Winter Skincare Favourites*

Hello my loves! Long time no post (although, in my case, pretty good going...). I thought I'd write a little bit about my current skincare routine. It's not perfect, and I am looking to change a few things, purely because I think my skin has gotten used to some of these products. They're nonetheless.

I'll kick it off with the classic favourites. Liz Earl Cleanse and Polish and Pixi Glow Tonic. I've been using Cleanse and Polish for about two years now, and I do genuinely think it's played a major role in clearing up my skin. I usually use it twice, first to take off my make up and then to cleanse my skin. I follow that with the Glow Tonic, and I'm convinced this stuff is magic. Every time my skin feels dry, or bumpy or I'm breaking out, this just works. Every single time. I know everybody recommends these products, but I honestly believe they're worth the hype. When my skin needs exfoliation (which lately is quite often), I've been reaching for the Formula 10.0.6 One Smooth Operator. I'm never quite sure what I need to look out for in a scrub, but I feel like this does it's job. 

Once I've done the above three steps, I go in with the SBC Collagen Hydra-Gel*. It's a rich and intensive water-based serum, which helps to re-hydrate, plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. I know I'm only 23, but this is the time to start slowing down the signs of ageing! Also, collagen is just really good for your skin. I then reach for Hylamide Subq Eyes. I've always found that my eyes were my problem area. I've got very dark circles, and my skin is always puffy and very dehydrated around them.  And again, eyes show the first signs of ageing. I haven't been using it for that long, but I did a little research and found Caroline Hirons' post about this, so decided to give it a go. So far, so good. 

As my skin has been soooo dry and flakey recently, I've been treating it to an overnight Sudocrem* mask. Even as a mask, a little goes a long way. I've only been using this on my face for about two, three weeks now, but I can already notice the difference. I normally use it on spots anyway, and sometimes as a hand cream. I've also been using it as a primer, and I find it works great, too. Perhaps slightly better than my Smashbox one... I'd definitely recommend picking this up to try out if you haven't, and the Skin Care cream is only £1.99 at Boots, so I feel like you can't really go wrong here.

When I feel like being fancy, I use the Sinensis Agave Gold Refining Toner*, instead of Pixi Glow. This again is very high in collagen (a favourite of mine if you cant't tell) and it's rich in Vitamin C. I don't reach for this enough to have a detailed opinion on it, but it does make me feel very extra when I do use it, and if you're about that life too, I'd recommend checking it out. 

Applying SPF regularly is something I must admit I'm not that great at, but I've picked myself up the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defence SPF 50 Sunscreen (what a mouthful eh). I got this in TK Maxx, so I didn't pay the full price for it. I know it's important to apply it, even when it doesn't seem that sunny outside, especially since I have very sensitive skin and I do burn very easily (I look more like a lobster roll rather than a bronze goddess) so I should definitely pay more attention to it. 

I thought I'd wrap this up by mention my two favourite masks. First one is the Sephora Pearl Sheet Mask. I'm pretty sure I've tried all of their sheet masks at this point, but I definitely think this is their best one, as it smells great and I do genuinely think my skin looks a little brighter after using it. Second are the Boots Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Nose Pore Strips (not technically a mask, I know). I personally think these work better than the Biore ones, I think it might be because it's a two step process, and my nose always feel extra smooth after Step 2.

In 2018, I want to get more into skincare, I've also mentioned that in my previous post. I've already started researching Korean 10 Step Regime, and I think I'll be jumping onto the bandwagon. Have you got any skincare tips, or products that you definitely recommend?

Batiste 2-in-1 Invisible Dry Shampoo & Conditioner Review*

A few months ago, I was sent a box from trnd to review the new Batiste Dry Shampoo. As I've been MIA from this blog for a while (explanation coming soon) the blog review is only coming now. However, I have already review the product on their website and I honestly do enjoy using it. The Superdrug website description states that it "(...) instantly refreshes roots AND conditions locks with an orange and pomegranate scent. No oil, no dryness, just amazing looking and feeling hair from root to tip. Your new hair hero!". 

I received both the full size and a mini of the Orange & Pomegranate scent and popped the smaller one in my handbag straight away for on the go touch ups. I liked the look of the bottle as I think it's very sleek yet colourful, and I like that there's a mini version too - no one wants to lug around a huge bottle with them. 

I've used dry shampoo before and I must admit that Batiste is the only brand I've used for it. I don't use it often, only when life gets in the way really. I'm also quite lucky because I have blonde hair, and majority of dry shampoos leave a residue white powder, which of course doesn't show up on blonde hair as much as it would on darker shade. I did find that if I used slightly too much of it the residue would appear but, in general, I didn't really find that to be a problem for me. One difference I noticed was that my hair genuinely felt conditioned after using it, as opposed to using the regular version, which I found quite drying.

I think that with dry shampoo, you either love or hate the concept as a whole. I think it's fantastic as I'm always on the go and I tend to leave the house late, so for a bit of volume it's great. Although, I always wash my hair on the same day that I use it, so can't really comment whether it's good for more than one use (I know Kim K washed her hair every 6 days but we can't all be Kimmy unfortunately, and we don't have hairstylists on the go to do our hair).

Overall, I'd recommend the product if you're a dry shampoo user already, as in my books it's much better than the regular version. If you're thinking of trying it however, the minis are only £1.50 and I'd say they're worth a try. 

What are your thoughts on dry shampoo? Have you tried this one in particular?

Mini Review: Arbonne Skincare

A few weeks ago I was in touch with Maimie Yelland via Twitter, and she was kind enough to offer me a little sample of Arbonne skincare. Now, I won't lie - I've never heard of Arbonne before, but after a quick Google search I was curious. 

REVIEW: TIMELESS TRUTH BEE VENOM MASK

SPOTLIGHT ON: ROSIE FOR AUTOGRAPH

I love Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. And I love makeup. And I love rose gold. So of course this happened.

BEAUTY HAUL

So recently I took a little trip to Superdrug, and as they had a 3 for 2 offer going on (when aren't they though, to be fair) I decided to treat myself.

REVIEW: MY LITTLE BOX 'BUBBLE' EDITION

I must say, 'My Little Box' has to be one of my favourite subscription boxes. Why? I really enjoy the variety of products every month! Yes, of course, we all love makeup, but I like the fact that MLB does special themes each month (last month's being 'Home' - amaze) and that they include their own brand products (moisturisers are actually quite good).

This month's theme is Bubble - I'm still not entirely sure why and what it means, but I enjoyed the box regardless. The first three products are by MLB themselves: a hairbrush, a lip & cheek tint and a BeautyBlender dupe. I've tried both the hairbrush and the tint, and those are awesome - I mean it's hard to f up a hairbrush, but I like that it's small enough to throw in my handbag. I'm going on holiday to Spain with my Mum at the end of the week, so that'll definitely come in hand. As for the tint, it's not really my shade cheek wise, as it's very purple, but I love it on my lips!

 

 

The next two products are by others brands. Huygens and Givenchy, to be exact. I was surprised to see the Givenchy product, as I've never received something so high end from My Little Box. The mascara itself is great so far, I'm wearing it today and I haven't noticed anything that would put me off it. It also came at a great time, because as I've mentioned I'll be going away, so a travel sized anything will come handy. Might do a full review after I've been using it for a week, who knows? As for the body scrub, I haven't had the chance to use it yet, but I'm a bit meh on the scent - I've noticed that there was another one in the boxes and I honestly wish I got the other one. But hey, beggars can't be choosers eh!

That's all for today's post, but I've got a few more lined up before I head off to Spain, so you can look out for those :) Do you subscribe to any My Little Box? Or if not, what's your favourite subscription box? Share in the comments below, I love trying out new ones!

Love, Marty xoxo

MY EVERY DAY 5 MINUTE MAKE-UP

As a student, more than often I find myself rushing out of the door in the mornings (and let's be real, afternoons too). But thanks to that, I have managed to perfect my '5 Minute' look and I look almost presentable and 100% like I've put a lot of effort into my make-up. Some of the products might be considered a little out of a student's budget, but I've got three things to say about that:

~ I have a part time job and a splurge here and there won't break my bank.

~ I find that high end products last longer, therefore they're worth it.
~ I like to 'invest in my future': my friends laugh when I say that, but I like putting good products onto my face, so it doesn't look awful 20 years down the line. I mean just saying.

EYES

Many moons ago,I decided to fill in my brows, you know, just for fun. And then I never went back. I absolutely love filling them in, and am trying new products constantly. I always start with the brows first and my current favourite and go to is the Cailyn Gelux Eyebrow in Hazelnut. Realistically, Nutmeg would be my perfect shade, but I'm pretty sure I received this in a subscription box, so beggars can't be choosers. I use the Real Techniques Brow Brush to fill them in, because even though this product comes with a brush, it's way too tiny and fiddly. 

I move onto eye shadow after that. Some may think it's too excessive for a 5 minute make up routine, but I like throwing a little shade onto my eyes, just to look a little bit more alive and like I haven't just rolled out of bed. Lately, I've been reaching most for the Revolution Eyeshadow Palette in Flawless Matte, in particular the shade Leather. Then I throw a coat or two (usually one is enough, I've got pretty long eyelashes) of Benefit Roller Lash Mascara, and that's the eyes finished!

FACE & LIPS

When it comes to my skin, I want it to be two things: dewy and fresh looking. I use a BB Cream on an everyday basis, and only wear full coverage foundation on nights out or when I have a big event to go to. Since my gap year, my absolute and only favourite has been the Burberry Skin Fresh Glow B.B. Cream in Fair no.1 - yes I know it's pricey, but it really is worth it, and it lasts me about 2.5/3 months, so if I save a tenner a month - I can treat myself to lovely skin again! I either blend that in with a Beauty Blender, or with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush - whatever is closer to me at the time. Then I grab my Real Techniques Blush Brush (yeah I know, I've got a problem) and my MAC Blush in Margin and pop a little of Sleek's Illuminator in Monaco onto my cheekbones. I finish off with either Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Diva Red or H&M Beauty Lip Gloss in Tuscan Blush, depending on how I'm feeling that day. 

So, there it is, my 5 minute 'I woke up like this' make up routine. What are your favourite go to products when you're in the rush? Comment below and don't forget to subscribe to keep up to date! 

Marty xo