A mini Drugstore Haul...

Naturally, I found myself wandering into Boots the other day and decided to pick up a few new things. I only originally went in for the Nailene Petite Square Falsies (£8.49) and ended up coming out with a few more bits.

I love the Nailene nails, they're my favourite whenever I want to wear false ones. They're completely plain so you can paint them whichever colour you wish and they're actually small enough to fit my nails. I mainly wear false nails because my natural nails are atrocious (working in retail for the past 5 years has completely ruined them) and these just make them look neater. Not to mention, my nail polish doesn't chip. They're small enough that when applied correctly, they can actually pass for real nails.

I also picked up the Maybelline Classic Volume Express Waterproof Mascara (£4.99). I actually picked this up because I was in need of a new mascara and this was only £4.99, it's rare to see a drugstore mascara under £8 - especially from Maybelline. So far, I'm liking it.

I also picked up the Barry M Speedy Quick Dry polish in Pit Stop (£3.99). I loved the shade when I saw it on Jasmine's Instagram so thank you Jasmine for introducing me to this one, I love it. I'd describe it as a greige (a mix between beige and grey) and a really good non-confrontational nude.

To complete my mini shop I picked up the Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Spot Wand (£3.59). A day and night treatment for zits that gives immediate action along with helping heal the blemish. I picked this up because I'd ran out of tea tree oil and I don't like not having some sort of spot treatment on hand - I feel like I'm tempting fate a bit.

I'm actually really impressed with all my purchases and I'd recommend any of them if you were ever looking to spend a few pennies.

Lauren

xo 

My 3 Step Routine for Blemish-Free Skin.

I know it isn't just me that loathes getting spots.

They are literally my biggest pet peeve!

Usually because they choose to show up when you're depending on clear skin for graduation, a night out or a first date - typical. 

I understand that it's just a pimple, and most people get them, but I can't help but let it ruin my day sometimes - your makeup just doesn't look half as good when you're trying to cover a blemish!

Anyway, I'd had enough of them constantly setting up camp on my complexion and decided to consciously do something about it. In the past I'd always let them run their course and thought 'everyone gets them, they'll eventually go' - which is true, they did, but then another one would appear. 

I seem to have the kind of skin where I either have none at all or a face full - there was no happy medium.

I've recently added a few things into my nightly skincare routine and I've suffered from hardly any breakouts since. 

Firstly is I've been washing my face morning and evening with The Body Shop's Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash (£5.00). A refreshingly calming face wash that leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean after every use. I'm already on my third tube of the stuff, it's definitely reaching holy grail for me. If you suffer from bad breakouts I recommend this, it aids in getting your skin squeaky clean without leaving it feeling dry and stripped.

After I've done that, I've been misting my face with the Boots Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz (£5.99). It's a 100% organic toning water that cleanses impurities whilst simultaneously tightening pores and refreshing the complexion. I've noticed a huge difference since incorporating this into my nightly routine. I never used to use toner - I always figured it was a pointless step - but I can never be without this stuff now.

Lastly is my moisturiser of choice and that's the Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturiser (£2.19). This oil free formula moisturises my skin without leaving a greasy residue and helps prevent spots and blemishes. Another product I recommend to anyone with acne or blemishes - you can't beat the price and it actually works. 

An honourable mention goes out to the St. Ives Blemish Fighting Apricot Scrub (£4.19) which I use during every shower. I've used it for years and swear by it. 

 I love that I've managed to find blemish-busting products that work for me and my skin and don't cost an arm and a leg. It's always satisfying when you find something in the drugstore that works just as well as any high-end product (though despite it's hefty price tag, I am in need of a new Origins Super Spot Remover). 

Lauren

xo