3 treats for 3 budgets

 

All of these products were kindly gifted to me, without obligation.

Well, it's been a while! You may have wondered where I've been or maybe you didn't even notice, but I'm going to tell you anyway! On Friday, March 12th, one of my cats died - I know you shouldn't have favourites, but he really was mine! He was so bold, brazen, cheeky and adorable and spent 90% of his time by my side. I always said that he got me through Covid and all of the shit that came with it since. He was an indoor cat, but liked to go outside for maybe 30-60 minutes, either in the morning in the evening, to run up the trees and just burn off some of his crazy energy. That day, he ran, at speed, on to the road and was killed. When I say that my heart shattered, it doesn't even come close. I know that some people will say that animals shouldn't make us so upset, but he was part of the family. I obviously know that losing a person is worse, but my heart is still broken. Then on the following Monday, the 15th, our other cat was due with the vet for a checkup, as we thought she might need her teeth cleaned, and just a general checkup. He phoned us in the afternoon to say that her bloods had shown she had a virus, which the vaccinations don't protect against - a cat we had in 2008, had the same thing (it's rare, but lightning obviously strikes twice). He said that the options were to give her some medication, but she would deteriorate over the coming weeks/months, or to put her to sleep. We knew that we couldn't handle watching her die slowly, so we chose to euthanise. It was better for her too. You just couldn't make it up! Alongside this, I am still not over the pneumonia that I got months ago - it just won't shift and at this point, because of my symptoms, my GP is saying that I have long-Covid, on top of my Chronic Lyme. So basically, I needed a break and really wasn't in the mood for writing about beauty! I also needed time to  grieve for my two cats, rest and try to just let my body heal a little. 

So that's where I've been, but I've always said that my blog is a distraction and I most definitely need one of those right now, so I'm easing myself back in, starting with one of my favourite posts that I do monthly - 3 treats for 3 budgets. I've always loved to treat myself - any excuse really! And, like I always say, you don't need to spend a lot! 

Under £20: Benefit They're Real! Magnetic Powerful Lifting and Lengthening Mascara*: I'll be honest, I probably wouldn't have bought this mascara because I didn't like the original, but I was kindly sent it and I've been very impressed. For me, the original and this one don't compare, in terms of results. The wand gets to every single tiny lash, then coats and lengthens it, giving an overall fuller look to the lashes, yet they still look defined, because it doesn't give clumpy lashes. It takes a few coats to achieve the desired look, but I find that with all mascaras. Because of the design/shape of the wand, you can get right to the base of every lash, and wiggle the wand to the ends of the lashes. It really does lengthen them - I din't measure to see if it was exactly 40%, as claimed, but I almost pulled one of my lashes out, because I thought it was a loose one, sitting on top of another, but when I went to pick it off, I realised that it was my actual lash as I could feel the tug at the root! A definite recommendation if you're in the market for a new mascara that will have people asking you if your lashes are your own, or falsies!

£20-50: Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream*: There are some "celebrity" brands that the person in question has just put their name to, and there are others for whom it's their passion. I definitely put this brand in the latter bracket. I remember watching Jessica on Tati's channel and she explained why she started the brand - it was around the time she was pregnant with her first child and she became more aware of what she was putting on to her skin, and using in her house. I know that the term 'clean beauty' is divisive, but that was basically what she was aiming for - less toxins and more pure ingredients, and to actually know what she was using/applying. I was kindly sent some products last month and I love them all, but this moisturiser is particularly gorgeous, as it leaves my skin feeling plump and firm. I love the bouncy texture of the gel cream (I'm not usually a fan of gel moisturisers, but this is certainly an exception, given that it's a cream hybrid), which absorbs instantly and feels cooling and refreshing on the skin (it will be ideal in summer). It contains two types of hyaluronic acid, squalane and sodium PCA, among other hydrating ingredients, which leave the skin bouncy and with a lightly dewy/fresh look. I've seen results that sometimes don't occur with more expensive moisturisers. The whole brand is priced fairly, in the mid-budget range.

£50+: Decree SOS Revitalising Mask*: From the mid-budget, to the luxury, this brand really is up there in terms of price, but if budget allows, these masks are utterly divine! They're biocellulose, which I personally prefer to sheet masks, as they really mould to the face. These masks (there are six in the box), are perfect for sensitive skin, or those who have compromised their skin barrier, those who have overdone the acids or retinol, or if your skin is just in need of some T.L.C. As soon as I apply one, it's like a chill pill for my skin - instantly soothing and comforting. They contain rose extract, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and amino acids, which help to replenish the skin's moisture and repair the barrier function. I personally like to use one after using an exfoliating mask, to balance the skin. I leave it on for around half an hour if I have time (but a minimum of 10 minutes), and then massage the excess serum into my skin. I also squeeze every last drop of serum out of the packet too, and then finish my skincare routine. The result is calm, plump, dewy, healthy looking skin. It's a once a week treat that I really look forward to. If budget allows, I promise you won't regret treating yourself (or someone else). I have some Cult Beauty 15% discount codes in my discounts highlight on Instagram, if you're interested in buying these, or anything else on the site (the usual brand exclusions apply).

Have you/will you be treating yourself this month? Have any of these products caught your eye? I'd love to hear!

Thanks for reading!

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been kindly gifted, without obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.