Birthday Beauty Treats

Thursday 9th March marked my 23rd birthday. I don't want this post to come across as braggy in any way, like a 'look at all of these wonderful gifts, I'm so spoilt' type of post. However, I received a few beauty-related gifts that I am so excited about, and whilst I throw myself into trying each and every one of them out, I wanted to give you guys an insight into what will probably be making its way onto this site in more detail soon. Kind of like a 'these are super pretty, here's a glimpse into what's to come' post, rather than a brag as to how many gifts I received. Anyway, my friends and family clearly know me far too well, as most things I got were beauty items that I've been lusting over for a while. Here are a few things the beauty addict in me is jumping up and down about...

5 Cruelty-Free Beauty Products That I Swear By

Welcome to the first of many new posts on my new feature on vegan / cruelty-free beauty! There will be a new post either every week or every other week, so keep 'em peeled! Today, myself and Helen (who will be helping out with the new feature) have racked our brains (mainly hers- I'm still not sure if I even have one) and have come up with our 5 favourite beauty products which are totally cruelty-free. The brands here are vegan or vegetarian, so hopefully there is something for everyone and will reassert the fact that you can have amazing beauty products without having to test on or harm our animal friends.

Fat Hair '0 Calories' Range: For Thicker, Amplified Hair In A Jiffy

We always want what we don't have. Since I can remember, I've always wanted to switch my lifeless, thin, straight hair for thick, voluminous waves. Luckily, there are products on the beauty markets that can help your hair situation, whether they are frizz-tamers, straighteners, or volume-adding formulas...there is something for just about everyone. Fat Hair is a range that's been available in the UK for a couple of years now, and their volumising hair range seems to have had a makeover. Naturally, I put it to the test!

Superdrug Tea Tree Range: The Budget Spot-Busters For A Clearer Complexion

There are few products, whether make-up or skincare, that I have stuck by from day one. From my very first discovery of make-up and realisation that my skin needs to be looked after, I have always hunted out new, exciting products that'll change my life once and for all. I can count on one hand the products that I have used since the start and have a very special relationship with them; they're the ones that have been there amongst your beauty collection every step of the way. One range of products (and one specific product in particular) is the Superdrug Tea Tree range. They are a great, budget skincare alternative that I'm sure will become a staple in your beauty routine too.

My Weekend: Superdrug Haul!

If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know that I was more than excited to spend my Sunday in Superdrug, spending all my money on any beauty product that particularly caught my eye. I actually ended up spending a lot less than anticipated, partly because I stuck to 'budget' products, but mainly because Superdrug have an incredible 3 for 2 offer on at the moment.

As many of the things I went in for were out of stock (namely the Accessorize Shimmer Block highlighter), I stuck to the 6 products. Within the 3 for 2 offer, you get the cheapest of the 3 free, so it's well worth trotting down there and stocking up on any of your beauty favourites. If you're a student, Superdrug also do 10% off when a valid NUS card is shown; another reason to splash you cash!

Eye Sparkle

My make-up routine always consists of flicked liquid eyeliner, whether I'm just popping to the shops or going on a night out. I love the way it instantly makes your eyes stand out (especially when I'm wearing glasses), but have become a bit bored of the same look. Looking through my make-up draw, I found this glittery bottle of 2True Eyeliner Dazzlers in black that I'd never used, and seeing as I was going out with some friends that night, thought I'd try it out to cure my 'same-old-make-up' boredom.