Botanics Micellar Water Review

All the hype surrounding micellar waters is starting to die down, but I'm not going to lie I don't feel any brand has brought out one that is perfect for me! I may be hard to please but I want to find one that I will happily repurchase and repurchase, as let's face it, it's not the most exciting thing to buy! I must confess I haven't tried the cult classic that is Bio Derma, yes maybe I should, but, I want something that I can easily just pick up from the high street.

To be honest, my first impression of this product was not great. After on off using this product for a few weeks it didn't seem to be doing the job, it smudged make up around the face which was then stubborn to remove and I ended up getting rid of the rest with a makeup wipe. However, I've continued using this and realised, compared to a lot other micellar waters you really need to let it soak into your lashes before trying to get rid of makeup and I find you have to use quite a lot of product!

However, if you do have sensitive skin this is very gentle. I've had no problems what so ever with this changing my skin in anyway like breaking me out and drying out my skin.

For me, a micellar water should just melt away makeup effortlessly! I've tried a few micellar waters out and so far my favourite is the Garnier one. The best one at removing makeup was definitely the L'Oreal one but it was just too harsh for my sensitive skin! 

So, again, I'm back to phase one, I need a new micellar water! Let me know your suggestions and which ones you've tried!

Hayley x

"Be the best version of you"

Today, I saw this quote, I can't quite put my finger on where, most likely when flicking through my twitter feed or in someone's bio! It got me thinking about a few things and I believe this quote contains so much truth.

I often struggle between what to do in the present and working towards the future, I guess to some people they sound like the same thing, but to me they really are quite on different pages. You see, it's  the difference between working on what I love today such as blogging or to spend long hours editing my CV which will help me bag my dream job some day (does that make any sense to anyone?!)

Let just say, this quote just makes me realise the to be the best version of me, I have to work towards it, it's not a future goal and it's not the present. I need to work on being the best version of me and this means making the most of everyday to work towards a the best me I can be.

This year for me, I admit, is going to be a struggle I need to complete my degree with a good classification but I also need to work towards finding a job at the same time. For me, although I would be proud of getting the top grades, I want to be happy knowing I have some plans for post uni. The last thing I want is for this time next year to be sat here writing about how disappointed I am with myself and that I'm unemployed and unhappy.

I guess this quote just made me realise to get the most out of everyday, that way, I can ensure my future is how I envision it!

Well, that was a bit deep but sometimes reflection is needed to move forward and to see that although progress seems slow hard work is what is needed! What's your attitude to long term goals and looking to the future or do you just live for the moment?

Hayley x

Cocofina Review*

Something a lot of people don't know about me (and often forget if they do!) is that I don't drink caffeine *queue shocked faces and many questions*. A few years ago I kept getting headaches and generally not feeling right, this was around the same time I started to drink coffee. So, I cut it out and haven't looked back since. Maybe I'll try it again someday but for now I'm staying clear of it for now. This means that I try and rely on food and natural energy drinks, so when given the opportunity to try Cocofina drinks I thought I'd give it whirl!

If you want to know more about the brand the Cocofina website has lots of useful information about coconut water and all it's coconutty goodness! They're also on twitter @CocofinaCoconut!

"Cocofina is naturally isotopic, that means it rehydrates faster than water... naturally low in fat... no added sugar.. low in cholestral" and the list goes on! You can read more on there website (here)!

The products I have got from the range are the flavoured drinks, coconut water, snack bars and coconut nectar. I must say, I do like coconut but I did find it quite overpowering but it's definitely a taste I could get used to!

 My favourite product out of the range was the Cocofina macaroon bars, they taste like a kind of bounty (minus the chocolate) with the texture of a flapjack. I would definitely purchase more of these as a healthy filling snack! I wasn't so keen on the coconut and cocoa bars or the date and coconut, my boyfriend tested them out as a pre work out snack, for which they are intended, and said that he felt energized and took longer for him to feel tired when exercising.

The flavored coconut water drinks (shown above) are really refreshing and flavorsome! Plus they're all under 50 calories. Drinking these yummy drinks has all the benefits of drinking coconut water. So if you're not keen on just coconut water these are a great alternative! My favourite out of the selection was definitely the coconut water tea and passion fruit which tastes like iced tea, would definitely try this again! Also the Apple and Blueberry one tastes like a healthy version of Oasis!

I'm yet to try the coconut nectar which is a sugar alternative which says it can be used for hot drinks (well, I don't really drink them) but there is a recipe which uses it for peanut butter cookies which I am very very tempted to attempt cooking! Lucinda who blogs Teacher 2 Mummy posted a great post on making these check it out here!

Finally, I must admit I've never tried coconut water and after trying it I think it's an acquired taste, however my boyfriend who finished it off said it's very refreshing and could get used to drinking it. Also when discussing it we decided the coconut water we thought it may be better in the bottle. My boyfriend felt he'd look a little stupid going to the gym with a carton... not so manly!

Overall, I would definitely recommend Cocofina, especially if you're a coconut fan or looking for a healthy alternative to energy drinks. Even if you don't like coconut, I would definitely say to try the flavoured drinks as they're not as strong but have all the same healthy benefits!

Do you like coconut? Would you consider having these as a healthy alternative?

Hayley x