Showing posts with label daily. Show all posts
Showing posts with label daily. Show all posts

Friday, 8 November 2013

Winter skincare routine : Including L'Oreal skin perfect range & Palmers dark spot corrector






As mentioned in one of my first blog post I love to switch up my skincare routine, as the seasons change to adjust to my skincare needs (Also a great excuse to try new products!).
 In autumn/winter my skin tends to be drier as the temperature drops and gets colder, so moistening is essential. Even those with oily skin believe it or not need to moisturise, so don’t go skipping that step. Although I change my products I keep the same 3 essential skincare steps of cleansing , toning and moisturising
.

Cleansing : to free from dirt



I can’t express how much I LOVE the L’Oreal cleansing oil. I was hesitant to try because of my oily/combination skin type I had when I first tried it. Since using the cleansing oil, my skin has become less oily and has become more ‘normal’. Resulting in less breakouts and has evened out my tone a lot. I recently learnt that you shouldn't use makeup/facial wipes to remove your makeup every night as this strips the skin of its natural and essential oils, which can lead to breakouts, dry and damaged skin.

The L’Oreal cleansing oil is marketed as a 15 second quick cleanser, but does take more than 15 seconds to use. I rub a small amount into dry skin – yes dry! Even with makeup still on. And if effortlessly dissolves makeup including mascara. I rinse the oil off and follow with my toner. I urge EVERYONE to try this I will assure you will love it. It is a little bit pricey at RRP £7.99. But I have noticed many store have it on offer seeing as it is relatively new.

Apart from the cleansing oil i also use the 
L’Oreal radiance exfoliator, once a day usually at night after i have taken off my makeup. The fantastic scrub smells exactly like apricots - yum! And great thing about this exfoliator is that it can even be used on sensitive skin as it isn’t harsh on the skin, but it is effective enough to remove dirt and keep skin looking radiant.

Occasionally if my skin is suffering from blemished I use the Clearasil superfruit refreshing pads. Warning these have quite a strong smell. They smell a lot like raspberry vodka – haha. These effective pads cleanse and exfoliate to help keep skin clear, and contain skin friendly superfruit antioxidants raspberry and cranberry extracts as well as vitamin B3. Although I’m not too keen on the smell these pads do the job and help clear up my blemish breakouts
.

Toning : to remove dead skin cells and also removing any dirt , makeup or cleanser that may remain after cleansing


I have stuck with same cleaner I have been using all summer simply because it does an amazing job. Obviously as I am in my early 20s I didn't buy this for its anti-wrinkle properties. I first tried the Boots time delay brightening 
 toning water on a whim as I wanted my skin to appear more radiant and even tone.  The scent is not to strong and quite fresh. It’s fantastically removes any makeup and dirt left on my skin after cleansing, but gently exfoliates removing dead skin cells.  I use this morning and night following my cleanser.

Weekly facemask!
I always take time out during the week to pamper myself at home. Brows, nails , facemask, the lot. I was recommended The Body Shop Tea tree face mask by a friend and recently The Body Shop have had some fantastic deals on (including 40% all products),  I thought there no time like the present to try it out. The smell of this isn’t overpowering so as it instantly cools and cleanses my skin , the smell isn’t going to make me regret putting it on . It not only contains fair trade Tea tree oil but also lemon tea tree oil and tamaru oil , reducing breakouts without overdrying your skin. This facemask leaves my skin baby soft each week I use it
.

Moisturising :
to add or restore moisture

Ah the joys of autumn and winter chills can leave your skin feel extremely dehydrated and unpleasantly dry. Recently my skin has been exposed to the harsh cold autumn elements, leaving it feeling a little dry.
I have discovered a moisturiser that accommodates my desire for achieve a even skin tone but, also moisturising my skin effectively without blocking my pores. Palmers eventone dark spot corrector is a multitasking moisturiser . It visibly targets dark spots, age spots, post acne scars (this is a big problem of mine) and also sun damage. This mighty gel like moisturiser is also packed with vitamin c and Songyi mushroom extract (known for perfecting pigmentation). I have been using this a couple of weeks now and I have fallen in love with it so lightweight but yet so effective great new addition to my skincare routine.   – Review coming soon in the next week!

Trilogy Rosehip oil is a hit with celebrities because it has anti-wrinkle, scar reduction and  properties . At a pricey £16 for a 20ml bottle I was sceptical to try this out due it price tag. I add a few drops to my face along with my moisturiser at night  and massage into my skin. As I haven’t been using this a long while I haven’t noticed any noticeable changes in regards to by scars yet but hopefully in the upcoming weeks that will change. My skin has become a lot more soft and I am experiencing fewer breakouts since I started using the nourishing oil. Ill keep you beauties informed with how I am finding the Triology rosehip oil.



I hope my blog post has left you feeling inspired to switch up your skincare routines. Let me know what new products you have included for autumn / winter.

What’s your skincare must have product?


Lucilla xx

Monday, 13 May 2013

Revlon photoready skinlights illuminator review

Ciao Bella!


I've been searching for a drugstore highlighter for a while, to add glow to by skin and not make it look dull after I've applied my powder. I have been tempted to buy the Benefit high-beam but i think it is quiet pricey at £19.50 for 13 ml.  I was so excited when i saw the Revlon photoready skinlights illuminator, which is reasonably priced at £11.99 for 30ml (more than double than benefits illuminator). Revlon's illuminator, claims it can make you have a healthy glow in any light. Banish dullness and even out skin with light-capturing crystals and photochromatic pigments.

How did i  apply?
  • Firstly, i dotted the illuminator over my cheekbones, cupids and brow bone and the places the sun would normally hit. 
  • Secondly blended over makeup using a real techniques stippling brush.
  • You can also mix with your foundation.

So did it live up to its claims?

The photo ready skin lights is available in two shades: bronze and pink. I chose the shade 'Bronze' as i thought rather than the 'Pink' pale shade, it suited my skin tone better - this turned out not to be the case. I swatched it in the store and it looked lovely on my skin. But when applied to the areas i wished to highlight it was quiet sheer and wasn't as pigmented as i hoped. I have a slight suspicion that the shade bronze on lighter skin tones may appear orange so very pale skin tone should probably opt for shade 'pink'. Surprisingly, this illuminator contains lemon peel extract, acai palm extract and citrus peel extract, which is quiet skin friendly. Lemon and citrus peel are known to even out your skin tone.

I wasn't impressed with this highlighter, the only thing that i really loved about the Revlon photoready illuminator was the price. My hunt for an affordable highlighter continues. I am tempted to give in and buy the Benefit highlighter, as it may be worth the money.


Whats your favorite highlighter?



Revlon photoready skinlights illuminator  in Bronze

Pros: Contains lemon peel extract , acai palm extract and citrus peel extract. Reasonably priced.
Cons:  didn't blend as well, watery , contains silica
Bottom line: Its great that its priced at £11.99 for 30 ml in comparison to other available liquid highlighter. But unfortunately i wouldn't buy the Revlon photoready skin lights illuminator again due it being watery consistency and it not been able to blend.


Have you tried the Revlon highlighter?

This post was not a sponsored.


Sunday, 12 May 2013

Its my birthday!


Ciao Bella!


So yesterday i turned 20 years old and waved goodbye to my teenage years!  
I was supposed to be having a barbecue/picnic in my local park, but due to the good old English weather i had to postpone. Instead me and my sister spontaneously decided to take a trip to the Blue Planet Aquarium and to Cheshire oaks  shopping center as it was near by. In the evening i caught up with a few friends for a few drinks to round my 20th  birthday off. Below I've posted a few pictures from the day.








Makeup for the evening
Eyes: Bonjour intense shade 02 , Max Factor liquid effect eyeliner in black , Eylure lashes 140 , Rimmel accelerator mascara
Lips : MAC Strong woman
Face: MAC Studio fix powder plus foundation in NC50 , MAC studio fix fluid NC45 , SEVENTEEN blush and glow in peachy




*~*~ New post coming up this evening. *~*~




Sunday, 5 May 2013

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara review

Ciao Bella!

I've been using the Rimmel Lash accelerator Mascara for a while , so i thought it was about time i did a review. It has been my 'go to' mascara for the past few months,as i feel it does exactly what promised and makes me lashes full , voluminous and feel stronger.  The mascara promises:
- Length that defies limits
- Formula with Micro-Fibres
- Instant wow: Extends lashes by up to 99%
- Lash-catching brush grabs every lash for perfect separation.  No clumps!

So does it live up to its promises?
Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara is available in both black and brown and is priced at £7.99 for a 10ml tube  .  The mascara really extends my lashes and has even convinced me to stop wearing false eyelashes during the day (which is a big step for me, hehe) , as it is quick and easily to apply. I have quiet small eyes so i like to have full looking lashes to bring my eyes out more, and make my eyes look bigger  - this mascara is the one for the job! I've been using the Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara every day for over a month , and this great mascara is still yet to run out.  I've had problems with previous mascaras such as the No7 exceptional definition, which ran out in as little of 3 weeks.

The only downfall with  the Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara, is that size is difficult for coating your bottom lashes. But it does live up to it promises and delivers clump free longer looking lashes.

The Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara  is my new favourite high street mascara. 

Rimmel's Lash accelerator Mascara
The 'comb' like brush - great for capturing every  lash including the small ones

I was quite tired when i took these pics so sorry for looking a little sleepy


Pros: Price, comb like brush, lengthens, lasts quiet a while , coats every lash , clump free
Cons: Brush can be a little big for doing bottom lashes
Bottom Line: I'm going to repurchase this mascara

What's your favourite rimmel mascara?


Vogue xx

This post was not sponsored.

Friday, 3 May 2013

Exam period is nearly over - Hooray!

Ciao Bella!

Exam period is nearly over- the end is in sight! This time next week i can happily say i'm done with uni for the summer! Second year has definitely been a eye opener , a definite step up from first year, and accepting that  getting in assignment 40% isn't that great anymore. I can't wait to have freedom and enjoy the summer! Its looking like its going to be a relatively warm summer, as since May 1st the weather in the UK has been BEAUTIFUL! 

As i haven't been able to blog as much as i'd like to , due to exams & revision, below are a few pictures from my week. Enjoy :)



Lemon & white chocolate cake slice 

Dyed my hair darker & Cut it shorter.
The lipstick im wearing is MAC Strong woman from the A/W 2012 Collection

Tried my first every macaroon - was delicious! 

Caught up with friends over a well deserved hot chocolate , cream & chocolate sprinkles

Received my first birthday card!

Drank good wine with new friends
Purchased a new 'much needed' lipstick

I discovered the new OS spring shower gel! Smells amazing!

Indulged in my favourite chinese dish!



What have you been up to this week?

Vogue xx

Sunday, 28 April 2013

Max Factor liquid effect eyeliner review


Ciao Bella!


I admittedly have a love -hate relationship with eyeliner- liquid,pencil & gel.  I am very hard to please when it comes to choosing the perfect pencil eyeliner. I most often opt for the colour black & i like the texture to be creamy, so its glides on. I've been searching & searching for my 'perfect' eyeliner for almost a year now. I've tried various brands including rimmel,No7, SEVENTEEN & Maybelline - to name a few.

After all the searching i think i've found the one. Max Factor Liquid effect eyeliner pencil! 
I was really drawn to this when browsing the makeup section in Boots, for a new eyeliner as its seemed like a perfect combination -  liquid & pencil in one! 

I purchased shade 10 - black fire , which is at jet black priced at £6.99. I couldn't wait to get home and try it and i wasn't left disappointed.  The pencil glides on smoothly, as it has a creamy lightweight texture. I've found that with other eyeliners i've tried, there quite hard and not so easy to put on. The smudger is a soft rubbery texture (unlike the common sponge types) ,  really helped to create a soft smoky eye - great for everyday look. 

Its great that the eyeliner just doesn't come in the two shades shades of brown and black , as there are 6 different shades to choose from including :  Black Fire, Brown Blaze, Silver Spark, Lilac Flame, Violet Voltage & Green Glow. So there no excuse not to experiment with new colours. After wearing the Liquid effect eyeliner all day, i found that it stayed in place and still looked as fresh as it did when i applied it. This my perfect new eyeliner! Soft,easy to apply , 2 in 1 , long wearing & available  range of shades




Built in smudger/blender - perfect for creating a easy smokey eye

Black Fire, Brown Blaze, Green Glow, Lilac Flame,Silver Spark & Violet Voltage


Pros : liquid & pencil in one, easy to apply, come with smudger , soft texture , long wearing,  6 different shades available.
Cons: Abit pricey at £6.99
Bottom line: Definitely going to purchase this again , this my new staple and favourite eyeliner


What's your favourite eyeliner?

Vogue xx


Thursday, 18 April 2013

Why i love my MAC foundation !

Ciao Bella!

On most days I apply a fullcoverage foundation as i have considerably bad pigmentation marks onboth cheeks on my face, left from old blemishes. I have been usingMAC for almost 4 years and still can't find a full coveragefoundation nor powder which matches the coverage & finish of MAC'sStudio fix liquid  foundation and Studio fix powder plus foundation. The great thing about MAC as a makeup brand is they cater for women of allcolour and skin types. Most foundation in drugstores and on thehighstreet  have a 'one fits all' problem, which can lead to you pickingthe foundation not best for your colour & skin type.

My current foundation & Powder duo :
Studio fix fluid in NC45 & studio fix powder plus foundation in NC50

As i suffer from relatively oily skinin particular my tzone, i picked a foundation which is oil free, asthis would only add to problem.  Previously,  (when i wasfeeling adventurous)i  tried MAC's studio sculpt foundation whichis a gel like texture which i found awful for my skin type as it left skin it looking extremely oily and made me break out. The studio sculpt seem to be infavour of people who suffer from dry skin .  The studio fix fluid leavesskin look matte, natural &  flawless and i would suggest its more for people who have oily/combination skin.


In relation to colour when i firststarted using MAC foundation the artist who was helping me pick a foundationcolour, suggest i be a NC as i have a 'cool' complexion with no yellowundertones. I was originally swatched to the colour NC50 but i liketo alternate between the two depending on the season, or if i havecatched the sun (yes i do occasionally end up with a suntan!).

Left : NC50
Right NC45

How do i apply?
  • After i have moisturized i apply a primer to my skin, and dot my studio fix liquid foundation on my forehead chin and both cheeks.
  • Using the real techniques buffing brush i work in the foundation in circular motions, until it is all blended in.
  • To set my foundation & for additional coverage i use the studio fix powder plus and dust all over my face using the real techniques powder brush. 
Although MAC has gone up in price sincei first started using it , i still purchase it over and over again, as it wasthe first foundation i feel suited me & my skin needs.

Coverage : Full 
Best for : Oily / Combination skin 
Price: £20.50 for 30ml Studio fix fluid foundation & £20.50 for 15g studio fix powder plus foundation


Pros: A range of colours, Last on skin all day with or without a primer, full coverage, MAC'S recycling programme
Cons: Can be seen as pricey , you have to purchase pump separate
Bottom line: I purchase this over and over again due it  . I would recommend studio fix range to anyone who wants a full coverage foundation that looks natural

What's your favourite foundation?

Vogue xx

This post was not sponsored .

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Peak District. . .

Ciao Bella!


Yesterday my  univeristy took us on a day trip to the Peak District, as part of our course . Thank goodness the heavens didn't open and the weather was on our side!

Being from the city its quite nice to escape to the countryside for a bit of peace and quiet without 
having to rush or  having to think about deadlines & exams for a short while. 


I thought i would share some of the scenes i captured . Beware! Theres a lot of greenery.









Have you been to the peak district or anywhere similar?

Vogue xx

Wednesday, 10 April 2013

My Daily skin care routine - April 2013



Ciao Bella!


I change my skin care routine with the seasons, as i feel my skin needs changes along with the.
For example , i tend to wear a lightweight moisturizer and foundation with a SPF 15 or above in summer  and in winter my skin tends to be dry in patches so opt for a more rich moisturiser.

As Spring is newly upon us i thought i show you beauties my skincare routine is for this season.

Skin type: Oily/Combination
Skin problems : I often have a oily t-zone and tend to break out easily on my forehead.


I keep a simple facial skin care routine : cleanse , tone and moisture with a deep cleansing mask 2-3 times a week.

CLEANSE:

Because i loved the moisturiser  version of this so much, i went ahead & purchased the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Blackhead Eliminating Triple Action Cleanser , which reasonably  priced at £4.49 for 100ml. Its Clinically proven "100% of users showed visible results in 7 days" , & has a multiple  3 in 1 feature

  It can be used as a scrub,wash or weekly mask - More for your 
money! I have noticed that my t-zone is less oily and i haven't suffered a breakout since i 
started using it . Fingers crossed it stays this way! 



Both from the new improved visibly clear
Neutrogena range
A little goes a long way with both these products


TONE:

For my toner i use a brightening type , as on a mission to reduce pigmentation marks on my face. All toners do a similar job , as they strip the skin of oil and left behind dirt after you have cleansed. But not all toner are gentle,  some are quite harsh and can irritate your skin. 
I discovered 'Time Delay Daily Skin Health Daily Brightening Toning Water' , as i was browsing through the selection of toners on offer at my local Boots.  I was attracted to this as it claims to be a gently tone and exfoliate skin, leaving it refreshed and hydrated. It certainly does refresh & hydrate but i'm not too sure about the brightening as i have only been using a couple of days . It contains AHA, so make sure to use of an sun protection production of  SPF 15  or above during sun exposure.

Its affordably priced at £4.49 for 200ml in Boots.



Sorry this is bad picture i couldn't get the light quite right



MOISTURISE:

The moisturiser that i used during the day is  Neutrogena Visibly Clear Oil-Free Moisturiser. I never would have gone for this moisturiser but it was recommended by a friend who raved about it . It really keeps my t zone in check - no need for powdering during the day. Its reasonably priced at £4.69 for 50ml and a little goes a long way so it does last a while!

As mentioned in yesterday's post i am using the new Eucerin even brighter pigmentation reducing  cream as my night cream.




Have you had any pleasant surprises with a new products?



DEEP CLEANSING:


2-3 time a week i take time out of my University schedule to have abit of 'me time'. In this time i usually use a deep cleansing mask. I'm  currently using is Soap & Glory The Fab Pore Facial Peel 15 Minute Facial Peel.


I wasn't  a huge fan of soap & glory before trying this out, but this was given to me as a gift, so i thought there was no harm in trying it out.  I must say i have been converted!
On the first go it Made my skin really soft and subtle and helped to close pores and improve appearance of my skin (contains salicylic acid and vitamins e & c). Even weeks down the line its still having the same great effect and my t zone isn't so oily anymore.


I like multi use of the deep cleanser , as you can use it for 5 - 15 mins depending on if you wish to have a quick facial or a full 15 Minute Facial Peel.  Even though it is a little pricey (i went and checked) at £8.00 for 50ml, you can lots of applications per tub i've used it more than 15 time and i dont think its half way empty yet. Only downside to this scrub beside the price is that it smells of toothpaste. 







I have now been tempted to try out other products from their skincare range. Have any of you beauties got any recommendations? 

What's your skincare routine?



Vogue xxThis post was not sponsored.
 

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