Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge Review

Stockists: Boots (here)

Price: £5.99

I bought this sponge a week ago simply after reading so many other bloggers' reviews. Every one said how wonderful this was and how it gave them a flawless base, better than they could get using a brush. I was excited to try this out but unfortunately I'm really disappointed. I have been using it to apply my foundation for every day the past week but not once did I feel like I couldn't have achieved a substantially better finish with a brush. I found that it not only seemed to soak up a lot of my foundation but also made it look patchy and very sheer. I've tried it both damp and dry but can't seem to get it to work for me! I will definitely be reverting back to using my Real Techniques Buffing Brush from now on, which really gives me a flawless finish.

Unfortunately I can't say that i'd recommend this to anyone. I personally feel conned and naive for spending 6 quid on a sponge, when i could've got a pack of god knows how many from poundland and achieved the same finish! My advice? Stick with a buffing brush.

Have any of you tried this sponge? What do you think? Let me know in the comments.

xo  

Collective Haul - Primark, H&M, Superdrug & more

So, i've done it again. I don't mean to, it somehow just seems to happen! Anyway, i'm pretty pleased with my purchases so i can't complain too much :)

First of all, i made another trip to Primark, i really need to stop going in there because i always find so much that i want. I went back in for a basic khaki tee from the men's section. My boyfriend had bought it a couple of weeks ago, and i wanted one too, as i love the colour and it's one of those t shirts i'll be able to get a lot of wear out of. I'm also a sucker for roll sleeves. While there i spotted a rather bright, slightly sheer, crop top which i completely fell in love with! Not everyone's cup of tea i know, but i can't wait to wear it in summer. Lastly, i found some lovely statement collar tips.

Crop Top - £6 // Khaki Tee - £4 // Collar Tips - £1.50

I visited Nottingham last weekend to see my boyfriend, and I always love doing a bit of shopping while i'm up there as they have some really nice vintage shops. I found a new one this time called Backlash on Market Street, where i picked up a gorgeous cream cable knit jumper for just £12.99! I've wanted a jumper like this for years, but have never bought one because they're always normally over £20. I was contemplating getting the one with elbow patches from Primark but that was £14, and this is much nicer, so i'm feeling rather smug. For anyone in the Nottingham area, Backlash had a whole huge rack full of jumpers like this, all for £12.99 so definitely go check them out! It's really long but i prefer wearing it tucked under, like in the photo below.

Vintage Cable Knit Jumper - £12.99

Finally, i visited H&M because i wanted one of their basic black bodycon skirts. I also had a look at the jewllwery while in there and - hallelujah - i finally found a gorgeous spiky necklace! 2 of them in this case! I've been after a statement/collar/triangle/spiky necklace for literally a year and i was so happy when i spotted these. They are two separate necklaces sold together. The first is shorter with a thick chain and with 7 small triangles equally spaced across the front. The second one is longer with a much thinner double chain. On the slightly longer of the two chains there are 11 inch long spikes.

Two Gold Statement Necklaces - £6.99 // Basic Skirt - £3.99

The other day, i was in poundland, on the hunt for cheap paint brushes, and i made an amazing discovery - they sell dove shampoos! I love the dove shampoos and conditioners, i think they're such good quality and my hair seems to love them too. I couldn't believe i could get them for a pound each! So i picked up a couple I haven't tried before - the volume boost shampoo, and the nourishing oil care conditioner. I always tend to by mismatching shampoo and conditioner since my roots and ends have totally different needs. Full review on those coming soon!

I also popped into Superdrug while in Nottingham as i was on the hunt for a liquid cleanser. After much deliberation (and a large amount of very bored and annoyed sighing from my boyfriend) i settled on the Garnier Fresh Essentials cleanser with Grape extract. I liked what it promised on the back, and i tired it on the back of my hand and it smelt amazing and left my skin feeling so soft. I really like it so far - full review on that coming up too :) 

Dove Shampoo & Conditioner - £1 each // Garnier Cleanser - £1.50