So I'm not going to lie guys- I'm seriously struggling with this saving malark. I know everyone says it will be worth it in the long run but surely having to save when entering arguably, the best fashion season should be a crime. Everywhere I turn there's a gorgeous chunky knit, a go-with-anything pair of flat boots or another fashion forward yet practical coat that catches my eye. With this in mind I decided to get my eyebrows threaded as to be frank, they were just a tad overgrown and I naively thought a browse around the beauty department in John Lewis would satisfy my spending cravings....how wrong could I be?

Firstly I think it's worth mentioning the actual AMAZE selection in the John Lewis (Sheffield) beauty department. For some reason I thought it necessary to travel to Space NK to get my hands on REN goodies when all I had to do was pop into town to get my mitts on them along with products from Ojon, Cowshed, Philip Kingsley and OPI to a name few. The only downside is that all the brands I've mentioned are in a self select area and I do wonder whether the staff are fully versed on these wonders....anyhoo back to my purchases.



The Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish is a frequently spoke about product with a cult following although it's something I've never tried, until now. Liz Earle has worked with the Princes Trust and mentored a young entrepreneur called Rebecca Taylor. Rebecca is a twenty five year old from Doncaster (really close to Sheffield) who with the help of the Princes Trust has set up her own beauty salon which also creates beauty products. Together Liz and Rebecca have created a limited edition Cleanse & Polish which not only has gorgeous packaging but features rose and lavender. The limited edition Cleanse & Polish retails at £19.75 for 150ml with £2 donated to the Princes Trust charity.
At the mention of a local and young entrepreneur coupled with the beaut packaging as well as the faint scent of rose and lavender, I knew it was time to take the plunge into the world of Cleanse & Polish. My initial thoughts are that it leaves my skin incredibly soft and I love that with the use of the muslin cloth (you get two on purchase of the cleanser) it literally buffs away all your make-up without aggravation. Before this I having to use several cotton wool pads soaked with my milky cleanser before washing my face to remove all my make-up and I don't even wear that much. I'm currently just using this at night and it really is saving me time which means more time in bed, result! I hope to give you all a more in depth review on this when I've been using it a little longer but so far my impressions are good. 


My second purchase was from a brand I haven't bought anything from since I was a teen however since becoming a blog-obsessive I've noticed many a beauty blogger raving about their range of face masks. So when I saw Milly of Pearls & Poodles wax lyrical about a mascara from their new make-up line I knew I had to give the Origins counter a visit. 

The lady on the counter was very friendly and on mentioning my interest in the GinZing Brightening Mascara she began coating my lashes and I must admit...it was an instant love fest. My lashes looked longer, curled and more defined- perfect for day time wear (yes I like an AM and a PM mascara, don't judge!) The chunky brush means you barely have to touch your lashes to ensure each one is beautifully coated. I also find this mascara lasts really well and doesn't clump or go all crunchy- there's nothing worse than a crunchy lash. If you're after a new everyday mascara I would definitely recommend this one and at the moment with purchases of the GinZing Brightening Mascara (£17.00) you receive a free sample size pot of GinZing eye cream. The lovely lady even let me take a sample of the Clear Improvement charcoal mask...expect my thoughts on these two bad boys soon.

I will certainly be heading back to the John Lewis beauty hall soon- much to the boys dismay, most likely to pick up the Ojon hair products I mentioned in my recent Wednesday Wishlist post.
Have you tried the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish or any Origin products? What are your thoughts?