Spring has finally sprung and as the weather begins to brighten up I tend to do the same with my makeup. I like to keep my makeup fresh and natural looking and these have been my go to products over the last month. Bourjois Bronzing Primer I have spoke about this products LOTS over the past 3 years. This velvety cream blends effortlessly onto the skin to give a beautifully bronze glow. I use it instead of a regular powder bronzer to contour slightly and blend over the high points of my face so I look sunkissed. It lasts for ages and its very good dupe for the Chanel Tan de Soleil. Available from Pharmacies nationwide RRP €12.99 Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector - Apricot Shimmer Again a product I have spoken about lots. I have about 4 of these in different shades and will admit that they are one of my all time favourite makeup products. I love the soft squeezy tube which manages to dispense just the right amount of product so there is no waste, the formula which is a hybrid between a balm, gel and gloss but is non sticky and lastly how is makes my lips look smooth & plump with a beautiful sheer wash of colour. The Lip Perfectors also contain shea butter which leaves your lips nourished and soft. Available from pharmacies nationwide RRP €20 Youngblood Creme Blush in Champagne Life This is the perfect creme highlight (well that's what I use it for anyway). It is a beautiful warm golden shade that blends really well and gives the perfect hint of shimmer to the tops of your cheek bones, brow bone and bridge of your nose. Available from Youngblood stockists nationwide RRP €27 or direct from www.youngbloodirldirect.ie Clarins Rouge Eclat Age Defying Lipstick in Pink Blossom Another Clarins product!!! I saw this in my local pharmacy and toyed with buying it for a few weeks!!! But I'm only human and eventually gave into temptation. Pink Blossom is the perfect rose shade and the formula of these lipsticks are amazing. They apply like a balm so glide on without any dryness and leave you with glossy hydrated lips. I love the colour and think it's the perfect spring shade that will look great with a tan in summer also. Available in Clarins stockist nationwide RRP €24 Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Pink At this stage I think you are beginning to notice a trend. I love fresh dewy skin and lips for Spring/Summer and this blush gives the perfect pop of colour. It blends easily onto the skin to add a radiant healthy flush. Brilliant if you have dry or older skin but suitable for any skin type. And cream blush is pretty much foolproof to apply...simply warm the product with your finger, pat off any excess on to a tissue (or the back of your hand) and then just smile. Apply the blush to the apples of the cheeks and blend the colour backwards. If you feel you have applied too much color, use a sponge or stipple brush to pat over the top and remove some of the colour until you get your desired result. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!! Available in pharmacies nationwide RRP €10 What products are you loving for Spring/Summer 16? Let me know in the comments below.
I hope you enjoyed reading this!!!! Until next time...Be Happy Susie xxx
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Hey guys Happy New Year to you. I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas. Today's blog is going to be my 2015 Makeup Favourites. Some are new products for me and some are old favourites that I keep going back to time & time again. But they are all ones that I have used and loved the most. Primer has pretty much stayed the same since I discovered this product. It's the Laura Mercier Radiance Primer and I use it both on myself and in my professional kit. It is a lightweight creamy gel that leaves skin with a beautiful radiant appearance. Lovely to use on its own for "no makeup" days or perfect under your foundation to help it last longer. There are two foundations which have really stood out for me this year and the first one is the Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation. This has firmly become my everyday go to base. It evens out my complexion and hide any redness around my nose whilst lasting brilliantly throughout the day. Amazing budget foundation. For something with a little more coverage I have been loving the Clarins Everlasting Foundation. I am a loyal Estee Lauder Double Wear user however this has definitely taken over from it. It feels really light on your skin but still has great high coverage with a beautiful finish. No caking in sight!!!! I know I have raved about this concealer on loads of occasions but it really is my favourite go to. It's the Maybelline The Eraser Eye and is my most used and most loved concealer. It doesn't crease or sit in my fine lines and manages to cover most of my dark circles...Sure what else could you want!!!! The Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer wasn't an instant WOW product for me but after seeing so many people rave about it I decided to give it a 2nd chance. And boy am I glad I did. It is now a firm favourite in my makeup bag. I use it on days I need extra coverage for dark circles or for any blemishes I may have.This stuff doesn't budge...brilliant concealer. So to hold my foundations in place and prevent shine I still go back to the Rimmel Lasting Perfection Powder. It adds a little extra coverage and stays in place for the day. My favourite bronzer is an old favourite. It's the Soap and Glory Solar Powder. This has two shades...the darker shade is a matte bronze and the lighter shade has a lovely golden shimmer. I love using this with a big fluffy brush to warm up my complexion. It adds a lovely glow without being too shimmery.... Outstanding blush has to be the Max Factor Creme Puff Blushes...I have about four of these and am a massive fan. They apply beautifully to the skin, the pigmentation is great and it blends really well. To contour I love the Sleek Face Form palette. This contour colour is the perfect shade for me and is totally matte. I also love the blush and highlight that comes with this. It's just a great all rounder palette. Highlighter will be no surprise as it has taken the world by storm this year. It's The Balm Mary Loumanizer. This is the perfect glowy champagne colour. I always use an eye primer and this is another product that hasn't changed over the past twelve months. I apply a thin layer of the MAC Painterly Paint Pot all over my lid to even any discolouration and to hold my shadow in place all day. This year I have been loving cream eyeshadows and my favourite has been the Max Factor Colour Excess in Bronze. It 's super simple to use, adds a lovely wash of colour all over the eye and is perfect for a quick makeup look. It lasts all day and can be used on it's own or as a base for powder shadows. A new discovery for me this year has been the Makeup Geek eyeshadows. I have about 6 shades but now that they are more easily available on Beautybay.com I will definitely be adding more to my collection.They blend really well, have great pigment with very little fall out. My favourite shade is this beautiful rich cranberry called Burlesque. My 2015 favourite eyeshadow palette will be no surprise to my regular readers...It's the Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita palette. This is basically my go to perfect palette. I love the colours, the shadows are buttery soft and blend like a dream and even the packaging is gorgeous. If I was stuck on a desert island and could only have one makeup product it would definitely be mascara. And I am totally in love with these two. First up is the Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara. This gives great volume and curl without looking clumpy. The perfect everyday mascara. And for a more dramatic look I love the Lancome Grandiose. It gives great volume, separation and a fab long lasting curl without any of that nasty flakiness... Another cult favourite which has been massive this year is the Inglot No. 77 Gel liner. This glides on easily and once it sets it will NOT budge!!! My go to pencil eyeliner has to be MAC Teddy. This is a silky smooth bronze that glides on easily. It's not as harsh as black so great for day wear. Eyebrows are still "big" this season and my favourite product has to be the Eylure Brow Palette. It comes in 3 shades Blonde, Medium Brown & Dark Brown and each palette contains a powder colour, gel colour & a matte brow highlight shade. Its super easy to apply and very long lasting. Basically fool proof!!! I have fallen in love with lip pencils this year and often use them on their own with just a bit of gloss for colour. It was hard to choose just one favourite but when I actually thought about it the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk is the one I reach for the most. This is the perfect nude pencil and is great for adding shape & definition to your lips. Honorable mention has to go to the Essence & Catrice lip pencils. I must own every shade of the NYX Butter Glosses. These are just brilliant. They are well pigmented, creamy and so comfortable to wear on the lips. Brilliant budget buy. MAC Creme Cup has to be my favourite nude lipstick both personally and for professional use. This is a beautiful light pink with a blue undertone (so it makes your teeth look whiter!!!). And as with most MAC lipsticks its very comfortable to wear. My go to darker lip colour has to be the Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick in Divine Wine. This applies nice and creamy and then dries to a comfortable matte finish. The pigmentation is incredible and it wears really well without going patchy. I love makeup brushes and sponges so of course had to give a mention to my favourite tools. First up is the Cailyn O WOW Foundation Brush. This looks strange and takes a bit of getting used to but it makes applying your foundation really easy. Next up is the Blank Canvas F15. This is the most versatile brush I own. I use it to set my concealer and for contour because it has a great tapered head and for blush & highlight because it is super soft and blends the products so easily. I have about four of them for my professional kit. Amazing brush. And lastly...it's the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. This makes applying foundation & concealer super simple and gives a beautiful airbrush effect to the skin. So that's it...My 2015 favourites!!!!
What have your been loving over the past 12 months? Let me know in the comments below or pop over and say hi on Facebook/Instagram or Snapchat (you will find me at makeupbyrubysue) Thanks for reading guys!!! Susie xxx I had a very hectic but fun summer and it really started to show on my skin in August. As you can see from the photos above I broke out with spots/blemishes all around my chin, mouth & neck. I also had very uneven skin tone with blotchy red areas. So I decided to completely overhaul my skincare regime and the products I was using. If you have read my blogs before then you will know that I am a major fan of skin guru Caroline Hirons. On her advice I had already added an acid toner in the form of Clarins Gentle Exfoliator to my routine but she recommends you use two or three different types for maximum effect. Caroline does an amazing job of explaining hydrating toners and acid toners so I'm not going to go into a load of detail explaining what they do. You can find all about them here http://www.carolinehirons.com/2010/08/beauty-mouth-basics-toner.html and here http://www.carolinehirons.com/2015/04/the-top-10-acid-toners.html. But basically acid toners are brilliant for resurfacing, exfoliating, stimulating collagen production, hydration, deeper penetration of products and obviously spots/acne. So on one of my many trips to Boots I discovered these Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Pads. I am a great lover of Nip+Fab range and have used the Glycolic Fix Scrub for a number of years. I loved the idea of these pads as they are so quick and easy to use and decided to add them to my morning skincare routine. There are 60 pads in the little pot and they are soaked in 2.8% Glycolic Acid which is great for retexurising and resurfacing the skin, Hyaluronic Acid which is great for improving moisture content and lastly Blue Daisy which soothes and calms. One side of the pad is textured whilst the other is smooth. After cleansing you simply wipe the textured side all over the face from top to bottom then flip over and repeat. It can cause the skin to tingle but this is normal so don't worry. I have been using the Clarins twice a week and then the Nip+Fab pads twice a day every other day. After a week I noticed my skin had start to improve greatly. And now at the end of my pot and about half way through the bottle of Clarins my skin is blemish free, super smooth and much brighter.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post and that it was in some way helpful to anyone suffering with problem skin. I know I don't suffer from acne or extremely bad blemishes/spots but even a few spots can knock a persons confidence. If you have any questions leave me a comment below or you can get me on any of my social media sites (links at the top right of this page). I'm also on snapchat @makeupbyrubysue so you can snap me your questions if you so wish. Until next time....Be Happy!!!!
Susie xxx So this is basically a quick review of a few skincare & beauty products I have finished over the past few months. I know there isn't a huge amount of makeup but that's because I am continuously buying new products and actually very rarely finish any of them!!!!! Eye Makeup Removers: - I LOVE smokey eyes and lashings of mascara so a good eye makeup remover is essential for me. I think the biphase formulas are much more efficient at removing stubborn liner/mascara so that's what I tend to stick to. So in no particular order these are the ones I have been using over the past couple of months: Garnier Express 2 in 1 Eye Makeup Remover (125ml €4.50 approx, available in pharmacies nationwide) - Fantastic, does the job brilliantly without leaving any greasy residue. Have repurchased this a number of times. Botanics Soothing Eye Makeup Remover All Bright (150ml €5.99 approx, available in Boots) - Another great one. Lifts mascara and liner away easily. Can be slightly oily but because I remove my eye makeup first this isn't a problem. I just bought a new bottle of this but have been reading that they changed the formula so I'm hoping it works aswell as my last one did. Elemis White Flowers Eye & Lip Makeup Remover (125ml €28.80 approx, available on www.feelunique.com.). I actually only had a travel size of this but it was perfect to bring on holidays with me. I try and use waterproof/sweat-proof/heatproof products on holidays to prevent my makeup melting off but they are always harder to remove. However this little bottle made quick work of everything leaving me with no panda eyes in the morning. This is a great one for your skincare routine if you have the budget for it. Vichy Pureté Thermale Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover (150mls €14.99 approx, available in pharmacies nationwide). Another great all rounder. Works on waterproof mascara and doesn't irritate my eyes. That's eye makeup removers sorted so it's on to skin cleansers now. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (125ml €29 available in Clinique stockists nationwide). I LOVE this stuff...You just scoop out a small amount warm it between your hands where it changes to an oil and apply all over the face. It melts off all your makeup even mascara. Well worth the price tag and definitely a repurchase for me. Bioderma Micelle Solution (250ml €14.50 approx, available in selected pharmacies nationwide). I can't fault this...it is great at cleansing and removing makeup. But to be honest the Garnier Miceller Water does the exact same job at a fraction of the cost. L'Oreal Skin Perfect 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil (150ml €10.50 approx, available in pharmacies nationwide). Another great makeup remover. Two pumps, apply all over the face including lips & lashes and then remove with a damp facecloth. Ta Dah! All signs of makeup are gone. It does contain mineral oil though but to be honest it's not on your skin long enough to cause much damage. Will be repurchasing!!! Next up is Serums: I would highly recommend using a serum...I actually think they are more important than moisturiser. I use a serum to treat my skin problems (in my case dehydration/aging) day & night and don't mind investing a little money in a good quality one. Vichy Idéalia Life Serum (30mls €34.99 approx, available in pharmacies nationwide). This is a nice enough product but to be honest I didn't notice a difference in my complexion after using it. It makes an excellent base for makeup though and feels lovely and moisturising on the skin. I much prefer the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum which is a Holy Grail product for me. Clarins Double Serum (30ml €69.50 approx, available in Clarins stockist nationwide). This was the first serum I ever used and I loved it however I never actually got around to repurchasing it. My skin looked more even and had a lovely glow to it. I think it's just because I am a product junkie that I never got around to buying a second bottle but it is definitely on my list. Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner (225g €19.95 available in Lush Dublin). I LOVE this stuff and have already repurchased a new pot. You simply use this like you would use your hair conditioner. Apply to wet skin whilst you are still in shower then rinse off. Once you get out of the shower just pat your skin dry and Ta Dah! you have beautiful soft skin. And it smells AMAZING!!!!. I have a full review of it so just click here (http://makeupbyrubysue.weebly.com/blog/lush-after-lush-ros-argan-body-conditioner). My favourite makeup product would have to be mascara so this is actually one product I do get to finish.
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara (€11.50 approx available in pharmacies nationwide). This is a fantastic mascara perfect for adding volume without clumping. It is a staple in my personal and professional kit. Lancome Virtuóse Mascara (€27.50 approx, available at Lancome stockist nationwide). I firmly believe that Lancome make the best high end mascaras and always have at least one on the go. This is my all time favourite as it adds volume and a great curl to the last. Definitely will be repurchasing. So that's it...I can finally throw these all in the bin!!!!. Thanks for reading. Until next time....Be Happy!!!! Susie xxx I love these type of blogs mainly because I'm really nosy!!! I love knowing what people carry around in their bags so I though maybe you would like to know what I have in mine . My handbag is filled with all the knickknacks that I need on a daily basis and I just couldn't manage without it. Also, I think the contents of someones bag says alot about them!!!! And looking at mine.... I think it says I'm a little bit of a makeup addict - but then again you all knew that anyway!!! So my bag of choice is a Michael Kors Jet Set Top Zip Saffiano Leather Tote. (A massive thanks to my gorgeous husband for buying it for me). So Ya I carry alot of stuff around with me but I just wanna be prepared for any situation that may arise. I'm a little bit of a freak like that but I hate being out and about and needing a hair bobbin or safety pin and not having it so I pack EVERYTHING into my handbag (hense why it's so fricken heavy!!!) My purse - it's a simple black Michael Kors. Perfect size. Has a zip compartment for change, large slot for notes and plenty of little slots for cards etc. Car Keys, iPhone & Charger - Yes my iPhone has sellotape on it...I keep dropping it and the screen has completely detached itself from the rest of the phone. I'm due an upgrade soon so I just have to wait a few more weeks!!!! I always carry a charger because any of you who own an iPhone know the battery life is just terrible. If you use it for any length of time at all it will just die. And that is not good news especially for a blogger (and self confessed phone addict). Tampons, Pads, Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes - a must have in every girls handbag. I love the Soap & Glory Hand Sanitizer cause it smells lovely and doesn't leave your hands sticky. I go through packets and packets of wet wipes because I'm always swatching makeup on the back of my hands so I need to have something to remove it. Otherwise I manage to get it all over my clothes (especially when I am wearing white!!!). Hair Bobbins, Gum, Breath Spray, Nail File & Safety Pins - more must haves that don't take up much room and are easy to carry around. How cute is the breath spray. It's by a brand called Hello and I just loved the packaging. Diary, Pens, Business Cards & Beutifi.com Voucher - My diary was a Christmas present & I love it. It has a weekly planner on one side and a notes section on the other. Pens are just a random selection mostly from work. My business card holder was a gift from my lovely friend Lorraine and I think it's super cute. The Beutifi.com voucher I got at our last ITWBN meetup but haven't had a chance to use it yet. I love the idea behind this website - it lets you "search, browse & book 1000's of salons & freelance beauty professional near you" all with the click of a button. Brilliant if you are travelling to a strange town for a wedding or event and don't know the local salons. Saves alot of time and hassle. Roscommon Rose of Tralee Gala Ball Tickets - Cannot wait for this event in April. I am chairperson of our local festival here in Castlerea and every year we put forward a young lady for the Roscommon Rose of Tralee Selection. We get all dressed up and enjoy a fabulous night out. La Roche Posay Badge - This I received a few weeks ago after completing my LRP General Training. I just have to put it on my uniform. Supplements/Tablets - I am currently taking CoQ30 for energy and Chromium which is supposed to reduce sugar craving. I always carry some form of painkiller (ibuprofen/paracetamol), Motilium for an upset tummy and I have Otrivine Nasal spray for a blocked nose. So nothing really exciting on the drugs front. Random selection of lip products - God I really am addicted to lip products. How many lipsticks/glosses/balms can one girl need in her handbag? Anyway from left to right are L'Oreal Nude Collection Privee by Julianne (lovely peachy nude), NYX Lipstick in Tea Rose, Clarins Balm Perfector in Coral, Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Stoned Rose, NYX Butter Gloss in Truffle and finally Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in Honey. My Makeup Bag - More lip products!!!! Hahahaha I'm very bad but I do have other essential items in here aswell. The bag itself is just a little IsaDora bag I received as a gift. It's the perfect size for my handbag and is easily wipe clean. It's contents are as follows: Dove Deodorant - Hate being sweaty! Bourjois Healthy Mix Pressed Powder - This is a great compact as it is really slim and has a big mirror. Nivea Lip Butter - Blueberry (I actually have all the flavours but keep losing them) MAC Select Cover Up Concealer in NW20 - Great coverage without looking too heavy. IsaDora All Day Long Last Mascara* - Black (sample size) Hair Grips The Body Shop Coconut Hand Cream - This just smells AMAZING Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Liner in Pillow Talk - Perfect Nude shade IsaDora Powder Brush* Vichy Aqualia Thermal Lip Balm Dior Lip Glow & Dior Lip Balm - There is nothing worse than having chapped sore lips so that's why I always carry at least 3 different lip balms with me. And finally Perfume - I decant into this handy Travalo which is the perfect handbag/travel size.Currently inside is one of my all time favourite perfumes Chanel Chance. Jeez I can fit quite alot into a small bag!!!!!! And that's it. Do you think I am mad for hauling all of this stuff around?
Or what else do you think I should add? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading. As always....Be Happy Susie xxx Well January has come and gone and I really don't know where it went to. It's not my favourite month so I am glad to see the back of it to be honest. For my January favourites I have some brilliant new skincare that has made a huge difference to my freckly little face, a gorgeous perfume that I am slightly addicted to and I rediscovered some amazing beauty products. So stay tuned!!!! If you are a regular reader of my blog or Facebook page then you will know I got not one but two bottles of Jo Malone's Peony & Blush Cologne for Christmas. Well I decided to return one of them in exchange for a different fragrance and after what seemed like an eternity I finally decided on Blackberry & Bay. Jo Malone describes Blackberry & Bay as: Childhood memories of blackberry picking...A burst of deep, tart blackberry juice, blending with the freshness of just-gathered bay and brambly woods. Vibrant and verdant. Blah Blah Blah...To me it smells beautifully fresh & citrusy... my idea of spring in a bottle. Jo Malone is available in Brown Thomas and with prices starting from about €50. This little bottle has hands down been the best purchase I have ever made. It has made such a massive difference to my skin and I don't know why I didn't buy it sooner. It is ladies and gentlemen the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner. This isn't like your old toner...NO...the new generator of toner are designed to exfoliate, even skin texture, tighten pores and brighten the skin. It works by using acids (calm down they won't damage your skin) to exfoliate and encourage cell renewal. This brightens the complexion and also helps fight against wrinkles. I use it at night, let it dry and then apply my night cream. It costs €31 so a little on the pricey side but if you suffer from breakouts, uneven skintone, large pores or are worried about aging skin then this is the product for you. I got the Vichy Idéalia Eye at a training day I attended back in October and as I had just finished my NeoStrata Eye Treatment it was perfect timing. My two main eye concerns are dark undereye circles and the demon fine lines have started to creep in so I couldn't wait to start this. It contains illuminators to instantly brighten the area and a load of ingredients to help reduce dark circles plus a load more to smooth out the fine lines. And I have to say it actually does work. After about 2 weeks I noticed my skin was more hydrated and my dark circles seem a lot less noticeable. Result. There is still loads in the tube so even though it costs €28 you will have it for months. I have had this MAC Creamblush in LadyBlush for ages but it got pushed to the back of the drawer and I forgot about it. That was until Tanya Burr used it in a recent tutorial and I dug it back out. And I am so glad I did. This is basically a "healthy glow" in a pot. It is a beautiful warm neutral coral shade and is so easy to blend. This will definitely be a staple in my makeup bag for the spring. Another rediscovery is the Vichy Dermablend powder. I have this in my kit but for everyday I use the Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder. However I dug this little pot of translucent powder back out and it is now firmly back in my daily routine. Don't be afraid of the colour as it sets completely clear on the skin and it just makes your makeup last the whole day. It costs €20 but will last you forever. And last but not least it the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. Again I have had this forever but since I got my Blank Canvas F20 it kinda got pushed to the back of my drawer. This just blends your foundation perfectly and gives a fabulous airbrush finish to the skin. You can build up coverage, use it to apply concealer and cream blush and basically it is a brilliant all rounder. Available from pharmacies nationwide €6.
Fact: Cold weather = Dull Grey Complexion. Air conditioning, biting winds, hot showers and low temperatures are just some of the elements our poor little mug has to deal with in winter. Our skin becomes dehydrated which slows down skin cell turn over and our circulation also slows down which leads to lacklustre skin. So what can we do to combat this I hear you ask? Well firstly we need to work from the inside out. 1. Increase your water rich foods (tomatoes, watermelon, lettuce, broccoli etc) - this is better than just drinking water alone 2. Drink more fluids (no not alcohol!!! well some maybe..it is nearly Christmas after all!!!) What I actually mean is herbal teas such as lemon, honey & ginger or Chai, Water, Fruit Juice etc 3. Eat more food which contain Omega 3 (Flaxseed, Walnuts, Salmon, Herring, Sardines etc) or take a good supplement such as Eskimo Oil Omega 3 Liquid. Ok so that's a great start now we can work on the outside. 1. Cleanse: Start and finish your day with a cream or oil cleanser as they generally contain less stripping agents than gels. I love the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. It is rich and creamy and quickly removes makeup and daily grim whilst leaving the skin clean and soft. To remove any heavy eye makeup I use the Garnier Express 2 in 1 eye makeup remover. It contains Arginine which helps care for your lashes and removes even waterproof mascara and liner without leaving a greasy residue. 2. Exfoliate: I use the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner. This is a toner and exfoliator in one and unlike most toners (which I think are mainly flowery water) this one actually works. It contains glycolic, tartaric and salicylic acid which exfoliates and brightens the complexion and smooths the skin. It is super gentle so can be used daily however Clarins recommend once or twice a week. Perfect for removing dead skin cells. 3. Treat: I have been using a serum just over a year after falling in love with Clarins Double Serum. What is a serum though and why do you need to add it to your skincare routine? Well basically a Serum will treat or cure problems such as dehydration, ageing, acne and sun damage. They are absorbed quicker and deeper by your skin and are more potent than your moisturiser. I am currently using the Lush Full of Grace Bar which is deeply moisturising. It is packed full of skin feeding oils and Portobello mushrooms which are full of skin protecting vitamins and minerals. I just warm it between my hands and apply to my face at night. 4. Moisturise: In winter your skin may need a richer cream or balm instead of a light lotion. You still need SPF so make sure your moisturiser or foundation contain one. I am currently coming to the end of the Vichy LiftActiv Day cream and Night Cream. This is a little too "old" for my skin but I love the texture of both creams. My makeup just glides on over the day cream and the night cream is rich without been greasy. They are perfect for anyone 40+ who is worried about wrinkles and lack of firmness. However I will be changing to something more suitable for my skin once I have finished both. For an eye cream I am currently using the Clinique All About Eyes which is a beautiful moisture rich cream. When your skin is dehydrated the fine lines around your eyes become more noticeable first. So it is very important to keep this delicate skin well hydrated. 5. Masks: Again it is all about the hydration. And you are probably sick of me raving about the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque. It is packed full of vitamins A, C & E which help to repair damaged skin, antioxidants to help stressed ageing skin and botanicals which leave your skin plumped, fresh and glowing with health. However I got a sample of the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa last week and tried it out. It feels as light as air and my skin just drank it up. I applied a good layer of it to my skin before going to bed and sleep in it. In the morning my skin was plump and glowing. So I think I will be investing in a little jar of this! So that's it for now. I hope you enjoyed reading this...Let me know in the comments below if you would like me to do another blog on Winter Skincare Tips for Skin/Body/Lips.
Until next time...As Always...Be Happy! Susie xxx Morning SkincareI am NOT a morning person and I could hit snooze 10 times before actually getting up. So it generally doesn't leave me with a lot of time to get ready before heading out the door to work. Therefore my morning skincare routine is quick and simple. I start my morning by cleansing with Garnier's Micellar Water. It removes any oils that might appear during the night, doesn't leave any residue and makes my skin feel clean and soft after use. I then apply my Botanics Hydrating Radiant Youth Eye Cream. I have been using this for about a month now and its a lovely simple moisturising cream that keeps the eye area well hydrated. It is a great cream for anyone looking for a basic everyday cream. I have however just invested in the NeoStrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Cream. It promises to "target tell-tale signs of ageing around the eyes by building and plumping the deep layers of the skin and crow's feet and puffiness are effectively targeted for exceptional results". I will do a full review on once I have had a chance to try it out. I have been using the No.7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum of late. I'm not quite sure if I like it or not. I had been using the Clarin's Double Serum and noticed my skin tone & texture had improved but since changing to the No. 7 serum I haven't noticed any difference. I am going to finish it anyway and will let you know what I think at the end. I then finish with Una Brennan Super Facialist Neroli Firming Day Cream. I absolutely love the smell of this product and it leaves my skin super soft. The Una Brennan Super Facialist range is great and cannot wait to try more of their products. Night SkincareI always try to double cleanse at night to really ensure my skin is cleansed of the days makeup dirt and pollution. I start with the Garnier Micellar Water as this takes off most of my makeup and eye makeup. I then use the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm. This is a lovely product. It is solid but liquefies when warmed between your hands. Apply all over the face and it melts off the day's dirt and any stubborn makeup. I use a warm muslin cloth to remove it and my skin always feels clean and fresh afterwards. I use my Botanics eye cream and No.7 Serum again and then use the La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5. It is very rich and quite greasy but I love it. It soothes, protects and repairs whilst I sleep. Little tube of magic! Weekly TreatmentsOnce a week I use the Una Brennan Super Facialist Tea Flower Pore Purifying Clay Mask. It comes out white in colour, smells quite herbally (is that a word) and dries quickly. Leave it on for about 15 minutes then simply wash it off with a hot facecloth to reveal smooth well balanced skin. It doesn't dry out my face and leaves it feeling super clean. Then once a week I use the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque. (Obviously not on the same night as the Clay Mask - I usually use this over the weekend or Monday night). This stuff is a life saver the morning after a night out, when you have had at least one bottle (of wine!!!) too many. It is super re-hydrating, packed full of vitamins and smells amazing. Simply apply a layer all over your face (I even apply it to the eye area) leave for at least 20 mins ( you can leave it on as long as you want) and then rinse off. You will be amazed by how radiant and refreshed your skin will look. About twice a week I use my Nip + Fab Glycolic Scrub Facial Polish or my Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Cleanser Brush for a good exfoliation. The Glycolic Scrub contains both glycolic and salicylic acid which chemically exfoliate the skin and has fine granules to phsically exfoliate. It really improves the texture of my skin and leaves it bright and smooth. I use the Olay Cleansing Brush with whatever cleanser I happen to have in my bathroom at the time . My skin always feels soft and glowing afterwards like I have just had a facial. Oh and I always remove my makeup before using this brush otherwise it can stain the bristles. So that's basically it. Now my skin is still far from flawless but it has been looking better lately and I am putting it down to most of these products. Is there any product's you think I should try? Let me know in the comments below. Don't forget...Be Happy!
Susie xxx I'm very excited about this new product from Clarins. I heard from a Clarins Specialist recently that they launching a "made-to-measure self tan". You simply add a few drops of it to you regular moisturiser before bed and you will wake up with a beautiful glow in the morning. I love the idea as you can tailor make a shade to suit your own skin tone by adding as little or as many drops as you want (I am so pale that most tans come out looking orange on me so this will hopefully change that) and you can still use your own favourite cream so it won't feel or smell as bad as some fake tans (The Elixir is supposed to smell like apricots mmmhhh). Release date is 30th March and it will probably retail at approx €23ish. I will hopefully get my hands on a sample soon and will let you know how I get on with it. Until next time - BE HAPPY!
Susie xxx Here is a round up of my beauty and makeup favourites from 2013. I tried to keep it to my very favourite products buts its sooo hard to choose!!! I have it broke down into categories to make it a little easier to read...So grab yourselves a cup of tea or a glass of wine and enjoy!!! SkincareClarins Double Serum 30ml (€69.50). I got this at the end of November (because of the start of a massive crater creeping across my forehead) but haven't done a full review on it yet as I like to use a product for a least a month before giving it a full & frank review. It's 27 years in the making and claims to activate the skin's 5 vital functions: nutrition, oxygenation, hydration, regeneration and protection. Basically a skin firming, pore minimizing, wrinkle reducing miracle in a bottle - oh and it evens skin texture also. This is where I have noticed the biggest improvement. My skin tone is alot more even and the GIANT WRINKLE I noticed on my forehead seems to have retracted back into what ever little hole it crawled out of (for now anyway)!!! I use it morning and evening, don't find it greasy and love the smell of it. At €69.50 it is expensive but I will definitely be repurchasing it. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (€28.00 for 125ml). I love this Balm. It just melts the makeup off your face. You only need a small tiny amount, massage it into your skin and use a warm face cloth to remove all the grime, oil and dirt from your face. Your skin will feel sooooo clean but without feeling tight or stripped. And honestly the pot will last you ages. I also love the Take the Day Off Eye Makeup Remover. Soap & Glory - Clean On Me Shower Gel, The Righteous Body Butter and Breakfast Scrub (€10-€14 & ususally available on 3for2 in Boots) I keep returning to these three products from the Soap & Glory Range for my shower routine. I just love the smell of the Clean on Me Shower Gel and the Righteous Body Butter whilst I just want to eat the Breakfast Scrub. It smells like maple syrup mmmhhhh yummy!!!. MakeupLaura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance 50ml (€36.00) This is a great product. I got it mainly to use for Bridal makeup but I have become addicted to it. Its beautifully moisturising which helps your foundation glide on and last all day without any dry patches showing through. And boy does it make your skin glow. Even with a full coverage foundation like the Estee Lauder Double Wear this stuff leaves your skin looking dewy. If you have oily skin you could just use it on your high points like your cheek bones, temples etc. Estee Lauder Double Wear 30ml (€36.50) This was a new discovery for me this year. Sometimes I love to use a really good full coverage foundation (you know when your skin is mis-behaving) and this ticks all the boxes. It gives full coverage but still looks natural, lasts all day without having to touch up, doesn't cause flash back in photos and basically is a great all rounder. You only need to use a tiny amount and I blend it in with a Real Techniques buffing brush. LOVE!!! Bourjois Happy Light Foundation 30mls (€16.99) I am a big fan of Bourjois Foundations and have used the Healthy Mix Foundation and the Healthy Mix Serum Foundation for years now. The Happy Light Foundation was launched in September it has been a staple in my makeup bag ever since. It has a beautiful velvety texture which blends into the skin for a luminous natural finish. Depending on how you apply it the coverage can vary from light to medium and if you lightly powder it will last about 8hrs. Basically this is a brilliant everyday makeup. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (€8.99) I am slightly addicted to concealer, I have ones for dark circles, spots, blemishes, highlighting and I buy everything from Bobbi Brown to Collection 2000. My biggest problem is dark undereyes so I am usually looking for a concealer/brightener. EVERY concealer I have tried to date has creased under the eye area and sits in my fine lines (Even the Bobbi Brown creamy concealer which is supposed to be one of the best). Anyhow in my never ending quest I decided to buy the Maybelline Fit Me concealer and low and behold its amazing. It blends like a dream, covers and brighten my dark circles and doesn't sit in my lines. Magic and all for only €8.99 Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder (€5.99), Soap & Glory Solar Powder Bronzer (€14) & Benefit Rockateur Blush (€34). If you have been an avid reader of my blogs then you will know I love the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder. It's cheap, does exactly what it supposed to do and a brilliant all rounder. The Soap & Glory Solar Powder Bronzer is a fairly new product to me but its just the perfect colour. Being pale and a red head, it can be very difficult to find a bronzer that doesn't look muddy or dirty. You get two shades, the lighter I use for dusting over my forehead, cheeks and nose for a sunkissed look and the darker shade for contouring. I use this on clients also and the texture and pigment are great and it blends so easily. And finally the newest offering from Benefit. The Rockateur Blush is just a gorgeous Rose Gold blush. It has a very light shimmer going through it and gives you a beautiful pinky/bronze finish. Beautiful!!! Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter (€11) & Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick (€10). These are just two great products. The Revlon Lip Butters are a marriage between a lipstick and a lipbalm and its amazing.They contain hydrating mango, shea and coconut which keep the lip well moisturised throughout the day. They glide onto the lips and leave a sheer to medium buttery shine. Perfect for everyday wear or a laid back evening look as they feel light & creamy and comfortable to talk, eat and drink while wearing. The Soap and Glory Mother Pucker Gloss Pencils are another handy handbag staple. They have a luxurious feel to them and are more like a lipstick/gloss hybrid. They have a creamy formula that glides on and melts into the lips. I have alot of other "chubby stick" type gloss/balms but these feel like a treatment on the lip. Whilst more glossy and hydrating than their competition, they're completely free of any stickiness. And finally..... L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara (€12.85) This is my new favourite mascara. This mascara makes my lashes so dramatic and full of volume. But they are defined, clump free, and so long looking! Seriously, the first time I put it on, I was shocked by how great my lashes looked! So that's it...I hope I haven't bored you all to tears...I will continue my hunt for new and exciting products and keep you all updated on my findings.
If you would like me to try out a product and review it for you just let me know in the comments below or message me on Facebook. Have a brilliant weekend Chat soon Susie xxx |
AuthorLover of all things beauty, Makeup Artist, Blogger & Wife . I am always on the look out for the perfect makeup or the best beauty product so keep reading to follow my never ending quest! Categories
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