Origins GinZing Peel Off Mask

You can never go wrong with an Origins Face Mask. The Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask is a cult favourite of mine and will be a constant repurchase for years to come. 

A couple of months ago, I came across the Origins GinZing Peel Off mask online and instantly Googled to catch up on recent reviews. Although the main purpose of this was to read the benefits of the product, I was instantly intrigued by the amazing pearlised finish that it gave following application. This of course led to a purchase - it could have been pants, but it's copper in colour and peels off = my favourite type of mask.

But all coppery joys aside, what it actually does is quite lovely:

Amongst application it gives off quite a tangy scent. This is something that is to be expected of a product that contains a gentle Orange and Lemon fruit acid complex! An element that assists with energising and renewing, ridding the skin of fatigue. 

The mask also provides a refreshed and uplifted complexion - a benefit driven by Coffee Beans and Panax Ginseng. It practically does all of the things that we crave in a product when we're in the midst of Christmas parties! 

Without forgetting the beneficial properties of this product, it's also a joy to apply. Cooling, relaxing and complements a night in with a Christmas film and your favourite Bath and Body Work's candle. 

The mechanics of the mask are simple:

1. Apply an even layer across the skin while avoiding eyebrows, eyes and hairline. 

2. Leave it to dry for around 5-10 minutes

3. Smile and Peel

I don't know what it is about the peeling off feature but the immediate sense of renewal is so satisfying.

This would make a great stocking filler - pick one up here for £24.00.

What other Origin's face masks do I have to try?

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream

As I've stopped wearing make up everyday, I have started to use a less is more approach to my skincare:

1. Cleanser, 2. Serum, 3. Moisturiser - with the application of the odd toner or face mask a couple of nights in the week. That routine works for me and I like to add and remove as per what my skin needs at the time.

Kiehls is a brand that I've heard many great things about but I've never had the chance to indulge. I've started this new thing where I don't buy new skincare until I finish the product that I already have in my possession. And as hard as that may be for a skincare hoarder like myself, I simply don't have the space for all of the things that I have on my wish list. But it was time to buy a new moisturiser and Kiehls has always been appealing to me.  Their Ultra Facial Cream £24 - has rave reviews and is one of the brands bestsellers, making it a good first product to buy as a way of introducing myself to the brand.

Side note - I also buy into things really easily and if you slap a 'bestseller' stamp on something then I'm more than likely to make a purchase!

I've been using this moisturiser for a month now and I feel like I've given it a sufficient trial period to give you an honest opinion.

The packaging is nothing too special, but again, it works! Simple, clean and easy to transport from A to B.

The cream doesn't have a scent which I quite like as I usually prefer skincare with a subtle fragrance. With that in mind, it lessens the chances of the product irritating my skin.

Kiehls advertise this product as an all day moisturiser, for all skin types that provides ultimate hydration throughout the day. That is literally all I need at my age and I'm really enjoying using it. The product is light, absorbs well into the skin and doesn't produce an oily residue throughout the day. It's also cooling and refreshing - attributes that I crave in skincare - and leaves the skin looking plump, smooth and hydrated after application.

It's not the cheapest neither is it the most expensive moisturiser on the market, but it works and a little goes a very long way.

Have you tried the Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturiser? The Midnight Recovery Concentrate may well be my next skincare purchase.

A Fresh Glow For Fall

Beauty in the Photo: Burberry Fresh Glow Foundation, Urban Decay Naked Weightless Concealer, Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 Palette, Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit (Original), MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in Global Glow, MAC Cherry Lip Liner and MAC Ruby Woo

Summer has come to an end in the West but the beach season is kicking off in Dubai!

The Sun can seriously dry out my skin and I've been on the hunt for a glowy, natural and easy-to-wear foundation for a while now.

Burberry is a brand that I have never invested in before. Fashion or Beauty. The Burberry Beauty counters didn't seem overly accessible when I was living in Manchester and so I was never tempted to swatch or buy.

On my way to Bahrain for a mini break, I stumbled across a counter that was well stocked and it was 20% off Duty Free. It would have been rude not to buy anything. A single Eyeshadow or Lipstick is always my go to when I'm new to a brand, but as I was looking for a new base to trial and test - I decided to pick up the Fresh Glow - Luminous Fluid Foundation in Camel No.42 - for 100AED (£22) cheaper than the Retail Price may I add!

The packaging is heavy and luxurious. The lid can get quite grubby when it rolls around in your make up bag but such is the case for all product regardless of packaging.

Burberry describes this foundation as a buildable medium coverage that provides a flawless and dewy glow whilst also giving a natural-looking finish without hiding the skin... I agree!

After almost two months of wearing it, I really really love this product. I love foundation's that are easy to wear and this bottle of joy allows you to wear the formula as opposed to the formula wearing you. It feels moisturising and is anything but distressing on the skin.

I admire how it doesn't cover absolutely everything. You can still see your beauty spots or freckles through the base however it provides you with an even tone and adds a beautiful luminosity to the skin. And one thing it hasn't done on me this far is cling on to any dry patches which is something that I really struggle with in a lot of foundations.

The heat is still in the air and I've found my perfect base companion to see me through the rest of the year, day and night.

What are your thoughts on the Burberry Fresh Glow Foundation and what do I need to try next?

My Top 10 Beauty Tools

I remember the days when I used to attempt to use my finger to accomplish a smokey eye. Or use those little plastic sponge contraptions that you get in quads to blend my eyeshadows together. Even if those contraptions come in a Dior palette, they're still dreadful! At the time I probably thought that I was winning at life but that all changed when I purchased my first ever make-up brush - the MAC 217. 

I'm a little obsessed with make-up tools. Anyone that comes into my bedroom and notices the IKEA pots full of brushes never fail to ask - 'Do you really need that many brushes? What do you use them all for?'. To answer your question - Yes, yes I do!

Brushes can be expensive things but if you don't want to spend a fortune on beauty tools then there are also some amazing and cheaper alternatives on the market that won't break the bank. Additionally, brushes don't always have to be used for what they are specifically designed for.

L - R - Louise Young LY34, MAC Small Contour, Real Techniques Pointed Foundation Brush, Real Techniques Setting Brush, Beauty Blender

L-R - RT Deluxe Crease Brush, MAC 210, MAC 239, Sigma E40 and MAC 217

Here are my top 10 favourite make-up tools:

Face

1. Louise Young Super Foundation Brush LY34 - £24.00

The most accurate description I can think of for this brush is - the big fluffy blending brush of every busy woman's dreams. It blends your foundation out in a matter of seconds. I like to use it when I'm in a rush and when I have all the time in the world to put my slap on. But for when I am pushed for time, it beats applying my base with my hands!

It can be a pain in the bum to clean but the advantages definitely weigh out the latter.

If you look on the low to high end brush price spectrum, £24.00 really isn't that bad. Especially when you take into consideration the size of this tool.

2. Beauty Blender - £16.00

Yes, I know. This little cute sponge is pricey for a sponge. But it's the most highly impressive and versatile sponge that you will ever come across. If you want to use a powder, cream or liquid the Beauty Blender can work with it. It needs cleaning after every use but that isn't massively time consuming.

Please note - used best when damp.

3. MAC 109 Small Contour Brush - £28.00

In all honesty, this is the first 'contour' brush that I have ever used. And as far as MAC face brushes go, this can mault slightly when you wash it. But the brush itself is a great size for getting into the contours of the face and does a great job of blending powders. 

4. Real Techniques Pointed Foundation Brush

You can only buy this in the Real Techniques Core Collection. It will cost you £20.99 for four base brushes. I have a slight problem with the name of this tool. I would never apply and 'buff' my foundation in with it because it's so small and fairly stiff. On the contrary, I love it for applying my concealer. Preferably my MAC Pro Longwear concealer. Great size for nooks and crannies but I wouldn't recommend it as a foundation brush.

5. Real Techniques Setting Brush - £6.99

The RT Setting Brush is a fantastic and versatile brush. You can use it to blend in concealer, set your concealer with powder, apply highlighters, contour with powders or blend in cream contour products. I strongly believe that every beauty lover would benefit from having this brush in their collection. And it's so very cheap!

Eyes

6. MAC 239 Eye Shader - £21.00

I'm having a thing for MAC pigments and Make-Up Geek foiled eyeshadows at the moment. And yes, it's not Christmas anymore but I think that it is still acceptable to throw on a little shimmer/glitter once in a while, (I hope).

A flat eyeshadow brush is always your best friend when you want to get as much pigment out of a product as possible.

7. MAC 217 Blending Brush - £20.00

There's no point in rambling on about this brush. I think anyone reading this probably already owns it, or has heard about it or knows somebody that already owns one or five of them.

It is a smokey eyes bestfriend. And works way better than one of those plastic contraptions!

A very similar dupe for this brush is the Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer that retails for £6.95. You can buy three for the price of one 217.

8. Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush - £10.55

Ah! A new addition to my brush family and I'm already getting myself geared up to order another 2, 3 or 4. I'm so thankful that the likes of Feel Unique, Cult Beauty and Beauty Bay are supplying some of the most sought after and unaccessible beauty brands to the UK. My bank account says otherwise but it sparks tons of joy for me.

The Sigma E40 is fabulous. This brush is fantastic for blending out any harsh edges and applying a soft and well blended transition shade to the crease.

9. MAC 210 Eye Liner Brush - £16.50

I'm terrible at eye liner. So much so that I have given up on attempting any kind of wing at all as it always ends in tears. Well, close to tears.

Adding definition when I'm doing a smokey eye is essential though. And this brush is perfect for doing just that. The fine tip gives way for great precision. Even if your hand tends to get the shakes.

10. Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush

The RT Deluxe Crease Brush can only been found in the eye brush set for £20.99.

It is another great versatile brush. I personally never use it in the crease because I find it too big for that. However, this brush is brilliant for buffing in concealer or eyeshadow primer, packing shadow onto the lid and even adding a highlight into the inner corners of the eye.

My most recent brush purchase was yesterday when I picked up the MAC 188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush. So far I absolutely love it.

What are your favourite beauty tools? I would love to know. :) 

The All-Rounder Oil Of Your Dreams

The Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream range has been a hit with people of all ages for years. The first item I purchased from the line was the Nourishing Lip Balm (Intensive Lip Repair). I felt squeamish as I bought it because I have never paid anywhere near £20.00 for a lip balm before. Nevertheless I can safely say that I would pay the price over and over again. It's the only lip care product that works for me and it has swiftly become one of my cult beauty favourites.

Last week I was mailed a big red metallic envelope that contained a white box with a big red ribbon around it and a tag that read 'Elizabeth Arden'. I was majorly excited to say the least. Inside of the box was this new All-Over Miracle Oil for Face, Body and Hair. I read the information in the box and a few bits online and was instantly intrigued by the product. I think that one of the main reasons for the success of the Eight-Hour range isn't only down to the sheer awesomeness of the products but also their impressive versatility. 

After a week of trialling and testing, I wanted to get a post up ASAP. Let's begin...

The product comes in the Elizabeth Arden staple box outer packaging. The frosted bottle itself is extremely light, making it the perfect travel companion and an in-flight must. I also really like the spray applicator because it makes it so easy to distribute the product.

Along with the Eight-Hour theme, Elizabeth Arden say that there are 8 different ways of using this oil:

1. All over moisturiser 

2. Conquers any patches of dry skin

3. Adds shine to dry and dull hair

4. Massage oil to relieve stress

5. It has a 'feel good' scent

6. Cuticle oil

7. Results in a silky finish post shaving

8. Creates a natural radiance to the skin

I am yet to try the oil on my hair but I've given it a good go on my face, body and cuticles. 

The All-Over Miracle Oil is the perfect product to rejuvenate the skin and prep it in time for Spring. It contains Tsubaki Oil which is extracted from the Camellia flower. If you have read my recent post on The Body Shop's Japanese Camellia body cream then you should know that any skincare/bodycare that contains this has me sold! I suffer from dry patches on my skin so I spray this directly onto my limbs but concentrate the product mostly on my elbows and knees which are the areas that need the most care. So far it has done a lovely job of soothing and moisturising. It also adds a slight glow to the skin which is always needed during the Winter months. 

As a severe nail biter (I know, it's bad), this oil works wonders on my cuticles. I find that when I have moisturised cuticles it helps to stop the biting and the pain of having sore fingertips. Here's to long and healthy nails for Spring! Fingers and toes are tightly crossed.

I have also been using this as a night time facial oil. I put a maximum of 1-2 sprays into my hands before I warm the product up with my palms and firmly press it into the skin. Because it has a slightly heavier texture than most facial oils I think that it works best in my night time skincare routine as it gives the product more time to fully soak into the skin. The oil also has a super soothing scent to it that can be quite calming before you jump into bed. My face feels like a peach in the mornings and who doesn't want that?

I think that this is a great all-rounder oil. You can use it just about everywhere on the body (refrain from spraying in the eyes) and it does what it says on the tin. My next step is to try this on my hair but I might wait until I fly off on my holidays. I can imagine that this is the perfect product to throw into your beach bag.

How much and where can I buy it from? - You can buy this from the Elizabeth Arden website, your local Boots store or from online beauty retailers such as FeelUnique.com for £29.00. The versatile nature of this oil adds value. For a mid range oil I think that it is very reasonably priced and is in sync with the other products that are in the range.

Have you tried the new Elizabeth Arden All-Over Miracle Oil yet? Find it here

Happy Weekend :) x

Soap & Glory The Ultimelt Deep Purifying Hot Cloth Cleanser - A Quick Review

I have never been entirely drawn to Soap & Glory skincare. I think it might be because although the body care smells delightful, it can sometimes come across as overly commercial and artificial. Don't get me wrong, Soap & Glory as a brand are amazing and I love an overpowering scent of vanilla and  citrus for my legs and arms - but not for the face.

Before I purchased this I did some online dishing and found it on Caroline Hirons' blog. A skincare guru/blogger whom I don't know personally but trust dearly with all the skincare recommendations! So I bought it, finished it and thought that it was about time I did a quick review. I'm impressed! Like Caroline described, the packaging is quite relatable to toothpaste but who doesn't like a tube? You also get a large muslin cloth with every purchase of this which is always a bonus!

The Ultimelt has a very similar concept to my favourite cleanser of all time - the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. You squeeze out a grape sized amount onto your finger tips and throughly massage onto dry skin and down to the neck. The Ultimelt is suitable for all skin types unless you have sensitive skin and react to essential oils. The core ingredients are as follows:
Provitamin B5, Sweet Almond, Orange, Lavender, Clary Sage, Rose and Geranium Oils.

The product initially comes out as a thick cream but begins to dissolve and melt into a less dense and softer formula as you distribute and massage it over the skin. I usually prefer to use an oil based cleanser to take my make-up off but this product works really well as both a first and second cleanse. After use, your skin is left feeling soft, refreshed, cleansed and make-up free. Basically everything you want from a cleanser.

If you're on a budget or want to experiment with hot cloth cleansers then I would highly recommend this one. As I find myself researching more and more into skincare, the price of products that I really want are way out of my budget. This cleanser is really accessible and retails for £10.00. You can buy it from your local Boots store both in-store and online. Soap & Glory usually have an offer on so you may be able to grab yourself an extra treat or two.

Have you tried the Ultimelt? I would love to know your thoughts. Find it here :)

My Go To Breakfast Smoothie

This is something quite different for me. I am by no means a health expert or qualified nutritionist, but I am starting to care more about what I eat these days and learning about the benefits of doing so. Basically, I've been heavily influenced by The Body Coach. As have most people in the UK at the moment.

I've recently written in a previous post that I decided to purchase a NutriBullet and that it was the best decision I have ever made. That wasn't the post Christmas/New Years blues talking. This claim still stands!

Breakfast has never been my thing. I find it really difficult to stomach anything in the mornings. I'm even more rubbish at waking up at an hour that gives me enough time to consume anything before I have to run out of the door for university. There's also nothing worse than being stuck in a 2 hour morning lecture on an empty stomach. Not to mention bloody embarrassing when your stomach constantly lets off loud roars of hunger.

My Boyfriend, Ed, has been trying to get me into breakfast shakes for ages. I wouldn't say that I'm a  fussy eater, but I initially had zero interest. It was the same scenario with Sushi. But over time they have both gradually grown on me. I can be a very stubborn individual and can get 'stuck in my ways'. (Ha). 

I finally gave in and I'm so pleased that these shakes have been introduced into my morning routine. It's an easy and quick way to get something healthy and nutritious down in the mornings. They're light, refreshing and delicious. And as an added bonus, they don't blend into a vile green colour!

Here are my very unprofessional measurements:

1. 1/2 Handful of Black Forest Frozen Fruits.

2. 1/2 Handful of Frozen Blueberries and Strawberries.

3. Half a Banana, chopped.

4. 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter. (I use the MyProtein UK Smooth Peanut Butter)

5. 2 Tbsp Greek Yoghurt

6. 1 Scoop of Whey Vanilla Protein Powder 

7. 150ml Almond Milk

8. 150ml Water

And Bob's your uncle! I wouldn't say that the protein stage is obligatory. I use it as I know that I don't have enough protein throughout the day. The Vanilla does add a difference to the flavour though.

Any blender will work for this but the NutriBullet is super quick and easy to clean.

Although I have found something that I really enjoy, I'm determined to 'unstick' my ways and try out more recipes.

What's in your favourite morning smoothie?

The Ultimate Make-Up Melter

If there is one thing that my Mum has drilled into my head over the past 21 years of my existence, It's to always take your make-up off at the end of the day. A task (yes, task) that I generally do in my day to day life, as yesterday's foundation smothered all over your pillow is not a pleasant sight to wake up to! Unless you've had a heavy night with the girls, there is no excuse.

A couple of years ago I used the same cleanser, toner and moisturiser for a very long time. I wasn't buying it, my Mum was. Therefore I wasn't in a position to properly experiment with different products. The Body Shop Vitamin E range was my ride or die skincare. However, since being at university I've started to read more about skincare and a new obsession for cleansers has been sparked!

Over the Christmas period, I introduced myself to The Body Shop's Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil. I call this the first step cleanser. The make-up melter. As with most cleansers, you massage it onto dry skin and remove it with either a warm soaked muslin cloth or a flannel.

As this product comes from the same family as the Camomile Gentle Eye Make Up Remover, It's damn good at breaking down your make-up and leaving you with a fresh canvas to carry out your night time skincare regime. I tend to follow up with a cream cleanser afterwards. But that all depends on the level of make-up layers that I have going on.

The oily side of things is a tad scary. When I first tried the Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil, I was wary of how oily and greasy the product felt on my finger tips. But It's pleasantly gentle and leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed. And most importantly, the skin doesn't feel more oily than it should do. So please do not be alarmed! 

The only real disadvantage Is that I really don't like the smell. But hey, sometimes skincare isn't supposed to smell the best!

Find the Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil here for £13.00. 

What are your thoughts? :)

The Japanese Camellia Cream By The Body Shop

Before I commence with this post, I have to say that I hardly ever moisturise after a shower. Not all the time, but most of the time I can never be bothered. I live in Manchester. It's between 2-4 degrees right now and getting out of the shower can be painful! I feel slightly shameful for admitting that but I can't be the only one. 

The only part of my body that I have the time to moisturise in the Winter is my face because that is an impossible body part to hide.

Thankfully, I'm still quite soft and the elephant skin has yet to invade. I blame the genes. But of course by the Summer I will be moisturising religiously, because lets be real nobody wants to see crusty knees or elbows.

The Body Shop recently launched their premium Spa Of The World range which sparks joy in every aspect of the phrase. I received the Japanese Camellia Cream (£23.00) as a Christmas gift this year. Before I tore the paper off I assumed that it was a Bath and Body Works candle. However I was pleasantly surprised to unveil this beauty. And it has given me all the more reason to moisturise!

As the name would suggest, the product contains Camellia oil which The Body Shop claim has been used since the 8th Century in Japan in order to gently soften and moisturise the skin. 

Everyone loves a Body Shop body butter. I sometimes find them a little too thick and hard to work with. But they are undoubtedly the peoples choice when it comes down to high-street body creams. This on the other hand is still rich but has a smooth and weightless texture that is a dream to rub into the skin. The Body Shop describe it to have a light and velvety texture and I have to agree.

I am terrible at describing scents. So I'm going to go with 'It's bloody gorgeous'. I've recently tweeted about this product making me feel and smell irresistible. And It's true! I'm never usually a fan of floral scents but this is anything but empowering and It's beautifully subtle. Spa like if you will. The whole range have the same (but different) calming and tranquil scents that you would want your nose to inhale if you were in a spa environment. 

I also have the Polynesian Monoi Radiance oil which has rapidly become my go to holiday MUST have product. But that's a whole different blog post. 

The Dead Sea Salt Scrub is next on my list.

You can find the Spa Of The World range here.

What are your thoughts on the range? :)

  

Let's talk #HMBEAUTY

It's a New Year. But not a 'New Me'. I still love make-up and will continue to buy it no matter what my boyfriend says! 

I won't bore you with my life goals as I don't think anybody cares! Apart from declare that I have purchased a NutriBullet and it was the best decision I have ever made. Fact.

Welcome to a very image heavy post all about the recent re-launch of H&M Beauty.

The brand have recently changed from having very little (and unimpressive) make-up on offer to having the full lot! And It's good. The H&M concept of supplying affordable and quality products is definitely portrayed through their beauty department.

On my outing to Dubai Mall, I came across the large fittings filled with testers in store and was amazed at the selection of both Beauty and Haircare products.

I obviously picked up a few make-up goodies. However, I didn't bother with the haircare as I have thick, curly, frizzy and pain in the a*** hair. I doubt the selection of quirky packaged hair products would have been entirely fit for purpose.

Instead, an eyeshadow in every form came home with me.

1. An Eye Colour Palette - £9.99
2. A Single - Ginger Snap £4.99
3. And a Cream - Colour Essence Eye Cream in Gentlewoman -£4.99

I like the simplicity of the packaging. The black, white and gold theme exceeds expectations that you have for a high-street/drugstore beauty range.

The eyeshadow palette comes with nine eyeshadows and a large mirror. Perfect for throwing into your on the go make-up bag. I gravitated towards the deep greens in this palette. The shadows are relatively sheer but you can build them to your desired density. With patience you can create a lovely sultry smokey eye with this.

Interestingly enough I found the pigment of the single shadows to be a lot more intense than those in the palettes. Hence the name 'High Impact Eye Colour'. These shadows are amazing quality for a price point of £4.99. I love a shadow that can only be described as buttery. I want more! I want more!

Cream eyeshadows are my thing. They're a lazy bitch eye product that every lady, make-up lover or not, needs in their life.

As with most shadows that come in cream form, this H&M eye cream works and builds best when applied with your ring finger and blended out with a fluffy brush. One eye at a time though, these cream to powder shadows don't have too much play time!

Browse H&M Beauty here.

An order of more singles may be on the cards after rounding this post up.

What are your thoughts on H&M Beauty? :)