My 2017 Favourites

This is my first ever favourites post, I'm very excited to show you guys what I've been loving this year! 

It's also noted that these are cruelty free brands.

Make Up

Barry M Flawless Matte Finish Foundation 

I haven't used many foundations in my life, but when I came across Barry M's I fell in love with how smooth it was, and how easy it was to apply. I also love how when you're using up the product, it pushes it up to the top. In the picture above you can see this frosted part behind where it says 'Barry M' as you use up the product the frosted bit gets larger. This makes it super easy to use up all of the foundation, and I love it!

Barry M Flawless Light Reflecting Concealer 

As I had chosen Barry M for my foundation, I thought that having the same brand concealer would be a good choice. Again, it's easy to apply and I feel it does the job at covering my tired under eyes and blemishes.

Barry M Illuminating Strobe Cream - Galactic 

You can start to see a pattern here with my make up...I had zero highlighting experience when I picked this up. I love that you can just roll on the cream and then blend it in with a brush (at least that's how I do it) it makes it so easy.

Barry M Matte Me Up Lip Kit 

When I kept seeing people go on and on about Kylie Jenner's lip kits, I wanted to find my own affordable dupe. I came across Barry M's, and they have lots of shades and even a metallic range. But, I keep reaching for the Matte Lip Kit. I find that it's simple to apply, and is long lasting.

Barry M Liquid Chrome Nail Paint - Razzle Dazzle 

I am a huge lover of Barry M's nail varnishes, the majority of my varnish collection is Barry M. I've only recently discovered the Liquid Chrome range, and I love it. It has a lovely shine to it with a silvery pink tone, and it dries like a dream.

Barry M Eye Define Liquid Eye Liner

I am so happy with the eye liner that Barry M have produced. It took me a while to find a suitable cruelty free replacement from my previous liner. But I was a bit forced to make the leap a bit sooner than planned, when the previous brand didn't make that liner anymore. And I needed on the morning of my Graduation as it'd run out. I was livid. As I was so happy with the rest of Barry M's make up range I thought I'd give their liner a go.

Admittedly, it took me awhile to get used to the shape of the brush as it was a bit smaller than my previous one. I'm honestly not a fan of the really long pen type eye liners, I just struggle so much to apply the liner.

I believe I own two of these liners and they've lasted me months, this isn't with every day use but I'm impressed with how much liquid liner you can get out of one of these.

The Body Shop Eye Colour Stick - Nevada 

I came across these Eye Colour Sticks browsing a TBS store and thought all of my eye shadow prayers had been answered. I'm not that experienced in eye shadow, so I was happy to see an easy to apply eye shadow stick. There's a whole range of colours, and this one has a subtle glitter to it which is lovely paired with my dramatic eye liner flick. You can also twist the stick to produce more product.

Skin Care

Superdrug Chocolate Orange Self Heating Face Mask 

Superdrug often have a three for two offer on their face masks, which makes it easy to experiment with different types. This one was so lovely to apply, it smells gorgeous and it was a little bizarre when my face started to warm up, but it left my skin feeling amazing.

Superdrug Hydrating Face Mask 

I picked this up out of curiosity earlier this year, and it became a god send when I had a horrible period of dry skin on my face. It comes out as a white colour but it becomes transparent, and soaks into your skin. I usually put a fair amount on before I would go to bed and let it do it's thing.

Lush Grease Lightning Spot Treatment 

This year I've started to venture into Lush's other departments. I tend to have quite problematic skin, so thought this would be worth a try. I absolutely love it. Again, I tend to use this before I go to bed or if I'm having an indoors day. I find that the gel type product dries out and you can either use water to smooth it, or kind of peel it off. So it's not a good look when you turn up for work.

But, I do find that it helps calm down horrendous spots, and helps get rid of them quickly.

Bath

The Body Shop Bath Bubble - Coconut

I only recently got given some of TBS bath products for Christmas (I did get to see them in action at the VIP Body Shop Christmas Event). I had just un-wrapped my presents, and fancied a bath. Admittedly, I didn't read that this one was to be held under running water, so I had already chucked it straight into my bath.

When I saw that it wasn't bubbling I immediately pulled it out and thought I was a right idiot for not reading the packaging. I didn't have to use much of the product to turn my bath blue with bubbles, so I've got plenty left over for another bath or two!

The Body Shop Mojito Scrub 

This summer TBS released this amazing range with citrusy scents. At the time I really needed a scrub, and picked it up. Little did I know that this was just a limited range and it's not available to buy anymore. I hope they decide to bring it back for 2018, as this is my favourite scent! It's also isn't harsh on my skin as it was a gel scrub, which is good as I can have quite sensitive skin.

The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Scrub 

When I saw the new Christmas range, I knew I had to go to my nearest store and immediately sniff them all. The Vanilla Chai scent was right up my street, aside from citrus scents, vanilla is my favourite as well. This scent is like a spiced vanilla so it smells very Christmassy. The scrub is amazing, you don't have to use much at a time as it's quite thick so you don't waste any product. I'm sure I have the whole range of Vanilla Chai now and I couldn't be happier!

Hair

The Body Shop Banana Shampoo 

For my birthday this year my lovely friends (that's you, Charis and Lily if you're reading this), made me a cruelty free pamper box. Inside it was a Banana scented shampoo and conditioner. I wasn't sure about the scent at first, but it smells like those foam bananas you can get from sweet shops. And I love it. I love the thick consistency as I'm usually used to slightly runnier shampoos.

The Body Shop Banana Conditioner 

Same as above. 

I've been using hair products differently recently. As these products are thick in consistency it means I can portion off bits of product at a time to evenly cover my hair without it slipping through my fingers and onto the shower floor.

Perfume

Zoella Beauty Sweet Inspirations 

Even though it's been about a year and a half since the release of the Sweet Inspirations range, I'm still hooked on the vanillary/macaroon scent. I didn't think I'd like a sweet scent, but Zoella's range turned me! I love the bath products from this as well, and recently topped up my collection with the Bath Latte and the Sugar Dip.

Body Fantasies Pink Vanilla Kiss Fantasy Body Spray 

I don't tend to use body sprays very much, I usually just stick to deodorant and perfume. Then I came across Body Fantasies in Superdrug and loved this scent. It's very affordable and is a good size to fit in my hand bag.

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I have probably forgotten a few things over the year that I absolutely loved, but these were the main things that stood out from the rest. I'm hoping to get more bath and beauty reviews on my blog in 2018, as it was something I used to post about originally back in 2015!

Let me know what your favourite things were in 2017 in the comments!

Love Saffron x

July Giveaway!

When I hit 1,000 followers on Twitter, I mentioned doing a giveaway as a HUGE thank you to all of you who follow and interact with me. I got busy with university work, completed a placement and I've been working a lot.

Now here I am announcing the giveaway! I currently have 1,242 followers and I feel so lucky to have reached these milestones. This giveaway is to celebrate my small successes on social media, and to treat ONE lucky follower with goodies!

So we've got three face masks from Superdrug's own range, the two NEW LIMITED EDITION nail varnishes from Barry M with Boots (Stargazer and Shipwreck) which are a lovely mixed metallic colour, Barry M Matte Me Up Lip Kit in Runway and my favourite compact mirror in the shape of a mermaid shell from New Look.

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is to be following me on Twitter @SaffronWatson_ and retweet my pinned tweet.

-Quotes won't be counted.
-Must be following me.
-Giveaway is UK only.
-Giveaway ends 3/8/17 at 6pm.

Good Luck!

Love Saffron x

How Cruel Is My Make Up Bag?

This post is inspired by some YouTube videos, mainly from Hannah Witton's (I love her, her channel is amazing if you haven't checked it out!). This year I have been looking into cruelty free make up and beauty products, as I feel it's something that I have ignored and it's never really in the forefront of the media.

It's an issue I've done some research into, and I've found other likeminded bloggers and it's something we need to stop being ignorant about. I can't help but think of the poor animals who didn't choose that life, and it's forever going to change my choice when purchasing beauty products.

For this post I've looked on the cosmetic company websites, and a site dedicated to noting cruelty free brands and brands to avoid; Logical Harmony.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of what I might say might be incorrect, I've struggled with some of the research as some companies and sites clash opinions and facts and it's all a little vague. But, I will give my honest opinion to what I believe is true.

I've looked through my make up bag, to see what things I use regularly that are or aren't cruelty free.

Collection Eye Definition Liquid Eye Liner

VERDICT: ?

On Collection Cosmetic's website it says that they don't use animal testing on any of their products, yet on Logical Harmony it's on the list to avoid. Now, this eye liner is my favourite, I swear by this as I get on so well with the application brush and it gives the effect I'm look for with a cat eye/flick. Before I looked on their website I did assume that they weren't cruelty free, because on the packaging it does say "Made in China". Although I have had this one for quite awhile now, and I can't find this version on their site any more.

I had to message Tashina Combs herself (creator of Logical Harmony) as I would be so relieved if this was cruelty free. She replied: "They told me that they do not test finished products, but they may be tested by 3rd parties." In essence their products may not be cruelty free? I might have to conduct further research, and perhaps look into a replacement as I would love to have a complete cruelty free make up bag.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

VERDICT: ?

This would be the same as before, I had been wondering recently if this is the correct concealer for me anyway, as I don't feel like it blends in with my skin. This one will not be further purchased already.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

VERDICT: N

I knew this one would be a no because the company is so huge. It's noted that when I asked around about why there aren't a lot of big companies that are cruelty free, what I found was that the companies need to test on animals if they want China to make and sell their products, as we all know it's cheaper to make things in China. This broke my heart a little, that because companies want to make more money they test on animals. The law in China is that they have to test on animals, and I believe it is against the law in Europe to use animal testing, hence why a lot of beauty companies have "Made in China" on the packaging. Even though this has been one of my favourite mascara's I'm go to have to part ways with this product once it's run out.

MUA Volume Mascara

VERDICT: ?

When I bought this mascara I was under the impression that it was cruelty free, as I wanted to start converting my make up bag. But, since double checking my facts before writing this post I can't actually find where it says it doesn't test on animals. This is a huge issue I'm dealing with at the moment is deciphering what is and isn't cruelty free. When I first started picking up products and analysing them I couldn't see the PETA approved logos, but then when I looked closer the company had it written on the product. Does it mean the same thing if they don't use the logo? I haven't a clue. When I tested this product it wasn't the best for my eye lashes, it didn't seem to add any extra volume as my lashes can appear quite short and not visible.

MUA Intense Eye Colour Eye Liner

VERDICT: ?

Obviously this is the same as the previous product of MUA. It's just a shame, as these affordable brands are perhaps only affordable because they test on animals and get made in China (although I am still a bit confused by testing in Europe). The lid of the liner is pretty handy as it has a sharpener built in for when it's getting blunt, but like most pencil liners for me it didn't last long. This is because I like to have eye liner on my lower lash line and sometimes liners can fade quite quickly in that spot.

Barry M Bold Black Waterproof Eyeliner

VERDICT: Y

Oh my gosh, you have no idea how thankful I was that this was cruelty free. Literally this is my favourite eye liner pencil. Barry M you guys are life savers! On both Barry M's website and Logical Harmony, they are listed as cruelty free. It is noted on certain products whether they are 100% vegan so that's something you'd have to check online before purchasing. But, my god! This liner has lasted through naps and emotional breakdowns, I'm not even kidding, I'm so impressed with how long this liner can last and how BOLD it is. Considering Barry M are quite a big brand, and I've been a huge lover of their nail varnishes for yonks, it was a relief to know I didn't have to give up this brand!

Eco Tools Brush

VERDICT: Y

I've had an Eco Tools brush set for ages now, and it was a happy surprise that they are 100% vegan! These little brushes are so handy to pop in your make up bags and work like a dream!

Superdrug Micellar Cleansing Facial Wipes

VERDICT: Y

I believe that Superdrug's own brand are all cruelty free, they will have the bunny logo on if they are. These make up wipes are super affordable which is great!

Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturiser and Deep Cleansing Lotion

 VERDICT: N

Clean and Clear is listed as testing on animals on both the PETA site and Logical Harmony. I am truly gutted about these, as I have sworn by both of these products to keep my skin clear and smooth (when I remember to use them). So I will take any cheap alternatives that work wonders! Please I really need the help.

Nair Argan Oil Glide On Hair Removal Cream

VERDICT: N

There are no words. I did have a feeling that this product might get tested on animals. And I am correct in that thinking. I've used this since I was THIRTEEN. I always carry it around, because well I am a woman and I have imperfections, so yeah I use it. Again, if anyone can help me find alternatives I AM SO OPEN. I need another decent removal cream that isn't tested on poor animals.

So that's it! That's the majority of the make up/beauty products that I use regularly. I wasn't surprised at some of the big companies, but my highlight of this was finding out that Barry M are ok! Once I've used up my make up products I am so up for switching over to their products!

I know a lot of the blogging community praise non cruelty free products, but I do honestly think that perhaps it's time we all start looking at the truths of the beauty industry. Especially when bloggers love LUSH and they stand against animal testing and even help against the fight.

Let me know your opinions on animal testing, and if you are cruelty free or if you've tried the "How Cruel Is My Make Up Bag" challenge, I'd love to know either in the comments or tweet me @SaffronWatson_

Saffron x

What's in my make up bag?

As a Christmas present to myself I bought this "Zoella Lace Collar Purse" from Superdrug for £6.00, I picked this one up as I know everyone has the guinea pig ones and the eye ones. I also have a top that looks exactly like this and the bag is just the right size for the (little) amount of make up I own.

Inside my bag you will find my four essential items: firstly the Barry M Bold Waterproof Eyeliner for  £3.99. The first time I picked this up I was in a hurry to find a cheap eye liner, and little did I know what I had stumbled upon. The most amazing waterproof eyeliner I have ever owned! I didnBa't realise it was waterproof, but it really does what it says on the tin, this bad boy has survived 12hr days, and full on crying sessions! I am so impressed with this product, my only beef is that you can't sharpen it, so once it goes blunt you have to buy a new one.

Next on the right I have Collection Lengthening Mascara Black 1 for £2.99, I don't really have very many eyelashes and they aren't long and they are more defined from my profile, which is useless. Pretty much any mascara works with my lashes, but I do have a soft spot for any Collection mascara as they don't charge an arm and a leg for decent mascara.

Bottom on the left we have Barry M Lip Boss 3- Office Romance for £4.49 I previously had Barry M lipgloss which I loved but I have misplaced [insert sad emoji] so I went straight over to Barry M. I prefer light pink lip glosses, I don't know why I just prefer my lips to look slightly more pink and glossy. The container is a decent size and it lasts forever for me.

I have previously mentioned in another post how much I love my final product. It's only Collection Eye Definer Ebony 1 for the small price of £2.99 it's a total steal, I can be using the same one for up to three months depending on my variation of use and how big I make the wings on my eyes. I don't get along with any other eyeliner, I've tried felt tip liners and Collection must've known I was cheating as I could not get the same effect I wanted with the felt pens. Look out for a tutorial in the near future on how I do my eyeliner, it took me a few months and hundreds of tutorials to get it right! Eyeliner is the only make up related thing I am actually good at!

Now you've seen what's in my make up bag!

All products are from Superdrug and prices were correct as of 30th December 2015.

Saffron x

Christmas Nail Varnish

Happy Boxing Day! 

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas with your family and friends, this post is post-christmas but can be used any time of the year too!

Whilst I was supposed to be shopping for my family and friends, but also to re-stock my eyeliner. I got swayed by Superdrug's offer no Barry M products. If I spent £6 or more on their brand I would get a bottle of Barry M's Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Sparkling Ruby. When I saw it on the model above the products, I knew that I needed to own it.

I'm usually spotted wearing red nail varnish as it's one of my favourite colours, and this red has glitter aspects in it which made it my Christmas nail colour!

When I needed to take off the remainder of the nail varnish to re-apply for Christmas Day, I realised that it was going to be harder to shift because of the glitter in it. I learned the hard way to soak my nails previous to removing the varnish!

Barry M is one of my favourite nail brands alongside Rimmel, I find that they last longer and the colour selections suit all my nail needs!

Excuse my awesome christmas onesie! So far I've been really impressed with this varnish as it's lasted quite a while without chipping, as I use my hands a lot in my place of work and everyday life! If I could sustain growing my nails this paint would look even better for those of you with proper lady claws!

Saffron x