Nothing Special   »   [go: up one dir, main page]

Showing posts with label spots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spots. Show all posts

Sunday, 13 October 2013

LUSH Skin Care | Tea Tree Toner Water

Lush Tea Tree Toner Water | 100g (small) [Link]

When I head into LUSH, I usually make a bee-line straight for the lip scrubs or the bath bombs (the Babybot to be precise...oh how I love his calming, bubbly influence).  However, a couple of months ago, I decided to branch out, be a bit devilish and give one of their skin care products a whirl after a recommendation from my lovely friend Emily (you can find her blog here).  She's become such a good friend of mine over the past half a year or so, and she is the first person I go to for skin care advice or if I want to know about a certain product - she knows quite a bit about certain brands and she's always telling me about the latest face mask she's been trying, or the latest products she's been using at work.  When she mentioned the Lush Tea Tree Water - I was sold instantly.  I'm a big fan of tea tree - I've used it since I was a teenager and I find it works a treat for my skin.   Just for reference, I don't suffer with acne.  I do, however, have sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts around my chin if I'm stressed, if it's the 'time of the month' (i know a lot of you will feel my pain with this one - literally), or if I've had a few late nights. I mostly have fairly clear skin but it is combination - I really do have to watch what I use on it.

I use this toner water mostly at night - after I've taken my make-up off for the day and cleansed and washed my face.  I simply pump a couple of sprays onto a cotton pad and sweep it across my face and down my neck to remove any nasties that have been left behind when cleansing and to freshen up my skin before bed.  I've also used it in the morning for a quick 'spruce' up - and I've also used it as a refreshing mist throughout the warmer weather we had a couple of months back.  It really is a versatile little product - a toner and a facial mist in one. It doesn't smell overly powerful - those of you who are familiar with tea tree will know that it often has the power to knock your socks off a little bit - but this smells really nice and fresh, with just a light scent of tea tree that's both gentle and calming.  It doesn't sting - it feels really nice to apply and 'sweep' across the face and it removes any trace of makeup or dirt left on the face.   It says on the bottle that it's suitable for those with oily skin types.  I actually have combination skin and I haven't found it drying or harsh on the slightly more dry areas of my face, and I've actually found it to help balance out my skin.   It gets rid of any oil around my t-zone and helps to soothe any redness.

If you suffer with spot-prone skin or feel a little bit 'out of balance' - I'd really recommend giving this a go. Even if you don't suffer a great deal with spots but want a refreshing toner/face mist then I'd still say it's worth a try - I reckon most skin types would get on well with this little beauty (it's received really good reviews on their website and also on a lot of blogs).  The ingredients are really gentle on the skin and I find they have a real calming influence on my complexion.  The spray nozzle makes it easy to disperse just the right amount as opposed to a 'tip and spill' sort of bottle that can often result in a bit of a kerfuffle if you're not careful (also saves on wasted product!) For £3.95 for 100g, it really is affordable and totally worth the money in my opinion - I've had this small bottle for a good couple of months or so now and I still have plenty left!

Have you tried the Lush Tea Tree Water?  Are there any other Lush skin care products you'd recommend?



Thursday, 8 August 2013

Monthly Favourites | July


July has been such a lovely month for me.  As well as enjoying some scorching weather at home (the sun has most certainly got his hat on just recently, hasn't he?!), I've also been away to Crete for a week of Pina Coladas and relaxation with the fam, and tottled off to London for 6 days with my uni course to exhibit some of my work. Cor Blimey ;) What a month! As well as this I've also been to an interview for a placement and am now building up for my birthday weekend. It's fair to say I've had a lot of chances to discover new products and re-vamp my makeup routine, and I certainly have found a lot of new cosmetic favourites this month. So much so I've actually had to cut them down! I settled on a few that might tickle your fancy. Far to often I bombard you all with my lipstick favourites but I figured I've had about 4 I've been wearing constantly this month so I'd better save those for a summery post soon...  Anyway, I shall kick off with a selection of July's favourite products...


Victoria's Secret | Body Spray Fragrance in 'Sensual Blush' |

If you saw my recent holiday haul, you'll have seen this little beauty sitting amongst the things I bought. It smells amazing. It's so light and fresh and so summery - and looks really pretty sitting on my dressing table.  Just a few sprays drenches you in the fragrance and for a body spray it actually lasts pretty well. In fact, i've had people ask me what perfume I'm wearing! It also lingers in my bedroom once I've spritzed it so it's also doubled up as a handy room fragrance this month for me - it's safe to say I am addicted to it. I'm slightly gutted that when this one runs out I'm going to struggle to get another... unless I fancy booking a flight to America solely for the purpose of stocking up my fragrance stash, that is.

Urban Decay | Waterproof Eye Liner in 'Demolition' |

I won't say too much about this as I dedicated my most recent post to this little beauty (you can have a read here if you're interested). In summer, I much prefer a brown eyeliner as opposed to black.  I tend to kick the liquid out for a few weeks and settle on a more subtle, natural option for my peepers.  This one is a dream to apply, stays put all day and makes my eyes stand out without looking too smokey. 

Collection | 'Work the Colour' Eyeshadow Pencils |

I've never been intrigued by eyeshadow crayons before up until my Motherbear let me borrow one of hers on holiday.  As soon as I arrived home I swiftly popped out and bought the 3 colours I liked - including the Vintage Pink shade that I'd loved so much in Crete (thanks, Ma!) For the price they are absolutely amazing and are bang on the mark with pigmentation and application.  Once they're on, they're on - they last ages on my eyes and are so fuss-free and simple. The brown colour is perfect for a subtle smokey look for daytime whereas the lightest shade (a gorgeous yellow/white colour) is perfect for the inner corners to brighten up your eyes. LOVE.

Bourjois | Bronzing Primer |

Okay. This is product has fast become my favourite product of the whole month and I'm sure it will remain one of my favourites well into next summer. The consistency is so unbelievably blendable and smooth and it looks so natural buffed in over my foundation.  I also like to apply some underneath my foundation as it helps to smooth the skin and help your makeup stay in place, at the same time as adding a soft, bronzed glow.  It's kept my holiday tan going all month - I often lose colour on my face first so it's been handy to have in my makeup bag for a bit of a boost (it's not a good look when your face is paler than your body is it?!) I'll definitely be buying another pot as soon as this runs out - it's so versatile and I'm determined to make it work for me through autumn/winter too.

Harley Street Skin Care | Spot Less Buster Solution |

I have a full review of this product here if you want to have a nosey, but this spot treatment is now a staple in my skin care routine.  I was actually sent this to try and I've already ordered another bottle for myself.  It treats any blemishes you have really quickly, but without the horrible dry appearance that other treatments tend to leave, meaning that this one is perfect for underneath your makeup.  It can be used as either a topical treatment or used over an entire problem area, meaning that it's more versatile than other treatments I've tried.

Mark Hill | Holiday Hair Cover Up Protection Spray |

This little mini has been a suitcase essential for me this month! My hair often gets a little frazzled in the sun and I often end up battling with a load of frizz towards the end of a holiday. This little spray came in so handy for sunbathing - simply spritz over the ends of your hair and over the scalp area and it helps to protect hair from the heat of the sun.  It smells beautiful and I found it helped my hair to remain softer and frizz-free for longer.

Mac | Paint Pot in 'Rubenesque' |

I have a full review of this paint pot here, but it's been my go-to eyeshadow base this month.  I use it constantly and am totally obsessed with the peachy-gold colour it gives.  It looks beautiful both with or without a tan and looks amazing both on its own or with powder shadow over the top.


Seventeen | Wild Eyes in 'Wild Purple' |

I often get a little scared of applying any form of colour to my eyes - I'm very much a neutrals girl. However, I thought I'd give this purple shade a whirl just recently and I have to say I love it! I have green eyes and it really helps them 'pop'. I put a little in the outer corners for a subtle flash or colour and then use a liner brush to apply some under the lash line.  I'm definitely tempted to grab a few more shades!


And so there we have it - an edited version of this month's favourites! I really struggled knocking them down to 8 so I hope I didn't ramble too much! I didn't post any favourites last month so it's been even tougher choosing them this time around.  I'm currently planning a few things for my birthday at the weekend - I turn the grand old age of 23 so I'm thinking a round of bowling (got to be a little childish!) and a night on the tiles is in order!


What have you been loving this month? Anything here take your fancy?

Tuesday, 2 July 2013

Spot Busting Solution | Harley Street Skin Care

Harley Street Skincare | Spot.Less Buster (100ml) | £20.00* | Link

If you've ever seen the programme 'Stitch me, Lift me, Tuck me' (try saying that one fast ;)), then you might be aware of Harley Street's Skin Care range.  The lovely folks over at Baobella asked if I'd like to sample one of their skin care products, I was really excited to say the least - Harley Street has a good reputation for it's skin care and beauty/cosmetic offerings. The 'Spot.Less Buster' is one of Harley Street's products from the 'Spot Less' range targeted at problem skin prone to breakouts and acne.  Now, my skin has never been acne prone, nor is it oily - I've been quite lucky and I only ever really get the odd spot here and there but just recently, at the grand old age of 22, my skin has took a turn for the worst after being on different medications and I have been in need of a little more help than what I'm used to.  Perfect timing then to try out the Spot.Less buster!

Formulated with salicylic acid (well know for it's spot-busting properties!), the 'Spot Buster' claims to be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and will help to reduce oil production, unblock pores and prevent new spots from appearing as well as banishing existing ones.  It not only helps to kill off any nasties that you do have, but also prevents new ones from forming and the solution is suitable for all skin types (even sensitive skin - yay!) - it even claims to be formulated with anti-ageing properties which is all very well and good (of course, I cannot vouch for this just yet).  To use, you simply cleanse as normal, then cover any affected areas with the solution.  I personally prefer to spray onto a cosmetic cotton pad and simply dab over the entire area that looks a little worse for wear.  What I love about this product, is that compared with other spot-healing products on the market - this one targets an entire area rather than just being a topical treatment for one blemish.  As much as I love my Origins Super Spot Remover (featured in a post here), I often find that when my skin is being particularly troublesome, I want something to cover a larger area in order to prevent any new ones from forming rather than simply treating the breakout.

What I love about this product, is that you can apply it in the mornings under makeup and nobody would know.  If you're a fan of Origins or other similar spot treatments, you'll know that they dry out the skin and often can appear 'crusty' under concealer (yuk) making them more appropriate for night time treatment.  Spot Buster, although drying (as with all spot treatments), doesn't make the skin appear flaky or leave any noticeable residue so it's perfect for use in the mornings before applying your make up. When applied, it feels instantly cooling and you can feel it working it's way into your skin - stinging ever so slightly before disappearing.  It doesn't leave a film and it doesn't sit on the skin like a cream.  It's very much a 'spray and go' kind of product.  I apply morning and night to the effected area and have seen visible improvements to my skin.  I've been having a complete nightmare with it for the past couple of months (amazing what a bit of medicine can do to your skin!) and it's really helped keep breakouts at bay - killing off any spots that appear quickly and reducing redness and any swelling.  I don't suffer with cystic acne spots - purely just annoying little pimples now and again so I cannot say how it would fair on acne-prone, oily skin, but judging how it's worked for me I can imagine it would work on more problematic skin.

I've been so impressed with this little bottle and I've been using it non-stop since I got it. I even love the packaging - the blue glass bottle feels weighty and expensive - this spot treatment definitely means business! I will be placing an order for another one as soon as it runs out as it's worth every penny for me and it's something I can't live without now.  It's filled the gap in the market for an all-round good treatment for spot prone skin in general - it will work as either a topical treatment or as an all over treatment to prevent any breakouts forming and it's also great underneath makeup. It feels cooling to apply and you can feel it working as soon as it's in contact with your skin, tightening slightly and killing off any redness.  The only advice I'd give you is to spray in a well ventilated room - many a time I've coughed and spluttered my way out of the bathroom of a morning!  It doesn't bother me though - it just smells like you'd expect a spot treatment with a bit of 'punch' to smell.   I really, really love this product, and I will certainly be looking into purchasing more from the range (you can have a nosey here) - I have my sights set on the Pore Minimising Mask and Spotless Skin Renewal! Overall, I'm so impressed and Harley Street Skin Care gets a big thumbs up from me (they even have a mineral makeup range...intrigued much?!). You can purchase the Spot.Less Buster from their website for £20.00 here - I'm not yet sure of anywhere else which stocks it which is a shame - but I shall be keeping my beady eyes peeled as the range deserves to be more widely known! Thankyou very much Baobella for introducing me to such a fabulous brand.

Have you ever tried anything from Harley Street Skin Care? Would this be something you'd like to try?

Sunday, 16 December 2012

What Your Blemishes Mean | What is Your Skin Trying To Tell You?

 
The past 4 weeks, I've been struggling somewhat with my skin. I always kind of expect it around this time of year - my skin really doesn't agree with cold, dull weather (a bit like me!) and as soon as the weather changes, I notice changes in my skin. However, this time around, my skin has been all over the place - and after a few weeks of trying everything in my power to get rid of any blemishes with no real results, I came across a really interesting online article that helped me no end to understand my skin - and I thought would be of interest to some of you.

I have never suffered with acne. My skin is fairly good, and although I'd still class it as 'sensitive' and 'spot-prone', it's mostly quite clear and I only ever get the odd one on my chin (I'm lucky, i know - but i suffered with spots very early on in my teenage years so it's had plenty of time to settle!). However, over the past 4 weeks or so I'd started to notice the skin on my cheeks starting to look a little worse for wear. It started off with patches of redness and visible pores, and gradually began to get worse - I ended up with little raised red bumps under my skin, and although it was manageable and was easily hid underneath makeup, I knew something was wrong. I know my skin and I'd never ever had problems before with blemishes on my cheeks - not even in my teenage years. I went through the usual routine of stopping using anything new to my skincare regime (which was nothing but a simple change in brands - i do this every winter to help with my slightly dryer skin and never had problems before)..  I also went back to basics with my makeup and cleansing routine, and switched back to my summer tinted moisturiser thinking it might be my foundation. But nothing seemed to work. I had ruled out reactions to products which was the most obvious cause - and if i'm honest I was at a complete loss of what to do.  That was until I found this article on Company's website, discussing what spots can mean, and how blemishes on different areas of your face are linked with your health and diet...




The idea stems from Chinese medicine - which suggests each part of the face indicates how well different organs of your body are functioning.  About 4 weeks prior to suffering with the spots on my cheeks, I'd suffered with a particularly bad cold/cough, and had found the symptoms of the cough had been hanging around and that I was getting out of breath very quickly. I went through spells of having little attacks where i'd struggle to intake a full breath of air and just put it down to the cold weather. The article stated that 'in Chinese medicine the cheeks are related to the lungs, so if you suffer with regular colds, flu and asthma you may get outbreaks or irregularities in skin tone texture here'. After reading this, I went to visit the doctor and discovered I'd had a chest infection for about 3 weeks - and was given a prescription to help clear it. I've now started to feel much better, and all symptoms of breathlessness have now been cleared - as well as the skin on my cheeks. In fact, it's almost completely back to normal and the uneven skin tone is beginning to clear once again.

Now, I'm not completely gullible with things like this, and I'm fully aware this might be a big fat dose of coincidence. But surely there has to be some truth in the whole concept of chinese medicine and skin blemishes and how my skin began to clear as soon as I began using the inhaler and taking the antibiotics for my chest infection. As fellow females, I'm sure you'll all sympathise with the fact that any blemishes on the chin start to worsen at certain times of the month - and it's a proven fact that spots are linked to hormonal imbalances. I think it's fair to say that if you're feeling under the weather, your skin will feel a little sorry for itself too. I just found it very interesting to read up on what different parts of the face link to, and how my skin cleared up within the space of a couple of days as soon as my airways started to feel less clogged! Coincidence?.. I'm not so sure.

What are your thoughts on this?