Free Gifts

I love a free gift – who doesn’t? But in these times of austerity genuine freebies are not as forthcoming as they used to be.

There are still some nice little gift packages available with make-up purchases in shops such as Boots and Debenhams and of course the proverbial ‘Bogofs’ in supermarkets, but some of the little freebies that I used to love have all but disappeared.

Years ago, it was possible to accumulate a wealth of free items purely by purchasing modestly priced magazines. I’m not just talking glossies and dearer monthly publications (some of which do still sometimes appear with the odd gift), which often came with cosmetics, bags, paperback books, etc, but even weekly mags sometimes came up with interesting offerings.

Favourite publications such as ‘Woman’ and ‘Woman’s Weekly’ (of Victoria Wood bottom beating fame) on occasions came with spatulas or stitch holders – not glamorous gifts I admit, but freebies just the same!

And I seemed to acquire a huge selection of holdalls of varying sizes, assorted clocks and the odd radio just by placing a small order with a mail order catalogue from time to time. Remember those days?

Today prices of much of what we buy continue to rise (except for food items in the current supermarket wars) but gifts are less forthcoming. It’s true that we can get reward points, which are much appreciated, at certain supermarkets and enter various prize draws, but there’s something magical about an instant free gift in your hand. Not something that you may or may not get by entering a draw, but a guaranteed, on-the-spot, thank-you-here-and-now gift.

Are there certain free gifts that you miss?

My Autumn Beauty Buys

As I get older, I prefer a more subtle approach to make-up, using products that give me a healthy glow as opposed to emphasising every little flaw. The latest additions to my make-up bag certainly reflect this trend.

 

I’ve recently discovered No7 Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation SPF15 from Boots, which gives me a light, dewy coverage that evens my skin tone without looking unnatural. It’s a great little product and a little goes a long way.

Staying with No7 products, I’m now using their Stay Perfect Smoothing Eyeshadow in Bronze and Nude to add a subtle sheen of colour to my eyelids, rather than using a product that is too full on and heavy. The liquid formula glides on with the sponge applicator, and the tubes are handy and light to carry in your bag.

I do love the way No7 have developed this “Stay Perfect” range, if only the transformation to my face was that good! Anyway, I do like the products and are happy to recommend them.

 

I like to add a touch of colour to my cheeks, but don’t like heavy powder blushers or dark shades, so I was pleased to discover Limited Collection Cream Blush from Marks and Spencer. I’ve chosen dusky rose, which gives me a healthy glow, and I really like the way the product glides on, blends easily and doesn’t look overdone.

As the weather gets cooler, skin needs a little more TLC, especially I find, on my hands. My new favourite product is Hand Therapy Anti-ageing Hand Cream from Superdrug. With UV filters, Vitamin E and Co-enzyme Q10, it has a light non-greasy formula that is easily absorbed and just a hint of scent. My hands will thank me for it!

What beauty buys are you investing in this autumn?

Not So Simple

I’m always looking in the shops for interesting products to add to my make-up collection. I’d been growing tired of the same old moisturiser and foundation routine and decided to look at what BB creams have to offer.

After some deliberation I chose to buy Simple Perfecting BB Beauty Balm, which states that it is in a ‘universal shade’ and offers SPF15. It claims to ‘moisturise’, ‘even skin tone’ and contain ‘illuminating particles’. Well, I could certainly do with a bit of illuminating and like the fact that Simple products are suitable for sensitive skin, so it seemed like a good choice.

The cream felt nice on my skin and was easy to apply, but sadly I looked like I’d been ‘Tangoed’. So much for the universal shade, it’s obviously aimed at orange aliens.

Still, not to be beaten, and always loathe to waste money or purchases, (even though I did the Shoppers’ Joy classic thing of buying on offer) I found that if I combined a dab of the BB cream with a spot of Simple Illuminating Radiance Cream (I’m determined to be illuminated) the result was far more natural!

On the subject of dodgy beauty buys, I was also disappointed with my recent purchase of L’Oreal 3 in 1 Micellar Solution. This did not leave my skin feeling anywhere near as fresh and clean as with other micellar lotions that I have tried, the best to date being Avène Micellar Lotion, which left my skin feeling gloriously cleansed and refreshed.

Which make-up and beauty products do you recommend?

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Goody Bags

I love to get a goody bag! You know, the type you receive when you buy a couple of make-up products – a freebie promotion. It may literally be a bag, possibly more of a box, but either way I love to delve inside and discover the contents.

My love of goody bags dates back to my childhood, when I loved the treat of a ‘Jamboree Bag”. Unlike the ‘Lucky Bags’ of today (in-your-face shiny plastic), these were made of paper in plain colours (green, blue, pink) and cost just a few pennies. Inside there were usually a couple of toffees, some cashews, some form of moulded plastic curio (think false moustache) and maybe some transfers or a picture card. It wasn’t what was in them that really mattered – it was the thrill of what could be inside.

For my childhood birthday parties my older sister would make party bags that resembled small carrier bags, made from colourful wrapping paper. A few goodies were put in each. This was during the 60s before party bags became the norm, so I was quite proud to hand them out at the end of my party, as opposed to the usual piece of cake wrapped in a serviette.

Anyway, back to the present. Boots No7 is currently offering a free box of tricks (well, cosmetics obviously) when you buy two or more products from their make-up range. You can even combine this offer with the £3 off cosmetics voucher currently in circulation, making it an even better deal.

Of course, many make-up and skincare ranges, from budget to luxury brands, offer goody bag deals from time to time, so timing purchases to coincide with these deals is a useful plan.

But the ultimate in goody bags has to be those given to celebs when attending award ceremonies. Filled with luxury goods and surprises, they certainly give me ‘goody-bag-envy’! So if any of you lovely celebs have an odd goody bag knocking around that you really don’t want, I will gladly take it off your hands.

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Sifting Through The Sales

Although the sales started in the shops some time ago, it’s not too late to pick up a bargain or two. In fact, some of my best ever bargains have been bought during the closing stages of sales.

You may have heard me talk about the £3 pair of boots that I picked up in Marks and Spencer or the £5 pair of jeans that I bought on another occasion. This January I’m scouring the stores as usual for last minute finds.

There are still a number of toiletry, make-up and perfume sets on sale in places such as Boots (currently 50% discount, but usually changes to 75% or even 90% as sales progress), Superdrug and some supermarkets. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that these sets are only useful as gifts, as they are handy to just stock up your general supplies of cosmetics and toiletries if bought for the right price.

I’ve purchased a Nivea set containing Express Hydration Body Lotion (250ml), Express Hydration Hand Lotion (100ml) and Hydro Care Lip (4.8g) for just over £2. The usual retail price for these items individually is £3.75, £3.39 and £1.99 respectively, so this was a fantastic saving. This kind of gift set offer allows you to stock up with cosmetics and toiletries for some time to come at a bargain price.

Of course, a big rule of sale shopping is to only buy things that you are really going to use – don’t let a ridiculously low price tempt you into buying something that you wouldn’t normally consider purchasing!

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and trawl those last minute sale bargains.

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Starting The Year Anew

Following my success using Avon Anew Smoothing Eyeliner, I decided to try a couple more make-up products from the Anew range.

Having reached a ‘certain age’ I am conscious of needing products that give my skin a bit of a boost, and bear this in mind when buying cosmetics and skincare items, so I’m loving the Avon Anew range.

 

The first new product I’ve tried is the Youth-Awakening Eyeshadow and Primer Kit, a handy little pot that has a cream primer on the bottom, an eyeshadow duo on the top and even comes with a handy little mirror in the lid. I love this product! It is convenient to use and compact to carry around. The eye colours are subtle and feel smooth on my lids. I’m currently using Shimmering Walnut, but you can also choose from Smoky Violet and Spring Green. The product normally costs £10, but is currently on offer for £6.50.

The other Anew product that I’ve recently tried is the Lip Restoring Colour Balm, which glides on easily, conditioning lips whilst giving them a touch of colour. With a choice of four shades currently (a couple of shades were available pre-Christmas that I can’t find now), this product sells for £9, but personally I wait for an offer to come up. In fact, you can currently choose a balm for free when you spend £15 or more on Anew Beauty products.

I’m now planning to try some more Anew products as so far so good!

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So That Was 2013

“What have you done, another year over and a new one just begun…” to quote John Lennon. Indeed another year seems to have whizzed by, and now is the time to look back on its highs and lows and think what we would like to do differently, or perhaps more of next year.

Collectively we welcomed the new Pope and the newest addition to the Royal Family, Prince George, and said goodbye to the legend that was Nelson Mandela. Goodbyes were also said to Lady Thatcher amongst much controversy: I may not have loved her politics, but at the end of the day, I held on to the thought that she was a mother too, much missed by her family.

Across the world there was cause for sadness and shocks, as we witnessed some awful human acts and natural disasters that sometimes claimed lives. However, as is often the case in these situations, we must take comfort from the way ordinary people pull together, raising funds and supporting aid charities to help where possible.

On a personal level I celebrated a ‘milestone’ birthday, saw the birth of my first grandchild (a gorgeous little boy), questioned Ofsted and complained at the loss of Hypermobility classes from my local NHS physiotherapy department.

My blog looked at a range of products and services including make-up, cleaning products, toiletries, DS games and supermarket cafés. I looked at the whole issue of supermarkets using meat from sources other than the UK or even the EU, something that I’m still keeping an eye on.

Next year I’ll be reviewing a whole new set of products and services, continuing my ‘Random Thoughts’ and generally offering up my opinion on shopping and consumer issues.

But for now here are some of my winners and losers for 2013:

A Shoppers’ Joy thumbs up for: Tesco Clubcard, EDF Complaints Resolutions Manager, Max Factor Eye Brightening Mascara, the staff at the Morrisons café Cambourne, Avon Solutions Ageless Bloom Neck and Chest Treatment SPF15, the staff at Travelodge Middlewich, the Tower of London and the Nutmeg clothing range at Morrisons.

A Shoppers’ Joy thumbs down for: ‘Which?’ magazine’s subscription department (and the magazine come to that), Aldi, companies that make money from your PPI claim (you can do it for free yourself), Ofsted, people who speak loudly on their phones on public transport and the poor service I received at the Marks and Spencer café at Hempstead Valley.

Who will be in my good and bad books for 2014?

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A Real Eye-Opener

Although I’m a regular user of mascara and have tried many brands and types over the years (detailed here) I’ve never really got to grips with eyeliner.

When it comes to make-up, I prefer a natural look, and definitely want to avoid ‘panda eyes’, which has been my experience with some brands I’ve tried, but now I've discovered a make of eyeliner that I actually like.

My latest find is Avon Anew Smoothing Eyeliner with retinol. It does indeed glide on smoothly and is supplied with it’s own ‘smudging’ tool, to blend the liner gently along your lash line for a natural effect. It’s available in black, brown/black and emerald, but I chose the brown/black for the most understated effect.

The eyeliner normally sells for £8.50, but is currently on offer for £5, although I actually received it as part of a cosmetics offer bundle, which is a great way to try new products at a low cost.

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Eye Care Products – Update

I previously wrote about the changes in packaging for Boots No7 products, explaining that I felt their Stay Perfect Smoothing and Brightening Eye Base and Beautiful Skin Eye Make Up Remover had suffered from the changes.

I have now tried some alternatives to these products.

I have swapped the eye base, which is now in a smaller pot and less user-friendly in my opinion, for Avon Eyeshadow Primer, usually costing £7, but bought on offer for £4. This has a lovely creamy texture that is easy to apply, a little goes a long way and my eye make-up really does seem to last all the longer for it.

Meanwhile as a replacement for the No7 eye make up remover, which had changed from a handy pump dispenser delivering the correct amount, to a wide-necked bottle from which the product flowed at an alarming rate, I have bought Garnier Simply Essentials Soothing Eye Make Up Remover. Not only is this easier to use, as it has a much smaller opening in the top of the bottle, meaning I only have to use a few drops at a time, it also costs much less at just £2.99 a bottle as opposed to the increased price of  £8.50, (I only ever bought it with a No7 £5 off voucher, sometimes issued at the till), now charged for the Boots version.

Finally, some months ago I recommended, Skin Therapy Cotton Wool Pads (Oval, Large), 65p for 50 at Wilkinson. However, whilst I used to find these quite absorbent, more recently the pads seem to be thinner, meaning that I have had to use two in place of the normal one, and therefore pay £1.30 for 50 actual uses. I have now changed to Tesco Loves Baby Cotton Wool Pad Squares. Ok, these are dearer at £1.65 for 50, but they are really thick, soft and absorbent and great for removing make-up, so I strongly recommend them. 

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May’s Blog Review

Finally spring arrived, blossom filled the trees, flowers bloomed in the garden and the sun made a welcome (if sporadic) appearance. For me personally, May proved to be a busy month, with the birth of my grandson (first grandchild) for which I was present, even cutting the cord, being the highlight.

On the downside, the Hypermobility class that I attend at my local physiotherapy department is being reduced from weekly to monthly sessions, which will affect so many of us suffering from the condition (for information on Hypermobility Syndrome click here)

On my blog I once again looked at a diverse range of products and services, highlighting the good and bad and making a few recommendations.

I was disappointed with the change of packaging for some Boots No7 products, which I believe has meant less content in some cases, and inferior packaging in others, making it hard to use a measured amount of product, thus causing wastage. Next month, I will be suggesting alternatives to two of the No7 products that I was most disappointed with – the Stay Perfect Smoothing and Brightening Eye Base and the Beautiful Skin Eye Make-Up Remover.

Some of the more serious issues I touched on were visiting the dentist and health screening. It was lovely to hear from JR of the Mohali Dentist Clinic who commented ‘The Dreaded Dentist’ was an ‘impressive post’ with ‘minute details mentioned and clearly expressed’.

I also pointed out that you do not have to pay to get an EHIC card for your holiday. If you find a website trying to charge for this service, ignore it, be sure to visit www.nhs.uk/ehic where you just complete a simple form to receive your card – no fee involved.

Thank you to you all for visiting my blog. There’ll be lots more going on next month, so keep reading!

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Tinted Moisturisers

Although I use a foundation that offers good coverage during the winter months, once we get into late spring and summer I often swap to a tinted moisturiser, as hopefully my skin improves somewhat with the arrival of sunshine.

For the last couple of years I’ve used Boots No7 (Triple Protection) Tinted Moisturiser but due to the changes to some of the products in the range, which to my mind have been for the worse, this year I thought I’d try something new.

My latest make-up buy is Olay Complete Care Touch of Foundation, which offers the benefits of an Olay moisturiser, with the addition of Max Factor foundation, to enhance your complexion rather than smother it.

I really like this product; it’s light, easily absorbed and leaves my skin looking and feeling smooth and fresh. A great product for the summer, but unfortunately sunshine isn’t included.

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Changing Product Packaging

I’m always a bit sceptical when I notice that a product’s packaging has been drastically changed. Is the product inside the same, or has that been changed too, either for the better or worse? Has the size of the product sneakily been reduced? Or has the packaging been made to look more stylish in order to justify a price increase?

I was formerly a big fan of Boots No7 Stay Perfect Smoothing and Brightening Eye Base, but when I went to buy a new pot, I found it came in a smaller compact. The smaller packaging means that there is no longer room to include the handy little applicator that used to be provided. OK, so this wasn’t the greatest of applicators, but it was useful to remove all of the product from the edges of the pot. It’s true; it’s actually easier to blend the creamy base over the eyelid with a finger, but the reduced pot size, means smaller surface area of the product (sorry if I’m getting a bit technical), which in turn means I can’t get a good ‘sweep’ at the eye base to apply it.

The real question is, however, am I actually getting less of the product, or does the smaller packaging just create this illusion? I can’t really answer that, as unlike many other make-up brands, No7 doesn’t state the weight on the packaging.

I’m also disappointed with the new bottle for No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make Up Remover as the old version used to come with a pump dispenser, but now it’s just in an ordinary bottle. The dispenser allowed me to get just the right amount of remover on a cotton wool pad, but with the new version I invariably end up with too much. Is this just a ploy to make me use the remover more quickly, so that I have to buy it more often? Well, it won’t work. I’m off to find a new brand – I’ll let you know how I get on.

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Cleansing Wipes

I’m very particular with skincare, always removing all traces of make-up in the evening, with a proper cleansing and toning routine, and washing my face with a mild, foaming face wash in the mornings.

However, when it comes to a break away from home, I often travel light, swapping the various bottles of lotions and potions for effective cleansing wipes.

Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Quick Thinking Wipes are a good choice as they have a really handy, solid plastic lid that clips shut, preventing the wipes from drying out. Too many other brands only have a  ‘resealable’ sticky section, which invariably becomes unstuck. The wipes are hypoallergenic, and are effective for removing all kinds of make-up including waterproof mascara, leaving skin feeling clean and soft.

In place of a face wash I pack Olay Essentials Daily Facial Cloths, textured sheets that you simply moisten to release a moisturising cleanser to gently lather over your face. I find these really refreshing, cleansing my skin without drying it out.

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Mascara – Spoilt For Choice!

I like to play around with make-up and over the years I’ve tried many brands and types of mascara – let’s face it, there are enough of them around.

You can buy lengthening mascara, super extending mascara, volumising mascara, curling effect mascara, lash defining mascara, false lash effect mascara, adjustable mascara …

Mascara can come with a classic wand, slim-line brush, extra large brush, comb applicator, curved brush, spiral brush …

The choices are endless, even before you start on the question of colour – black, nearly black, brown/black, navy, electric blue, violet …

So when I caught sight of yet another variety of mascara in the shops, I just had to give it a whirl.

Max Factor Eye Brightening (Tonal Black Volumising) Mascara stands out with its predominantly white packaging – a change from the more subdued black, dark blue or burgundy of many other brands. The idea is that you choose the mascara aimed at your eye colour, as opposed to just any colour that takes your fancy. This was no mean feat in my case, as my eyes are a sort of grey-blue with little hazel flecks for good measure. Can’t think why there didn’t seem to be this option available! So I chose the variety aimed at blue eyes, aka black sapphire.

The mascara has a thin, classic brush, and seems to glide on as it has a creamy consistency and doesn’t clump. The first coat didn’t really produce much effect, but a second coat made my lashes appear a little more defined. I really loved the fact that this mascara didn’t smudge, clump or look overdone.

But do my eyes appear brighter? I like to think that they have an added ‘shine’ to them, but this may be down to my dewy-eyed optimism.

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Online Shopping – My Way

I’m a big fan of the actual ‘shopping experience’, i.e. browsing the shops, touching, trying and comparing potential purchases, before making my eventual choice. However, I have been known to buy a few things online, if only selectively.

When buying toiletries or make-up that I have used before, so that I don’t need to try out the colour/texture/fragrance, I have made the odd online purchase. I’m a big fan of DS games (see my DS game review blog posts) and find that Amazon is the best place to find all the titles I want at really good prices, so I always get these online.

But when it comes to clothing, I have a different approach. I do order some garments online, but I just hate having to search through a multitude of internet pages in a quest to find something suitable. That’s why I’m a fan of the good old-fashioned catalogue.

I love to curl up with a mug of something sweet and hot and browse the glossy pages of a catalogue – it’s a really comfy way to shop. Once I’ve made my choice I’ve nothing against actually placing the order online, in fact it’s extremely convenient, as I can instantly find out whether an item’s in stock and when I can expect delivery. It just wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t have the chance to peruse those glossy pages first. It’s much the same as me preferring to hold a book in my hand rather than read from a Kindle.

Now it has been reported that Argos plan to reduce circulation of their catalogue and overhaul their ordering system. A bad move in my book (pardon the pun).

So please home shopping companies, don’t ever dispense with your lovely catalogues, (I do recycle them) – online shopping just wouldn’t be the same without them!

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MUA Cosmetics at Superdrug

I’ve recently discovered MUA (Make-Up Academy) cosmetics, a great budget brand, with items starting from just £1 at Superdrug.

The first product to grab my attention was the Pro-Brow Kit, a handy mirrored compact containing tweezers, an applicator, 3 powder shades for brows and a taming gel. This product has certainly proved its worth (I paid £3.50) and is now shaping up (pardon the pun) to be one of my favourite cosmetic buys. A must-have for handbags everywhere!

A couple of weeks back I bought the Pro-Base Conceal & Brighten Kit for just £2.50, a creamy concealer/highlighter trio, which blend easily and glide on to the skin, evening out skin tone and boosting your complexion. This really does look and feel like a much more expensive product.

Most recently, I have bought the MUA Brush-On Concealer Pen with a built-in brush that is very reminiscent of L’Oreal’s Touche Magique product. The concealer itself is not as ‘liquid’ as some that I have tried, but that means coverage of under-eye shadows is more effective. Available in a number of shades to suit all complexions, it’s a great addition to any make-up kit at just £2.

On the basis of these great products, I will be trying, and blogging, some more products from the MUA range at Superdrug very shortly. Watch this space …

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My Latest Beauty Buys

A trip to Superdrug this week saw me bagging a bargain or two from the cosmetic counters. Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation is currently just £4.99 (30ml), offering even coverage but with a light, dewy texture – great for all skin types.

New on the MUA (Make-Up Academy) display at Superdrug is their Pro-Base Conceal & Brighten Kit, which will be priced at £3.50, but is currently on sale at an introductory price of £2.50. The compact contains three natural shades, two to blend to conceal blemishes and shadows, and the other a highlighting cream to boost your complexion, although I think these could be labelled better. A great addition to your make-up bag.

Meanwhile, in Boots, spend £5 or more in store to receive two No7 vouchers, one for £5 off skincare, and the other for £3 off cosmetics. I’ve already spent my skincare voucher on No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make-Up remover (normally £8.50 without voucher), a hypoallergenic formula that removes all traces of make-up quickly and easily.

Don’t forget to use your Boots Advantage Card and Superdrug Beautycard to accumulate points for future treats. If you don’t have these loyalty cards, sign up for them today.

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This January I’m Loving …

Walkers Sensations Caramelised Onion and Balsamic Vinegar Crisps, crunchy and flavoursome, they remind me a little of the Savoury Vinegar crisps I so loved back in the 70s (I was very young then, of course).

Avène MIcellar Lotion, a cleanser and make-up remover containing thermal spring water, a bit pricey at an average of £12.50 (OK, I cheated, I got mine free with a Prima magazine subscription) but very effective. When I first saw it, I thought it looked more like a toner than a cleanser, but the results were amazing, the cotton wool pad I’d used bearing testament to its deep cleansing effect, showing tell-tale grime and make-up residue.

Fairy Sensitive Washing Up Liquid with Chamomile and Vitamin E, is definitely the ‘kindest to hands’ variety that I have used, with its usual Fairy effectiveness at cleaning the dishes.

Cross Stitch, having done so little of this for so long, I have been working through my backlog of kits, and am really enjoying it. For new inspiration I’ve bought World of Cross Stitching magazine (£4.99, but look online for 5 issues for £5 offer www.cross-stitching.com/magazines/the-world-of-cross-stitching ) with Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady flower cross stitch kit.

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10 Of My Best Blog Buys

Since starting my blog I’ve reviewed many products, commenting on their quality, effectiveness and price, so I thought I would highlight ten of my best product discoveries to date.

The Dart Tag Like many of you I resent the Dartford Crossing charges, currently £2 per crossing per car and set to rise further, but have at least discovered that by obtaining a Dart Tag at www.dart-tag.co.uk you pay only £1.33 per crossing, a reasonable saving if you are a frequent user.

Poundland Shower Curtain I am a rare visitor to Poundland, but was thrilled to discover their shower curtains when I did venture inside, which are available in a variety of designs and are as good as other more expensive versions. They are cheaper to replace once they do get past the cleaning stage too!

Tesco Australian Red Wine A budget buy (£3.99), which I first purchased for cooking, but discovered it makes a tasty tipple too!

Wilko Heat And Relief Pads At 99p for 2 (Wilkinson), these self-heating, adhesive pads are as good as their more expensive counterparts (Cura-Heat are £3.85 for 3) at relieving aches and pains with their warming action. Just apply to your clothing over the affected area. 
STOP PRESS! Have discovered these in local Wilkinsons today for just 70p!

MUA Pro Brow Kit A compact containing tweezers, mirror, powders and gel for eyebrow grooming anytime, anywhere, £3.50 at Superdrug.

Olay Anti-Wrinkle Firm & Lift Day Cream & Serum A great product containing an effective moisturiser and a treatment serum, leaving skin soft and smooth. Normally sells at £11.99, but can often be found on half price offer at Superdrug, Tesco or Sainsburys.

Sainsbury’s (frozen) Stew Pack Vegetables Buy 1kg bag for £1.49 or two bags for £2.50, these are a great cheat for rustling up a casserole or stew with minimal preparation.

Skin Therapy Cotton Wool Pads These large, thick, oval pads are great for make-up removal, performing as well as dearer brands, but cost just 65p for 50 at Wilkinson.

Simple Kind To Eyes Revitalising Roll On This can sell for up to £4.99, which is why I recommend a trip to Savers where it costs just £1.99. Apply to the under-eye area to refresh and revive eyes, without irritating skin.

Ella Valentine Free Range Baking Eggs I was originally buying these for £1.29 for 6, but had to pay £1.59 the last time I bought them at Sainsburys, although they still represent better value than many other free range eggs, as they are large, uniform in size and great for any use, not just baking.

What are your favourite buys?  comments@shoppersjoy.co.uk

About Face

When it comes to choosing face make-up, there are plenty of products that give a natural glow or tint, without looking too overdone.

I like to use cosmetics that give a natural finish and even out skin tone, without looking too ‘mask-like’. For a sheer appearance, I use No7 Triple Protection Tinted Moisturiser SPF15 with environmental protection (£11.50 at Boots), or for a fuller coverage I opt for Max Factor 2-in-1 Ageless Elixir Foundation & Serum (£12.99). To conceal under eye dark circles, I love Max Factor Mastertouch Under Eye Concealer (£7.99) as it glides on and gives a good, natural coverage.

To add a rosy glow to cheeks, I recommend No7 Blush Tint Cream Blush in Rose Silk (£8), a creamy blusher that enables you to gently build up colour, or if you prefer a powder blush try L’Oreal True Match blusher (£7.69), which has a handy little brush and mirror under the blusher itself – very neat.

To set make-up, a fine dusting of powder is the ideal finishing touch: try No7 Perfect Light Loose Powder (£10.50, available in four shades), used sparingly.

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