5 couldn't-live-without beauty products

You know that game you used to play when you were kids...the one where someone would say, if you were stuck on a desert island and could only take one person/food/book etc with you, what would you take? Well this post is kind of similar except, it's about beauty products and I refuse to only pick one so I've narrowed it down to five...

Body Shop Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash (£8.50)

If you have been following by blog for sometime, you will know that a couple of summers back I did a beauty test (see here) where I trialed out a new skincare regime. Despite not being a fan of either the day or night cream and being somewhat indifferent to the toner, I loved and have continued using the cleansing facial wash. This facial wash leaves my skin feel clean and fresh and does an amazing job at stopping my skin from producing too much oil. It also doesn't have a strong fragrance to it which, for me, is essential as I like facial products to smell light and fresh and natural, not overly perfumed!

Clinique Moisture Surge (£34.00)

I'm not one to jump on beauty bandwagons but when every blog I read and vlog I watch recommends a product, I find myself being subconsciously drawn to it while I'm out shopping. Every time I ventured into town, I would, somehow, find myself lingering at the Clinique counter, sampling out this product and being talked at by the sales assistant, each one describing it as a "drink for your face". One even sneakily gave me a tester pot and after trialing it out for a couple of weeks, I found myself desperate to purchase it. However at this point I couldn't justify the price but, at the start of last month, I finally bought myself a pot and I have been using it daily.

 This moisturiser sinks into my skin quickly, leaving it feel soft and fresh. It doesn't feel sticky and you don't have to use much to get a good coverage. Despite it being expensive, it is also said to last a long time which is great as I couldn't afford this price too regularly. Over the years, I have had an endless struggle with finding a good moisturiser that works for my skin, so now that I have found one, I plan to stick with it until it is discontinued or I find something better.

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Leave-in Conditioner (£5.89)

This time last year, I got my hair ombred blonde for the first time (see here). Before this I had never dyed my hair or anything close, so bleaching it really scared me. My hairdresser told me that my hair would feel dry and it was important that I gave it as much moisture as possible so, being the nervous nelly that I am, after my hair appointment, I walked straight into town and headed for the John Frieda section of Boots. I bought this leave -in conditioner (as well as deep conditioner) and have used this product religiously after every hair wash. Even though the blonde has worked it's way out over the year, the tips are still blonde and beside this, the product suits me. It has built in heat protection and helps to keep my hair healthy and hydrated...did I mention it smells amazing?

Sanctuary 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask (£10.50)

I first purchased this when I was out shopping with my sister. We each bought a couple of tester face masks and planned to try them out that evening after we got home. As soon as we walked through the door, I was running upstairs to apply this. I loved the idea that it was a warm mask and I remember hoping I hadn't been a victim of false advertisement but sure enough, this product exceeded my expectation and since, it has been my go-to face mask. It leaves my skin feeling fresh, soft and visibly clearer. I have tried other products and have liked their results but nothing beats this mask. In fact, writing this post made me desperate to apply it (hence the picture above...attractive, right?) so I took a break and gave myself a little pamper session.

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Intensive Mask (£4.79)

I have a tried a few deep conditioners over the years. All of them have been more expensive than this one (some a lot more and others only a tinsy bit) but none have given me the same results. Despite being an inexpensive drugstore/supermarket product, this hair mask/conditioner is amazing. Firstly, it smells like summer holidays in a bottle, all coconutty and tropical but it's not just about the smell. The conditioner immediately hydrates and leaves my hair silky, tangle free, shiny and, strangely, brings out the blonde in my hair. Also, a lot of heavy conditioners can weigh your hair down and leave it looking limp and lifeless but this products gives movement. In my opinion it is worth a lot more than £4.79 so go buy one before Herbal Essences catch on to this! 

Beauty products are complicated. Each person has their own issues and struggles but the important thing is to do plenty of research (fellow bloggers and vloggers are a god send) if you are thinking of buying into expensive products. However, I think it is also important to try and be open minded. There are some amazing lower-end products out there so don't assume that you have to pay up to get a good product, especially if, like me, you don't have an endless budget for beauty (or fashion or food or just life in general).

Anyway, I hope you liked this post and please let me know which five beauty products you'd take to a desert island with you?