On one of my many trips to Boots recently I picked up this No.7 Cleansing Gel just as a random purchase (I had a €6.50 off voucher and thought why not). I love oil cleansers/balms so was intrigued by this product. It is formulated as a gel but melts into an oil when applied to the face - perfect for normal to dry skin. If you follow me on Snapchat (@makeupbyrubysue if you fancy a look) then you might have seen me take my makeup off with this already. For those of you who didn't catch the snaps this is how is went. It comes out of the tube like a thick yellow paste/gel. I massaged it on to dry skin, all over my face even on my eyes & lashes.(No.7 recommended you apply it to dampened skin though). And like the name suggests it melts onto the skin into a lovely luxurious oil. It contains Rosehip Oil, Sweet Almond Oil and Glycerin which makes it great for locking in moisture and makes the gel smell beautifully light and fresh. If you apply water it will turn milky and you can rinse away any remaining residue but I actually used a warm damp facecloth as this is my favourite way of removing cleanser. I was surprised at how well it dissolved off my makeup even the eyeshadow & mascara. I did need to use a little eye makeup remover to take off whatever what was left on my lashes though. After cleansing my skin felt clean & fresh with no absolutely no tightness. All in all a great cleanser. So if you like oil/balm/gel cleansers then this is one for you. The packaging is nice and simple, the product inside does a great job of dissolving off the days dirt & makeup and the price point isn't too bad either. Definitely a repurchase for me. I actually haven't' tried alot of the No7 products but if they are all as good as this I will be very happy. I will be trying more from the range so if you have any recommendations please let me know in the comments below.
You can pick it up in any Boots store for €12.50 (but I'm sure if you are a regular Boots shopper then you will have a skincare voucher somewhere). I hope you enjoyed reading this... Until next time....Be Happy Susie xxx
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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 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 So if you have been following me on Facebook you would have seen that I bought both these two products over the last few weeks. Micellar waters are the new "big" thing in the skincare world. They have been a staple in most makeup artists kits with Bioderm been the most popular. However it isn't readily available in Ireland or the UK just yet. So when L'Oreal and Garnier both released their own versions of this magical water there was great excitement (Well I was excited anyway!!!) What is Micellar Cleansing Water? This is a God send for those of you who are still using those demon facewipes (Wipes don't actually cleanse worth a damn and totally dehydrate your skin because they are full of alcohol)... Or worse still you don't actual bother to remove your makeup at all!!!!!!! tut tut tut. Basically it's an non alcohol based cleanser that combines water and oil for quick and easy removal of daily dirt, grime and makeup. You just apply it to a cotton pad and swipe it over your face. Easy Peasy If you are a REALLY good girl you would then use an oil or cream cleanser to give your skin the cleanse it really needs as the Micellar Solution is only a quick fix. Anyhow back to the two I have been trying out. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water removes makeup, cleanses and soothes the skin. It is completely fragrance free and suitable for sensitive skin. It can be used all over the face including your eyes (even though it doesn't really take off all your mascara or very heavy liner very well). It comes in a huge 400m bottle and retails at €6.29. I love how affordable it is and it can be bought in pharmacies nationwide. The L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution DOES EXACTLY THE SAME THING - There is literally NO DIFFERENCE Why you may ask? Well because this is the EXACT SAME PRODUCT sold in different bottles. As you can see from the picture above both product contain the exact same ingredients. And as it happens L'Oreal own Garnier!! So basically L'Oreal launched their product first and a few weeks later they stick the same product in a Garnier bottle and sell to the unsuspecting public. So it really doesn't matter which one you buy. Both will remove your makeup quickly and easily, leaving your skin feeling clean and fresh. They are great for when you feel too lazy to do a full cleanse or are too tired after a night out to take off your makeup before bed. The Garnier is better value. You get 400mls for RRP €6.29 whilst the L'Oreal is a 200ml bottle and RRP is €6.69. Have you every tried any of the Micellar Waters? Let me know in the comments below or on Facebook
Until next time...As always...Be Happy! Susie xxx I can't believe that January is over already. It flew (well for me anyway). I tried loads of new products in January (mostly due to the fact I got loads of beauty stuff for Christmas) so with that in mind here are my January Beauty Favourites. Olay Regenerist 3 Point Cleansing System (RRP €29.99). I am in LOVE with this product. Originally I had wanted a Clarisonic but they cost nearly €150 so I wasn't willing to hand over my hard earned cash and discover that it didn't work for my skin. This products claims to: - Deepy cleans (removes dirt and makeup) - Gently exfoliates (remove dead skin) - It is water resistant - Enables better penetration of your skincare products - Make skin feel instantly cleaner & fresher - Skin texture is improved & smoother with continuous usage It comes with a tube of Olay Regenerist but I use it with my own favourite cleansing wash. I have been using it for over a month and it really has improved the texture of my skin and I haven't had as many blemishes either. It has 2 speeds so if you have sensitive skin you can still use it. I just love it. I will do a full review of it during the week so you can get all the info. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (RRP €12.50) So as you can tell from above I love the Olay Cleansing Brush - However I might have over done it a little especially on the tops of my cheeks. I over exfoliated and really dried out the skin. Cicaplast Baume B5 is a Repairing Balm which soothes and repairs sensitive or irritated skin. It really is a wonder balm. It is very thick so you only need to use a small amount, warm it slightly between your hands and apply where ever needed. It makes a super primer and leaves my skin soft, supple with a dewy glow I am forever trying to achieve. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lip (RRP €6.50) Another member of the Cicaplast family is their barrier repairing balm. If you are a regular reader of my blogs you will know I'm obsessed with lipbalm. And this one is amazing. It contains 10% Shea Butter which creates a seal over the lips so repairing can start from deep down and it has an anti-inflammatory soothing effect thanks to the 5% Panthenol. It promises to soothe and nourish the skin & preventing future chapping. So if you have sore chapped lips and nothing seems to work you should really give this a try. Topshop Lipsticks (approx €10) I have only recently discovered Topshop makeup and I'm very impressed. I really like the lipsticks though. They have a great colour range, are a great price and are very moisturising. You can blend them in easily for more staying power or wear them as is. Their range of cream blush are gorgeous also. Trigger is a gorgeous deep red and Innocent is a beautiful "your lips but better" shade. L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution (RRP €6.69) For those of you still using Cleansing wipes (tut tut) this is a great alternative. It dissolves makeup quickly and easily and leaves the skin feeling clean and fresh. You can use it on its own or as a pre-cleanse. It removes all makeup including eye makeup and stubborn lip colour. Just put some on a cotton pad wipe over the entire face Bourjois Happy Light Foundation (RRP €16.99) I discovered this towards the end of 2013 and it has been a stable 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. DIOR Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm (RRP €27.00) I know its a bit expensive for a lip balm but in my defence it was a Christmas present (thanks Tracey). That aside this is a beautiful luxurious nourishing and smoothing lip balm with a delicate rose fragrance. And every time I put it on it feels like a little bit of heaven. MAC Blush Warm Soul (RRP €23) Warm Soul is a natural burnt peach shade and personally I think it should be in every woman's makeup bag. It has a gold shimmer that is very fine and subtle and it just adds a beautiful natural warmth to the face. I am totally in love with it. So thats it for my January Favourites.
I hope you enjoyed them. Let me know what you have been lovin' in January Until next time - Be Happy! Susie xxx Ireland's newest subscription service promises five surprise luxury beauty products deliverd straight to your door, each month! I received my box just after Christmas so it was like a bonus present! First impressions - I love the packaging and the box is perfect to re-use (I store makeup in them). It comes with Blush! magazine which reveals all about the products in the box including where you can buy the products, plus exclusive discount codes, tips on tanning, makeup brushes and how to get a fabulous festive makeup look. It also introduces us to two Irish Brands - Cloon Keen Atelier and Kinvara Skincare. (I loved that bit). So what's in the Box?1. Blank Canvas Cosmetics F22 Dome Face Brush (RRP €13.99). This is a great all rounder brush from Irish Company Blank Canvas Cosmetics - it can be used to apply foundation, cream blusher or contour. I usually use the Real Techniques Buffing Brush and this is very similar. The bristles are super soft which makes it great for achieving a flawless effect. So thumbs up to that. 2. Shiseido Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam - Sample 30ml €8.50 (Full Size 125ml RRP €36) This cleanser promised to was away impurities without depriving the skin of moisture. It can be used on all skin types morning and evening. 3. Academie Bronz' Express - Sample 50ml €7.50 (Full Size 100ml RRP €14.95) Bronz' Express has been on the market for over 50 years and I still think its one of the best there is expecially for pale Irish skin. It gives an immediate glow which developes into a deeper bronze after 8 hours. 4. Vichy Idealia Life Serum - 8 sachets (€8 approx) (Full Size 50ml RRP €34.50) They say this serum can transform your skin in as little as eight days. It is formulated to fight against life's excesses and will leave your skin fresher and more rested. 5. Hugo Boss Boss Jour Pour Femme - 2ml sample (€2.50 approx) (50ml RRP €66.00) This is the newest fragrance to the Boss family. Its an elegant floral/fruity fragrance "created to envoke the feelings of the first light of day". Ya not sure about that - to me it just smells lovely and fresh and I would definitely use it as a spring/summer perfume. So what do I think?I think the saving grace of this box is the Blank Canvas Brush which I love and am very excited to use. Also the Bronz' Express is a great size for travelling and Im excited to try the Shiseido Cleansing Foam. You can walk into any pharmacy and get the Boss perfume sample and the Vichy Idealia Serum samples. But in saying that I probably wouldn't plus its a great way to try out new products that you may not have known about or may have thought they were very expensive. The net worth of the box is about €40 so it was worth the €15 price tag. I used to subscribe to Glossy Box UK and at the start they boxes were brilliant with at least one or two full size deluxe products however after a few months they were just full of samples you can get from any beauty counters or pharmacy. Also I was being charged for the box at the start of the month and not receiving it until the end of the month. I hope Powder Pocket don't end up like this. If they keep the boxes full of good brands and exciting products I will happily stay subscribed. Have any of you signed up yet? Or have you tried Glossy Box or a similar subscription beauty box? Let me know in the comments below Susie xxx How to OrderYou can order your box from the PowderPocket website.
(Click the purple writing) Monthly - you will get a box every month for €12 plus €3 p&p or 6 months for €75 (postage inc) and you get one box free or subscribe for 12 months for €150 (postage inc) and get two boxes free |
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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