February Favourites

I've noticed a few other bloggers rounding off their months by doing a short blog post on products they loved using in the previous month, so I'm starting off with my February favourites and hopefully this will be a regular feature on the blog. I switch up a lot of my products and so rarely have empties so this is just a short and sweet post of products I've loved this month and I should have an empties post coming soon! 

First up is the Kinvara Absolute Cleansing oil. I finished the bottle tonight and while it advertises on the website that 100ml should be sufficient enough for 108 applications, I've absolutely milled through this bottle and it's all empty after 45 days or 45 applications. So technically I've been using twice as much as I've needed to according to Kinvara. 

                             

It's a pump bottle which is very handy for dispensing the right amount, or in my case twice as much as needed. I just really liked the idea of a cleansing oil instead of a cream, a Micellar water of a gel to take the makeup off. I felt it has definitely benefited by dry skin and maybe has been the reason why my skin hasn't been quite so patchy and dehydrated as it usually would be at this time of year. It's perfect for removing eye makeup just be careful not to get in the eyes. It retails at €19.95 and I would definitely repurchase but maybe use a little bit more sparingly next time. This can be found on kinvaraskincare.com or meagherspharmacy.ie 

Another skincare favourite of mine this month as to be Olay total effects 7 in 1 feather weight moisturiser. It's a bit of a mouthful I know! 

                             

I was lucky enough to receive this when I attended the P&G beauty launch and while I haven't used it everyday since it is definitely my go to light moisturiser when I need something that absorbs quickly. It smells gorgeous and leaves a lovely glowy radiant effect on the skin, perfect for those no makeup days as it's almost like a Mac Strobe cream effect on the skin. It retails at €22 and can be purchased in Boots. 

                           

Finally, I was excited yet skeptical to try the Benefit Air Patrol BB primer for the eyelids. At €29.50 it's definitely not cheap but I was lucky enough to receive a generous bunch of samples from one of the girls I worked with. 

                                 

I would liken this product to the Urban Decay eye primer potion which you all must know at this stage is a cult beauty product! Dare I say I prefer Benefits offering? I feel like the longevity of the product is the same, it doesn't crease and it applies much smoother than the primer potion. This is definitely one product I would be advising you to try out. 

That's all for now folks, hope you enjoyed this kind of a post and I will hopefully be blogging more regularly in the month of March. I'm in my final year of college/university and finding it hard to get the life, work, college, study, social life, blogging balance going. Thanks for staying with me and supporting me since the start however! 

Xoxo 

  

My Skincare Routine

I reached out to you all at the start of January 2016 asking what posts you would like to see and one request was an everyday skincare routine. I do change up my products as I receive samples to test out but when I find something I like I tend to stick with it. This post will feature a mix of skincare I have been testing out lately so it can also be taken as a mini review of sorts! 

I have quite dry sensitive skin so I am always wary of what products I put near my skin especially to take my makeup off and to mositurise the skin. I had heard so much hype about the Irish skincare brand Kinvara that I sought out the absolute cleansing oil when Meaghers pharmacy were having an online winter sale. It can also be bought on kinvaraskincare.ie and in some health stores. It smells divine and reminds me of spa like products. I squeeze two pumps of this in my hands and use it to cleanse the skin followed by hot cotton wool. It's good for sensitive skin as there are no nasty chemicals and is also good to gently remove eye makeup. You do need to double cleanse though I find if you are wearing a lot of makeup. (Kinvara pictured below middle) it's in a glass bottle so be careful!

                                

I recently attended a P&G Beauty event in the Radisson Blu and was gifted some goodies to try out which included this Olay Total effects 7 in 1 feather weight moisturiser. I'm only 22 but now is the time to start looking after the skin and preventing the effects of anti ageing so I was delighted to try this out. It's non greasy, fast absorbing and promises to brighten, even the skin tone and improve the skin texture. It's RRP is €22 and should be in stores soon. The only thing I would say is it is quite fragranced but hasmr aggravated my skin which is a plus. It also sinks in fast which I love so I can apply my makeup quickly, and it also contains an spf 15. 

For anyone who has suffered with dry tight skin in need of serious hydration I highly recommend picking up Vichy Aqualia Thermal dynamic hydration power serum. I received a few samples of these a while ago and am still working my way through them. The serum gives your skin a serious much needed moisture boost and I would apply it after my night cream before I go to sleep to wake up with seriously hydrated glowing skin. This can be bought in selected pharmacies nationwide, Boots where they often do 3 for 2 or www.vichy.ie

I don't often use a facial treatment or an exfoliator but when I do I like to use something quick and easy like the REN flash 1 minute facial with water activated vitamin C. I also like to use the Ziaja Olive Leaf gel scrub gentle exfoliator in the shower twice a week on my face as it's quick and simple. 

                             

                             

For night creams I switch between Vichy  the Aqualia Thermal range in the rich cream or the REN frankincense revitalising night cream. REN skincare is so rich and creamy on the skin, and it really feels like you are being pampered. REN can be purchased on www.cloud10beauty.com where they have great deals on skincare to suit all skin types. 

Hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know what your holy grail skincare products are in the comments below xx

  

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Whether you are happily single or loved up its always nice to treat yourself or nudge someone in the right direction... 

These are my top picks for a Valentine's gift if you're having a cosy night in with the girls or want a quirky alternative to the usual lingerie. 

                                  

                                 

The two nightdresses above are from Missguided and both around the €20 mark so they won't break the bank. 

                           

This silk nightshirt above is available on asos.com and with the slogan "Let's spend the night together" there will be no mixed signals sent. 

My ultimate bombshell Jessica Rabbit pick for a dress is this fab little number below from Boohoo, it's only €24 and goes from a size 8-16 and is available in a range of colours if red is too obvious. 

                    

For a cheeky little twist on a present these love dice below will add just enough spice to your Valentines night. Available on Asos.

                   

The perfect pun-tastic present that could accompany a romantic city break abroad could be this fun passport holder below.

                    

If you want to gift your bestie a fun cute present to mark the day the below are always good choices like a six pack cocktail holder or a cute phone case.

                    

                    

If you want to treat yourself to something extra special this Valentine's Day, Inglot have their Love palette back in store with 10 gorgeously pigmented colours it's available for €75 for a limited time only. 

I don't really buy into the whole day as I feel it's an excuse for people to bombard social media with photos of chocolates and teddy bears.. I think it can get all a bit tacky. Show whoever you have in your life that you love them on a random wet Tuesday with a bunch of daffodils you don't need a Hallmark holiday and a supermarket special on Milk Tray to do so. Or treat them to one of the nice gifts on this list! I would way rather something from here than a box of chocolates anyday.

Happy Fabruary! 

Xxx