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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Garnier Green Beauty - A Sustainable Story

Hi guys!

I hope you're keeping well. It really is a strange world we are living in at the moment. If you had told me in January that my final year in college (I finish my masters this academic year) would be online and press events would turn virtual, I probably would've laughed.

Hopefully with everyone sticking to the guidelines and the phases for testing a vaccine go to plan, we can gain some form of normality in the near future.

I took some time away from my blog and really most social media over the summer. Despite everything, I had an incredibly fulfilling summer! I am so delighted that I have secured a Training Contract with DLA Piper and will start working with the in 2022. I also quit my part-time job so I could focus on the upcoming academic year and I spent a lot of time away from Dublin which was great!

It has been so nice to get back into the swing of things and the Garnier 'Virtual Press Trip' today was a great start to it all.

I love Garnier products, that is no secret. From Garnier Summer Body to Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food, I am always using their products. The event today highlighted Garnier's clear commitment to Green Beauty by 2025.

We got to hear from experts like Laurent Gilbert and Caroline Delaunay on how Green Sciences will allow Garnier to make the change by limiting their environmental impact and preserving ecosystems. It is so refreshing to hear a brand championing their green initiatives and working towards a more sustainable product as well as more sustainable packaging and practices.

Garnier plans to be 100% carbon neutral by 2025. This is not an easy task from such a large, well-known brand. Challenges surrounding consuming zero virgin plastic, among others are noted but the brand seems confident that their 2025 goal will be met, but the change won't stop there. They also hope to achieve this by the end of 2020 in Europe!

It was so interesting to hear about their goal of using 100% post-consumer recycled material for their packaging in less than five years. They have already preempted issues such as achieving vibrant colours on the already recycled packaging, which shows they are not willing to compromise on the quality of their products while on this sustainable journey!

The Garnier Organic range already includes some products that I don't think I could live without, having used them for just over a year now! I suffer from dry skin and the Argan Multi-Use Rescue Balm does wonders when my skin reacts to harsh weather or goes through a particularly dry spell. The balm is rich but non-greasy which is something I was surprised about. I have used some on my hands in recent months as well as it is great!

New product launches into the range are imminent as well!

 The Hemp Multi-Restore Facial Sleeping Oil is vegan and intend to deeply nourish your skin overnight. Aimed towards dry, sensitive and stressed skin, this is definitely something I would love to try.

The shampoo bar is also a new product I will definitely purchase. With zero plastic waste, and a promise that the product works in the same way (hair goals still achievable!), this is definitely a move in the right direction for haircare!

It was really interesting to hear from Laurent Gilbert (Head of Sustainable Innovation) that they want to replace silicone in products by reinvented the formulation, starting from natural waxes and moving onto even more natural alternatives. 

The launch I am most excited for is the Reusable Eco Pads. I am currently using a few reusable makeup removers, including Face Halo and the Skinny Dip x Primark peaches but these ones are pink so I might just be sold on the colour alone!

The point that was really driven home was that understanding change is important and Garnier are actively trying to understand how they can change as a brand to ensure their environmental impact is low.

Garnier will also remain an accessible brand. Their ambition is to provide products for everyone and remain in the price range they are currently in.

I love that Garnier are putting in a huge amount of work to become a more sustainable brand and look forward to more brands following suit!

What sustainable brands do you love?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara

 xoxo

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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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Skincare Routine to Combat and Prevent Problem Skin

Hey guys!

I have been working full-time all summer and am currently a legal intern (the internship of dreams!) so expect posts to be few and far between for now.

I am also going into an intense Masters in September for two years and will most definitely be studying my ass off for the duration of the course!

Either way, I will try to stay as active on Sparkle of Pink and my Instagram as possible but this has always and will  always be a hobby for me, one that I love, and life and education do take precedence!

That being said, I have changed my skincare routine a lot over the past few months to combat and prevent problem skin. During and after exams, followed by the New York City pollution, my skin wasn't great and it was getting me really down. When I came home, I completely changed my skincare routine and since then my skin has been consistently clear, give or take a small breakout or two.

I'm going to share my routine with you guys and hopefully, anyone who is struggling to find a skincare routine like mine finds this useful!

Nivea MicellAIR Professional Micellar Water

If any have any makeup residue on my face before I start the routine or if I'm not just out of the shower (I am lazy enough to use my face scrubs and washes in the shower....) then I clean my face with this micellar water before going on with the rest of my routine.

While it does make my face feel clean, it is shocking at taking off any waterproof mascara (even though it claims to be able to do so!). As a result of this, if you're looking for a makeup remover that can take off your waterproof mascara, I would look elsewhere! I love the Garnier Express 2in1 Eye Makeup Remover.

The Nivea MicellAIR Professional Micellar Water is currently available in Boots for €5.99.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

It's no secret that I love The Ordinary products because I think they're absolutely fantastic for my skin and are incredibly budget friendly! This peeling solution treats your skin by exfoliating the top layer leaving a clearer and brighter complexion, fighting blemishes along the way!

I use the peel twice a week and love the feel of my skin afterwards. I always wait until my skin is dry after using the micellar water and never leave the peel on for more than 10 minutes. Just be sure to warn people that you might be walking around with a red face!

Rinse your skin with warm water after 10 minutes (I use Ulta's makeup removing towel) and continue on with your skincare routine!

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is available on Beauty Bay for €7.

Formula 10.0.6 So Totally Clean Deep Pore Cleanser

I follow the peeling solution with this cleanser from Formula 10.0.6. This is a liquid cleanser cleans the dirt and grime that may still be on your face from the day (when I don't use the peeling solution, I always use this to fully clean my face) and also contains salicylic acid which fights the dirt and grime that produces spots!

This cleanser doesn't smell fantastic but I love how clean it makes my skin feel and don't forget to bring the cotton pad down your neck while cleansing your face as well!

I would test out this product or any product containing salicylic acid before committing to its use, in case you experience any drying or acid burn.

I bought my cleanser in Ulta but you can now buy the So Totally Clean Deep Pore Cleanser on Beauty Bay for €8.50.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

If I do experience a breakout I topically apply this salicylic acid solution to my spots at night and it really does help. While the salicylic acid concentration is higher in The Ordinary product, I would always be careful to not overuse a product like this as you can experience drying and/or acid burn.

You can buy The Ordinary Salicylic Acid in Arnotts!

Nip+Fab  Dragon's  Blood Fix Plumping Serum

I got this deluxe sample size of the Dragon's Blood Fix Plumping Serum in my Glossybox advent calendar last year and have only recently opened it.

With this serum, a little goes a long way and it is a great extra shot hydration for your skin if you're prone to dry, dehydrated skin, like me. The Dragon's Blood Serum also claims to help your skin look plumper with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles reduced.

Nip+Fab's Dragon's Blood Fix Plumping Serum is available from the Nip+Fab for €19.95.

The Ordinary Resveratol 3% + Ferulic Acid 

This Ordinary product combines two powerful antioxidants in a considerable high concentration and I always use it after the serum but before heavier creams like my moisturiser.

The Reserveratol 3% + Ferulic Acid helps reverse radical damage and promote healthy,  younger-looking skin. While yes, I am still young, I have read in a few places now that you should start to use anti-ageing products in your early 20s to combat early signs of ageing.

The Ordinary Reserveratol 3% + Ferulic Acid is available on Beauty Bay for €7.

The Ordinary Alpha Lipoic Acid 5%

I only use the alpha lipoic acid once a week at the moment even though they suggest using it 2-3 times a week, albeit sparingly. Another antioxidant formula, this on aims to target ageing skin and works to improve the tone and texture of skin and to improve the appearance of scars, pigmentation and dullness as well as fine lines and wrinkles.

Two to three drops is enough for your whole face and is not for use on sensitive skin (always patch test when it comes to using new skincare products)!

The Ordinary Alpha Lipoic Acid is available from Beauty Bay for €6.75.

Nivea Daily Essentials Rich Moisturising Cream with SPF 15

With dry skin like mine, I start to wrap up my skincare with a moisturiser aimed for dry and sensitive skin. When using any sort of acid on your face, it is SO important to also use a moisturiser that contains SPF as your skin can become more susceptible to damage from the sun.

 In any case, I would recommend using a moisturiser with SPF regardless of whether you use acids or not, in order to protect your skin. I love this Nivea moisturiser because it leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and hydrated.

Nivea's Daily Essentials Rich Moisturising Cream is currently available from Boots for €3.24.

Kelkin Tea Tree Clear Skin Roller

The final product I always use on my skin before bed is Kelkin's Clear Skin Roller on any spots or potential spots in order to combat them or prevent them from ever appearing.

The roller has a combination of tea tree oil, witch hazel and lavender and smells great when rolling it onto your skin. It really does combat any spots and I love how fast it works.

The Kelkin Clear Skin Roller can be hard to get your hands on (I waited three or four months for my local pharmacy to get it back in stock) but now I buy two or three when I come across is because I love it so much.

I have paid between €4.50 and €4.70 for the roller and it is beyond worth it!

Well, they're all the products I'm using in my skincare routine to combat and prevent problem skin at the moment! 

Do you use any of the same products?

What did you think of them?

Can you recommend any products for my skincare routine?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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