Showing posts with label 2021. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2021. Show all posts


The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 & Retinol Serum 0.2% boxes

I have suffered with acne for 10 years now and feel like I have tried every product the skincare industry has to offer.  There has been times when I have thought I have found the right products to eventually have them just stop working (what is that all about?!) After extensive research into The Ordinary brand, I decided to try a few of their products. I used to have very oily skin (it now sits more on the combination side), so I always thought my skin didn't really need the moisture (I was VERY wrong with this), so skipped a lot of essential moisturising. I started using The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration Support Formula* in 2018, and I have not gone a day without this ever since. 

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% box

My face does have the occasional break-out, however, they are nowhere near as regular as they used to be before I started using this product. I use this every morning and evening after washing my face with the Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser* which is also a godsend in itself. In order to reap the full benefits, it's best to apply this to damp skin, as applying it directly to dry skin can actually cause more dehydration.  It feels so refreshing on the skin and absorbs so quickly, leaving no pesky residue. It is an absolute dream under make up and would recommend it to all skin types as it has massively improved my overall complexion. Not only is this product absolute gold, it is also a massive bargain at £5.90! You can even grab an extra 15% off on ASOS if you have a student discount code. 

The Ordinary Retinol Serum 0.2% box

The Ordinary has many incredible products for all skin types, and the Deciem website has a personal service where experts will tell you the best products for your skin after you send them a photo of your bare face. You can access this here. This service was actually where I discovered The Ordinary Retinol Serum 0.2%*. I opted for the lowest percentage as your skin needs time to adapt to it. The downside is this can actually take a few months, so perseverance is key. As you probably know, clear skin doesn't happen overnight, but the results given from using this product over time has definitely made the wait worth it. I have read some reviews where people have experienced purging after this product, to be honest I didn't really have this which was actually quite unusual for me, but it did take a few months to see my acne clear up. My pores are notably smaller when I wake up the next day, giving me a healthy glow that I have not seen for years. Another positive is my acne scars have also started to fade, which is absolutely down to this product. After using The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% serum for 6 months, I'm considering upping my percentage to see how my skin reacts, as I am so happy I purchased it.  You can also get this on ASOS for £4.90 using your discount codes to get money off!

You can grab The Ordinary products directly off the Deciem website, Look Fantastic, Beauty Bay and ASOS.

Have you tried any of The Ordinary products? Which one is your favourite? 

Why not check out some of my other blog posts -





Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Mask Papaya & Banana


A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was on a journey to take better care of my hair to try and repair some of the heat damage I’ve caused myself over the years (see here). After some extensive research and watching @hasinikay talk through the ingredients in haircare products on TikTok (I highly recommend checking out her channel) I decided to cut out silicone from my routine. I had heard so many good things about the Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food products due to being made up of 98% of natural ingredients whilst also being silicone free (yay) so I had to give them a go. 


Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Mask Papaya & Banana

Each of the Garnier Hair Foods masks* have three different functions. A condition, rinse out mask or leave in conditioner. Personally I only ever use masks as exactly that as I find this leaves the best results, my hair also gets greasy very quickly, so it doesn't mix well with leave in treatments. I opted for this mask first as it was specifically for damaged hair. After using the Papaya mask for a couple of weeks, I can't rave about it enough. It has definitely strengthened my ends and given them the nourishment they were crying out for. I have heard quite a few people say they don't like the smell, but I think it is divine! I was originally using it twice a week, but I have had to cut this down as my hair gets used to products quite quickly and the results become less prominent as time goes on. 


Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Mask Papaya
Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Mask Papaya

After loving the Papaya mask so much, I decided to grab the Banana Hair Mask* as this is the one I have seen bloggers rave about the most! I have only used this once so far, but I already love it! As mentioned above I loved the smell of the Papaya mask despite what others have said, whereas I'm not a huge Banana fan, so this wasn't my favourite scent, although this was obviously expected. Like I had done with the Papaya mask, I left this on my hair for 5 minutes (a little longer than the suggested 3 minutes) and then rinsed it out. I use an old t-shirt to try my hair to reduce the risk of breakage (trust me, this has really helped!) My hair has been SO soft for several days since using it which I'm putting down to the Shea ingredient as this is extremely beneficial to your locks! One problem I have always had with my hair is how chaotic it is when I wake up in the morning. But after using the mask I have seen a noticeable difference over the last few days as it hasn't looked like it's usual wild self, which is an absolute dream! This mask has definitely nourished my dry hair and tamed the pesky flyaways! I would highly recommend getting your hands on this if you're looking for something to treat your dry hair! I managed to find this in Savers for £3.49*

Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Mask Banana
Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Mask Banana

Let me know your thoughts on these masks in the comments, or if you have any other recommendations! 

Why not check out some of my other blog posts -


Why not check out some of my other haircare blog posts -

THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5 & RETINOL SERUM 0.2% REVIEW | ACNE PRONE SKIN


All products mentioned in this post have been purchased by myself, with my own money. Any affiliate links will be annotated with an * at the end.






Zara Delivery Haul Spring 2021

Like most people right now, I'm a little obsessed with Zara. They recently had a big winter sale with items as low as £1.99, and I couldn't quite believe it! As Zara is so popular, their sizes sell out so quickly, that I have started to browse the Zara app as part of a daily ritual. Can't miss those bargains now, can I! My daily scroll ended up with me adding items to my basket, and before I knew it, I had an order confirmed. To my surprise, it was delivered the next day (I had only selected standard delivery)! 


Zara Ribbed Crop Top in Beige Size 8 
Zara Ribbed Crop Top in Black Size 8

Crop tops are staple in my spring/summer wardrobe as they're so easy to style (see below). I picked up a ribbed tank top in black and beige for just £4.99, which in my opinion is a total bargain for the quality! You can get this in a range of different colours that are perfect for spring. Product code - 3253/306


Zara Ribbed Crop Top in Beige Size 8

I also grabbed two v-neck crop tops in black and sand as they're super comfy to lounge around the house in, especially now that's where we spend most of our time…! You can pick these up for £5.99 each. Product code -  0962/332

Zara Ribbed V Neck Crop Top In Sand Size S

Zara Ribbed V Neck Crop Top In Black Size S

Zara's entire seamless range is an absolute dream, so I couldn't pass up on this gorgeous khaki green ribbed halter-neck top for £9.99!  You can also get this in black, grey and mink (they're already in my basket - oops!) Product code - 1014/417


Zara Seamless Ribbed High Neck Top Size s

Zara Seamless Ribbed High Neck Top Size s

If you haven't worked it out already, I have a big love for ribbed crop tops - just like this cropped ribbed t-shirt in Ecru priced at £9.99.  This is also available in black. Product code - 0858/025

CROPPED RIBBED T-SHIRT ECRU - REF. 0858/025

As I'm only 5ft 1 I struggle to find joggers that I don't have to roll up. I was scrolling through my TikTok for you page (if you haven't downloaded TikTok yet, then I highly recommend it! It's not just for teens I promise!), and came across a Zara haul featuring some joggers from the kids range and I had to check them out for myself! Now this isn't the first time I have purchased from the Zara kids section as I bought a dreamy paper bag denim skirt last year that I lived in during the summer months! They had age 13-14 available in the loveliest pink so I couldn't pass up on them. (I am a UK size 8 for reference). These are a bargain at £9.99! Product code - 9008/601

PLUSH JOGGERS PINK - REF. 9008/601


Check out the video of the haul on my TikTok or Instagram
@dreamwithjessie

What are your favourite Zara pieces right now? Let me know in the comments!

Interested in hauls? Check out my Superdrug haul here


All products mentioned in this post have been purchased by myself, with my own money. Any affiliate links will be annotated with an * at the end.






The top perfumes to gift this valentines day 2021

Valentine's Day is slowly approaching, and you're wondering what you can gift your significant other, friend or even yourself. I am a big lover of perfume as it makes me feel confident, fresh and ready to start my day. But perfume is more than just a scent, it can trigger memories in any moment, leaving you reminiscing about happy times and evoking thoughts about your loved ones. That's why it's the perfect gift for somebody you love.


One of my all-time favourite perfumes is Dolce and Gabbana's Light Blue*. My mum always used to buy this whenever we went on our family summer holiday, so I always think of her when I smell it. I often find that toilettes aren't as long-lasting as a parfum, but this is surprisingly the opposite. It has a lovely, strong, fresh scent that can last throughout the day. It is very noticeable, so if you're looking for something more subtle, this might not be the one for you. This is on the pricer side, with the smallest bottle (25ml) setting you back £45.00. 

Top Notes
Apple, Lemon, Cedar
Heart Notes 
Bamboo, Jasmine, White Rose
Base Notes 
Cedar wood, Amber, Musk

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Parfum / Perfume 50ml


If you're looking for something a little sweeter, you may want to check out Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb*. This has become increasingly popular over the past few years, being rated one of the top perfumes on the market. I have found this to be very long-lasting and doesn't need to be reapplied throughout the day. The bottle is also gorgeous and looks lovely on your vanity. Again this is a little on the pricey side, priced at £56.00 for 30ML. 

  1. Top Notes
  2. Heart Notes
  3. Base notes

Ariana Grande Ari Perfume Parfum 100ml

Another favourite of mine is Ariana Grande's 'Ari'* parfum, perfect for anybody who loves a sweet scent. I know what you're thinking, that this probably initially appealed to teenagers. But this scent is so lovely that as a 24-year-old woman, I can't get enough of it! So much so that I am planning on checking out other perfumes that Miss Grande has to offer. It's very reasonably priced, ranging from £22.50 as the smallest bottle (30ml) with the largest (100ml) at £40.50! This is definitely a compliment magnet, as I get asked about it on a daily basis. Similar to the Viktor & Rolf bottle, this also looks very glamorous in your bedroom! I do occasionally have a top-up towards the end of the day. But in all honesty, the pros heavily outweigh, this very small con. Don't pass up on this bargain!

  1. Top Notes
  2. Heart Notes
  3. Base notes
  4. Coco Chanel Mademoiselle Parfum Perfume Spray Twist 20ml

My all-time favourite perfume has to be Chanel Coco Mademoiselle* as it oozes elegance, luxury and femininity. I always feel so glamorous and sophisticated when wearing this perfume as it is of very high quality, what you would be expected from a high-end brand like Chanel. Of course, it also lasts all day and night! This would definitely be my ultimate perfume to be gifted this Valentine's Day and every Valentine's Day after that! You can buy this in a range of sizes, with the 35ml costing £57.00. When comparing this to other perfumes of a similar size and price, this stunning scent, it is worth every penny. 


You can find all perfumes mentioned on The Perfume Shop or Superdrug website. The perfume shop are currently running a promotional offer where you can get 25% off your 2nd itemfor members or 20% off your 2nd item for non-members. 


As an introvert with social anxiety I have always found comfort in sending time at home, watching a movie or binge watching a new tv series. But in 2020 due to the worldwide pandemic we all took at staying home and watching Netflix more seriously (it may as well be my job at this point). 

We know all too well the feeling of logging into our Netflix account or whoever the account belongs to that you're piggybacking on (thanks Dad!) and staring blindly at the screen after feeling like you have seen everything. Netflix has many tv series and movies on offer, with adding something new daily making it impossible for you to have seen *everything*. As I'm a avid Netflix viewer I decided to make a list of recommendations for my friends and family adding to it whenever I enjoyed something new. As we are all stuck at home I thought I'd share this with you (in no particular order)!

Money Heist
Orphan Black
Gossip Girl
Stranger Things
Sex Education
Love Sick
The Sinner
Santa Clarita Diet
Luther
You Me Her
Hannibal
Doctor Foster
Friends from College 
Unbelievable 
You
Girl Boss 
White Gold
Russian Doll
Three Girls (get the tissues ready I sobbed through most of this!)
How to get away with Murder 
The Stranger 
Locke & Key 


You can sign up to a Netflix account here - https://www.netflix.com/gb/