As soon as I'd decided I wanted to go cruelty-free my jumping off point was by immediately replacing my basic make-up products with CF ones as soon as I could. Before I'd learnt too much about CF and non-CF brands my first port of call was The Body Shop, especially since at the time they had a 3 for 2 offer on! Plus I've always experienced their staff to be really helpful, friendly and happy to spend their time with you helping to find what you need; perfect if you're very socially anxious like myself! So here are my picks that set me off on my cruelty-free journey.

This is actually a fairly recent purchase and I've only used it a handful of times but I'm already in love with it. I've never really been one for the lure of BB creams, but I really wanted something to use on those days where I didn't want to put any make-up on but wanted to cover up any breakouts & blemishes in order to feel more confident. This product does that so perfectly, instantly covers redness and as a bonus the tea tree treats spots whilst you're wearing it! Plus the fact a little really does go a long way, the consistency doesn't dry out your skin or make it greasy and if the shade isn't perfect straight away just give it a a minute, it adjusts to your skin tone. I've also noticed that The Body Shop have recently changed all the packaging for their skincare products and I absolutely adore it. I can't be the only one who likes having products that not only do the job but also look good sitting around the house, right? I've honestly never before had a BB cream that covers so well & still looks natural (hence never purchasing one before) but I heard good things from Laura over at Life Beauty Lens so I decided to take the plunge and I'm very grateful that to her that I did! 

As I've said before, I'm a big fan of the dewy look and think it's the best way to go for my skin. Naturally I wanted a moisturising liquid foundation that isn't too runny and ideally has sun protection; 3 big ticks for this product! Although I'm very pale, the very kind lady who helped me pick out my make-up products recommended that I go a shade up to add some colour to my face which was actually a great tip (as long as it still looks natural on you of course). Again with most of The Body Shop's products a little goes a long way, I bought their new foundation brush to apply this with which I think is a big help and I feel that this foundation keeps my skin hydrated throughout the day whilst still looking fresh and natural. 

Now from my experience and having previously been a big fan of it, I feel that this concealer is The Body Shop's version of YSL's Touche Éclat concealer, but with a better mechanism than the push button; winding definitely saves time and frustration. I feel it does everything that YSL's does for a fraction of the price. It conceals really well and also brightens at the same time, great for under eyes and getting a head start on highlighting the top of your cheekbones. There's not much else to say other than the fact this concealer does everything it claims to do and blends really well into your foundation.

I'm one of these people who doesn't really see the point in a mascara that doesn't completely voluminize your lashes although I've definitely calmed down in comparison to how I used to be (try about 4-5 coats of the thickest, clumpiest mascara I could find) and I'm much happier with a more natural yet enhanced look. What's great about this mascara is that I can achieve that in just one coat and for the time that saves me I'm very thankful. I would say that this mascara can take a little while to dry but the formula isn't particularly wet, and albeit it's not waterproof it doesn't budge that easily. One thing I do notice too is that it comes off really easily with make-up remover and doesn't drag out any lashes, usually I would always lose about 5-7 lashes on my make-up pad with other mascaras! 

I cannot praise this highly enough! I was always a girl who wore waterproof mascara but I've grown out of this habit because the formulas were so tough that they were destroying my lashes. So naturally panic set in when I chose to buy the mascara above, which isn't waterproof. I'd seen good things about this gel and the reviews were great so I thought why not take the plunge. This for me personally is a holy grail product. The formula is absolutely incredible, one coat on my lashes and they don't flake or drip off (watery eyes happens all too often for me) and of course it does the same for my brows, keeps them in place all day with no touch ups needed! My only issue with this and other clear products I've had in my time is the fact that they don't stay clear for long after collecting mascara/brow pomade on the brush over time. If anyone has any tips to reduce this happening then please let me know! 

Albeit I've not been wearing eyeliner much lately I still had to have one in for those times when I fancy going that extra mile with my make-up. There's not much to say about this other than the fact it does everything that I want it to, plus I find felt tip style eyeliners easier to use. It's really simple to control, the nib is nice and thin, the staying power is solid and doesn't budge with watery eyes. And it's super black in pigment which I adore! One of the best eyeliners I've used to date.

This was the first lipstick to start me on my coral coloured lips addiction. I was searching around the stand wondering what colours to buy and thought actually maybe I should be more adventurous, after all I'm not really a classic red lip kinda girl but my recent love for the colour orange is what sparked the purchase of this beautiful colour. There isn't much else to say other than it's a stunning shade that seems to work well with any look, but I do love pairing it with an orangey/gold smoky eye! 

Another new favourite colour of mine along with coral is deep brown/purple tones on your lips. Maybe I'm eager for Autumn already but I really feel like this hue suits my skin tone much more than pinks and pillar box reds (which tend to make me look washed out). I absolutely love popping this on with a dark eyeshadow look, I think it compliments it perfectly; but it works just as well with only your brows done and a coat of mascara! 

I wouldn't really describe this as a true coral colour, its much more toned down than the other and I suppose I'd class it as a more neutral red if that makes sense? I feel like this colour is one that enhances your natural lip colour so as someone with naturally 'blush' lips this lipstick works great with a more natural/barely there make-up look. 

What are your basics & where are they from? Lets get nattering!

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L'oreal True Match Minerals Foundation in Golden Ivory

As I'm currently on a quest for healthier skin and using products which don't irritate I decided that despite worrying about coverage for my acne, I wanted to try a mineral foundation. I was sceptical having had no success in the past, but being a Helen Anderson fan and seeing this as her go-to foundation and the coverage it gave I decided to bite the bullet and purchase it.

At £14.99 I was pretty much praying that this was good, and I mean really good because to me that's a lot to pay for a foundation, especially if it doesn't do anything spectacular. Luckily my gamble paid off. Despite this being powder-based the coverage is fantastic, it conceals spots and dark circles phenomenally and isn't cakey nor does it dry your skin out. It's easy to apply, feels fresh and light and lasts throughout the day. Also as I'm very pale I have struggled greatly in the past to find foundations pale enough so I was worried this might be a tad orange, and although at first you can see orange pigment as it goes on, once blended into your skin it really does adapt to the correct skin tone match. On top of this it gives a really natural, almost 'glowy' look that makes a great base for the rest of your make-up; I've personally found that eyeshadow and blush seem to go on much better, last longer and look nicer. Finally, my skin seems to have reacted better to this than any other foundation in that it simply hasn't reacted. My acne/pores haven't become irritated and this foundation seems to help keep my skin calm. I honestly think that despite the cost this foundation is worth every penny and let's face it, no foundation is really cheap any more, so if you're looking for good coverage but with a mineral base that's much better for your skin I would highly recommend this. 

MUA Power Pout Lipstick in Irreplaceable

This was actually something my Mum picked up for me purely because it was pink and tonally I was changing up a lot of my make-up colours due to dyeing my hair lilac.

Boots Essentials Curling Tong & Brush Hair Styler

After getting my hair cut short I found that the other hair curlers I have weren't giving the effect or particular curl I was after. I didn't really want to splash out too much money on yet another hair curler and in my search for good value I came across this.

I was after bouncy, ringlet curls and this is exactly what it gives. Plus there's also a brush attachment so you can use this as a hot styler to add volume; this isn't something I've tried yet but I'm looking forward to doing so and judging by the curls it gives I'm imagining it does the job for volume too. There's only one heat setting but personally that doesn't bother me, its hot enough to get the job done but not damage your hair (make sure you're using heat protect product though!) and it heats up really fast. It's also simple to use, has a decent length cord which also swivels, so no tangled cord ever again! What I also like is that your hair doesn't trap or catch and tangle onto any other part of this curler, which has happened to me when using previous curlers despite how hard I tried to make sure it didn't happen. Want to know the best part? This curler and hot brush is just £9.99! Unbelievable. Quite honestly even if this broke within a couple of months I wouldn't even mind and I would still re-purchase. So for bouncy, gorgeous curls that keep their shape and an amazing value-for-money curler, I would definitely recommend this one from Boots!

Allura Tangle Attack

I came across this purely by chance having popped into Poundland for some cheap essentials (as you do). I always like to check out the jewellery and hair things because I've found some great bargains in the past and it paid off again. Wondering what these cute coloured things were I found on inspection that they were a Tangle Teezer dupe. Naturally for a quid I chucked one in my basket figuring it was worth a try since I'd not yet invested in the 'true brand'.

Quite honestly now I don't see the point in buying a branded one, as this does everything I want it to and seems to accomplish exactly what a Tangle Teezer claims to at a fraction of the cost (Paying for the brand you're looking at £10-12). Naturally they're not as aesthetically pleasing as Tangle Teezers but to me personally that doesn't matter, I'm more interested in value for money and the product doing what it's meant to. As you can tell I'm happy with this product as I bought another and there's also a blue colour available which I'm probably going to get. Personally I think this is a brilliant dupe and excellent value for money, it gets tangles out effortlessly with barely any pain or tugging on your hair and doesn't rip all your hair out. I also find that it can help to add volume and shine to your hair if you brush through using a zig-zag motion. Overall a fantastic product and excellent value for money!

Hey cats!

Yes that is a mouthful, but I can't contain my excitement. As an acne sufferer I've gotten used to using full coverage cakey make-up and lashing on much more than I probably need. Since I've started college again which includes a very early start, I don't exactly have the time in the morning to put on a full face of make-up, nor do I have the sleep to lose. So I've been on a search piecing together a perfect little kit of products that can get me feeling much more confident in much less time, and eureka! Now don't get me wrong, it isn't at all anywhere near having a 'full face' on, but I find it better than tackling a long day completely bare faced on only five hours sleep. I also have options where I can build up how much product I use depending on how much time I have in the morning.

If you have a tad extra time the MUA bronzer (find here) is great to pop on as it's like a blusher and a bronzer in one, giving you a nice, healthy glow. Another product worth mentioning is Magic Minerals (find here) because it's great to put on over foundation, it looks natural but gives that extra bit of coverage. It's also fab to use if you literally have only two minutes, just blend this on using the brush provided and it smooths and evens out any imperfections. Plus it's a nice size to pop in your handbag in case you need a top up! Lastly, if you prefer a darker more striking brow above anything else, MUA do a great brow mascara (find here), just slick it on and let it dry or for even more definition add a coat of shadow too.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of the products mentioned or what your go-to products are!