spending ban (expect an update on that this week) has been super effective and I've really cut back on impulse spending and what not. I'm pretty impressed with what I've picked up recently, a few things I've been wanting for a while so that's always nice to get my hands on them.

• 'It' Alexa Chung (£16.99) - Like a lot of people I'm a massive Alexa fan and I've been meaning to buy this since it came out but I just kept on putting it off. Now I finally have it and loved reading it. Let the inner Alexa Chung wannabe continue I say!
• 'Lucy In The Sky' Paige Toon (£6.99) - I've really got back into reading this year thanks to the amazing author that is Paige Toon. This is the first book from her collection and one of the best but I wouldn't want to spoil it for you. 
• 'Colour Of The Trap' Miles Kane (prices vary) - Miles Kane is the man, okay?! Even if I have an album on iTunes I still have to buy the physical copy of it just because, well I do. I picked this up from HMV in a sale for £3.99, top bargain for a quality album.

Now Peacocks is not a shop I ever venture into because it's just never appealed to me. I find it targets an older audience than myself. This was placed very cleverly near a display window though and nearly every time I'm at work I've walked past it. After a good 6 weeks of deciding I finally grabbed it for £6. These style camis were huge last summer and it looks like they will be again this time round. Such a simple staple piece to anyone's wardrobe. You can buy it HERE.

This is exactly what I have been after without even looking. Again another quick look around Peacocks and this caught my eye on the sale rail. I knew I wanted a mint green bag for Spring/Summer - pastels are an essential. I love the stud detailing of this and I'm not usually a fan of the studs trend. It's such a pretty colour and can be worn as a clutch or you can add the longer strap for over the shoulder. No doubt I will get plenty of wear out of this. It was £4.50 reduced from £9!

Anything caught your eye from my recent purchases?

Wishlist - Homeware Edition #2

With Spring just around the corner I've got spring cleaning on the brain at the moment. I've been wanting to add some bits and bobs to my bedroom for ages but then a few months back I moved house and I had to hold my plans and then I just never got around to it. My room theme is white and green with hints of black so my wishlist is very centred around that.

• Cotton Cushion Cover (£6.99) - H&M
• Teal Clermont Collection Duvet Cover (£29.99) - Dunelm Mill
• Micke Desk in White (£40) - IKEA
• White Lace Metal Shelf (£14.95) - dotcomgiftshop
• Set of 2 Decorative Heart Shaped Bowls (£8) - Matalan
• Tealight Holder (£1.50) - H&M
• Round Glass Vase (£7.99) - H&M
• Birdcage Mirror with 3 Hooks (£9.95) - dotcomgiftshop
• Cotton Cushion Cover (£3.99) - H&M
• Shabby Chic Heart Tea Light Holder (£6.99) - eBay

You might have guessed by now that I adore a lot of H&M's homeware collection right now. Plus, dotcomgiftshop have a lot of unique pieces about too! 

What homeware collections are you loving at the moment?

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation

Once I find a foundation I like and I mean really like I find it very hard to move onto other foundations and experiment, even if there is better options out there. I've been stuck in a foundation rut for the best part of a year and couldn't part with Rimmel's Match Perfection until now and god bless you Revlon for the wonder that is Nearly Naked. I find it a similar type finish as the Rimmel offering except this is a little thicker as I find Match Perfection to be a little runny.

As for the packaging I'm not overly keen but it's what's on the inside the counts. First off a bottle without a pump isn't the most ideal for me, a lot of excess and not brilliant if I'm in a rush. A glass bottle is always a plus though in my opinion. Another thing that doesn't really matter but makes my life easier is that over spill is so much easier to clean off white plastic than black so top marks for the lid (of all things).

I'm really impressed with the range of colours in this foundation, especially for a drugstore brand. I always struggle to find something suitable for my skin tone. I'd say that its a medium coverage foundation and feels light on the skin. There is nothing worse than overly heavy foundations sat on your skin all day. It blends really nicely and I prefer to apply it with a flat angled brush which makes it easily build able too. It doesn't cling to dry skin and even though it's leaves a dewy finish it's not shiny - bonus for oily skin.

Have you tried out Revlon's Nearly Naked?

Current Haircare Routine

Quite a few weeks back now I mentioned on twitter that my hairdresser has commented on how healthy my hair was and a few asked for a post about my haircare routine. So here we have it!

Firstly I want to mention that I like to keep any heated styling appliances to a minimum. Yes, even the hair dryer. I've learnt to live with my natural hair and what looks best with my natural wavy/curly locks. I'll often leave my hair to dry over night and sport the messy beach waves the next day because it does wonders for my hair. To avoid using straighteners as well as a hair dryer use a paddle hair brush while you blow dry your hair to create straight locks.

| THE PRODUCTS |

• Aussie Colour Mate Shampoo 300ml (£4.69) - Whenever I go to the salon I opt for foils which means I like the colour to last as long as possible, plus this adds a great shine to my hair.
• Tresemme Colour Thrive Blonde Conditioner 500ml (£4.50) - There's nothing a big bottle of Tresemme can't fix in my opinion. Sticking with the colour treats theme here this product does the job of conditioning while showing off my blonde tones.
• Tommy Guns Fig, Plum and Marshmallow Conditioner 250ml (£5.50) - I am hooked on this stuff. Smells great and controls any frizz my hair might have - perfect for embracing my natural hair.
• The Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Hair Butter 50ml (£3) - I posted about this a while back HERE. Still loving it though and adds softness to my hair in an instant. I often work it into the ends of my hair for a few minutes and then rinse.
• Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Lightweight Conditioning Spray 250ml (£4.49) - This is quite a newer purchase to the haircare collection. I tend to spray evenly to de-tangle before blow drying.
• L'Oreal Studio Line Matt & Messy Salt Spray 150ml (£3.75) - My most favourite styling product I own and a bargain at that. This product adds texture, waves and a defined finish. You can create tousled waves as well by twisting hair strands around your fingers.

What are some of your favourite haircare products? Any recommendations?