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.

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Halloween Beauty Must-Haves!

Hey guys!

Halloween is so close now and I am beyond excited for it! I love dressing up and of course everything that comes along with it, especially the falling leaves.

So many brands come out with Halloween lines and this year, they do not disappoint. I've rounded up my must-haves for this year and cannot wait to get my hands on all of them!

Lush Monsters Ball Bomb

Returning from last year, Monsters Ball has hit Lush stores once again and I am so happy. Not only does it fill your bath with a cosmic array of colours but this little guy smells so citrusy and fresh. It is the perfect addition to any autumnal bath and I will definitely be stocking up before it disappears again.

Monsters Ball retails for €5.25 and is available in Lush stores nationwide.

Penneys Pierced Nails

I love Penneys nails and don't think you can ever go wrong with picking up a set, provided you pick up some better glue at the same time! Pierced nails aren't a new trend but these black ones are perfect for adding some edge to any look this Halloween and for the price, it's a total bargain.

Pitch Black Pierced Nails retail for €2.50 and are available in Penneys stores nationwide.

NYX Professional Makeup Cosmic Metals Lip Cream

Whether you're dressing up as a witch, fairy, unicorn or princess this year, one of the cosmic metals will definitely complete your makeup look. The pigmented lip cream, combined with a shiny gloss adds the perfect glistening effect to make your lips eye-catching and memorable. The range comes in eighteen different shades and looks absolutely fab!

The Cosmic Metals Lip Creams retail for €10.50 are available in Arnotts and selected pharmacies nationwide.

Essence Cosmetics Superlast Waterproof Eyeliner

I picked this eyeliner up while I was in Italy and paid less than €2.50 for it and it did not disappoint at all! It is very pigmented, doesn't have a patchy application and lasts all day! The applicator is small enough to draw intricate designs or graphic liner for whatever makeup look you're going for this year!

The Superlast Waterproof Eyeliner is available from Penneys and selected pharmacies nationwide.

Sleek Distorted Dreams Highlighter Palette

I think this palette is so similar to ABH Moonchild and the variety of shades means you can have a popping highlight for almost every outfit. The green and lilac shades are perfect for cosmic looks while the pink and peach shades would give that a more subtle glowly highlight.

Distorted Dreams retails for €13.99 and is available in Boots nationwide.

Lusso Self Tan Lotion

This tan (medium) is the tan of dreams. It is a buildable tan so if you don't think one layer is enough, it's quick drying and easy to add a second layer. It also has an unbelievably natural colour so if you're planning on being an oompa loompa, this tan isn't for you.

I find a layer of tan just makes me feel so much better about myself and I feel fab when I have tan on. A good tan can make any outfit better in my opinion!

Lusso Self Tan Lotion retails for €22.30 and is available from lussotan.com.

Make Up For Ever False Lashes

Make Up For Ever have such a cool range of false lashes that are perfect for Halloween. Whether you're going for a super dramatic eye look and need the perfect over-the-top lashes or you just want some added volume,  you'll find them here!

Most of the lashes retail for €17 and are available from MUFE stores and concessions nationwide.

Lush Bewitched Bath Bomb

                

Lush are just knocking it out of the park with this year's collection! I haven't had a chance to pop in to see the full range yet but from the pictures I have seen online, I will definitely be picking this one up! This cute bath bomb turns your water black and if that isn't a colour to match my mood at the end of a long day, I don't know what is!

There's something about a black bath that's so intriguing and I cannot wait to try this one out!

Bewitched retails for €5.75 and is available in Lush stores nationwide.

While you're enjoying an evening bath or watching a movie while getting ready, there are some Halloween classics that you have to watch with your favourite drink and seasonal sweets!

Halloweentown

Halloweentown is a Disney classic that spun into a series that defined my Halloween traditions when  I was younger. My brother, sister and I used to watch one, if not all of the movies before we went trick or treating and I have to watch it every year now. Otherwise, it just doesn't feel the same!

Hocus Pocus

How someone can go through October and not watch this movie is beyond me. Granted, it scared me at times when I was younger but it is always on some TV channel on Halloween and if it's on, I have to watch it!

It is such a classic Halloween movie and although I'd love a sequel, it's perfect the way it is, and does not, in any way, need a remake.

What are your Halloween must-haves this year, or your movie suggestions?

What are you dressing up as?

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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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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Lush Christmas 2015

Lush never disappoints. I had so much fun at their blogger event this week, their Christmas range just makes me so happy! Old favourites like Snow Fairy and Candy Mountain have made a comeback and new editions have been made for Christmas 2015.

Yog Nog has been made into a bath bomb. My love for the soap is so big and I am so happy that I can now dive into the beautiful scent and relax for ages. I don't think anybody can actually comprehend my love for the scent. I can only describe it as a caramel latte but it is sweet and heavenly - definitely something you would need after a long, cold winter day.

The gift collection this year ranges from €11.95 to €220. There's literally something for everyone!

The staff at Lush were very kind and gifted us the Winter Wonderland gift set. It has all of the bath products from the collection and I cannot wait to try out all of the new products!

Little Snow Fairy (€11.95) has pink FUN and a Snow Fairy shower gel in it. Joy to the World (€13.95) has Love and Light hand cream and a Yog Nog soap. I love both of these gifts and they are perfect for Secret Santa! They also have a Secret Santa gift set this year with a Dashing Santa bath bomb and a Peeping Santa bubble bar. All of the gift sets under €15 are ideal for little presents for friends this Christmas!

Thank you so much to Lush for inviting me to the event and giving me an amazing gift!

Have you checked out the new collection yet?

What's your favourite?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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Lush Summer

The fabulous people over at Lush held an event in early September to celebrate their summer collection and 20 years of Lush! 

We got to see demos of the absolutely fantastic bath bombs, hair products, shower gels and so much more. I went to Lush on Oxford Street the week beforehand so I had seen most of the new products but I was so excited to learn about how each product worked and the benefits of it.

Some of my favourite bath bombs got a new look in celebration of 20 years of Lush. The collection also had some new additions including the fanciful Frozen bath bomb. 

After playing 'Let It Go' while Frozen was dropped into the water, I know that next time I use it, I will definitely be watching the movie and relaxing in the rose oil. Frozen will definitely be a favourite amongst kids!

The Comforter finally making it into a shower gel has made me incredibly happy. Don't Rain On My Parade has got to be my favourite shower gel because it smells exactly like Parma Violets. Parma Violets are my all-time favourite sweets and now I can smell like them!

Lush's new collection is one of my favourite collections to date!

If you haven't been to your local store lately, I would definitely get down there soon!

Have you bought anything from the new collection at Lush?

Do you have any favourites?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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Lush Haul Oxford Street

I went to London last week with my sister and a few friends to finish the summer on a nice note before the stress of sixth year. No trip to London would be complete without a trip to the new Lush store on Oxford Street. Although I didn't go crazy I did pick up whatever exclusives they had in stock and a few of my favourites as well!

On my first trip (Yes there were two) I picked up three bath bombs and a facial cleanser. I have never used Angels on Bare Skin before but I had heard amazing things about it and decided to pick up a 250g tub for £17. I love how soft it makes my skin feel and it is definitely a product I will be repurchasing!

Fizzbanger and Avobath are available in Ireland but I couldn't resist picking them up while I was in the store! Fizzbanger has a citussy apple scent that is so divine and will make your bath smell lovely and fresh. Avobath also has a citrussy scent, due to the lemongrass oil and I cannot wait to relax in the bath with candles and Netflix with this bath bomb! Both Fizzbanger and Avobath cost £3.35.

I couldn't open Intergalactic to show you guys how amazing it looks because it got slightly crushed on the flight and the dust would've gone everywhere! It smells like peppermint and has so many different colours on the surface I can't imagine what it will look like in the bath! The description alone was enough to convince me to buy it, I mean who doesn't want to be the guardian of their own galaxy? I picked up Intergalactic for £3.95.

On my next trip I bought two Oxford Street exclusives - Ylang Song and Shark Infested Custard. Ylang Song is a floral scented bath bomb that turns the bath a delicate green shade as well as flower petals that float around in the water. I picked up Ylang Song for £3.35.

Shark Infested Custard is part of the luxury bath oils range that is exclusive to Oxford Street. I found it so hard to pick just one bath oil as they were all so enchanting but I finally decided on Shark Infested Custard because the colour is so vibrant and it smells just like custard! All of the luxury bath oils cost £2.

If you find yourself in London in the next while, visiting the Lush store on Oxford Street should definitely be on your list!

Keep an eye out on my instagram to see how all these products look in the bath!

Have you visited the Oxford Street store?

What did you pick up?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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My friend Niamh has just started a band and y'all should check out their cover of 5SOS' She's Kinda Hot!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fp3B6tw920&feature=youtu.be