The Skincare I'm Loving Recently

Anyone else been using this lockdown situation to really just take the time to look after ourselves more? Self-care is so important and is definitely something I have learned more of throughout this self-isolation.

Over the last month or so my skin has really changed for the better - which is surprising considering the number of homemade scones and cakes I've been gobbling away. 

Perhaps the lack of makeup really does make a difference!

I thought I'd share what current skincare products I am religiously using at the moment that has really helped my skin during this lockdown.

Pixi Rose Tonic Toner

Rose waters have been a lifesaver for my skin recently, one thing I seem to get is constant lingering redness after a spot has been and gone. This toner just really helps minimise redness and calm my skin down without aggravating it. I like to use this every other morning once I've cleansed my skin as it's quite refreshing and helps wake my skin up!

Origins Out of Trouble Face Mask

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you will know how much I love Origins skincare, especially as a teenager, it really helped with my breakouts. The Out of Trouble Mask is definitely one of my favourite face masks for when my skin breaks out. This contains both, Glycerin and Salicylic Acid, both of which are amazing for restoring skin balance and reducing redness/swelling from spots. I like to use this when I have any angry spots that just need to calm the freak down and it helps do that.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% & Zinc 1%

I love this stuff! It is so inexpensive, £5.00 - my bus fare costs more than that! I have gone through so many bottles of this stuff over the years and it has remained in my skincare routine throughout. I find this really good for reducing breakouts, redness, and scarring so I like to apply this all over my skin as an overnight treatment. My skin looks a lot less irritated the next day and much smoother. I highly recommend this, it has completely changed the appearance of my skin over the years.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Anytime you Google gentle skin exfoliators this never fails to pop up, for years I put off buying this because of how extortionate it is. However, the beloved ASOS had this on offer in a set so I decided to finally give it a go and my goodness it is worth the bestseller label. This is so gentle on the skin that you could use it every day if you wanted to, I like to use this twice a week. It helps brighten my skin and balances out any uneven skin tone, whilst keeping my skin smooth. It is honestly an amazing product and a little goes a long way!

Ole Henriksen Walnut Scrub

I have also been enjoying the Ole Henriksen exfoliating scrub, I probably only use this once a week, but when I do use it my skin feels super soft and looks like I've drunk 2 litres of water - so good! I am always hesitant with bead scrubs just encase my skin has a bad reaction, but with this it never does. It's so refreshing and gentle on my skin I love how it makes my skin look and feel.

What skincare products are you loving during lockdown??

My Top Beauty Amazon Finds

At one point, Amazon was the website you’d go on to order the latest Kindle books, affordable phone cases, or dozens of Yankee Candles for half their price tag. Never would I imagine it would be one of the places I rummage through to find the best beauty bargains.

I am a long time fan of Amazon (especially Prime, oh thank goodness for Prime) and have been since 2011, where I would purchase second-hand copies of the classic, Wuthering Heights and The Bell Jar for school.

Have you ever thought to browse Amazon for beauty products? Because of their beauty selection, I have discovered new products that I swear by and religiously repurchase for a less price.

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Here are a few of my favourite beauty finds from Amazon that I would recommend:

Etude House Beauty Face Blur (link)

I originally saw this product recommended under the Korean skincare section, it is highly rated for giving you that 'blurred' makeup finish whilst minimizing your pores, which I am here for. I was a bit apprehensive at first, with this being a more of a creamy texture and a brand I am unfamiliar with, but I’d go as far as to say this is one of the best, inexpensive primers I have ever tried. Whenever I use this primer, my makeup will last much longer without the need of touching up. I also find it doesn't break my skin out or bank account, which is why I have repurchased this and kept it in my makeup routine.

Tony Moly Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm

Sticking with the Korean skincare, Tony Moly is one of my favourite skincare brands to buy on Amazon. This product is a self-heating, blackhead removal treatment, designed to mimic the cleansing action of steam. This unique mask is perfect for giving your skin that extra moisture as well as help surface any pesky blackheads. I love using this mask; it almost feels like you are in a spa having a facial with the self-heating effect as it's so relaxing.

Moroccan Oil (link)

When Moroccan Oil was first hyped about on social media it was so hard to get a hold of, however, luckily Amazon was on the ball. I have loved/used this hair oil for years, I think it's fair to say, as I have mentioned numerous times about it on my blog. I always reach for this hair oil in the summer, especially if I want to achieve healthy-looking beach waves. This oil helps keep my hair in good condition, which I think you need especially in the summer. It also gives my hair a gorgeous shine which looks amazing with beach waves on a sunny holiday. Definitely my favourite oil for keeping my hair in amazing condition and something I'd recommend to anyone with damaged hair.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream (link)

This cream is amazing and can be used for everything: chapped lips, dry knees, elbows, hands and even brows. I pop this on just before bed all over my lips and let the 8-hour magic happen. I also like carrying this in my bag with me to use before the gym to keep my lips hydrated throughout. I highly recommend this multi-use product and I am yet to come across a better balm for dry lips.

Ren Clearcalm Replenishing Gel (link)

This stuff is great if you suffer with blemishes or imperfections. I use this quite regularly as a moisturiser, before I apply my makeup if I know I'm going to be on my feet all day. This really helps with calming down the appearance of blemishes, as well as reducing the redness. I have purchased numerous bottles of this stuff since I first bought it off Amazon and can honestly say it has worked wonders on my skin.

Rose Quartz Face Roller (link)

Face rollers are amazing for helping with reducing puffiness, increasing blood flow and flushing out bad toxins in your skin. I purchased mine off Amazon for a much less of a price and although I can't compare it to an expensive one, it does exactly what it said it does. I keep mine in the fridge and use it whenever my skin is in need of some extra TLC. I can honestly say these are amazing and something I will continue to use to keep my skin in the best condition as possible.

What is your No1 beauty find off Amazon??

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A Skincare Detox

New Year, rubbish skin?

I think I speak for most when I say January is a lethargic month that just needs to hurry up and end. So, you've already broken your New Year resolutions, the Christmas decorations are tucked back in the attic, the days are short and dark, oh, and all the good Quality Streets are gone. 

Could this month get any worse? Oh, yeah, your skin is taking a hit from all those shortbread biscuits you’ve had over the Christmas – well, at least mine has.

As much as I hate, that Christmas is over, my skin has been in need of some extra-TLC. So I have decided to ditch the chocolate and use this month to give my skin a bit of a detox that it very much craves.

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Here are my top tips on giving your face a skincare detox:

Facial Steaming - once a week

I can't put into words how much I love steaming my face, it's such a simple but fundamental step to include in your routine that really benefits your skin. It cleanses your pores, eliminates toxins, it allows your skin to be more receptive to other treatments, it enhances circulation and many other amazing benefits. I have been using this technique every Sunday evening and can definitely see a difference in my skin, especially when it comes to applying products afterwards, my skin is much more receptive towards products and the overall appearance of my skin has improved so much. Plus using a steamer is great for relaxing and winding down, especially if you are feeling stressed!

Double Cleansing - Daily

For some time, double cleansing just seemed like an unnecessary, time-consuming step to my skincare routine that I didn't really need. It's only within the past year I have incorporated this into my daily routine that I can see what everybody is talking about. On a day-to-day basis, I go in with the Dermalogica Pre Cleansing Oil to remove the bulk of my makeup, followed with either Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser if my skin is having a good day or Dermalogica Clay Cleanser if my skin is in dire need of something more targeted towards my spots/redness. I tend to only double cleanse if I have been wearing makeup all day, otherwise I will just use one cleanser. But using two, has definitely helped with keeping my skin in good condition and reduced gaining pesky spots after wearing makeup all day.

Face Masks - Twice a week

I personally love a good face mask, I actually sometimes will use a mask just after I have steamed my skin as part of a good pamper evening. I tend to use face masks targeted towards my skin type (oily, spot-prone), so any face masks with salicylic acid or have a clay-like texture, I am here for. A personal favourite at the moment, is the Blue Clay mask by Herbivore, this is a spot treatment mask formulated to help reduce existing spots while detoxifying the skin. I try to use a face mask twice a week to help treat any pesky breakouts or redness my skin tends to get, which definitely has helped with my complexion.

Face Sprays - Every evening

I don't know if this is a subconscious thing, but, spraying my face with a facial spray after a shower really helps my skin's overall appearance. I recently invested in a beauty fridge (more on that in another post!), so I keep all my face sprays in there and once I've jumped out of the shower or bath, I like to spray either the Herbivore Rose Hibiscus or Mario Badescu Spray with aloe cucumber and green tea. Both of which have reduced inflammatory ingredients in, which is why I like to use them to help calm down any redness and keep my skin feeling hydrated.

Facial Jade Roller - Every other day

Face rollers are great for helping with under eye circles, puffiness on the skin, wrinkles and helping absorb products more easily into the skin. The internet has described these little beauty tools as 'food for the skin'. I keep my roller in the fridge for extra de-puffiness, but these are great for your skin and have so many benefits to them. I like to use mine just when I'm watching Netflix or something for 10 minutes as it requires minimal effort and really helps with any puffiness my face has. Plus, I am not getting any younger, so if something as simple as this is going to help with wrinkles - I am totally on board!

What is your ultimate detox tip for your skin??

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My Best Discoveries in Beauty Advent Calendars

Whoever thought of the brilliant idea to put together a 24-day advent calendar full with beauty goodness deserves a pat on the back and a years supply of chocolate chip cookies. Beauty advent calendars are amazing for us blogging chums who just love discovering new and exciting beauty products or in my case finding a few new bathroom shelf favs.

For the last 3 years, I have treated myself to a beauty advent calendar with a variety of skincare and makeup brands. The ASOS Beauty Advent Calendar has been a favourite of mine for the past two years and every beauty discovery I chat about in this post is in fact out of their last two calendars. They always include iconic brands we have all heard or loved and everything you receive gets put to good use.

Although beauty advent calendars can cost up to a month's worth of rent or in my case eating cuppa soup's for lunch until next payday. They are worth it if you are interested in trying new products out or just have a substantial slight addiction to beauty.

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I have always been a fanatic of the brand Alpha-H especially their Liquid Gold that has saved my skin over the years from uninvited face spots. So I was thrilled to open a door and discover the Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Facial Wash. At the age of 25, you'd think my skin would be through with hormonal spots, right? Well, no but this stuff does help maintain the unfriendly beasts by reducing the redness and drying those suckers out. This facial gel cleanser contains tea tree which is, of course, amazing for spots. I have rapidly become a fan of this product and will definitely be purchasing the full size and adding it to my skincare shelf.

...Whilst we are on the topic of cleansing I might as well kill two birds with one stone and mention my Foreo Luna Play Cleansing Brush that I use to buff the cleanser in with. Firstly let us just address the fact I received a pink mini Foreo Luna Cleansing Brush in one of my ASOS calendars! And secondly, this is such a sweet little brush perfect for travelling with and so easy to use. I don't use this every day, but when I do my skin feels so soft and luminous. Cleansing brushes tend to be quite abrasive on my sensitive skin, but this little Luna is just so relaxing and gentle on my skin I can see what the fuss is about now.

The Clinique Moisture Surge Gel couldn't have come at a better time as I was on the hunt for a new moisturiser. Finding the perfect moisturiser is like finding the invisibility cloak in Harry Potter - rare and only a few have found it. My skin is a combination of everything so you can imagine the struggles I have to deal with. This moisturiser is great when my skin is going through a bit of everything, this restores balance to my skin and the gel texture helps keep my skin feeling refreshed.

If you've been reading my blog for a while you will know it's very rare I mention makeup brushes, purely because I'm a Beauty Blender kind of gal and loyal to my Real Technique brushes. However the past two advent calendars ASOS have included the Contour and Tapered Blending Brushes by Luxie. I like to use the blending brush for my eyeshadow crease and the contour brush for mostly bronzing my cheeks. These brushes are cruelty-free which is always a good thing and they're so soft and easy to blend makeup on the skin.

I did a little in the head squeal to myself when I opened a door to discover a mini-sized bottle of the Iconic London Drops. After seeing these drops posted all over social media the easily-influenced beauty fanatic that I am wanted to buy these, but I knew if I did I would never finish the bottle, as it's very rare I complete a liquid highlighter. So this was perfect to receive! If you are a swot for highlighting you will know how amazing these liquid drops are. It can be added to a foundation, primer or moisturiser for super-versatile glow, but even on its own you only need the tiniest amount and your face is instantly glowing like Edward Cullen, but in a lot less subtle way.

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Overall, I am so happy that I have managed to discover some amazing products in my beauty advent calendars, not only because it would be a waste of money otherwise, but because I have found some keepers that are now apart of my skin and makeup routine that has made a difference. Definitely would recommend beauty advent calendars or even beauty subscription boxes if you want to expand your love for beauty.

What has been your favourite product in a beauty calendar/sub-box??

My SOS Skincare

There is nothing worse than waking up with an unwanted friend or two on your face, especially if you have to make contact with humans beyond your front door. Even at the age of 24 I still get unpaid rent tenants living on my face, but I think I've managed to find some zit-zapper treatments that maintain them. FINALLY.

These are my go-to emergency zit-zappers that helps get rid of those spots ASAP.


The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + 1% Zinc £5.00
Truth be told, my skin gets on more with The Ordinary's Niacinamide than the Salicylic Acid, as it's a lot less drying and harsh on my skin. This product isn't targeted directly to people with acne prone skin, but it does help reduce the appearance of blemishes and balances visible sebum activity. This is my second tube of this stuff, I love it! I apply it onto my skin every other morning and evening before moisturizing and I have definitely noticed it has helped with reducing redness and the appearance of any breakouts I may have. It doesn't necessarily get rid of the spot altogether, but it is a good product for reducing the appearance of spots.

Sunday Riley UFO £68.00
Quite possibly the most expensive facial oil I have and will ever own, I definitely must have been feeling like I was rich when I purchased this! This is such an amazing product and is definitely a cult favourite. Infused with salicylic acid, tea tree and black cumin seed oil, all help with reducing the appearance of and prevents future breakouts. I apply this once a week onto my skin as it is too goddamn expensive to use every day! in the evening before bed and instantly the next morning my skin will feel plumped and dewy. I also find this product brings out any upcoming spots to its surface a lot quicker. This product isn't harsh on my skin or strips it from any natural oils, which is surprising as salicylic acid is usually quite harsh.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion £11.00
A recent discovery added to my skincare cabinet, this drying lotion is the best overnight treatment for quick-fixes. It is, as it says on the front a 'drying' lotion, so bear that in mind when you dab this onto any breakouts. It does contain salicylic acid, so I like to use this whenever a pesky white head spot appears and just dab a tiny bit over the spot with a cotton bud and leave overnight. By the next morning, the spot will have reduced in size dramatically and it helps repair my complexion, as I find with spots I tend to have leftover redness.


I've been really cautious with what I apply on my skin nowadays, I've upped my skincare knowledge so much on what works and what doesn't, which has definitely helped with my skincare. I've linked a couple of 101 skincare posts below that have helped with my skincare story for anyone who is curious!


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What zit-zapper do you swear by??

Three From Nivea

I can be a little bit of a snob when it comes to skincare, a lot of products I use in my daily skincare routine tend to be on the more high-end as I find these just work for my skin more effectively. However, one skincare brand I always reach for within drugstore is Nivea. I've used Nivea products as a spotty teenager and as a young adult and have always reached for this brand to remove my makeup and to hydrate my body. Plus it's inexpensive which is always a bonus!

For today's post, I wanted to share with you my top 3 Nivea products and why they have become a staple in my skincare regime.

When it comes to removing my makeup I have tried all the micellar waters, but only a small few don't dry or disrupt my sensitive skin. I like to use micellar water to remove the bulk of my makeup and then go in with a double cleanse. Nivea MicellAIR Make-up Remover Wipes are great for removing long-lasting makeup and waterproof mascara without drying the skin out. I don't tend to use wipes in my skincare routine, but these are amazing for removing harsh eye makeup without drying, which is down to the black tea extract that helps reducing skin puffiness.

Once I have removed my eye makeup with the wipes I like to then go in with the MicellAIR Make-Up Remover. This lightweight formula also includes black tea extract as well as green tea extract, which is great for sensitive skin. I remove the bulk of my makeup with this water and it sweeps it away with one step. It doesn't irritate my skin or dry it out, which is why I like this brand. It's so quick and easy to remove my makeup without breaking my skin out.

If I double cleanse my skin or want something lightweight, I occasionally use the Nivea Face Cleansing Lotion. This lotion cleanses thoroughly yet mildly, protecting the skin's natural moisture balance and prevents drying the skin out. You can also use this as a makeup remover, but I have not tried it for that. I tend to use this if my skin is in need of hydration or if I have had quite thick makeup on all day and need some balance put into my skin.

*PR Sample/gift.

What are your favourite Nivea products??

Colour Palette Transition

I love when the season starts to change and since autumn is upon us, this generally means I swap my floral dresses for knitted jumpers and nude lips for berry shades. Autumn is definitely my favourite season of all, I love the dark evenings and the chilly air, also all the festivities are almost upon us. I have started to switch up my makeup routine and decided to share what I've transitioned in my routine.


Shimmery Eyeshadow's
Shades usually associated with autumn are mustard, berry, brown and taupe. So when I am wanting an autumnal eye look I tend to reach for my Morphe Palette 350s as this palette has loads of shimmery autumn shades - just look at that burnt orange! The pigmentation on this palette is incredible, you can create some amazing looks for autumn both during the day and night. I also quite enjoy the H&M Eyeshadow's too these are much cheaper and are great for travel. They aren't as pigmented as Morphe, but H&M do have an amazing collection of autumnal eyeshadows as well as nail polish and lipsticks. I like to purchase a couple of shades from them for autumn instead of buying a full eyeshadow palette.

Blusher's
When it comes to blushers I tend to switch them up quite often, but the ones I am currently reaching for are the Laura Mercier Skin Cheek Blusher or NARS Dual Intensity. I love the Laura Mercier and Nars blushers they are definitely both good for shade range and pigmentation. I have the LM blusher in 'plum radiance' which is a gorgeous natural-looking shade that brightens and illuminates the face. I like to use this if am wanting a blusher without any shimmer, but if I am after shimmer I tend to reach for this NARS Dual in the shade 'Fervor'. What I love about this blusher is the silky, wet/dry formula that creates a healthy glow. Both blusher shades are amazing for autumn and are so long lasting!

Lips
I do love a berry shade in autumn so for those days I am feeling daring I reach for the classic MAC 'rebel' Lipstick. A creamy lipstick formula with a soft cushiony feel and satin finish. I love how creamy these lipsticks are, I personally don't like matte shades without a bit of moisture in the autumn especially. Another alternative I have been reaching for is the Topshop Everything Stick in the shade 'defiant'. Topshop does some amazing makeup that is definitely worth checking out. This is such a good multi-purpose product that is perfect for on the go and travel. You can swipe this on your lips, cheeks and even contour with some of the shades. I personally only use this on my lips, but the shade is so autumnal and the consistency is beautiful and creamy. I am definitely going to check out more of their shades.

What autumn makeup do you reach for??

End of Summer Favourites

Summer is officially at an end, we can finally say goodbye to long days and say hello to cold evenings and thick, knitted jumpers. Autumn is definitely my favourite time of the year I just love all the mustard and burnt orange colours and being able to layer up in jumpers. Even though summer is at an end *mourns* we have had a nice one here in the UK (minus those humid evenings!), so I decided to wrap summer up and share what I have loved this past couple of months.

Garnier Sun-Kissed Gradual Tan

As much as I love false tanning I just don't have the patience or the number of bed sheets to be applied every day. Gradual moisturizing tans are something I always reach for as they are just so simple to apply and give your skin a lovely colour. I find out of all the gradual tans I have tried, this one is the one I return to the most as it doesn't leave your skin with a strong biscuit scent and it doesn't apply patchily. I used this before I went to Gran Canaria and it just helped so much with looking healthy and tanned (plus it doesn't stain your sheets - bonus!).

Moroccan Oil

I have used and loved this hair oil for years I think it's fair to say as I have mentioned it numerous times you are probably bored sick of me mentioning it. But I always reach for this hair oil in the summer, especially if I want to achieve healthy-looking beach waves. This oil helps keep my hair in good condition which I think you need especially in the summer. It also gives my hair a gorgeous shine which looks amazing with beach waves on a sunny holiday. Definitely my favourite oil for keeping my hair in amazing condition and something I'd recommend to anyone with damaged hair.

Avene Thermal Spring Water

I personally only use this thermal spray when I am abroad for sunburn or to cool down with, but you can also use this for skin irritation, after removing make-up, after shaving or hair removal too. I have quite sensitive skin so this product is perfect for me when my skin is agitated as it just helps calm it down whilst moisturizing. This travel-friendly bottle is perfect to pop in your bag for on the go and in need of a refresh. Definitely been a lifesaver during the humid evenings!

The Balm Mary Lou Manizer Highlighter

I have tried a lot of powdery highlighters and out of them, this is my favourite by far heartbroken I hit pan though. This product is a smooth and extremely pigmented highlighter that gives your skin a beautiful champagne colour (perfect with a tan). I find with powdery highlighters that they tend to fall off my face by the end of the day, but with this one, it doesn't budge! Plus, it picks up amazingly in photos and natural light which is why I absolutely loved it when I was on holiday.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick

CT lipsticks are so beautiful not only on the outside but on the inside as well. Pillow Talk is the perfect nude pink matte lipstick for every day and for a special occasion. Enriched with soothing orchid and Lipstick tree extracts, lips appear fuller and wider. It is such a long-lasting, moisturizing lipstick for a matte texture. I am yet to try the lip liner that pairs with it, but I have heard amazing things about that as well.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume

My cult staple summer scent has got to be the classic Marc Jacob's Daisy perfume. If you like fresh, floral, succulent scents definitely give this a whiff if you haven't already. It is my go-to summer fragrance and I always feel heartbroken when I am near the end of a bottle.

What has been your summer staple this year??

4 Cult Beauty Picks

I have spent more money than I care to admit on Cult Beauty's website over the years. There's something ever-so-special about spending time scrolling through their website and treating yourself to a brand new beauty product. It's quite difficult to get your hands on a lot of these cult-loves, which is what makes spending your pennies on this website that little bit more special. I've loved everything I've ordered from Cult Beauty, but if I had to choose my top 4, these would be those.

Alpha H Liquid Gold £33.50

I was recommended to try this product years ago and still to this day it fits into my skincare routine, which to me is a cult favourite. I have ordered numerous bottles of this stuff from CB and will continue to do so. This exfoliating, overnight treatment delivers so much better for your skin! I find exfoliating gels/scrubs quite harsh on my skin, so I tend to stay away from those and only use exfoliating acids, that you apply with a cotton pad. This product contains 5% glycolic acid (which is a great ingredient for discolouration and pigmentation). It's amazing for those dark spots that leave redness, acne scars and anti-ageing! I've definitely noticed a difference in my complexion when I've used this product. My skin looks much more glowing and I've definitely noticed this has helped with acne scarring. Definitely worth the 5 stars on their website!

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel £31.00

I've always found cleansing gels a lot more beneficial for my skin type and Oskia's Renaissance Cleansing Gel has really helped strengthen my skin over the years. Containing vitamins C, B2 and E, pumpkin enzyme and much more goodness. This isn't my daily cleanser, but I do like to use this when my skin is in need of brightening or calming down. My skin always feels so smooth and radiant when I've used this product, which is why I only like to use it when my skin is having a freak-out. It probably is targeted towards people with more dry-normal skin, but because I use quite drying spot treatments, this helps to restore balance into my skin.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation £29.00

I was a bit hesitant to try this foundation out, as I am quite picky with how I want my foundation to look, but I took a gamble and gave this 'I woke up like this' foundation a go. First off, this foundation gives you a medium-to-full coverage which is perfect for those long days or as more of an evening foundation as it doesn't give you flashback in photos! This is such a natural, dewy looking foundation that sits on my skin so nicely and is so easy to blend out. I like to use this as my going out foundation because of how flawless, it makes my skin look and how amazing the coverage is. It's definitely up there with my Double Wear as a cult favourite foundation.

Morphe 350S Nature Glow Eyeshadow Palette £23.00

I have been after this palette for so so so long and finally, I joined the waiting list and impatiently waited for that Cult email to say it's in stock. Containing an array of warm neutrals, this 35-pan palette is a must have to be added in your makeup stash. You have every shade you could ever want and can create so many amazing looks for both day and night! These shadows are so pigmented and long lasting! - A little tip I like to wet my eyeshadow brush before applying they shimmery shadows to my lid, just to enhance the colour even more. Definitely, a one to buy if you are really into your shadows.

What are your one Cult Beauty skincare and makeup favourite??

101 Skincare Mistakes

Following up from my 101 Skincare Ingredients Guide I've decided to write a little 'skincare series' on all the beauty knowledge I have learnt. When it comes to taking care of our skin we aren't perfect, we're all guilty for sleeping in our makeup after a night out or picking a spot every now and then. It is important to take care of your skin, especially when you are younger to help benefit when you are older.

Here are 15 skincare mistakes to avoid in the hope it'll improve your skin in the long run, aka wrinkles, sunburn and ageing.

1. Picking or touching your face
Most of the time you won't even realise you're doing it, but touching your skin or picking at it can be seriously bad for your skin in the long run. I am a sinner for picking a whitehead, it's probably the most common mistake ever. Think of it this way every time you touch/pick at your skin you are damaging it and running the risk of leaving scars and holes, gross.

2. Over-Exfoliating
It might feel amazing at the time scrubbing your skin with an overly harsh facial exfoliator every other day, in the hope, it'll shift those dead skin cells. But it won't be permanent. Once or twice a week is much more beneficial than every other day. I actually avoid facial scrubs and only stick to watery exfoliating substances that require just a wipe over the face (Pixi Glow Tonic). Over-exfoliating can remove your skin protective barriers and strip away the natural oils.

3. Sleeping with a full face of makeup
Guilty as charged. Now I'm going to break this down to you in the hope it'll change your future-drunken self to stop doing. Sleeping with makeup on can cause eye infections, wrinkles, breakouts, broken eyelashes and clogs your pores. Since learning this no matter what state I am in I always make sure to remove my makeup before my head hits the hay.

4. Skipping Moisturizer
I have oily/combination/acne/whatever it wants to be kind of skin, therefore using a moisturizer is crucial. I did however use to fall into the trap of 'adding more cream to my face will make it worse', until I realised how important it is to moisturize. My Dad has amazing skin and he told me all he does is moisturise! I've noticed so many older people with amazing skin and they all say its off moisturizing. I am for sure a believer that what you do for your skin now will benefit in the long run. Hopefully doing this will postpone wrinkles!

5. Not using SPF in your skincare
It's been drilled into our head from our family to wear sun cream and even though we listen, we never really think about applying sun cream on days it's not sunny - or at least I didn't. This article really opened my eyes on how important it is to apply SPF even on days you don't think you need to. My primer has a high SPF so my skin isn't at as much risk of sun exposure.

6. Not washing your face
Seems like such a simple thing to skip out of your routine, but it is so important on how your skin appears. I wash my face every morning and evening and it's becoming a routine for me to do. Think of it this way you wake up with dead skin cells, sleep on your face and if you were to go outside your skin is then hit with pollution and germs! If you don't wash your face you are more prone to breakouts, premature ageing etc.

7. Not changing your bedding often
I think because I've suffered from bad skin since I was around 14-15 I've had the basic skincare tips drilled into my brain and one of which is changing your bedding often. I change my bedding either once or twice a week and I am forever swapping my pillowcases around. A bit similar to No.6, your skin produces dead skin cells overnight as well as your hair, therefore it's important to change your bedding and keep your skin away from bacteria.

8. Not using the right products for your skin type
Your skin could be dry one day so you apply a thick moisturiser and the next week, it's oily so you don't use any. Your skin needs balance and it's important to know what your skin type is before you think about what products to buy. Price doesn't always determine quality, I've bought products in the past after reading highly rated reviews that are not even targeted towards my skin and end up doing absolutely nothing. It's worth reading up or getting your skin checked out on what your skin type is.

9. Having hot showers
Having a shower that is too hot can dry out your skin and make it increasingly prone to irritation. I always try to wash my face with cold water to help tighten the appearance of my pores. If water is too hot my skin actually goes sensitive and very red, so I always try to avoid this as much as possible.

10. Using products with toxic ingredients
It's always good to check what ingredients are in your skincare, hair care and makeup before you apply to your skin. I might do a post all in what products to avoid in depth, but as an overview avoid parabens, phthalates, fragrances if you can. I still use products with these in, just not as much as I used to.

11. Good night sleep
I mentioned in my 13 Things I've Learned in 2017 post that I much prefer my early nights juxtapose to 2am sleeps. Not that I wake up with flawless, fresh face skin, but I do find my eyes don't look tired, my skin doesn't look dull and I've also noticed my skin is much more plumped than it would be if I was to sleep early hours.

What is your skincare 101 mistake to avoid??

Top 5 | French Pharmacy Skincare

Last month I took a spontaneous, last minute trip to Paris and during my time there, I noticed on almost every single main street there were French Pharmacies. It got to the point where my boyfriend and I would count how many we saw on our travels. I wish there was a French Pharmacy at the end of my street, it would be great for those 'oh. I've run out of Bioderma water' moments. Instead, I have to get a 20-minute bus journey to my nearest drugstore...clearly, I need to move to Paris.

Anyways, as I went into these pharmacies I noticed so many familiar brands such as Bioderma, La Roche Posay, Caudalie, Eucerin etc, that I already use and love on a daily basis. So I decided to put a little post together on what French brands and skincare products I love and to check out if you visit France. P's they're a whole lot cheaper too!

Caudalie Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
I have briefly mentioned my love for this oil already here, I should have known it was a French brand just by the name. This cleansing oil has made me want to try more beauty products from this brand, as I always see products getting four or five-star rating. This cleansing oil is such a quick and easy way to remove all your makeup (even the hard stuff like mascara), without leaving your skin feeling dehydrated. I just love how moisturizing it feels on my skin and although it is around £18 per 100ml and I consume it fairly quickly, it's worth it.

Vichy Masque Argile Purifiant Pores
Vichy is a skincare brand I've always enjoyed using, but always forget about when I search for new products to try. I do love their Purete Thermal Cleansing Oil which is also really good for makeup removing and cleansing the skin. However, one of my favourite products that I reach for when I fancy a treat, is their Purifiant Pores Face Mask. A paraben-free clay mask containing Aloe Vera, Kaolin and Bentonite which absorb impurities and sebum. I love this face mask it's my go-to for whenever my skin is in need of a luxury treat. It dries out any pesky spots I have and just brightens up my complexion.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo
This French brand has really helped my teenage skin over the years and especially the iconic Effaclar Duo, which I have bought so many times it just had to be mentioned again. Containing ingredients such as Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid and Glycerin, which all help reduce the appearance of spots and blackheads, controls shine and helps protect the skin from discolouration. This product has helped me a lot with nasty breakouts that it's my go-to emergency product that never lets me down, I'd definitely recommend it to anyone with spot prone skin.

Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray
The perfect travel-friendly water spray to take on your sunny holidays to help keep your skin feeling soothing soft and cool. Perfect to use on skin irritation, facial redness, sunburn, rashes as well as a good follow up after makeup removal, shaving, exercise and hair removal. I always have a bottle of this in my bag for on the go as it is perfect for everything and it is essential for the summer if like me you get irritated skin from the heat. A very refreshing and calming, travel-friendly product. 

Nuxe Shimmering Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse
What a mouthful to type, let's just call it Nuxe shimmer oil for the face, hair and body for short. This is such an amazing oil that I reach for in the summer to get that instant natural, healthy glow. A bit sceptical to use on my face, but I heard it makes a great illuminator for the eyes and cheekbones. I like to apply this if I have a tan or if I am going out somewhere nice and have my legs on show. Containing Macadamia oil, Argan Oil, Almond Oil etc, this little beauty leaves your skin feel silky soft and smelling of vanilla and orange. It is a bit pricey for what it is, but it is probably the best body oil I have ever used that is perfect for a healthy summer glow.

What is your favourite French Pharmacy product??

A Skincare Reshuffle

After devouring countless amounts of sweet pastries in Paris and Quality Streets over the Christmas, it's fair to say my skin has broken out on/off these last few months. It's no secret that I like to spend my monthly paychecks on new skincare, but since I had a major room declutter ~post here~ I decided to strip back to basics and stop spending my wages on new products until my skincare cabinet is near-on empty and ready to rent some newbies.

Here in the UK, the weather has been awfully cold and snowy, which has had a huge impact on my skin needing an extra bit of TLC. I've been reshuffling my routine up a lot as well as upping my knowledge on skincare ingredients ~post here~ and, I think, *touch wood* I've managed to keep my skin at sort-of bay.

Here are a few products I have been using religiously lately that have made a bit of a difference to my skin.

Caudalie Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil

From a lazy girl's perspective, I've always used cheap micellar water to remove my makeup, which is great for quick getaways, but my skin always felt unsatisfied and occasionally dry. I do love the Liz Earle Cleanse&Polish, but I found it quite rich on my skin so I popped into Space NK and decided to try a brand I would never think of trying out. The Caudalie Cleansing Oil has been amazing on my skin and removes all traces of makeup within a couple of minutes, it even removes harsh makeup. This is my second bottle now, which speaks for itself as it really is just so nourishing for my skin, I feel as though it has brightened my complexion and doesn't dry my skin out at all.

Dermalogica Breakout Kit

Only recently have I rediscovered this and have been using it all the time. I love all the products in the kit, but the ones that have really made a difference to my skin are Cleansing Wash and their SPF15 Matte Moisturizer. Dermalogica is a bit on the pricey side, but I think it's worth it if it has the key ingredients that your skin craves. 

Cleansing Wash contains salicylic acid, which is obviously great for spot prone skin. I use this cleanser once a day as a double cleanser after I have used the Caudalie Cleansing Oil as my makeup remover. I then pop on the moisturizer and my skin is all prepped and ready for the next day. They've both been amazing for keeping my oiliness at bay and drying up any pesky breakouts, I am definitely considering buying the full-size bottles once I've run out.

Sunday Riley UFO (Ultra Clarifying Facial Oil)

I have had my eye on this product on Cult Beauty for ages, but it's either never in stock or I just can't justify spending £60 on a facial oil. Until I found myself in Edinburgh in Harvey Nichols on my birthday splurging on this, in desperate need of a skin update. Honestly, this is probably one of the best products I have ever splurged on and I will be heartbroken when I run out. It contains so much better for the skin, ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, chamomile, black cumin seed oil - just so much good stuff! I only use this once or twice a week as a fancy-ass treatment, but when I do use it the next day my skin feels brand new. This has helped so much with redness, breakouts, blackheads, hydration and adding radiance back into my skin. I mean it doesn't smell the nicest, but the results I've had from this are incredible.

The Ordinary Niacinamide

A cult favourite of mine that I just cannot ditch from my skincare stash. This little beauty has changed my skin the most in terms of clearing up my pesky spots and redness. Containing zinc to help balance the aspects of sebum and Niacinamide to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and congestion. Both ingredients have done exactly what they've said to my skin, I pop a little bit of this on every other night when I don't use the UFO and wake up the next morning with healthier looking skin. I would go as far to say this is a game changer that will remain in my skincare regime for a very long time, yep shocker!

Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream

Yep, I use eye cream and have done for a couple of years now, I heard if you start when you're young you're in a better position to avoid wrinkles as early, so I mean of course I am going to do this! I love this eye cream it is so moisturizing under my eyes and really absorbs into my skin. I pop this on every evening before bed and wake up as though I have slept for 12 hours and have drunk litres of water. Bit pricey, but out of all the eye creams I have tried this one has been a favourite, followed by Origins.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream

I have definitely mentioned this on my blog before, it is such a staple piece in my skincare routine and it tends to come everywhere with me. It is amazing for not just moisturizing your lips, but for hands, elbows anywhere that gets dry. I would be lost without this stuff and god knows what the state my lips would be without it.

What skincare products are you enjoying atm??