Recent Drugstore Haul/Mini Reviews!

Hi Guys,

I thought I'd update you on a recent skincare haul I did (exams made me do it), so sit back, relax and grab a cup of tea because its a longggg one. 

1. Cleansers 

Good Things Argan Oil Nourishing Cleansing Oil (£5.99)- it claims to removed makeup, hydrate the skin and combat signs of ageing. I've used it a few times since purchasing and am loving it so far. Its a light cleansing oil and definitely removes make up thoroughly including eye lash glue. 

Botanics Hydration Burst Dual Action Cleanser (£5.99)- this is a gel that transforms into an oil. It hydrates dehydrated skin and provides a gentle yet effective cleans for sensitive skin. The gel is quite thick, which make it difficult to squeeze out of the tube. Other than this design fault it is a lovely cleanser and doesn't leave your skin feeling tight. 

Bioderma Sebum H20 (£10.50)- this a cleansing water that is aimed at oily/blemish prone skin. It deeply cleanses the epidermis and regulate sebum production. I'm very excited to try this, although might do so sparingly considering you only get 250ml. 

YES To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser (£8.99)- this is part of the combination/acne prone skin range. The charcoal draws out impurities,tomato acts as an antioxidant and salicylic acid deeply cleanses the pores. 

Clearly Youthful Cream Cleanser and Clearly Youthful 3in1 scrub/mask/cleanser (£3.69/£4.89)- the cream cleaners is the OG out of this pair, however both contain AHA's which work to chemically exfoliate providing a radiant complexion. The 3in1 and is formulated with Vit E and can be used as a multi-purpose product. We shall see what the difference is between these two...

2. Face Oils 

Botanics Facial Oil 100% Organic (£9.99)- locking in moisture for 8hours it softens and conditions to restore the natural glow of your skin. The only other face oil I own is Bio Oil (staple favourite) which isn't specifically formulated for your face, but can be used to even out the skin tone. Therefore, I'm interested to see what this face has to offer my blemish/congested/hyperpigmented skin. 

3. Toners 

Superdrug Vitamin E (£2.99)- this is a repurchase, cannot recommend this product enough. It hydrates your skin, leaves it silky smooth and claims to contain antioxidants to reverse the signs of ageing. Whatever, it contains it's doing wonders for my skin. If you have combo, blemish, congested skin give this product a go. 

Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz (£5.99)- it's a spritz which hydrates whilst tightening your pores. I've been using this regularly, especially after a AHA infused cleanse. Love it so far, but yet to know the long term effects. 

4. Face Masks

Good Things Manuka Honey Mask (£5.99)- this clears skin and hydrates by drawing out impurities that are congesting the skin. Ive used this once and first impressions were insane. It really plumps your skin and decongests problems areas before your eyes. Very interested to try future products from this brand. 

5. Suncreams 

Hawaiian Tropic Hydration Face SPF 30 (£8.50)- this lightweight lotion contains antioxidants and provides SPF protection. My only bug bear with this product is that it does leave me slightly oily. However, I will continue to use it especially on holiday where I won't be wearing much make up in the day.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios AC SPF 30 (£16.00)- designed with a matte fluid texture it provides SPF 30 and I'm loving this so far. Hasn't left me oily, and work perfectly with my skincare items (other than my super drug vit e serum which is rubbish with other products). 

Bioderma Hydrabio Eau de Soin SPF 30 (£9.00)- suitable for sensitive dehydrated skin this product provides moisture and protection. I've spritzed this on my face a few times and so far I'm enjoying the concept of this, a spray makes it easier to top up during the day. However, it does leave a strange white film on the face if you over use the product, and I'd prefer the spray to be more of an aerosol but you win some you lose some. 

6. Serums 

Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Serum (£2.69)- it nourishes and replenishes hydrating skin. Does exactly what it says on the tin!!! Works well under makeup and leaves your skin nice and plump. 

FINISHED, if you've made it through to the end with me I salute you! Until next time. 

The Beauty Godzilla xxx

My Experience with "Oil Pulling" Coconut Oil...

Hey Everyone! 

I thought i'd do a post on something i've been trying out recently...and you've probably already guessed it's about the very hyped 'oil pulling'. For those of you that aren't familiar with the phrase, it means swirling oil in-between your teeth for about 10-15 minutes. 

You might question why on earth would anyone want to do this? Well, its been reported all over the internet to have oral and systemic benefits that stem from ancient Ayurvedic dental techniques. Some of these benefits include: 

• killing bacteria in your mouth and subsequently improving gum health (good for those that suffer from inflammation or gum disease)
• reducing headaches/migranes
• improving skin health and acne 
• whitening teeth by drawing out toxins from the surface of your teeth and gum mucosa

The extent to which there is scientific data is very minimal, and even some dentists are sceptical of this method of teeth whitening. However, I thought why not give it a go...what have I actually got to lose?

Coconut Oil appears solid at room temp!

I purchased organic extra virgin coconut oil from my local supermarket (£7), and proceeded to scoop a teaspoon amount of oil into my mouth in the mornings. I started at about 5 minutes (the sensation of swirling oil is very difficult to get used to and I didn't want swallow it) and built up to about 12 minutes over a period of 14 days. Now, I had read online that some people do experience adverse symptoms such as: stomach aches, headaches and tiredness, but that was just the process of 'detoxification' and your body responding to the withdrawal. 

After a week of doing the oil pulling I did notice whitening of my teeth and then the negative side effects started to kick in. Personally, I thought I was over doing it with revision and being dehydrated, I didn't possibly think that my SEVRE headaches and tiredness would be put down to oil pulling. Honestly, experiencing how painful the withdrawal symptoms were was terrifying, I thought this would be a cheap alternative to using the peroxide I get from my dentist but no this was awful. No one could pay me to go through that again, i've now not done it for a week and feel like my normal self (no headaches or tiredness). 

I won't ever be going oil pulling again after this bad experience and will stick to what my dentist gives me, but using it sparingly! Think i'll just stick to using coconut oil as a treatment for my hair or for removing my make up. Let me know if any of you have tried oil pulling and what your experiences were. 

It just wasn't for me!

Speak soon xxx

Recent Product Empties

I'm doing a quick update on some products that I've recently finished, and my opinions on how they worked on me. 

If you follow me on Instagram (TheBeautyGodzilla) then this post may seem familiar to you. However, for those that read this blog but don't have Instagram you may find this post useful. 

My first product is the Superdrug Vitamin E Toning Facial Mist (with Aloe Vera) £2.99-this toner claims:

• to refresh and tone with each spray, contain multivitamin complex (A B F and H) and Horse Chestnut to care for dry skin. 
• have antioxidant protection to shield skin from environmental damage and prevent signs of ageing

I went through this product pretty quickly as I used it twice a day after cleansing my face, and found an instant change in my skin within a week of using it. It left my skin hydrated, silky and smooth. I'm unsure whether it helped with signs of ageing as I have youthful skin. 
Would I repurchase it again? Yes! However, I have a bottle of the Pixi Glow Tonic that I've been dying to try, so this product will have to wait. 

Top picture: Superdrug Vitamin E Toning Facial Mist
Bottom Picture: Yves Saint Laurent Eye Zone Serum

The second product is the Yves Saint Laurent Eye Zone Serum £49 -this product claims to: 

• highlight, smooth and firm the eye zone area
• make dark circles appear diminished 
• Make skin surrounding the eyes appear radiant 

It took me a while to get through this product, so don't be fooled by the price tag, it lasted approx 6 months. It definitely made my eye zone area more plump and smooth...however it's the same case with the toner...I have youthful skin anyway! I didn't find any change with my awful dark circle. Would I repurchase it again? Probably not until I spot the first signs of ageing around my eyes, at the moment I need to focus on my purple under eye circles. What are you favourite eye creams?

Next is the Yves Saint Laurent Secret Eye Make Up Remover £25 - this product is a "bi-phased" lotion. I got on well with this product, it removes waterproof make up without leaving a oily residue on my eyes. Also, I didn't have any problem with it irritating my eyes.

Will I repurchase it again? Probably not at £25 a bottle. I've bought the Botanics All Bright Soothing Eye Make Up Remover from Boots (£3.99) to try out, and from what I've heard I have a feeling I'm going to get on with it.

The last product is the Moroccanoil Treatment Original £31.85- this product claims to: 

• detangle, speed up drying time and boost shine—leaving you with nourished, manageable and smooth hair with each use

This product can be used on wet or dry hair to tame flyaways, conditions split ends and smooth hair. I found it did everything it claims to do. It's my secrete to long, conditioned, healthy hair. Would I purchase it again? Yes! However, I'm a repeat offender when it comes to hair oil as I can't live without them. I'm willing to give another brand a try and I am currently test driving the Garner Ultimate Blends "Sleek Perfector Oil" which is infused with pure coconut oil at £6.66 (currently £3.33 on Boots.com). 

Have any of you tried this products? What are your thoughts?

Please leave a comment below if you have any great alternatives to the products mentioned. 

Speak soon xxx

Welcome!

Hello!

I thought my first blog should be an introductory one. 

My name is Shannon Roberts-Steel (TheBeautyGodzilla), and I'm new to the blogging world. I'm a makeup and skincare enthusiast. My friends and family would probably go as far as saying that I have a spending problem when it comes to those 2 things. 

I'm a student who's currently studying Veterinary Science in lovely Gloucestershire! My ambition is to be a Veterinary Neurologist, so I have at least another 5 years at university. My main hobby is caring for my 2 lovely horses Darcy and Silas. I've been riding since I was 18 months old, and couldn't imagine a life without horses!

I hope you enjoy future blogs and please don't be afraid to let me know if I'm doing anything wrong! I'm still learning. 

Speak soon 

The Beauty Godzilla xxx