Masks You Should Be Wearing This Halloween

 

Hey guys!

I hope you're keeping well. For those of us in Ireland, the next five weeks might be dark and cold but that does not mean there is no light at the end of the tunnel. After this lockdown hopefully, people will have learned that when restrictions ease, life does not go back to normal. We have to remain cautious and careful about who we see, how often and where. If we all stick together and stay at home, things will improve!

On that note, I have done a roundup of my favourite masks for scary skin and horror hair this Halloween! We may not be able to go out but we can certainly take care of ourselves whilst staying in.

Jessica Graaf Reusable Barrier Masks 

Possibly the most important mask you should be wearing this Halloween is a mask when you are on public transport, grocery shopping or out for essential reasons!

I love Jessica Graaf's masks. They are the only ones I have used since reusable masks became easier to purchase during the summer. The masks are cotton, breathable, light and the designs are just gorgeous!

I am really hoping there is a Christmas line as well!

I have bought all of my masks in Supervalu but you can buy them on the Jessica Graaf website as well, they retail for €5 in both.

Garnier Fresh-Mix Vitamin C Tissue Mask

I love sheet masks. Some find them messy but I absolutely love them! The Garnier Fresh-Mix masks are so good as well because each mask has the equivalent of one bottle of serum! This mask leaves my skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

This mask is cool and refreshing and I would definitely recommend using it if your skin needs a pick me up. The tissue mask does not contain any animal ingredients or by-products!

Garnier Fresh-Mix Vitamin C Tissue Masks are available from Boots for €4.99.

No7 Instant Results Nourishing Hydration Mask

I love this mask because it's a cream mask that does not dry out your skin at all. Finding a mask that does not dry out your skin and gives it all the fab benefits that it claims to do is HARD! I have dry skin and at the moment it is more irritated due to wearing face masks but this does not irritate it any further.

The formula is quite thick which some people may not like but the hydration I get from this is unparalleled and I have also noticed my pores look smaller (not sure if this is a side effect of this mask or my skincare regimen at the moment as a whole).

The No7 Instant Results Nourishing Hydration Mask is available from Boots for €15 and is currently in the a buy one get one 50% offer.

Garnier Moisture Bomb Orange Juice Eye Sheet Mask

I originally received this eye mask as a Christmas present from the Garnier last year and used it after a night out because my under-eyes were in desperate need of some rejuvenation! These are cooling as well as soothing and really give tired eyes an extra boost.

I have tried these both with and without putting them into the fridge and definitely prefer the results I get when they are put into the fridge a few hours before I use them.

These smell great and I love taking my Real Techniques Under Eye Reviver to use any excess product afterwards!

Garnier's Moisture Bomb Eye Sheet Mask is available from Boots for €3.99 and is currently in their 3 for 2 offer!

Real Technique's Under Eye Reviver is part of the Prep + Prime Skincare Brush Set available from ASOS for €31.99.

L'Oréal  Elvive Dream Lengths Hair Mask

I love a good hair mask. I have long hair so looking after my length, especially the ends, is so important to me. I have changed up my shampoos and conditioners recently but my hair mask has remained unchanged. Not only does this smell unreal, it also gives my hair some added hydration when I need it!

A mask will not solve a bad hair routine but in combination with decent shampoos and conditioners (the Dream Lengths range is fantastic), this will definitely help improve your hair health!

L'Oréal Elvive's Dream Lengths Hair Mask is available from Boots for €6.29 and is currently in their 3 for 2 offer. You can also try the whole range, including the No Haircut Cream for €14.82.

Neutrogena Clean and Defend Wash-Mask

I love this mask because you can use it as a face wash as well, depending on your mood you can decide between a wash and a mask in one product!

This really helps problematic areas of my skin and even when I just use it as a mask, it definitely helps angry spots calm down.

I haven't used a huge range of Neutrogena products (pretty much just this and the majority of the Hydro Boost line, which I love!) but from what I have used, I have yet to find a product that lets me down.

Neutrogena's Clean and Defend Wash-Mask is available from Superdrug for £4.99.

I just realised that all of my favourite masks are orange but it definitely keeps with the Halloween theme!

This Halloween might be a different one but you can definitely look after yourself and you skin by giving it a little extra TLC!

What are your favourite face masks?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara

 xoxo

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Mini Sephora Haul

Hey guys!

So while I was in Milan, I made it my mission to find a Sephora (or two) and they did not disappoint! I had only ever been in one other Sephora (In Krakow) so I didn't really know what to expect walking in. At first I was kind of overwhelmed with the various floors in the store and seen as Ali had just come back from the States with a whole load of new makeup for us, I wasn't really looking for any makeup in particular.

That being said, I did spend the guts of an hour just browsing around the store and ended up coming out with a heap of Sephora skincare and one primer that I've been dying to try!

I have a few of their sheet masks left from when Ali came home but I hadn't come across their overnight masks before and I just had to try them! While I was there, they were two for €5 so I took advantage of this by buying a few different ones.

Each mask has a different purpose and they are so easy to use.

The green mask (green tea) is used for clean. smooth and matte skin.

The ivory mask (pearl) is used for evening out and brightening the skin.

The pink mask (rose) is used for hydrated, luminous and brighter skin.

The blue mask (algae) is used for a fresh and radiant complexion in the morning.

The purple mask (orchid) is used for skin that feels firmer in the morning.

I used the orchid mask while I was away and I loved it! I applied a thin layer of the mask on my face and neck after I had cleansed my face. I found there was enough in the pack for two applications so I shared it with my sister!

I love using eye masks after flights and have used this one before. It smells fab and the rose mask is aimed at giving you plumper, fresher and brighter looking eyes!

This mask was €3.95

The final thing I picked up in Sephora was a mini version of Too Faced's Hangover primer. I have wanted to try the primer for ages and the mini is quite big (20ml) and was only €15 so I thought it was the perfect way to try it out without fully committing.

I haven't tried it yet but once a do, expect a review!

Have you been in a Sephora recently?

What did you buy?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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Hit Refresh With Artistry

Hey guys! 

So earlier in the month I went to the Artistry summer event in the Morrison and if you follow me on social media, you'll have seen how fab the event was!

We got the opportunity to get up close and personal with the products and the fabulous team that were flown in from all over the world demonstrated a quick and easy summer look!

The new Hydra-V range really intrigued me as a have spots of very dry skin and the range is very hydrating and great if the summer months dry out your skin! I cannot wait to get my hands on the replenishing moisture cream.

As well as getting to see some of the fab products they have to offer, we also got a lovely gift bag at the end which was so lovely and I was so excited to try out some new products!

Artistry Deep Cleansing Mask

When I saw this mask I was so excited! If you follow me on social media, you'll know I always use face masks and love trying out new ones!

Artistry's mask contains kaolin and amazonian white clay that aims to deeply cleanse, draw out dirt and oils and help reduce the appearance of pores. I have been using this mask twice a week for three weeks and I love it! 

Clay masks are a firm favourite of mine and this one leaves my skin feeling smoother and I have been less prone to breakouts as well which is fabulous! The guidelines suggest leaving it on for five minutes but I leave it on for ten to fifteen minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. The mask is launching later this summer and keep an eye out for it because once this one is gone, I'll definitely be needing another one!

Amway USB

We were also given this handy USB that I have started to store my blog pictures on so I never lose them!

Artistry Signature Colour Light-Up Lip Gloss

I have featured these lip glosses on my social media before because RDC PR kindly sent some to me a few months ago and I loved them.

While I don't usually wear gloss, when I do want some extra shine for my lips, I am always reaching for these! The formula is longlasting, even though it's stick and the light inside the lid is super handy on nights out!

These lip glosses retail for €25 but with the light inside and the quality of the packaging, as well as the pigmentation of the gloss, I can definitely see why! 

I was given the shade Juicy Peach, which I already own, and used for these pictures so the second one is unopened! Keep an eye out for it in a giveaway soon!

Thank you so much to Amway and RDC PR for a fabulous event and lovely gift bag!

Have you guys used Artistry before?

What products did you try?

What did you think?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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Current Skincare Wishlist

Hey guys!

I cannot believe we're almost halfway through June already, the time has flown! I got my exam results last week and I am so happy, all my stress over results is finally gone and I can finally try and clear my skin up for the summer once and for all!

I have a long list of what I would love to buy I hopefully will get my hands on soon as skincare is something that so many people overlook but one of the most important things we have to look after!

Voya Lazy Days Seaweed Bath

I recently went to the Kilkenny Shop in Greystones where they had Voya on showcase and the lovely Sarah showed me their seaweed bath set. I fell in love with the set as it is supposed to re-hydrate skin while soothing it as well.

My bath is currently out of action but as soon as it is back in action, I will be buying this set and I cannot wait! It is a three day process where you bathe in the seaweed the first night and for the final two, you bathe with the dead sea salt.

It sounds fab and I cannot wait to try it out!

The Voya Lazy Days Seaweed Bath is available from the Kilkenny Shop for €20!

Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose Body Lotion

I tried this hand lotion a few weeks ago and the scent is divine! The rhubarb scent is zesty while the undertone of rose is sweet, making this body lotion right up my street. I love using body lotions because it helps keep your skin moisturised throughout the day and when the scent lasts, it is definitely an added bonus.

I regularly use Molton Brown hand creams and their quality is unrivaled by anything else I have tried!

The Rhubarb & Rose Body Lotion is available from Molton Brown's website for  €31.

Benefit Dream Screen SPF

Benfit's Dream Screen is an oil-free SPF which is fab with people who have an oily t-zone, like me. It has a lightweight formula with an SPF 45 which is exactly what you need for your face because you don't want it getting burned or worse!

What I love about Dream Screen is that you can totally wear makeup over it and it won't slip and slide all over your face which is an added bonus.

Dream Screen is available from Benefit Boutiques and concession stands nationwide for €36.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask

The Body Shop's Tea Tree Face Mask is aimed towards blemished skin without drying it out! It helps to soothe the skin while absorbing excess oil. Using the mask once a week will definitely help with problem skin!

The Body Shop is also a fabulous brand as they are completely cruelty free so no animals are harmed in the producing of this product.

The Tea Tree Face Mask is available from The Body Shop nationwide for €16.50.

Lush Brazened Honey Fresh Face Mask

I have tried a few Lush face masks at this point but never a fresh mask and I have heard so many fabulous things about Brazened Honey! Some reviews claim that using the mask once a week will help reduce your pores until they are basically gone which is fab!

It is supposed to be great for the t-zone and any breakouts that you may have, while leaving your skin feeling smooth and revitalised. 

Brazened Honey is available from Lush stores natuonwide for roughly €8.95.

These guys have to be my top five skincare wants at the moment! 

What is on your skincare wishlist?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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October Favourites

Hey guys!

I can't believe I'm doing my October favourites right now, the month just flew by! November is such a busy month for me with Christmas launches, my birthday, exam prep and my trip to London!

I got so many fabulous press gifts over the past few weeks that I absolutely love and have featured some in this month's favourites.

Shadow Switch

I absolutely love this product. The fabulous team over at Beauty Essentials sent me this at the start of the month and I have been using it almost daily! If you're switching up your shadow colours for a smokey eye or just something dramatic, all you have to do is rub your brush over a few times and it's clean!

Shadow Switch retails for £5.99 and will be launching in Sephora soon!

Begutea Morning Buzz

Begu were kind enough to send me a selection of their teas a few weeks ago and I absolutely love Morning Buzz! I usually have this with my breakfast each morning because it is packed full of antioxidants and has an added caffeine kick that's better for you than coffee! It's also a great tea to start any detox with as it doesn't have any nasty side effects! 

Begu's Morning Buzz is available on their site for roughly €16.65.

Vegas Nay's Eylure Collection

Guys I am obsessed with these lashes. The collection has dramatic lashes as well as lashes you can wear daily which I love. Easy Elegance (Red packaging) has to be my favourite pair as I can easily wear them casually and on a night out!

Vegas Nay's collection is available from Eylure and prices range from €6.60 to €8.80

Magnitone Lucid Cleansing Brush

I reviewed Magnitone's Lucid Brush last year and have been using it ever since. I'm fairly sure they have rebranded it as the Barefaced Cleansing Brush since then but the model looks the same.

I use the brush almost daily with a cleanser and I love how soft it leaves my skin. It's also great for clearing your skin if you're having a bad week.

Magnitone Cleansing Brushes are available from Boots and are currently on offer for €90.

Scribble Prints Co. Ballerina Planner Kit

I can't remember which weekly kit this was from Scribble Prints but I am obsessed with the rose gold ballerina theme. Scribble Prints Co. have so many amazing kits and mini kits that will suit every budget and I have been loving the planner mail I've been getting from them recently!

Weekly kits are €23.15 from the Etsy Shop but their are other kits available as well.

Inglot Lipstick - Shade 293

Y'all know I am obsessed with berry and dark lips shades during the colder months and Inglot's lipstick in sahde 293 is a staple in my collection. I end up buying a new one every year I wear it that often! I love it because it is perfectly creamy and lasts for ages!

Inglot's Lipstick in 293 are available in store and online for €15.

Technic Setting Spray

If you guys follow me on snapchat (ciarakxo just in case you don't!), you will have seen me obsessing over the pigmentation of the eyeshadow palette technic sent me in a press pack a few weeks ago. This setting spray was also in the pack and I've been using it on my last couple nights out. I'm totally impressed by it because my makeup has stayed on all night!

Technic's range is available from their website and it's a budget friendly brand that I love.

Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask

I love a good face mask and am currently obsessed with Garnier's Moisture Bomb mask. I find it great for rehydrating my skin (especially now that it's getting colder), and I don't have to use another mask for about 10 days!

Garnier's Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask is currently on offer in Boots for €1.39.

The Vampire Diaries

I don't know how I feel about the fact that season 8 is the beginning of the end but my love of TVD has been renewed. My Saturdays have gotten that much better because I can sit on the couch, wrapped in a blanket and obsess over the Salvatore brothers once more.

Thigh High Socks

I don't know what it is about autumn and winter but I cannot wait to wear thigh high socks and long jumpers every year. I am obsessing over the selection in Penneys this year because they have cute little bows on the side and I even wore a pair with my Halloween costume this year!

What did you love during October?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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Face Mask Essentials

Hey guys!

I love a good face mask! I use them on a regular basis and have developed some firm favourites over the last while and I never go away without packing one.

Clay masks are a must for me but I also love the Lush collection of masks. If you don't use a face mask regularly (at least once a week), I would highly recommend you invest in a good one and start using it. Face masks do wonders for my skin and they always leave me feeling confident in my own skin!

Origins Active Charcoal Mask

I love this mask! The active charcoal is said to draw out pore cloggers, the white clay draws out pollutants and the mask leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth.

I apply this using a flat foundation brush that I no longer use for makeup and leave it on until it hardens (usually 10-15 minutes). 

If you're looking for a good quality mask and are willing to invest in one, I'd definitely grab this one next time you're in Boots! I use this mask once a week.

Origins Active Charcoal Face Mask is available from Boots for €30.

Beauty Formulas Seaweed Clay Mask

I picked this mask up in a pharmacy in West Cork during the summer for €3.99 and honestly wasn't expecting much.

After using the mask for a few weeks I have fallen in love as my skin is visibly clearer and moisturised after using it. I also apply this using my old foundation brush and leave it on until it hardens.

Clay masks are some of my favourite and with the seaweed in this one, it is definitely cleansing.

Lush Angels On Bare Skin

Okay so  Lush classifies this as a cleanser but I like to believe it's a face mask. All you do with this cleanser is take a pinch in your hand, mix it with some water and apply it to your face.

I leave this on my face for a few minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water. I use this once a week, usually on Sunday nights and it leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh for the week ahead!

Angels On Bare Skin is available from Lush stores nationwide for roughly €20.

What face masks do you love?

Have you tried my favourite ones?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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