
Did you know it was World Book Day Yesterday (23rd April)?
Nope, neither did I!
However, I did discover that Amazon are celebrating WBD by giving customers nine FREE Kindle books translated from different languages around the world.

Today I thought I would focus on some key summer trends, but of course, put a twist on it finding budget items on eBay! I often find eBay is the best place to find unique designs and styles while saving money. This is especially great for picking up on-trend items as it generally means you will see one else wearing the item!
From shopping the summer straw trend to finding wearable neon items and touching on my favourite; the 90's trend, I hope you find a few eBay bargains here.

I don't know about you but when summer rolls around I find myself wanting every new beauty launch however much makeup I already own!
But reality says otherwise, which means if I want to add to my already bursting makeup bag I need to seek out high quality but low priced products that I'm sure I will use. Below is just that, a line up of new summer launches that I've already been loving, perfect for a guilt-free spend.

This post contains affiliate links
Whether you will be making the most of the British weather from the comfort of your garden this year or have endless adventures booked, Summer calls for extra provisions. From adding to your summer wardrobe to protecting your lips, hair and skin from heatwave rays I decided it was time to round-up a few summer essentials that are too much of a bargain to miss out on!
As will all my eBay posts I only recommended trusted sellers and items with free delivery! I also always include products I've purchased myself so where I have I will let you know. Also as I love putting my eBay posts together please feel free to let me know if you pick anything up or any themes you would like to see in future.

This post is an advertised collaboration with Boots but all thoughts are my own
With a new season, like my wardrobe, I enjoy switching up my makeup bag. My favourite time of year to do this is Summer, I mean if there's a time to get experimental and fun with makeup then it's summer, right? So today I thought I would walk you through the makeup products from Boots I've been adding into my summer makeup routine along with a summer perfume ideal for everyday use and a nail polish I know I will be wearing all summer long!

The other day while mentioned Pixi Wakeup Mist in this summer essentials blog post, I realised how much I enjoy a beauty mist. Whether it's glow enhancing, a setting spray, to cool down or even to keep blemishes at bay, I have a lot of mists that I LOVE!
That said a lot of mists don't offer that much so today I thought I would point you in the direction of ones that do deliver on what they say and are the best of the best I've come across so far!
This post contains gifted items and affiliate links.

Occasional hot days and week-long heat waves are on the horizon and with those kinds of days, I feel different products are necessary. From staple facial high SPF sunscreens to refreshing mists to hydrate throughout the day and of course handbag extras that will tackle midday face shine.

From dreamy palettes to use all summer long (with or without a tan!) to light formulas and handbag cool-down essentials for those hot heat wave days to come. I've also thrown in a few new summer skincare launches I can't wait to try.

Which is why I can't get enough of my 5 minutes summer glow makeup routine right now. It's radiance-enhancing, subtle yet there, and oh so wearable for both day and night. It also only takes 6 products give or take!

Today I wanted to hit you up with some summer bargains from only 99p! Whether you plan to make the most of the upcoming warmer weather or have a holiday booked I hope you can find some treasures in this edit.

Recently I've taken to wishing summer away in favour of Autumn. I'm such a homebody that I love nothing more than cosy days spent on the sofa with blankets (yes, plural) watching a seasonal drama or movie. However, I realised there's enough time for that when Autumn arrives and I really should embrace the last month or two of summer!
So that is what I'm doing! Well, when it decides to stop raining that is. This means you can expect quite a few more summer themed posts here on Makeup Savvy, starting with my summer day essentials.

Today I thought I'd talk about something a little different - self-care. Because self-care plays a huge role in my life and has been one of the main ways I've overcome most of my anxiety problems.
But with brighter weather and longer feeling days I've realised it's easy to push self-care aside, living life that bit faster and with a little less thought to what makes for good mental health.

From makeup-setting sprays to hydrating toner mists and even simple water sprays I like to keep in the fridge, facial mists are a huge part of my skincare regime.

When it comes to applying makeup on what I know will be a hot day I'm ditching all creamy, skin clogging formulas. This includes my beloved traditional style lipsticks and lipstick creams. I just can't stand the idea of having anything too heavy, smudgeable or drying on my lips.

Much like with makeup I enjoy being savvy when it comes to clothing! For me, there's nothing like grabbing a bargain or finding good value pieces.
My favourite online shop for this is without a doubt ASOS. I've had a premier delivery account for 3 or 4 years running now because free* next day delivery is amazing and I often browse for bargains when I have a free minute or can't sleep - it's a habit, but a good one!

Today I wanted to talk summer 2017 trends!
If I'm honest I don't really follow trends, however, this summer there does seem to be some cool ones that I've been drawn to. But with all trends they come and go so I'm all about that eBay life and grabbing a bargain. So here I'm sharing my favourite summer trends that are oh so easy to pull off alongside my favourite eBay picks for them!

Although the sun hasn't fully come out just yet I thought it was time to talk lighter bases that give a healthy glow and let the skin breathe.
I personally only have a few full coverage foundations in my collection, preferring to go for a light coverage (especially come spring/summer) touching up areas with my concealer of choice. And when I fancy a matte finish I simply dust with translucent powder to dull down the glow.
Here I've selected five wonderful foundations and BB/CC creams, from the sheerest of formulas to light coverage foundations that you can build. Basically, there's something for everyone here!
With fair skin, I've always used sunscreens but in the past few years I've tried countless brands and made it my mission to find a good non-sticky SPF for my oily/combination skin! I've definitely found some amazing sun screens along the way for both the face and body and I thought I'd share them with you today!
And while I'm at it I thought I'd cover all things sun care related from Vitamin D, how to protect your scalp and the suncreams you should be avoiding!
How To Protect Your Skin & Still Get Enough Vitamin D
Ironically I'm Vitamin D deficient at the moment due to my love of sunscreen which pretty much creates a block between the skin and the UV rays that contain Vitamin D. However I've now fully educated myself on the topic and along with taking supplements I feel I have a good balance - protecting my skin whilst getting the vitamin D I need.
If you aren't overly concerned with skin damage from the sun I would recommend sitting out for 10-30 minutes a day when the sun at it's highest and then applying an SPF if you plan to stay out any longer so that you don't burn. However if you are concerned with skin damage then you can still get enough Vitamin D by apply an SPF to the face and chest and sitting in the sun with your arms and legs uncovered. In the UK it's reported that most people are deficient in Vitamin D (which is so important for good health!) so making the most of the sun SPF-free is important especially to take you through to the winter months.

SPF for Oily & Combination Skin Types
SPF 15 - Kiko Solar Protect Serum (£11.10/20ml KIKO)
Have you ever come across a liquid SPF before? No, me neither! Well, until I tried this amazing bi-phase serum that contains a medium protection of SPF 15 AND is water resistant! This is ideal for everyday wear for anyone with oily skin as it's light and non-clogging of the pores. I also find my makeup applies well over it and my skin doesn't feel heavy is the slightest.
SPF 30 - Ultrasun Face for very sensitive skin (£16/50ml HQ Hair)
This is an all round good egg if you ask me. Ideal for all skin types including oily/combination as it soaks into the skin well and is free from all nasties and perfume so this is suitable for the most sensitive skin. I also highly recommend the smaller 25ml size (you can find it online/eBay) as it's perfect for the handbag/travel.
This is an all round good egg if you ask me. Ideal for all skin types including oily/combination as it soaks into the skin well and is free from all nasties and perfume so this is suitable for the most sensitive skin. I also highly recommend the smaller 25ml size (you can find it online/eBay) as it's perfect for the handbag/travel.
SPF 50 - Frezyderm Second Skin Sun Screen (£20.67/50ml Frezyderm)
If you are looking for a high factor sunscreen to take on holiday with you that won't clog pores and cause blemishes then this is the one to go for! I've used Frezyderm products for a few years now and they really are amazing. This specific sun screen actually feels like a primer on the skin (with a matte finish) and creates a perfect base for makeup. My go-to facial SPF for holidays!
If you are looking for a high factor sunscreen to take on holiday with you that won't clog pores and cause blemishes then this is the one to go for! I've used Frezyderm products for a few years now and they really are amazing. This specific sun screen actually feels like a primer on the skin (with a matte finish) and creates a perfect base for makeup. My go-to facial SPF for holidays!

Tinted Makeup SPF
SPF 30 - Gatineau Perfection Ultime Complexion Cream in 01 Light (£39/30ml Look Fantastic)
If you are looking for the ultimate brightening tint that will give you good protection from the sun then look no further than Gatineau Perfection Ultime. Though light in texture this hydrates all day long without a sticky feeling. This also balances out the skin tone a dream and even brightens, making it ideal to be worn alone, though it can be used a base for foundation. Pricey but amazing!
SPF 30 - Avene Hydrance Optimale (£16.50/40ml Escentual)
Mixing skincare with makeup here with an affordable skin tint that's SPF 30. This pink under toned tint for medium toned skin (it does sheer out much more than the swatch above!) is ideal for anyone with dry to very dry sensitive skin. This really does hydrate and protect but with simple ingredients that feel light and non-tacky on the skin.
SPF 50 - Sun Sense Daily Face Invisible Tint Finish (£20.99/75g John Lewis)
This is a sun screen I've used for 2 years now as it's designed for combination skin and evens out the skin perfectly without being detected. I often wear this alone on good skin days in summer but it also can be worn under makeup and won't clog pores! It's also fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin! My favourite all-round tinted SPF!

Non-Greasy Oil Sun Sprays
SPF 30 - Clarins Sun Care Oil Spray (£20/150ml Boots)
If you are looking for a high quality oil sun spray that's actually a joy to use then Clarins have you covered! This is my body sunscreen on choice for my upcoming holiday which I've already started using because it's so lovely. The oil is perfectly non-tacky and soaks into the skin within minutes leaves a matte finish that smells lightly tropical! It can also be used on the hair after swimming!
SPF 30 - Calypso Dry Oil (£3.95/200ml Wilko)
Want a cheaper alternative? Well you can't get much cheaper than £3.95! Yes, this isn't as matte or silky feeling on the skin and sand does stick to it but it 100% does the job and has a banana scent! This has been on many holidays with me (it also comes in SPF 50) and I love the fact it can be applied to wet skin and rubbed in. A great one if you have a family as you can over apply this due to the low price.
SPF 50 - Eucerin Sun Spray (£13.10/200ml Feel Unique)
Another fab and affordable oil spray is this one from Eucerin and apparently it's suitable for acne prone skin, so ideal if you have ache on your chest or back or just have oily skin in general. Much like the other two this is water resistant and non-sticky. It also have quite a masculine scent to it that's pretty unisex and not your typical sun screen scent!
SPF for the Scalp?
All the above oil spray can be spritz onto the hair and scalp however it does create a wet-look, so only good if you've just got out of the pool. However my go-to scalp/hair SPF is Kiko Solar Haircare Oil (£10.40 KIKO) which although is only SPF 6 is enough and does protect the scalp with a single spritz without leaving the hair looking greasy or weighed down - pretty amazing stuff!

Hit & Miss Sun Screens
Garnier Ambre Solaire Dry Mist SPF 50 (£8.50/200ml Boots)
Now this may be one of the nicest formulas I've tried as it's silky smooth, non-sticky and actually cooling to this skin. However my problem is with the aerosol can and the fact it runs out so damn quickly. This will be easily used up in 2 days if it's being used between a family of 4 and just isn't practical to take on holiday... unless you take multiple cans! This may be 200ml but be warned, you will run out of it much faster than any lotion or oil spray.
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sun Lotion SPF 30 (£8.50/180ml Boots)
Another lovely feeling SPF product here that feels more like a moisturiser on the skin with an amazing tropical scent. The only problem - it failed the Which? Sun Protection Test and doesn't in fact contain SPF 30! I can totally see this as it's mixed with 'hydrating ribbons'. Ideal if you won't want much protection from the sun but other wise this is sadly one to avoid.
Ladival Advance Infrared-A Protection System SPF 15 (£13.50/150ml Boots)
Fairly new to the sun screen market is Ladival and although I do like this product and would recommend it... I'm just not sure about their confusing science! Quoting the product directly "Most standard sun creams help to protect your skin against UV-A and UV-B rays and Ladival does too. But these make up just 7% of the sun rays. Infrared-A makes up a further 30% on the sun's rays. So with Ladival's IR-D Infrared Defence system you get protection against 4x more rays". Now that all sounds good and you would think this kind of sun screen with it's science-y look would help protect your skin from skin cancer even more however it's all about ageing here and preventing skin damage. Yes, this is a nice product but I kind of find their branding and science talk is misleading. Sorry Ladival!
I think I need a lie down after writing so many reviews!
I really hope this have been helpful for some of you - let me know if you try any of these sun screens out.
Fee xo.

Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely
£10.72/30ml - Amazon here
£40.00/100ml Anniversary edition - Superdrug here
This is a perfume I seem to mention each year around spring/summer as it's my ultimate go-to scent for when the weather warms up. Why is this? Well it's just a beautiful and soft scent that despite it's budget price tag has a luxury air to it and as the name suggests is just lovely. For me this is a powdery clean white musk scent with light floral notes. If you are looking for a grown-up spring scent then this is it!
4711 Original Cologne
£2.99/25ml - Fragrance Direct here
£11.49/ 50ml Boots here or in-store
Jumping straight into the heat of summer I have the most perfect refreshing scent with 4711. This is a unisex scent that is simply fresh and citrus and ideal for hot summer days as it strangely feels like a drink for the skin as it's refreshing and there isn't a hint of alcohol to it. The only downside to this scent is that isn't doesn't last on the skin and will be gone within an hour and so for that reason I keep it in my handbag to freshen up with during the day. Even though this is a hugely popular cologne especially in Europe it still feels like a unique scent. If you love refreshing fresh scents in summer then this is a must try especially for only £2.99.

Tous H2o
£17.92/50ml - Perfumes Club here or Boots
Onto the one with the oh so pretty bottle! Tous H2o is a great scent for both spring and summer as it's fresh and aquatic. The notes in this for me are lemon, rose and a light cedar to add a slight spice, but overall you do get that fresh 'aqua' scent that is perfect for hot summer days! Side note - Although it's cheap online it's worth looking in Boots for as I'm sure they are currently discontinuing the line... in the past I've picked up bottles of this for £2-5?!
Victoria's Secret Love Spell Fragrance Mist
£8.41/250ml - Amazon here
£9.99 - Superdrug in-store
Lastly I had to include at least one Victoria's Secret fragrance mist as I own quite the stash now and find I turn to them mostly in summer to spritz all over. I have quite a few favourites including Coconut Passion but my ultimate mist is Love Spell. Love Spell isn't a scent for everyone and very much a love-hate product due to the sharp peach scent. I personally love anything containing peach and this certainly reminds me of The Body Shop Fuzzy Peach Perfume Oil that has long since been discontinued. The scent is also mixed with cherry blossom which I fail to detect but I can sense it's not a purely peach scent that's but mixed with slight floral notes. Select Tesco and Superdrug stores now stock VS body mists to it may be worth having a sniff of this and a few other scents to find a budget scent that will seriously last you.
You can find 3 more summer scents that I was loving last year here.
I'd love to know your own favourite budget summer scents!
Fee xo.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)