The trials and tribulations of a twenty-something face...

(From left to right: Sanctuary Deep Cleansing Facial Matte Perfecting Hydra Lotion, Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask, Sanctuary Fresh-Faced Purifying Wash, Avene Cleanance Toner Lotion, Loreal Skin Perfection 3-in-1 Purifying Micellar Solution, Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Spot Treatment Gel, Soap and Glory Scrub Your Nose In It Facial Scrub.)

Throughout most of my teens I suffered from pretty horrendous skin, which went from dry to oily, flaky to spotty and everything in between. When I reached my twenties I assumed that I would be leaving all of that behind me, swapping the Freederm and Clearasil for a much more refined bathroom stash. Although the pesky spots never left me, I decided to invest a little more money in products which would work together, whilst developing a religious morning and night cleansing regime. I'm not going to lie, there are nights when I roll into bed, as drunk as a skunk and wake up to discover that I've slept in my clothes AND my makeup! Complete nightmare! However, in terms of a three-step routine, and a weekly mask and facial scrub, I can safely say, i've got it covered. These are the current products which are aiding me in my facial revolution...

Makeup removal: I know makeup removal is the most tedious task known to man (or woman in this case), and i've found that baby wipes never seem to get rid of everything. When I discovered that bloggers all over the blogosphere were using the Bioderma micellar water, I knew I had to get my grubby mitts on the stuff! Although the bottle lasts aaaages, at £10 a bottle it was something I didn't want to buy too often, but during a trip to Boots I came across a Loreal version for just £4.99!! By just pouring a little onto a cotton pad, I found that this stuff seemed to melt away every trace of stubborn mascara, ready for a thorough cleanse of the skin!

Cleanse: The Boots 3 for 2 offers are my saviour when it comes to braving a new product or brand. During a recent trip, I took the plunge and bought three products I had never used before. The Sanctuary Fresh-Faced Purifying Wash attracted me with its seductive blue tube. This stuff lathers up to a lovely foam, and I find that a little goes a long way. I usually massage it into wet skin for a good minute or so before washing it off with cold water to close up those pores.

Tone: I have seen the Avene products on a number of blogs and have always been intrigued at their effectiveness. This one is specifically for oily or blemish-prone skin, and I would say that anyone with a dryer skin should  avoid this toner as it's quite drying on the skin, but certainly helps to refine those pores!

Moisturise: I'm currently having a love/hate relationship with this Sanctuary moisturiser as it has a very strong fragrance which I can only describe as smelling like tequila! The mattifying effect of this light lotion has however, won me over, and I think I can look past the fact that I probably smell like i've rolled out of a Mexican bar.

Mask: I have been pining over the Origins clay mask for an absolute AGE, but in all honesty I can't forget the wonders of the Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask.
I've had this product for quite some time now, but in an attempt at tidying my room, I found this gem and had to apply it straight away. With ingredients such as manuka honey, geranium and green clay, this is certainly a very natural product. Although there is no denying that it smells as natural as it is, I really notice a difference in my skin the morning after I have used this product. I have always been a fan of anything Liz Earle, and this product is a little wonder!

Scrub: The Soap and Glory Scrub Your Nose In It Facial Scrub is the most cost-effective product on my list, as it doubles up as a mask on those days when your skin needs an extra helping-hand! Soap and Glory are front-runners in all things beauty, so I don't really need to win anyone over with this one now do I?

Zap that spot: Lastly, the Clinque Anti-Blemish Solutions Spot Treatment Gel  is a little bottle which probably gets the most use, as I always manage to find a pesky pimple that needs zapping! I usually dab a bit of this onto the spot just before going to bed, and I can honestly say that it does the job to ease redness and reduce the size.

So there we have it! Hope this may have helped anyone in their early twenties who still suffers from irritating blemishes. What do you use?

Love, Melissa xox

Wish, Want, Need...

Hello dolls!

So this is my first "Most Wanted" post, and let me tell you, I have too many wants/needs to count on my fingers and toes due to the fact that I am on the search for a job after finishing uni. However, I have managed to slim it down to a few items that I will be purchasing straight away as soon as some dollar comes my way!

1) At the moment i'm in the middle of completing an NVQ teaching assistant certificate online, and so this Paperchase notebook would be perfect for jotting down 2 hours worth of notes each Monday night so I don't forget anything.

2) I know you're all thinking that it's not warm enough yet for these Topshop sandals, but I spotted these a while ago, and seeing as I'm heading to France at the end of July, I thought these would be perfect for my holiday and when the sun finally decides to show it's indecisive face in England!

3) Now to say I have a slight obsession with Cath Kidston would be an immense understatement! If I could buy every item in that god-damn shop, believe me, I would! I've had my eye on this travel bag for a while now, as it would be perfect for my summer travels (France and, *ahem* NEW FRIGGIN' YORK!!)

4) This Origins face mask has been on so many blogs just lately and I envy anyone who has it because at the moment, I just can't justify paying £20 for a face mask! Despite this, I definitely need some form of skin miracle because uni stress has played havoc with my skin!

5) Lastly, I've had my eye on this brush beauty after watching endless Tanya Burr videos and hiding my head in shame when she mentions that you should use the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush over the Buffing Brush to apply foundation. I have to admit, the buffing brush is rather large (almost bigger than my entire face), so maybe this brush would be a much better option.

What items do you have on your wish lists?

Love Melissa xox

Hello!

Seeing as this blog is in its early stages, I thought it would be a good opportunity to welcome you into my room and show you some of the little things that make the place more homely. On my bedside table, I'm currently reading the latest edition of Vogue, J.K Rowling's 'The Casual Vacancy' which I'm really enjoying (review post to follow shortly), and my newest purchase, Lauren Conrad's Beauty bible. This book has some gorgeous photos of Lauren, as well as a whole host of beauty tips and tricks for both beginners and beauty buffs alike! I always love having flowers in my room, and now that I have moved home I can properly look after them and water them regularly, (I have been known to kill a cactus! Who knew those things could die?!) My bed is a favourite place of mine, wrapped in fairy lights and covered in knitted throws and floral prints, where I can chill out, read a book or watch a film. I am a complete lover of bunting so of course I have some hanging above my bed ;) Lastly, my chalk board for people to write silly messages on, or for me to write my name when i'm bored ;)

Welcome to my little space! How do you make your bedroom feel more homely? 

So let the memories be good for those who stay...

So this week is an emotional week in many ways. First, it marks the end of the sheer hell that has been third year university stress! I can't tell you how relieved I am to have no more sleepless nights worrying over dissertations, essays and exams. To say third year has been challenging would be a HUGE understatement, but we've made it, and it all feels a little surreal, to think that I have completed my three years of studying English and need to enter the real world like a proper grown up!! Secondly, (this is the sad part), it means that all the wonderful friends I have made will shortly be going their separate ways! Obviously, I will keep in touch with the bestest ones, but it means that I can't just shout down the corridor if I watch something funny on youtube, or if I just want to moan to someone: I have to ACTUALLY text or ring that person! Lastly, I enter the world of "long distance relationships" with someone who I met on a drunken walk home during first year, dressed in a neon tutu and covered in glow paint. If things work out, the mileage on my car will dramatically increase and I will meet with the train and tube services much more often. Here's my final week in pictures, including a "P party" English social (I was a Pink Lady and my lovely flatmate Sophs was a My Little Pony!), a trip to the zoo, tea in a newly discovered cafe, and baking the tastiest brownies!