Lockdown Haircare Routine

Hey guys! 

I know it has been a while since I updated my blog but since lockdown was called, it feels like I've had ten continuous study weeks. I think it needs to be acknowledged that college students were the only educational group completely ignored during this period. We have been expected to continue our learning 'as normal', still had our end of trimester assessments and have never been so stressed.

I'm lucky that I graduated from my undergraduate degree last year and as my masters is two years, I still have a year to go. The Class of 2020 across all higher education institutions across Ireland have been ignored. 

Aside from the high stress levels, I have taken the time to really look after my hair over the last few weeks. I get my hair cut maybe every 18 months, have never dyed my roots and rarely use any heating tools on my hair. I do however like to look after the length of my hair because I do love having long hair. I also use a silk pillowcase and I couldn't recommend investing in one enough!

L'Oréal Elvive Dream Lengths Shampoo

This smells unreal and it leaves my hair feeling soft and easier to brush. It's obviously made for people with long hair, with the aim of making split ends less visible. It is not a miracle worker, it cannot get rid of them but it does improve their appearance and I have noticed I have a significantly lower amount of split ends since starting to use the shampoo.

It does not leave my hair feeling heavy nor does it leave behind any residue like some other shampoos may do. I normally use the conditioner as well but as I'm washing my hair a lot less at the moment, I'm using a hair mask once a week instead!

The Dream Lengths Shampoo retails for €5.99 in Boots and is currently included in the '3 for 2' offer. Boots operate a home delivery service as well so if you do not want to leave your house, you can shop online!

Garnier Ultimate Blends Papaya & Alma Hair Mask (Damaged Hair)

The next product I am using in my hair at the moment is the papaya mask from the Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food range. I've been using this mask since September and I don't think I can ever use another one again. 

Firstly, this smells good enough to eat (although you definitely cannot eat it)! It is also a vegan formula with 98% natural ingredients meaning it really is good for your hair! 

I leave it in my hair for a few minutes after shampooing once a week and it leaves my hair feeling sleek and smooth. It boosts the moisture in my hair and really helps keep my lengths healthy. I'm pretty committed to my Dream Lengths shampoo and conditioner at the moment but the Ultimate Blends Hair Food range recently expanded with shampoo and conditioners which I will definitely try in the future!

The range is currently half price in McCabes Pharmacy and is such a steal at €4.50!

The Wet Brush

I use a wet brush to brush my hair when it's wet. It does not pull on my hair at all when I'm brushing through it before I start drying. I still lose hair in the process but that's always going to happen and I don't lose nearly as much hair as I would using a normal brush.

I was very on the fence about buying a wet brush but my sister bought one a few months before me and could not stop raving about how good it was. I finally caved and got one when I saw them in TK Maxx and have never looked back since!

If you don't have one of these, I would 100% recommend getting one!

The cheapest retailer I have found is Cloud10Beauty, where they retail for €12.50. TK Maxx may still have some in stock but there is no definite opening date for stores, ordering online may be your best bet at the moment!

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Miraculous Recovery Crème

The next product I use on my hair is the Miraculous Recovery Crème by John Frieda. I rarely style my hair because I'm lucky enough that it dries straight, even when I leave it dry naturally! It can however get quite frizzy so I bought the serum a few months ago and have been using it ever since!

Before drying my hair, I use two pumps and run my hands though my hair. I don't go right up to my roots bur I do try to go through all of the length.

If you're looking for a good serum which will help protect your hair as well as tame any frizz, this is definitely for you!

The Miraculous Recovery Crème is available from Boots for €7.99. 

L'Oréal Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream

This is the final product I use in my hair before drying it. I only use a small amount (about the size of a euro coin) in the ends of my hair. 

This also smells great and is the last step in ensuring my split ends are not that noticeable and helps protect the rest of my hair at the same time!

If you're looking for a regime that protects your lengths and helps the appearance of split ends, the Dream Lengths range really is fantastic!

The No Haircut Cream is currently on offer in Superdrug for €4.50!

Have you guys changed up any routine during lockdown?

Do you use any of the same haircare products as me?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara

 xoxo

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Winter to Spring Transitional Lip Shades

Hey guys!

With the cold snap right now it’s hard to imagine we are transitioning into spring but once I see daffodils, I can’t help wearing brighter cloths and lighter lipstick.

I won’t be going straight for the pale pinks and light nudes but I use some gorgeous transitional shades that range from dark winter hues to light spring pinks.

Most of the lipsticks are wear are matte liquid lipsticks because I love the formula and they are long-lasting but I have some new additions to my favourite transitional shades as well!

L’Oréal ‘I Explore’ Rouge Signature Matte Liquid Lipstick

I love the applicator for this lipstick so much. It’s big enough to glide over your lip easily and the pointed tip allows for precision as well.

The formula is light so I would recommend two coats of this but if you exfoliate and moisturise your lips before application, it will last for hours after blotting as well!

‘I Explore’ is a gorgeous medium nude shade perfect for transitioning from darker nudes to lighter nudes over the next few weeks.

You can never go wrong with a good nude!

The packaging is also a huge plus for me, it’s sleek and matte. I just love the look and feel of it!

‘I Explore’ is available from Boots for €13.99 and is currently in their 3 for 2 offer!

Sleek ‘Vamp’ True Colour Lipstick

Vamp is not your classic transitional shade as it is a deep berry colour but I feel like you have to have at least one berry shade left in your collection for the frosty weeks between January and February.

Vamp is not my favourite formula because it can be quite drying, especially if your lips show any sign of dryness before application but I am a sucker for maroon and berry shades, this lipstick is my kryptonite!

It is by no means transfer proof so be aware of that when using it but if you blot your lips after application, any transfer should be minimal and your look will last a few hours.

A good berry shade is perfect for beige or plain outfits if you need a pop of colour to complete the look!

Vamp is available from Boots for €6.49 and is currently in their buy one get one half price offer! 

Colourpop ‘Times Sqaure’ Ultra Matte Lip

I am a sucker for all things Colourpop! The brand is fantastic and the price point of the products for the quality you are getting is just amazing!

The pigmentation of all of their Ultra Matte Lips is great and this is my second tube of Times Square. The first was a mini from a set but it went so quickly that I had to buy another one when I was in New York!

Times Square is a fabulous transition shade because it is a gorgeous nude with pink undertones! It is one of my favourite neutral shades and you can pretty much wear it with everything which is fabulous.

Times Square is available on Colourpop for $7.

Maybelline 'Stay Exceptional' Superstay Matte Ink Crayon Lipstick

I have a lot to say about this lipstick because I love it. 

First off, the product concept is fantastic. I usually go for liquid lipsticks but this lip crayon is really good! It comes sharpened which is so handy for precise application but the base of the crayon is also a sharpener so you can use it on the go as well!

Stay Exceptional is a lovely rosy pink this is a perfect everyday shade and I am close to buying a second one at this point.

The formula is creamy but dries matte and let me tell you, it lasts! I wore this for my birthday night out. Plenty of drinks were had, as well as the customary chicken nuggets on the way home. When I got home I was taking off my makeup and my lipstick was still perfect!

The lasting power of the Superstay Matte Ink Crayons is something I rarely come across and I am so happy that it works for me. The formula is also quite thin but the pigmentation does not suffer as a result. I would 100% chose this over a cream lipstick any day.

If you are looking for a new matte lipstick, look no further! The Superstay range from Maybelline is all you need.

Even better, the range is currently on offer in Boots, retailing for €14.99 each, they are currently on offer. You can get two for €16 in Boots at the moment!

Colourpop 'Fresh Cut' Ultra Matte Lip

So Fresh Cut has actually been discontinued by Colourpop which is quite sad because it is a lovely warm toned medium-dark pink lipstick perfect for spring!

Like Times Square, the formula is creamy and the pigmentation is great. 

Relay Race is similar shade and is available on Colourpop for $7.

I swatched all of the lipsticks on my arm so you can really see what the shades are like! Each lipstick has been swatched once.

From left to right: I Explore, Vamp, Times Square, Stay Exceptional, Fresh Cut.

What are you favourite transitional shades?

Are any of ours the same?

Do you have any suggestions for me?

Let me know in the comments below! 

Ciara

  xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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Some of the products in this post were gifted by all of the opinions are my own.

How to Save Your Skin this Winter

Hey guys!

I hope everyone had a lovely festive period and have entered the new decade rested and ready for what it will bring!

I spent my time off from college really looking after my skin following the exam period because my skin always reacts to my stress levels! 

Winter is never an easy time for your skin with the crisp air sucking the moisture from it, lips chapping and dullness creeping in. My skin is dry anyway so I have started a new routine to help combat the issues my skin ensures during the cold winter months.

Lush Cosmetics Lip Scrub in Cranberry Fizz

A lip scrub is essential to help combat dry, chapped lips. I love the Lush lip scrubs because you can eat them and they taste fantastic!

It is quite easy to overuse a lip scrub by using it each night but if you use it every second night, your lips should be soft and survive the winter! 

I am using a few different lip balms at the moment and still have not chosen  a favourite but using a good lip balm after using a lip scrub to ensure your lips don't get chapped.

You can also make your own lip scrub using honey and granulated sugar.

Lush lip scrubs generally retail for €9 or €9.50.

Formula 10.0.6 So Totally Clean Cleanser

The first product I use on my skin every night is this cleanser from Formula 10.0.6. It contains salicylic acid which helps to combat problem skin or blemish-prone skin, which definitely helped my skin recover after exams!

The cleanser kind of makes my eyes tear up when I use it but I love the smell and it makes my skin feel clean before I go onto my next step in my routine.

An important thing to note is that you should not use any other product containing salicylic acid while using this cleanser due to it containing a high concentration of salicylic acid itself.

The So Totally Clean Cleanser is available from Beauty Bay for €8.50.

Kelkin Tea Tree Clear Skin Roller

A firm favourite in my skin routine, after using the cleanser, I topically apply this on any blemishes or potential blemishes I may have.

I have found this harder to come by but the pharmacy beside where I work stocks it at the moment so I have bought a few to ensure I don't run out of it!

The aim of the roller is to help the appearance of blemishes while also working to get rid of them.

Tea tree oil and lavender are fantastic and are known to help treat and prevent most types of spots.

The roller can range anywhere from €4.50 to €5.50.

Nip+Fab Dragon's Blood Fix Plumping Serum

I don't always use the serum in my routine but if my skin is particularly dry then I use the serum before moisturiser as an extra shot of hydration for my skin.

As I have said before, a little drop of this goes a long way and I don't think I have even gotten halfway through this bottle yet!

I love the results I have gotten from using this and will definitely repurchase this at some point in the future (when I have significantly reduced the size of my stash!).

A full-size Dragon's Blood Fix Plumping Serum is available from Boots for €26.99.

Nivea Daily Essentials 24H Moisture Boost Moisturiser

During the day, I'll use this moisturiser because it is not too heavy and definitely helps my dry skin stay hydrated.

What's great about this moisturiser is the it is inexpensive, good quality and has SPF in it. I cannot stress how important using a moisturiser with an SPF in it is. Ireland on a good day may not be sunny but UV rays are always there and can damage your skin! 

Always buy a moisturiser with an SPF in it!

This Nivea moisturiser retails for €6.49 in Boots and is on offer quite often.

Uriage Age Protect Multi-Action Detox Night Cream

I was originally gifted this night cream by a PR company and have repurchased it twice since then, that is how much I love it!

The whole Uriage Age Protect range aims to protect the skin from the harmful effects of overexposure to blue light (which is emitted from all screens!) while also moisturising and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

I love this night cream because it really boosts my skin's moisture and while I don't think I have any wrinkles yet, using the cream as a preventative practice cannot be a bad idea!

The Uriage Age Protect Multi-Action Detox Night Cream is available from cosmeticsonline.ie for €33.

 Kiko Milano 30 Days Extension Night Treatment Booster

A lot of people forget that their lashes can become brittle during the winter months as well. I love using this lash treatment just before going to bed at night and have noticed a difference in my lash health.

While I have not noticed a difference in my lash length, I have not used it for 30 days yet either.

I will definitely continue to use it over the next while and will update everyone on how I feel about the product soon!

The 30 Days Extension Night Treatment Booster is available from Kiko Milano for €5.59.

Champneys Relaxation Gift

The final step in saving my skin this winter may be the most important step.

A good night's sleep sets you up for the next day and this duo from Champneys really helps me have a restful night. I spray the calming mist on my pillow just before bed and the silk-like eye mask helps to keep any slits of light from interrupting my sleep.

The set also came with a calming temple balm which I use from time-to-time when I need to de-stress or feel a migraine coming on.

I bought the Champneys Relaxation Gift last year from Boots and I don't think it is available again this year.

Do you have a different routine during the winter months?

What products do you use?

Do we use any of the same products?

Let me know in the comments below! 

Ciara

  xoxo.

Twitter: twitter.com/ciarakittyk

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