100 Posts! And a 5x5 face!

Hey there readers!

This is my 100th post! Wahoo! It's only taken me... 2 years to get here? I'm proud of my blog, despite my repeated and prolonged absences and I do love the interactions with fellow bloggers so I'm striving to improve!

With that in mind, I thought I would share my 5x5 face - a 5 items in 5 minutes face - that I use at times when I'm running late and don't have time to go all-out on make-up... which is pretty much every day of my life! Here are my 5 items and a little mini-review of each:

1. Garnier 5 Second Perfect Blur Primer (RRP £12.99) - I only put on primer rather than a full base because that would take ages to apply (since I'm so pernickety when it comes to blending etc.) This works for reducing the size of my pores, however it isn't great in terms of lasting power; I get shiny very quickly with this so thank goodness for blotting tissues! I will be using this up before trying another primer sadly...

2. No.7 Instant Radiance Concealer (£12.95) - After priming I conceal any spots and brighten my eyes with this concealer from No.7. This works really well on both fronts; my eyes always look bright and dark circles are reduced, as well as keeping my spots (if any) obscured from view. I would happily buy this for myself, although thisone was gifted to my by Kris' mum!

3. B. Set Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in Light/Medium (£7.99) - To set everything in place, I use this setting powder. I bought out of intrigue to see if B. was any good but the jury is still out on that front. This powder is OK if used lightly, but I sometimes find if used on top of foundations it makes my skin look a little cakey. It's OK for everyday useage but I am on the lookout for something a little better methinks...

4. Seventeen Doll'd Up Mascara in Black (£6.29) - Once the face is done, now the eyes! This is one of the 3 mascaras I swear by. The comb brush fans and separates my lashes before letting the mascara do its work, volumising and extending my lashes. It really creates a true doll effect. Definitely stocking up on this soon!

5. REN Vita Mineral Lip Balm (£9) - On the lips I keep it simple with a slick of lip balm, specifically REN's Vita Mineral offering. Although a new addition to my collection after winning a competition, this has quickly found its way into my make-up bag as my most-reached-for lip balm at the moment. This is thick and moisturising enough to protect my lips from the harsh Scottish weather, as well as keeping them soothed, soft and preventing them from becoming chapped.

And here's me wearing my 5 minute face!

Simple and easy, it literally took 5 minutes (and please excuse the mess in the background haha!) I know it's not the most exciting FOTD but I know we all have those days where we end up rushing or we can't be bothered so I thought I'd share my go-to routine for those occasions.

Do you have a 5-minute face or go-to products for when you're in a rush? I would love to hear you recommendations!

Christina xo

December Empties

It's the end of the month, and now the end of 2012! It's been a busy month and I've actually managed to use up quite a few products, so I shall show you wha I've used up this month, and my thoughts on the product.

SKINCARE

Soap and Glory - The Fab Pore Facial Peel. I've had this particular face mask for quite a while and have now finally finished it. I like it, but I have other face masks to use up first so I'll wait before repurchasing.

Boots Botanics - Moisturising Deep Clean Foam. Another product I've been trying to use up, but not because I liked it. I never felt like this made any improvement to my skin so I wouldn't buy this again.

Body Shop - Seaweed Clarifying Toner. This is the only toner I've used, and I really love it. It feels tingly and refreshing on my skin and I will buy this time and again!

Clinique - All About Eyes cream. This was a sample, and I don't feel it made much difference to my dark circles. No thanks!

Bioeffect - EGF Serum. This was a sample from my Selfridges beauty box which I've finally finished. I did feel like my skin texture and radiance was improved, but this costs £125 for 15ml, so no way am I forking out for that!

Lancome - Genefique serum. I received a 5 day sample set from Kris' mum (she still gets sent beauty products and samples even though she stopped being a Debenhams beauty manager 2 years ago). I love this so much, but right now I can't justify spending around £50 on a serum.

Dior - Skin Boosting Super Serum. I got this sample months ago after buying a Dior foundation. I just used this for the sake of using it. I didn't notice much difference to my skin.

Benefit - Total Moisture Cream. I received this sample after buying Browzings. This is a really rich moisturiser, perfect in the winter months. I've already received a deluxe sample size in one of the sets I received for Christmas and I can't wait to use it!

HAIRCARE

Percy and Reed - Splendidly Silky Moisturising Conditioner. This is the deluxe sample that Glamour gave away months ago. I used this like a hair mask, leaving it in to deep-condition my hair. I loved the fresh blueberry smell this had, but I wouldn't repurchase. It's nice, but I just prefer other brands at the moment.

Dove - Colour Radiance Express Treatment Conditioner. I got this free with a magazine, and it worked nicely when I used temporary dye in my hair at Halloween, but I wouldn't repurchase this.

Aussie - Colour Mate Shampoo. I bought this on offer a few months ago, mainly to use whilst I'd dyed my hair. I love Aussie, but I wouldn't repurchase, purely because I don't need to use colour shampoo.

VO5 - Refresh Me Quick Dry Shampoo. I liked using this, it had a lovely fresh, slightly flowery scent and left very little residue in my hair. I would repurchase this when my current Batiste can runs out :)

MAKE-UP 

Dr Jart - Premium Beauty Balm. I received this sample from Dr Jart's Facebook page after they started giving away samples. This was a little too dark for me, but it did work well. I would buy this is I could afford it.

BODYCARE

Rituals - Wai Lang Exfoliating Body Scrub. I got this sample from the Rituals store. I actually used this as a face scrub, and I loved it. Very scrubby, made my skin feel and smell lovely. I've already received more of this in the Rituals set I got for Christmas, so looking forward to scrubbing up with it!

Ren - Rose Otto Body Wash. This came in my Selfridges Lucky Bag, and it was one of the highlights of the bag. It smelled beautifully of roses, and I love a good rose scent. I would like this again, but I don't know if I would pay £17 just for a shower gel.

So that's all the loveliness I've used up this month :) what products have you used this month? Anything you loved?

Christina xo