Graduating and Current Skincare Routine

I haven't blogged in absolutely ages.  I'm terrible.  I had the most busy time ever with exams, my dissertation and basic existence than I was just far too exhausted to blog.  It didn't stop me from hauling like there was no tomorrow though! I've now graduated from university, with a first (brag... so proud :D), and have moved back home and therefore I have so much more free time for blogging and keeping up with other blogs... as I'm currently unemployed and doing very little.  I'm starting my masters in September, which I'm incredibly excited about and incredibly petrified about as I'm going to move further from my family and friends, but it's all XP.  I was spoilt rotten by my parents when I received my results, and they bought me this:

I have never been so in love with something.  It's so beautiful and I love it to pieces as well as my parents!

Moving on.

To get back into blogging I've decided to do my current skincare routine, as I'm really happy with it at the moment and my skin is the best it has been for absolutely ages.  Apologies for the photo quality, I have yet to unpack the Canon, so I just snapped these with my phone!

Morning

No 7 / Beautiful Skin / Cleansing Water

I wanted this for ages after hearing about it on a blog (of which I can't remember!) and thinking it might be a much more accessible dupe for Bioderma which I had run out of (although I shall be stocking up again when I go to France next month!).  I had so much trouble finding this as it was taken away from the shelves for a while, but I finally found it last month in London and used my No 7 voucher, so it was a steal at only £4.  I use in the morning to refresh my face, without having to fully cleanse my skin.  Yes, I am a tad lazy in the A.M.  I also use this to remove my makeup before cleansing in the evening, but I forgot to include it in the photo below.  It removes makeup really well, including mascara, leaving my skin ready for cleansing.

Elemis / Balancing Lavender Toner

My go-to toner.  I love this stuff and it smells gorgeous.  It doesn't dry out my skin unlike other oily skin toners as it doesn't contain alcohol.

Vichy / Normaderm / Global Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care

I recently bought this on a whim in boots and I am so pleased I did.  It is simply amazing.  It reduces shine, moisturises, sinks in quickly, has faded old blemish marks, has stopped new blemishes... the list goes on.  One of the things I love about it most is that I can apply it literally 2 minutes before I apply makeup and it acts as a primer leaving that silky feel to the skin.

Origins / GinZing

This is great for sorting out my dark circles and puffy morning eyes.  It feels really cooling and refreshing too, which is a slightly addictive feeling.

Evening

Liz Earle / Cleanse & Polish

I don't think I need to explain why I love this stuff.  I have cheated on it in the past, and always had to face the consequences with breakouts and dry patches, but I now promise to be faithful to my beloved cleanser.

Clarisonic / Mia

The Mia is what I attribute my loss of dry patches and reduction in red marks to.  I'm not sure it has actually helped reduce blemishes occurring, but it has improved the overall feel of my skin which means my makeup applies much more smoothly!

Elemis / Balancing Lavender Toner

In addition to the positives of using this in my morning routine, this smells like lavender and therefore is great at bedtime to aid relaxation.

Liz Earle / Skin Repair Moisturiser Light

I'm not sure I love this light version of as a night time moisturiser. I used to use the combination version in the tub, which I preferred and shall probably revert to after I have finished this up.  It does a good job of moisturising though, but I prefer a heavier consistency in the evening. 

Liz Earle / Daily Eye Repair

Again, this is a 'use it up before you can buy something else' job.  I apply this at night instead of my GinZing as I don't feel it does as good a job at banishing my dark circles and puffiness.

Treatments/Masks/Tanning/Et cetera

Clarins / Liquid Bronze Self Tanning

Due to using the Clarisonic on a nightly basis it does mean my usual fake tan (Xen-Tan's Dark Lotion - of which I shall be reviewing soon for pale skin!) does fade faster on my face.  Therefore I use this as a top up in between tanning.  It's a really nice and natural colour and doesn't clog my pores or break me out.

Soap & Glory / Scrub Your Nose In It

Occasionally I crave the feel of a good scrub, which the Clarisonic is unable to match.  This does the job nicely and can also be used as a mask if you leave it on for 3 minutes.

Liz Earle / Brightening Treatment Mask

Another product I love the smell of!  It's a fast acting mask which I use when I feel my skin is looking a little dull in the morning.  You only have to leave it on for between 30 seconds and 2 minutes and it can also be mixed in to the cleanse & polish daily. 

Caudalie / Vinosource / S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum

If my skin does feel like it needs an extra moisture boost I use this before my moisturiser at nighttime and it really helps.  I got this little sample in a GlossyBox and I'm considering purchasing the full size.

Clinique / Anti-Blemish Solutions/Clear Blemish Gel

When the occasional blemish does surface I apply this and it dries it out fairly quickly and reduces the redness.  I wouldn't say this stuff was amazing, but it does a good job.  I think next time, when I finally use this up, I shall be trying the Origins blemish gel, as I've heard such good things.

♔ 

Real Techniques Brushes

I actually squeeled with excitement when I saw these on sale in my local Boots.  I've been after buying the core collection for quite some time, but it seems to always be out of stock when I've looked online.

Real Techniques brushes are the product of Samantha Chapman (One of the Pixiwoo duo on YouTube).  She has created step-by-step online tutorials which show you exactly how to use your new brushes as well as how to clean them (which resulted in me buying a bottle of MAC brush cleaner so I can keep them in top condition :)).

The core collection (£21.99) comes with four brushes: a buffing brush, contour brush, pointed foundation brush and a detailer brush.  They're all made from beautifully soft taklon synthetic fibres.  The contour brush is my new favourite for applying my bronzer.  The core collection comes in a case, which transforms into a stand to keep your brushes on display on your make up stand.

The stippling brush (£11.99) is perfect for foundation.  After using it for the first time this morning with my foundation, I am amazed by the results.  It creates such a gorgeous finish and can be used with foundation, blusher, bronzer... almost anything!  It's a perfect all-rounder.  Thoroughly recommend!

I'm definately going to expand my Real Techniques collection as I have my eye on the powder brush.  Luckily for the bank, this was out of stock!

♔ 

Glossybox January - Valentine's Edition

January's GlossyBox was their second special edition offering (the last being their Christmas one, which was AMAZING), this time for Valentine's day, and came in a stunning hot pink box which I hope they keep as I much prefer it to their usual pastel pink!

Murad Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer - Dewy Finish (Full size £29.00/30ml; Sample £4.80/5ml)

This was the first item I was drawn towards.  I was excited to receive a Murad product after hearing such good things about them.  I was even more chuffed by the fact it was a primer.  I haven't used a primer before, so I'm looking forward to using this one and branching out.  The sample comes in a bottle with a pump which is a benefit.  The product itself I was a little wary of at first because it comes out skin coloured, but a lot darker than my current skin colour (even with my fake tan on!).  But once blended into the skin it fades to match and leaves the skin feeling really silky and smooth.  It is oil free and leaves a lovely dewy finish - due to 'light-enhancing minerals'.

First Aid Beauty (FAB) Body Moisturizer (Full Size £13.00/226.8g; Sample £3.40/56.7g)

The information I received from GB said this was their gentle body wash, however I actually received FAB's body moisturizer.  The only other FAB product I have tried was their face wash which I really liked and received in a previous GB box.  The moisturiser is a gorgeous consistency and is quickly absorbed.  The only thing I dislike about this product is the smell.  It's fragrance free, so suitable for sensitive skin, but I feel it leaves a really musty smell that I'm not sure I really want my body to smell like.  I'm going to give it another go, but apply some body spray over the top to hopefully reduce the undesirable smell but still enjoy the moisturising benefits.  

Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream (Full Size £48.00/50ml; Sample £14.40/15ml)

Clarins Extra Firming Night Cream (Full Size £46.50/50ml; Sample £13.95/15ml)

I am currently in love with Clarins' products after buying their liquid bronze fake tan for the face a couple of weeks ago and receiving some amazing samples.  I recently ran out of my Liz Earle moisturiser so I'm on the lookout for a new one (before giving up and repurchasing trusty Liz Earle!).  I have high hopes for these two.  The samples are both 15ml so will be perfect for travelling with.  The full size products are quite expensive, so I'm pleased to be able to receive such generous samples which will allow me to test them for a good length of time.  As I'm getting on a bit, I'm also becoming more interested in anti-ageing products and these promise to firm the skin!

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner - in Plum (Full Size £9.50/per pencil)

This was the full size product for January's box.  I had high hopes for this product, as I've never tried an Eyeko product but had heard good things about them, especially since their redesign.  I received the colour plum which is a gorgeous metallic purpley brown.  However, I'm really sorry to have to say that I'm not a fan.  It's not very pigmented so takes quite a lot of layering to build up a strong colour (to rival Urban Decay's 24/7 eyeliners) and I really dislike having to put effort into my eyeliner on my delicate eyelids.  The staying power is also very poor, and smudged and practically disappeared very shortly after application.  

Overall I AM happy with the products I received, especially the Murad and Clarins skin care.  I always expect to dislike one or two of the products you receive in a beauty box, because you are taking a gamble and GB aren't psychic.  The contents of the box are worth approximately £46, so for £12.95 I am satisfied as I'm positive I shall use the majority of the products.

P.S.  GlossyBox also included the most adorable rock sweet with GlossyBox written inside as an extra Valentine's gift.  It is absent from the photo... as I accidently consumed it on sight.

Primark French Nails

Costing just £1 (!!!) these French nails are fantastic value.  Usually I use Elegant Touch's version which cost around the £6.50 mark, so finding a cheaper alternative that weren't flimsy was exciting.  They come in the usual pack of 24, and in a variety of sizes.  I have quite little fingers so most were far too big, but the smallest ones fit perfectly.

Although these are supplied with glue, I chose to use my own which may be why they have lasted so well (currently on the 4th day of wear).  The only couple of things that aren't so good is that you have to file them quite a bit on the tips as they're a little bit scruffy from being cut, but that literally takes a couple of seconds.  The other thing is, and this is completely a personal thing, but I kind of feel the white tips are a little bit too long compared to my overall finger nail length... Other than that, they're such good value for money and considerably cheaper than most alternatives, so I would definitely recommend Primark's nails if you're a French-nail-aholic like myself.  Next to try is their £1 eyelashes!

                                       ♔

The Deathly Hallows - Orange Circle Clothing

Being a ridiculously massive Harry Potter fan, I'd been after a deathly hallows t-shirt for ages.  I'd seen quite a few on eBay, but they were all quite dull looking (i.e. black and white), so I was thrilled when I saw Gemsmaquillage blog about this amazing version from Orange Circle Clothing.

Rather than being solid black, the symbol is cosmic (amazing!!) and you can customize which colour t-shirt you wish to have it on.  I opted for navy blue, as it's my favourite alternative to black.  I decided to buy it in a medium, rather than my usual small, and I'm really glad I did as the medium is nicely snug in the right places and baggy in others... covering the post-Christmas bleh-ness.

I was lucky enough to get free postage and packing as I ordered when then had a special Christmas deal, so I paid just £13.49 for it.  Even with P&P (usually £2.20 to the UK) I still think it's amazing value, and it arrived super quick.

I'd definitely recommend Orange Circle, and I'm very tempted to purchase some more of their wonderful customisable designs when my student loan comes in next week!  I have my eye on the ones below.

          

                                        ♔

Lanolips

Lanolips (L-R): Lemonaid Lip Aid with Organic Lemon Oil; Rose Balm Everyday for Dry Hands and Nails

I first heard about Lanolips a long long time ago, but I haven't been able to find it in any stores until now!  Now my local Boots stock a select few of their products and I jumped on them a few weeks ago.  

Lanolips describe themselves as 'Nature's Wonder Moisturiser'.  The main ingredient is Lanolin, which is a substance taken from sheep's wool.  I hadn't heard of Lanolin before Lanolips, so when I first discovered what it was my first instinct was to think "Why on Earth would I want to put that on my lips!?".  Reading more about Lanolips on their very informative website, I learnt some solid scientific facts and benefits about it such as that it's reassuringly safe (even for tiny babies!), it's 100% pure and chemical free, it's hypo-allergenic, colour and odour free and the Lanolin in which they use is the purest - 100% Ultra Pure Medical Grade, no less!

The two products I picked up were the Rose Balm Everyday hand cream (£10.20 for 120ml) and the Lemonaid Lip Aid (£9.18 for 12.5g).  Both products have become firm favourites in my routine!  

The hand cream smells quite strongly of something quite similar to baby powder, rather than overtly 'rose', so if that's not your cup of tea, I wouldn't recommend this.  However, this is the most amazingly moisturising hand cream I have tried.  It's a thick consistency, which can take quite a while to sink in and leaves your hands feeling slightly sticky for a while, so I prefer to use this just before I go to sleep, so that when I wake up my hands are beautifully soft and my nails also feel different in a way I can't describe (moisturised nails?).

The lip balm/gloss/treatment smells amazing.  It contains organic lemon oil which helps to exfoliate your lips, and it's this lemonyness which makes the smell delicious!  I could be quite tempted to eat it (although I wouldn't recommend this, as sadly, it doesn't taste as nice as it smells... not that I ate any...).  The product feels really moisturising on my lips and leaves them really glossy, but not at all sticky.  

Lanolips also do a range of Lip Ointments with colour which I have my eye on on their website.  I think I might have to put an order in!


Both the hand cream and Lemonaid are available online now at Boots.

                                         ♔

Happy New Year!

Photo credit - weheartit.com

It's finally 2012!  I must admit to being slightly ecstatic about this.  I had fully run out of energy and love for 2011, and those annoying days between the festivities of Christmas and NYE were rather tedious.  

I'm really excited about this year.  One of my zillion New Year's resolutions is to finally make something of this blog.  Uni has been incredibly busy, so I haven't had a moment to sit down and write, unlike my previous blogging days back in the lazy-teenager-days.  However, now I am going to ensure I devote some time to my hobbies as well as to my very important final year at university.

Aside from blogging, this year I'm planning to:
♥ graduate with a first class degree
♥ begin a masters degree
♥ move to London

♥ take more photographs and get back into photography

♥ be healthy (this anticipation comes up every year, as I'm sure it does for many)
♥ become a domestic goddess - cooking, cleaning, designing, saving lots of money et cetera
♥ go to the Olympics
♥ go to the cinema, theatre and live music events more
♥ watch the Queen's Jubilee celebrations from the banks of the Thames
♥ read one book a week 
♥ create some beautiful memories.

As the knowledgeable oldies say, I have a "feeling in my water" about this year :)


                                        ♔