So it's back to normality this week after a brilliant Christmas...Oh God the FEAR..I don't think I slept for more than an hour at a time on Monday night!!!!! Work was nuts but flew by so it really wasn't too bad. And I have yet to make any New Year's resolutions but because I very rarely stick to them I'm not too bothered!!!! Anyway on to my Christmas Saviour. My skin usually plays hell after a few late nights, crap food and general lack of sleep but this year I had a secret weapon up my sleeve and I actually think it helped hugely. I have been using the La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Masque since summer as my skin was very dehydrated and a little irritated after holidays - the sun, sea and pool play havoc with my pale Irish skin. The Hydraphase Masque is a hydrating facemask that leaves skin calmed and beautifully soft - the perfect product for when the saltwater, chlorine & alcohol have stripped all the moisture from your skin or your skin is looking a little dull or dehydrated. But for the party season I decided to use it a little differently:
The mask itself has a beautiful cooling gel-cream formula that feels instantly soothing on the skin and as with all products from the Hydraphase range it's aim is to pump moisture into your skin. It contains Shea Butter, Hyaluronic acid and of course the famous soothing La Roche-Posay Thermal Spa Water. All these ingredients left my skin feeling fresh and hydrated. Oh and a little tip I picked up recently was to use a flat foundation style brush to apply face masks to the skin (If you don't have one lying around you will pick one up cheap enough in a pharmacy) . This way you get more control, even coverage and less waste of product. It works a treat!!!! As with all La Roche-Posay products this is paraben free, non-comedogenic, contains minimal ingredients and fragrance and is tested on the most sensitive of skins (I think I am correct in saying that). One word of warning though: it does contain mineral oil so if this is a problem ingredient for you or you have acne prone skin would stay clear. It is available in pharmacies nationwide for about €22. What are your favourite facemasks? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!!!
Susie xxx
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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 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 Hey ladies! Just a quick review today on my current eye care routine. I'm 35 this September and have started to notice the fine lines and dark circles creeping in around my eyes. So in my efforts to combat these issues I use an eye cream every morning & night. In the morning I use Vichy Idealia Eyes and at night I am applying the La Roche Posay Redermic R Eyes. I love both Vichy & La Roche Posay because they are so easily available and are within most people's budgets. Both brands are suitable for sensitive skin and have a great range of products for all skin types. But you are here to read about the eye products so here goes! I have been using the Vichy Idealia Eye for about 3 months now so feel I can give you an honest full review on it. After the success of the Idealia Life Serum Vichy decided to add an eye cream to the range. It promises to "brightens the appearance of dark circles and reduces the look of fine lines to re-awaken your natural radiance". The tube has a silicone tip applicator and I'm still not sure if I love it or not. I apply it from the tube but use my ring finger to pat it into the skin. The cream itself has a beautiful soft texture that sinks straight into the skin. It has a gorgeous illuminating sheen which instantly brightens the eye area making it perfect for under makeup. Personally I think it makes me look a little more awake in the mornings especially on the "no makeup days". For my night time eye care I bring out the big guns. The La Roche Posay Redermic R Eyes contains Pure Retinol which is one of the most effective ingredients used in fighting the ageing process. This eye cream has a lovely light texture which melts into the skin and is easily absorbed. I haven't noticed a massive difference in my fine lines but overall my eye area feels smoother, appears brighter and at least I am preventing further wrinkles developing. I only use it at night because as with all Retinol products you should not expose your skin to UV light and apply a daily SPF of a least 15 (you should be using SPF anyway and shame on you if you aren't). Just a little advice for you all - When applying eye creams just apply it to the orbital bone. Most eye products are migratory meaning they will travel to where they are needed. If you apply the cream too close to the actual eye you will cause irritation and puffiness. The skin around the eye is so delicate and thin you really have to be very careful with it. And only a tiny amount of product is needed. We all do it - lash it on thinking we are doing great but all you are actually doing is wasting product. Your skin will only use what it needs and then the rest is left sitting there clogging up your pores. I don't think I have found "The One" yet when it comes to eye creams but I do really like both of these products and will definitely be repurchasing. They keep my eye area well hydrated and plumped and are so far helping to prevent deep wrinkles and crows feet. The Vichy Idealia Eye Cream is €27.99 for 15mls and the LRP Redermic R Eye is €29.50 for 15mls. Most stockist will give you a sample if you want to try them out before buying. What eye creams are you using?
Let me know in the comments below and I might give then a try. Hope you enjoyed this! Until next time....Be Happy!!!! Susie xxx I am giving a two great products from La Roche Posay. Effaclar Duo is a firm favourite in my skincare routine. I use it whenever I get a blemish or nasty spot. It is specifically developed to target the key signs of oily, blemish-prone skin including marks. And it has been proven to correct the appearance of blemishes Effaclar Mat is suitable for oily skin prone to imperfection and shine. Used daily it hydrates and immediately mattifies to control shine all day. It also helps reduce sebum production, tighten pores and improve skin luminosity. *These products are more suited to oily skin* So if you have an oily skin type and would like to be in with a chance of winning them just log on to my Facebook page and follow the instructions. Best of luck to you all
Until next time 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 haven't really got into the whole BB & CC cream craze as I think there are a huge amount of brilliant foundations on the market that do the same thing and can be worn sheer or as a light coverage foundation without having to buy another product. However I got a sample of La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Creme and I think it is a great product. It is part of the Rosaliac family which is aimed at "neutralising visible redness and discoloration on the skin for people who suffer with temporary or persistent high colour". As with all La Roche-Posay products it is designed for sensitive skin, has an SPF 30 (which I love) and comes in one universal shade. This I was very wary about because I am quite pale but the product blends really well and surprisingly the colour was ok on my skin (maybe a tiny smidge dark but nothing a little bronzer on my neck couldn't sort out). It conceals redness very well especially around the nose and leaves your skin looking dewy and fresh. So thumbs up from me. It costs €22.50 for 50mls and is available in pharmacies nationwide.
And if you ask the counter assistant nicely they might give you a sample to try before you buy to make sure the colour suits you. |
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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