Beauty Brawl Day 6- Face Mask

Day 5- Face Mask

Yesterday's post was atrocious. I wasn't prepared, my computer was broken so I ended up just going with the original first draft. Today I will make up for it!

I was originally going to review one of the Sheet face masks from Beauty Pro but at the moment my eyes need more help than anything, so sticking with the same Brand I went with their Under Eye sheet masks instead. which I have linked you to Here. 

Product: 90

Packaging: 75

Price: 85

I love the whole range of Beauty Pro masks. But this by far is my favorite to date. Its £4.95 and you get three sets of eye treatments (3x2 eye pads) I usually slap them on in the evening while I'm in the bath but I decided today I'd put them to the real test on only 4 hours sleep eyes.

As you can see the before (left) and afters (right) are actually pretty good after only 15 min. as usual my Rosacea is on point, but it definitely makes a difference to the colour and size of the bags under my eyes. 

Would very highly recommend their other sheet face masks too. I have tried out the foaming one and the olive oil one and they are both excellent too. 

Love and Light. xoxo

Have a look and see what Beth thought of her day 6 Product Here. 

Beauty Brawl Day 3- Eyeliner

Day 3- Eyeliner

Gather around friends and companions, I have a sad tale to tell...it is the epic tale of HOW MY EYELIDS DON'T LIKE ANY EYELINER.

Whew...anyway. I have highly sensitive skin, it goes red if the temperature changes even slightly, part and parcel of Rosacea and sensitive skin. I'm fortunate in that over the past few years I have gained a lot of control over my skin, and now my main issue is just the redness and not really spots or veins etc...but, because I don't want to aggravate the skin Gods when my skin does play up against a new product I let my skin win it's little tantrum, for an easy life. So I DID buy a lovely liquid eyeliner to review today, but instead I am going back to an old faithful that I never have any issues with. I'm breaking the brawl rules slightly but when needs must...

Make up Revolution Awesome Double Flick Eyeliner (surprise!) 

Product: 80

Price: 95

Packaging: 60

My lovely old faithful is still not perfect. My issue with the product itself is it runs out so quickly. I do eyeliner nearly every single day. Other eyeliners I've used similar to this have lasted a good couple of moths...this is usually a monthly purchase for me. But considering it's only £3.50, even tightly budgeted months I can actually afford to get this product. 

When i'm doing special event make up on clients I always use high end products, usually Jane Iredale, Lush etc...but this eyeliner is always one I come back to for clients too. I even end up getting them hooked on this item too. 

The packaging is ideal for keeping in your handbag, a clutch or even a pocket. So you can literally top it up any time. It's super easy to use, even if you're not very skilled at the cat eye look. My only advice and stipulation would be to not use it for your lower lid. It's far too harsh and hard to blend out. Overall a great and inexpensive product.

Love and light. xoxo

Please go and check out Beth's Reviews so far over on her blog Here.

Skin Analysis: What is your skin type?

Sorry this is a week late but i have been having issues, namely HAIR issues, i shall explain that though in another blog post... for now, as promised here's a definitive way of determining what skin type you are so you can buy the correct cosmetic products to help enhance and even-out your skins' appearance, also featuring a few celebrities. After each type I've linked a few beauty products ideal for that skin type; some high end, some drug-store. 
HERE is Clinique's step by step choices using your skin type.

1)Normal Skin
 This skin type is very VERY rare- in fact it's quite likely that no one you know is going to have completely "Normal" skin all over. Your skin can Combine two skin types, as in one can commonly be "Normal" with an "Oily t-zone" (this is Combination skin as described in the next point) but it's highly unlikely they will be "Normal" all over. 
A Normal skin type is identified by it's even appearance, matte finish, no visible pours and no redness or "sallow" (yellow) appearance. - Usually someone with combination skin will have Normal skin on their cheeks and upper forehead. Basically, all-over "Normal" skin is only achievable through Photoshop. 

2)Combination Skin
Combination is the most common, simply because it covers most bases- it is literally a Combination of two or more of any of the mentioned skin types in this post. As simple as that. Obviously products in stores that are for "Combination" skin are usually designed around people with "Oily and Normal" combination skin. But some can be tailored to specific combinations like "Mature and Dry" etc.. so just read packaging carefully.
Dermalogica Normal/Oily Skin complete KIT
Nivea Oily to Combination Day Cream

3)Dry Skin
 Dry skin will have a naturally Matte appearance, will appear flaky on the surface (NOT to be confused with Psoriasis or Eczema). There will be very small or no visible pours when looking closely in the mirror, and skin will be quite thin, with capillaries on your cheek area (small, teeny-tiny thin red lines).
 You will want an oil-based or cream based make-up remover for daily use, and a cream cleanser. If you use toner (which you should!) it should have a very low or no alcohol content. If you want to pamper yourself you need a non-setting mask, aka: avoid clay masks! If you can still move your face while it's on then it's the one for you! And your daily moisturizer should be high in oil content. 
Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster
Dermalogica Dry Skin Kit
Eucerin Dry Skin Relief - Face
Garnier Skin Naturals Moisture Match For Dry Skin.

4)Mature Skin
 Believe it or not you can be classed as having "Mature skin" from the age of around 25 plus. No it doesn't mean you need to retire now and put away the hot pants! It's simply a way of categorizing your skin type. All it means is you've lost some of the elasticity in your skin, this happens over time to everyone and means your skin is no longer producing enough collagen to fight against gravity, so your skin may begin to sag around your neck and cheeks.
 You will have visible lines and wrinkles around your eyes, mouth, and on your forehead- perhaps small but if they're their i'm sure you'll have seen them! 
 Your skin becomes thinner, and more sallow (yellow) in appearance, and will seem quite dull. Older skin also begins to develop Pigmented areas or "Age Spots". 
Ideally you'll be wanting to use a cream cleanser and a refreshing toner. Any anti-aging beauty product will be great for your skin, although as a side note, do be aware that any product can claim to be anti-aging if it has a SPF factor. 
A great treat for your mature skin will be an Exfoliating Peel mask. It'll pull away the drying surface skin and reveal the newer younger skin underneath. 
Also ALWAYS use neck and eye creams. Daily! Make sure it has an SPF of at least 15 and that you keep up to date with your skin care, as well as looking after your skin dietary-wise; AKA drink plenty of water. Correct vitamins etc...(see skin health note below) 
Olay Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream
Boots Time-Delay
Cliniques Range of Anti-aging

5)Congested Skin
 This can happen to any skin type, it's usually known as acne or more commonly; spots and black heads. Full blown Acne can be a horrid thing to try and battle but always seek dermatological advice from your local beauty therapist and your GP there are a lot of things out there you can get to help. Do not be ashamed to ask for help. Although you may be finding it hard or even being bullied there are so many awesome things available now to help you! I'd hate to think some poor girl/guy will suffer through it without seeking help that could potentially clear it up for good!  
For the other people who merely suffer with the occasional spot or black-head bare in mind you become more prone to spots if your hormones change (puberty, before your period, or during the menopause) so get on top of it with exfoliating at least once every 28 days or using a very gentle exfoliant or mask every week. Never exfoliate every day as this wont give your skin time enough to recover from its intense scrubbing. 

Miss Diaz is always exploited in the press with her "Bad Skin". 

But as you can see here most of the time she's on top of it and seems to look after her skin well!

Dermalogica Pure Night TreatmentDermalogica Clearing Skin Wash. Dermalogica Concealing Spot Treatment
Visibly Clear Spot Stress Control Cleanser

6)Sensitive Skin
 Redness in the skin, plain and simple. It's the easiest way of diagnosing this. I have it. And i hate it. If the temperature of the room suddenly changes my cheeks go a lovely scarlet shade and stay that way for hours after. The redness can also be set off by make-up application, make-up removal and even just TOUCHING the skin. The redness and constant "Highly-flushed" look is easily treated with products designed for sensitive skin... it usually caters for combination sensitive too so it shouldn't be too oily or drying. It should just be a nice medium that is nice and cooling to the skin, to keep it nice and calm. 
You must avoid any Exfoliants that have sugar/seeds/beads etc in, anything gritty will tear-apart your skin and make it redder than ever. Should you need to exfoliate due to congestion etc... try and find one with a mild acidity- this will essentially burn away any dirt and grease. A non-setting mask, which keeps the skin nice and cool is ideal. 
Dermaligica Cream Mask/Exfoliator.

Clinique Redness Solutions


7)Oily Skin
This is a common skin type. Not many people may actually have surface oil nor a shine to their skin but it is an obvious identifier. It is also common to have large visible pours, commedones (black heads), thicker skin and a yellowish appearance.  
A make-up remover designed for oily skin is ideal, usually cream based. You'll want a slightly harsher toner, perhaps with higher alcohol as this will dry out the skin, and a good moisturizer that's light. 
If you want a treat a clay or setting mask with grab any dirt through that oily layer and cleanse the skin of the oily texture at the same time. 

Poor Katy Clearly has visible pores, and congestion as a result of her oily skin type. But we wont let that stop us from freakin' loving the girl.

Dermalogica Oil Control lotion

Garnier Skin Oily Skin Cleanser


8)Dehydrated Skin
Now this isn't necessarily a skin "Type" as such- as it's usually a temporary problem that can be fixed with the correct intake of water and changing the products you're using on your skin. I'm featuring it as a type because so many people do have it- and it will have an obvious lack of moisture, the skin will feel tight, almost like its pulling, and it will be flaky, especially if your flaky areas are appearing in your oily t-zone. I am guilty of suffering from this so this leads nicely onto my final section; 
(Drink This)

Skin Health
All of the above can change rapidly dependent on the factors listed below, so it's a good idea to check none of these things have changed before you continue using the wrong products for your skin and making it worse;

Hormones
Products Used
Diet
Water/Lack of fluid
Exercise
Alcohol
Weather/climate/holiday
Allergies
UV/Sun Exposure
Smoking
Health issues (illness)
Stress
Medication
Sleep (lack of)
Genetics 
Drug use. 

Beauty Blog; New Skincare regéme, L'Oreal Skin Perfection Review. (Product list, prices and links are the bottom)

As a training Beauty Therapist I've been learning a lot about correct skin care routeines. As a young girl I was quite happy and content with cheap make-up wipes, and that was it, that was literally all that I'd use. Looking back now; well that's just terrible! Make-up wipes are now the bane of my life! I literally cannot think of anything else that is sold in the beauty industry as a "quick and easy make up removal" option that actually would be better if you just left your make up on! They have a stupidly high alcahol content, which dries out your skin, this means your top (horny) layer just frazzles up into flakes and then you get dry skin, all the while all you've actually done is remove about 40% of the make up and smooshed the rest around your face and further into your pours, Then you wonder why you get spots! Use soap and water, with a moisturiser at least!

Rant about wipes over- I now always make sure I use my usual Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise routeine. I have always, in the past sworn by Boots No7 range, their Protect and Perfect range was just amazing on y skin type which is sensetive, with an oily t-zone and dry-normal cheeks... if you were wondering.
When I first discovered the L'Oreal Skin Perfection i was galavanting down the isles in Superdrug and saw these beautiful pink packages and bottles staring at me... yes indeed i did get drawn in by the packaging, but LOOK HOW AWESOME!



Anyway, at first all i bought was the cleansing milk and velvety soft toner, as my No7 cleanser and toner were low and i didn't have a lot of money, and the L'Oreal skin perfetion was a lot cheaper, as it was on a half price offer. I have to say I used it once, one night before bed and noticed an immediate change in my skin. Literally, my skin was so soft i can't even explain how amazed I was. So naturally I then wanted it all!
So I went out and bought the L'Oreal Skin Perfection Eye Cream, Serum and the Day Cream. I was actually excited to see the results! Of course the Cleanser and Toner worked wonders already, that night I used the day moisturiser as I still haven't found a night cream yet, and woke up the next day to the softest skin I think my face has ever had. Even my Husband said my skin looked lovely and fresh. I used the Perfecting Serum, which is best descriped as feeling like a primer in texture on your skin, it smells lovely too, then used the Day cream over the top with some of the brightening eye cream around my eyes and for the first time in a very VERY long time i found that i didn't use any foundation to cover my red cheeks and nose, i just patted on some powder and done my usual eye-liner, brows and mascara. I have to say i'm hooked on the stuff. They do have a tinted cream (L'Oreal Skin Perfection Blur) but even the lightest shade is a bit too orange for my skin tone, and I don't think I need it. I honestly feel so confident in my own skin at the moment thanks to this product!


Complete Product list and Links (Superdrug)
L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3in1 Micella Solution £4.99
L'Oreal Skin Perfection Blur £12.99
L'Oreal Skin Perfection Day Cream £14.99
L'Oreal Skin Perfection Eye £12.99
L'Oreal Skin Perfection serum £16.99
L'Oreal Skin Perfection Soothing Gel Cream Wash £4.49
L'Oreal Skin Perfetion Velvety Soft Toner £3.99

I know it all may seem a bit pricey but even if you only add one of these items to your daily skin regeme I'm sure you'll see results. It's well worth it.
Enjoy!
XxX

Christmas mini-haul, L'óreal skin perfection toner and cleanser review. (warning, also includes rant about ungreatful brats included)

CHRISTMAS WAS HERE; it's been and gone, time for the Easter eggs! Actually saying that, you may think i'm joking, but i used to work for a large supermarket and they have Easter eggs delivered ready to go out on boxing day. Also at the corner shop up the road from me they started selling Easter stuff about 3 weeks ago...

I love Christmas, its my favorite time of year. I love the food, family, friends, snuggling infront of the T.V and of course the gifts. My husband and I didn't have a lot of money this year, most of the gifts i made, or we bought in sales etc... And we didn't ask for anything as we knew money was tight for others too, but i still got quite a good haul.
I also got a bit of money to spend in the sales, i did hit Primark on boxing day with my sister but i literally bought one thing as we were rushing and that was this beautiful Pink one button blazer, in a really soft cotton fabric, only £7!

I also treated myself to some new Cleanser and toner, it's the new L'oreal Skin Perfection range, in the pink packaging. Cheaper then my No7, protect and perfect and 100% better for my skin. I have quite sensitive combination skin, oily t-zone and dry cheeks, so i needed something that covered all three bases, the No7 stuff was the only product i'd ever used that didn't dry my skin out too much nor make it too oily, and didn't bring me out in spots or redness. This new L'oreal Skin Perfection range is AMAZING. It completely changed my skin after one use. I don't have the day or night cream yet, but i will. It's now going to be my new range. I've been ordered to stop using make up wipes, and you should too, the chemicals in them and alcohol content are insane! So cleanse, Tone and Moisturise all the way ladies!!! The cleanser and toner were on offer, usually around £7-8 each but i got mine for £5-ish, plus you get your Superdrug loyalty points so it all adds up to money off later on!


I also treated myself to some True Match Minerals, Powder foundation in 'golden ivory', as i was using a Revlon matte finish creme but it was clogging my pores and was visible to the naked eye. I cannot rave about this True Match Minerals foundation enough! It's so easy, and even and just gives you a lovely glow. If you have a spot break out i'd still recommend using a concealer underneath but no more caking on thick cream foundation! It's around £14 from Superdrug (UK)



Now for the rant, i'm literally outraged by what is summed up in this article: Brats on Twitter
Now i'm not going to go overly 'High and mighty' because i do understand the pain of getting a gift you didn't really want. But sometimes that's how life goes kids! If you don't like it, be honest but not in a horrid way and just ask if you can exchange it, don't beat the sh*t out of your mum, or cry, or say your parents ruined your life because you got a white iPhone and not a black one... you know what i'd do...sell it because i bloody hate apple, but also i'd say oh i didn't really want the white one, thank you though, but is there any way i could get it changed for a black one. DON'T smash it up and throw it at your mum! OR alternatively you can just shut up and be f*cking great-full you got a present from your parents at all and not drop-kicked on your ass out the house. I swear that a few in that generation have a few thousand brain cells missing, or a few they just share between them... I'm horrified that my kids may be worse! But then i remembered, I'm awesome and my kids wont get away with any of that. I'm pretty sure my kids will understand life in all its wonder, no religion forced on them (if they want to be religious they can, and i'll help or support them), there will be no over the top outbursts because they ripped their school trousers while they were having fun. And i'm certainly not allowing them to become some of the spoilt brats I've witnessed this Christmas. I want my kids to grow up still looking at the stars and wondering and imagining the impossible.

****I do whole-heartedly want to explain too that this is the daily mail so their representation of all of the kids these days is only based on a biased view of a few twitter accounts, and by no way should allow everyone to tar all of that generation with the same brush.