Top Tip Friday

Top Tip Friday 

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Some times I dread washing my hair! If I have a a few days were I just threw my hair up in a top knot or wore it tussled, wavey or in lose curls I especially dread it. The reason for this is the tangled mess that it ends up in! 

Every one know attempting to brush your hair when it is in this state results in a lot of broken hair. No one wants that. So my to tip is this 

About 1 hour before you wash your hair liberally spay a detangling leave in conditioner on to your hair. Turn your head upside and spray spay! Leave the conditioner in your hair for an hour or so then wash as normal. I find the leave in condition does a few things all of which are good! 

* your hair is detangled- maybe not perfectly flowing but it is much more manageable. 

*it is much easier to wash your hair and brush it out after. Less hair is broken. 

*my hair is really soft and feels really well conditioned. The extra conditioner left in my hair for the hour or so helps strengthen my hair. 

These three benefits would , in my opinion, be welcomed by everyone. 

At the moment I really like using 2 leave in conditioners. These are; 










Both are excellent and do exactly what I want them to do so I would recommend both. 
One extra little tip for you - I also spray my hair with one of these products before I go swimming. I spray liberally and then pop on my swimming hat. I find that the extra conditioner really helps protect my hair from the negative effects of chlorine that's in the pool! 

So there you have it. My to tip for Friday - two little tips in one ! I really hope you find this helpful! 

Have a fabulous weekend 

xoxo 

OH and REMEMBER - COMPETITION TIME - running at the mo just CLICK HERE 

xoxo

Radiance - Give It A Glow !!

Radiance - Give It A Glow !!

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My post last Thursday was all about the bronzer and comparing a high end product to a drug store product (click HERE if you fancy a quick read). Keeping it tune with that this week I want to focus on radiance boosting creams/balms and again look at a high end product and a drug store buy.

Radiance creams and balms are by definition a skin saviour for those dull skin days were you need a lift. These creams claim to offer the skin a helping hand  in achieving that "just awoke from a perfect 8 hours" look while also offering skin care benefits. I love the sound of this so I have tired a few products that claim to offer such benefits. I have chosen two to share with you!

Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm by Elemis 

This beauty balm falls in to the high end category for sure priced at approximately €42.00 for 50ml or 1.7 fl.oz. This Product claims to offer skin flattering qualities while also offering rich moisturizing qualities. In short this product claims to offer the user 3 products in one:

• Moisturizer 
• Radiance Booster 
• Primer 

 I have had this product for a few months now and I have been using it very often. When I first got it I used it for a month non stop as I was curious to see if it was as good as the reviews. First impressions were positive. The cream itself is rich in texture meaning a little goes a long way. It has no smell at all and seems to glide on to the skin. I put in on in the mornings where some days I would wear make up and others I would not. The days I wear make up I find that it really does have good primer qualities. The balm itself glides on smooth and my make up tends to be glide over it just as smooth. My make up does not become blotchy or patchy (but this may have a little to do with the fact that my foundation suits my skin type). My skin does not feel dry so there is some level of moisture present in the product. As for a radiant look or glow, it is hard to be sure when you are wearing make up (and due to the fact I like illuminating foundations like NARS Sheer Glow). The real proof is when I am not make up free. I have to admit this balm does add a certain glow to my skin. My skin looks healthy and fresh. The dullness is not so evident. I think the real poof is in the fact that I genuinely do not mind going make up free once I have this product on - just a swipe of lip balm and  helping of mascara and I am good to go! Therefore on the radiance boosting scale this is a good product.
I tend to only have one issue with this product - I would like it to contain an SPF. I am not one for layer on my lotions and potions on my face so if I could get one product with all this product offers and an SPF I would be chuffed! Until then however I will continue to enjoy the benefits of using this illuminating balm - expensive but worth it in my opinion.

Garnier Skin Naturals Moisture Match Wake Me Up Revitalising Hydrating Gel

Priced at approximately €5.50 this is drug store product that is part of the Garnier Moisture Match Collection. It claims to lift dull skin, give you the bright and radiant look while also offering 24 hour hydration. This product is a gel consistency and is really light. I used it for two weeks solid  to see if my skin benefited. First impressions were a little mixed but positive also. 

I am generally not a fan of gel moisturizers but the one thing I did like about this product is the fact that it is water based and you could feel that in the products consistency. It has citrus extracts which does give it a nice subtle smell. Once applied to the skin I found it takes a few minutes to absorb fully. As I mentioned it a water based gel and my preference is a cream moisturizer and this only became more apparent when I was using this. my skin just did not feel 100% moisturized. As for the radiance boosting elements or the "wake me up" element. I found my skin did look a little brighter but again not to a great extent. Over all I liked this product but I did not love it. I wont be using it as my daily moisturizer. I would recommend it maybe for younger skin, maybe late teens early 20's as it may offer more of that the skin at that age needs. This range of products are a good idea and offer products for five different skin types. I just was not a favorite of mine. 

As can be seen from my shared experiences of the two products above  I will be sticking with the high end product in my pursuit of radiant skin. I am also a fan of Clarins Beauty Flash Balm which offers radiance boosting qualities and can be used all over the body. 

Do you use a radiance boosting balm? If so please share your experiences I love to hear them. 

Hope you found this post helpful and if there is a particular product you would like compared from high end to drug store please leave a comment below telling me. 

oh and REMEMBER - COMPETITION TIME - running at the mo just CLICK HERE #

xoxo

 

 

COMPETITION TIME -------------------

COMPETITION TIME -------------------

I have been writing and compiling this blog now for a little over 8 months and I have loved every minute of it. I have presented 100 blog post and to me this is a little achievement that I am really proud of. I really hope one or two of you out there have enjoyed one or two of my posts. 

As a means of marking my 100th post I have decided to run a little giveaway to thank you for dropping by my blog. Seeing as my 100th blog post featured what I believe is a great little find in the world of fake tans I want to give one ready the set I reviewed (to have a look at my full review click HERE) 

Hi Shi 3 Step Discovery Kit offers you all you need for a golden glow which can be built upon to achieve a rich dark tan. The set contains

•  He-Shi Exfoliating Bodywash 50ml
• He-Shi Express Liquid Tan 50ml
• He-Shi Miniature Tanning Mit
• He-Shi Gradual Tan 50 ml 

RULES OF THE COMPETITION 

The rules are simple. Follow each step below 

1. Be a member/follower of this blog and leave a comment under this post just saying HI ! 
2. Like my Facebook. CLICK HERE OR follow me on Twitter  CLICK HERE - which ever you follow or like leave me a comment saying HI!
3. This giveaway is open to every one every where 
4. The giveaway will run for 2 weeks - ending 28th August 2013. 
5. GOOD LUCK 

XOXO 

Hi Shi 3 Step Discovery Kit

Hi Shi 3 Step Discovery Kit 

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Hi Shi 3Step Dicovery Kit 

Being Irish I am blessed with Celtic skin. This means that I am pale, pale and pink with a good dose of freckles . In the sun I burn and when I say burn I mean burn pink and it is very raw and painful. For this reason I tend not to tan at all. If I do it's just because ally freckles join together and become one big freckle! It comes as no surprise then that I have tried many a fake tan, therefore this week my trail size packs focus on fake tan. I have tried and tested many tan and I have to say this is one of the best! 

He Shi fake tan has been the popular choice for many but like all cosmetic products it is always great to try a small amount and be able to not spend a whole lot of money and then make up your mind. He Shi offer this 3 step discovery kit that offers us just that.

He-Shi Discovery Kit Contains:-



He-Shi Exfoliating Bodywash 50ml

This is a rich effective exfoliator that removes dead skin and gently polishes the skin. It smells amazing with a little hint of strawberries. Even if your not tanning this is a lovely body wash. 
He-Shi Express Liquid Tan 50ml






This is a tuned liquid tan that goes on to the skin really well. The dark tint really helps to ensure a steak free tan. There is no strong smell like other tans. The one thing I really like about this tan is the fact that it wears off really well. Over all it is a nice bronzed shade that can be subtle or built upon depending on the number of applications. 
He-Shi Miniature Tanning Mitt

Soft and strong - what more can you ask for ! 









He-Shi Day to Day Gradual Tan 50ml





A rich moisturising lotion with a hint of colour. Great for a mid week freshen up for your colour. Is not stick, streaky or strong smelling. 

This is the perfect kit to create a golden tan yet keeping your skin in really good condition. - Is Ecocert approved with 100% Natural DHA

- Is odourless + streak free

- Is suitable for face and body

- Is Paraben Free + Alcohol Free

- Is pH balanced for sensitive skin

- Is long lasting with its moisture lock technology infused within the range

I have used this discovery kit and went on to buy the full set in full size products so I think that is recommendation enough- this is a good tanning range! 

Do you use fake tan and if so what products do u use? Please leave a comment below telling me about your chosen products. 

Xoxo 

Mondays Nails = Nail Wraps .......How To !

Nail Wraps ...............How To! 

Attempting to stick to my goal of dedicating Mondays to all thing nails I wanna share my experience of attempting to apply nail wraps. 

I have always been a little dubious of Nail Wraps. They just seemed a little fiddlie or complicated to me. In my pursuit of attempting to try new beauty trends I decided to bit the bullet and have a go! 

I came across these flower design nail wraps in my local Dealz store ( similar to a cut price store) and thought for the price of €1.49 they were not too expensive if I made a complete mess of applying them. Pink roses on a chocolate brown background seemed like a pretty design so my adventure began ! 

I began by ensuring there was no old nail polish on my nails by cleaning each nail with a little nail polish remover. 

I then filed each nail to keep the shape I like and buffed each nail
Using a buffer by Layton Denny. I like this buffer as it has 4 sides in a block that allows you to file, buff as polish each nail. I finished my preparation by applying one coat of OPI Nail Envy. I find this product by OPI an excellent tool to strengthen my nails and keep them in over all goo condition. 





Next I decided on which nail wrap size matched each nail. Only need to do this for one hand as there are 2 wraps for each size 

Once you have the correct size carefully remove the wrap place the rounded end towards your cuticle gentle lay the wrap along the nail. Using your finger or the flat end if a cuticle stick run it along the nail just to flatten the nail wrap and remove any bubbles. Pinch the ends like shown. This just makes the next step easier! 






















Using a nail file gently file the nail warp at the edge of your nail. This will remove the excess nail wrap. Once removed just file gently to achieve the desired shape. 

That's it! The whole process is much easier then I had envisioned. So much so I have purchased more nail wraps and will defiantly be using them more often! Have you tried nail wraps ? If so do you like them? Please leave a comment with any recommendations you may have. 

Xoxo 

Top Tip Friday

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The best make up in the world can never replace good skin. To achieve good skin is a difficult task that centers around finding good skin care products that suit your skin, maintaining and protecting a good skin care routine and of course a handful of good genetics lends a helping hand too!

I have mentioned in a very early post on my blog that if I could give my teenage self advice I would it would be to establish a good skin care routine from an early age. CLICK HERE. As the saying goes prevention is better than cure!

In this post I aim to share with you one of my top tip that helps me keep my skin clear and in good condition – well most of the time (we can always prevent the dreaded hormonal break outs or just bad skin days!)

¬  USE A GOOD TONER!

I only started to use a good toner in recent years and I can whole hearty say that it has turned my skin around. If at all possible use an antibacterial toner. These toners have really excellent cleansing properties and ensure that all the nasty bacteria that cause nastier breakouts and spots. The routine I follow is cleansed (using a wash cleanser and a liquid cleanser) tone using an anti bacterial toner, serum and moisturize.

My favorite toners at the moment include

1.  Blue Green Algae Toner by Michael Todd 

This is my most favourite toner and is simply really effective. I have done posts on this product before and all the posts (click HERE)

For information on this Michael Todd toner CLICK HERE

2.  Origins – Balancing Toner

This is a refreshing toner that is gentle yet effective on the skin. It has a slight tingling effect on the skin which adds to the “clean “feeling on the skin. This toner also has exfoliating properties but does not strip the skin.

For more information on Origins CLICK HERE

3.  Clinique – Clarifying Lotion

This is toner I am currently using and so far I am finding it really good. It is said to helps clear away pollution, dulling flakes for smooth, glowing skin.

It also is said to help pores look their smallest. Skin accepts moisture better. Grows more resistant to impurities. Stays healthier – all of these fabulous properties I am really hopeful will prove to be true. So far I am finding it good, it did bring out a few impurities in the form of small break outs but I was warned about this when purchasing. This has settled down now and I am finding my skin to be clearer. Only time will tell my true impressions!

For more info CLICK HERE

In conclusion my top tip for Friday is use a good toner and if at all possible use an anti-bacterial or balancing toner!

I hope you find this skin care tip helpful.

Xoxo

Bronzer - Glow or No

Bronzer - Glow or Go 

One of my favorite makeup items I really enjoying using during the spring summer months is bronzer. There are so many bronzers, powder or liquid, it is not the easiest task to find the correct bronzer for your skin type or skin tone. I have tried many but I tend to always return to my favorites. Like many other bloggers and cosmetic junkies out there I enjoy using the cult favorite that is Nars Laguna – A bronzer I have mentioned many times in various other blog post, for example click here

In this post I am going to give you my opinions on two of my current favourite bronzers, one from the high end of the market and one from the drug store lower price range.

Diorskin Nude – Natural Radiance Bronzing Powder

This product is high end meaning that is from a designer brand and is a little more expensive. This is bronzer is designed to adjust to the users skin tone therefore giving a more natural glow to the skin. It comes with a kabuki brush for application. It is available in 6 shades – 3 very natural shades and 3 darker shades to give a deeper warm bronzed look.

This is a great multitasking product that you can use year-round because it's not too intense and looks very natural. I find this bronzer simply a delight to use. It really does achieve its aim in that it provides the most natural bronzed glow. I use shade 002 Amber  and I find this shade really suits my skin tone. It is excellent for a bronzed glow all over the face and neck, it is suitable for day wear yet can be built upon to achieve a deeper glow as night wear (or to achieve a heavier makeup look). The pigmentation is good, it is natural yet rich. In short it gives your skin a really pretty sun kissed glow.

The packaging for this product is very enticing and does definitely make you look twice. It is delivered in a hard sliver Dior branded circular casing. Inside is a compact mirror and as mentioned this product comes with a mini kabuki brush. This brush is good in so far as it’s convenient to carry around in your handbag but I mainly use a powder brush for application. I really like the packaging but the one fault I would have with it is that it is a little heavy.

Over all I am enjoying using this product and I would recommend it if you are in search of a very natural looking bronzer that is kind on your skin and provides a sun kissed glow. Priced at €40 approximately it is an investment product but in my opinion a worthy bronzer for your makeup collection. For more info here

Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder

This bronzing powder falls in to the lower end of the price range priced at approximately €8.99 it is, in my opinion, a real bargain. This product looks good, works well and smells divine! Not bad for a drug store product. I use Peaux 52 which I have found to really suit my skin tone. As a bronzer it is designed to provide a subtly iridescent glow. The shade/colour is natural and in no way orange. It is packed with tiny little gold flecks that to that sun kissed glow what we all hope to achieve by using a bronze. It is slightly richer in pigmentation then the Diorskin Nude Bronzer mentioned above and it can be built upon to achieve a richer, darker glow if desired. It lasts on the skin which is always a bonus. This product is an excellent multi task product for example I find that this product is excellent to use when contouring the skin (skin bones, attempting to slim down certain area of the face etc).

The packaging is simple - hard cardboard with a magnetic strip for secure closure. This packaging protects the product but be careful it does not get wet as I am guessing liquid would may damage the packaging. Another little added bonus of using this product is the smell. Not only does this product look like chocolate it also smells like chocolate! In short this product looks good, smells good and works really good. What more could you ask for – defiantly worth a try.

For more info here

Both of these products are worth the fuss and individually they have many good points and I have really been enjoying using both products. I hope you find this post helpful.

What bronzers have you used and really enjoyed? Please leave a comment below telling me, as I have shared many times I love to try new products and hear your feedback.

Almost the weekend (“,) ……

XOXO