Month: September 2020

Sept ’20 – Freebie Haul

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At the end of every month I write up all the freebies I claimed that month as well as where and how I got them. I tend to post them as they arrive over on my Instagram. I’ve written several previous blog posts on how to get beauty freebies, my main tips can be found here.

La Mer The Concentrate 5ml – I got this by following La Mer using my Pinterest account the sponsored advert then popped up in my feed for me to apply to. This was the first freebie I’ve ever found via Pinterest! I tend to find with sponsored adverts it helps if you “like” or “follow” the brands social media accounts, interact with a few posts, then refresh your feed and see if this works. Not all always appear, sometimes visiting the website and allowing cookies can help too.

Allinsons Wholemeal Loaf of Bread – I used Shopmium to get this for free. I bought the exact item listed on the app from the store it specified, uploaded my receipt and scanned the barcode item to be given cashback which arrived in my PayPal 2 days later. The affiliate code g2ye4k will earn you a free tube of Pringles if you download the app and add the referral.

Lego – I was given these at a Lego store as an apology for the waiting times to get in. I honestly waited around 5 mins so was really pleasantly surprised with the free key ring and mini pack of Lego.

McVities V.I.B Biscuits – I used Shopmium to get this for free, I bought the item listed in the app and then requested cashback.

Toffifee – Again a freebie from Shopmium, I sent in a cashback request and received the full amount back via PayPal. I plan to add both the biscuits and these sweets to Christmas hampers as both products have long dates on well into 2021 and I’m currently trying to avoid dairy and excessive sugar.

Nars Climax Mascara x 2 – I filled in a sponsored advert on Facebook to receive this and used Send Me A Sample to receive another. I love mascara freebies, they’re one of my favourites as they save me lots of money. Despite being very frugal I love a good designer mascara so always claim freebies like this whenever I can to save me having to buy one. I’ve now claimed 4 high brand mascaras this year.

Paco Rabanne 1 Million Perfume from a sponsored Facebook advert

Lancome Idole Intense Perfume from a sponsored Facebook advert.

Ted Baker 50ml Body Spray – I paid £1.56 for this but received 200 Boots points worth £2 because I loaded an offer from the Boots app. This will also be put away for Christmas gifts.

Lancome Advanced Genefique 7ml sample + Renergie Multi Lift Ultra – from a sponsored advert found on Pinterest which I believe is still floating about. If you interact with Lancome’s account it should hopefully pop up. I’ll be adding these to a Christmas gift for a relative who loves this brand.

YSL Libre Perfume Sample – again from a sponsored advert

Dior Perfume Samples x 2 – also from a sponsored advert found on Facebook.

Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules – from a sponsored Facebook post. It’s a really generous sample size with 7 capsules in a bottle.

Freebies With Purchase

Dare Magazine – I paid £3 for this and received beauty freebies worth up to £13.90. Some of these will again be added to Christmas gifts like the Revolution primer which is worth £8. I rarely buy magazines so am pleased to have this one to read as a nice treat and the freebies will help me keep present costs down.

I feel as though I applied for lots of freebies this month but delivery was very slow so I am hoping items turn up next month!

Comments Welcome

Free Exercise – A Complete Beginner’s Review Of Yoga With Adriene YouTube Videos

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I have to be honest, I don’t exercise. My exercise regime, if you can even call it that, has predominantly always been limiting to walking with the odd run for a bus so I never thought I’d be writing this post. I’ve never had a gym membership, I didn’t join hoards of others in lockdown doing Couch to 5K and couldn’t think of anything worse than a Body Pump or Spin class with a screaming instructor. I’ve very on and off attended, with strong emphasis on the off, Zumba classes and been swimming but ultimately when my life gets hectic exercise isn’t a priority. I’ve never experienced any great joy from sport and am fortunate that I’ve always been blessed with being slim so haven’t actively sought enjoyable exercise that works for me on a budget, as if I’m being honest, I really didn’t think it existed. As much I like dance classes I’m even less inspired to go to any gym given Covid.

My First Yoga Experience Since School

Through a local community group a month ago I joined a free online yoga class. I somewhat begrudgingly attended as something to do that would theoretically be good for me, could be done from the comfort of my own home and didn’t cost me a penny. I’m not flexible. I have distinct childhood memories of ballet classes around the age of 6 where we were told to sit with our legs out front and backs straight which even then I found impossible. I was shocked during this 60 min session, which overall wasn’t aimed at beginners, to find myself sweating. 20 mins in after achieving a cobra position I laid face down on the floor needing a breather thinking I was intensely unfit. I made it through the class and actually found it relaxing overall. I was really pleased with myself for doing it so signed up for the following week.

How I Found The “Yoga With Adriene” Videos

It wasn’t possible for me to attend this class long term and I felt it was a bit beyond me even with “a scarf to extend your reach” so I looked into free online beginner classes and found Yoga With Adriene’s videos. In 4 weeks I’ve now completed 10 sessions between 20-45 mins each and much to my surprise I’ve been really enjoying it. The beginners classes really are achievable for someone new to yoga and out of shape. Of the 6 videos I’ve done now (many I’ve repeated) there was only one pose I really couldn’t do due to tight leg muscles. I found my success rate much higher with poses than the community group I attended as these videos start from scratch without being dull. She clearly explains everything in a calm, friendly, non irritating way and mentions it’s normal to feel exerted and sweat as a beginner in certain poses as we’re stretching muscles that are usually neglected which made me feel a lot better.

As I didn’t have to go anywhere to attend the classes I found it really easy to fit 2 or 3 in a week, either 20 or 45 mins depending on the day, without making excuses as I can fit them around my schedule. I love how her videos make yoga accessible as I’d never have felt confident enough to attend an in person class for many reasons including my huge lack of upper body strength making the yoga favourite Downward Dog, an inverted V, a borderline impossible mission at the start.

One of the beginner videos I’ve completed multiple times

The Mental And Physical Benefits I’ve Noticed

I’ve found the sessions a nice switch off during my day that isn’t time consuming or a chore to get through. The breathing associated with yoga helps me to relax, de-stress and take time for myself to unwind. The stretching itself has helped me with aches associated with working from home computer life. I feel as though I’m more conscious of rounding my shoulders and stand a little taller as practiced in sessions as opposed to being hunched.

However; the most surprising change I never expected is within 3 weeks I noticed physical changes in my body such as added arm muscles and more defined muscles in my thighs. Within 5 sessions I could hold a 5-10 second plank and hold Downward Dog more comfortably for the duration Adriene specified. To give a better idea of this achievement I’ve not been able to do a full press up since my teen years as I have minimal strength in my arms. A couple of times when I’ve dropped things and bent to pick them up I’ve realised I can stretch slightly further than before towards my toes. I started yoga as a relaxation method, I thought it would be good for my overall health and tight shoulders. The physical results I’ve seen in such a short space of time came as a pleasant surprise and have definitely spurred me on to keep this up. I’m still an incredibly long way from touching my toes, doing a bridge and still feel clumsy completing some of the transitions but the pay off has been impressive.

As someone who usually doesn’t exercise and is far from flexible these gentle yoga videos are a hit for me and I never thought I’d say this. I bought a reasonably priced yoga mat from TK Maxx for around £10 to make my wooden floors a bit less painful and encourage me to keep this up as my life starts to get busier.

My recent yoga mat purchase to encourage me to keep this up – considering the videos are completely free and I can choose a session and time to suit me I was completely happy to pay around £10 for this.

Comments Welcome

How To Shop Pre Loved: Tips For Thrifting, Charity Shopping & Buying Second Hand.

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There definitely seems to be a generation shift in attitude towards buying second hand which I think is fantastic. I’ve seen many savvy blogs and Instagram accounts I follow run by people who embrace buying preloved saying its something their parents or grandparents would never consider. My parents are much the same, however my Nan whom I sadly lost recently, was the biggest charity shop lover I knew and she got me hooked at a young age. I can safely say that if it weren’t for her I probably would never have set foot in a charity shop let alone consider buying preloved online leading to my wardrobe being 1/3rd second hand since I made to decision to turn my back on fast fashion as much as possible.

If you can embrace second hand shopping there are some incredible savings to be made. Being unable to always find what I wanted in charity shops or thrift stores led me to buying preloved clothes on eBay enabling me to own £85 dresses for £9. Buying second hand is now my go-to way to shop and it has been for nearly 2 years. It isn’t dirty or scruffy at all as some people think. I’ve thrifted Ted Baker, Emma Bridgewater and Cath Kidston items all in great condition for absolute fractions of their RRPs. I still get compliments on my wardrobe and frankly, people will never know your item was worn by someone before you unless you tell them. Buying second hand has the bonus that it’s better for the planet, your wallet and charity shops are obviously raising money for good causes. Preloved purchases mean I now own brands previously out of my price range.

Advice For Charity Shopping

Embrace The Random. Charity shops are a like TK Maxx but of the preloved variety meaning you never know what you might find. Don’t go in expecting to see certain things, just have a browse and prepare to be surprised.

Check Every Section. I always skim round the clothing, homeware and book sections just to see if anything grabs my attention as when you succeed in grabbing a brilliant thrifty find it is so rewarding. One of my best charity shop finds was an Emma Bridgewater cup and saucer set which looked new. I paid £1.75 for it and they retail new around £25.

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£1.75 Emma Bridgewater cup and saucer from a charity shop

Look Out For Gifts. In the last week in my local charity shop I’ve seen a brand new boxed Yankee Candle set so don’t always assume everything is second hand, I’ve picked up some great “new” gifts for people in the past in charity shops very cheaply.

Browse Beyond Your Typical Size Range for example if you’re typically a 10-12 I’d say browse from an 8-14 as you’ll find a wide range of brands all with varying sizes as well as vintage pieces whose sizing doesn’t quite correlate to sizing nowadays. As changing rooms are now out I often take a tape measure with me to quick check the waist of a skirt etc to see if it matches ones I have at home that fit so my buys are less of a gamble.

Basic Homeware always features in charity shops. They’re a great way to kit out a kitchen on a budget. You can often find entire full crockery sets really well priced. If you’re a new student leaving home for the first time looking to get kitchenware or a budget I’d definitely recommend trying local charity shops before trekking to IKEA or Wilko.

Check For High End Fashion Labels. Don’t shop just for the label but it is worth baring in mind. For example you’re getting better quality for less if you spot a Hobbs, Zara or Ted Baker label as opposed to Primark or BooHoo. One of my favourite dresses is a classic little black shift in great condition from Ted Baker and it set me back £16 in a charity shop in London. An LBD is such a great wardrobe staple that I was happy to pay that price, especially as I’d never be able to justify buying a dress from this brand new. A quick Google helped me find a brand new Ted dress similar to mine with an RRP of £169. Another long term favourite is a vintage M&S, St Michael, red tailored shift dress that set me back £9 and is the perfect dress for any “I don’t know what to wear” occasion. I don’t mind paying a bit more for quality labels but am less fussed about paying charity shop prices for high street items that are almost as cheap new.

My £16 Ted Baker LBD

Visit Charity Shops In Posh Areas. In the past I’ve found Karen Millen, Massimo Dutti, Seasalt and Ralph Lauren all under one roof for between £10-20. Whilst the prices tend to be higher than your average thrift shop you’re scoring a designer item so it’s to be expected and still a bargain compared to the RRP.

Give Clothes A Thorough Once Over. Its always worth checking if items have all their buttons, zips work, lining fabric is ok, there are no marks or holes etc.

Books. I’m a huge reader and estimate that of all the books I own only 3 were bought new and the rest were picked up preloved. I’ve found some charity shops which sell paperbacks as cheap as 50p or 3 for £1. If you’re keen to read series like The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Fifty Shades, Me Before You or others that have been hugely popular in recent years don’t bother buying them new as a good 50% + of charity shops seem to have copies!

A small fraction of my preloved book collection

I tend to give any preloved items a wash once home which seems sensible given the current climate.

Comments Welcome

La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel VS Micro Peeling Gel – Review Of Cleansers For Acne Prone Sensitive Skin

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I was inspired to write this as my first product comparison post of La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Duo+ and Avene Cleanance Comedoned moisturisers is one of my most visited blog posts. I hope my comparison of reviews has been helpful to someone, it was content that I was unable to find when researching both products, hence deciding to write it. So this leads me onto this post – comparing the 2 gel cleansers from La Roche Posay’s Effaclar range.

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La Roche Posay’s original Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel has been my go to cleanser for years since I discovered it back in 2016. I found it after almost giving up on what the aisles of Boots had to offer as anything like Garnier, Clearasil, Clean and Clear etc left my skin stripped, dry and sore whilst gentler formulas like Simple did nothing for my blemishes. The Effaclar range is aimed at combination, oily spot prone skin that is also sensitive so formulas are gentle. Their Duo+ moisturiser is, to this day 5+ years of acne later, my holy grail product, whenever I buy anything new I find myself reverting back to this straight away.

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When they first launched their new Micro Peeling Gel designed for persistent imperfections I was very excited because as much as I love their original cleanser I still struggle with blemishes that definitely tick the box of “persistent”.

Here’s a comparison of the two products followed by my reviews

Effaclar Purifying Gel Cleanser
(Face & Body use)		Effaclar Micro Peeling Gel Cleanser
(Face & Body use)
Price
£15 for 200ml
£22 for 400ml		£16 for 200ml
Product claims
(as per their website)		lifts away dirt leaving skin fresh
visibly reduces spots and blackheads
controls shine
doesn’t over dry the skin
hypoallergenic formula
suitable for sensitive skin		deeply unclogs pores
intensely removed impurities
micro-exfoliates to refine pores
purifies the skin
leaves skin texture smoother
suitable for very sensitive skin
Active Ingredients
(as per their website)		La Roche Posay Thermal Spring water & Zinc PCASalicylic Acid (2%) LHA (0.05%)
Zinc (0.2%) and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring water
Results
(as per their website)		Of their tests:
16% reduction of sebum
28% less inflammatory spots
25% reduction of blackheads
No information on website r.e similar stats
Info taken from La Roche Posay’s website

La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel Review

I love this product so much that at least twice I’ve purchased the 400ml size bottle on promotion and used it twice daily for a year until empty. The formula is really gentle but effective. No skincare product alone was ever going to completely eradicate my acne but I’ve noticed enough positive differences when using this over the years to keep repurchasing it. My skin has never felt dry, tight or sore. The product has never stung and was true to its word about being gentle whilst leaving skin feeling really clean. I think that using this along with the Duo+ moisturising, full review here, helped reduce some of the intensity of my spots as well as the amount of time they lingered for. I always used the Duo+ moisturiser with this cleanser so can’t review for the gel alone but I noticed my spots cleared faster with a combination of the 2. A little goes a really long way as it foams up really well, the 400ml pump bottle lasts me 11-12 months and is better value for money than the smaller product. I haven’t ever noticed any improvements with blackheads using this but felt that redness was somewhat reduced. I diverted away from buying this at the start of the year to try Cetaphil’s Oily Skin Cleanser, I’ve previously also used Clinique’s Anti Blemish Solutions cleanser and the Tea Tree range from The Body Shop but this product for me outshone all the others.

Re-buy Yes or No? Yes and I have many, many times. It’s gentle but effective formula works well for me.

Effaclar Micro Peeling Gel – Purchased and used since April (along with the other products in this image)
A full comparison review of the Avene product can be found here

La Roche Posay Effaclar Micro Peeling Gel Review

I really wanted this product to be the turbo charged version of the cleanser I’ve loved for so long, the new modified version with an extra kick to fix my stubborn spots if you will. I bought this with a money saving skincare haul a few months back, full post details with skincare money saving tips can be found here. I have previously tested The Body Shop peels and expected this to be similar where you can literally see a surreal peeling off effect with use but that didn’t happen at all. The formula felt gentle, it didn’t sting, it foamed nicely much like the original but I found that I wasn’t able to use this alongside other active ingredients like my Adapalene retinol prescription without my skin feeling a little tight and a bit more sensitised which didn’t happen with the original gel cleanser. I didn’t notice any improvements with the texture of my skin which was one of the main reasons I switched to this product. I still have lots of small pin prick bumps under the surface of my most acne affected areas even after using this with a silicone cleansing device for more than 3 months. I don’t dislike this product but it hasn’t wowed me either. For me it doesn’t have any perks on the Cleansing Gel, it is also more expensive. Using this product leaves me feeling like I have to juggle when to use prescriptions that I rely on to keep my acne under control as I have experienced some dryness which doesn’t usually happen. I didn’t notice any difference with blackheads using this product either.

Re-buy Yes or No? No, purely because I find it too much alongside topical prescriptions and didn’t notice any added benefits to the original cleanser, just slight negatives for me. I should imagine if you aren’t using drying active high strength topicals like I am and find the original cleanser good but want something more than this is still worth trialling.

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Rate Or Hate? A Review Of Every Cleanser I Tried For Second Cleansing In 2021 – Combination Acne Prone Skin – Cerave, Avene, Smacne, Bioderma, Alpha H, Beauty By Zero.

I wrote a round up like this at the end of 2020 whilst on the hunt for a favourite cleanser for my combination adult acne prone skin. Since then I’ll confess I’ve become a huge skincare addict so just kept trying new things as I enjoyed the experience. As the year has gone on my…

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