SeraAndTheCity: L O V E S

I write this on a Monday, almost everyone's least favorite day of the week; realization that the weekend and play time is over. I've decided to focus on the positives, my favorite beauty buys at reasonable prices. I really hate blogs on here that discuss products that the average person can't afford and even more annoying - products that are discontinued (why blog about something no one can get anymore?!).

Despite the millions of cosmetic adverts, free testers and a wide choice of brands, finding the right make - up is no easy task. At school, my mission was to find an industrially heavy foundation that would cover my volcano acne, not only was it not my colour most of the time, it was also poorly applied and clogged my pores to hell. I also painted my eyelids in shades of greens... blues... pinks (why did no one tell me I looked like a lab rat?).

Now, my focus is on getting a light coverage that evens out my skin and stops my face from reaching that oily stage it enjoys hitting around lunchtime. Being 22 and having to welcome the idea of a pension you'd think you'd be allowed to ditch things like acne or spots, but it's still very much alive for most of us. Mine range from the under the skin ones that don't burst despite how hard you squeeze/how light headed you get squashing and the ones that appear out of nowhere before a big occasion.

My point is, when you find make - up that suits you, especially foundation it feels fabulous. From Dior to Rimmel, I've tried so many over the years. My favourite at the moment is 'L'OREAL infallible make - up' in Natural Rose - it provides coverage and lasts almost all day - hence the 16 hr tagline.

Next, my beauty essential - MASCARA. I couldn't live without it (I could, but what a dull life that would be!). I've split this into two, what I consider a luxury and everyday. Firstly; luxury. Benefit THEY'RE REAL. This little beauty costs between £18.00 - £20.00 and really does deliver results, note how the tip of the brush has a different to edge to most brushes - to get those really little lashes. The only problem with this mascara is that it does dry up quite quickly, so if you buy it don't get it and think "I'll only use it for special occasions" because frankly, it won't last.

Next, cheaper alternatives: 1) False Lash Flutter and 2) Volume Million Lashes Excess - both L'OREAL. The first has a thicker brush, ideal for 'wiggling' the brush for extra volume. The second a little thinner ideal for separating your lashes. Expect to pay between £10.00 and £12.00 for these.

False Lash Flutter Wand

Volume Million Lashes Wand

Nothing is more frustrating than a blackhead breakout, so when I used a product that promised to get rid of them short term, I was apprehensive to say the least but this stuff actually works. Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub - if I notice I have a lot of blackheads I scrub my face with this and wash off. Even after a few days I see a big difference. For some, they have noticed some of their spots come to the surface a bit more after using it, but I haven't had this problem.

Last, but certainly not least is BIG BEAUTIFUL EYES from BENEFIT. This includes a concealer, light & dark eyeshadow and a little brown pallet to use on your eyebrows. I've had my first one for about two years and it's still going even after using it almost everyday.