Friday, November 30, 2012

What's In My Shower!



I've seen a few of these videos floating around YouTube and while I initially thought it was a bit odd, it does make sense in the beauty community!
I've mentioned before that I change around my shampoos a lot and I do the same with shower gels etc. The other morning I changed out my shampoo and I realised how all the bottles were in the same colour sprectrum. Perfect time for a photo!


On the top half of the shower rack I keep Kérastase Cristalliste shampoo and conditioner, L'oreal Nutri-Gloss Sparkling Shimmer shampoo, a cheap Tesco conditioner that I use instead of shaving gel, Soap and Glory The Scrub of Your Life exfolaitor, Philosophy Tinsel Town body wash and Bath and Body Works Dark Kiss body wash.


On the bottom little shelf I have two tubs of intensive hair conditioner. A Herbal Essence Beautiful Ends one and Umberto Gianni Indulgent Beauty Moisture Mask. I alternate these two every time and usually use them 1-2 times a week (I wash my hair 3-4 times a week). I keep a wide-toothed comb here as well to brush through my conditioner. I also currently have a pink loofah, pretty.

On the shower thing I have a razor and a Lush tin which currently houses Aqua Mirabillis. I really like this and I think I prefer it to Buffy. I prefer the smell and it's not as greasy feeling.

And that's it for what's currently in my shower. Although I have a couple more bottles of shampoo/conditioner that I'm rotating I'm nearly out of all of body wash and exfolaitor. I'm going to be in Dublin tomorrow so I think I'll have to call into Lush and pick up some of their Christmas products!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

MAC MSF in Superb and Immortal Flower Blush

MAC MSF in Superb and MAC Immortal Flower Blush

This blush and highlighter duo have been a favourite peachy cheek look of mine for a while.   While both items were limited edition products from MAC this year (Immortal Flower from Tres Cheek and Superb from Extra Dimension) Superb is currently been repromoted with the Glamourdaze Holiday collection.

Superb is a strongly pigmented, rose-gold type shade with plenty of peach undertones. A little goes a long way but it gives the most incredible sheen to cheeks, especially layered over a matte peach blush like Immortal Flower.

If you missed out on Superb earlier this year, now is the time to get it!

Superb layered over Immortal Flower

Speaking of the Holiday collections has anybody gotten anything yet? I have my eye on a few lipsticks from Glamourdaze, so many pretty ones! And the lip bag sets are so cute!


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Skincare Routine: November 2012

Behind the scenes
I've been meaning to do a post on my skincare routine for quite a while now (the photos were take on a sunny day in September!) I've been building my current skincare routine since early 2012. I have gradually introduced new products into the routine and continue using products that worked for me and gotten rid of those that don't. As a result, I now have a fairly solid skincare routine that I have been using since mid-summer. I am extremely happy with it and will continue using most of the products for quite a long time to come. That doesn't mean I'm not going to try anything new ever again but for my main items - cleansers, moisturisers and make-up removers - I am content not to be on the lookout for new alternatives. Items like scrubs and masks, I'm not quite as loyal to but still extremely happy with my current choices. 

Firstly a quick skin bio. I have had dry skin all my life. Just about a year and half ago I started to get more and more breakouts and about this time last year my skin was in a very bad state. My whole face was throbbing with the amount of active breakouts on the lower half of my face, I couldn't even sleep on my side it was so bad. This was certainly a shock to my system having gone through my entire teens with about two spots a year. I went to the doctor and got a prescription which was the main thing that helped to clear up my acne and get it out of my system. It took from November 2011 to February 2012 to clear up to any kind of normality but once the active stuff was over with, I was still left with a visual mess of angry, red, scarring and discoloration. That's when my skincare routine sprang into action.

All the products

It does seem like I use an insane amount of products but I have tried using barely anything to using even more than this as well as using extremely expensive products and extremely cheap products. What I have now is my happy medium and it has been working extremely well for me.  

Morning Routine


(1)Using a facial wash in the morning just dries out my skin so I just cleanse instead. I use the La Roche Posay Toleriane cleanser and I find it both gentle and effective.

(2)When I feel the need to, I follow that up with the Kiehls Cucumber Toner which is the gentlest toner I have ever used. 

(3)Most mornings, unless I have used the Kiehls toner, I will spritz my face with the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. I find it very refreshing although the smell does take a while to get used to. 

(4)While I wait for this to sink in I apply the Origins Gin Zing eye cream to the eye area. I've been using this for most of the year and I must say, the longer I use it the more I like it.

(5)Finally I apply my moisturiser, which is another La Roche Posay product, the Toleriane moisturiser. This is a fantastic moisturiser for dry skin, it's thick yet still sinks in quickly enough to make it suitable for a daytime moisturiser.

And that's it for the morning!

Night Routine


(1)The first thing I do is remove my make-up with Bioderma. Bioderma has been extremely hyped up in the beauty world this year and I have to say that it is definitely worth the hype. It removes all my make-up  and is suitable for both face and eyes. It does't sting my eyes which is something that usually happens me with make-up removers, so this is a real bonus for me obviously!

(2)After I've removed my make-up I cleanse with Purity by Philosophy cleanser and I use this in conjunction with my Clarisonic Mia. This is a  fantastic combination for deep cleaning your skin. It definitely had an effect on the overall apperance of my skin (acne scarring, pigmentation etc.)

(3)I then tone with the Kiehels cucumber toner.  

(4)Next if needed, I apply the Origins Super Spot Treatment to any spots or pre-spot areas. Sometimes I use tree tea oil, if the area is very sore or red. I mainly use the tea tree oil to clean any extra make - up from around my nose piercing. 

(5)About twice a week I use the Bio-oil on acne scarring to help it fade. I used to use it more, but the scarring is quite well faded at this stage. 

(6)Finally, the last two steps are the same as the morning routine - I apply Origins eye cream and La Roche Posay moisturiser.

Extras

The extras are items such as exfoliators and masks that I use once to twice a week.


My two favourite scrubs are Kiehls Pineapple and Papaya Facial Scrub and MAC's Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. The Kiehls one is very gentle on the skin so I use that more often as it is less abrasive. When my skin needs it I use the MAC exfoliator as it is slightly harsher. It leaves my skin feeling very clean and refreshed.


The La Roche Posay Eau Thermale spray is a refreshing spray that I spray liberally after using one of the exfoilaters. I also sometimes use it instead of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. 


Finally I have 2 masks that I like to use. The Bosica Black Mask is a proper mask that you leave on for about 15 minutes before peeling off. It is a product that I have instantly seen glowing results with. 
The Origins Drink Up Intensive mask is an overnight mask. It is basically like a thick moisturiser. it smells beautiful and works extremely well in rehydrating my skin.

Well done if you've made it to the end of the post! 

What's your ultimate skincare item?






Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Some Autumn Favourites


Today's post features some of my favourite products for lips and tips that I've been wearing a lot of during these past autumnal months. The perfume I included is Flower by Kenzo and it is one of my all-time favourite perfumes. It's a heavier floral scent, perfect for this time of year.


Nail polish wise, I have loved wearing these 5 shades - when I'm not trying out new polishes of course! I'll link to previous post swatches if I have them. 



I have three lip colours that I have reached for over and over again these past few months and I can see this trend continuing for the next few! 

If I just want a quick wash of berry colour I've been using the Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie. Very easy to apply and is my current favourite daytime colour. Unfortunately Berry Smoothie is one of the lip butters unavailable here but I managed to get it for a good price on eBay (Brand new of course!!)

My next favourite is another Revlon lip product, this time one of their Just Bitten Kissable lip stains in the shade Crush. This is a highly pigmented berry colour and is perfect for wearing at night. I really like all of the Just Bitten lip products that I've tried, I'll do a review post soon. Very impressed with so many of their products releases this year.

The final product is a lipgloss by MAC in the shade Dreamy which is a purple/pink colour with slight gold reflects. It's a colour that I never would have gotten myself but my mum picked it up for me when she was away and I love it. It is beautiful layered over the berry shades. Although it does mute the berry shade slightly, the combination that it creates looks fantastic.

What have your favourite products been this Autumn?



Monday, November 26, 2012

Golden Green E.O.T.D.

This is a quick and easy green/gold slightly smoky look that can be easily worn during the day.





To get this look I:

  • Applied UDPP in Eden all over the lid.
  • Used Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze over 3/4 of the lid.
  • Used Catrice eyeshadow pen in Precious Nectar on the inner quarter of the lid.
  • Packed No7 Golden Leaf eyeshadow on 3/4 of the lid and up into the crease.
  • Placed L'oreal Infallible shadow in Iced Latte on the inner quarter of the lid.
  • MAC Mineralized Eyeshadow in Universal Appeal was ran through the crease.
  • MAC eyeshadow in Brulé was applied under the brow bone.
  • NYX eyeliner in Jewel was used on the lower lash liner and waterline.
  • Essence Liquid eyeliner in Black was used to line the upper lash line.
  • Finally Benefit's They're Real mascara was applied.



I was really pleased with this eye look, especially as I was trying to use products that have been a bit neglected such as the No7 eyeshadow.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Essence Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 Make-up Collection

As I'm going to see the final Twilight film tonight I thought it would be appropriate to show you the make-up I picked up from the Essence Twilight collection!


Although I enjoyed both the Twilight book series and films, I can't say I'm a 'Twihard'. Nonetheless I was looking forward to the release of the Breaking Dawn Part 2 limited edition make-up collection that Essence launched to coincide with the release of the last film in the franchise.

Being me, it was no surprise that what I was most looking forward to was the nail varnishes. 

Jacob's Protection, Alice Had A Vision - Again and Edward's Love

There were four released with the collection and I got 3 of them. Jacob's Protection is a dark blue shimmer, Alice Had A Vision - Again is a dark purple shimmer and Edward's Love is a black shimmer.  The fourth one in the collection was a gold foil style one.

I've never tried any Essence make-up before but I got four items from this collection - a blush, a highlighter, a lipgloss and a glitter eyeliner.


Bella's Secret and Renesmee Red

Bella's Secret is a beautiful golden-beige highlight powder. The blush Renesmee Red, while pigmented is not quite the shocking red it looks to be. A gentle flush is what the swatches bring.

Renesmee Red and Alice Had A Vision -  Again.

Lastly is the lipgloss and eyeliner. Renesmee Red (They like re-using the names on products!) is a red lipgloss with teeny pieces of gold sparkle. It's not opaque but it does leave a nice, heavily tinted sheen on the lips. I was skeptical of how the formula would be but it surprised me. It's quite a soft and smooth formula and thankfully the gold shimmer pieces were not gritty feeling. It was slightly sticky but not sticky enough for it to be an annoyance. The scent of it is divine.

The purple glitter eyeliner is patchy like nearly all glitter eyeliners. For the price though, it's perfectly fine. I sometimes like to add that hint of sparkle to black eyeliner and this will be perfect for layering over it.

Swatches L-R: Renesmee Red (lipgloss), Alice Had A Vision - Again, Bella's Secret and Renesmee Red (blush).


Did you get anything from this Essence collection?







Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Clarisonic Mia Review




I’ve had the Clarisonic Mia since early January this year so I feel now I can give my  true review of it.

So how did the ‘big, electric toothbrush for your face’ work for me? Amazingly well.

What was my skin like prior to using the Clarisonic? Last November my skin was in the throes of acne breakout. I started taking medication for it and by Feburary it had improved but I still had patches of active spots as well as deep, red angry marks from now dead spots. In short, I was very displeased with my skin.

How did I use it? For the first month or so I used it twice a day, morning and night. The cleanser I used in the beginning was a No7 one that I already had. It was okay but not fantastic so after that first month I changed to the Purity cleanser by Philosophy and that's when I felt the real benefits of the Clarisonic. The red acne scarring began to fade, my lovely 'ruddy-toned' Irish cheeks became less noticeable,  new breakouts were rare, my overall skintone evened out and my complexion looked brighter.



My thoughts now. I really feel that the Clarisonic played a huge role  in reverting my skin back to the way it was prior to my sudden onset of acne.  My skin is in the best condition it ever has been. It is soft, supple and hydrated. I now use the Clarisonic only at night, after removing my make-up and I feel that is sufficient use of it for me currently. I use it every day that I've worn make-up (generally 6 out of 7 days) but if it has been a make-up free day, I forgo using the Clarisonic and just use my morning cleanser at night. 

Final Words. If your skin is already in great condition, I don't think you need to shell out the €150 odd euro for it. However, if you have problematic skin and have tried numerous different treatments/products and think the Clarisonic will work for you, it is definitely worth the money. It's not going to perform magic overnight but you should see positive progress within a month. Remember though, skin takes time to heal so try to be patient with it and avoid been overly harsh.

I will have a full skincare post up shortly, so watch out for that!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Hand Saviours!


This time of year I get addicted to handcream. The sudden colder, sharper weather can cause my skin to become very dry, very quickly. Near the end of September I rediscovered my loyalty card from The Body Shop. I completely forgot that they give you €10 off your purchase during your birthday month! (They also give you 10% off any purchase, any time when you use your loyalty card!) As my birthday is in September I made sure to get in before the month was up. What I intended to get was the Hemp handcream as I have heard a lot about it. However, I hated the smell of the Hemp handcream but next to it was the Almond handcream so I gave that a sniff and fell in love with it.



It’s one of those amazing handcreams that is thick yet sinks in to your skin with ease and without leaving a greasy residue. There was also a nifty little cuticle oil pen in the range so I got that as well.  It is quite a thick oil yet like its’ handcream counterpart, it sinks in easily. This duo combined is perfect for popping into my handbag and using on the go.

There is also a creamy handwash in the range which I passed on at first but a few days later while washing my hands at home I felt that the handwash left my hands quite dried out after using it – cue a trip back to The Body Shop! 

I love this trio of handcare items. They leave my hands feeling soft and cared for. The smell that lingers is divine but not overwhelming. After using the items for well over 6 weeks I know I will certainly be repurchasing each of the items.

If you’re on the lookout for some items to treat your hands to in this harsher weather, definitely check these out!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Chanel Fantastic



Chanel Fantastic is indeed fantastic. It is a gorgeous raspberry/garnet shade and is very fluid looking. It has slight purple undertones as well as some hidden shimmer.


This was a 2 coater and is an absolute gem of a colour. Going to get a lot of wear from this beauty over winter!

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