BARRY M HI SHINE GEL EFFECT

For the past year and a half, Barry M has been my #1 stop for nail polishes and I was so excited when they brought this range out. The formula has been designed to add extra glossy finish in just one coat! This range is highly-pigmented and chip resistant for longer lasting wear.

Barry M Hi Shine Effect Nail Polish in Prickly Pear and Guava £3.99

I have to say, the variety of colours Barry M are offering are brilliant for summer and a test to those who want to try something a bit different, bolder. Purple is my absolute favourite colour so it's pretty much impossible for me not to have some kind of lilac in my collection. I bought this because it was the first gel nail polish I'd seen or heard of and it had and continues to get great reviews! However, unlike it seems everybody else who's tried this nail polish, I found the anti-chip doesn't really work and they take much longer to dry. I also find with these two colours you have no choice but to apply two coats. I'm sure the darker colours in the range are fine with one, but these aren't up to it. Overall I like them and I would purchase any in the collection if I thought I couldn't get better in another brand. Barry M are a brilliant brand and lately they seem to be going from strength to strength. I'm not ready to give up on them just yet!

GARNIER MOISTURE MATCH

I've had this product for about 4 months now, but I still think it's worth reviewing because it's just so good! I'd been looking for a good face moisturiser - trying to get myself into a good skincare routine, and this is what I found. New at the time, what have I got to lose!

Garnier Moisture Match Wake Me Up Revitalising Hydrating Gel for Dull Skin - £5.99

I bought the one for dull skin because the others didn't really seem to stand out to me, but it definitely hit the nail right on the head. This is exactly what I need and my skin's never felt better. As it states in the name, it has a gel like texture which is easily and quickly absorbed into the skin, letting you know how much to use.

It's formulated with citrus extract and hibiscus flower which promises to stimulate the senses and boost complexion. I use this everyday without fail, mostly because it smells so good! But it also leaves me feeling fresh and my skin feels soft all day. It's perfect to apply before makeup as it doesn't leave a sticky or greasy residue.

The others in the range are:
- Goodbye Dry (dry to very dry skin)
- Start Afresh (normal to dry skin)
- Shine Be Gone (combination to oily skin)
- Protect & Glow (normal skin)

Each have been tailor made, combining the best textures and ingredients to help improve and reinforce the skins barrier.

I've also tried Goodbye Dry, which I found far too greasy for my skin and Start Afresh which was a lot like Wake Me Up, but no where near as good. I've found my perfect moisturiser, have you?

BOURJOIS 1 SECONDE

Recently I've become obsessed with nail polishes and it seems I'm not the only one. Somehow nail art has become a huge trend, encouraging girls and women all over to brave new designs and bold colours. The industry have responded by giving us an entire range to play with, even selling them at budget price! Many brands like Bourjois and  Barry M have become increasingly popular because of this, giving us amazing new formulas to test out.

Bourjois 1 Seconde in Coral - £5.99

Everybody in the blogging world is raving about Bourjois new range of nail polishes and without doubt, I'm with them. As well as the new formula, it comes with a flat, round 'fan effect' brush designed to be used with one swipe, one coat and dry quick. As well as the packaging, I think the brush makes this product a must have. Coral is a perfect summer shade and definitely a keeper for holidays!

The only quarrels I have with it is I don't find it to dry as quick as it's meant to and I typically use two coats instead of the recommended one. Apart from that, it's one of my favourites of the summer.

I'm hoping to pick up another one in the range - Turquoise Block, which is by far the most attractive and eye catching blue I have ever seen.

At £5.99 I think they're a steal for what they offer and right now there's 3 for 2 on the Bourjois range in boots! I know where I'm heading..

GARNIER ESSENTIALS

As this is my first 'real' post I thought I'd avoid the recent trend in nail varnish and lip crayons and bring you something a bit different. A couple of weeks ago I went into boots looking for some kind of makeup remover/cleanser to bring some order back to my skin. I've heard a lot lately about micellar water (L'oreal, Bioderma) but as boots didn't carry it at the time I decided to try something that was on offer. So that brought me to the Garnier section where I picked up a 2 in 1 makeup remover and a toner.

GARNIER SIMPLY ESSENTIALS 2 IN 1 MAKE-UP REMOVER 

£2.99/ 2 for £4

First up, the Simply Essentials soothing 2 in 1 make-up remover (face and eyes). I wasn't expecting a huge amount from this make-up remover, after all I did pick up both at the bargain price of £4! Boasting richness from plant extract and pro-vitamin B5, this product specifically targets fragile skin, even removing waterproof makeup. It works by mixing it's two liquids together (make-up removing oil and cleansing water). I have to give this product a massive thumbs up! Not only does it remove make-up (pretty damn good as an eye makeup remover too!) but it leaves my skin feeling super soft and clean! For me, I usually use 1-2 cotton pads, depending on how much makeup I'm wearing, but this is where part 2 comes in.

GARNIER SOFT ESSENTIALS COMFORTING TONER

2 for £4

Soft Essentials comforting toner, enriched with rose extract for that lovely lingering scent. This product is aimed at dry skin, ideally used daily to soften and tone delicate skin. I use this straight after my makeup remover or sometimes to freshen me up in the morning if I can't be bothered to have a shower. I find it also takes away the greasiness left from the last product. Again, enriched with pro-vitamin B and rose extract, its formula removes any remaining impurities such as pollution while respecting your skin. (Tip - I've actually used this as a makeup remover as a result of over tiredness, it works!)

I'm so impressed with both of these products! I'd definitely recommend picking up both if you want to achieve the best for your skin. I've only been using them for around 2 weeks, but my skin felt better after the first use. I'm sure I'll be repurchasing these items when they run out!

Let me know what products you use on your skin and send me some recommendations!

Have you got any good budget buys?