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

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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%

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£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

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30ml

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

Lactic Acid 5%+HA

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£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

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£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%

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£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?

Lush Cosmetics Review

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Its not easy to resist going in lush when you walk past. well,  that is unless you are coughing uncontrollably fighting for breath before you even see the shop sign. I am one of those people who can’t resist. It’s crammed full of natural, cruelty free handmade cosmetics for every part of your body from your scalp to your feet. The staff are super friendly and full of knowledge. The only problem I have is deciding what to get.

I love love love the fresh face masks and have done a blog on them before (use this link to read it.) so, this time I wanted to try a few different products. After god knows how long smelling and testing everything this is what I got …

 

Jason And The Argan Oil  Shampoo Bar

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£6.95

Argan Oil – Repairing and Antioxidant

Organic Rose – Balancing and Restoring

Sicilian Lemon Oil – Uplifting and Cleansing

Geranium Oil –  Balancing and Toning

 

 

As soon as the lush lady said it had rose in it I was sold, It smells amazing. She continued to promise it would strengthen and add shine to my hair but if im honest I decided I would love it just for the smell.

So the idea with bars are you can either lather up in your hands then apply to hair or just use the bar straight on the scalp. They are a little like soap bars. You want to keep them dry after use though. The water kind of activates them so the water will eat away at the bar. I got one of the lush tins to keep it in (£2.50) Not only to keep it dry but to keep it clean and is perfect for if your travelling.

I found the best way to use it was in the shower. I would soak my hair then turn the shower off and use the bar. It foams up quickly and smells amazing!! After a good scrub, I put the bar back in the tin and rinsed off. If you have short hair you could use the bar straight on your scalp. For longer hair I would recommend lathering up on your hands then using on roots and ends. You are causing less friction which helps to prevent breakage.

I have a dry scalp and find a lot of products can dry my skin out even more , making it feel tight and itchy. I found with this shampoo bar my scalp didn’t feel tight or itchy at all.  My hair felt amazing when I was drying it off. silky soft shiny hair. It felt really clean and I have noticed since using this shampoo bar my hair can go an extra day without washing it! The only down side was I couldn’t really smell it on my hair after. Other then that I really like this. Would I buy it again? Im really not sure if im honest. Not that I didn’t like it, I just like to try other products. But I would definitely recommend it. Looking forwards to trying the other Lush shampoo bars.

 

Seanik Shampoo Bar

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£6.25

Nori Seaweed – Nutrient Rich

Iris Moss Gel – Softening and Soothing

Lemon Oil – Cleansing and Uplifting

Fine Sea Salt – Mineral Rich

So.. I didn’t buy this for me. Just as well because my scalp HATED it. It was itchy straight after I washed it. One tiny little scratch and my hairline looked like a snow storm.  Back in the shower…

But as I said I didn’t buy it for me. The lady in the shop recommended it for Dreadlocks. Well, you have to get your other half something right? It helps to soften the blow when you tell them how much you spent.

He prefers natural, organic products that don’t leave any residue. We’ve ticked all those boxes by just buying from Lush. He used the  bar straight on his scalp and a little down the length on the dreads, Good scrub and a long, long rinse.

The first thing we both noticed was how clear and hydrated his scalp was! It had already made a difference. His hair was fresh and clean without any sticky residue left on the dreads. What else is there to say. I hated it, he LOVED it!

 

Damaged Hot Oil Treatment

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£6.50

Organic Avocado – Rich and Conditioning

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Moisturising and Protecting

 

So who hasn’t damaged their hair through excessive bleaching and use of heat with straighteners and tongs. My hair really does need all the help it can get. This treatment promises to moisturise and help to strengthen.

Its a one use pre-shampoo product that you need to activate with water. All you need to do is add hot water and stir.

Wait for it to cool to a comfortable temperature and apply to dry hair.

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After about 20 mins shampoo and condition hair. I didn’t use all the product so I put the lid on and it will keep for up to 4 weeks.

It was really easy to rinse out of my hair. I noticed while I was drying it how soft it was. It was a lot less tangled on my more damaged bits of hair then it is usually is.

My hair felt Amazing.. I could not stop touching it all day. It had a faint smell to it and was super soft and shiny.. soo shiny. My scalp feels good. Its not tight and itchy.  Even after a few washes it felt really soft.

I really liked this. I would get it again and use after I have had it coloured. Cant wait to try their other treatments

 

 

Foot Soak And Fancy Free

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£3.95

 

Sea Salt – Rich in Minerals

Irish Moss Powder – Conditioning and Softening.

French Lavender oil – Calming and softening.

There is nothing worse then wearing pretty shoes that show hard skin build up on your heels. I hate it. So its essential you have regular pedicures to keep feet looking their best.

Find a bowl that will fit both your feet in then add water. You want the water to be at a temperature you can relax in. Find a good vlog/programme you can watch then add the foot soak. I broke it up so it would dissolve quicker.

 

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Its definitely relaxing. Perfect excuse to do nothing.

After about 5 mins take out one foot at a time and use a foot file on areas that need it. Put feet back in for as long as the water is warm. Once finished pat feet dry.

My feet are so soft! Im not saying its going to magically remove your hard skin build up but it will help by softening the skin making it easier to remove.

Its a good product for a bit of home pampering and it does everything it promises. I wouldn’t say it would be a new essential to my beauty treatment collection but well worth trying.

 

 

 

 

Golden Handshake Hand Treatment

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£2.95

 

 

Organic Avocado – Rich and Conditioning

Rosewood Oil – Anti septic and Up Lifting

Murumuru Butter – Protective and Moisturising

Argan Oil – Repairing and a Antioxident

This is another water activated treatment product. Designed to hydrated dry, hard working hands. I don’t really look after my hands. so they could do with a little pampering.

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Find a bowl big enough to fit both hands, add enough hot water to cover the product and stir until its a smooth, thick and creamy consistency. Like with the other products wait until its cooled to a comfortable temperature then sit back and relax…

Before you rinse off massage into hands.

My hands felt lovely and soft and stayed like it for a few days.

So This was my least favourite product. It was nice enough and my hands did feel lovely but, Im just not sure its a product I would use again.

Bunny Moon – Jelly face mask

 

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£6.95

Honey – Antiseptic and Moisturising

Rose oil – To Balance and Restore

As I mentioned before I love the fresh face masks So im really looking forward to trying one of the jelly masks. I picked bunny moon as this one softens and moisturises.

Take a little product and work a little with your fingers to a paste. Apply to face and leave for 10 mins.

The first time I used this I wet my hands first. BIG mistake!

Its got a nice subtle smell of Turkish delight. Once you’ve worked it a little it becomes a smooth thick paste which is easy to apply. Because its a thick paste you need a face cloth to take it off with.

My face is really soft and hydrated.  This is really good for dehydrated skin. My dry,  patches of skin on my cheeks and nose have gone. I use it a least once a week and the patches havn’t come back since. I wouldn’t say its my favourite Lush mask but there are so many . Just not sure which one to try next…

 

So thats what I thought. Any recomendations? let me know if you’ve tried any and what you think of them

 

Low -Shampoo, worth the hype?

Its not gone un-noticed that l’oreal are killing it in drugstore hair/skincare and make up products. And Its no surprise as L’Oreal is the largest company and owns more then 20 brands. Some of them brands include NYX, URBAN DECAY and YSL. So when L’Oreal launch a new product, its usually worth a try.
And one of last years launch was LOW SHAMPOO.
So what is LOW SHAMPOO and is it really worth the hype?
Most shampoos contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. The purpose of this chemical is to remove oils and help the product to foam. Its not only in shampoos, it is also found in skincare products like face or body washes. Although Sulphate is commonly used, over time it can cause more damage then good. It can cause your hair colour to fade and over time can strip your hair of natural oils causing breakage.
So L’Oreal introduced 3 products in their low shampoo range
– Colour Protect
– Extraordinary Oil
– Extraordinary oil curl

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£6.99 – 400 ml
Beacause there is no foaming, your not rubbing at your hair which, can cause breakage. Anyone who has over processed their hair with excessive colouring knows shampooing your hair in this state is a nerve wrecking experience. It causes so much breakage and combing your hair after is a mine field. You feel like there is more hair wrapped around the combs teeth then there is on your head.
My hair is long with natural roots and mid lengths. The ends are bleached and damaged. I also have a sensitive scalp and course textured hair. So my ideal shampoo needs to nourish my lengths while being kind enough to not irritate my scalp. I usually wash my hair about  3-4 times a week.
I choose the Extraordinary oil as it promises gentle cleansing, easy detangling anti breakage and nourishment.
L’oreal recommend you:
evenly apply 10-15 pumps on wet hair, and massage in.
leave on 3mins
rinse thouroughly, combing through with your fingers.
Its not intended to completly replace your normal shampoo and conditoning routine but to use a few times a week to help improve your hair instead of your usual shampoo/cond routine
I just have to say 10-15 pumps!!!!!! how much? I know we all like to slap on the conditioner but 10-15 pumps?
ok .. we shall see.
so here’s how it went.

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I thoroughly wet my hair in the shower and start dispensing a few pumps into my hand. Its looks and feels like a conditioner. I evenly coat my hair and I used maybe 8-10 pumps? I gently massaged it in and left it on for 3 mins.

It is a much quicker hair washing routine. I didn’t use any conditioner just to see how it felt.

Rinsing it off felt lovely. I have to say it already feels mush softer, so I am secretly expecting to be amazed.

Drying my hair was just so easy. No tangles,  my brush just glided through my hair as I was drying it. It feels so lovely. My hair is actually shinny and I hadn’t been able to stop touching it. My hair feels clean and my scalp doesn’t feel tight and itchy like it can do after washing. So far I love it!

Even the next day I am surprised how nice it feels. In fact I’ve been using it ever since.

I love it. I love how quick it is to wash as im only applying 1 product(rather then a shampoo and a conditioner) My hair is now shiny and manageable. I have also noticed how much better my scalp is. Its not as tight, itchy and flakey like it usually is. I have not stopped recommending it to people.

I still use ‘normal’ shampoo once a week with a protein or moisture mask but it is my go to shampoo now.

If you have coloured hair I would recommend the colour protect low shampoo.

Well done L’Oreal, another amazing product.

Have you used this low shampoo and what did you think?

XxX

 

 

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

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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

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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

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£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

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£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

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£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

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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

 

 

Blueberries

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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.

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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