The Ordinary vs The Inkey List – Serums and Other Skincare Bits for Oily Skin

I realise I’m a bit late to the bandwagon on the hype around The Ordinary, but having struggled with oily skin all my life, I’ve become so frustrated with products that don’t work. I’d been seeing a lot of great reviews on their niacinamide serum, which is supposedly a dream come true for oily skin! And, at only £5, there’s no reason not to try it.

Credit: The Ordinary

The serum is said to target breakouts and decongested complexions, and minimise pores by regulating sebum production, while also smoothing and improving overall skin health. When I finally decided to try it, it was out of stock everywhere. Eventually, I got my hands on one and I’m impressed! The serum is water based, which is a golden rule to stick to if you have oily skin. I use the serum twice a day – after toner and before moisturiser. The serum is light and spreadable, so a little definitely goes a long way. The instructions on the back say to use a pipette-full each time, but I really feel like that’s too much because it spreads so well and I hate that excessive feeling, so I adapt the amount to my own needs. It also dries and settles quickly. My only downsides are that I wake up finding my skin quite oily in the mornings, which isn’t the case at the end of the day, so I’m not sure that it’s suitable for a nighttime routine, and I actually find the pipette application quite wasteful as, when there’s too little of the serum left, the pipette won’t reach the bottom of the bottle. Other than that, it is an incredible find for the price! Pick it up from http://www.boots.com

Credit: The Inkey List

While The Ordinary serum was out of stock, I thought I’d try The Inkey List as I’ve seen some great reviews on this one too. One particular review I’d seen on this product said that it’s less ‘sticky’ than The Ordinary – which it really is. This niacinamide serum from The Inkey List aims to achieve the exact same skin goals as The Ordinary, but at a slightly higher price and, to be completely honest, I can justify that. The serum comes in a regular squeezy bottle, which I find easier to use, and the directions to use a pea-sized are far more accurate. After trying both, I must admit that I do prefer The Inkey List – it’s smoother, less sticky, and settles into the skin more easily. The only downside I’d say is the packaging – The Ordinary has a more premium look in comparison but, while I’d recommend both products and would be willing to repurchase both, I’ll be repurchasing The Inkey List first. It’s available at http://www.boots.com

While we’re here, there’s a few more new finds I’d highly recommend for oily skin. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost range is amazing – the products are water based, which is great as it’s light on oily and combination skin. A massive plus with this particular moisturiser is that it comes with SPF 25 and, whether you’re going out or not, always wear SPF! Sun cream can be so tricky with oily skin as it’s often extremely heavy and greasy, so this is a fantastic solution. If you want to give it a try, it’s currently on sale at www.lookfantastic.com

An oldie but goodies is Simple and, especially if you have oily skin, it’s often hard to believe that a product is suitable for ‘all skin types’ but, with Simple, it really is. Their products are fragrance free, and their night cream is very light yet moisturising. The key thing to remember is that, even though your skin is oily, is still needs moisture – it’s probably oily because it needs moisture, so don’t be put off by the word! Their toner is also fantastic, especially if you’re on a budget. Simple are always a great budget-friendly solution, and tend to be on sale at www.superdrug.com

My last recommendation is the Serozinc toner spray from La Roche-Posay. The French brand is actually not as expensive as it sounds – it’s not high street prices but I would say it’s affordable. I just wanted to give something new a go and this toner was on sale, and I’m so glad I tried it. It comes in a spray bottle, which actually made a big difference. The toner feels very refreshing and it’s more hygienic due to the direct application, meaning no hands needed! Pick it up on sale at http://www.lookfantastic.com

‘The Bold Type’ – A Netflix Series Review

I feel a bit strange for becoming so invested in a Netflix show that I want to write about it, but I haven’t enjoyed a series this much since discovering Grace & Frankie about a year ago.

On the surface, The Bold Type seems like a fairly standard, somewhat stereotypical storyline; three besties meet in the heart of the hustle and bustle of the big city as they work their way up the chain in a modern magazine ‘Scarlet’. However, it quickly proves to be about so much more than that. Across a healthy four seasons, the Netflix series explores themes such as health, sexuality, feminism, friendship and politics.

One of the first things that really struck me in the show was how realistic it can be, which is refreshing. In attempt to pursue her passion, Sutton progresses within Scarlet to a Fashion Assistant. However, with the job offer, she finds that the salary is lower than that of her previous position, which makes her reluctant to accept. Naturally, she negotiates but fails and, as a second attempt, negotiates beyond the salary to perks and guaranteed performance reviews. This sounds like a small touch but it really stood out to me in particular as this is very much a real-life struggle for many. A little later in the series, Jane feels it’s time to move on from Scarlet and joins a new company, Incite. This career move turns out to be disastrous, and so Jane attempts to come back to Scarlet, where she’s disappointed to find that there is no room in the budget to have her back. Again, these are small details but I was pleasantly surprised to see the representation of the fact that you can’t always get what you want just like that.

As the characters and storylines unfold, we’re introduced to Kat’s puzzled sexuality. Having always felt that she was straight, she finds herself unexpectedly falling in love with Adena. As the two eventually enter a relationship, Kat finds herself needing to explore this new chapter of her sexuality with other women and, by doing so, she later finds that perhaps she’s bisexual. She eventually eludes to the possibility of being pansexual. This, among other themes, brings out the series’ contemporary touch.

The series proves to go beyond a big city magazine publishing articles about how to improve your sex life. Through the three protagonists Jane, Kat and Sutton, we are able to experience far more poignant issues. For example, Jane finds out that she’s at a high risk of developing breast cancer in her early adult life. As a preventative measure, she undergoes a double mastectomy, which leads her to experience severe body image issues. Post-surgery, she doesn’t feel like herself, as though her false breasts are physically not a part of her. We see her fall into a form of depression after trying everything to come to terms with her new body. Kat, on the other hand, discovers so much more than her sexuality. She runs for local mayor, which opens her eyes to how much of an activist she is and how much she truly cares about social issues surrounding, among others, race and equality, which we’re glad to see she pursues even though it came at a cost of losing her well-established role at Scarlet of the company’s first every black female department director. Lastly, there’s Sutton who, following her long-lasting career struggles, marries 14-years-older Richard at the age of 26. Just as her career finally starts to take off and only four months into the marriage, she experiences a miscarriage. Interestingly, this makes her realise how much she didn’t want the baby, which wasn’t quite a typical perspective to learn.

I only have one criticism of the series; whilst I was dreading reaching the end, I really feel that the last six episodes were unnecessary. I actually didn’t realise that there are 16 episodes in the last season and not 10 like in seasons 1-3, so I was mentally prepared to say goodbye on season 4 episode 10. It felt like such a natural ending, too, with Sutton and Richard’s wedding, their plans to move away, Jane’s promotion and Kat finding her feet again after being fired, so the purpose of the following six episodes is unclear.

Supposedly, we will be graced with the fifth and final season of the dramedy later this year and I can’t wait!

The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary Book Review

I hadn’t enjoyed a book in a really long time before I came across The Flat Share. For a mixture of reasons, I just couldn’t find the time to put into reading, but then a friend’s recommendation really got me interested. I know they say ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ but, at least in this case, it really helped and it sold me on it. “Tiffy & Leon share a bed. Tiffy & Leon have never met” – there are so many questions that arise from this quick snapshot of the storyline that I just couldn’t not find out the answers. It immediately made me think: how could this possibly work? Who are Tiffy and Leon? I want to know more!

On the whole, the basis of the story is something we’re all very familiar with, a girl-meets-boy situation after a bad break-up, but there are so many layers to this foundation, so many themes which O’Leary explores such as identity, mental health, abuse, love and friendship – there’s bound to be something for everyone to connect with.

One of the first striking features of the book for me was the vast difference in the writing style of Tiffy’s chapters and that of Leon’s; it really helped with understanding just how opposite these characters are, which is exactly what made it so much more intriguing to find out how their lives are in such close proximities, and yet they don’t physically meet for such a long time. Tiffy is somewhat of a stereotypical millennial working in a big publishing company trying to work her way up to the top. Tiffy has time to go out with her friends for drinks and go on dates, whereas Leon leads such a busy lifestyle that he loses track of his own time and can’t afford to waste any of it by writing his notes to Tiffy in full sentences. However, we quickly learn that we don’t need that to know him and be fond of him. Leon works nights as a nurse in a hospice, his life is very full on – as is Tiffy’s – but in such different ways, and the more we learn about them, the more we can’t wait for them to meet, for their worlds to collide and create harmony.

I really enjoyed the moments of comedy which O’Leary occasionally injects into her narrative, such as Tiffy and Leon’s very first meeting. There’s so much anticipation and build-up to their first encounter that the way they end up meeting is completely unexpected. On a hungover morning, Tiffy’s late for work, and this means that Leon’s home too after his night shift, but neither of them know that the other is in the flat. They end up bumping into each other in the bathroom, both in vulnerable positions as they’re half naked – far from perfect!

Another theme explored in the book which really resonated with me kindness. Despite Leon’s incredibly busy lifestyle, he somehow finds the time to find one of his patient’s long lost love’s from WWII. He travels the country trying to find the right person and, eventually, he does, and the fact that they get to meet just before the patient passes away, is sad yet heart-warming, and really opens our eyes to a side of Leon which we thought we may never see. It’s also great to see that O’Leary uses this positive theme to strengthen the bond between Tiffy and Leon, the very opposite to what Tiffy had with her ex. Without realising, the two of them end up going on a mini-break together, where we further see how pure and harmless Leon is, and full of only good intentions, which is exactly what Tiffy needs and deserves. O’Leary continues to use positive themes to bring the two protagonists closer together, such as the fight for justice with Leon’s brother’s court case. Tiffy gets to know Leon’s brother before meeting Leon in person. This is quite intimate and the seriousness around her building a relationship with his brother so early on hints to us that Tiffy and Leon will end up together.

There honestly isn’t anything that I didn’t enjoy about this book. It was a light and enjoyable yet deep read and I couldn’t wait to pick it up every evening. The concept of two strangers sharing a flat and not meeting for months is unique, and O’Learly cleverly builds on that with a mixture of traditional yet completely unpredictable events.

3 Quick & Easy Asian-Style Vegetarian Recipes

Having been veggie for over a year now, I’m still constantly on the look-out for new and exciting but quick and easy vegetarian meals to enjoy.

I really enjoy cooking. Asian foods in particular are my absolutely favourite to eat and cook – I find them so versatile and full of flavour, there’s plenty of rich tastes to discover with different dishes. Here are few of my absolute favourite tried and tested veggie recipes for a quick, easy, healthy and satisfying meal:

Duck Donburi Bowl

This is something I have discovered very recently and it has quickly become one of my absolute favourite meals to make. It’s so quick and easy! Put the rice on to boil and, whilst that’s cooking, slice up some fresh vegetables such as cucumber, carrots or radish. When the rice is done, leave it in a covered pot for a few minutes to steam and, in the meantime, add some of Linda McCartney’s Vegetarian Shredded Hoisin Duck to a hot pan with a tablespoon of olive oil. Fry for around 4 minutes and then add a splash of water. This will soak up very quickly and make the vegetarian duck more sticky. Fry for another 4 minutes or so and add some hoisin sauce to taste, then simply plate up with the rice and veg!

Easy Vegan Pho

BBC GoodFood is my food bible. They have tons of fool-proof and really great recipes that are delicious, that work, and the ingredients and quantities are accurate. I use BBC GoodFood for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert recipes on a weekly basis, and this Vegan Pho is one of my favourite discoveries. The mint and peanut garnish really tops off this Asian staple so don’t skip these ingredients! The dish makes a perfect, low-calorie and healthy lunch, and it can easily be adapted using your favourite vegetables. I used mushrooms, leeks and pak choi. Check out the recipe here https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/easy-vegan-pho

Green Peppercorn and Lemongrass Coconut Broth

Credit: BBC Food

Another great find from BBC Food, this Green Peppercorn and Lemongrass Coconut broth is perfect for lovers of Asian soups and coconut. This sweet, fragrant and creamy soup is great for a tasty and healthy lunch or a light dinner. Make a batch and re-heat to enjoy over a few days! Check out the recipe here https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/peppercorn_coconut_broth_84709

Ottomans for Every Home

For homes of all sizes, space-saving ottomans are available in all sorts of textures and colours to fit any room, and they make an excellent storage solution! Discounted retailers have really picked up on the trend too, so the fashionable home accessories are available to suit any budget. Velvet is definitely the popular texture, and it’s such a simple yet effective way to dress up any room.

Credit: The Range

Known for a wide selection of homeware at low prices, The Range have really stepped their game up recently with velvet furniture. Along with office chairs, beds, throws and lamp shades, their selection in velvet home accessories is incredible! This beautiful blush pink round velvet ottoman is only £29.99. It’s a decent size for storage and the panelled detailing gives it a point of difference. It’s also available in champagne and navy blue. Check them out here https://www.therange.co.uk/furniture/living-room-furniture/footstools/pleated-eclipse-footstool/

Credit: The Range

Another incredible find in The Range, this beautiful storage bench in burnt orange is unique and a great way to add colour to the bedroom. It’s priced towards the higher end at £129.99, but is ideal for storage at the foot of the bed or under windowsills, this is an elegant choice. Discover the options here https://www.therange.co.uk/storage/storage-chests/mystica-ottoman-storage-bench/

Credit: Argos

Another great choice for bold colours is this forest greet velvet ottoman from Argos at only £25 for the large rectangular option. Also available is a matching ottoman cube for only £15. They make a great pair and add a unique touch to any room with the unique colour. Also available in mustard, grey, navy blue and blush pink, the wide selection promises the perfect ottoman for any home. Take a look here https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7557013?clickSR=slp:term:ottoman:9:33:1

Credit: Made

The most expensive but beautiful choice is this £159.99 round velvet storage pouffe from Made in twilight blue. Available in five different colours, there’s something to complement any home and the deep buttoning details bring a touch of luxury.  Put your feet up, take a seat, or use as a perch for your magazines. This pouffe’s a real multi-tasker – especially with that storage space inside. Discover the Hampton selection here https://www.made.com/hampton-small-round-storage-pouffe-twilight-blue-velvet