Showing posts with label Clinique. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clinique. Show all posts
As I mentioned in my earlier blog post taking you through my current skincare routine, I have been focusing on keeping up with my skincare routine while I have more time at home (trying to look on the bright side) so these new products will get a lot of use this year.
Firstly, before I knew I was getting skincare for my birthday I also made a little order of my own from Origins with some money I was given for my birthday. I knew I needed a new moisturiser as my current Lacura Facial Cream only have a couple more uses left. After looking online at the Kiehl's website and lusting over the original Facial Cream, I decided to go with a trusty favourite of mine which is the Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturiser. I have used this product for years and mentioned it countless times on the blog so I knew it would be a great addition back into my collection.
Along with the moisturiser I also decided to buy myself the Mask Medley Collection for a great price of £30. I normally buy my Origins face masks at Bicester Village to save on the pennies and this pack have 3 masks I have never used before and the Maskimizer which I have used already and, even though I can't say whether it does have any benefit to my skin, I do like to add it in to my pamper routine. I may be a gimmick but I didn't pay full price for it so who cares!
Including in the medley is the Maskimizer which I have mentioned, Drink Up 10 minute hydrating mask, Mega Mushroom Relief and Resilience Soothing mask and the Clear Improvements Charcoal mask. I shall write a post after I have used these mask over a considerable period and let you know how I get along with them.
Next up is my present bundle from my sister from Clinique which is another of my favourite skincare brands. I have tried to find the bundle she purchased so I will link each individual product for you. Including in the bundle was the Clarifying Lotion 2, Take The Day Off Balm, Moisture Surge Moisturiser, All About Eyes Eye Cream and Dramatically Different Lotion.
All these products, except for the clarifying lotion, I have used and love many times before and in trying to use up most of my skincare products, I have ended up with not a lot of Clinique products left. As you can see from my very messy skincare draw above, I have a lot of different brands that I am currently using skincare wise but the majority of my collection is made up of Origins, Sukin and now Clinique.
If you would like a skincare collection tour then let me know and I can group the similar products together and post them as individual product collections. Last year I went through a stage of using up a lot of my skincare products and trying not to buy anymore until I was left with a small collection, but since discovering Laura Edwards on YouTube I now am really excited to discover new products and try new formulas. If I am stuck at home for any longer, I might just spend my days in face masks and dressing gowns.
It must be something to do with having more time on my hands but I am at it every morning and evening and that hasn't happened in a very long time.
My skin is really loving the TLC (apart from my chin which after a few weeks of no skincare, lots of chocolate and wine is erupting in loads of mountains) so I thought I would give a little update on my routine since my last post was December!
I have only recently been using different products during my morning and evening routines so unlike my previous posts, I have split these down for you so enjoy!
M O R N I N G
The first product I use to wash the dirty off of my face is the Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser which I got in my trio pack for Christmas. One of the things I really like about this product is that it has no frills, just plain good product which actually works.
Once I have washed my face I like to go in with a toner and the one I have been using recently is the Clinique Clarifying Lotion which reminds me of the Glossier Solution toner. They are both great at really getting into your pores and actually doing something deep within them.
Once I am all fresh faced and feeling clean I like to use the Glossier Super Bounce Serum to give myself a little extra moisture before I apply my actual moisturiser. I have found since working from home and spending more time in the sun that my skin has really needed a extra something. The serum paired together with a moisturiser also makes a great base for makeup.
Last up I have my two moisturisers for the day time and I am so sad that I am nearly out of one. I firstly use the Origins Refreshing Eye Cream which is a pale pink colour which makes it great to brighten your under eye (and god knows I've needed that lately).
My everyday face moisturiser is the Lacura Facial Cream (the product is limited edition but you can shop their other products here) which is a dupe of the Kiehl's facial cream which I am drying to try. The Kiehl's cream is around the £45 mark and that is just too much to pay for one product right now, I'll still to my £25 Clinique Moisture Surge thank you! I bought this moisturiser late last year as a whim as It was only £5 and it is actually amazing. If you can find some in the local Aldi definitely try it.
E V E N I N G
Moving onto my evening routine and this changes slightly depending on whether I have worn makeup during the day but it mainly starts with the Simple Water Boost Micellar Cleansing Water which I have to say is my favourite micellar water out of all the brands. I have tried many over the years including Garnier, Nivea and Bioderma and Simple has always been my favourite. The main reason is I feel like I am never left with a film on my skin after using it.
Then once my skin is clean of any obvious dirty I go in with a toner and cleansing pads both from Superdrug's Naturally Radiant Glycolic range. Some times I might only use one product but most of the time I use both the Glycolic Tonic and the Glycolic Acid Daily Cleansing Pads. These both get the extra bit of dirty which is hiding on the skin and when I am having a break out, these tone down the angry spots (these are getting a lot of use right now).
Lastly onto my moisturising products to give my skin some TLC during the night. First up I have the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate which I don't use every night other wise I would be sharing my house with a number of spots on the regular, but I do use it about once a week when I feel like my skin needs a pick me up during the night. Obviously from the name, the product is very concentrated so you only need a little bit of product to do the job and this makes a great base for your moisturiser to do its magic.
The moisturiser I am currently using during the evenings is the Sukin Facial Moisturiser. Now I know that isn't a night moisturiser but I find I get on much better with this product then my Sukin night moisturiser at the moment, and when your skin tells you something you listen!
A bit of a long post today but i hope it encourages you to dig around your skincare draw and pull out some unloved products while you have a bit more time on your hands. I have a post coming up showing you the new products which have come into my collection thanks to my birthday at the beginning of this month so make sure you keep a eye out for it.
Starting off with the most important product - lip balm! Everyone in my RL knows that I have problematic dry lips and sees the effects of them every week so I never skip this step in my morning or evening skincare routine. I have exclusively used Glossier Balm Dot Com since I first tried them some years ago. I don't know any other lip balm that rivals them. This is a crucial step in my routine to make sure my lips are looked after for the day so I always start my day applying lip balm.
Next I have what I call an under base product which comes in so handy during the colder months. I only first tried serums a few years ago and I do think the effects they give your skin are unlike any other type of product. During the day I like to use the Glossier Super Bounce Serum which gives your skin extra moisture and plumps your skin to make it feel younger and smoother. I find this teamed with a moisturiser is the perfect base for my make to last all day and my face to stay hydrated for hours.
Before I go to bed I like to apply Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate which I am pretty sure is magic in a bottle. I first picked this up in Brighton this year and after a little demo from the sales assistant I was go excited to try it! I have reads reviews where people have explained that the serum has brought them out in spots, I have experienced that myself but I was using it every night for about 2 months. I find this is a perfect product to use as and when your skin needs it. I like to keep this on my bed side table so after I have done my skincare routine and let the other products sink in, I then decided before I fall to sleep whether my skin needs some extra help that night.
Lastly I have two moisturises which are both affordable products from Boots. I have previously been a bit of a skincare snob when it came to moisturisers (bar the Sukin Facial Moisturiser which is actually the bomb and great under make up!) but when I ran out of my favourite Clinique Moisturiser I needed a replacement which was easily assessible and a bit cheaper. I tested the Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream in store one day and couldn't believe how light and hydrating the product was, and at £6.99 for 50ml (currently £4.66 on offer) I had to try it. You definitely do not need a lot so the tub lasts a long time and paired with my Glossier serum, my skin feels amazing afterwards. Full post of my favourite moisturises here!
My last moisturiser is the Sukin Moisture Restoring Night Cream. I am not a religious night cream wearer, as sometimes with dry to combination skin you can over moisturise, but hen I do I like to use this. Sukin is an Australian made, natural, cruelty free, vegan, carbon neutral brand and if none of that takes your fancy, its products feel so luxurious. At £14.99 for 120ml you really are buying a greta product from a great company at a great price. They have difference ranges which range in price but I have found with all the products I have tried, that they last so long. I first tried this product along with a few others last January and I still have some much product left (see blog post here).
Have you got any products you swear by this time of year?
I have made an conscious effort this year to reduce the amount of makeup I purchase as a whole and it is safe to say it has been a big success. I haven't brought any new makeup since 2018 and the last post I made about makeup was a review of makeup I gifted the previous years so I definitely think my beauty blogging days are officially over. But that is fine and my priorities for this space have changed massively so roll on the future!
Back to the post...
I thought I would show you my current makeup routine for autumn telling you about some of my favourite products from my more streamline collection and if you are lucky, you might get a selfie with the makeup one! (sorry didn't happen :P)
For my base I have been mainly going between two equally great foundations from two different price points. The first is the Rimmel Lasting Finish 25hr Foundation in Classic Ivory which gives a gorgeous flawless effect on the skin as well as not looking too full coverage or over the top. When I feel like I need a little bit more coverage especially in the evening, I like to add in a few drops of the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation in the shade 3.5 cream rose. I can't go wrong with either foundations as they both last all day on my skin.
For bronzer I like to keep it simple and use the Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette in Noorer as it can be lovely and subtle when I need it to be or built up to create a powerful look when I need.
For my eyes I have been going in between the same two palettes for over a year now, both Urban Decay and both amazing. The Naked 2 Palette is great for glitter and smokey eye looks where as the Naked Heat palette is great for a flushed natural pop of colour to match a sexy red lip.
And lastly for lips I like to keep it simple with a nude … or a darker nude - ground breaking I know. When I want a easy simple look I opt for the Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Sand and when I want a big of a darker I opt for the Kiko Lipstick in Velvet Passion which I can never find online!
This will probably be the only beauty related post I make for a long time now as most blog posts would involve all the same products so saviour it while it is here!
Moisturisers are like gold dust in a skincare routine especially for people with dry skin like me. A moisturiser is the most important step in my skincare and i find a good moisturiser can make or break a makeup look.
My skin type is dry which has bouts of normal happy skin and bouts of severly dry patches. My skincare routine consists of using a moisturiser every morning and if i remember, in the evening too. I've collected all the moisturisers I've used over the last year and ranked them from favourite to least favourite, even though i still like some of the products at the bottom of the list.
1. Clinique Moisture Surge
Starting off with my all time favourite moisturiser which i first spoke about back in March 2017 in a wishlist post. So many people spoke about how hydrating this product was and how it made people feel like they had just experienced a facial. I agree with every statement ever made about this product and i am gladly on my second tub now since i was given a gift set this Christmas with a new tub included. The product is super hydrating, leaves the skin super soft, gives a boost of life to your skin and lasts all day on the skin. I like products that make a big difference on my skin and after a long day, i can still feel the benefits of this moisturiser on my skin. The product is rich without feeling heavy and clogging on the skin which means it doesn't break me out after using it. Lastly you only need a small amount of product to make a big difference so the tub lasts ages, my first tub lasted me from April to December and i used it every single day.
2. Origins Gin Zing Moisturizer
Now this was my favourite moisturizer for a very long time and even when i first started using the Clinique Moisture Surge, i still went between the two when we came to choosing my favourite. Just like the Clinique Moisturiser this product is so hydrating for dry skin it leaves your skin feeling brand new, as soft as a babies bum. Also the Gin Zing ingredients make the product super relaxing, hydrating and soothing on the skin. It somehow always seems to feel cold on the skin so every time you use the product it really wakes up your skin. I really liked using this product on really bad skin days because it wouldn't irritate my bad skin and it give my skin a big boost, it left me feeling like my skin was glowing when it was at its worse.
3. Lush Gorgeous Moisturiser
Although i only tried a tester of this moisturiser back in January, the product is still on my mind. A lot of people raved about this moisturiser so i ended up getting a little sample pot and i couldn't be how much i liked it. The product was really rich and luxurious on the skin and took a while to completely sink into the skin which normally i don't like but i found this moisturiser worked as a great base for my makeup. I didn't need to use a primer afterwards and the product helped make my makeup last longer. The only thing that has stopped me repurchasing this moisturiser is the price. £42 for a moisturiser from Lush seems ridiculous especially when my origins and Clinique moisturiser cost around £25 each and they are bigger brands.
4. Sukin Facial Moisturiser
Sukin skincare is a brand which I only started trying out last year and I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the products. They advertise themselves as natural, cruelty free, vegan and carbon free skincare which doesn't cost a bomb. This moisturiser was a firm favourite of mine when i first purchased the range, opting to use this moisturizer during the day underneath my makeup. What i liked about this product is that it is a bog standard good moisturizer with no nastiest in. It worked at moisturizing my skin without breaking me out or making my pigmentation standout.
5. Clinique Dramatically Different
If you have been around for a while then you will remember when every skincare post of mine included this moisturiser. It was y holy grail for a very long time and even though i haven't repurchased it in a few years since trying out different products, i know if i needed to go out and purchase a new moisturiser this product would be on my list. I've tried this product in a few formulas and packing but my favourite is the cream formula in the pot. The product has a thick consistency which soaks into the skin and leaves it feeling so smooth. This used to sort my skin out on bad skin days when my dry patches were at their worth in my early 20s.
6. Clinique Super Defense Night
This is another product that i had in my collection a long while ago while i recently used again when it came in a free promotion from Clinique. From what i can remember about this product when i first used it was it was quite greasy and slippery but the small pot i received of the product was so much better. It obviously had been reformulated and i'm not complaining at all. I found it was really good for wearing underneath my makeup and helping me start with a even base, don't hate me for not using it as a night cream... I wasn't too keen to use the product at first when i received it but when i ran out of moisturisers it was my only option and i ended up falling in love. The consistency of the product is quite thick but easy enough to sink into the skin in good time.
7. Sukin Moisturizing Restoring Night Cream
This product is what i call a magic product because it doesn't matter how much product you scoop out the tub, the product never seems to go down. It looks perfectly untouched every time i go to use it. This is the only night cream i use at the minute and there isn't much to say about the product apart from it is a good night cream. I pair it with the Clinique All About the Eyes cream before i go to bed and in the morning my skin feels like a babies bottom.
8. Clinique Prep Start Moisturiser
I brought this product because of a recommendation of a shop assistant in Bicester Village as she said it was amazing underneath makeup which i agree with, the product works great as a primer but it doesn't feel amazing as a moisturizer. It feels more like a matte primer then a moisturiser so i tend to use it as a primer using the summer when i don't need a lot of moisture added to my skin.
9. Glossier Priming Moisturiser
I won't say much about this product because i don't have many good things to say about it. It is advertised as a priming moisturizer but i don't feel like it moisturizes my skin at all and the primer element i don't rate as well. I know a lot of people who claim to love this product so it is definitely all down to different skincare preferences. I love every other Glossier product i have tried but i just don't rate this product at all.
What are your opinions on the products ive mentioned? Skincare is definitely something that works differently for different people so if you have liked something that i haven't or vice versa, no worries i'm glad it works for you!
April seems like a very long time ago considering in two months it will be a full year. Man time flies! Back in April i shared with you some of the beauty products i received for my 24th birthday (link), i thought i would write another post dedicated to these products to give you my feedback and all but two are high on my radar.
Starting off with the Urban Decay Naked Heat palette (link) which i have used non stop since April. My preference for eye shadow shades is basically this palette, i can make great everyday looks with this palette as well as ramp up the shades on the right side of the palette for a more dramatic look. I already had the Naked Palette 2 which was a holy grail for a very long time. Now this palette has overtook the old favourite in my opinion. The shades are generously pigmentation and the formula is really easy to blend, i don't know one person who dislikes this palette.
I haven't posted my makeup routine since in September last year so this post is well over due, especially since all the products have flipped over. I have always been a light to medium coverage with a dewy healthy finish but i am officially a full coverage foundation lover.
I got the Clinique Beyond Perfecting foundation back in April for my birthday and on fire impressions, i didn't like it at all. I felt like it dried out my skin and left my skin feeling really clogged and slightly pale. Turns out I was using way too much product which was why it clogged my skin up so much. With a light hand it gives a really lovely smooth flawless healthy finish which lasts all day. I have been wearing this foundation non stop this month.
Then I've been using my trusty Bourjois Radiance Concealer underneath my eyes and my Collection Lasting Perfection on my chin and any blemishes. I'm trying to lay off powder at the moment as i feel like that may be a contributing factor to the uncomfortable dry skin i am currently experiencing so I've been moving straight on to bronzer and highlight and these two are products I've already spoken about this year. The Kiko Fall 2.0 bronzer is amazing at a subtle colour which paired with the foundation makes my skin look really healthy. I am still obsessed with the PS Glow Palette Highlighters so i basically don't use anything else for highlight. I use every shade in the palette and the pigment is incredible!
Onto eyes on a every day basis i have been using mainly cream eye shadows as they are super easy to wear and last all day on your lids. I'm currently using my PS Bronze Metallic eye shadow to give my eye lids a pop of metallic gold colour and make my makeup feel more festive. It is a really beautiful colour, i just wish it was easier to get the product out!! As for eye brows i am still using my holy grail product which is the NYX Tame and Shape Brow Pomade. It is really easy to use and this pot has lasted my so long without drying up which is a miracle.
Lastly for lips i have been playing it safe with my Glossier balm dot com in Cherry on a daily basis and only wearing lipsticks when i am going out anywhere nice. You can't go wrong with a good lip balm!
What is your current makeup routine?
I have used up quite a lot of skincare products since the start of the year so i thought I would round them all up and give you my opinion on whether I would purchase the products again. I have tried so many new skincare products this year so I have a few new favourites in my collection.
First off i am taking it back to August when I used up the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm. I am a big fan of cleansing balms especially in the winter when my skin can get quite dry. The balm lasted me quite a few months as I treated it more like a luxurious cleanser as I was also using the Lush Cleansing balm at the same time. Although I don't use cleansing balms a lot of the time because I am much too lazy, i do want to purchase a new pot going into winter. I loved using this cleanser on my pamper nights when my skin really needed it.
Another product I used up quite a while ago was the Origins GinZing Moisturiser which I have spoken about so many times before. I scraped that pot till there was nothing left to scrap! This moisturiser is one of my top 2 moisturisers of all time so once I finish the Cinique Moisture Surge Moisturiser that I currently have, I will be buying another pot from Bicester Village. I really love rich moisturisers which leave you skin feeling like you've just had a facial.
Back in April I was given a bunch of Glossier products for my birthday and my favourite product out of all of them was the Glossier Super Bounce Serum. I used that serum every day so it didn't last very long at all. I will definitely be repurchasing that once I use up the Botanics serum I purchased last month to replace it. Sadly they don't compare at all... The glossier serum left my skin feeling really soft and bouncy (as the name suggests) but the Botanics serum feels like it strips my skin and leaves it really dry.
Another skincare product I've used up is the Sukin Foaming Cleanser which I first tried back in January. I love using a foaming cleanser with my manual cleansing brush and this cleanser left my skin feeling cleaner than any other product I've ever used. I haven't had a chance to go out and buy another bottle yet but I definitely will soon!
Finally for the last of the skincare, I'm not going to lie I probably had my L'Oreal Pure Clay Detox Face Mask for way longer than I should had. It probably was past its sell by date but who cares it still worked. This was the only face mask I owned after a big clear out of my collection and once I finished the pot I picked up the Pure Clay Rescue Mask as a replacement. There aren't many make up brands which make great skincare (in my opinion) but L'Oreal know what they are doing. My skin is currently in a good condition but now and again springs a random spot which can get sore so these face marks are a life saver.
You would have seen in my last post that I recently picked up the Clinique Take The Day Off makeup remover to try, now after I have been using it for a few weeks I thought I would compare it to my holy grail Simple Micellar Water. As you should all know I am a budget girl through and through only springing out for certain skincare pieces which I know work way better for me then the drugstore equivalent I have tried.
P A C K A G I N G
Not that you should judge a book by its cover but we all know the packaging is what attracts us to look at a product in the first place. For the most part both bottles are relatively similar with both being clear plastic bottles but the Clinique bottle is more appealing and expensive looking, I can't lie when I put all my Clinique products together on the side they do look good. But what the Simple bottle lacks in cuteness it makes up for with size. You know everyone always tells you size doesn't matter? It does when it comes to skincare products. The Simple bottle holds more than 3x more product than the Clinique bottle and is more than 1/3 of the price. You can't argue with maths although the Clinique bottle would be better for traveling.
F O R M U L A
When it comes to formulas these two products couldn't be any more different. The Clinique remover is oil based so the product separates in the bottle when it is untouched. Many times I have poured some of the product out before I have remember to shake the bottle and I get a face full of oil! I am learning and haven't done that is a week tho. The product also leaves a residue on the skin afterwards that I tend wash off straight away otherwise my skin is slimy for a while, afterwards you can't deny your skin feels amazing though like you have just had a facial. My skin is always super soft after I have used this product and unlike the Take The Day Of Cleansing Balm that I tried before, this product doesn't irritate my eyes.
As for the Simple cleanser it is exactly what it says on the tin (or bottle), you wipe your makeup away with a cotton pad and your done, no need to wash your face afterwards. My skin has always liked this micellor water and I really like you can get sensitive formulas as well as my skin can be unpredictable sometimes. I find with this cleaner you don't a lot of product to remove the majority of your makeup which makes my night routine even quicker.
P R I C E
Now for the all important price... I normally buy the Simple Micellor water for around £6 which is extremely good for your money but at the moment, the product is half price and £3 for the 400ml bottle which is a steal. As for the Clinique makeup remover I purchased the 125ml bottle from Boots for around £14 if you compare it to some other skincare brands isn't actually that much.
C O M P A R I S O N
I know no matter what I will also have a bottle of Simple Micellor Water in my skincare collection because it comes in really handy and I know it will always work for me. I do like to branch out with my skincare though and Clinique is one brand that I really like to try new products from. I swear by their moisturizers and feel like my skin benefits from using their products regularly. If you are looking fo ]r a bog standard does what it says on the bottle then the Simple Micellor water is the one for you but if you like the more luxurious feel then try the Clinique makeup remover because it does remove all your makeup and leave your skin feeling super silky.
Isn't it great when you receive a free gift?! I recently went into Boots to purchase my current favourite Clinique moisturiser and was told that if you bought two or more products you got to pick a choice of 5 free gifts. Never one to turn down a good deal I bought right into it and picked up another product so I could get the gifts.
I originally went into Boots to pick up another of the Moisture Surge Moisturizer which is one of my favourites and I had just ran out of it. I love this moisturizer because it is so nourishing on the skin, it almost gives the effect of a moisturising mask afterwards. I know a lot of people like to take this traveling with them as it is great to counter out the downfall of flying and dry skin. This moisturizer isn't the cheapest product to purchase but it also isn't anywhere near the price of some products alike. I tend to spend more money on my skincare and stick to drugstore makeup as I believe if you get your base right then your makeup will always look good.
The second item I purchased to receive my free gift was the Take the day off makeup Remover which I had previously tried in cleaning balm form. This was £17 in boots and I chose this because I have had my eye on it for a long while but was always out off by the price. When you are used to buying Simple micellor water for a couple of quid £17 seems crazy. Any i loved the cleaning balm version a lot as you know from my previous posts so I was intrigued to tried this version. It is definitely more luxurious and feels like it benefits my skin a lot, but I do have a few things I don't like about it. Firstly it leaves a residue on my skin which I end up washing off with water afterwards so it takes more time and effort than my Micellor water and secondly, you have to shake it well before you use it to mix the product together but me being me, I forget 9/10 times. Let me tell you rubbing oil over your face on a cotton wool pad isn't as comfy as you would imagine. Apart from them two things I do like how it leaves my skin and I am glad I have tried it out.
Now onto the goodies.... there were about 7 items to choice from and the two I didn't pick were products I already had so it worked out quite nicely. The first product I picked was the Superdefence Night Recovery moisturizer which I have just realised is a newer version of a product I used to use. I am excited to test this properly but so far I like how moisturized and healthy it is leaving my skin in the morning. Next we have the 2 in 1 micellor gel make up remover which is a great travel size and perfect to take on holiday with me. I've finally booked a holiday btw thank god! Then I've got a True Bronzed Pressed Powder in Sun Kissed which is a great summer bronzer shade which isn't too pigmented, so it makes the dark shade much more wearable. I chose to get another High Impact Mascara which I have been using a long while now and it again is a great mascara to take away with you and on a night out. Lastly I chose two Pop Splash Lip Gloss + Hydrators in the shades Adore and Watermelon Pop. Adore is definitely my kind of shade because shock I love nudes but Watermelon Pop will be great to take on holiday with me.
I can't find this offer being advertised anywhere on the Boots website now but if you live anywhere near one i would definitely pop in and take a look. I'll let you know how I get on with these goodies!
This summer I am on a mission to have banging skin and so far, the skin gods have been nice to me. I have very dry skin as I have told you all before so I get flare ups of dry skin in both the cold and the heat so I'm quite unlucky. I have a bunch of products that are really working with my skin in this heat wave we are currently having so I thought I'd share them with you.
F A C E
For my face I am currently loving a simple skincare routine of three products, which all have pastel pink packaging which pleases me greatly. First up I have my Loreal Fine Flowers Gel Crea Wash in Rose and Jasmine which sadly doesn't smell as amazing as you would think from the name. I really like this cleaner in the mornings because it doesn't stripe my skin or dry it out after ward but it still leaves my skin clean and clear for my next products.
Once I have washed my face I use the Glossier Super Bounce serum which has really mad me feel in love with these types of products. I have never used a serum before this and now I want to try every product going. I used to think that serums would clog my skin and make me feel like I have too many layers on my face but this serum just sinks into my skin and leaves it with this super dewy moisturised glow.
When I then layer on top my Clinique Moisture surge moisturizer then I am living my best life and have no dry patches in sight. I know a lot of people use this moisturizer for long haul flights and travelling because it is so luxurious on the skin and that is what first attracted my to this product. I am at the stage now where I am scrapping the bottom of the tub to get any product out so I will definitely need to repurchase this soon!
On the days when it is just too hot to even think about putting any makeup on I like to use face mists and sprays to give me a little glow, keep me refreshed and to stop a sun burn. I love using the Newlook refresh and prep spray which I are only £4.99 and you can use them on days when you aren't wearing makeup to refresh your skin and underneath your makeup to prime your skin. Sometimes you just need a little spritz of something to cool you down and this spray is perfect for that.
B O D Y
Once my face is all ready for the sun its time to sort my body out! I have a lot of shower gels and creams in my bathroom because I always get them for birthdays and Christmas so I have a lot to choose from but my favourite have to be the Lush shower gels. I am currently using Snow Fairy which is my second bottle now and I love the smell of it. It is great to use in the summer because it is a time when you have more or your flesh out so you want your skin to smell nice. Plus you tend to sweat more so when I shower I like to use something that has a really powerful smell so that I feel more clean afterwards. If I use a shower products with no smell I don't feel that clean afterwards, anyone agree?
I also need to show some love to my feet during this time of year because I suffer from the worst dry feet in the world. Sad but true. So I like to use the Soap and Glory Heel Genius foot cream most nights before I go bed so that I can wake up with some what softer feet. The tub is huge I think so I know it will last me for a long time and I like to keep this on my night stand to remind myself to use it. I'll be honest... I don't always remember and then I really regret it the next day when I have to get my feet out.
H A I R
Lastly we have hair but not hair on your head, no hair removal. Not a lot of people talk about hair removal because it is not a glamours topic but we all suffer from it and if any of you are dark haired like me then you will know the constant struggle!
Starting with the typical hair removal I still, after how many years now, use Lush's D'Fluff strawberry shaving cream to shave my armpits and legs. During the summer I tend to shave my legs and armpits every couple of days because I like to feel comfortable and free when it is hot. This can be quite grooling on your skin but with this shaving cream, i have never hurt myself or caused a rash and my skin is always smooth and soft afterwards. Plus a tub lasts me so long considering I used this product up to 3 times a week so it clear how much I love this.
For the more unconventional hair removal, I like to use Veet sensitive hair removal cream and I have been using this since my teens. Having dark hair and Italian heritage I have dark hairs allllll over my body which used to really get me down but now I've learned to get over it. Some of the places I use Veet cream is mainly around my belly button and on my chest. As embarrassing as it is to say... we are all girls here. The cream is really easy to use, the process is quick and it doesn't leave me any red patches or rashes after wards so I can go out straight afterwards. Please tell me I'm not the only one???
Once I have sorted out my unwanted hair I am set to put on my dress, get my legs, arms and chest out and catch that sun.
Do you have any tips or tricks to get your skin really for summer?
F A C E
For my face I am currently loving a simple skincare routine of three products, which all have pastel pink packaging which pleases me greatly. First up I have my Loreal Fine Flowers Gel Crea Wash in Rose and Jasmine which sadly doesn't smell as amazing as you would think from the name. I really like this cleaner in the mornings because it doesn't stripe my skin or dry it out after ward but it still leaves my skin clean and clear for my next products.
Once I have washed my face I use the Glossier Super Bounce serum which has really mad me feel in love with these types of products. I have never used a serum before this and now I want to try every product going. I used to think that serums would clog my skin and make me feel like I have too many layers on my face but this serum just sinks into my skin and leaves it with this super dewy moisturised glow.
When I then layer on top my Clinique Moisture surge moisturizer then I am living my best life and have no dry patches in sight. I know a lot of people use this moisturizer for long haul flights and travelling because it is so luxurious on the skin and that is what first attracted my to this product. I am at the stage now where I am scrapping the bottom of the tub to get any product out so I will definitely need to repurchase this soon!
On the days when it is just too hot to even think about putting any makeup on I like to use face mists and sprays to give me a little glow, keep me refreshed and to stop a sun burn. I love using the Newlook refresh and prep spray which I are only £4.99 and you can use them on days when you aren't wearing makeup to refresh your skin and underneath your makeup to prime your skin. Sometimes you just need a little spritz of something to cool you down and this spray is perfect for that.
B O D Y
Once my face is all ready for the sun its time to sort my body out! I have a lot of shower gels and creams in my bathroom because I always get them for birthdays and Christmas so I have a lot to choose from but my favourite have to be the Lush shower gels. I am currently using Snow Fairy which is my second bottle now and I love the smell of it. It is great to use in the summer because it is a time when you have more or your flesh out so you want your skin to smell nice. Plus you tend to sweat more so when I shower I like to use something that has a really powerful smell so that I feel more clean afterwards. If I use a shower products with no smell I don't feel that clean afterwards, anyone agree?
I also need to show some love to my feet during this time of year because I suffer from the worst dry feet in the world. Sad but true. So I like to use the Soap and Glory Heel Genius foot cream most nights before I go bed so that I can wake up with some what softer feet. The tub is huge I think so I know it will last me for a long time and I like to keep this on my night stand to remind myself to use it. I'll be honest... I don't always remember and then I really regret it the next day when I have to get my feet out.
H A I R
Lastly we have hair but not hair on your head, no hair removal. Not a lot of people talk about hair removal because it is not a glamours topic but we all suffer from it and if any of you are dark haired like me then you will know the constant struggle!
Starting with the typical hair removal I still, after how many years now, use Lush's D'Fluff strawberry shaving cream to shave my armpits and legs. During the summer I tend to shave my legs and armpits every couple of days because I like to feel comfortable and free when it is hot. This can be quite grooling on your skin but with this shaving cream, i have never hurt myself or caused a rash and my skin is always smooth and soft afterwards. Plus a tub lasts me so long considering I used this product up to 3 times a week so it clear how much I love this.
For the more unconventional hair removal, I like to use Veet sensitive hair removal cream and I have been using this since my teens. Having dark hair and Italian heritage I have dark hairs allllll over my body which used to really get me down but now I've learned to get over it. Some of the places I use Veet cream is mainly around my belly button and on my chest. As embarrassing as it is to say... we are all girls here. The cream is really easy to use, the process is quick and it doesn't leave me any red patches or rashes after wards so I can go out straight afterwards. Please tell me I'm not the only one???
Once I have sorted out my unwanted hair I am set to put on my dress, get my legs, arms and chest out and catch that sun.
Do you have any tips or tricks to get your skin really for summer?
Since it looks like we wont be getting sunshine anytime soon in England I am gonna need to fake my glow some other way and thankfully I have some products in my stash that do just that. I am tired of being pale and wrapping up and so I looking forward to going outside without a coat and not having my makeup end up all over my coat rather than on my face.
Starting off with skincare I find using Origins GinZing moisturiser and the Clinique Prep Start eye cream leave my skin feeling and looking super healthy, it also creates a great base for makeup when I want a super dewy look. They are both moisturising products which are light weight and easy to work together and with my makeup.
Sticking with the skincare I love using the Dove Summer Glow Moisturizer to hydrate my skin as well as give me a really beautiful golden tan. I am not the best at applying tanning products but with this moisturiser you really can't go wrong. You just apply the moisturiser to your skin after a shower or bath and the more product you apply the more tanned you appear. I normally apply a thin layer to my skin on a daily basis to build it up gradually and then when a need a quick tan I just apply a large amount. This exact bottle as well is only sold in B&M stores for 2 pound so make sure you don't buy the new smaller tubs that are more expensive!
Now that my skin is glowing I need a glowing face, my two favourite bases to use for good glowing skin are the Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation in Ivory and the Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation in Vanilla. Bourjois is my more natural glowy skin base where as the Rimmel foundation is my more tanned bronzed base for when I have a real good tan. Both foundations give me a great base which lasts all day and doesn't dull during wear. I like to match my concealers when I use these foundations so when I wear the Bourjois foundation I pair it with the Bourjois Radiance Reveal concealer and when I wear the Rimmel foundation I pair it with the Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer. The Rimmel concealer is super weightless and light coverage and good for when you don't really need to wear a concealer but feel weird not applying it where as the Bourjois concealer is super high coverage and really brightening at the same time.
Lastly to add more glow to my base I still love to use the Tanya Burr Skin Illuminator and the Loreal True Match Highlighter in Golden Glow. I have spoken about these two products many times before and you know I love wearing these underneath my foundation as an all over natural glow or on the tops of my cheekbones for a stand out glow.
I am so ready for the Spring time now after this horrible weather we have been getting so I have been getting all my Spring makeup out of my draws so I am ready for the sun. What new Spring products do I need in my life?
Starting off with skincare Cal used my Glossier Wish List post to pick put some glossier products for me and he done good. He got me a set which included the Milky Jelly Cleanser, Priming moisturiser and the Balm dotcom. The balm has already made its way into my handbag and the moisturiser has really surprised me. I have used it for the last few days underneath my makeup and I have really like how it made my skin feel, my makeup has glided on afterwards. He also separately bought me the Solution exfoliating skin perfector and the Super Bounce serum. The Solution is a lot harsher than I imagined it would be so it is definitely a once a week skincare product and the serum is out of this world in my opinion. Yes it is my first serum in my life so I may just be blown away with the effects because I have never used one before but I am in love right now.
My sister got my a load of Kiko products to try and the first one which I am really excited about is the Exfoliating Lip Stick because you guys know how much of a problem I have with my lips so a stick scrub is right up my street. She also got me a Smart Fusion lip pencil in the shade 533 which is a nice deep brown nude which matches the matte lipstick she also bought me in shade Velvet Passion. This lipstick is so cool because it smells like chocolate and the top is magnetic and it is one of them things that you can't stop playing with. Lastly from Kiko I got the Volumeeyes+ active mascara in black which is great because it has a fiber brush with a thin tip which is great at getting in the corners baby lashes.
Finishing off the beauty section of this haul I have the Naked Heat palette by Urban Decay which is just beautiful. I have waited a while to try this palette and I have used it for the last few days since I got it. My favourite combo has to be He Devil with Scorched on top which looks so pretty. I love pinky red tones so this palette is perfect for me. I also got the Clinique Beyond Perfecting foundation and concealer in the shade 3.5 cream rose which I have been wanting to try for a long time. It is definitely a natural foundation which is what I like and the colour match is spot on so this will permanently be in my makeup bag for a while.
Moving onto non makeup presents Cal also got me the Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue which was one of the first perfumes he bought me over the years so we've come back full circle. I also got this lovely red Linea Cross Body Circle bag which is the perfect size for days out and a great colour for nights out with a all black outfit.
Lastly I received loads of books for my birthday mainly of Mary Berry who is my favourite human of the moment. I got two baking books which are 100 Cakes and Bakes and Mary Berry's Baking Bible and two cooking books which are Classic Mary Berry and Mary Berry Everyday. My last book is Stacey Dooley's On The Frontline With The Women Who Fight Back, I have been obsessed with Stacey ever since she was on Blood Sweat and T-shirts. I love everything Stacey is about and can't wait to read about her experiences first hand.
First up are two foundations which I have been a fan of for a long time now right from when I first started wearing makeup. I have wrote a few blog posts about Rimmel foundations over the years and I had used up all my bottles in the past and hadn't repurchased any in a while. The current foundations in my collections just weren't doing it for my this past month so I used the Rimmel 2for12 pound -my pound sign on my laptop isn't working :(- promotion and picked up formulas I know work for me. The Lasting Finish 25 hour and the Match Perfection foundations are both easy to wear, blendable long wearing foundations which I know no matter what my face is doing on the day, this foundation will work. I'll keep you updated gals!
I've also picked up the Nyx Tame and Frame tinted brow pomade in Brunette to try since I think it is time I joined the pomade hype. Late to the game I know but I have never really been too fuzzed about brows since I'v had big boys for years, but lately they seem to look a little more sparse then normal so I think I need some help. I haven't tried it yet so I can't give you my opinion on it, lets just hope the the colour works for me!
I thought it was about time I started looking after my skin now I am 24 this year so I picked up the Clinique Pep Start Eye Cream to try and see if I like it. Whether or not I will remember to use it every day I don't know but I'm excited to give it a whirl.
Lastly I was given the Urban Decay Naked Flush palette from a friend for Christmas and I've been so busy this month I haven't actually took it out of the box yet... I'm sorry. I am really going to focus working this into my daily routine and see how I get on with it. I love Urban Decay's eye shade palettes so I know I will like the blush and contour shades, I just need to see if the shades work for me!
Christmas is coming thick and fast now it feels and while I've been gallivanting around looking for Christmas presents I may have purchased a few presents for myself too... If you can't treat yourself who will hey?!Starting with the skincare I have been on the hunt for some new skincare products to change up my routine because my currently not very friendly and my old routine wasn't working. I decided to take it back basic and re purchase some of my old favourites which served me well before hand. First of all I re purchased the Lush Ultrabland Cleanser which I used to live on back in 2015. I went through about three tubs of the cleanser at the time and at the time my skin loved it and definitely was in better condition than what it is in now, but then I ran out of my last tub and decided to branch out and try other cleansers like the Clinique Take The Day Off balm. I still have that balm in my collection but I still love but I tend not to reach for it on a daily basis because it irritates my eyes whereas the Lush cleanser doesn't irritate me at all. Hopefully this product can help calm down my skin and I will definitely let you know how I get on with it!
Next I have a moisturiser which again I used to love back in 2016 which is the Origins Gin Zing Ultra Hydrating Moisturiser. This used to make my skin feel so amazing and when I was having partially dry patches this moisturiser sorted them right out. I stopped using this again when I ran out of the tub and since I normally buy it from Bicester Village because it is cheaper than buying it store, it wasn't worth a trip just to pick one tub up so I tried other products. I was using the Sukin Moisturiser but I feel like while my skin is this irritated I need something that I know works well and my skin likes.
On to clothing I picked up this super cute pearl top (similar) from Zara in Oxford a few days ago and I am in love. I love the safisicated but simple look of the pearls on black and think it will look super cute tucked into a high waist skirt and black tights for winter. I already have a jumper exactly the same but with longer sleeves so I know I'll get a lot of wear out of this.
I also bought two new jumpers from Newlook which are so flattering I have been throwing them on most days. They are just a simple long length design which covers my bum which is my favourite thing about them. Most jumpers now are cropped in some way and even though I love a good crop on some things... I welcome long body items into my wardrobe too! I have the jumper in burgandy and cream and love pairing them with ripped blue jeans and boots.
Lastly I have two new pairs of jeans to share with you, yes two blue pairs of ripped jeans. My excuse was I really need blue jeans... I have loads of black but not any blue jeans apart from one pair which I am absolute in love with but they have rips all over the bum. I have been on a hunt for these jeans again everywhere and couldn't find any! Then I tried these blue high waist hallie jeans from Newlook and I didn't hate them so I bought them thinking I would never find my jeans. The next day in Oxford I found the ripped blue skinny jeans I wanted AND they were in petit -dream come true! I had already wore the first pair of jeans so now I have two pairs of blue jeans but don't be mistaken, they are very different! One in a thin comfy material and the other is a thicker high waist style.
You all know I am the biggest fan of Nude shades but I think most people are now aren't they? I live in Nude shades on a day to day basis and I wanted to take you through my favourite nude shades to throw in my bag.
The first nude I want to talk about is the Revlon Ultra HD Gel Lip Colour which I didn't photograph as it was in my makeup as you saw from my last post. It is so easy to keep in my hang bag and throw on when my lips are dry or I want to add a bit of colour during the day. I find it leaves my lips feeling looked after instead of dried out which is why I love it.
Next I have some nude pencils which I love to go between and the first pencil will be no surprise to any of you. I have talked about the Newlook Matte Pencils many times before and out of all the shades I own the nude shade is my favourite. I'm not too sure if this shade is still available to buy since I bought it quite a while ago but if you can you need to get it! The shade name is toffee Apple and if this shade isn't still available then I hope there is a similar shade!
The next pencil is the Kiko Lip Gloss Pencil in the shade number 10 and this is completely different to the Newlook pencil as it is a lip gloss so leaves a nice shine on the lips and is really easy to wear and apply throughout the day. I really like Kiko lip products and this pencil makes me want to try more products from the brand.
The last pencil I have is the Maybelline Intense Velvet Lip Crayon in the shade 630 which is such a good lip pencil and a really rich nude shade which looks really nice on the lips. All three lip pencils aren't too different if I am completely honest but it is nice to mix up which lip product I use.
Moving away from pencils two nude NYX lip products which are probably my two favourite products out of all the ones I am mentioning. I have the NYX Lip Cream in the shade Abu Dhabi which I tried first from NYX and fell in love with. The colour is super rich with two coats and when I want the over draw nude lip look this is the product I go for. I tend to draw round my lips with a lip pencil first and then pop this lip cream on top and it doesn't dry my lips out and gives me big full lips.
Like I said in my YouTube\Blogging Made Me Buy It post, it can be really easy to get sucked into the hype around products and reading blog posts and watching YouTube videos can make you lust after a lot of makeup which you don't really need. So in this post I am going to take you through the brands which I really want to try out this year, some I have tried one or two products from before but haven't really had a look through the whole collections and some brands I haven't tried anything from before.
Z O E V V A
I really want to try out some Zoevva brush sets because they look so beautiful and so many people recommend them. The reason I haven't tried out their brushes before hand is because I have so many brushes already in my collections I can't justify purchasing any more. Plus I am still on my spending ban until I move into my house so I am trying to be a good girl. As well as brushes I really want to try their eye shadow palettes as they look beautiful and even more importantly, they don't break the bank.Products I want to try - Cocoa Blend Eye Shadow Palette
C H A R L O T T E T I L B U R Y
I already have a lipstick from Charlotte Tilbury (Red Carpet Red) and I love it so would love to try some of their other shades. Her lip liners as well look amazing so if I am going to try some new lipsticks I have to pick up some lip liners to match too!
Products I want to try - Pillow Talk Lip Liner and Pillow Talk Matte Lipstick
T O O F A C E D
I see Too Faced products literally everywhere at the minute and that doesn't help my spending ban especially when they released their new sweet peach collection before I couldn't go anywhere without seeing a video or photo. The products them selves seem so good from everyone reviews and the packaging is super cute and right up my street.
Products I want try - Chocolate Bar Palette and Melted Matte Chocolate Lipstick
U R B A N D E C A Y
I love my Naked 2 palette from Urban Decay and over time want to collect all the naked palettes because they are suck good quality. I also want to try out some lip products from the brand as I have started to get a lip product obsession and I really want to add the Vice lipstick to my collection.
Products I want to try - Naked 3 Palette and Comfort Matte Vice Lipsticks
C L I N I Q U E
I have been obsessed with the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer even since it was first released and would love to get my hands on it. It seems like a high coverage foundation which doesn't weigh down your skin or make you look like your wearing foundation. I also like the look of the Even Better foundation which has been around for a while. I have a thing for Clinique skincare so naturally I want to try most of the skincare products before so far they all work for my skin.
Products I want to try - Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer, Even Better Foundation, Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator
N A R S
I think I am one of few bloggers who has never owned Nars Sheer Glow foundation. Most people have tried it at least once whether they liked it o not doesn't matter. I don't like heavy foundations so this sounds perfect for me and combined with the Radiant Creamy concealer I bet looks really dewy and healthy. Also the Velvet Matte Lips look so good and you know how much I love a matte lip pencil.
Products I want to try - Sheer Glow Foundation, Velvet Matte Skin Tint, Radiant Creamy Concealer, Velvet Matte Lips
H O U R G L A S S
Hourglass seem like such a luxurious brand and their Ambient Lighting Palettes look so beautiful I need them in my life. Their bronzers and powders look so glowy I may need to ask for them for my birthday.
Products I want to try - Ambient Lighting Edit, Ambient Lighting Powder
R O S I E B Y A U T O G RA P H
I have had my eyes on this M&S collection for a while but I have held off purchasing anything as I don't see many reviews of the products so don't want to waste my money. Over the last few months I have seen their products talked about more so my interest is pecking again and I really want to try a few bits as the packaging always catches my eye.
C L A R I N S
Clarins skincare is something I really want to delve into this year and I already have a few things on wish list like the Instant Light Lip Comfort Oils which look so good for my dry lips.
Products I want to try - Instant Light Lip Comfort Oils, Water Comfort One - Step with Peach Essential Water, Clarins One Step Gentle Exfolliating Cleanser with Orange Extract
C H A N E L
Lastly there isn't many products I want to try from Chanel but I really really want to the Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation which looks right up my street. It a light weight formula so it looks like your own skin and it makes tired skin looks awake and refresh which is just what I need. It is expensive though and it comes in the smallest bottle so I have refrained from spending the cash. Plus I would have to buy it online so colour matching would be tricky.
Products I want to try - Chanel Vitalumimere Aqua Foundation
What products are on your wish list?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
