Your Smile Direct - Onto The Retainer And The Final Steps Of The Treatment

After six months (or a little over that, I messed up my scheduling of things – utterly my own fault), I'm finally on the retainer stage of my aligner treatment with Your Smile Direct. And, after another six months of 22 hours of wear a day, I'll only have to use them at night. While the treatment has been comparatively bump free, especially having had traditional braces as a teen, I can't say that I won't be happy to be able to walk around without a mouth full of plastic during the day.

In saying that, as I look back on things and having actually experienced it for myself, I have to say that I really and truly believe this to be an excellent option for lots of people who have always wanted to straighten their teeth.

Yes, it's cheaper and that's a big deal, but there are lots of things about the treatment process that I preferred to my braces (which I hated so, so much). Although, in saying that, depending on what you need done, aligners do have limitations. Some people will need traditional braces and other treatments in order to correct issues they have and, personally, my bite could not be entirely fixed by either braces or the aligners. I would have had to have had my jaw broken and reset and I decided I wasn't doing that a long time ago. Instead, I simply had my upper row of teeth widened to align with the lower row more comfortably and the results are subtle but noticeable. The gap between my teeth is much smaller. I'm pretty happy with the result, even if I'll never have a perfect smile.

What I am completely happy with, however, is the whole process of using Your Smile Direct. I talked about the consultation process and how the aligners work in a previous post, then about getting my aligners and getting used to them here and about the halfway point of the treatment here, if you want more detailed information about the whole treatment from beginning to end but I thought it might be a good idea to outline the main points that I think really sealed the deal for me on why it's a great option.

1. Convenience

Aside from my initial consultation (which can be done in person or online using moulds – I went in person), everything was done online. Your aligners are sent to you in one package, you get your retainer at the end and if you have a freak accident and something happens to the retainers, they'll post another set out to you. No taking time off from work or having to travel for appointments. Considering how busy I always am, this was incredibly beneficial and convenient and I imagine most people would feel the same way.

2. Pain is lesser

I won't lie and say there was no pain. The aligners can rub and the pressure of your teeth being realigned can be painful but nowhere near as painful or as invasive as traditional braces with their wires, tightening and gum rubbing. When I first got them, the aligners were hard to adjust to and I had all sorts of issues with saliva, a lisp and pain but, as the treatment continued, these issues almost all went away and the pain and lisp would only return a little when I moved on to the next aligner and last less than a day or two. Being able to take the aligners out also means that, if it gets real bad, you can pop them out for a few minutes reprieve, which was not an option with the braces I had wired into my skull. However, bear in mind that you can't eat or drink (anything other than water) with them in and remembering to put them back in and making sure you wear them for at least 22 hours a day can be a pain and cramp your lifestyle a little: going for cocktails for a few hours is a lot less glamourous when you have to keep pulling plastic out of your mouth.

3. Cost

While I didn't pay for my treatment as I was working with the brand to review the process, I do know that it would have costed a fraction of what my parents paid for my treatment as a teen. Being able to undo the relapse in my teeth that I had stupidly caused by not wearing my retainer was brilliant as I had always felt guilty about it and wanted to right that wrong. I was even already looking into the brand before they contacted me and I know that they would have been the only viable option for me finances-wise atm.

4. Aesthetics

No, I'm not talking the charming minimalist aesthetic of the brand, its packaging, website, literature etc, I'm talking about how they look. As in, you can't really notice them at first. Really. Barely anyone spotted them without being told first (I even made out with someone once and didn't have time to take them out and he didn't notice them – tmi?). The one time a friend made a comment about it, she simply thought I'd had my teeth whitened as the shininess caught her eye. So, if you're self-conscious about the idea of having braces, this might be a good option for you!

5. Customer Service

Admittedly, I was working with the brand as press, however, I was often dealing with people who weren't aware of this and the customer care was always impeccable throughout. When my aligners needed replacing, it was done asap, when I was making my original appointment and following up after the consultation, everyone was attentive. Not being there in person throughout the treatment doesn't mean you're just abandoned and the balance of attention and convenience was perfect.

So, all in all, if you've always wondered about braces or getting orthodontic work done, this might be a more affordable and time-efficient option for you. Just contact the team at Your Smile Direct and book a consultation to see if it's for you!

(This is not an ad or sponsored. My treatment is being provided free of charge by Your Smile Direct but all opinions are my own.)

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Your Smile Direct - A halfway point through the process, progress and pain

Yesterday, I began my fifth set of aligners from Your Smile Direct, marking the halfway point of my journey and, given the fact that some time has now passed since I began, I feel better equipped to really reflect on my experience of the process thus far.

My mother asked me if I could see a difference in my teeth yet, at the weekend, which gave me pause to consider it. "Not really," I answered after some thought. "It works in stages - two weeks per aligner - moving my teeth gradually - so it's hard to notice."

As I right this, I consider it again. I run my tongue over my teeth and ponder over it some more, it occurs to me that my upper and lower teeth do seem fit together a bit better - a natural misalignment that I was told years ago could only be fully resolved by breaking and resetting my jaw, something I wasn't too keen on. But, as I assess it again, now, I do think that don't have to adjust my bite as much. The treatment is widening my upper row of teeth to rest more comfortably against the bottom and, when I consciously pay attention to it, I cansee it working.

That wasn't how my answer to my parents ended though. I continued, "I'm noticing other things, though."

Like what?

I mentioned the side-effects of the aligners in my last post - the discomfort and the fact that they made me salivate more at times and my mouth completely dry at others - this resulted in my having to drink more water and use lip balm more often, which has improved my skin and hydration levels. My paranoia over having bad breath due to the aligners has made me brush my teeth more frequently and they've gotten visibly whiter. These side-effects, I told my parents, are more apparent at the moment, than the gradual changes in my teeth. But both are great.

Pain is something I wanted to readdress. I think I was too much of a baby in the last post about it all, or perhaps I've gotten used to it - I'm not sure - but I definitely don't think it is as bad as it seemed at the beginning. Each time I change my aligners to a new set, there is more pressure and discomfort for a few days, this is true, but it is manageable and no worse than traditional braces. In fact, the only reason I dwell on it so much is that I had no option but to deal when I had braces but, with the aligners, I can take them out if I want to. I think that indulges babyish tendencies.



Having said that and having reconsidered that the pain really isn't all that bad, I will say that, like with braces, you can expect some rubbing and the odd blister. It's nothing major and usually clears itself up within a few days but it has happened a couple of times so far.

Taking the aligners out and putting them back in again for meals and drinking anything other than water remains a pain but I'm (slightly) smoother about it and more used to it. I do still occasionally forget for a little while and going for cocktails, specifically, is a pain as it forces you to choose between going over your aligner-free limit for the day (you're meant to wear them for at least 22 hours a day) or awkwardly take them out and put them back in repeatedly.

All of that being said, the fact that there are no appointments with an orthodontist necessary makes this whole process incredibly easy and smooth. There are the minor bumps that I have mentioned but, really, this whole thing is so handy and revolutionary. Of course, if you need more complicated orthodontic work, it's not a goer but for anyone looking for a lower price point and a stress-free treatment plan, it's amazing!

For more information, see my initial post about getting started and the consultation process and my second post on beginning the treatment.

To see if it might work for you, hit this link.

(This is not an ad or sponsored. My treatment is being provided free of charge by Your Smile Direct but all opinions are my own.)

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Getting my Aligners From Your Smile Direct - How They Look, The Amount of Pain and The Lisp(?)

Pretty much a month ago, I posted about Your Smile Direct and how we had begun working together (read that for more information on the brand and how their treatment works). I went to their Dublin office and had a 3D scan done of my mouth to create my aligners and treatment plan. They then sent me the proposal for my approval and, having seen the incredible progress they hoped to make with my teeth, I decided to go ahead and try it out.

For context, I have had traditional braces before, as a teen, but I didn't wear my retainers properly afterwards and my teeth pretty much shifted back into their original position - much to my shame, given the investment into my orthodontistry that my parents had made. I was already considering trying out Your Smile Direct, as a far more affordable way to fix my silly mistake, when they contacted me. It was kind of like fate. The treatment itself costs 70% less than traditional methods and works out at 4 installments of €399 each or one once-off payment of €1499. So, it really is a good option for people who have always wanted to have their teeth straightened but weren't quite able to afford it.

I was under the misconception that you made your first payment and then they sent out your first aligner, with each of the following being sent out accordingly. However, you actually receive a box with all of your stages of aligners at once, which makes far more sense, tbh.

My personal plan will last about 5 months, with each aligner being worn for two weeks before moving on to the next one, moving my teeth into position little by little with each new aligner. At the end of the whole process, I will have to wear my retainer all day for 6 months and then at night, thereafter, to maintain the results.

This morning, I put the first ones in and began my journey.

My initial feelings are that it is rather uncomfortable - not unbearable but it'll take some getting used to. Luckily, I don't have quite the lisp that my braces gave me, just a wee touch of one. Putting them in and taking them out is very easy - if not a little gross and messy. I also have quite the case of dry mouth, which I read can happen but may actually be for the best as it is forcing me to up my water intake - something I needed to do anyway! On the plus side, however, they are utterly unnoticeable when I'm wearing them, which is great!

Honestly, I'm a little worried about the discomfort right now, it's fine during the day, when I'm working, but I hate anything getting in the way of being utterly relaxed in my downtime. That's me being a bit of a baby, I suppose, and I'm sure I will get used to it. Either way, I'm gonna stick this thing out and let you all know how it goes, each step of the way!

To see if it will work for you, check out this link.

(This is not an ad or sponsored. My treatment is being provided free of charge by Your Smile Direct but all opinions are my own.)

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Affordable Orthodontic Treatment With Your Smile Direct

I was listening to my favourite podcast, My Favourite Murder, a few months ago when I first encountered an ad for, and the concept of, a mail-order orthodontic treatment service. Immediately, I was intrigued, as it claimed to offer straighter teeth at a fraction of the price of traditional orthodontic treatments, fewer to no trips to the actual orthodontist and fast, efficient service. Then, funnily, in the weird way that the universe works sometimes, I got an email a few days later from the Irish sister company, Your Smile Direct. They were discussing working with bloggers on promoting their service and, as my retainers were too unbearably painful, my teenage orthodontic work had since all but reverted. I jumped at the chance to fix this and to try it out. I had considered seeking out a company and treatment option like it myself, anyway, and they were offering me the chance to trial the service, free of charge...what impeccable timing.

The process begins with a home impressions kit, which costs €99 and takes moulds of your teeth to help figure out how to proceed with your treatment. Or, if you can make it to their Stillorgan Clinic, you can get a scan done in-house, instead, for the same price. I opted for the latter and the whole experience was perfectly pleasant, considering. 

Upon arrival, my orthodontist spotted me looking for the building in confusion, guessed that I was a patient and brought me up to the clinic. As I sat filling out the forms, he brought me a cup of tea (the first I'd had that day - the saviour!). The forms themselves were not overly long or complicated and the setting of the clinic is minimal, stylish and office-like (as opposed to hospital-like) enough that it makes the experience seem less intimidating for those who may be nervous of such things. The only thing, in fact, that put me ill at ease throughout the entire experience was the consent agreement that I was told to read and sign. I'm perfectly aware that such things present the worst-case, highly unlikely scenarios and I've signed plenty before (for my laser-eye surgery, for example) so I wasn't overly concerned but it was a wee bit alarming. As I say, however, it was the only blip in an otherwise smooth visit. 

Once the forms were all signed, I went into an office where my orthodontist chatted to me politely to put me at ease (even going as far as to put on a K-pop playlist to distract me) and then the scanning process began. This process involves wearing a mouthpiece to keep your mouth wide open for a half hour while all of your teeth are mapped to produce a 3D model. It isn't exactly great fun but isn't unbearable or overly uncomfortable either. They've done a good job in making it as painless as possible. 

Then, I headed on my merry way and, a week or so later, I was sent a treatment plan detailing how they hoped my teeth would look at the end, how long it would take (5 months) and how long each stage of the treatment would last. When you are sent your plan to review, you can either accept and go ahead or decline to pursue it. If you accept, you make your first payment and they send out your first aligner. Then you receive each of your following aligners accordingly, as promised in your treatment plan. Each aligner ensures a certain amount of movement so that, as you get each one, your teeth are straightened bit by bit. You must wear each one throughout the day, unless you are eating or drinking anything but water. In this case, you simply remove and then replace the aligner. At the end of the whole process, you receive a retainer to maintain the treatment. 

The treatment itself costs 70% less than traditional methods and works out at 4 installments of €399 each or one once-off payment of €1499. So, as you can see, it is quite the bargain.

So far, I have to say that I have been incredibly impressed with the staff and service and am really delighted by the results we are aiming for. If my teeth look anything like it by the end, I'll be really happy. I'll continue to update you all throughout the experience so I hope you'll stick around for this journey with me! Check out Your Smile Direct if you're interested in trying it out for yourself.

Now

The end goal - no more gap!

(This is not an ad or sponsored. My treatment is being provided free of charge by Your Smile Direct but all opinions are my own.)

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Where can you buy Flormar make-up in Ireland?

Ever since I wrote about the relaunch of Flormar in Ireland, I've been receiving questions about where you can purchase the products. I responded to those who asked with the simple truth that I honestly didn't know where exactly, particularly outside of Dublin. Then, yesterday, when I was conversing with one of their representatives via email about a different matter, I recalled all of those messages and asked if they could help me out. Thankfully, Flormar were able to send me a full list of their stockists. This list will be expanding over time so what I'm including here is not nearly an exhaustive list. However, you can always check out their Facebook page for updates in the "About" section.

Hope this helps you guys out!

Adamstown Pharmacy (Wexford)
Adriane Dunne Ashbourne (Meath)
Aghada Pharmacy (Cork)
AllCare Pharmacy (Douglas)
AllCare Pharmacy (Wicklow)
AllCare Pharmacy (Donaghmeade)
Ardiluan Pharmacy (Dublin 18)
Bagenalstown Pharmacy (Carlow)
Ballybay Pharmacy (Monaghan)
Bangor Erris Pharmacy (Mayo)
Barretts Castlecomer (Kilkenny)
Barry's Pharmacy (Dublin 12)
Bradley's Pharmacy Blanchardstown (Dublin 15)
Bradley's Prharmacy Ardee (Louth)
Caherconlish Pharmacy (Limerick)
Clonminch (Tullamore)
Carroll's Pharmacy (Waterford)
Christine's Pharmacy (Navan)
Clonroache Pharmacy (Wexford)
Clonsilla Pharmacy (Dublin 15)
Collin's Pharmacy (Clare)
Corrs Pharmacy (Louth)
Colm's Pharmacy (Galway)
Dalton Pharmacy (Tipperary)
Daly's Pharmacy (Dublin 7)
Donabate Pharmacy (Co.Dublin)
Dooley's Bridge Street (Limerick)
Dorrian Ballyshannon (Donegal)
Drom Pharmacy (Limerick)
Durrow Pharmacy (Laois)
Edenmore Pharmacy (Dublin 5)
Edward McManus Pharmacy (Dublin 9)
Edward McManus Pharmacy (Dublin 9)
Ennistymon Pharmacy (Clare)
Fitzmaurice Pharmacy (Dublin 3)
Flanagan's Clearwater (Dublin 9)
Foley's Pharmacy (Dublin 1)
Foxford Pharmacy (Mayo)
Georges St Pharmacy Dun Laoghaire (Dublin)
Glen Easton Pharmacy (Kildare)
Haven Pharmacy Ballybowden (Dublin 16)
Health 1st Pharmacy (Monaghan)
Heathers County Pharmacy- O'Donnells (Mayo)
Heaven Drimnagh (Dublin 12)
Heffernan's Pharmacy (Tipperary)
Hickey's Pharmacy Rush (Co. Dublin)
Janet Dillons (Leitrim)
Janet Dillon (Kildare)
Janet Dillons (Dublin 7)
Jobstown Pharmacy (Dublin 24)
Kelly's Ardara (Donegal)
Kevin Karey Pharmacy (Wicklow)
Killinarden Pharmacy (Dublin 24)
Lannon's Pharmacy (Sligo)
Lennon's Pharmacy Ballymote (Sligo)
Leonard's Corner (Dublin 8)
Life Pharmacy Ballymun (Dublin 9)
Lismore (Mari Mina) (Waterford)
Lonergans Pharmacy (Dublin 12)
Looby Haven Pharmacy (Dublin 21)
Magners Pharmacy (Dublin 5)
Maxwell Pharmacy (Dublin 6)
McCaffreys Pharmacy (Dun Laoghaire)
Mc Cartan Sutton Cross (Dublin 13)
Mc Cartans's Pharmacy (Dublin 17)
Mc Cormack's (Kildare)
Mc Guinness Dundalk (Louth)
McDevitts Pharmacy (Leitrim)
Mclaughlins Pharmacy (Dublin 12)
McManus Pharmacy Clara Offaly
McMahon Pharmacy (Tipperary)
Medipharm Dundrum (Dublin 14)
Medipharm George's St (Dublin 2)
Mitchells (Galway)
Mullaney's Pharmacy (Portlaoise)
Mulligans Pharmacy (Mayo)
N.McSweeny's (Galway)
O ' Dwyer's (Tipperary)
O'Sullivans Pharmacy (Dublin 12)
Park Pharmacy (Waterford)
Ratoath Pharmacy (Meath)
Robert's Pharmacy (Limerick)
Sk Healthcare (Louth)
Springkeel Pharmacy (Mayo)
Staunton's Pharmacy (Meath)
Strand Pharmacy (Dublin 3)
The Cosmetic Outlet (Dublin 8)
The Link Pharmacy (Mayo)
The Rise Pharmacy (Dublin 9)
Thurlas Phar, Dunnes Stores s/c Thurlas Tipperary
Varden West Clare. Milltown Malbay Clare
Village Pharmacy Dundalk (Louth)
Walsh's Pharmacy (Celbridge)
Wards Pharmacy (Longford)
Waterford Park Pharmacy (Waterford)
Woods Pharmacy (Westmeath)



(Thanks to Rebecca from Flormar for passing this information on to me)

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One-Piece

Bikinis aren't my thing (unless we're talking Bikini Kill, because I'm obvs down with that). See, I don't tend to lounge in a swimsuit. I'm either fully dressed and exploring or actually swimming.

I also have boobs. And a butt. Therefore, teeny triangles of fabric aren't going to cut it.

Even swimsuits that have seemed sturdy and reliable in the past have failed me. There was the one-strap one-piece that looked good on but invariably showed off more arse than I was comfortable with once I started moving. Worst of all, that lack of strap led to an unfortunate incident involving a nip slip that my little brother swears has scarred him for life. Ugh. As if I don't embarrass myself enough as it is.

Then there was the high-waisted bikini from American Apparel that I thought had cured my hatred of bikinis but is so complicated to put on that I haven't worn it in years. And then there was the one-piece with cut-outs that looked cute and innocuous with bows on the hips. On the almost entirely curveless mannequin, it looked sweet. When I walked past a window at the pool while wearing it, I came to realise that on a real body it was almost obscene.

Don't even get me started on string ties or entirely strapless swimsuits...

I mean, why are so many swimsuits and bikinis so poorly designed? Why are there so few options that exist somewhere between hideously frumpy and basically naked?

At this stage, I've come to the conclusion, that for me, at least, it's going to be one-pieces all the way from now on. I just feel more at home in them. So, if you have any of the same qualms as me, here's a list of guidelines I've devised to prevent repeats of my past horror stories and some examples that I think are pretty darn cute.

1. Don't go white if you're actually swimming. Trust me - transparency is not your friend.

2. Strapless + boobs = a serious no-go.

3. Cut-out placement should be carefully monitored as torsos are different lengths...be warned.

4. If you think you've found a good one, make sure to take note of the leg-holes. You might be down for it but, if not, be wary of Baywatch-style suits that can go from risqué to risky.

5. While we're talking nether regions (obviously), just check out the butt of suits. Is there enough fabric there for your liking or is it skimpier than you'd prefer?

6. Complexity isn't fun on the beach. If something requires careful placement or takes ages to put on, you may want to forego it.

7. Don't expect a swimsuit to do miracles. It's the sad truth but no matter how cute it is, you're not going to transform. Things you didn't like about yourself will remain. You either have to learn to live with and accept and try to like those things or change them.

8. Get your sizes right or don't buy. Seriously, even on sale. It's not a saving if you realise you can't wear the damned thing.

9. Maybe invest? Sadly, I've noticed that swimsuit selections are waaayyy better when more money is involved. High-end particularly. And, if you don't get to swim that often, maybe an investment in something you would wear for years is better than ten you never even look at. I have a tankini from far too long ago that still gets cracked out on a regular basis.

10. And, hey, if you like it, fuck what anyone else thinks. Fuck my rules/tips/whatever the hell these are. You do you.

Of course, feel free to disregard everything I've said, they are merely lessons I have learned over the years. All I'm saying is, don't go crazy because something is cute. It might not be right for you and if you have to put on your body and don't want to feel shit about it, it may be best to stop and think for a couple seconds first.

Here, we've got a few good options.


1. Heatons, Floral swimsuit, €18

Underwire? Check. Not too skimpy in the crotch areas? Check. Cute as heck/dupe for Dolce? Double check. Also, this is a serious bargain.

2. Cos, Black reversible swimsuit, €55

Thick straps, streamline, minimal and chic and a two-in-one. Basically a classic without looking too much like you stole your grandmother's swimsuit.

3. Batoko, Watermelon swimsuit, €39

Cute, playful, good coverage. The one-piece option for someone who still wants to look fresh and young.

4. Modcloth, Sailor swimsuit, €87

Retro, great on the curves and adorable. A little more pricey but think of the serious Marilyn vibes you'd be giving of, ne?

(Click on the smaller images to shop items.)

So, yeah, that turned into a bit of a rant but I find swimsuits and swimsuit shopping rather a stressful thing. How about you guys?

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Boohoo SS15

The drizzle is persisting, disappearing for moments, hours at a time before determinedly returning once more. But there's a spot of sunshine present, hope that warmer weather isn't too far away. That sunshine comes in the form of the Boohoo SS15 preview. With prints and colour all over the place, metallic tattoos being administered by the lovely Jenny, an ice cream cart upon entry, fruity cocktails at the ready...my mood is instantly transformed. And, in spite of my layers, and regret at having forgotten my scarf, I'm suddenly very enthusiastic about shorts and crop tops and beach attire.

For women, Boohoo is offering some seriously cool workout clothing. So stylish, in fact, that is treads the line between sports luxe and actually functional clothes. For the stuff that might actually make it to the gym, there are some great printed leggings, shorts, tees and sports bras not unlike the type of pieces that sports brands are charging insane amounts for. Hit them up if you're looking to up your style stakes while exercising but don't want to spend every penny you have.

I also spotted a lot of amazing boho/seventies style items perfect for getting on that trend that's going to be so big for the up-coming season. Basically, it's festival basics sorted with fringing, crochet and light knitted pieces all over the places. And for the more serious seventies vibe, all the florals, peasant blouses, wide-legged pants and paisley that you could possibly ask for!

Another corner was occupied by tropical colours and floral printed swimsuits, cover-ups and breezy pieces just made for luxurious getaways and swanning around with giant sunglasses and a cocktail in hand. I was particularly enamoured with a flowy off-white and black two-piece suit that screamed luxury and ease. 

One rack was dedicated entirely to Nadia Aboulhosn's line for Boohoo which offers an almost entirely monochrome range of some rad pieces for women sizes 16-24. Think lots of very contemporary, sleek pieces that very much celebrate the bodies they adorn. 

And what about the boys? Well, expect some awesome accessories (I want all of the backpacks), muted tones such as rich maroons, navy and white, a sporty nineties vibe, seriously retro denim, playful details and the odd appearance of a pop of pastel shades. 

Bring on the summer!

Thanks to Boohoo for having me again, despite the fact that I always stand around eating EVERYTHING.

Keep an eye out for a Boohoo look here sooon...

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Wide-Eyed and Bargain: Healthpoint Tea Tree Facial Cleansing Wipes

I stopped using face-wipes a while back as they are just one of the worst things you can do to your skin. Even if I didn't know that, I'd have figured it out. My skin does not like. When I use them around my eyes, angry little red bumps pop up and it's not pretty.

So, at the end of the day, I just wash my face with a cleanser and go without wipes. Most days this is fine, but if I've been wearing eye makeup, I never feel like I've totally gotten rid of it. I'd been looking into makeup removers etc. but I didn't feel the need to apply anything new over all of my face as it was only the eye area that was causing problems. I also wanted to interrupt my all-organic skincare as little as possible. And while I have used organic wipes in the past (in fact, the last pack I bought before I ditched them were by Dr Organic) I had the same problems with them. No matter how many said "for sensitive skin" on them, they were never sensitive enough.

I'd walked by the Healthpoint Tea Tree Facial Cleansing Wipes countless times in my Tesco as the line for the automated checkouts usually ends up winding all the way back into the beauty aisle. Each time, the wipes caught my eye. "Tea Tree" written on anything always intrigues me as I'm blemish prone and would do anything to change that. The fact that they were a quarter the price of many of the other options also made me curious - you all know how much I love a bargain! I finally decided they were worth the gamble the other day as I was only spending €1.19 on them.

I've only used them to remove eye makeup so they're not affecting my regular routine too hugely. And I have to say, I'm impressed. They do an excellent job at removing the makeup without much effort and don't leave my eyes sore or red.

In summation, if you're looking for an inexpensive way to remove your eye makeup before cleansing, this is a great option.

They're really only an interim solution for me as I'm not mad about using anything less natural on my face but, for now, they'll do! And if you don't have those sorts of concerns, they're perfect!

Available online and in Tesco stores.