BRITISH BEAUTY ADDICT: skincare

7.4.20

Protect, Brighten and Bronze: My Approach To Spring Skin

In the UK, the weather has been optimistically sunny. And while it’s only a matter of time until the spring showers arrive (Brits aren't as optimistic), it’s time to recalibrate my skincare wardrobe. As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m a creature of habit, so I don’t tend to change much up. But my capsule spring skincare arsenal must do the following: protect, brighten, and bronze. It’s simple, streamlined, and, most importantly, effective.

Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen SPF 35, £20

I usually can’t bear an extra step of applying sunscreen. But it’s non-negotiable. Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen is an SPF but not as we know it. Its serum-like consistency is unrecognisable from your traditionally thick, chalky sunscreen. It’s really light, fresh, and it doesn’t interfere with whatever I apply on top. My only gripe is it’s £20 for 30ml - but can you put a price on protection? When things heat up, I’ll switch to a higher dose of SPF.

Kora Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum, £60

I’m obsessed with Kora Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum, it’s the best. Not only do I appreciate its formulation of 12% ascorbyl glucoside (the most stable and water-soluble derivative of vitamin C), which is scientifically proven to block free radicals and pollution, its texture is loveable and lightweight, too. I’ve used every last drop of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which is hailed as the gold standard of vitamin C serums, but Noni Bright is better. Big claims, I know. But my skin is brighter, smoother, firmer, and more even, all without irritation. And unlike SkinCeuticals, it doesn’t smell like hot dogs, rather a glass of fizzy orange. It’s satisfying to use and half the price.

Oskia Nutri-Bronze Adaptive Sheer Tinted Serum, £58

If you like to look like you have perfectly even and sunkissed skin without wearing an ounce of makeup, this is a must-have. The Oskia Nutri-Bronze Adaptive Sheer Tinted Serum takes the edge off of any redness and under-eye bags and makes my skin look like it has nothing on it at all. It’s also enriched with a whole host of ingredients from hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5 to plump and hydrate, to bakuchiol the natural alternative to retinol. I use one to two drops, applied directly to my skin to minimise waste by way of my hands.

What skincare products are you wearing for spring?

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beauty

4.4.20

Favourite Products: March 2020 (& A Note From Me)

In these strange and uncertain times, there’s no better opportunity to learn a new skill or revisit past hobbies. I am currently taking two approaches to keeping sane while social distancing. The first being setting a routine, as I lack creativity and sense of purpose lounging around in my pajamas, eating, and watching Disney+. As much as I enjoy devouring a packet of biscuits, I need order. Secondly, it’s an unexpected opportunity to reignite old passions. Before I shifted into journalism, blogging had provided me with an outlet for escape. So here I am, kickstarting my blogging re-set. Let’s face it, I have a lot of time on my hands. Without further ado, I thought now would be the time to discuss a few beauty favourites.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Mascara, £26*

I jump around with mascaras, it’s where I tend to experiment. Sometimes it’s Maybelline, sometimes it’s Glossier, but my current mascara of choice is Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Mascara. The hourglass wand boasts short, densely-packed bristles - you know the kind of brush that will make your eyelids messy if you apply haphazardly. Its formulation is creamy, ultra-black, and, unlike wine, it doesn’t get better with age. It’s best on opening, which is a rarity. Most importantly, it gives me full fluffy lashes fast.

Make Up For Ever Reboot Foundation, £32

Finally, a dewy and hydrating foundation that’s relatively long-lasting. Make Up For Ever Reboot Foundation brightens, smooths out parched patches, and offers light to medium coverage with a fresh, natural finish. It doesn’t dry down, so a dusting of powder is required. And it wears how I want it to until I arrive home in the late afternoon with the slickest, shiniest forehead and nose.

Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Water Cream, £35.50*

I recently visited Ada Ooi, facialist and founder of 001Skincare, who post-treatment delighted me with the news my skin was ‘wonderfully hydrated’. While I took great pleasure in this compliment, it isn’t because I drink adequate amounts of water, it’s thanks to the fact I slather my skin in Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Water Cream. Containing a heavy dose of hyaluronic acid, the slush-puppie-like moisturiser delivers a burst of long-lasting hydration and instantly calms my reactive skin on application. It’s just like you’ve downed a day’s worth of water in an instant - just what dehydrated and stressed skin types are yearning for.

Glossier Skywash in Valley, £15*

Eyeshadow has come a long way in the past decade, it has never been easier to get good quality eyeshadow at a reasonable price. Glossier Skywash falls into that bracket with its fool-proof formulation and offering of people-pleasing shades for £15. I like to take the shade Valley (a warm matte peach) all over my lids then blend with a brush. The doe-foot applicator eyeshadows are ideal for those with a relatively uncomplicated makeup routine seeking a wash of colour.

Urban Decay Stay Naked Powder Fix, £27*

When I want to dim down some gleam, I press Urban Decay Stay Naked Powder Fix over my freshly made-up face with a Morphe Y11 Deluxe Pointed Contour brush. The silky powder offers additional coverage, blurs imperfections, and will make whatever makeup I’m wearing last that bit longer and suck up some oil in the process.

What products are getting you through this period of isolation? Sending lots of positive vibes your way.

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beauty

16.7.18

Three Vegan Skincare Discoveries

Up until recently, I didn’t really give much thought about where my beauty ingredients come from - it takes time and a whole lot of googling to decode a product label. It’s a bit of a minefield. But unknowingly to me, three skincare products that I’m currently besotted with, are actually vegan. Meaning these lotions and potions do not contain any animal extracts or animal by-products. I’m not particularly snobby with my skincare ingredients if I see results I’m sweet. But it seems upping my ethics and being more conscious of what goes into my skincare products is worth my time and money as these products have been a godsend.

Herbivore Moon Fruit Superfruit Night Treatment £48.00

Similar to PIXI Peel and Polish, Herbivore Moon Fruit Superfruit Night Treatment is packed with fruit enzymes to gently resurface the skin and unclog pores. The overnight mask also contains hydrating butters and hyaluronic acid, which gets a thumbs-up from me as it helps to keep my skin plump. And despite its purple appearance, you can wear the mask overnight without creating a mess on your pillowcase as the colour disappears as you massage it in. I’m yet to be completely won over by its lavender-scented formula, but slapped onto the skin in the evening, topped off with a facial oil to boost hydration (as Herbivore suggests), I wake up in the morning looking like I’ve drunk my two litres of water. If you’re dehydrated, sensitive or wanting to ditch dull skin, it’s worth the splurge.

Dr Roebuck's No Worries Hydrating Face Moisturizer £30.00

I’m fussy when it comes to moisturisers, as I have dehydrated skin, but I hate anything thick or tacky on my face, especially when the weather turns sweat-tastic. But Dr Roebuck's No Worries Hydrating Face Moisturizer has been ticking all the right boxes. It has slipped seamlessly into my skincare routine, bumping all other moisturisers to the back of the cabinet. Its lightweight formulation includes a simple blend of effective ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and macadamia nut oil two moisture-magnets and vitamin E for added anti-ageing benefits. Gently massaged into my skin, it’s easily absorbed and non-greasy, leaving it feeling soft, supple and plump. And it’s the inclusion of glycerine (commonly found in primer) helps create the perfect canvas for makeup. The only criticism is it doesn’t contain SPF. But as I’ve been pretty dedicated to my new skincare find I’ve invested in an additional facial SPF.

PIXI Peel and Polish £24.00

Meet my current skincare favourite; PIXI Peel and Polish. This 2-in-1 mask and polish is a miracle worker. Because with most skincare products you don’t expect to see actual results until you’ve used them consistently for several weeks, but I kid you not, in just 5 minutes this product transforms my skin. The PIXI Peel and Polish contains lactic acid and papaya enzyme, which acts similarly to an AHA (but is far gentler), to remove all the dead skin cells from your face. Twice a week, I apply the mask for 5 minutes post-cleansing, then with my fingertips I gently massage it in, then remove with warm water. As it's acid-based, it does cause some tingling, but it’s fleeting and comfortable. The result? Instantly softer, brighter skin, with no tight feeling or drying. In fact, the results aren’t too dissimilar to Peter Thomas Roth's Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, but it’s far cheaper, and your skin won’t look red immediately after use.

beauty

4.7.18

The Beauty Products To Pack For Your Holiday

My suitcase weighed in at 20kg as it hit the scales at Gatwick airport when we checked in for our flight to Porto Santo last month. I would usually regard myself a light packer, and I did up until this point. But I should have considered this a possibility the moment my sister asked me why I needed to fly half the contains of the bathroom cabinet with me to Portugal as I shoved my wash bag into my case. And in hindsight, she had a point, as it’s safe to say not every single product got put to good use during my holibobs. But a handful of products did and I thought I’d share those with you today.

Wilko After Sun Aloe Vera Gel £2.50

It might be the most unappealing product in this round-up, but it’s easily one of the most important. If like me, despite your best efforts, your skin burns within minutes of being exposed to the sun, aloe vera gel is a must. I repeat it’s a must-pack beauty product for a hot summer holiday. Typically brand-to-brand the formulation of aloe vera gel doesn’t differ, so I tend to pick up a tube from wherever is convenient. But trust me when I say this green goo will help soothe, hydrate and calm the worst sunburn of your life.

HERBIVORE After Sun Soothing Aloe Mist (60ml) £10.00*

Although aloe vera gel doesn’t make you oily, it can leave a sticky film on the skin. So to ensure you can wear your favourite (and most comfortable) dress to the all-inclusive evening buffet without the garment sticking to your thighs (or backside in my case) after sun sprays such as HERBIVORE After Sun Soothing Aloe Mist are a great alternative. The blend of aloe vera, lavender and peppermint essential oils means the mist is cooling, soothing, hydrating and anti-inflammatory. It’s worth noting, however, that HERBIVORE uses glass bottles to house their beautiful products, which is great for the environment, but not our luggage. But it’s nothing a Glossier pink pouch couldn’t help a gal out with.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (75ml) £18.00

My love for Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Bum Bum Cream hasn’t wavered since it first made an appearance on my top shelf last June, as smothering my limbs in this stuff is always a pleasure. Not only is the sugary, summery scent addictive, but it’s also hydrating, creamy and leaves my skin noticeably soft and suppler, without that typical greasiness associated with most body creams. But does it make my butt plump? Honestly, this isn’t a Brazilian bum lift in a jar per se, but the dimples in my skin, scars and stretch marks have been visibly reduced.

Moroccanoil Treatment Light (25ml) £13.45

Typically I don’t tend to style my hair on holiday; it goes up during the day, gets washed post pool/sunbathe session and is let to air-dry before I head out to consume several piña coladas. But one of my all-time favourite styling products and after sun hair saviours is Moroccanoil Treatment Light. To apply, I gently squeeze out the moisture from my hair (after washing), rub a tiny amount of the oil into the tips of my fingers and work the product through the mid-section and into the ends of my hair. The lightweight oil feeds my hair back to its best after being exposed to heat and humidity, reducing frizz and unruliness, leaving it seriously soft and shiny.

Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+ (50ml) £29.00

Call it a quarter-life crisis, but I’m suddenly seeing fine lines developing on my face, and I’m freaking out. I blame the one too many years of using sunbeds and not wearing a sunscreen with a high SPF rating. But rather than dwelling on the should haves, I now wear and strongly suggest investing in a moisturiser with an SPF rating of 30+ (and not using sunbeds blah, blah, blah…) to help slow down the ageing process. My current favourite is Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+ that has an SPF of 50 as well as high UVA protection. It can be worn alone, or under makeup and is comfortable, lightweight and doesn’t look white on the skin – it just feels like a regular moisturiser. And of course, you can still get a tan while wearing sunscreen. So don’t disregard the importance of facial SPF, or rely solely on your foundation with SPF.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask £42.00*

While it’s not a necessity, it’s always nice to pack a beauty product that helps you to indulge in a little pampering while you’re away. And as I was planning to lounge in the sun for hours on end, which can leave my complexion feeling zapped of moisture, I opted for Summer Friday’s Jet Lag Mask, which has a seriously hydrating formulation - more so than Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. It also contains vitamin C, Niacinamide, Green Tea and Chestnut Extract to boost hydration, brighten, soothe and reduce uneven skin. The balm is thick and smells a little minty, and I found it is best applied overnight, especially if you’re after uber-dewy plump skin.

Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Finish 24HR Wear (Latte Light) £27.00*

Admittedly this was the first time I’d taken a false tan product abroad and to do so sounds a little ironic, doesn’t it? But I wasn’t blessed with skin that tans seamlessly the same shade from head to toe, and I found that Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Finish 24HR Wear came in handy during my stay. It worked a treat at helping to even up my skin tone, I simply applied a thin layer of the wash-off self-tan every evening to any exposed limbs and rinsed off before I got into bed. But it’s worth mentioning if you apply too much, the product can ball up and I recommend applying with a tanning mitt to avoid a streaky finish. I’m not one to book a pre-holiday spray tan, but I wouldn’t hesitate at packing this again.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eye Shadow Palette £43.00

I love to experiment with new eyeshadows whilst I’m away as I have the time (and energy) to do so. And before my trip, I hadn’t even opened the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eye Shadow Palette despite the fact I’d purchased it back in March(!) so it was the ideal candidate for the job. The latest palette from Anastasia Beverly Hills features a selection of neutral eyeshadows including a handful of warm peaches, which are undoubtedly my most worn eyeshadow shade of the past two years. During my stay, I wore all 16 shades and found they complimented my blue eyes and golden glow perfectly.

By Terry Cellularose Brightening CC Serum (Sunny Flash) £61.00

Rather than second-guessing and buying a foundation that is darker than my usual shade, I like to mix my foundation (MAKE UP FOR EVER Water Blend Face & Body Foundation) with a pump of By Terry Cellularose Brightening CC Serum in Sunny Flash. The CC serum isn’t something I reach for during colder months, but when my base needs a hint of warmth, the bronze serum is my top pick. The CC serum isn’t a coverage product, but it blends well with my go-to bases, brightening, smoothing and blurring my complexion. It is, however rather pricey and perfumed, so two things to consider if you're strapped for cash and sensitive to perfumed products.

What beauty products do you take away with you? Emily

beauty

8.4.18

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter | Review & Swatches

Within the last couple of years, every beauty brand has released a highlighter (or two). And for a minute, I thought I'd seen and tried them all - from powder, cream, jelly, liquid, with or without shimmer and even black highlighter. But then Charlotte Tilbury releases Hollywood Flawless Filter (£30.00)*. And despite its foundation like appearance, this isn't a foundation or coverage product. It is a cross between a primer and highlighter of the sparkle-free variety, and I can't get enough.
Available in seven shades (I wear the shade 1 Fair) the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter is a complexion booster that Charlotte describes as a 'the ultimate high gloss, high glow celebrity-skin-filter-in-a-bottle’ and once I'd seen Charlotte dousing varies celebs in the new beauty product on her Insta account I had major skin envy - this stuff has no chunky sparkles, or shimmer, it's just pure dew. And when I say dew, what I mean is glossy and natural. The application and finish are completely customisable; you can either use the doe-foot applicator to dot it on underneath your foundation (as you would a primer) for a subtle glow, mix it with your foundation, or apply it to the high points of your face (the top of cheekbones, brow bone, cupid's bow, etc.) for a more intense finish. My preferred method is the latter. I transfer a little product onto the back of my hand and use my fingertips to tap it along the tops of my cheekbones and right above the lips at the cupid's bow.

L-R Swatched, Blended | Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

The finish is impressive. It's diffused and almost wet-faced without being sticky or too shiny - just how has she done it? I don’t think my skin has ever reached this level of glowy dewiness. And as much as I enjoy wearing Glossier Haloscope and Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Glow Shot, they've been trumped in that respect. The formulation is creamy, near clear enough, blendable (it practically melts into your skin) and considering it's textured, it's relatively long-lasting. But what I would say is the glass bottle while undeniably pretty, will certainly cause a little aggro, as I can imagine scraping the last out of the bottle will be pretty tricky.
In a nutshell, if you like glossy cheekbones, or you're after a more natural sort of sheen, you've got a winner right here.
Have you tried Hollywood Flawless Filter? Emily

beauty

8.1.18

Best Beauty Discoveries of 2017

Today I present to you 2017's best beauty discoveries. Last year was a great year for beauty, mainly due to the fact more brands and products that have been making serious waves across the pond have become readily available here in the UK - mainly thanks to the likes of sites such as Cult Beauty, Beauty Bay and not forgetting Glossier. So throughout the year I wasn't short of new enticing beauty products to try, but there are some skincare, makeup, tools and fragrances that are now firm favourites and really worth splashing out on.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24HR Foundation £31.50

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24HR Foundation is the base of 2017 that I relied on to last all day. Teint Idole Ultra 24HR provides a medium to full coverage finish and has a non greasy formula, that doesn't look cakey, transfer or leave you feeling like you're wearing a mask. My daily routine is pretty non-stop with an early start and late finish, so having a foundation in my arsenal that I don't have to worry about reapplying is a must. And this bottle of liquid goodness even makes it through to post-work drinks. [Full review]

Make Up For Ever Water Blend Foundation £31.00

For lazy Sundays and those days when I don't want to wear makeup (but also don't want to look like utter rubbish) the lesser known Make Up For Ever Water Blend Foundation is my top pick. The ultra-light, super hydrating formula, has the most beautiful glowy skin-like finish. And despite its sheer coverage, it evens tone, minimises the appearance of pores and smooths uneven texture. Plus you can cover your skin from top to bottom with the stuff, which has been ideal for disguising my eczema prone skin on the rare occasion I uncover limbs on a night out. [Full review]

BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector £24.00

I tried and tested many concealers last year, but the hero under eye product has to be the BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector. The tried-and-true corrector is creamy, lightweight and has magical light reflecting properties that help to eradicate dark circles while adding a subtle, flattering luminescence to my skin. I apply the pink toned corrector before concealer and together they get the job done. It's now a firm staple in my daily makeup routine - I couldn't imagine being without it.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream £18.00 - £44.00

Yes, this body cream is expensive and I'm aware there's really no compelling *need* to spend £44.00 on body lotion. But it's totally worth it. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is hands down one of the best smelling body lotions in the beauty business. It's infused with Guarana to stimulate circulation, lift and tighten and has an edible tropical scent due to its blend of pistachio, caramel and coconut that will leave you smelling heavenly all day long. [Full review]

Glossier You Eau de Parfum £45.00

I'm seduced by fragrance, so naturally I have bottles of the stuff. But a handful of my all-time favorites such as Chanel Chance are much harder to style day-to-day. Enter Glossier You Perfume, the day-appropriate scent dubbed to 'smell like you'. Glossier You falls on the softer side and is the perfect addition to my perfume collection. It doesn't veer too far sweet, floral, or powdery and has the perfect amount of musk. Think warm, light, comforting, luxurious liquid detergent, yet it's still incredibly alluring. In the words of Goldilocks this ~~porridge~~ perfume is just right.

Huda Beauty Warm Brown Obsessions Palette £25.00

Last year saw the release of several palettes but in my opinion Huda Beauty Warm Brown Obsessions Palette is the best eyeshadow palette of 2017. It has a top notch shade selection with eight warm-toned mattes and one pressed glitter. The mini-palette is bang on trend and I actually use every single shade, especially the warm brown on the bottom row which I like to sweep over my lids on the regular - the proof is in the pan (quite literally). It's an absolute gem. If you've been itching to add a new palette to your arsenal, this is a must-have. And best of all, it costs £25.00 - so you can save that mullah. [Full review & swatches]

It Cosmetics Heavenly Skin CC+ Skin-Perfecting Brush #702 £34.00

It Cosmetics Heavenly Skin CC+ Skin-Perfecting Brush #702 is the best foundation brush I've had the pleasure of using to date. I have literally gotten rid of all of my previous foundation brushes. It's soft, densely packed, and the balance of the handle and the brush head is perfect. But its ability to apply a variety of different products be it face cream, liquid or cream foundations and tinted moisturisers so smoothly and evenly is what sets it apart from the rest.

Estée Lauder The Illuminator Radiant Perfecting Primer + Finisher £25.00

The Estée Lauder Estée Lauder The Illuminator Radiant Perfecting Primer + Finisher reignited my love for makeup primers in 2017. The nourishing gel-meets-lotion contains special hydrators and skin-smoothing Vitamin E, Rice Bran Extract and Shea Butter. It leaves my skin plumped, smoothed, baby-soft and brightened with just enough dew. It prolongs whatever is worn on top, but unlike other primers it keeps my base looking fresh.

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% £5.00

2017 was a groundbreaking year for stripped back skincare formulas with The Ordinary leading the pack. And boy did I buy near enough every product from the Ordinary range. But there was one product in particular that's wowed me and my skin The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. I leave the product on overnight and come morning my skin is visibly brighter and far smoother thanks to its high concentration of vitamin C. Two words, game-changer.

Too Faced Love Lights Prismatic Highlighter Blinded by the Light £25.00

YSL Touche éclat Glow Shot Highlighter in Daylight and MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Double-Gleam are also deserving of a shout out for the best highlighter discovery of 2017, but when it comes to my most worn highlighter Too Faced Love Lights Prismatic Highlighter Blinded by the Light has no contenders. This highlighter despite its name is for a more subtle approach to glowly skin. It has a beautiful pearlescent finish, that isn't too strong, nor shimmery and lasts all day. The shade is an ideal middle-of-the-road hue that would look natural on just about everyone. It's pretty, pearly and one of the most Instagram-worthy highlighters ever. [Full review & swatches]
What were your best beauty discoveries of 2017?

beauty

4.1.18

New to My Skincare Routine

Ever since I got a job in London my skin and I have had a somewhat turbulent relationship. Congested pores, redness, blackheads, uneven texture and (yes) even minor signs of ageing have all graced my face at some point in the last two years. So during 2017 I cut back on buying, got to know my skin a bit better and adjusted my existing product routine. Unsurprisingly many of the products I’ve tried and tested in the last 12 months haven’t worked for me. But a handful have had their chance to shine and have seamlessly slipped into my daily skincare routine without a hiccup.

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% £5.00

I love hunting for game changing skincare products and The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% has won me and my skin over. It's an antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum - one of the most powerful antioxidants available to treat the skin, which has been shown to minimise sun damage, help boost collagen production, even skin tone, reduce red and brown spots and fine lines. Plus, it can repair the damage that occurs throughout the day from UV and environmental stress. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% has a slightly gritty texture and it does itch when applied, but my skin has become more tolerable to the high dosage of vitamin C with continual use. Not only has it helped restore my skin to its glowy, angelic potential, it's made a huge difference in smoothing and softening the texture of my skin.

Clinique Pep-Start™Pout Perfecting Balm £16.00

When my lips are feeling dry I've been reaching for Clinique Pep-Start™Pout Perfecting Balm. And it really works. It visibly softens and instantaneously hydrates my lips while leaving them a lil' glossy. It's surpassed my liking for Glossier's Original Balm Dotcom which separated and started to smell odd after just a months use. In comparison, Clinique Pep-Start™Pout Perfecting Balm is odourless, has zero colour and there's no need to use your finger, which is a major plus.

Glossier Super Bounce Serum £24.00

This winter my skin has been thirsty AF. Enter Glossier Super Bounce the supercharged serum that's serving up nicely as an extra dose of moisture. Super Bounce is formulated with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid an incredibly hydrating ingredient, which holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It also has a pleasing texture so I thoroughly enjoy smothering it all over my skin in the evening post-cleanse. Versus The Ordinary's hyaluronic offerings? For me, Glossier Super Bounce pips the post with its silky-smooth formulation - the only drawback is the price that you pay for just 15ml.

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm £37.00

After trialling a travel-sized Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm during my weekend break to Edinburgh I returned home and bought the full size. It's essentially a luxurious illuminating primer that can be worn alone, or paired with your moisturiser for optimum luminosity. It glides onto the skin, is moisturising without being too greasy and instantly brightens my complexion without being sparkly, glittery or shimmery. Which is exactly what my skin needs in this cold weather.

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser £15.00

My first impression of Glossier's cult Milky Jelly Cleasner wasn’t all that. In short I felt it was too basic. I much prefer something a little more hardworking to cleanse in the evening, such as DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, which removes a full coverage makeup in a flash. But don't disregard Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser. It's a good choice for an AM cleanse as it removes dirt and light make-up without leaving your skin feeling dry or tight. And it's a great product for those with sensitive seeking a gentle cleanser. What products have you recently introduced to your skincare routine? Emily

beauty

4.12.17

Party Season Skincare Prep

- This post is in collaboration with The Body Shop -

Party season has arrived (hooray!), so it's time to up my skincare game. During December my usual pre-sleep cleanse doesn't cut the mustard. The late nights, back-to-back parties, cold weather and weekday boozing leave my complexion dull, blotchy and spotty. So I've put together a whole host of effective skincare products from The Body Shop, to help prep and preen my skin for the party season.

CLEANSE

It probably is no surprise that you’ve got to start by cleansing the skin. I tend to double cleanse every evening as I work in the city and wear makeup regularly. For the initial cleanse I will use a basic no-fuss cleanser such as The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil £12.00 to remove makeup and surface grime. And then I'll use a targeted cleanser (i.e. for dry or congested skin) for a deeper clean.

EXFOLIATE

Next I'll scrub-a-dub-dub. Exfoliation is key for glowing skin, as when old skin cells start to pile up, your complexion can become rough, dull and clogged. My polish pick is The Body Shop Tea Tree 3-in-1 Wash Scrub Mask £8.50, the grainy scrub contains tea tree oil (an ol' faithful of mine that treats without over-drying) and tiny exfoliating particles that gently unclog blocked pores, smooth the top layer of the skin and reduce the appearance of those unsightly blackheads. I recommend exfoliating 1-2 times a week, applying the scrub to damp skin in circular motions and tailoring the pressure to your skin.

DETOX

My favourite skin-boosting treatment pre-party is a mask. If you suffer from blemish prone skin, or have spots that like to linger, I recommend using a clay based purifying mask to help lift out impurities and speed up the healing process. I love The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask £17.00, formulated without any nasties it helps clear congested skin. I apply generously ideally using a Facial Mask Brush £8.00, let it set and then use a warm flannel to remove every last morsel. And for those mornings of a party when I wake up with a throbbing spot (typical), I use the clay mask directly onto the spot with a cotton bud and leave it to work as long as possible.

REHYDRATE

Whenever I use a purifying mask I always like to follow up with some facial oil to rehydrate the skin. The Body Shop Drops Of Youth™ Concentrate £26.00 is packed with several do-good ingredients that help to soften the skin and prevent moisture loss. It sinks in nicely with a little facial massage and by morning (as I prefer to apply oil in the PM) it's soothed away red patches and left my skin plump and glowy. And if my complexion is freaking out I'll use The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution £13.00, pre-serum/oil concentrate that combats blemishes.
If you're looking for a mask to hydrate, plump and soothe The Body Shop British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask £17.00 is a great pick. It's infused with real rose petals, rosehip oil and aloe vera and is perfect for dry and sensitive skin. As a last-minute quick fix, apply the mask 30-60 minutes before you apply your makeup for gorgeous dewy skin.

PREP

Skincare is truly the first step in applying makeup. So for the perfect canvas I always moisturise, as dehydrated skin shows all the lines, can aggravate blemishes and leave it looking dull and flaky - not desirable. I'm currently enjoying The Body Shop Drops Of Youth™ Cream £22.00 (which fyi smells heavenly) and leaves my skin smoother, more luminous and awake - very desirable. Just make you wait five minutes before you apply your foundation to prevent a messy make-up slip 'n' slide.
What products do you reach for to prep your skin for the party season? Emily

beauty

21.11.17

Five Beauty Products I'm Currently Reaching For

Up until now few new beauty products have managed to cement themselves into my beauty routine this year. I’ve tried and tested countless products, but after a few weeks wear, they like most, have resided to the back of my IKEA drawers. But with the influx of new beauty launches this autumn, I’ve had a bit of a makeup mix-up and I’ve been left reaching for a handful of new(ish) beauty products on a daily basis and I'm impressed.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer £19*

Something old rather than something new, Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer is an ol' beauty favourite of mine and for good reason. In recent months I'd been gravitating towards the Shape Tape Contour Concealer from Tarte, but with the change in the weather the heavy duty concealer started to extenuate my dehydrated under eyes with its thick matte formulation. But Urban Decay's Naked Skin Concealer has a medium-to-full coverage, yet is super light and has a natural finish that leaves my under eyes soft and smooth.

Huda Beauty Warm Brown Obsessions Palette £25

This palette was made for me. No seriously, Huda Kattan has done a stellar job creating the Obsessions eyeshadow palette collection. There isn't a single dud in the Warm Brown Obsessions palette, every single shade is highly pigmented, smooth and blendable. What's more, it's diddly so ideal for on the go and Kattan hasn't scrimped on product, as the pans are the same size as her original palettes. No doubt I'll be adding another to my online basket soon.

PIXI Glow Mist £16

Many question why you'd need a face mist, but I've been a long-standing lover of the stuff especially during autumn/winter months when my skin is dry or dehydrated. Just think of the PIXI Glow Mist as a quick fix. A couple of spritz of the bi-phase lightweight spray, instantaneously hydrates leaving my skin smoother and dewier.

Glossier Boy Brow £14

Benefit Gimme who? There's no denying Benefit's Gimme Brow is a decent product and one I've used for some time now, but with Glossier's arrival here in the UK, it's found itself in competition with Glossier's best-seller Boy Brow. Boy Brow is nice; it thickens, tames, tints and is fuss-free, but its texture is what sets it apart from the rest. The formulation is far wetter and creamier (similar to a brow pomade) so doesn't stiffen or flake throughout the day. For me, it's my go-to for cba makeup days and works well with my holy-grail Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation £9.99

If you've got dull or dry skin you should give Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation a go. It's a great high street base and one I often return to come the colder months. And over the last week it has been welcomed return, as many of the foundations I had been wearing had started to leave my skin looking cakey, dry and far too matte. But Healthy Mix is radiance-enhancing and nourishes my skin with its blend of vitamins C, E and B5.
What beauty products have you been reaching for recently? Emily

beauty

11.11.17

5 Current Beauty Favourites

Can you believe it's November already? This year has flown by unlike any other. I've had a lot going on over the last 12 months and honestly, its kinda left me feeling a little bit behind in the ol' blogosphere. But I'll save the life update for another time. Today I want to give you a quick rundown of 5 current beauty favourites, that I've been using every day for the past month that are pretty damn good.

Glossier You Eau de Parfum £45

Seriously, has anyone not bought anything from Glossier yet? I placed an order the day Glossier launched online here in the UK and have since placed several more orders. Safe to say Glossier has my attention and a lot of my moolah. Glossier You, the brands debut fragrance is beautiful. I'm not sure how best to describe this scent. But it's subtle, creamy, warm and designed to enhance your natural skin scent. Others have said Glossier You is similar to Escentric Molecule's Molecule 01, but I disagree. The only similarities are the two fragrances are gentle and designed to amplify your natural skin scent. It seems once again Glossier have done it.

Glossier Generation G in Cake £14

It's been some time since I've gravitated to one particular lip shade on the daily, but enter Generation G in Cake in all its diffused, sheer matte goodness. This lipstick sits somewhere in-between a lipstick and tinted balm - it's matte, highly pigmented and easy to apply. Cake is a gorgeous nude with a hint of peach and not too far off my natural lip colouring, so it's a great everyday lip option. But it isn't unlike other matte lip products as it can be a tad drying, especially now the weather has taken a cold turn. But I predict I will be receiving more pink bags in the post, as I'm currently lusting after Generation G in Leo and Like.

- Wearing Glossier Generation G in Cake -

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream £70*

I've gratefully received an influx of goodies from some of my favourite brands in recent months and one product that landed on my doorstep that's been a staple in my skincare routine ever since is Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream. It's a rich no-nonsense moisturiser with SPF15 and I simply love slathering this stuff on my face, as it makes my skin feel so soft. Its formulation includes hyaluronic acid, antioxidant vitamin E, rosehip and camellia oils. My only negative is the packaging. Although pretty, dipping your fingers into the pot reduces the efficacy of the ingredients. But if money is no object and you've got seriously dry, dull or dehydrated skin it's more than worth it.

BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector £21

A bout of insomnia last month resulted in dark under-eye circles. You know, the kind that won't disappear no matter how much concealer you apply. This is where BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector comes in - a peachy, pink corrector that when applied before concealer helps banish dark circles. To apply I use my fingers and tap a little to inner corners of my eyes and blend the product under my lash-line and boy does it brighten. It has a very creamy texture that works wonders for my dry and exhausted skin, but I always set with a powder otherwise my concealer will crease and slip'n'slide all over the place.

Too Faced Love Light Highlighter in Blinded By The Light £25

I very rarely hit pan on products, but I can imagine I will on this one. Too Faced's Love Light Prismatic Highlighter in Blinded By The Light doesn't look as blinding on the skin as the name suggests. Rather it's an incredibly subtle beige pearlescent highlight, with a hint of shimmer and I've been reaching for it on the regular. It doesn't trump my cult-fave Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in 01, but is another great pick for a subtle, pretty, everyday highlight. Not to mention, the metallic heart-shaped packaging is pretty cute.

What beauty products have you been loving recently? Emily

beauty

6.9.17

4 Beauty Products to Try

My love for beauty products runs deep. No matter how hard I resist I always want to try more, see what's new and discover real beauty gems. Last month my spending was restrained as I got a lil debit card happy during a few too many social occasions including a very boozy bank holiday weekend. But this didn't stop me from reviving an old eyeshadow palette from within the deep depths of my IKEA Alex drawers and dropping a few pounds in my local Boots. And I've found four you-need-to-try beauty products, all tried, tested, loved and recommend by moi.

beauty

4.9.17

Hormonal Breakouts: My Go-To Routine

It's a fact of life that we all at some point get spots, regardless of how regimented our skincare routines are. Generally speaking day to-day I have relatively blemish free skin, my biggest skincare woes are redness and uneven texture. BUT, once a month my skin has a hormonal orgy where all participants (blackheads, whiteheads and those pesky red bumps) are invited (not on my behalf) to gather around my chin and jaw line. I have zero self-control when it comes to popping blemishes and I know its best to leave them alone. Frustrating but true. And whilst I can't prevent the natural from occurring, I can treat them and prevent scaring. So here's my go-to routine for hormonal breakouts.

beauty

6.7.17

Cream Of The Crop | Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

I’ll try to keep things short and sweet, but forewarning you, this may be a lengthy love letter. Now I don’t know about you, but during the winter months I very rarely use skincare past my collarbone (awful, I know), but June saw a major heatwave with blistering sunshine and in short, my legs weren’t ready to see the light of day. Introducing Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream the body cream that’s inspired by the Brazilian’s favourite feature - their derrières and currently residing in every beauty editors bathroom cabinets. I can’t remember the last time a body cream caused such a stir. I was skeptical at first, as a pert derrière doesn’t come cheap, priced from £18 for 75ml. But(t) I couldn’t wait to try it and revive my limbs.

skincare

4.7.17

Quick Summer Body Beauty Fixes

The temperature has been rising over the last couple of weeks, as has my fear of showing some skin. I can no longer wear jeans to cover up my pasty *cough* hairy legs and hide my feet in my favourite pair of Forever 21 boots. We’ve all been there, dashing to the shops to buy a new maxi dress and a razor to replace the blunt blades collecting dust in our cupboards. But when a heatwave arrives announced we can be hard pushed to fix our body woes fast. So today I’ve rounded up a few summer beauty must-haves to help fix them fast.
Sol De Janerio Brazilian Bum Bum Cream £18 - £44 I’m a slacker when it comes to moisturising my bod on the regular, so slathering on a sticky layer of moisturiser on a 28 degree day is not the one. But once again I succumbed to the hype and purchased Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. Packaged in a bright tangerine and white tub the cream recommend for your derrière can be used all over. It’s formulated with caffine-rich Guarana to stimulate circulation, lift and tighten and Capuacu Butter, Acai, and Coconut Oil deeply nourish and soften the skin. Sounds good right? Well it smells bloody good too and the scent lasts all day. So much so it had me thrusting my arm under my mums nose all day “Mum how good does this smell?”. Not to mention is soaks in super-fast, leaving my skin softer and healthier looking with its subtle shimmer. And yes, my butt does kinda look firmer. Wishful thinking maybe, but it’s doing something! The one thing that might sway you is the price tag, but if it encourages me to moisturise you can’t put a price on that!
Skinny Tan Express Mousse 1 Hour Tan £27.99* Skinny Tan Express Mousse 1 Hour Tan is one of the newest self-tanners on the scene and another product in this line-up that smells delicious. I applied the mousse for the first time last week to give my current sun kissed skin a boost. It has a good guide colour, but it didn’t blend as seamlessly as other tanners I’ve tried, so I recommend prepping your skin first with a light moisturiser. After a couple of hours I showered and the end result was faultless with no streaks in sight. And for the first time EVER I didn’t smell like a walking bottle of fake tan the following day and I even had a colleague ask “have you been on holiday”. In short there’s a whole lotta fake tans on the market, but this is a product you need to know about.
Scholl Pedi Velvet Smooth Electronic Pedicure Foot File £39.99* What’s happening under our socks isn’t always a pretty sight. So when I swapped my boots for sandals and sat crossed-legged on the tube baring my cracked skin and chipped toe nails for all to see, I swiftly excited the tube ran to Boots and purchased a roller refill for my Scholl Pedi Velvet Smooth Electronic Pedicure Foot File. This device is a life saviour and always makes a triumphant return during the summer months. It blasts away hard skin in minutes softening things up quickly. The battery operated device is easy to use, just gently rotate the file over dead skin and poof (literally) see the dead skin disappear.
Gillette Satin Care Violet Swirl of Olay £1.97 Confession time: I’ve shaved my legs more time in the last 3 weeks than I have in the last 3 months. Just like washing my makeup brushes, shaving my legs is hard work. But one product that’s been making this tedious task a little easier is Gillette Satin Care Violet Swirl of Olay. Shaving cream is pretty basic, but this stuff is worth the extra few pounds. It lathers well, smells good, no irritation (cuts are less likely) and the end result is seriously smooth fuzz free pins. So next time you pop out to pick up a razor, I recommend you pop this in your basket too!

What beauty products do you recommend for a quick fix? Emily

skincare

22.2.17

New To My Skincare Stash: The Ordinary

My skincare stash up until recently was spilling out of a large drawer under my bed. It had become home to the skincare products that I’d tried and tested that hadn’t quite met the criteria to take place on my skincare shelf. But I’d store them in there ‘just in case’. But I've had a clear out and up until now, no new purchases had been made. But the New Year and cold weather have given me the ideal opportunity (or excuse...) to add a new crop of products to help freshen up my skincare routine.
Let me introduce you to The Ordinary: one of nine skincare product ranges from Deciem (which includes NIOD, Hylamide and The Chemistry Brand). The Ordinary is kinda like a no BS skincare range (no marketing frills, unnecessary scents and luxurious packaging) that consists of 24 oils and serums. The formulations are simple with each product containing just 1-2 active ingredients, such as vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid and zinc, but cost a mere £3.90 - £14.90. Which is madness, as I’ve spent over £35 on facial oil before and I've been very tempted to part with £85 for a bottle of Sunday Riley Luna Oil. I purchased The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (£5.90) and The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% (£8.00) in the hope they would address my skin concerns, which were dehydration and dullness at the time. And as I’ve been using these products consistently for the past two weeks, I thought I’d share my initial thoughts.
AM (post-cleanse) I've been applying The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. I get a little pipette-happy with this one; it's hard not to over-apply! But as a rule of thumb I press 4-5 drops onto my skin and increase the amount depending on how much my skin needs and follow up with a moisturiser. It doesn't have as much slip as the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Serum, as it's a little thicker in texture and is a tad sticky. But nevertheless it doesn't interfere with my makeup and plumps and smooth's flaky patches without leaving a greasy residue on my skin. However, whilst this serum plumps my face leaving it soft and supple, I'm unsure as to whether it helps retain moisture and keep those pesky flaky patches at bay as well as my Vichy serum, only time will tell...
PM, The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% has given my skincare regime the anti-ageing upgrade it required. Retinoid is a skincare ingredient known for improving fine lines, acne, skin texture and tone and helps improve pore quality, so they're less prominent and clogged. Retinoid is usually associated with irritation, flakiness and redness, but I find The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% doesn't aggravate my sensitive skin instantaneously, unlike La Roche-Posay Redermic [R] Anti-Ageing Concentrate. And unlike The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 it has a slicker, lighter and tack-free consistency which I much prefer. Once pressed into the skin my complexion glows and is smooth to the touch. With continued use, I've noticed it's quickly helping tackle textural issues. But whilst it's a hard working product, be warned, apply too much too frequently your skin will have a mass freak out, resulting in blemishes and dry patches (as overuse strips away the skin's protective layer of natural oils). I learnt the hard way, so be patient!
I thought this range was a little too good to be true, but these products from The Ordinary are beauty bargains - under £10? I'm not going to argue with that! Having used both products for two weeks, I can confirm they appear to work just as effectively as more expensive products I've tried. I'm interested to see how they fare over the next few weeks and see if they take place under the bed, or take pride and place my skincare shelf! Caroline Hirons has given the brand her nod of approval. You can check out her interview with Brandon Truaxe The Ordinary founder on her blog here. I'll be sure to check back in with a full skincare update soon. But in the meantime there's no doubt I'll be continuing to slather these on...
Will you be adding a few of these power-packed goodies to your beauty regime? Emily

skincare

1.1.17

9 New Year Beauty Resolutions

January - the time of year where we all commit to cut out carbs and up our fitness regimens. But for many, it's a month full of broken promises and come February 1st all resolutions have fallen by the wayside - sound familiar? So this year, instead of depriving my body of Five Guys Burgers and Fries, I've compiled 9 attainable beauty goals that I'll actually want to keep. Here's to the prettiest year yet...
1. I will... get more sleep Come 1am you'll usually find me clicking aimlessly around the World Wide Web. I love to sleep, but I also love to procrastinate. And the phrase "you look tired" is one I need to kick to the curb in 2017. A bedtime routine needs to come into play. Even going to bed one hour earlier makes a big difference, better mood, better motivation and younger looking skin. And they don't call it beauty sleep for nothing! Not getting enough hours sleep can exacerbate acne, dryness, and other skin problems. And if all goes to plan, I'll require less concealer and a smaller cup of caffeine come 9am.
2. I will... book monthly waxes Whilst I have a pretty decent at home-facial routine, waxing is a whole other ball game. And having another person carry out a bikini wax on you is difficult to replicate. Trust me. And without taking the TMI route, I've been getting waxed for a good few years now. Why? Because it simply makes me feel more pulled-together. But with 7 week intervals (the perfect amount of time required to almost forget the minor pain experienced), I would like to wax monthly, as it's the secret to less pain and better results. And to be honest, a razor just doesn't cut it!
3. I will... detox my makeup bag The idea of starting a new year with a fresh, uncluttered makeup bag fills me with joy (the little things). So much so, I've even purchased a new makeup bag from ASOS. It's time to chuck out ancient mascaras and streamline its contents, as it seems I hoard multiple lip products, hairbands, tampons and things I've found, like Pret plastic spoons! And if your purse is a little dry this January, just pop it in the wash, or give it a good ol' wipe down with a Dettol wipe.
4. I will... use my clarisonic weekly I love my Clarisonic. The device, which some have steered clear of (in fear it will break them out), is actually a brightening, acne-fighting machine that when used right, works wonders. Having said that, I don't use it enough and would like to use it at least twice a week. I notice a big improvement in my skin texture and tone. It also reduces clogged pores, blackheads, can be used on my bod, makes products work more effectively and quickly removes makeup.
5. I will... treat my feet Confession: During winter months I forget my feet exist until a girls night out when I slip my feet into heels and then realise (a little too late) that I'm in dire need of a pedicure. It's like they tut at me every time I take my socks off. But jokes aside, whilst it's natural for pedicures to be less of a priority during winter, I can't go on catching dry foot skin on my bed sheets - eww. So it's about time I treat myself to a professional pedi, plus I quite like the massage chair...
6. I will... religiously moisturise my body Something I quite often forget to do is moisturise. And dry skin is never good, but nor is standing in the cold after a long hot shower! I really don't fancy cracked elbows and knees and I'm currently seeking a softer, silkier version of me. So I'm on a mission to invest in a lotion I love and moisture daily post-shower.
7. I will... clean my makeup brushes regularly Brushes are high maintenance and washing them will forever be a tedious task (even if I a Simple bar of soap is all it takes). We are all well aware that bacteria can lead to possible breakouts and that brushes don't work half as well when coated in dirt. So here I am, making a promise to regularly deep clean my makeup brushes and use a spray mid-week even (if it is the lazy-girl solution). I know my skin will thank me!
8. I will... stop picking my face Picking spots is BAD. But I can't stop the compulsion to pick. I've stood in front of the bathroom mirror many a time, prodding and poking my bare face to only have to answer the door to the postman five minutes later and resemble someone who has just put their head in a beehive. Picking blemishes (even when I've had none) has resulted in multiple scars and ugly red marks. I know if I don't touch they will clear up. I can do this... maybe.
9. I will... upgrade my barnet I'm not talking about weekly deep conditioning hair treatments (although that wouldn't go a miss!). I mean a good old hair overhaul. I've been rocking the same parting, style and hair colour for far too long. And I've lost count of how many times I discussed visiting a salon in 2016. I must shell out money and see a stylist. Any recommendations?
Happy New Year beauty addicts! What are your beauty resolutions? Emily

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CLEANSE

EXFOLIATE

DETOX

REHYDRATE

PREP

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5 Current Beauty Favourites

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Hormonal Breakouts: My Go-To Routine

Cream Of The Crop | Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

Quick Summer Body Beauty Fixes

New To My Skincare Stash: The Ordinary

9 New Year Beauty Resolutions

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