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.

Shopping My Stash - January 2019

Hey guys!

So I know my January post on shopping my stash is a little late, but with all the work in my final semester, as well as trying to figure out what I'll be doing next year, I honestly couldn't find the time to sit down and write this.

I was so good in January, I didn't buy any new makeup or skincare at home but when I went to Portugal, I couldn't resist buying an egg themed, three-step skincare routine. I haven't used them yet but I will soon and I'll keep you updated with how I'm getting on with them!

Skincare

I have a whole shelf dedicated to skincare in my room, along with a box on my desk with everything I'm currently using. I 100% panic-purchased a lot of The Ordinary products when they temporary shut down so I have quite a few things to get through.

My skin wasn't too bad in January so I stuck to a simple routine of face wash, cleansing pads and a moisturiser. 

I bought a new face wash going to Portugal, along with the current one I was using when I left and the new one came home, unopened. Since then it was just sitting on my shelf because I had some at home that I felt the need to use first. For January, I decided to use and am still using, L'Oréal's Fine Flowers Gel-Cream Face Wash.

My skin can get pretty sensitive so the fact that this doesn't have a scent is a bonus for me! I am that lazy person who washes their face when they're in the shower so I use this every second day and it leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed.

I am a self-proclaimed Nip+Fab lover but when I saw Superdrug brought out their own version of the glycolic pads, I had to buy them! Seen as they were always out of stock when I tried to order them, I ordered a few when I could finally get my hands on them.

I started using them after taking a week's break from the Nip+Fab pads and to be honest, I really don't see a difference between the two brands. The Superdrug pads are more affordable and leave my skin feeling just as good as the higher-end pads. 

The only way I'll be reverting back to the Nip+Fab pads now is if they have their fabulous €6 sale on again soon!

I don't even want to admit how long this has been on my shelf...  that's how old it is! However I never actually opened it so it was totally fine to use and I completely forgot why I loved it so much in the first place.

As you guys know, my face can get seriously dry and it's hard to find a moisturiser that actually works for me. I used this daily in 5th and 6th year but completely forgot I had bought more of it before it was discontinued. 

I cannot fault this product at all. It dries into your skin and doesn't flake off as all of the goodness is absorbed by my dry, tired forehead and if you need extra moisture, leaving a thick layer on your skin will mean it's been absorbed by the time morning comes!

Makeup 

With makeup, it is beyond obvious I own too much. While I have stopped buying eyeshadow palettes, there are things like powder, foundation (maybe not so much..) and concealer that I will always need to buy more of, as I use them all  the time.

Last month, I used up powders I had stocked up on (don't ask me why I decided to stock up on powder, I couldn't tell you why), a new mascara because mine ran out, as well as using concealers that I could only use when tanned. Other than that, I continued using everything I would normally use in my routine as I had enough product to last me the month and hate unnecessarily opening new makeup when you have an unfinished open product that is similar if not the same.

I am a Stay Matte fanatic. I have used this powder since I started doing makeup and no other product has convinced me to leave it behind. I normally use the powder in translucent but when I saw a Clear Complexion Translucent on a trip to London, I bought four or five of them.

Again, I don't know why I thought stockpiling was a good idea, but this isn't the only occasion I've done it either.

I crushed the powder and put it into an old loose powder container because I find it the best way to apply the product and have been doing this for almost a year now. For me, this product is the exact same as the regular translucent powder and while it does say it can clear your skin, I haven't seen any difference in my skin as a result of this powder.

This mascara came out in 2017 and I'm fairly sure I bought it in early 2018. I am so bad at buying mini mascaras and I always forget I have about five or six full-size products just sitting in a drawer, waiting to be used.

I started January using a mini Nars Audacious mascara but I hated it! I had heard so many great things about the mascara but I found flakes all over my face and under my eyes an hour or two after application. I used it a few more times to see if my application was the issue but I kept on getting horrible flakes everywhere. I tossed the product and moved straight onto L'Oréal's Miss Baby Roll and I am in love!

The formula does not flake, which was a nice turnaround from my previous mascara and I got curl, length and volume, all from the one mascara! For added volume, I apple two to three coats and with this mascara, there's no clumping. My lashes stay curled all day and I am so happy I decided to try this mascara out!

I was gifted the Physician's Formula Super BB Concealer a while ago and never used it because it was far too dark for my skin. I used fake tan a few times in January because of birthdays and my trip to Portugal so I decided to put this product to the test.

I was completely unimpressed. While the shade was fine for when I had tan on, the coverage this concealer has it shocking. I found myself putting a layer on before and after foundation and still having to use a different concealer afterwards if I had a blemish because this just wouldn't cover it up!

The formula is creamy and if you're looking for a lightweight concealer and you only need a little coverage, this is for you. However, if like me, you enjoy high coverage from any concealer you use then I'd give this one a skip!

Haircare

My mum usually buys my shampoo and conditioner for me and I always forget that I have some in the hot press and usually end up buying some myself without thinking there's some at home. I actually put a note up in my room this month reminding me that there was some in the hot press so I wouldn't go out and buy more!

So, when my shampoo ran out I started using a Head and Shoulders shampoo as well as using up the remainder of a hair mask I had bought in Portugal and just left and the end of the bath for months!

I love Head and Shoulders as my scalp can get dry sometimes and their formula really helps get rid of any dryness in a few washes. The full and strong version that I started using has also really helped any breakages I was having before Christmas (this always seems to happen when I get stressed) and left my hair feeling strong and nourished.

If you're looking for a good shampoo, it is so important to note that Head and Shoulders isn't just for people with dandruff and their range is expanding all the time, they definitely have a shampoo that suits every hair issue!

Another product I picked up and forgot about was this mask from L'Oréal's Dream Lengths. I have bought and do intend on using the shampoo and conditioner but I have been using the no cut cream since June and it has really helped the condition of the ends of my hair!

I bought the mask while I was in Portugal because I noticed the heat was having an effect on my hair health and thought this would help. For one, it smells fantastic and secondly, it left my hair feeling soft and smooth until the next wash.

When I came home, I left it on the end of my bath and pretty much forgot it existed so when I was doing a clear out in January, I started to use it again. At the moment, I'm using it on a weekly basis because it is an intense treatment but if you leave it in the lengths of your hair for up to five minutes, your hair will feel absolutely fantastic until the next wash!

I loved shopping my stash this month and was pleasantly surprised that I didn't buy that much makeup or skincare over the few weeks. 

Have you been shopping your stash like me?

What products have you come across?

If not, did this give you any inspiration to save some money and use what you already own?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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Summer Empties

Hey guys!

So over the summer I really didn't wear much makeup but I did get to the end of some products, albeit mainly skincare.

My empties posts seem to be some of the most popular posts so here are the products I finished over the summer!

Ardell Demi Wispies 

I tended to lean towards using lashes rather than go for a full eye look and these lashes were perfect for creating a dramatic look. I went through a whole multipack along with half of this one during the summer because these are my go-to lashes. 

I did try out some of the SOSU lashes as well but I always find myself going back to these because they're dramatic without being over the top.

L'Oréal Pure Clay Purity Mask

I will always repurchase this mask! I love it so much and it is so handy to just apply at night, have a cup of tea and just rinse it off before bed. The purity mask helps to mattify skin and eliminate impurities, something that really works on my combination skin!

I found the jar had more than the ten applications advertised and all you need is a flat brush to apply it and a cloth to rinse off! For €11 and 10+ applications, you really can't go wrong with the L'Oréal Pure Clay mask range.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

For the first few weeks in work I actually bothered to wear minimal makeup and this mascara helped me to look alive in the mornings. It lengthens my lashes a lot when I use a curler beforehand and I love the formula, it doesn't clump and rarely flakes throughout the day.

It is also easily removed with some eye makeup remover which I love! I hate stubborn formulas that won't come off!

Garnier Summer Body - Light

I used this moisturiser before Portugal and have repurchased the bottle since I've come home, in hope of saving my tan!

I use a body moisturiser anyway so having one that has a hint of fake tan in it really helped me look sun-kissed before I went off and hopefully will help prolong my tan over the coming weeks. 

It also smells really good which is always a bonus.

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme

So there's like a teeny tiny bit of product left inside here but I can't get it out, I've decided it's never going to come out and it's time for the bin.

I did love it though! With a sweet vanilla scent, this lip gloss actively plumped your lips from application. It did tingle about five minutes after application each night but made my lips look fabulous and long-term application can result in permanent effects.

I always try minis before I buy a full-size product and I will definitely be purchasing the full-size soon!

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

These pads have become a staple in my skincare routine and I have repurchased them so many times since I first tried them out a few months ago.

I use the pads every night before bed; the glycolic acid retextures and resurfaces the skin while the hyaluronic acid  moisturises and refreshes along with the blue daisy soothes and calms the skin.

Overall, the pads have helped my breakouts and I love how smooth my skin feels at the moment!

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

It's no surprise that this concealer features in my empty products from the summer. Whenever I wore any makeup, it was this concealer and I will always repurchase it because it is the best concealer I have ever used.

They have also recently expanded their shade range so the brand is getting even better!

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

Combined with the pads, the salicylic acid solution has really helped my skin improve over the past few months. This did give me chemical burn on some patches of my face so I discontinued use in those areas but overall it has helped my blemish-prone skin.

I'm not sure if I would repurchase this as I have so many Ordinary products to get through and my skin clearly had a reaction to this.

What products did you use up during the summer?

Did we finish any of the same products?

Do you have any recommendations for me?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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My Current Skincare Routine

Hey guys!

So I've been MIA for a while because college work kept on piling up and I was taking more hours in work so I could have enough money for my summer travels!

I'm back now and I am going to try really hard to be consistent and stay on top of my assignments at the same time!

One thing I have been working on over the past few weeks is a skincare regime that works for my skin and I'm gonna let you guys know what I've been loving and what's been helping my skin out as well.

& Other Stories - Body Soufflé (Miami Muse)

I've been using this body soufflé after every shower for the past few weeks and it feels fabulous!

It smells so sweet and makes my skin feel hydrated and smooth.

I wasn't one to use anything on my body (unless is was before or after tanning) before I started using this and I don't know what I ever did without it!

& Other Stories have a range of body soufflés in store and online for €12.

Payot Peeling Oxygénant Dépolluant

A PR company kindly sent me this peeling mask to try a few weeks ago and I have been loving it! What intrigued me originally was the fact that it bubbled on your face and few seconds after application but since using it, I have noticed a real difference in my skin!

It's an exfoliating mask without any particles and it has really helped even out my skin and help it loo healthier and brighter! It's also pink so what's not to love?

Payot's Peeling Oxygénant Dépolluant has a €38 RRP and is available in selected pharmacies and online!

Sephora Overnight Mask

I stocked up on Sephora's range of overnight masks while I was in Milan and have been making my way through them since.

I find it best to use these once or twice a week and after I open one (there's about three applications per pack) I leave it in the fridge until I use it next. Leaving it on overnight and washing the remnants off in the morning really lets the mask and all its goodness sink into your skin.

My favourite mask so far is the algae mask as it helps to purify and detoxify the skin which is great after weekends away!

Sephora's range of overnight masks are available for €3 from stores and online.

Nivea's Micellar Water for Dry Skin

When I'm too lazy to do my whole routine at night I just use this micellar water and some moisturiser before bed. It's so much better than using makeup wipes (which I'm usually very guilty of using) and much kinder on your skin as well.

I use this every morning as well just to go over my skin and make sure it's clean before I start any makeup.

I bought it in Superdrug a few months ago and haven't seen it since but there's so many great brands out there with fabulous micellar water!

The Ordinary - Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

Okay so I have a love-hate relationship with this solution. It's marketed as a daily solution for blemishes that claims to gently exfolaite the inside walls of the skin, clearing and clarifying the complexion.

The instructions on the bottle say apply directly to blemishes or a small amount all over the face. I started with applying a small amount all over my face and it was working well for a few weeks until I started to give me salicylic burn on a patch of my skin so I discontinued use for a few days until it cleared. After it cleared, I started to use it all over my face except on the patch that it had irritated and it was doing wonders for me again.

The other night, I stupidly applied it all over my face again and woke up in the middle of the night with my face stinging me again, only to find I had salicylic burn on the same patch again. While it works on most of my face, it does clearly irritate patches of it so the jury's still out on this one!

The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is available from Beauty Bay for €4.70.

L'Oreal's Fine Flowers Gel-Cream Wash

This gel-cream is perfect for dry and sensitive skin, both of which I have, as rose is known for its soothing properties and jasmine is known for its protecting and moisturising properties. This wash is unscented and lathers easily in water.

I use this wash in the shower (yes I am that lazy) every second day. I apply it to wet skin and massage it all over my face and neck. It helps my skin stay hydrated and it provides the perfect base for makeup in the morning!

I picked this wash up in Dunnes on a whim but it is available from FeelUnique for €4.80.

Kotoha London's Shoyaku Herb Essence Silk Cream

The lovely Yoko from Kotoha London sent me this to try a few months ago and I am in love with it! This moisturiser can be used on normal, oily and combination skin.

I use it sparingly and on very dry patches of my skin when needed and it works wonders overnight. The cream helps to reduce the appearance of open pores and when applied on dry patches of my skin overnight, and not rubbing the cream in, it sinks into my skin and helps to hydrate my skin and reduce the appearance of dry patches, helping them to disappear over a few days.

I love the quality of this product and the fact that it doesn't have a scent. The product comes with a lid but I lost it on my travels a few weeks ago!

The Silk Cream is available from Kotoha London for €43.52.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser

This is my third bottle of this cleanser and I love it! I used it to remove my makeup at night, along with the micellar water and it leaves my skin feeling clean after removing all my makeup!

You don't have to rinse the cleanser off which is great and it smells fantastic as well! The cleanser helps to cleanse the skin as well as locking in moisture.

Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Cleanser is available for €10.99 from Boots.

They're all the products I'm using in my skincare routine at the moment! 

Do you use any of the same products?

What did you think of them?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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