The Ordinary

The Ordinary are part of a larger company, Deciem- Focusing on advanced functional beauty. The brand come together to create effective, honest skincare at honourable prices. Their prices start at £3.90 for a primer and go up to around £15 – something for everyone’s budget.

They first become popular with the launch of their Retinoids, mainly because of it’s price £4.20 – £11.90 for 30ml . They quickly sold out and left many beauty addicts desperate to get their hands on some. But the brand took it in their stride, completed the ever increasing pre-orders and continued to increase their brand.

They don’t waste their time and money on fancy  sounding additives to make it smell nice or useless ingredients to maker it sound more innovative. They continue to believe in CLINICAL FORMULATIONS WITH INTEGRITY meaning, they  produce affordable, proven skincare with honest chemistry proven to work.

On each page on their site they clearly display whats not in it ie no Parabens no Silicone etc complete transparency with their ingredients and cost’s. They also do not test on animals. Which, is why they do not sell in china as sadly in order to qualify for selling they insist on their own testing which involves testing on animals. – good on you Deciem!

A quick run down of the products I have been using

100% Plant Derived Squalane

£5.90

30ml

Is a non – comedogenic hydrator  suitable for all skin types.

For me this was the first product I had used. I liked everything about it. Since the first time using it my skin was instantly more hydrated. No dry itchy, flakey skin, just healthy, glowing skin. It is easily absorbed into skin so doesn’t feel too greasy. I was a little concerned about my make up slipping but with a primer I found it was no problem at all.

Its also the only thing I really use on my hair. It helps to protect hair from heat and breakage, making it super soft and shiny. I will be honest.. I Don’t really use it on my face as much now, If I do, its more likely to be in the evening but that really is as I am now using the Hyaluronic Acid

Caffeine Solution 5% +EGCG

File 12-01-2018, 19 40 15.jpeg5.80

30ml

I have not stopped using this since I got it. Both AM and PM I honestly think it reduces under eye puffiness. Its no miracle cure and it doesn’t do much for the darkness under eye but concealer can fix that.

You only need 1 drop under each eye and is quickly absorbed into skin. For 30 ml this will last a long time

 

Argireline Soluition 10%

File 14-01-2018, 17 59 17

£5.50

30ml

Light weight serum to ease fine lines on forehead and around eyes. Apply a couple of drops both AM and PM. So I find this works OK. Its not my fav product from the ordinary but I do still continue to use it.. Maybe I need to be using it longer to see more results. I paid £5.50 and based on my experience of their other products I am more then happy to continue to use it. If this is something you are using let me know what you think.

Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5

File 07-01-2018, 13 56 20£5.90

30ml

I wrote bout this amazing little product in my last blog post What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Lactic Acid 5%+HA

File 14-01-2018, 17 59 34.jpeg

£5.50

30ml

For very mild exfoliation. But, not to be used on sensitive or peeling skin. The Ordinary suggest you don’t use indirect forms of skin exfoliation while using this product.

You use it daily, ideally at night as it can leave skin UV sensitive due to the Alpha Hydroxy Acid – limit sun exposure for a week after using. Which can make it ideal for winter skincare routine. You can add it to other skin care until skin builds a tolerance.

So if i’m honest, I have only used this once. I really didn’t like the smell of it. Although I don’t think it would put me off from using it , I just haven’t fully committed to it as I still continue to use other exfoliating products. Will keep you updated when I do decide to try it.

 High Adherence Silicone Primer

File 14-01-2018, 18 40 08.jpeg

£3.90

30ml

This essential uses advanced adaptive silicones to act as a matte, hydrating, blurring primer for makeup that looks higher in definition and adheres for longer.

I have not used another primer since. It feels lovely to put on and instantly smooths and blurs. £3.90 is so cheap, you can afford to try it without it making a dent in your bank balance. I don’t really have anything else to say except YOU NEED TO TRY THIS… did I mention the price!

 

Niacinamide 10%+Zinc 1%

File 14-01-2018, 18 48 51

£5

30ml

High strength vitamin and mineral blemish formula. This is not going to magically make your acne disappear but what it will do is maintain skin to help with congestion and help to balance skins sebum. As soon as you use it skin instantly becomes matte.

I think generally my skin has been looking clearer and brighter since using The Ordinary products. If you find you have oily skin this is going to be the product for you. I don’t use it every day now, probably every other day as my skin is more dehydrated then congested.

 

As I mentioned earlier. My skin has been looking better since using these products. They are a little hard to understand initially but the site does have a Regime guide so its worth spending a few moments looking at it to see what your skin would benefit from. I also have seen great customer service on their social media accounts. Any questions posted quickly come with a educational  response from the company. Any question, head to their Instagram page and comment.

Have you used any of the products and what do you think?

Easy Steps To Acne Fighting, Wrinkle Smoothing Facial.

Anyone who has been to salon to have facial knows how amazing they are.If you havn’t had 1 already …YOU NEED TO!! Not only do you come out feeling super relaxed but your skin looks amazing! Its fresher, clearer and glowing. If you have ever had micro-dermabrasion you will totally understand when I say it takes years off! The only problem is, its another expense to add to all the little things we like to treat ourselves to every month. Don’t worry.Its all totally achievable at home. You may have the products or might find them in the kitchen cupboard. I’ve also added my favorite products that are easily accessible if your looking for good products on a budget.

I give my self a facial once a week. It helps to maintain a healthy glowing complexion and will ease acne. It will also alleviate the tension build up which can help to cause fine lines and wrinkles. However,  it can also have a negative effect if you do them to often. Stripping the natural oils from your skin can increase sebum production and dehydrate your skin. Dehydrated skin can be itchy and can cause problems when applying make up.

So firstly, you need to remove all your make up. I would use a face wipe then use the wash to ensure all oil and make up remover residue is not sitting on the surface of you skin.

.Facial Wash/Cleanser

file-29-01-2017-16-59-03

Boots Tea Tree and Witch HazelFoam Face Wash

I’ve been using this face wash a while now. Its quick and easy to use and ideal for using daily. Its not going to remove your make up, but I would use after I have used a face wipe/makeup remover.

Lush 9-5 is a great cleanser to use if you would prefer.Again this is not the best product to use to remove make up but its amazing. Massage into skin and remove with cotton pads.

 

Steaming

File 29-01-2017, 17 03 09.jpeg

Facial steamers are cheap and easy to pick up they usually come with an attachment which you would use to concentrate on your nose. Facial steamers are great but they are not necessary. You can do the same with a bowl filled with hot water (needs to be hot enough to have steam) and a towel. Half fill your bowl with water (I boil the kettle and use that) lean over and put towel over you and the bowl. Just chill for 10 mins or as long as you can manage. If your leaning over a bowl rather then having your face in the steamer I would recommend you pop into Lush and pick up a Tea Tree Tab. They are only £1 and a skincare must have. Its perfect for acne. Tea Tree is a natural antiseptic so will help to fight the bacteria that can cause acne. Read my  little review here.

Gently steaming your face helps to soften the layer of dead skin cells which is clogging your skin.It  will open the pores which in turn will help release toxins, enhance blood circulation and allow other products to become absorbed and do their job properly.

Exfoliate

LushPic

Exfoliating the skin is another important essential with skincare. Gently scrubbing your face aids desquamation. It removes the dead skin cells that are making your skin look dull and tired. If you have angry, sore acne I would not advise exfoliating or avoid the area if its limited.

One of my favourite Face scrubs is Lush Dark Angels. Read about it Here.

Rolled oats are perfect as a Natural alternative and are ideal for mild acne or sensitive skin. Mix you oats with Manuka Honey ,  Raspberries ,  Blueberries the list is endless or even add a few drops of TeaTree to help it fight the acne causing bacteria like I said earlier.

As with all scrubs apply to skin and massage in circular movements. Don’t for get lips aswel! Rinse off with plenty of warm water.

 

Steam

I know we have already done it, and it really is not necessary to steam again but I do for a few minutes. If you have sensitive skin maybe skip this part.

file-29-01-2017-18-35-25

If you want to use Pore Clearing strips to remove blackheads (mostly common on your nose) now would be the time. You skin, well your nose really has been steamed and scrubbed so they will remove much easier now. Follow the instructions on the strips.

Face Mask

File 03-06-2016, 23 18 17

Now that the skin has been cleaned, steamed and scrubbed we can now relax a little with a face mask.

I do like sheet masks but I prefer face mask you leave on for facials. I feel they work better at removing any impurities.

As with all masks apply even amount, sit back and relax…

There are so many masks you can choose from. If you don’t have a favorite I would recommend

L’oreal Clay Mask (read about it here )

file-16-10-2016-16-41-08

Or read my Lush Fresh Mask Review.

For Natural and Organic Masks you can make your self, have a read through my previous blog posts. My favourite Oraganic DIY mask is Manuka Honey

Once you’ve rinsed your mask off gently pat dry.

 

Moisturise

file-29-01-2017-20-13-37

Its important to keep your skin hydrated. Moisturiser is something you should be using daily. Cream or oil based does not matter as long as you are using the best for your skin type. When you apply you should be massaging it in. It takes a few minutes but massaging will not only improve blood circulation but the massage will relax tightened muscles in your face. Tense muscles lead to more deeper lines and wrinkles.

Spend about 5 minutes using a combination of light tapping and small circular movements. I’m using BioOil at the moment. Using Daily can help to reduce acne scars, and fine lines and wrinkles.

 

They you are.  The same process as you would get in the salon but obviously not as relaxing as your having to do it yourself.  You skin will look fresher and more radiant as you have removed all the dead skin cells and impurities and re hydrated your skin. To maintain a weekly facial can be hard with our busy lives but it is essential to skin care. The more you do it the more you will benefit.

There are plenty of skin care recommendations on my other blog posts, check them out or late me know any products you think are essential.

xx

 

Beauty Essentials Under £5

We all love a good bargain and money never stretches as far as you want it to so, following my last post My under £10 Favorites i’m sharing my must have’s under £5.

You’ll have to keep an eye on my post or hit the follow button (wink wink) for updates where I will be adding more essentials under £5

Vasaline Lip Therapy

Vforblog.jpeg

 

Weather your a matte lipstick kinda girl or love a glamarous gloss. Dry, flakey lips are not a good look . These are perfect to instantly smooth and hydrate your lips.

Stick or tin. Original, Aloe, Cocoa, sugar coated or my fav with a slight tint, rosey.

Original and Aloe are great for this time of year when you have a cold and your nose gets sore and flakey on the sides. Rub a little vaseline to re hydrate. Vasaline has so many uses, You can use it on your hair to smooth split ends, helps remove make up from clothes, great to use for cuticle care or around your nail to stop the nail varnish drying on your skin its really worth keeping one in your bag. And at the moment Superdrug are running an offer. 2 for £3. Direct link in Shop My Feed

Barry M Nail Paint

file-16-10-2016-23-51-44

From £2.99 – £4.99

 

Classic,Gelly, Coconut Infused and Speedy in a variety of colours, textures and sparkles.I would be surprised if you didn’t find a colour you’ll fall in love with. For me Raspberry is my Favourite. So much so I have just finished a pot. And I never usually make it to the end!

You’ll need to apply two coats as with all brands. And make sure you let the first coat dry before applying the second. Some colours are more dense then others, but nothing another coat won’t fix.

If you use a base and top coat you will get a week out of your nails but that obviously depends how much washing up you have to suffer during the week.

For what your paying I think they are great buys, even if you just want your nail colour to last one night! Cheaper then getting a manicure for your girls night out.

Teatree Oil

file-23-10-2016-19-34-07

 

£2.99

So I briefly spoke about Tea Tree oil in my Manuka Honey post.

Its a natural antiseptic derived from the Australian native plant

Its most common use is to treat acne. I add a few drops to most of my skin care products particularly moisturiser I use at nighttime to give it extra power. If you suffer from bad acne this could be your best friend. I also tend to mix it with Manuka Honey , the miracle product as a face mask.

Another great tip for acne prone skin is to add a few drops to clean warm water and dip in some cotton pads. Squeeze out extra liquid and use all over the face (mind your eyes) as a toner.

Tea tree oil has many other usefull benefits. If you have a dry itchy scalp this will help clear it up. You can add it to coconut oil/milk or i just add a few drops to your shampoo.

The antibacterial properties will also help to get of headlice. Its well worth getting this oil.  It will fast becone your go to product.

Lush Teatree Tab

TeaTree

£1

Ive spoke about this lush little treat in a previous post Lush Cosmetics Facial Review

Its made from Tea Tree, which is antibacterial and antiseptic and AloeVera which helps to rejuvenate and hydrate

Drop into a bowl of hot water and steam your face for 10mins. By steaming your face you open up the pores.Which then allows the oils to become absorbed. Follow with a face mask . Once the water has cooled down transfer into bottles and use twice a day as toner. Its such a great product and only a pound. Perfect excuse to at least try it. and then you can continue to use it for a good few weeks after. Its such a good product, I would pay so much more for it and would get one everytime I pass a lush store.

H&M Masks

File 23-10-2016, 16 09 19.jpeg

£1.99

Such a variety of masks available.

I haven’t tried all of them but have to say I wasn’t impressed until I tried this one, the Manuka, chamomile and jasmine blossom for combination skin.

So you want to be applying to clean dry skin. The perfect time would be after a hot bath or shower or a 10 minute facial steam. That way your pores are already open to allow the product to work. Apply a nice thin layer. I find with peel off mask, if I apply them too thick they don’t peel off properly.

Leave on 15-20 mins

I like peel off masks, I like to see what its removed and WOW! is all I can say about this mask. This is the best peel of mask I have used.It removed a lot,  more so from my nose. My skin was a lot clearer, brighter and very soft. I don’t know how well it would work without steaming my face first but for £1.99 I will be getting a couple next time i’m in H&M.

I couldnt find this mask on their website but i’ve included a store locator in my Shop My Feed.

Colour Tattoo 24hr eyeshadow

file-23-10-2016-19-33-38

£4.99

So I thought I would try out the ON AND ON BRONZE. Its such a beautiful metallic shade, very pigmented. Its a cream shadow but applies beautifully.There are 6 shades available and they make the most beautiful smokey eye looks. They do remind me of the Mac Paint pots but a lot cheaper.

I find I use my finger rather then a brush to apply the eyeshadow if I want a softer finish and it blends really well. For more colour,  use a brush. I love them. will definitely be adding more to the collection.

 

Dr Bronner castille soap

file-23-10-2016-19-33-51

Prices starting from £1.99 for 59ml

9 varieties (including teatree)

A combination of Organic extra virgin coconut, Olive oil, jojoba, hemp and essential oils.

The uses for this magic soap are endless.The ecologically friendly soaps can be used on body, face or hair. There is even a fragrance free if you have sensitive skin.

I mostly use mine to wash my hair and make up brushes. You don’t need much product. A little goes a long way. After a good rinse they leave no residue. Which is perfect for beauty sponges.

You really can use this product on ANYTHING inc washing the floor. All just depends on how diluted it is.

Its really worth trying. Once you have you’ll love it and will use it on everything!!

 

So that’s it for this post,but remember this is a ongoing post.

Follow me on twitter and/or Instagram for when the post will be updated with more essentials under £5 xx

 

 

Ettang Charcoal Cup Pack Review

After finally deciding on what to buy in Sephora (I know its a hard decision) I make my way  to the till. Casually at the till Point are the Ettang Face masks. As i’m obsessed with skincare it doesn’t take much persuading for me to try one. I’ve decided on trying the Charcoal mask which promises to make my skin clear and bright.

Ettang are a Korean based company focused on quality products with no fuss. The mask comes in a pot ready to be mixed with a spatula for mixing and applying. I paid e4.50 for 17g

File 03-09-2016, 13 08 19

 

The mask comes in a powder form, you add warm water to the fill line, mix and apply. Simple.  Once the water was added it mixes in to a smooth grey paste.

I applied to clean dry skin. I thought the mask was easy to apply with the spatula. I applied an even thick layer all over. There’s so much product in this pot! Had I of realised I would of only mixed half of it.

File 03-09-2016, 13 14 39.jpeg

After about 10 mins you can feel the mask slightly tighten and if I smile the mask slightly lifts from my skin. The mask turns to a chalky white consistency on any thin areas while the rest of the mask is slightly rubbery and you can see any enlarged pores or blemishes through the mask.

After 20 mins i start to peel off. Although most of it did peel off in one go some bits were left on my face. They were easy enough to remove with a damp cotton pad.

I wouldn’t say my face felt very moisturised after using like it would with a sheet mask  but,  my skin generally did appear clearer. Which is what it said it does.

After looking at the rubbery mask that i removed I did notice little holes in the mask. I’m not sure if this is where my enlarged pores were and it didn’t do anything or if its where it has removed any impurities.

File 03-09-2016, 13 37 53.jpeg

 

 

At 4.50 (euros) for 17g I thought this mask was great value for money especially as you could get 2 applications from it. This isn’t a brand I had heard of but next time i’m in Sephora I would try another if it was strategically placed at the till again. Although i’m not sure if I would go out of my way to find another.

I think they are available  through Amazon but they are also more expensive on there. And as far as i’m aware U.K still doesn’t have a Sephora store  but they do ship to u.k .Click on the link to see what they do sell on line, you wont be disappointed.

So thats what i thought. Let me know if you have tried any Ettang masks or if you have any you would recommend xx

 

 

Blueberries

yummyyummyblueberries

Continuing with my skin care obsession, Organic DIY products are cheap, easy and good enough to eat. So this post is about Blueberries.

Blueberries are full of Vitamin A and C. Vitamin A can help to reduce wrinkles and get rid of blotchy patches and dark spots while Vitamin C is said to reduce free radicals found in the environment which can be harmful to  skin. Acne is mostly caused by hormones but applying and eating blueberries can help to control hormones especially during that time of the month. They also give a boost to your circulatory system which can help to prevent any unwanted lines, varicose veins and cellulite.

You want to be using Fresh Organic products as much as possible. The less pesticides the better. This time of year Blueberries can be so cheap to buy especially if you have a PYO close to you. The small size punnet i brought cost me £1 (that’s right £1 for a punnet of Blueberries AND Raspberries)

Hair Mask 

Handful Blueberries

1-2 tablespoons Olive oil or Coconut oil

Mash up your blueberries and add the the oil

Apply to shampooed towel dried hair,massaging into the scalp to promote healthy new hair growth

leave for about 20 mins

rinse with plenty of warm water. Because its oil based you will need to do a lot of rinsing. Let your hair dry naturally avoiding any heated appliances.

boringname-blueberry

 

Acne Fighting Face Mask

Handful Blueberries

Teaspoon Lemon Juice

Teaspoon Manuka Honey

Mash up your Blueberries, add the lemon juice and honey.

Apply to clean damp skin and relax for 10-20 mins

rinse off with plenty of warm water

The lemon juice can be drying so make sure you use a moisturiser after.

 

Soothing Face mask

Handful Blueberries

Teaspoon Manuka honey

Teaspoon Organic yoghurt.

As with the others mash the blueberries and add the yoghurt and honey.

leave on for 10-20 mins. rinse with plenty of warm water.

 

You can also add essential oils to the mask like Rose oil to reduce redness and even out skin tone or TeaTree oil to help fight any bacteria on the skin