THE THREE MINUTE BELLY BLITZ

As October will mark a biniki-wearing and midriff-baring holiday for me, and I generally wanted to tone up my body I contemplated lots of ideas - a gym membership (which as a 16 year old I could not afford and I wasn't up for using the school facilities) or a workout DVD. Geordie Shore is a guilty pleasure for me and I constantly visit Charlotte Crosby's Instagram for some fitness inspiration, so I guessed the Three Minute Belly Blitz DVD would be perfect for me.

What I like is that it is in sections - three minutes of interval training alternating between cardio and resistance, offering 12 in total alongside a warm up, cool down, 10 minute extra abs section and a diet plan (which I'm yet to fully transfer to as I eat rather healthily already). For someone who gets bored easily with the same routine or doesn't have excess amounts of time, this structure is perfect and it is a really enjoyable routine. Richard Callendar offers motivational words throughout being the creator of the routine, and David Souter offers the step down beginner version in case you need to ease off here and there. Charlotte powers through the routines giving advice throughout and looking great with her blitzed body that keeps you going even though your thighs might be burning. I have no shame in admitting I can quote parts of the DVD...

This is intense, and I will tell you that. I end up in a sweat after every session, desperate for a shower and in the beginning I was in pain for the rest of the day and the day after - but it meant it was working. Although I haven't seen major difference in my body just yet, I seem to look more toned and feel more capable getting through the routines - I started only being able to do 4-6, then moved to 8 and then recently have been able to do all 12, and I'm really pleased with myself for that, and I can't wait to keep comparing photos as I stick to it for longer.

Overall, I truly recommend this - for £14, all you need on the side is a mat and sports gear that can be easily purchased from Primark to begin with, and the space to do it. I actually begin to look forward to doing this routine and I'm sure my friends are sick and tired with my constant updates every three minutes...

AUSSIE DO SHOWER GELS

I've always loved the Aussie hair range; from the punny labels to the scents of the products, so when I found out that they were bringing out a range of shower gels/body washes I was over the moon. I chose the Shower Smoothie version, that literally smells like the bubblegum-ish shampoo, but still fresh and not sickly by any means. There's another 3 in the line I believe, and I hope to make my way through them all, but I chose this one for it's debut in my shower.

What I like is how well this lathers, as I need a small amount and there are endless bubbles. It's also pretty nourishing on the skin, and doesn't leave the skin feeling tight like some intense shower gels cam, but of course you still feel fresh and clean after using it. The moisture is probably thanks to the Macadamia Nut Oil, and each scent has a different addition to it, from Ginseng to Jojoba Oil. You can also purchase these in 2 sizes, and I've seen quite a few offers on since they launched, so definitely worth having a look.

I'm certainly not disappointed, and I'm looking forward to seeing where Aussie branch out to next.

SHORT HAIR SAVIOURS

Since getting 'the chop' a few months back, I've come to notice that for me my shorter hair takes more work on a daily basis, and with a strict weekly school routine I don't have the time for curling and I don't own any straighteners, so I have to have a good group of products to fall back on.

The Tresemmé 24 Hour Body Volume Spray is a good one for spraying on damp hair before blow drying to get some extra volume. I find this works especially well if you blow dry it upside down and you get a lot more root volume that way, and it seems to hold rather well too. This is only a mini but it's lasting well as only a few spritzes does the job.

For some hold on any hairstyle I opt for, I tend to use the Bumble and Bumble Classic Hairspray. if you can get over the fusty smell, this does a decent job at holding the hair in place without being crispy, but due to the smell I am hunting for an alternative.

As my roots lack volume but I have quite thick hair, it tends to resemble some kind of triangle where the ends are much bushier and the top almost sticks to my head. To combat this I have recruited the VO5 Give me Texture Dry Texturising Spray that I spray at the roots and give a good ruffle and it seems to do the job. To add a little more texture and also some hold, I use the L'oréal #TXT Volume Supersizing Spray and scrunch up the hair in my hands a little for a bit of gritty-ness.

Finally, after years of using it and a love-hate relationship throughout, it's Batiste Dry Shampoo. This is the Oriental one, but I recon I've tried most of the range and get the same effects from them all. If you use it properly you avoid that powdery feeling and white roots dreaded combo and instead have fresh looking hair with added volume, a doublet of effects everyone loves.

What have you been reaching for to spritz on your hair recently?

WHAT TO BUY FOR A TEENAGE GIRL

* PR Sample

I'm not one for writing gift guide posts, generally as it depends on the situation, the person, and the budget. But this year, as I am a teenage girl myself literally hitting 16 years a couple of days ago, I thought I could perhaps a few of you out that are struggling for a friend or relative.

I think for most of us, when you struggle on what to buy, or need a little filler present, we all opt for the body spray. I don't know why, but I know it's always my backup option. I got sent this set of So...?! Body Spray Set* and if you needed you could split the range, or even just do it as the set.

Sticking with fragrance, I also received the Britney Spears Fantasy EDP 30ml* which is the perfect scent for someone my age. It's rather sweet, but also is balanced out by a slight musk and really is just a youthful scent that I'm sure so many girls would love. For body, most people I know adore Soap & Glory, and so buying a Righteous Butter would be a nice gift perhaps alongside some other minis, as a sweet pampering gift.

For those that are wanting something a little more high end, I 100% recommend an Urban Decay Naked Palette. I have Naked 2, but any would be perfect. I personally would opt for 1 or 2 as they are more neutral rather than the pink tones in 3, as it is a little safer and those two suit most eye colours. Another makeup item is the Maybelline Baby Lips. I don't use these too often, but the amount of people I see at school using these is unreal, so if they happen not to own them already, you have a perfect stocking filler.

For the girl that doesn't particularly like makeup nor beauty, I would suggest buying The Wet Brush*. Mine is in a cute mustache print, and I've had this for such a long time and use it daily. It honestly is the best brush I've ever used and even the girls furthest from beauty lovers would appreciate it.

These House of Holland Polka Dot Nails would also appeal to a nail fanatic. If you don't want the glue aspect, pick up some Elegant Touch Adhesive Tabs, as they just make the process as little less damaging and longer lasting if I say so myself. These are 3D, monochrome and stiletto shaped; I would be pretty bloody pleased to receive these myself.

Finally, this Trim Brow and Lash Set*. If your mates are eyebrow obsessed like mine are, this would be a great present. You get a mirror, a spoolie, some scissors and tweezers in a travel pouch - and only costs you about a fiver. I know a lot of girls that would appreciate this present a LOT.

Hopefully I gave some ideas, and if you have any more please do leave them in the comments!

TRESEMMÉ 24 HOUR BODY BLOW DRY LOTION

I have thick hair, that is often unruly or frizzy that I rant about more than enough times on here, but when scouring the beauty hall in Tesco and seeing this Tresemmé 25 Hour Body Blow Dry Lotion for something under 50p, (although it is a mini), I ran to the tills and took it home with me.

It's not a 'lotion' its more of a spray, but think slightly thicker/heavier in consistency than your average heat protect spray and you have the right sot of idea. It does spray in quite concentrated bursts so I tend to wave my head frantically when applying this to coat the hair without wasting too much.

In terms of volume, I definitely did see some body in the roots and midlengths of my hair that I was lacking in beforehand, and I really enjoyed using it, and will do in the future. I think one thing they could do is incorporate some kind of heat protecting element in this so that I can just this as a multipurpose one rather than having to go in with a separate heat defense spray.

The scent is very similar to the smell of the majority of Tresemmé's shampoo/conditioners and I quite like it as it smells very fresh, although it doesn't linger too much once you have blow dried.

I think if I can find a full size of this if I continue loving it I may have to buy it, but I can assure that this handy mini will be joining me on my upcoming Madrid trip...

SUMMER HOLIDAY PREP

It's coming to that time of year that some of you may be jetting off to somewhere sunny on a mini break or a holiday, (I am going to Madrid soon, which I am very excited about), and so I have been starting to think about how I am going to prep for the getaway, so why not make it into a post... Brace yourselves, it's rather lengthy.

Tanning: I am quite lucky when it comes to tanning, I tan easily even with SPF50 on, but sometimes if your legs have been stuck in jeans for a long time over the previous seasons you may be reaching for the faux glow in an attempt to avoid blinding everyone with your limbs. I have 2 offerings for you, a pretty hardcore one - the Vita Liberata pHenomenal Long Lasting Tan Mousse Medium*  which supposedly lasts for 2-3 weeks but has a lengthy application process. For me, this is quite dark, but I wouldn't say it isn't natural and it fades nicely anyway.. For something more hydrating and gradual I have been soaking up the Garnier Summer Body Sun Kissed Look Moisturising Lotion (these two get the awards for longest product names), but honestly I love the subtle hint of tint this gives.

Manicure: I hate feet, so this'll make me cringe typing, but there is nothing you want less than cracking out the sandals and having chipped nails, so you want something long lasting. I recently got sent the Fuse Gelnamel Set* but wasn't happy with the results (they looked dull and thick, and I ended up peeling them off in sheets the next morning), so I suggest opting for a good topcoat instead. Throw on some cuticle oil like this Sinful Colours one (which smells divine) and some Soap and Glory Heel Genius and you are good to go.

Body: Removing the hair on your limbs is a good way to start, and I prefer waxing as it lasts longer for me, but if not, take a razor and a mini shaving foam - the Satin Care Apricot offering smells amazing, and you should be able to avoid looking like a yak on your holidays as well as being able to sort out any patches you may have missed beforehand... we've all been there. 

Skin: If your ditching the makeup in the daytime when poolside, you want your skin to be in good condition. Get yourself into a good routine a few weeks before - using a serious mask like the Origins Clear Improvement the night before will most likey bring all the blemishes to the surface, and also use something like Effaclar Duo [+] from La Roche Posay as a further treatment if need me.

So, prep sorted, now time to scour the mini's in Boots and depot all the skincare stash...

AN ODE TO SOAP AND GLORY

When it comes to pampering, Lush and Soap & Glory are my favourite brands to amp up the bath treats, and today I thought I would share some of my favourites from the 'original' line... I'm not sure that's correct, but what I mean is the products that share the typical Soap & Glory scent.

One that everyone and their mother adores is the Hand Food hand cream. This is a firm favourite for me too, a little goes a long way, its nourishing, and yet sinks in really quickly so no greasy hands here. I could tell how much of a cult this was when I saw people grabbing multiple of this and the hand wash duo in the Boxing Day sales - it must be a good'un.

The Righteous Butter currently sits at the top of the list when it comes to an evening body butter. In the same breath as the Hand Food, it is quick to sink in, leaves my limbs feeling baby soft, and what I like is that the smell stays with you for a while after application. My mum really likes the smell of this one too, so perhaps I'll persuade her to buy one for herself.

I have been more into scrubs at the moment, and after reaching for this one whilst in the bath the other day, I rekindled my love for The Scrub Of Your Life. I think somehow I love the novelty of how darn thick the consistency of this is (I am a child at heart), but honestly, it really gets any dryness off without feeling irritating or sore.

Finally, is the Clean On Me shower gel. I think this was the first thing I ever fell in love with from the brand a coupe of birthdays ago, when I bought a mini of it and ended up savouring the stuff. It foams well, leaves you feeling clean, and smells incredible - what more could you want?

Soap & Glory, you do serve me well...

BOXING DAY SALES HAUL | BEAUTY

For the first year, I got up slightly earlier in order to make my way to the local town centre to grab some beauty bargains (the Boots half price sale was where I was headed first, of course). I got a few bargains, as well as some great fashion and clothing bargains, so if you were interested, let me know in the comments if you would be interested in seeing a post on those bits. 

The first item I got in Boots was the Soap and Glory Once Upon A Lime gift set, which was halfprice from £18 to £9, which is a bit of a bargain, considering you get a full sized Sugar Crush Body Buttercream, a mini of the Sugar Crush Body Scrub and also a half size of the Sugar Crush Body Wash, along with a shower puff, coming in at a value of around £19.75 so even at full price the value was there.

Also from Boots, I got the Toni & Guy Matthew Williamson for Toni&Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe set, which was £6, containing what I would say are deluxe travel sized/mini products, one being the Prep Heat Protection Mist, another the Cleanse Dry Shampoo, and the last being the Creative Firm Hold Hairspray and the packaging and bag are just gorgeous. 

Finally, I got this Charlie Set which has 2 body sprays, and a Revlon Girly Nail Polish which I have been wanting to try for ages, and the set totalled in at £4, which is 2p over half the price of the polish alone, so another bargain there. 

Moving onto Lush. I got 3 induvidual products (well, 5, but 2 of them were for Megan), and a boxed set containing 3 more products. The Snow Fairy Box Set was £6.25, which included a 100g Snow Fairy Shower Gel, a Shimmy Shimmy Shimmer Bar and a 70g Angels Delight Soap all of which smell incredible. 

I got the Shoot For The Stars Bath Ballistic (x2), which smells like fresh, uplifting citrus, and I cannot wait to plonk this in my bath. I can't quite remember the price, but it was 50% off in the sale, so was most probably a bargain. The other which I got 2 of was the Christmas Eve Bubble Bar which is a calming, slightly floral (I would like to say subtle lavender), which is going to be something I use a lot at night to relax. Finally, the Melting Snowman Bath Melt made it's way into the basket, and is a creamy, slightly spicy and cinnamon scented melt, and I cannot wait to use this one also. All 5 individual products, and the box set came in at £13.35 which is bargainous. 

 

THE BEAUTY CHRISTMAS WISHLIST

Possible a little blogger cliche, today is the day in which I share some of the beauty picks on my Christmas Wishlist this year. Although, there are a few other bits on the list, and I would never expect to receive everything I asked for, but these are some which I thought I could share with you as the possibilities that I could be lucky enough to see under my tree.

Skin & Body 

Being a slight bit of an Origins fangirl I thought Christmas would be the prime time to get started with the brand. The face masks had always intrigued me, and so this Origins Mask Marvels Set was written straight on my Christmas list. You get 3 75ml face masks (the Drink Up Intensive 10 minute mask, Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask and Clear Improvement Mask) for £25. The value for money is what got me, with the 50ml masks being £11 individually anyway.

Another body set is the Soap and Glory Relaxstation Set which has again, an amazing value for money. This one comes in a £20, with a few full sizes, a few minis, a hair turban towel, and also a 'loofah' if that is what they are called? I must say also Clean on Me shower gel is a firm favourite of mine so a full size shall be well loved.

I guess this links into skin, which is MAC Fix+. I recenty watched a video where ViviannaDoesMakeup talked about stippling this on with a brush to take away any powder-cakeyness, and it drew me in right away.

Makeup

The Smashbox It's Your Prime Set has been catching my eye for a few months now. The thought of an under-eye primer makes me very excited, and I am an eyeshadow base junkie so that'll be used a lot. And then to top it all off you get the Photofinish Primer which has gained a bit of a cult-status by quite a few bloggers this year.

This Benefit Hot 2 Trot Set looks pretty darn good. You get a full size Bella Bamba box blush, alongside what I would call a deluxe mini of the Cha Cha Tint stain for lips and cheeks. Rolling in at the price of the blush alone, this isn't all that bad of a deal.

Finally for makeup we have the No7 The Eye Collection which in all honesty, I purely wanted for the Eye Blend and Contour Brush, but for less than double the price of the brush you get 3 shadows and a pencil smudgy brush in there as well, which is totally bargainous. 

Fragrance

Whenever I walk past The Body Shop all that pops into my mind is the thought of the White Musk Smoky Rose Fragrance which smells incredible. I cannot explain scents, so I won't try, but if this was to be under my tree I would be very, very happy. 


As I said, I am grateful for anything I receive as gifts from anyone, and the same goes for this year. 

What's on your wishlist?