Thrifty Tip: Astonish Fabric Refresher Kicks Febreze Ass

 

I’m very particular about taking care of my clothes. A lot of money has gone into my wardrobe over the years despite being quite frugal, and a lot of time too. I’ve spent hours carefully purchasing items that make me look and feel good, so it’s essential that I put a bit of effort into extending their lifespan. Over-washing is the quickest way to prematurely age your clothes. Apart from underwear, socks and gym gear, which should be washed after every wear, you don’t need to throw most items in the machine until you’ve worn them two to five times. Wrinkling your nose in disgust?! Of course I'll wash a garment if it smells or is stained (although I spot clean most of my vintage and dry clean only items), but if it can be worn again, I hang it up to allow any creases to fall out and spritz with fabric freshener. I’m never without fabric freshener (and a lint roller!). Febreze is synonymous with the stuff and there’s very few alternatives, but I recently discovered one that’s much cheaper and far superior.

 

Astonish Fabric Refresher is available in Dunnes Stores, Mace and Eurospar. Astonish is a UK company that produces cruelty-free, vegan-approved cleaning products. I couldn’t get over the price; the Fabric Refresher comes in a huge 750ml bottle for only €1.29. A 500ml bottle of Febreze varies from place to place but it normally retails for over €4. Price and size aside, Astonish outperforms Febreze in scent and longevity. My clothes were instantly revitalised and the lush just-laundered fragrance lasts all day. Save yourself some cash by picking up this excellent product; your laundry load will be lighter, and you’ll be doing your bit for the environment by reducing your water and energy consumption! 

In my quest to preserve my clothes, I’ve also tried Tesco Fabric Freshener which is €1.86 for 500mls. I found it poor at neutralising odours and the scent is quite synthetic.

 

 

 

How do you keep your clothes in good nick?

 

Sew Seventies

The generous gift of a voucher brought me to the door of an antique and vintage shop in Rathmines recently. The 3rd Policeman’s extensive collection of authentic period clothing is beautifully displayed at the back of the store and I made a beeline for it, but not before stopping to ooh and aah at a mishmash of antique furniture and quirky knickknacks, which included a Victorian tea set, toy airplanes, a 1960s record player, lamps in every size and style imaginable, a stuffed fox, typewriters and a picnic set from the 1950s! I wasn’t distracted for too long as I had clothes on the brain (a spending ban will do that to a girl) and I spent a blissful hour trying on items that spanned the twentieth century. This hand finished 1970s sundress fits like a glove and I adore everything about it – the flared skirt, the pockets, the charming embroidery to the bodice. It will see me into autumn too when I plan to channel Russian beauties Miroslava Duma and Ulyana Sergeenko by pairing it with my thrifted knee high boots and a heavy knitted cape.

Dress - The 3rd Policeman

Sandals - New Look

 

Current Beauty Favourites

 

1. Max Factor CC Cream in Fair (€14.99): None of my everyday foundations stood a chance when this colour correcting cream entered my life, it’s like Photoshop in a tube! While the coverage is light to medium, it neutralises redness, covers imperfections and softens the appearance of pores and fine lines. The lightweight formula is really hydrating; this is definitely best suited to those with drier complexions.  But the best part? The finish. Max Factor CC Cream imparts a gorgeous, dewy glow. The shade Fair blends seamlessly into my pale visage, another big plus. Application is easy; I use either my fingers or the Real Techniques Stippling Brush, and you only need a tiny amount so the 30ml tube lasts for ages. €15 well spent.

Max Factor CC Cream in 40 Fair

2. Revlon Photoready Powder in Fair/Light (€16.49): When it comes to affordable pressed powders, I know my stuff. I’ve tried them all; from Natural Collection to L’Oréal, and everything in between. However, this one is in a league of its own. Revlon Photoready Powder contains light reflective particles that give skin a natural but luminous finish. If you prefer a matte look, this probably isn’t for you. Nevertheless, it effectively sets foundation and eliminates shine. As it’s so finely milled, it doesn’t look cakey on the skin - a problem with many budget powders. The compact itself is sturdy and contains a mirror and a brush, perfect for touch-ups on the go.

Revlon Photoready Powder in 010 Fair/Light         

3. Soap & Glory Bright Here Bright Now Instant Radiance Energy Boost Balm (€16): Continuing with the glow theme, this balm (it’s more like a lotion really) was a gift from a friend. I apply it after moisturiser and before foundation, and on occasion, on top of my cheekbones after my makeup has set. This delivers a very subtle sheen to the skin without any shimmer. I’ve been really enjoying using this; the minty fragrance is refreshing and I feel it makes me look less fatigued. However, there are more affordable dupes out there such as Botanics All Bright Radiance Balm, which is what I’ll be purchasing when this runs out.

Soap & Glory Bright Here Bright Now Instant Radiance Energy Boost Balm              

 

4. No7 Precision Lips Pencil in Paprika (€8.75): Orangey-red lipsticks are everywhere this summer but it’s hard to find a liner to match, especially an inexpensive one. This moisturising pencil is the answer to your coral-hued prayers. I love pairing it with Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in In Love With Ginger.

 

5. MAC Lip Pencil in Currant (€16.50): This is the product of a Brown Thomas gift card, I wouldn’t normally spend so much money on a lip liner. It is, however, incredibly long-lasting and worth every cent. I was advised to team this with MAC Rebel but I feel Rimmel Glam Plum Fulham is a more suitable mate.

 

6. Essence Lip Liner in 07 Cute Pink (€1.29): Yes, another lip liner! This creamy pencil is the ultimate my-lips-but-better shade. I like to wear it on its own or with No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in Pink Hint. I strongly recommend checking out the Essence range of lip liners; they have some gorgeous shades for mere pocket change.

 

                                From left to right: No7 Paprika, MAC Currant, Essence Cute Pink