Holy grail skin products

Introducing my most repurchased skin/body items. Definitely a signal of holy grail status.

First up is a vanilla body butter from The Body Shop. Despite loving the strawberry and shea butter versions, I seem to always have the vanilla one in my stash. I adore the scent, it is luxuriously thick in consistency, it melts into the skin instantly and makes the skin so bloody soft.

Tea tree water by bath-bomb mavericks Lush is a holy grail skincare product of mine. It is classified as a toner and is targeted towards oily or blemish prone skin. I am the latter and I can 100% vouch for this product and claim it has helped clear and improve my skin. I spritz a little onto a cotton pad each morning and evening and it is incredibly cooling and refreshing, does not leave any tacky residue and most importantly it does not irritate or break me out. Hallelujah!

Lastly is a rather pricy moisturiser in the form of Clinique moisture surge. This little pot of goodness is perfect at hydrating dry skin. On the average day I would say I have combination skin - by midday my t-zone gets a little shiny with the rest of my face staying relatively matte. Recently, however, my skin has done a complete u-turn and has become incredibly dry and flakey (not easy to work with!) and this moisturiser has helped so much. I am going through these like there is no tomorrow, but I am partial to slather layers on before bed which is not cost effective. I blame the English weather.

I am definitely getting better at making my reviews more concise and less rambly. After all, I prefer short and to the point reviews. Have a great week - and I hope everyone effected by the flooding is safe.

Winter Lip Care

I love the winter season. Wearing thick wooly jumpers with a hundred layers, the white hot chocolates at Starbucks in the classic red cups, opening the advent calendar every morning and all the prep leading up to the big day. One thing I don't like, however, is the weather. The cold seriously takes it's toll on my skin during the December month whereby no amount of moisturiser or specially formulated moisture-increasing treatment will keep my skin hydrated. And with someone who generally deals with combination skin, it is a little disconcerting! For skin, I use Hydraluron followed by Clinique Dramatically Different moisturising lotion and Garnier moisture renew. For lips, I have several favourite products that work absolute wonders during the winter.

Lip scrubs are a must in the winter to get rid of all the nasty dead skin cells collected. Afterwards your lips feel so much softer and make any further lipstick application appear more even and, well, nicer. My favourite for the job is by Lush and tastes like strawberry candy. I have a few favourite lip treatments. During the day I love to apply the Nivea Lip Butter in caramel cream as it just tastes so nice. I also carry around the original Carmex and for a little bit of colour I adore the vast selection of Baby Lips by Maybelline. For a lip balm they are fairly pigmented and give a wash of colour. Pictured is my favourite out of the punch, pink punch. During the evenings and before I go to bed, I always apply a thick layer of Blistex Intense Moisturiser. I have to be honest here; it tastes really bad - almost clinical, if you know what I mean - and feels slightly weird on. However, it is possibly the most hydrating and moisturising lip treatment I have tried and works wonders over night. It does leave a white cast to the lips as it is so thick, so I wouldn't suggest wearing this during the day! 

So there we have it. This will probably be my last post before Christmas so I hope you all have a wonderful day. I can't wait to stay inside, watch Christmassy films and eat loads of yummy foods. Enjoy your day, stay safe and merry Christmas! :)

November Beauty Favourites

A slightly late monthly favourites, but it's better late than never, right?

Starting of with the beauty favourites, I have been using the Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot powder every single day. I purchased it a while back but found it way too matte. But now, paired with a light reflecting foundation, it keeps oils at bay for the majority of the day and I really do like it. As drugstore powders go, it is definitely one of my favourites. On my eyes I have been lining my waterline using Facinating Eye Kohl by Mac. It is basically just a white eyeliner, but it lasts all day and really opens up the eyes giving a more awake appearance. Rubenesque paint pot also by Mac is another favourite this month. On skin with a slight tan, the bronze undertones accentuate the colour and just looks amazing. Paint pots act as a great base by increasing the longevity of eyeshadows. 

Ever since I bought the Flair for Finery cremesheen lipglass I have been using it religiously on top of one of my favourite lipsticks, Angel. Both by Mac, both super wearable. Together they make the perfect pink based nude lip combination.

The primer I have been using everyday has been the L'Oreal Lumi Magique pure light primer which has become undoubtably my favourite primer to date. It is incredibly lightweight, feels amazing on the skin and literally brings the skin to life by creating a light reflecting radiance. I love pairing the primer with a matte foundation as it completely transforms the look - read this! It is just as good as the Laura Mercier offering.

My two skincare favourites this month have been Hydraluron (no surprise there) and a rediscovery in the La Roche Effaclar Mat moisturiser. I have dedicated a whole blog post on why I adore Hydraluron and why I think everyone should own it, so check that out. The La Roche Posay Effeclar Mat offering is a product I purchased a long time ago but when I first tried it, I was not a fan. Fast forward several months and I really do believe this helps control oils throughout the day and reduces sebum production - I only use this on my t-zone and use my Clinique moisturiser all over the face. I've really been enjoying pairing them together.

So there we have it. Normally in my monthly favourites post I include music, fashion and general favourites, yet it is already the 6th of December and I have other things to post. My December favourites will be jam packed though...

Lush Tea Tree Water Toner Water Review

I am not quite sure as to why I bought this product. I was in the Lush store in Bluewater picking up a new bubblegum lip scrub, saw this on the display and waltzed over to the checkout with it in hand. Tea tree is known for it's antibacterial nature and spot fighting properties. Even though it sounds like a wonder product for me who fights blemishes on a regular occurrence, I have certainly not had the best experience with other products using the same ingredient. Additionally, I have never been one for raving on about using toners in your skincare routine - honestly I have probably only ever tried one toner in my entire life. Evidently that didn't phase me and I bought the smallest 100g bottle to try out.

Without sounding too dramatic, I am so glad I bought this stuff. I normally use a skincare product for at least a couple months before reviewing it, but I have only been using this toner for just over a week and I can already see a difference in my skin. It has really helped clear up those pesky under the surface spots to an extent in which I can wear a tinted moisturiser and be content with how my skin looks. No concealer (except under the eyes, obviously). The ingredient of antiseptic acid has prevented my skin from gaining extra spots whilst also cleaning the skin after cleansing.

To use, I simply spray a little onto a cotton pad and apply it all over my face (avoiding the eye area). It feels super refreshing and gives a slight tingly sensation which, in my opinion, means something is actually happening! If you have active breakouts - ones you have recently aggravated - then it may sting, but not to the extent of pain. It does make the skin appear extremely red afterwards, but after a few minutes it should fade and you'll be left with perfectly clean skin.

After using this product I have realised how much of a necessity toner, in general, is in my skincare routine. Despite double cleansing in the evening, I still manage to remove scraps of makeup with the toner which just shows that cleansing does not clean everything. If you suffer from breakouts and are looking for a toner or a product that may help you out, I totally recommend this Lush tea tree toner.

Like I previously mentioned, as I have only been using it for just over a week, if anything changes or I have noticed anything, I will add to the end of this post. Have a great day and week x

REN Clarity Restoring Mask Review

Ever since I can remember REN skincare has been such a staple brand in my skincare routine. I religiously use the Clarifying Clay Cleanser every morning and evening and have done so for the past six months. When I first bought the cleanser I also picked up Clarity Restoring Mask from the same range and never actually got round to sharing my thoughts.

Marketed as an anti-blemish treatment and targeted at those with problem skin, the mask is said to combat the three key causes of breakouts and blemishes: excess sebum, the build up of dead skin cells and bacteria. It is said to visibly reduce blemishes and leave the skin looking clear, calm and even-toned by lightening the appearance of pigmented scars and reducing pore size and redness.

I've been using this for the past few months, twice a week, and it is really comfortable and refreshing to apply and wear. It isn't like your typical face mask whereby it dries and goes dry. Instead you just leave it on for 15 minutes and it is still the same as when you first applied it. Even though it is like I said more comfortable to wear on the skin, I do prefer masks where I can visibly see it removing dirt and actually clearing the skin. However, after the 15 minuets my skin does feel much cleaner without that "tight" feeling you get after some masks. I cannot comment on whether it lightens the appearance of pigmented scars, yet I do find it does reduce a little redness especially around my nose. The mask definitely does make your skin feel clean and refreshed, but honestly I don't think it has done anything to help with preventing breakouts which is unfortunate. Nevertheless I still enjoy using it and will continue to do so, I just follow it up with my favourite mask which does make a difference to my skin.

So, is it worth the £30? If you're on the hunt for a mask that will cure your blemish prone skin then this isn't for you. But if you are looking for a mask that will thoroughly clean and reduce a little redness, then this REN offering may be what you need. Skincare is tough to recommend so I hope this helped :)

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub Review

It's nearing the winter season which means cold mornings, hideous weather and, unfortunately, dry skin and dry lips. Although I do love this time of year (bonfire night, Christmas and the new year), I am not particularly a fan of the weather. Today I thought I'd share my favourite lip treatment that will definitely come in handy during these next few months. Warning: you may get slightly addicted to the taste and just start eating it randomly and not actually use it for it's true purpose...

Lush have a range of lip scrubs that I think are amazing. They come in four amazing flavours including one that tastes like mint chocolate chip and one of actual popcorn. My favourite is the the bubblegum lip scrub which tastes like a hybrid of bubblegum (obviously) and candy floss. It's so tasty, I can't even describe.

What I love the most about these however are the fact they are edible and, once you've applied it, you literally get to eat it. They are obviously beneficial for your lips - by clearing dead skin and flakiness whilst leaving them moisturised and smooth - but, come on, skincare you can eat?!

They have just released a special limited edition flavour named Santa's Lip Scrub which apparently tastes just like coca-cola. A little random for a christmas scent, but I'm not complaining! You can pick these up for £5.50 at Lush stores and online x x x

Why you need Hydraluron in your routine

Everyones skincare routine is tailored to suit specific needs and requirements. Some may include a skin renewing serum whilst someone else may religiously use an acne treatment gel. There are some products, however, that I believe everyone should use, regardless of skin type and condition. Including this.

Hydraluron is a facial moisturise boosting serum used to increase skin hydration. Simple as that. The geniuses behind this product, Indeed Labs, are the first to produce a product containing a pure form of hyaluronic acid, the star ingredient that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. The hyaluronic acid reaches deep skin layers to boost the skin's ability to moisturise itself whilst also minimising the appearance of deep wrinkles and improving skin's elasticity. The other key ingredient is red marine algae. Sounds gross, I know, but incredibly important as it increases cell turnover (when dead skin cells are replaced with younger, new ones), firmness, elasticity and smoothness. 

Applying the product couldn't be any easier. Simply apply a small amount of the serum onto clean skin before using any other creams, lotions and your moisturiser both in the morning morning and at evening. 

When I first tried it I was surprised at how non-sticky and how easily the product sinks into the skin. Marketed as a serum, and having used Esteé Lauder ANR, I assumed it would leave a slight greasy feel. Not the case. It dissolves instantly after working it in which is perfect for mornings if in a rush and perhaps don't have the time to wait. It has no scent which is what I love in skincare products and great for those with sensitive skin. Every time I use the product, especially at night, I can 100% see the improvement in my skin. For me, the main difference I notice is the change in texture and how much smoother and softer my skin is. It makes my skin look more awake, like I've had a caffeine kick.

The result? Hydrated, nourished and plumped up skin.

So far, I absolutely love this product and highly recommend to everyone. It's such a simple to use product that has insane, and noticeable, benefits. Check out Indeed Labs other products, too x x x

What Beauty Products Does Megan Fox Use? Skincare, Makeup Must Haves

As my what beauty products does Kim Kardashian use post was quite popular, I thought I'd continue the theme focusing on different female celebrities and what their favourite make-up products are. Next up is Megan Fox who is undeniably a beautiful woman and probably on everyones "girl crush" list. Yes, she's had a little surgery but her makeup always looks flawless and natural. Here's a rundown of her must haves.

Skincare
Megan goes by the mantra "less is more" when it comes to all things beauty. Yet as her skin struggles from acne stars, enlarged pores and the odd breakout, and being under the spotlight 24/7, her skincare routine is far from simple. She goes on regular visits to skin specialist Sonya Dakar and has the Diamond Peel Treament to help keep her skin clear. It's expensive, at $725 (yes, dollars, US only I'm afraid), but she's definitely a regular customer. She's also a Bliss skincare fan - she loves the Detoxifying Facial Toner and Steep Clean 15 Minute Facial Mask. For skin protection she uses the La Roche-Posay Anthelios AC Extreme Fluid and the Mindi Walters Vitamin C Complex, once quoted saying "this is the only product with SPF that does not irritate my skin".




Face
Yet another celebrity who adores the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation! Also Kim Kardashian's favourite, Megan also loves to use this on herself and on the red carpet as it provides good coverage which is oil-free (perfect for picture taking) and lasts all day. Expensive, but worth it. Another foundation she uses is the Chanel Waterlights Sheer Make Up Stick in Sand and Wheat. For concealer, she loves the Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer (her shade is medium beige) as it coverages everything from acne scars to blemishes to tattoos.

To set everything, she uses the Dr. Hauschka Transcluent Face Powder for all over the face and, for brightening the under eye area, Megan uses the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder in #2. She also uses this for brighten up her complexion, keeping her skin looking refreshed and healthy. Her go-to blush choice is Lorac Rose; a light coral pink.

Eyes
For brows, she loves the Chanel Crayon Sourcils Sculpting Eyebrow Pencil in the shade Soft Brown. For many red carpet looks, make up artists have also used the Lorac Take a Brow Wax Kit in Brunette for a more defined, fuller look. Megan loves to smudge the MAC Smolder Eye Kohl on the top and bottom lashes to create a more messy look. For a softer liner, MAC Omega is her favourite choice.  She recently said in an interview how she likes to use two mascaras for the different brushes. First she uses the Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill as "the thin brush means you can get into the base of your lashes", followed by the L'Oreal Voluminous on top to lengthen. On the red carpet, the most used duo is the Max Factor 2000 Calorie Straight Brush Mascara in Rich Black topped with some MAC Individual Lashes.

Lips
Megan's lipstick changes whenever her look does: from red-toned oranges with a neutral face and eye look, to deep wine reds with a smokey eye. To prep for whatever shade she uses the Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick followed by the Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres Precision Lip Definer in Natural. Her staple deep red lipstick is Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani in 400. For an orange, MAC Morange is a staple. Her dark, berry shade of choice is the Dior Addict Lip Color in Decadent Plum and for a true blue based red use the Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Lipcolor in Absolute Rouge.

Like I said in my Kim post, obviously she uses many different products - these are just reoccurring products I've seen she has mentioned in interviews, forums etc over and over again. Next week: Kylie Jenner!

Full list of products: Sonya Dakar diamond peel treatment, Bliss Detoxifying Facial Toner, Bliss Steep Clean 15 Minute Facial Mask, La Roche-Posay Anthelios AC Extreme Fluid, Mindi Walters Vitamin C Complex, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation, Chanel Waterlights Sheer Makeup Stick in sand and wheat, Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer in medium beige, Dr. Hauschka Translucent face powder, Laura Mercier Secret Brightening powder in #2, Lorac Rose blush, Chanel Crayon Sourcils sculpting eyebrow pencil in soft brown, Lorac Take a Brow wax kit in brunette, MAC Eye Kohl in smolder, MAC eyeshadow in omega, Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill mascara, L'Oreal Voluminous mascara, MAC individual lashes, Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick, Chanel Le Crayon Lévres Precision Lip Definer in natural, Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani in 400, MAC Lipstick in morange, Dior Addict Lip Color in decadent plum, Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge lipcolor in absolute rouge

What Beauty Products Does Kim Kardashian Use? Create Her Signature Look

Kim's make up always looks perfect, whether it be on an Instagram selfie (she posts alot), a magazine cover or on their reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians. After some proper extensive research via the Kardashian sisters blogs, her make up artists and searching through their book I've found out what some of Kim's favourite, and most used, beauty products are. So, if you want the Kim K look, take note...

Skincare
It seems Kim loves drugstore skincare. She said in a recently interview that her most essential product has to go be the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes in night calming. Also, one of her  regular make up artists, Joyce Bonelli loves to use the Aquaphor Healing Ointmen to spot treat dry patches of skin as well as using it to heal blemishes. Joyce also uses La Mer The Radiant Serum which is probably one of the most expensive serums ever at £233 for the small size! Before foundation Kim says she loves to apply the Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturiser as it makes the foundation stick to it.

Base
The key product to Kim's signature highlight is the Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Makeup Color Base in yellow. It's the product used on that photo released of her with a yellow face. The product brings out her naturally strong yellow undertone, thus enhancing the glow. Her make up artists also prime her skin with the Make Up Forever HD Microperfecting Primer 7.

For foundation, she loves using - as well as her make up artists Mario Dedivanovic and Joyce Bonelli - the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk. She mixes three shades (5.75, 6 and 6.5); her natural shade, one lighter to add extra highlight and one darker to contour. On her blog she stated she loves to also use NARS Sheer Glow (her shade is Barcelona) as well as the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser. She loves to use the beauty blender to apply foundation. As for concealer, Mario Dedivanovic uses the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-3 for under the eyes. Kim also said in an interview that she uses the Cle De Peau concealer in Ochre on herself.

Face
Kim sets her makeup using the Make Up Forever HD Translucent Powder but has also been seen to use the MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NC30. Ben Nye Banana Powder is also her favourite to set under eye concealer and to enhance her yellow undertones even more.

It's evident Kim loves using bronzer and her personal favourite (as well as her mua's) is the Smashbox Bronze Lights in Suntan Matte. She uses it all around the face as well as to contour her nose. For blush, Mario mostly use Kevyn Aucoin Shadore and NARS Desire on Kim. I couldn't seem to find a highlighter that she constantly uses other than the Eye M Glam which she uses on her cheekbones, under her brow bone, inner corner of her eyes and on the cupids bow.

Eyes
Kim does use eye lash extensions, yet mascara is never skipped from her routine. She curls her lashes with the Shu Uemura eyelash curlers followed by her favourite mascaras which are the Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara and MAC Zoom Lash. As for false lashes, her most used brand is Ardell.

Obviously she and her make up artists uses different eyeshadows every day. She has mentioned her favourite shades before which are: the NARS Surabaya duo, Urban Decay Vapor, MAC Carbon (a "must have for a smokey eye") and MAC Tan Pigment. As for black eyeliner, she always uses Stila Oynx Kajal.

For brows, Kim fills her eyebrows softlyses MAC Cork eyeshadow focusing more on the outer corners of the brow. Mario also loves using the MAC Eye Brows Pencil in lingering as it's "quick" and "easy to define". They use the Max Factor No Colour Brow Gel to set them in place.

Lips
Kim made the nude lip famous. If, in any picture she is sporting a nude or baby pink lip, 9/10 it is one of following pairings. Trust me. For a matte nude lip: MAC Subculture lip pencil + NARS Belle De Jour lipstick. For a glossy, pink/nude: MAC Stripdown lip pencil + MAC Angel lipstick + NARS Turkish Delight gloss.

Obviously Kim uses so many different products everyday and what various make up artists use differs accordingly, yet these are the products that she constantly uses, and ones highly rated, by herself. Have fun creating her looks!

Full list of Kim's products: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes in night calming, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, La Mer The Radiant Serum, Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturiser, Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Makeup Color Base in yellow, Make Up Forever HD Microperfecting Primer 7, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation in 5.74, 6, 6.5, NARS Sheer Glow in Barcelona, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser, the beauty blender, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage concealer in SC-3, Cle De Peau concealer in ochre, Make Up Forever HD Translucent Powder, MAC Select Sheer pressed powder in NC30, Ben Nye banana powder, Smashbox Bronze Lights in Suntan Matte, Kevyn Auocin Shadore blush, NARS Desire blush, Eye M Glam highlighter, Lancome Hypnose Doll eyes mascara, MAC Zoom Lash, Ardell false lashes, NARS Surabaya eyeshadow duo,  Urban Decay vapor eyeshadow, MAC Carbon, MAC Tan pigment, Stila Onyx Kajal eye liner, MAC Cork eyeshadow, MAC Eye Brows Pencil in lingering, Max Factor No Colour Brow Gel, MAC Subculture lip pencil, NARS Belle De Jour lipstick, MAC Stripdown lip pencil, MAC Angel lipstick and NARS Turkish Delight lip gloss.

New Beauty and Skincare Purchases

As I've just started college, I've been spending most of my money on new clothes. I've just realised how easier it was in high school when we had to wear a set uniform everyday. Deciding what to wear each morning has proven to be a struggle! Nevertheless, I still treat myself to some new beauty products now and then - mostly when I run out of things, though. I went to Boots the other day and picked up three new things and a repurchase.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique light infusing foundation
Now that the weather is becoming increasingly colder, I've been looking for the perfect dewy finish foundation. I thought I'd start my search with the "sister" of my favourite ever foundation L'Oreal True Match. It's meant to provide flawless coverage whilst still looking fresh and skin-like.

Collection Cream Puffs in "cotton candy" and "powder puff"
These just looked too pretty to pass up. I love the NYX soft matte lip creams but you can't get them in stores here, and these looked fairly similar. I picked up a light nude and a gorgeous rose shade. Apparently they smell like sugar frosting so I'm excited to try these out.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch concealer
This is my repurchase of the four - I love using this over my under eye concealer. It just brightens the area up without making it look cakey. It's definitely worth the money.

I also picked up two new skincare bits. Both are repurchases, and both I use on a daily basis.

REN Clearcalm3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser
My favourite cleanser ever! It removes all traces of makeup, freshens up the skin, moisturises, deep cleans and just is a wonderful product. It's targeted at blemish prone skin but I think this will work for anyone, regardless of skin type. On average, it lasts me around five months which, for £18, isn't bad.

L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution
I've repurchased this five times now - it's getting a bit ridiculous. Thank goodness it isn't expensive otherwise I'd be in trouble. I use this to remove all makeup - eyes and face - before going in with my cleanser. It's refreshing, lightweight and does what it says on the bottle. You can't go wrong, really...

Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream Review

Was there any point of me trying yet another BB cream? Nothing will compare to my favourite one by Garnier so, theoretically, I'm just waisting time (and money) trying new ones.

But. I was in America and saw this and thought, "oh, Olay are a good skincare brand" and somewhere on the lines of "maybe it's better than the Garnier one!" So I bought it. What a mistake.

I really don't understand what the purpose of this product is. Does it provide any coverage? No, not even remotely. Does it perfect the skin? To be fair, nothing will perfect the skin realistically but still, no. Does it even feel lightweight and actually bearable to wear? No, it felt sticky and irritable. There's no point, except for the "SPF 15" aspect for which I have a proper sunscreen for that.

So are there any positives. Well, the bottle itself is bloody massive (we're taking 20cm here people) which is great for the price. And if you actually like the product. Which I don't, so...

Other than that, I shall be either giving it to my mother who doesn't even care for makeup who will probably love it, or it shall sit nicely in the bin. Final conclusion: nothing beats Garnier!

July Beauty Favourites

Happy first of August! "July went so fast!"..."I can't believe it's August already!" 

It's safe to say the surprising British weather we've been having has shaped my monthly favourites as I've been trying my best to keep my clean clear and shine free! Here are my monthly picks.

L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution: Hands down the best makeup remover, for both face and eyes, I have found. It's really cheap, you can get it anywhere, is an amazing dupe for Bioderma, removes all traces of makeup and I mean everything and is really fresh and hydrating for the skin. It does run out pretty quickly though - pictured is my third bottle and I only discovered it not even a month ago. Damn.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Snow Pink: I've been using this mostly everyday either on it's on or layered on top of a lipstick (red, pink, coral, nude - they all work) and it's really lovely. It isn't sticky and lasts a decent amount of time! I also love their coral shade, Kiss Me Coral.

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream: This stuff is holy-grail material for me. It has been an absolute summer essential for me this month and hasn't let me down. Read my review for my thoughts as well as swatches etc. Basically, you need to try it.

Tarte Amazionian Clay Blush in Exposed: In the pan, it's pretty boring looking, but is so natural on the skin and just looks great. It's comparable to NARS Douceur blush. Unfortunately this isn't available in the UK so if you're next in the States, UAE etc definitely pick one of them up!

Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot: I didn't know whether to mention this or the Rimmel Stay Matte. To be honest, I've used the Rimmel one for longer yet thought Soap and Glory deserved a mention. If you want seriously looking matte skin, this is the item you need. It's super matte and is amazing at removing an oily appearance. You do need to be carefully when applying not to layer it up as it can go really cakey and noticeable.

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Papaya: I wore this non stop on my holiday and despite being in the pool and sea everyday, the colour didn't come off or chip which is super impressive. All of the gelly nail paints are equally as great and are priced well.

Thank you for reading! And have a great month. Xoxo

PS. I've been really bad at posting recently! Before, I used to post on average 12 a month. Some months I'm really on track yet others I just manage one or two! This month I'm gonna be away for 3 weeks meaning I don't really have that much time to take the pictures and write the posts. Even though I could schedule them I really like checking them as I go before publishing and updating if necessary. Plus, when I get back I have to get ready for the start of college which is a massive stress, plus I have to get my results from school as I'll be away when they are officially released. So bare with my in the next two-ish months, thank you! :)

Glamglow Super Mud Clearing Treatment In-Depth Review

I picked up the GlamGlow Super Mud Clearing Treatment when I was away after watching Shannon's review on YouTube. When it comes to any skincare product I like to do my research as my skin gets super irritated quickly so any product that I use, whether it be makeup or skincare, I need to check the ingredients. It's annoying, but ever since I have been checking the ingredients, I haven't suffered any major problems *touch wood*.

This clearing treatment can be used in two ways: either as a full face mask or as a spot treatment. You can leave it on for 5-20 minutes depending on the 'treatment' you want. I have tried this product for different time variations and here's what I noted down:

Full 20 minute mask

Before

• Has a lightweight, thin consistency
• The product spreads really easily and isn't thick or heavy
• It has a really lovely mint scent
• A little goes a long way, a 20p size covered my whole face

During

• Mask hardens to the point where you can't crack it even if you try!
• Certain areas of the face go dark where excess sebum (oil) is being produced so you can target where the problem areas on your skin are
• Removes easily with lukewarm water

After

• Thorough deep-cleaned feeling
• Slightly tight but doesn't feel at all uncomfortable
• Noticeable clearer skin, especially around my nose
• Buildup is removed
• Pores feel much tightened
• Really nice cooling effect that lasts

This mask is so amazing. With masks I love to actually see what it's doing to my skin and with this you can. It goes almost black on certain areas where the dirt and oil is being removed and is basically laying on top of the mask ready to be washed off. It's actually shocking to see how much rubbish is built up in the skin, but at the same time it's good that it shows it! For a mask it's extremely lightweight and has a light gritty texture which I presume helps clean the skin as well. The scent isn't irritable whatsoever and isn't overpowering so, if you don't like mint, you don't really notice it after application.



And another thing I love about it is that it doubles as a spot treatment!

5-10 minutes spot treatment

• Dab a little onto any problem areas (i.e. blackheads around the nose or any active breakouts)
• Leave on for 5-10 minutes
• Remove with warm water

Using as spot treatment is equally as effected as a mask as you're targeting the exact areas you want to clear. It feels super cooling and refreshing on, perfect if you have irritated or red skin. It works wonders on tightening your pores whilst clearing up buildup around the nose.

As I mentioned at the beginning I love knowing what ingredients are in certain skincare products. With the GlamGlow Super Mud Clearing Treatment you get an in-depth leaflet into the science behind each ingredient. It shows exactly what it does for your skin and how it does it.

Can we just take a moment and discuss why the heck the packaging of this is so massive compared to the actual container the product comes in? Why!

If you've made it this far, well done you. To conclude, I just want to say that this treatment is so versatile that you can adapt it for your skincare needs. I personally love using it as a mask and as a spot treatment as I find they both work really well. Even if you don't have blemishes you can use it for so many other things such as pore minimising, razor bumps and in-grown hairs as well as the typical problem skin issues.

Despite the poor size of the product you don't need that much at all so I can see it lasting a while, all depending on how frequent you use it obviously. You can get it from Feel Unique for £39.99 with free delivery worldwide. Xoxo

Disclaimer: I bought it myself.

Dubai Sephora Haul

One of the shops I was most excited to visit at The Dubai Mall was Sephora. I had a long list of products only available there but I did struggle to find any of the brands. I did however pick up four things that I wanted anyway despite the fact you can buy them in England. The price was a little cheaper so all in all it was a good shopping trip :) Everything I bought totalled around 725 dirhams which sounds crazy but in GBP it is about £129. Not bad eh?!

Glam Glow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment: Probably the most expensive skincare product I've bought to date. It's meant to be the holy grail of mud masks. It can be used as either a full mask or as a spot treatment that works on pores, blemishes, acne, razor burns, in-grown hairs, problem skin and white/black heads. I can't wait to try this out!

Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Eyeshadow Collection: I've never seen this palette before but, omg when I saw it on display I needed to have it. It has an array of shimmery and matte colours that are super wearable and gorgeous. I'll definitely be posting up a review with swatches soon-ish.

Benefit They're Real Mascara: Soon becoming my favourite mascara, I just thought what the heck I'd buy it full size. I've been through numerous samples and, with the exchange rate, it made it a little cheaper.

Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray: I like the original UD setting spray so when I saw the oil control version I thought I'd give it a whirl. I hope it lasts a while because it was kinda expensive for what it is. Nevertheless, with this crazy heatwave we're having in the UK and with my holiday to Cali coming up I knew I'd be in need of it.

So yeah! Four things but I'm proud of my purchases. I also went to Bath and Body Works but only picked up hand sanitisers and the warm vanilla sugar body spray.

Hope your enjoying the heatwave. Xoxo

PS. My holiday experience: Dubai post should be up soon!

Empties! #1

It literally took me 5 minutes to find out where the hashtag was on my Mac. And I've had this thing for nearly two years (alt+3 if you're wondering!)

Anyway, I thought I'd started doing empties posts as I go through periods where it seems like I'm finishing everything up. So here are the most recent products I've finished up:

Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique, Blistex Intensive Moisturiser, Rimmel Scandaleyes mascara, Macadama Healing Oil Treatment, Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

Hair products tend to last me age as I don't use much and I don't use them everyday. The Kerastase Nectar Thermique is amazing for people who blow-dry/curl/straighten their hair as it works as a heat protectant. It's a cream product that you apply to damp hair before drying and just works wonders. It tames frizz and flyways, great for humidity and protects against heat. Not repurchased yet.

Another hair product I've finished is the Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment. It's much more lightweight and overall better than Moroccan Oil. Already repurchased.

Rimmel Scandaleyes is one of my fave mascaras. Creates length and volume and you can make it as clumpy as you want (which I love). It's cheap and is available in waterproof as well. Already repurchased.

I've just finished up another tube of Blistex Intensive Moisturiser and, to be honest, I don't like it! "Why another tube then?!" Well it's just really good!! Lemme explain. The texture and consistency and smell is disgusting and feels weird on. But, used overnight, you soon forget and it works wonders at moisturising your lips.

Something I need to repurchase asap is the full size of the Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray (especially because we're in summer!) It works really well for keeping makeup put all day and I think is essential for the warmer months.

MAC Brush Cleanser, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel, Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion, Garnier Fresh Essentials Eye Make-up Remover, Mario Badescu Control Cream

More boring empties so I'll quickly go through these.

• MAC Brush Cleanser - a must-have to spot clean your brushes. It works well and dries fairly quickly. It doesn't seem to last long though; I've already been through 3 this year.
• Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel - review/haul here
• Mario Badescu Control Cream - one of the best skincare products I've used. This is perfect for controlling redness and breakouts. I can't seem to find it anywhere anymore (I used to buy it off BeautyBay yet it's always out of stock.)
• Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion - really good for deep cleaning the skin after cleansing morning and evening. I do however think I've found an even better alternative in the L'Oreal Skin Perfection Miscellar Water!
• Garnier Fresh Essentials Eye Make-Up Remover - nothing special but does remove most traces of eye make up (tricky on liner though!)

So they're my recent empties! I'll do another one of these once I have accumulated some more interesting products. I think these are a good idea as you can review each product briefly.

Have a great weekend and I hope your enjoying this beaut weather we're having! Xoxo

*This is my last post until July 18th*

Products mentioned:

Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique, buy

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser, buy

Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara, buy

Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment*, buy

Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray, buy

MAC Brush Cleanser, buy

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel*, buy

Mario Badescu Control Cream (can't find online)

Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion, buy

Garnier Fresh Essentials Eye Make-Up Remover*, buy

Pre-Holiday Boots Haul

Recently I went to Boots to pick up some more stuff I needed for holiday. Like shampoo, conditioner, nail polish remover pads, travel pills etc etc. I managed to get everything however I got a little distracted and kinda went off in a tangent and bought some bits I didn't really need (minus the sun protection obvs!) So I thought I'd share with you my more exciting purchases.


L'oreal Paris Skin Perfection Miscellar Solution

A drugstore 'dupe' for Bioderma that is apparently super amazing so I needed to try it. I'm thinking of using this to take my makeup off on the plane and every night. [£4.99]

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

No reason for this purchase other than the fact I love all of the other Real Techniques brushes. I love using new brushes anyway so I think I'll save this for when I'm away. [£9.99]

Barry M Hi Shine Gel Nail Paint in Papaya

I love their jelly nail polishes - amazing colour range, good quality and they seem to last ages without chipping and, for the price, I needed to get another. "Papaya" is a gorgeous neon coral/orange that will look uh-may-zing with a tan. [£3.99]

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Kiss Me Coral and Snow Pink

It's sooooo hot in Dubai and wearing lipsticks is the last thing I want. These lipglosses are really nice and they have such an amazing colour selection. I picked up "Kiss Me Coral", which is a stunning vibrant shimmery coral, as I saw Tanya Burr use it in a tutorial who made it looked beaut and "Snow Pink" which is a lovely pink shimmery nude. [£6.99]

Batiste XXL Plumping Powder
I have never heard or seen about this product for so I'm seriously excited to try it. It's a loose powder that you work into the roots to create volume. The packaging is cute and it's cheap so I thought why not. [£3.99]

Garnier Skin Perfection BB Cream

To me, BB creams are pointless and don't do much skincare wise. However the reviews and hype over this product was insane, I had to try it. I got it in the shade light as I read the medium shade is really dark. I'll do a separate review once I've tried it out. [£9.99]

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

I've already owned this concealer before; it's extremely high coverage and conceals practically everything. [£4.19]

I swear by the Piz Buin sun protection range. You can get them with special tanning intensifying extracts to make your tan lasts even longer, or you can get it without. It's greattttt.


Have a great week! Xoxo

*Update: this is probably gonna be my last post before Dubai, I'm still gonna do my travel guide yet I'll do them after I'm back - most people go away late July/August anyway! I'll just have more time to take pics and write them instead of trying to fit them all in three days (I go the 10th of July) and rushing etc! Have an amazing summer you guyssssss!!! -Suzie*

Effortless Summer Bronzed Look

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette, MAC Blush in Harmony, NARS Laguna Bronzer, Maybelline Dream Lumi Concealer 02, MAC Lipglass in Underage, Sleek Blush in Pixie Pink, MAC Paint Pot in Vintage Selection, MAC Eyeliner in Stubborn Brown, St Tropz Medium/Dark Gradual Tan for Face

We all love and thrive to have that effortlessly bronzed look we seem to get on holiday. If, stuck in England (or wherever home is for you), there are ways to cheat the summer look.

June Beauty Favourites (+ randoms!)

I actually can't believe we're more than half way through the year. Before we know it it's gonna be Christmas, then new years, then 2014! I'm going to Dubai next week (ahh!) so expect a couple travel-type posts in the upcoming week :) Anyway, here are my June favourites - as always, links are at the bottom of the post!!!

NARS Powder Foundation (Fiji), Model Co Ultra Shine Lipgloss (Strip Tease), Urban Decay Naked Basics, Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Concealer, Rimmel Exaggerate Eyeliner, Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Sudocrem aka The Miracle Product

Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream

Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream is probably the cheapest skincare product I use and love, and I never thought I'd like it this much! Perhaps known best for using on babies, I've found it to work amazing on the skin of, well, non-babies :P

Clinique Haul

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

I hate liking products, especially the unnecessarily expensive ones, simply because repurchasing them is a pain and hurts my wallet.