Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts
I have only recently added some new skincare products to my collection and I took you through these products in my New Skincare Items I've Added To My Collection blog post but I had my birthday at the start of April and as it wasn't a conventual birthday, my family decided to buy me some skincare items and get them delivered to my house which was a lovely surprise.
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.
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.
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Categories:
Birthday,
Clinique,
collection,
ginzing,
haul,
Laura Edwards,
moisture surge,
Origins,
skincare,
sukin
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.
I haven't posted a skincare post since the beginning of December so I think it is about time I updated you on some of the new / repurchased items I have added recently. I ended up getting a few bits over Christmas from my family and decided to repurchase a few bits over January which I was in need of. I have reduced my skincare collection a lot over the years so I now don't feel the need to purchase items unless I really need them.
First up is a trio set from Sukin which I asked my Mum for Christmas as I was in need of some simple products which would work on my skin without adding any nasties to my skincare routine. I have loved all three of these products before and over Christmas they came as a set of three, which sadly isn't sold anymore, and luckily the three products in the set are my three favourite. Included in the set are three products from their signature range Sukin Facial Moisturiser £7.95, Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser £7.95 and Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner £7.95. I have mentioned this brand a few times on my blog and when there is a 3for2 deal on at Boots you can get the three bottle set for under £16.
Next up I have a two cleansing products which have both been repurchased in the last two months and are firm favourites in my collection. Firstly is the Pixi Glow Tonic £18 which I will admit, took me a long while to catch on. I may be late to the party but I am a big fan now. I find my skin looks to glowy and clear and after I have used them in the morning and my makeup applies easier afterwards. Then in the evenings I like to use the Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Pads currently priced at £2.98 on offer! which I like to use as a second cleanse to remove my makeup. When I feel like I have a build up underneath my skin, I like to work these pads over the area and do feel like they reduce spots and bumps.
A new mask that I have been trying lately is the Bodyshop Tea Tree Clearing Face Mask £11 which my sister bought me for Christmas. I tend to stick to the same face masks out of ease and comfort but it has been nice trying this mask out. I find it really soothing and relaxing so it perfect for a relaxing evening in the bath. I used to use quite a few tea tree products when I was younger so the smell is very nostalgic.
My last two new products are some moisturisers which are both up their in my top 10. First is the Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream £23 which the name suggests is refreshing and awakening first thing in the morning. I use this nearly every morning and evening and since I am closer to the 30 year mark, this is something I am focusing more on.
My last new product is a surprise find while I was food shopping in Aldi. The Lacura Facial Cream is exactly how I would expect the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream to feel like on the skin but it is a fraction of the price. Sadly this product is no longer available which makes me so sad as it was less than £5 and is up their with my Clinique and Origins moisturiser favourites. If you do find this product in your local Aldi I would 100% recommend you try this product out.
Categories:
Bodyshop,
boots,
clay mask,
Cleanser,
collection,
facial cream,
lacura,
moisturiser,
Origins,
pixi,
skincare,
sukin,
superdrug,
winter
It can be quite daunting thinking about all the items you want to invest money in for the long run and then totalling up how much it would cost to invest in them items... I find that investment pieces can be something that you gradually add to your collection when and wear you can, and there is nothing wrong with buying non-investment pieces in the mean time.
Following on from that thought, I wanted to do a round up of items, clothing and non clothing, which I like to spend money on and save money on. I don't have loads of money to spend on myself, I have a mortgage and would like to have children in the near future so spending vast amounts of money on myself just isn't a priority. I hope this helps people who are trying to figure out what they want to spend their hard money on but don't know where to start.
Where I like to spend
Following on from that thought, I wanted to do a round up of items, clothing and non clothing, which I like to spend money on and save money on. I don't have loads of money to spend on myself, I have a mortgage and would like to have children in the near future so spending vast amounts of money on myself just isn't a priority. I hope this helps people who are trying to figure out what they want to spend their hard money on but don't know where to start.
Where I like to spend
- Skincare
- Moisturiser - Apart from the Sukin Facial Moisturiser which I am a big fan of, I mainly only use Clinique or Origins moisturiser and the main reason for this is simply - my skin like them much better. I have tried a few drugstore moisturisers but 9/10 times my skin does not agree with them so naturally, I am going to listen to my skin.
- Eye Cream - Since I started wearing eye cream a few years back (not as soon as I should have mind you) I have always stuck to the Clinique All About The Eyes Cream and I have never found anything to rival it. I tried to find a pot of eye cream from Boots when I ran out and all I could find was tube eye creams. What is up with that?
- Outerwear
- Outerwear is generally a higher price point because of what it is made of and the amount of material used but I do like to spend a little extra on my outerwear to make sure it lasts me for many many years. You end up wearing your outerwear 10x more than any other item in your wardrobe and it completely covers your outfit so it needs to be something that works with everything and stands the time. I also like to spend a little more on a outerwear piece because i have a select collection of coats and jacket rather than having a large collection to choose from.
- Footwear
- Footwear is around the same thinking as my outerwear collection, i have a few key pieces of footwear that I rotate depending on the season so i like to invest in shoes that will last me more than one season. I still have some shoes from Primark and Newlook which have lasted me a long while but I do like to go into TKMax and see what more brands I can get my hands on.
- Jewellery - excluding earrings
- I used to love the 'costume' jewellery that I used to buy in Clair's Accessories when I was younger but now I have ground up I much prefer the more simple diligent pieces. I find to buy a piece of jewellery that will last years without the chain breaking, you do need to invest a little into the piece.
- Handbags
- Again this is very similar to my thinking process about footwear and outerwear, a good hand bag can last you so many years and work for any occasion. I am someone who bangs and bashes their handbag around all days so i need one which is going to last more than a few months before breaking.
- Kitchen Equipment
- Strange one maybe to put in but a very important one for people deciding to move out! When im talking about kitchen equipment I'm talking washing machine, slow cooker, dish washer - all of the equipment which can cost a lot to replace at the wrong time. When i need to buy something for the kitchen i do like to go by certain brands which i know last a long time and have great customer service. My favourites if you wanted to know are Russel Hobbs and Samsung.
Where I like to save
- Home Decor
- As much as i love looking in the white company... it just isn't going to happen. The price some brands charge for home decor is crazy considering Home Bargains and Primark do some amazing items which are similar and more than half the price! I feel like only a few years ago it wasn't seen as cool to buy home bits from shops like Home Bargains and then in the space of a year or two, everyone is raving about their products and I can see why.
- Makeup
- If you have been around for a long time than you will know that i have always been a drugstore makeup girl right from the beginning and nothing has really changed. Although i like to spend a bit more on my skincare, I find most makeup works on a good base and I do have my favourites. Rimmel, Revolution and Kiko are to name a few which i have stuck with for many years. I have a few higher end products in my collection but the majority of it is from Boots.
- Earings
- I couldn't count for you the number of earrings I have upstairs, the number would carry on for a long while and along the years I have picked up big packs of multiple design earrings from Newlook and Primark and I have never had a problem with them. If you have sensitive ears than maybe ignore this point but i would rather spend £10 on a pack of 50 earrings them £50 on one pair.
- Jersey Basics
- This might make people gasp in horror but I buy all my basics from Newlook and H&M because you can't go wrong with them. Most of my wardrobe is made up of basics from H&M and Newlook and i have had some for years.
- Jeans
- I know a lot of people like to invest in their jeans and have the one perfect pair but I still have some jeans that I bought from Newlook about 7 years ago and they still look perfect. I find that as long as you wash them right, you shouldn't really have a problem. Always remember to go for a smaller size so when they naturally give, they aren't too big!
- Nails
- If you have never tried the fake nails from Primark what have you been doing all your life? A full set of acrylics can set you back £30 ish and to have them removed cost an extra £10 for the removal? Primark sell amazing stick on nails for just £1. When i tell people this they do look at me like OMG you must be that stingy but once i show them my hands with the fake nails on, they can't believe how good they look. Honestly if you have never tried them give them a go, it will only cost you a £1! The glue you get with them is also amazing!
- Cleaning Supplies
- Another random one but the amount some people spend on cleaning supplies is ridiculous. I buy all my cleaning supplies from Aldi or Home Bargains if certain things are on offer. I find with cleaning products... it all does the same thing!
- Food Shop
- Ever since I moved into my own home I have shopped with Aldi and I love the food they make. I have converted so many people to Aldi and it is amazing the amount of money you can save on a big shop. Yes it has some set backs like the packing is really annoying but I tend to open all my bags in the trolley and throw them into the bags - rebel I know! Again i feel like it is now cool to shop at Aldi thanks to people on YouTube recording their 'weekly Aldi food shop'.
I'm sure I am not the only person who's favourite time of year is right now but also dreads the effect it will have on their skin. I have predominantly dry skin which becomes more dry during the colder months. Over the years I have learnt tips and tricks to keep my skin hydrated and have a list of products I can go between to fix any problems. Here are the products that I am currently using.
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).
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?
It is getting to that time of year again when your skin doesn't know what it wants to do, all this hot cold hot cold from the whether and central heating doesn't do it any favours and the inevitable happens... spot city.
I have a few products that I like to use when I have an unwanted friend staying on my face.
Superdrug's Naturally Radiant Gylcolic Pads £5.99
I first tried this cleansing pads this year after Caroline Hirons spoke about them on This Morning. Click here to see the video! I thought I would try them out since they were only £5.99 but I actually really really like them. I use them every morning and most evenings after I have removed me makeup and washed my face. I find that after I have used them my skin is smooth, even and spots seem soothed. I mainly get spots around my chin area so a have a few dark areas left over from old spots and I did find that the areas seemed to reduce in darkest when I used them.
When I have an active spot I like to rub these pads over the area once it has reached prime juicey stage and then everyday after to reduce the aftermath of the spot. The only disappointment for me with these is that there isn't a bigger pot because I go through them so easily!
Glossier Solution Skin Perfector £19
A product that I like to skin in my skincare draw for a day when I have troublesome skin in the Glossier Solution. It strips out all of the moisture around the area you apply it which is perfect if you have a raging spot that wont give. As this does strip your skin of moisture I tend to only use it when I have a spot and only apply it on the problem areas, too much product and I could end up with scales knowing my skin! But the product works great at striping all the gunk out of your spots, very hard core but good.
Loreal Pure Clay Blemish Rescue Mask £7.99
When I have the time to relax and leave something to work over time on my skin I like to use the Loreal Pure Clay Masks. I first tried the Detox mask a few years ago and when that ran out I moved onto the Blemish Rescue version which is great for a pamper night. I don't like messy face masks which take ages to remove and get on everything so I love how easy this mask is apply and remove. I find after I have used this mask my skin is smoother, calmer and spots are reduced in size. It does sometimes bring out new spots but I'd rather get all my gunk out in one go rather then get over one spot and then a new one appears!
What are your holy grail products for pesky spots?
Categories:
boots,
capsule skincare collection,
cleansing pads,
dry skin,
face mask,
glossier,
loreal,
problem skin,
pure clay,
skincare,
solution,
spots,
superdrug,
toner
Since the start of the year, i have really honed in on my packing skills meaning i can go away for a few days with a small bag. I used to throw everything into my bag just in case and end up with some much stuff that i didn't need.
Cal and I have taken several weekend away trips this year so i have had loads of practice at packing and i haven't made a wrong move yet. This weekend we are heading to the seaside with some of our friends so i thought i would let you pack with me, just in case you need some packing inspiration! I am sucker for packing videos, blog posts and photos on Pinterest. I am fascinated in capsule packing.
For content i am going away for 3 nights and 2 days and the weather is quite bright with a high of 22 during the day and 9 during the early morning/evening.
C L O T H I N G
1 green jacket (which i am wearing down)1 grey jumper (wearing down)
2 white tee shirts
1 cream shirt
1 pair of light blue mom jeans (wearing down)
1 black and white maxi skirt
2 bras
4 pairs of underwear (always bright too many in case of emergency but never use them)
2 pairs of socks
1 pj set
1 pair of black boots
1 pair of white brogues
S K I N C A R E
Sukin night moisturiser Simple moisturiser
Pixie glow tonic
Garniner micellar water
Clinique mini face cleanser
Lots and lots of cotton pads because they are life
M A K E U P
Rimmel Lasting Finish Breathable Foundation Clinique High Impact Mascara
Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette
Mac Eyeliner in Teddy
1 nude and 1 red lipstick (undecided)
To some people this might seem like a lot for a weekend away, while other people might be wondering how i am only bringing these items. I would defineily call this a capsule pack, considering i can fit this all in a small bag or the smaller side of the mini suitcase which Cal and i share for most weekends.
Let me know if there is anything you think i have missed out, or something you can't travel without!
Categories:
capsule,
clothing,
lifestyle,
makeup,
organisation,
packing,
pinterest,
skincare,
Travel,
weekend away
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!
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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 given myself any resolutions or aims to achieve since 2015 and i think now that i am in a happy place both job and home life wise, i would really make this year worth it. I have so many plans already in the work, i am planning to fully enjoy my free weekends and bank holidays with my friends and family, especially in the the summer!
I thought i would give myself three aims to get my butt in gear.
1. Become at peace with the gym
I joined the gym back in November with the instinct to really hit it hard during the last two months of the year to get me prepared to become fit and healthy in 2019. Its safe to say that didn't work out well but my mission is to make this happen this year. I know a lot of people say they want to become fit every new years but i am not too fussed about being a gym bunny or having a perfect body. I am more interested in becoming more healthy and maybe losing the extra timber around my stomach crossing fingers. Wish me luck! I am already searching the internet for healthy dinner ideas which will hopefully encourage me to keep on track.
2. Use up my makeup / skincare collection
I have said before on twitter and Instagram that i really want to shop my stash this year and use up my never ending collection. I am putting myself on a spending ban until my collection has been reduced significantly, that way i use up all my products instead of letting them go bad in my draws. I only have one face so i don't need a ridiculous amount of products. This will also mean i get to try lots of products which i have forgot about in my collection.
3. Save save save for the wedding!!
It has been a year and a half since Cal and I got engaged and we think it is about time we finally start making plans. This year we are planning to hard core save so hopefully we can plan a day both of us enjoy. We are in no rush to actually walk down the aisle, maybe in the next 5 years before i turn 30. Ideally i would like to have one child before we get married so that we can have the the child as a flower girl/ page boy. I already know Callum and I will last the whole 60 without killing each other so i don't feel like i need the big white wedding before we have kids. So we start saving now and we don't get married for another 5 years then hopefully our savings will be amazing!!
The hardest out of the three aims is definitely the gym but i have some proper gym clothes, some new trainers and a whole load of cute summer dresses i want to feel comfortable in.
I thought i would give myself three aims to get my butt in gear.
1. Become at peace with the gym
I joined the gym back in November with the instinct to really hit it hard during the last two months of the year to get me prepared to become fit and healthy in 2019. Its safe to say that didn't work out well but my mission is to make this happen this year. I know a lot of people say they want to become fit every new years but i am not too fussed about being a gym bunny or having a perfect body. I am more interested in becoming more healthy and maybe losing the extra timber around my stomach crossing fingers. Wish me luck! I am already searching the internet for healthy dinner ideas which will hopefully encourage me to keep on track.
2. Use up my makeup / skincare collection
I have said before on twitter and Instagram that i really want to shop my stash this year and use up my never ending collection. I am putting myself on a spending ban until my collection has been reduced significantly, that way i use up all my products instead of letting them go bad in my draws. I only have one face so i don't need a ridiculous amount of products. This will also mean i get to try lots of products which i have forgot about in my collection.
3. Save save save for the wedding!!
It has been a year and a half since Cal and I got engaged and we think it is about time we finally start making plans. This year we are planning to hard core save so hopefully we can plan a day both of us enjoy. We are in no rush to actually walk down the aisle, maybe in the next 5 years before i turn 30. Ideally i would like to have one child before we get married so that we can have the the child as a flower girl/ page boy. I already know Callum and I will last the whole 60 without killing each other so i don't feel like i need the big white wedding before we have kids. So we start saving now and we don't get married for another 5 years then hopefully our savings will be amazing!!
The hardest out of the three aims is definitely the gym but i have some proper gym clothes, some new trainers and a whole load of cute summer dresses i want to feel comfortable in.
What are you planning to do with your year?
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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.
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This week I decided to spontaneously take myself down to my local retail park to treat myself to a few new bits since I hadn't in a long while and I wanted to have a look round at all the knitwear in shops right now.
On my travels I picked up a few new skincare bits to try since I am currently trying to combat a hormonal breakout that still wants to stick around a week after my period. First up I picked up the Loreal Pure Clay Blemish Rescue Mask to try and combat that problem. I had recently ran out of my Pure Clay Charcoal Detox Mask so I wanted to try another mask in the range. I tried it the first night I bought it and left it on while I cooked and eat my dinner and after removing it, my kin definitely felt more clean. It might be TMI but my giant spot that I have been hiding for the last couple of days was soft after my face mask so hopefully that means all the gunk has been removed! I shall keep you updated.
I also picked up two products from the Botanics range at Boots which were the All Bright Cleansing Toner and the All Bright Radiance Concentrate Serum. I have a love hate relationship with toners which you might have noticed on the blog before. Some times I am obsessed with them and other times, I totally forget about them for months. I wanted to change up my skincare and wake up my skin so I thought this toner would do the trick.
I picked up the Radiance Concentrate Serum because I have recently finished my Glossier Super Bounce Serum which I frigging loved! The only problem is I don't have any Glossier shops near me so I thought instead of ordering a bottle online I would try something new. I picked up this serum because it claims to make your skin more radiant and bright which is what I am looking for moving into autumn. Also the prices of these products are amazing, I will be sure to do a post just on these after I have given them a good run.
Lastly from Boots I picked up another old trusty Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 101 Classic Ivory. I don't know how many bottles I have used of this foundation over the years but most people understand the obsession. This is my summer shade and since I still have quite tanned arms and chest area I still can't get away with my many other foundation so I knew once I had finished my original bottle, I needed to stock up. This is a non fuss perfect everyday kind of foundation which is where I like it, I don't have to worry about it going oxidizing or going patchy, with this foundation I am good for the whole day.
Now onto the fun bit, the clothing!
I was quite restraint walking round the retail park and I only bought two jumpers which I don't think is bad at all. First up is this super cute cropped mid pink roll neck jumper which I got in a side medium so that I could roll up the sleeves to match the neck. I love cropped tops and jumpers in winter with high waist jeans so I know I will get a lot of wear out of this jumper. Plus oddly I don't have any pink in my wardrobe which I never noticed before.
Lastly I picked up this mustard yellow flared sleeve jumper which like the pink one, is the really soft chenille style material so it feels lovely on your skin. Although it is a flared jumper I plan to wear it with the sleeves rolled up again and some plain black skinny jeans. You really can't go wrong.
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!
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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?
First up I have been obsessed with using these Radox shower gels which I have talked about recently here, they are only one pound which is so good and they come in so many different scents. I am currently using the Pink Grapefruit and Basil scent which smells so refreshing and we also have the Mandarin and Lemon grass scent and the Eucalyptus and Citrus oil scent which both smell so amazing, The Eucalyptus gel smells like cleaning products but in a good way and the Mandarin gel smells like lemon sour sweets. These are great shower gels to use first thing in the morning to wake yourself up because they are so refreshing and relaxing you use.
Once I am all clean I then wash my mop which gets greasy quite easily recently so I have gone back to using the Pantene Prov Colour Protect shampoo which leaves my hair very soft and light after I have used it. I have really thick hair so a shampoo which leaves my hair feeling lighter makes styling my hair so much easier.
Lastly once my body and hair are clean I then wash my face so that any residue from the other products is washed off my face and I have been using the L'oreal Fine Flower Cream Gel Wash with my manual cleansing brush. I love my manual cleansing brush and use it everyday with one of two cleansers, my shower cleanser is the L'oreal one and my main bathroom cleanser is the Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser which is nearly running out because I use it so much. I hardly ever finish a skincare product as I tend to mix things up quite a big so to nearly finish a cleanser is big for me.
Anyway back to the point I have two cleanser brushes one for each bathroom because I am two lazy to run between the rooms... You can buy them in Primark for 2 pound so definitely worth a try. I think once you go cleansing brush you don't go back, my skin does not feel as clean if I use anything else.
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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?
Glossier seems to be everywhere at the minute and I feel like the only blogger left to have not tried the brand yet. I can't go anywhere with a video, blog post or insta including a product from them. This has helped me remember which products I definitely want to try because they have been mentioned by everyone!
One of them products is the Milky Jelly Cleanser (£15) which seems to be everyone's favourite. I love cleansers a lot but I don't tend to try too many different products since I have my set favourites so adding this to my collection would be a big deal. I like that it seems to be a bog standard cleanser which does what it says on the bottle.
A product which gets a lot of mixed reviews are the Balm Dot Com lip balms (£10), some people say they are great and easy to wear where as other people say they are a waste of a product. Since I love using lip balms and have a large collection scattered around the house I would love to try them. I mean they are a lip balm where can they go wrong!?
Another lip product I want to try are the Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick (£14), the name just draws me in. I love matte lipsticks but I also love sheer lipsticks but hate that they never last and smudge all over my face. Combining the two makes the perfect lipstick for me! I'm excited to try one of these as I can see these becoming my new everyday lip item.
Finishing makeup items with the Stretch Concealer (£15) which is another love or hate product. I don't like/need a lot of coverage around my eye area, concealers for me are more to cover up my tired eyes so this product which is light coverage and quite dewy sounds right up my street. I'm not a huge fan of the pot but that I could work with if the product was worth it.
Moving onto skincare there are two items which I really want to get my hands on! First up is the Super Bounce Hyaluronic Acid Serum ( £25) which sounds very scary but I have heard great things about. I have very dry skin as many of you know so a serum which hydrates the skin while you wear it sounds amazing and I keep saying I want to try out a serum so this may be the one.
Lastly I have the Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector which gets rid of dead skin cells and reduces redness and helps problematic skin. Now I don't have problematic skin any more (thanks god) but I do have times now and again when my face is a pizza with toppings so this sounds great at preventing that problem and dealing with it at the time. I am a little scared to use it because a lot of people say 'if it ain't broken don't fix it' so I fear trying it will bring on a case of problem skin but I still want to see how good it is for myself.
Since I'm not made of money and buying all this would cost me £79 excluding the solution which is currently sold out so it won't show me the price I think I'll stick to using up my existing products and replacing them with Glossier when I need to restock. Hopefully soon I will be talking about a product on the blog!
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