Wishlist #2

As i've previously mentioned, I've only recently gotten into blogs - reading and writing, but my wish list is already massive! I have already caved and bought some of the items i've been desiring (mainly the cheaper drugstore items) but that list still remains.

So here's a few more of the items i'm currently coveting...

1) Hourglass ambient lighting powder

I've seen so many rave reviews about this powder and it sounds just lovely! Quite a few people say they couldn't buy just one and a couple of people ended up buying all 6! I think i'd go for the shade Diffused, which has a slight yellow tint as this would hopefully help balance out my redness. 

2) Urban Decay Naked palette

This seems to be the best eyeshadow palette you can get, with again several people owning more than one. I think i'd go for either the basics (a bit easier on my student budget) or the Naked2 palette but think I could make good use of any of them! I'm definitely more of a nude colour girl when it comes to eyes so these would be perfect! 

3) Clinique Take the Day Off cleansing balm

This sounds like just a lovely cleanser to use and removes all make-up at the same time. As i've mentioned, i'm trying to improve my skincare routine and I'm hoping this would make a great addition. It's another Caroline Hirons recommendations so it must be good! It also seems to be sold out on quite a few sites so seems to be popular!

What are your current coveted items? Have you tried any of these?

Review: Balance Me pure skin face wash

I'm currently in the process of trying to update my skincare routine as previously it pretty much consisted of a face wipe (bad I know!) and moisturiser... After reading Caroline's blog I realised I really needed to up the ante. She is currently recommending a load of cleansers and one she mentioned was the Balance Me cleanse and smooth face balm, which I quite fancied trying, so when I saw that Cosmo had Balance Me freebies I knew I had to give it a go!

I picked up the pure skin face wash and here's my thoughts on it.
To use this cleanser you're meant to squeeze a small amount into your hands, add warm water, massage together and then over your face. I find you don't need to use much especially as you're adding water to it. At first it has quite a thick consistency but is obviously thinned out when adding water. I then use a face cloth to remove. I found this had quite a strong herby type smell that was pretty overpowering, so much so that it left the bathroom smelling of it for a little while. At first I really didn't like the smell but after a few uses i've started to get more used to it and find it has a slight lemony scent mixed with the herby smell. I don't think this would be for everyone and would probably be very off-putting for a lot of people.
I like using this cleanser, it feels like it's doing a good job of cleaning my skin and works quite well at removing make-up - even eye make-up (although there's usually still some mascara left over). Straight after it's washed off my skin feels quite soft and plump but shortly afterwards it starts to feel dry and quite tight. I've tried not patting dry after washing off and it still ends up feeling like this.
I think i'll keep trying with this but it's not a complete winner and i'm definitely still looking for something new. Perhaps the cleanse and smooth face balm will be better.

What are your favourite cleansers to use?

Xo