Wednesday, 8 July 2015
Sunday, 5 July 2015
Sunday Skin Prep
I've mentioned many times here on my blog that I love a good at home spa session, most of the time it's about relaxing but today it's all about prepping my skin for the week ahead. I always do some kind of a face mask once or twice a week but today I've decided to go for two in a row as well as a good cleansing balm to get the glow back into my skin.
To start I'll use the Georgia Louise Cleanse + Heal Duo Balm, I take my time massaging it into a dry face for a good 5 to 10 minutes. Not something I have time to do everyday but when I do I really see a difference in my skin. When I'm done massaging I run a flannel under warm water, wring it out and remove the balm while gently buffing the skin to exfoliate it.
Next up is the Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask which is seriously good, it really deserves a full review here on the blog. It's clay based, so draws impurities out of the skin but still leaves it feeling soft and nourished. You do have to leave this one on for about half an hour but the results are seriously worth it. It's just so brightening.
I then finish off with the Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cream Mask, which smells lovely and gives my skin an intense hydration boost. I usually use it in place of a night cream and leave it on over night. Whenever I use it I wake up to plump and dewy looking skin, not a dehydration line in sight!
What are your favourite masks?
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Sunday, 28 June 2015
Video: Skincare Empties
My skincare empties video! All products mentioned are linked in the description box on youtube. Thanks for watching!
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Monday, 22 June 2015
Zelens PHA+ Bio Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads
I love a good chemical exfoliant, I have done ever since I stopped using scrubs a few years ago, they're much gentler on the skin yet still get the job done without damaging any delicate areas. I genuinely think they're better for everyone. That said, they're not all created equal, I've definitely tried some that are better than others. The Zelens PHA+ Bio Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads are up there as one of my favourites, they're great for all skin types, even those who are very sensitive.
So why do I love them so much? Well, because they're so much more than just a exfoliating pad. They also hydrate the skin and contain antioxidants which protect skin from environmental damage. So they leave the skin feeling very comfortable rather than tight and stripped of moisture. They also contain two of my favourite ingredients, Lactic and Salicylic acid, both exfoliating acids that just seem to work very well on my skin. Salicylic acid is particularly good for those who are prone to blocked pores and blackheads and Lactic is great for brightening and fading pigmentation. They also contain PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) which are the next generation of exfoliating acids, which is where the hydrating and antioxidant properties come from.
The directions advise that you use them twice per day but I just use them once or twice per week, I find that's enough for my skin as I tend to also use an exfoliating mask a couple of times a week. Obviously you can tailor how often you use them to your skin's needs, more blemish prone skins would definitely benefit from using them more often, as would those who want to see results a bit quicker.
At £65 for a pot of 50 pads they're not exactly cheap but in my opinion they're definitely worth the splurge. If like me you only use them once or twice a week they'll last you at least 6 months. They're definitely a product I'll repurchase again and again, my skin has definitely been brighter and smoother since I started using them!
What do you use to exfoliate?
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Sunday, 21 June 2015
Sunday Spatime!
I love having a bit of at home spa time on a sunday evening, or on any other evening for that matter! It always involves a lovely smelling bath, sometimes a face mask and a few other bits and bobs depending on how I'm feeling. I thought it would be a good idea to share what I'm using here on the blog and make it a bit of a feature as I always seem to use a different combination of products. Today it's all about relaxing and getting my self set up for a busy week back at work tomorrow. So here's what I'll be using!
I adore the scent of lavender and to me, this really captures that true lavender scent. It's so calming and relaxing and it creates lots of lovely bubbles in the bath. That said, the formula does contain sulphates so it isn't the kindest to skin, it can leave it feeling a bit on the dry side but it's nothing a bit of body oil can't solve!
I love a good face mask and this one is a firm favourite for when my skin needs a 'quick fix'. It contains AHAs so it gently exfoliates the skin leaving it feeling soft, clean and bright. It just seems to work every single time, and the best part? You only have to leave it on for 4 minutes!
I've loved this stuff ever since I discovered it a few years ago and I don't think I'll stop using it anytime soon! It truly is an amazing product that I reach for again and again. It's a body oil that glides on really easily and sinks in very quickly. It never leaves a greasy residue on the skin and it smells seriously amazing. I also find it leaves my skin feeling noticeably smoother for a good couple of days after I've used it, which is surprising considering I always moisturise my body everyday anyway.
What can I say? I love oils! For the face as well as for the body. They may take it little bit of extra time to work into the skin but in my opinion they are well and truly worth it. I've only used this facial oil a few times but so far I absolutely love it, it sinks into the skin really easily and a tiny bit goes a very, very long way. I'll report back with a full review once I've been using it a bit longer!
What beauty products do you use to relax?
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Friday, 24 April 2015
Current Cleansing Heroes
You've probably noticed that I've been a bit absent from the blog recently, but what can I say? Sometimes life just gets in the way and things are just too busy. Anyway, I'm back now with a fresh mind and a long list of blog post ides for the upcoming weeks so I thought I'd get stuck right in and talk about a couple of cleansers I've been using constantly and loving.
The first is from super clean skincare brand Nude and it's their Perfect Cleansing Oil for Face and Eyes, this one is my first stop in the evenings, particularly if I've been wearing makeup. I just massage a couple of pumps into dry skin, it completely breaks down all makeup, including mascara. I then splash my face with water and the rich oil turns into a milk and rinses away, taking the makeup with it. It contains lots of natural, skin nourishing ingredients and my skin always feels healthier after using it.
The second in my rotation is Aurelia's Miracle Cleanser, another cleanser packed full of great ingredients from an all clean and natural brand. This one contains lots of essential oils like camomile, rosemary and bergamot which, as well as doing great things for the skin, smell absolutely amazing. This one is my go to first thing in the morning as well as in the evening as a second cleanse after the nude one. I just scoop a bit out, massage it all over my face, inhale the lovely scent, then remove it with a flannel.
The two work in combination with each other brilliantly well and my face feels baby soft after I use them. I'm already onto my second pot of Aurelia and the Nude cleansing oil will also definitely be repurchased when it runs out!
What cleansers have you been using recently?
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Monday, 23 February 2015
Evening Skincare Routine
I made a video all about my morning skincare routine a while ago and here I am with the promised Evening Skincare Routine to carry on from where I last left off. I hope you enjoy watching it, all products are linked over on on youtube, don't forget to like and subscribe if you haven't already!
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Sunday, 1 February 2015
January Favourites
It's favourites time again, but for the first time ever, I'm going to talk you through them in a video. I'm so excited to now be doing my favourites posts as videos so I hope you enjoy watching them as much as I enjoyed filming them! You can also check out my last video, my Morning Skincare Routine, here and don't forget to subscribe to my channel over on YouTube!
Products mentioned:
Nars Narssist Palette
Estee Lauder Pure Colour Stay on Shadow Paint in Chained
MAC Select Cover Up in NC45
Nars Multiple in South Beach
By Terry Baume de Rose Nutri-Couleur in 3. Cherry Bomb and 4.Bloom Berry
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella
Soap & Glory Archery Pencil in Hot Chocolate
Aurelia Miracle Cleanser
Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me and Other Concerns by Mindy Kaling
Friday, 30 January 2015
Cold Weather Skin Saviours
If ever there's a time when my skin feels a bit dry, dehydrated and lacklustre it's at this time of year. The bitingly cold weather and central heating are recking havoc on my skin not to mention the after effects of one too many late nights in December. My skin has a tendency to get very sensitive in the cold but over the last few years I've managed to come up with an arsenal of products to keep it in tip top condition.
Cleansing is so important in the cold, anything foaming will just strip the small amount of moisture there is in the skin. I've been using the Nude Perfect Cleansing Oil in the evenings and the Aurelia Miracle Cleanser in the mornings and as a second cleanse at night. The combination of the two have left my skin feeling fresh and clean but still plumped up, nourished and soft.
The Clarins Special Eye Contour Balm is one I seem to come back to every winter, I spoke about it more in my Morning Skincare Routine Video which you can see here. It's rich and moisturising but still sinks in easily and sits well under makeup. I've also upped my usage of Time Bomb's Youth Juice Secret Oil from a couple of times a week to 3 or 4, I've also been piling it on on at-home, no makeup days. It too sinks in easily and the lovely scent makes it such a pleasure to use.
I generally moisturise my body all year round but in winter I love an oil or a super rich body butter. The Bliss Lemon+Sage Body Butter is so thick it's almost solid, it takes a bit of rubbing in to get it to sink in but boy is it worth it! I've been quickly working my way through this deluxe sample tube but a full size purchase may be in order!
Two things I definitely couldn't forgo are hand cream and lip balm, Soap & Glory Hand Food is everyones favourite for a reason, it smells lovely, is lastingly moisturising and most importantly doesn't leave a reside on the hands. The Body Shop's Coconut Lip Butter is thick and moisturising enough to heal even the most cracked lips but unfortunately does leave a bit of a pale cast on the lips. For that reason, I reserve it for overnight use and I always have super soft lips come morning!
What are your favourite cold weather products?
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Sunday, 18 January 2015
Video: Morning Skincare Routine
Exciting news! I filmed my first ever video for the blog, I decided to talk about my Morning Skincare Routine and did mini reviews of the products I'm using along the way. I'll be filming my Evening Skincare Routine soon too so stay tuned for that one!
I really enjoyed the experience of filming and editing this video so I really hope you like it. I have a whole list of others I'd like to film but if there's anything in particular you'd like to see me do let me know! I'm so excited about this new venture and can't wait to get stuck in!
Products Mentioned;
Elemental Herbology Delicate Cleanse
Clarins Special Eye Contour Balm (full review here, it's an oldie!)
Elemental Herbology Cell Food
Delarom Acquaconfort Cream (full review here)
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturiser SPF30
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Wednesday, 7 January 2015
Top 5 Skincare Discoveries of 2014
I've discovered quite a few products in 2014 that I absolutely love, particularly skincare so I thought I'd share 5 of my favourites with you today and let you know why I love them so much!
1. The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil (full review here)
I absolutely love this oil, it's so effective at removing makeup, cleansing the skin and leaving it feeling soft and plump. It's just as good as some high end oils which is great because not only is it half the price, it also contains double the quantity!
2. Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Night Cream (full review here)
From the budget to the not-so-budget! This one certainly isn't cheap but is most definitely worth it. It's hands down the best night cream I've ever used. It manages to deliver a huge amount of moisture to the skin but still sinks in easily. The consistency is just great and it smells good too.
3. Good Things Manuka Honey Radiance Face Mask (full review here)
Whenever my skin feels a bit dull or grotty I reach for this. It's a clay based mask which unclogs pores, contains fruit acids to brighten and exfoliate and manuka honey to moisturise. It's a great all rounder that I'd recommend to everyone.
4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ (full reviews here and here)
I don't get very many spots but I like to keep this to hand for when I do. A small amount applied to any areas with spots, clogged pores or blackheads help get skin back to normal in record time. The face wash and toner from the range are pretty good too, I spoke more about them here.
5. Indeedlabs Pepta-Bright (full review here)
If you're wondering why this one isn't in the main picture it's because I ran out of it a while ago and threw away the tube! The only reason why I haven't repurchased it yet is because I already had another serum in my stocks that I thought I'd use first. Anyway, onto the product. It has what indeed labs describe as a cream-serum formula which I'd definitely agree with, it's surprisingly moisturising for a serum and oily skin types can probably get away with using it on its own. The reason why I love it so much is because it's absolutely phenomenal at getting rid of pigmentation. Whether it's hormonal, from sun damage or as in my case, old acne scarring. By the time I came to the end of the tube my pigmentation was almost all gone!
I hope you've enjoyed reading about my favourite skincare discoveries from 2014, what were yours?
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Sunday, 4 January 2015
La Roche Posay Effaclar 3 Step Anti Blemish System
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of La Roche Posay's Effacer Duo+ I spoke about it in great detail 1 tube in here and 2 tubes in here. When I heard that they were bringing out a 3 Step Anti Blemish System containing a much hyped toner I was very excited to give it a try. Here's what's in it and what I thought!
First up is the Purifying Foaming Gel, I have to be honest and say I haven't even tried this. I'm not a fan of foaming cleaners at all, they just don't agree with my skin so I passed this along to the boy to try and give me his verdict. Suffice to say he loves it! He said it doesn't foam too much but still leaves his skin feeling clean but not dried out (he has combination/oily skin). Since using it for the last couple of months he hasn't had a single spot in spite of having a terrible cold. He said he likes that it's an unfussy product in practical packaging and that he'll continue to use it and repurchase it indefinitely!
The Clarifying Toner is only available as part of this set and it's the product I was the most excited about. It contains lactic and salicylic acid in a glycerin base so it's exfoliating but also moisturising. I've been using it for a couple of months twice a day and really like it although it doesn't tingle the skin as other exfoliating toners do. I'd definitely recommend it, particularly to those who have never used an exfoliating toner before.
Last up is the Effaclar Duo+, I won't talk about this one too much as I've spoken about it in detail in previous posts, make sure you check those out if you want more info. In a nutshell it's a cream - serum hybrid that can be applied all over the face or just to specific areas. It's incredible at taking down spots in record time and also helps fade any scars they leave behind. A brilliant product that I'll always have at hand just incase!
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Monday, 15 December 2014
Christmas Gift Guide - Under £100
These blusher/highlighter hybrids leave cheeks with a natural looking flush that never looks overdone. These's also a great selection of shades and the packaging is beautiful. Almost to pretty to use!
I love rings with delicate bands, they look so flattering when worn. This one would work equally well with a jeans and tee as it would with an evening dress.
3. Whistles Corinne Mohair Knit £94
A plain black jumper is a staple in everyone's wardrobe but why not get someone a really nice quality one that will last. This cozy mohair one from whistles is really well made and feels a little bit more luxe.
What would a p&p gift guide be without a delicate gold necklace? This one has a pretty rectangular agate and would make a great addition to anyone's jewellery collection.
5. Jo Malone Cologne Collection £68
Jo Malone fragrances are such a luxury, and when combined the possibilities are endless. I think a lot of people would love the idea of being able to wear their own unique scent, this mini cologne set would be a great way to do that. It's also a great way of trying a few of their scents before investing in a full sized bottle.
I love the bright royal blue shade of this little bag, perfect for stuffing with makeup and 'girlie stuff' and throwing into your handbag.
7. Dior Multi Use Palette £58.65
This is definitely a palette that any beauty addict will swoon over, it has a selection of 6 eyeshadows, a lipstick, a lip gloss, a blusher and a face powder all in a beautiful zip up wallet.
8. N.Peal Cashmere Cable Knit Scarf £90.35
Cosy winter warmers always go down well at christmas and this cashmere snood would be a real treat. The neutral knit and colour means it will be worn and loved for many winters to come.
This skincare set is definitely one for someone who already loves high end skincare but wants to try something even more special. It has a great range of their most popular products and is a great way to try them all before investing in the (very expensive) full sized versions!
This beautiful, limited edition candle has notes of white neroli, mimosa and lemon as well as freshly cut grass. Perhaps not the most seasonally appropriate but the ceramic vessel and 18k gold guilding designed by Jenny Packham is just to good too pass up!
I hope you liked this gift guide, if you fancy seeing my under £50 and under £25 edits you can see them here and here. Have any of these items made their way onto your wish list?
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Friday, 12 December 2014
Christmas Gift Guide - Under £25
1. Ren Grab & Go Kit £25
I couldn't believe the value of this set when I spotted it! It contains a selection of 8 Ren products in mini form. Great if you want to introduce someone to the brand but don't want to just give them one product.
This beautifully scented candle contains notes of cinnamon, clove and orange and comes in a beautifully chic and minimal glass jar.
3. ASOS Oversized Scarf £18
This oversized scarf looks so warm and cozy, perfect for this bitingly cold weather. Plus the dark oxblood shade is one that anyone would love.
It's always nice to gift jewellery as it's not always something that people like to buy for themselves. This gold square necklace is so understated and simple it would work with almost any outfit.
Fragrance seems to be such a popular gift at christmas time, surprisingly as most people are very sure of what they do and don't like. This set would be a good option as it gives them a chance to try a few, there's nothing worse than receiving a massive bottle of perfume that you don't really like, especially since they don't come cheap! It's also something a little different to the perfumes you usually see around the highstreet at christmas time.
6. L'Oreal La Palette Nude £14.99
Every beauty lover loves a good neutral eyeshadow palette and this is definitely the best one on the high street. A great option, both for someone who is just getting into makeup or someone who is a complete palette hoarder!
Soap & Glory do brilliant bath and body products and there isn't a single dud in this set. It contains lots of my previously used and loved products and is excellent value for money.
8. Essie Baby It's Cold Outside Quad Box £24.99
In my opinion, you just can't beat Essie polishes. They have the best colour range, brush and formula hands down. This set contains best selling shades Mademoiselle and Chinchilly as well as a couple of sparkly festive numbers.
Skincare can be an expensive thing to invest in, it's always nice to be able to try before you buy. This set has everything you need for a good starter routine. Great for someone just getting into high end skincare or wanting to try a few bits from the brand.
10. ASOS Diamond Shape Necklace £8
Another pretty, minimal, gold necklace. I struggled to choose between the two! This one would look great with just a plain black T-shirt and jeans.
I hope you liked this gift guide! Will any of these item's be making their way onto your list? Look out for my under £50 gift guide coming next!
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Wednesday, 10 December 2014
Current Favourites
As you've probably noticed, I've been a bit late getting together my november favourites. I thought about scrapping the post all together but then decided last minute to rename it 'current favourites' instead! Here's what I've been loving.
I still can't believe it's taken me so long to get a tangle teezer. I got mine about a month ago and it has quickly become an essential. I'm starting to wonder what I ever did without it!
I've noticed that my skin has become a lot drier in the last few weeks because of the horribly cold weather so I've had to take my skincare up a notch. I've been using The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil (full review here) both in the morning and evening rather than just in the evening as I had been doing previously. I've also been using the Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil (full review here) every night and on no makeup days. I've found that using more oil has been amazingly helpful with keeping moisture in my skin and keeping dry patches at bay.
Another skincare love is the Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Tonic, an amazingly hydrating spritz on 'toner' that I've been using both morning and night post cleanse. It has a lovely subtle scent of roses thanks to the rose water it contains and is a great product to stop skin from getting dehydrated. Full review coming soon!
I've been keeping things pretty simple on the makeup front recently. I recently bought the Estee Lauder Pure Colour Shadow Paint in Chained and I've been wearing it almost everyday since. It's a great everyday shade that is so quick and easy to apply.
Another recent purchase is the Smashbox Full Exposer Mascara, I wasn't completely sold on it when I first started using it as it was a bit wet but now that I'm a couple of weeks in and it's dried out a bit I absolutely love it. It adds lots of volume and length and is quickly becoming one of my favourite ever mascaras.
What beauty products have you been loving recently?
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Wednesday, 12 November 2014
Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil
I've always loved using facial oils, they balance combination and oily skin and add much needed moisture to dry skins while being such a pleasure to use. The Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil is no exception, it boasts great ingredients, a blend of 10 natural oils such as olive, avocado and jojoba which have been blended to closely replicate the skin's natural sebum.
I've been using it for about 6 weeks now and it's managed to keep dry, sensitive, winter skin at bay. My skin feels soft and healthy, which is very unusual for me at this time of year! I've been using it 2-3 times a week and I don't ever feel like it's too greasy or that it just sits on the skin. It always sinks right in and smells of lavender which makes it very relaxing to use last thing at night.
If I was being really fussy I'd have to say that my one issue with it is the packaging. There is no pump or pipette dispenser like other oils, just an open 'pour' top which almost always means product ends up getting wasted. The thin plastic bottle and lid also feels a little disappointing compared to other oils in this price range which would usually come in a glass bottle. That said you do get a whopping 60ml of product rather than the usual 30ml so I guess you win some, you lose some! All in all it's a great product, definitely worth a try!
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