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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Updated Skincare Routine!

Hey guys! 

Back in March I did my skincare routine and a lot has changed since then! From my previous post, y'all will know that I'm making an active effort to go through what I own before buying any new makeup and skincare and I have slowly but surely been making my way through my skincare collection since March.

At the moment, my skin is pretty great, I get the odd breakout (Exam stress is a real killer for my skin), but overall, I get the odd blemish and that's about it.

For the most part, I can put it down to how I'm looking after my skin at the moment because it really is the most time and effort I have ever put into a skin routine!

The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% and Ferulic Acid 3%

I panic-purchased this when the drama with Deciem was happening a few months ago because it was one of the products I had on my list to buy, but hadn't gotten around to yet.

The blend of resveratrol and ferulic acid combines two of the most powerful antioxidants for skin. It is quite an oily product and while you can use it in conjunction with other serums and moisturisers, I apply it topically to my face and use my night cream everywhere else.

I only use it at night due to the oily nature of the product and have not noticed any redness or irritation (like I've experienced with previous Ordinary products) and would definitely recommend this to anyone who would love to give their skin an extra boost of antioxidants!

I bought mine on Beauty Bay for €6.25.

Witch Blemish Gel

Y'all know I love my Kelkin Clear Skin roller but my pharmacy has not had it in stock for ages! So, when I saw this blemish gel, I decided to try it since there was no point in just waiting for my usual skin saviour to come back into stock.

I picked this up in another pharmacy and cannot remember the price of it for the life of me, but it was similar enough in price to the skin roller (€4.65), so it really didn't break the bank. I apply this topically, wherever I have a cluster of spots or just a few blemishes, around my face. 

This isn't an overnight solution but it does help reduce the appearance of any blemish overnight and it soothes the area surrounding it as well. I'm not quite ready to leave my staple spot saviour though, so I probably won't be repurchasing this.

Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment - Pure Petal

Looking after your lips is so important, especially during the cold winter months and I keep finding myself reaching for this lip treatment from Kiehl's when I'm going to bed. I received my first one of these little guys when it was launching in 2017 but have since repurchased it a few times and even keep one in my handbag/college bag all the time!

The lip treatment comes in a variety of shades, I use Pure Petal when I don't want any lipstick on over it, but would love a touch of colour for my lips. The formula is so moisturising and it smells amazing.

I use the untinted version at night when I'm going to bed and just lather on a thick layer of it, to keep my lips hydrated overnight. My lips always feel so soft and moisturised when I'm using this and they haven't been chapped at all this winter!

If you're lips usually chap or become dry in the cold weather, I would 100% recommend picking one of these up the next time you're in Arnotts or a Kiehl's store! They retail for €20 (don't quote me on  that as I bought mine in duty free) and are a lifesaver for me!

The Ordinary AHA 30% and BHA 2% Peeling Solution

So I am totally new to any tip of peeling product you can use at home, mainly because my skin is super dry anyway so the word peeling just puts me off a product, but I am loving this so far!

I've seen everyone from friends to bloggers and models use this product and it was another panic purchase when I thought the company was closing down because I knew I had to try it. The whole point of it is to exfoliate the top layer of your skin while helping to reduce pore congestion, basically a dream product.

I've been using this twice a week (the recommended amount) and leave it on my skin for about ten minutes. I have read reviews where some people experience burning after applying the solution but I haven't had any side effects as of yet. I do apply a water-based moisturiser straight after though!

I would definitely recommend this product for anyone looking for a new skincare product that helps your skin look brighter and smoother after a few applications.

The AHA 30% BHA 2% Peeling Solution is available from Arnotts for €7.20.

Freederm Pore Minimiser 

So this was totally an impulse buy in Boots a few weeks ago because I do have some very large pores on the side of my face and I was hoping this could help reduce their appearance.

I do like the results I get from this product. I tend to apply it to my face during the prep stage of my makeup so while cleansing etc... but before applying any makeup products and I wait about ten minutes before I start my makeup. 

It does help reduce the appearance of my pores and doesn't feel greasy or like silicone (I love Porefessional but hate the silicone feeling). I also use it on my skin when I'm not wearing any makeup just to give me a little confidence boost.

The one downfall is that alcohol is the second highest ingredient so it can be a little drying and it smells very strongly of alcohol as well.

This product is no longer listed on the Boots website but is still in store and retails for about €9.

Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray

I bought this a good while ago from Beauty Bay and it was just sitting on my shelf for a good few months. I finally started using it during exams because to be honest, I was too lazy to keep my skincare routine as lengthy as it usually is, but knew I needed to keep my skin hydrated. 

First off, this product is pink, so what's not to love? It also smells SO GOOD. Sort of like rose flavoured turkish delight and I love it.

I spritz some onto my face at night, just before I go to bed so I have some added hydration while I'm sleeping and it is fantastic. It helps my skin feel refreshed and so many people keep telling me to try it out as a setting spray! 

I will soon and if I love it even more, I'll definitely let you guys know! Until then, I happily spritz a fabulous smelling pink spray onto my face every evening.

Mario Badescu's Facial Sprays are available from Beauty Bay and range from €8.25 to €11.95.

Uriage Age Protect Multi-Action Detox Night Cream

So the press release for the Uriage Age Protect line popped into my inbox in September and I was kind of shocked because I was 20 at the time and didn't think I needed to use any kind of anti-ageing product just yet.

Boy was I wrong! After some research, I found out that using an appropriate anti-ageing product from 21 can really help your skin as you get older. I opted to try the night cream as I do have dry skin and knew that even if I didn't notice any fine line or wrinkle difference just yet, my skin would definitely be hydrated. 

Uriage created the Age Protect range with the intent to protect skin from pollution, natural and artificial blue light. The concept behind the range is fantastic as along with anti-ageing properties, it helps protect your skin from pollutants our skin faces on a daily basis.

Hopefully using anti-ageing products like this pays off in the future, but for now I'm happy with the fact that I wake up to skin that feels hydrated and the cream is non-greasy which is a bonus!

The Multi-Action Detox Night Cream has an RRP of €33 and is available from pharmacies nationwide.

I will definitely keep you guys up-to-date with any changes or additions to my skincare routine in the coming months.

I am actively trying to shop my stash, so if I do introduce any new products, they've been sitting on my shelf waiting to be used for months already!

Do you use any of the same products as me?

Do you have any recommendations for anti-ageing products?

Let me know in the comments below!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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2017 Gift Guide - Gifts Under €30

Hey guys!

Last year my gift guides went down really well so this year I decided to do a few! Hopefully at least one will be suited to your budget.

Too Faced - Under the Kissletoe

I love this giftset! I got it for myself a few weeks ago and it is fab. There are four mini (but generous) lip products inside, a Melted Matte in Drop Dead Red, a Melted Latex in Hopeless Romantic, a Melted Lipstick in Chihuahua and a Melted Matte in Chocolate Honey.

The set has a lipstick that will suit everyone and for the price, you really can't beat it!

Under the Kissletoe is available in Debenhams for €26, and it's on offer for €22.10 (online only) until tomorrow.

Bobbi Brown Mini Mask Trio Kit

I love a good mask and this trio kit is perfect for anyone who wants to try the brand before committing to a full-sized product. This trio is perfect for Secret Santa or as a small part of a larger gift.

With a mask for radiance boost, deep cleansing or extra moisturisation,  there's something for everything and is perfect for people who love to multi-mask!

The Mini Mask Trio is available in Brown Thomas for €15.

Missguided Quad Goals Matte Lip Set

Who doesn't love a good matte lip? This set from Missguided  has a pale nude, dark nude, dusty pink and deep plum shade.

Perfect for any makeup lover or anyone starting out with makeup, there's a good variety of shades and for four full-size products, it is very budget friendly!

Quad Goals is available from Missguided for €14.

NYX Professional Makeup Dublin Kit

Another product I have tried myself, this little kit from NYX Professional Makeup has a bit of everything in it. I love the soft matte lip creams and Dublin is the perfect nude for me. I tend to blot my lips after applying the lip cream and it lasts much longer!

The kit also comes with four eyeshadows (the green is totally usable!), a blusher and a highlight.

It's also inspired by Dublin so what's not to love?

The NYX Professional Makeup Dublin Kit is available from Arnotts for €19.50.

Yankee Candle Clean Cotton Large Jar

If you're unsure of what to buy someone or if  they're a candle lover like me, anything from Yankee Candle is perfect!

I am a huge fan of the clean cotton scent but the range is so diverse you'll literally find a candle for anyone!

Clean Cotton is currently on offer in Boots for €20.

Uriage Bariederm Cica-Levres

Okay so don't roll your eyes yet! I know this seems like a bad gift but you have no idea how good it is! My lips were so bad last week and totally needed some tlc over a few days but after a quick scrub and applying this overnight, my lips were soft and chap-free the next day!

I have been bringing the little tube with me everywhere since then and my lips are so soft and are not reacting to the freezing weather at all! What seems like an odd present could really saves someone's day!

This lip balm is available in pharmacies nationwide with an RRP of €10.

MAC Snowball Pigment and Glitter Kit in Pink

MAC's Christmas collection this year is fab!  The pigment kit in pink comes with a two pigments (Copper Sparkle and Whisper Pink) and one glitter (Pink).

Copper Sparkle is a high-shine copper, Whisper Pink is a mauvey pink with pearl and Pink is a bright pink glitter. The pigments are not full-size but I don't think I'll ever get through a full-size pigment so this kit is perfect to try a variety of shades.

The kit comes in an adorable sequined bag as well which can be reused as a pencil case if you don't want to use it for makeup!

MAC's Snowball Pigment and Glitter Kit is available from Brown Thomas for €30.

Lancome Mr Big Mascara Set

I always reach for my Monsieur Big mascara when I want my lashes to look like I have a natural set on, without the stress of actually applying lashes! This mascara is perfect for anyone who loves big, voluminous lashes that look natural and the formula doesn't clump at all.

This set comes with a mini kohl pencil and a mini matte shaker that lasts on your lips for hours on end!

The Mr Big Mascara Set is available from Boots for €27.

Black Tied Custom Cuff Bracelet

A completely customisable  gift, Black Tied bracelets are a lovely, thoughtful present that you could give to the ones you love this Christmas. Available in a thick or thin cuff, these bracelets can have  letters, numbers and a variety of symbols and in silver, copper or gold.

I bought one a few years ago and had a quote stamped onto mine and it is still going strong!

The bracelets are available from www.blacktied.co.uk and range from €12-€14.

Topshop Christmas Star Ditsy Necklace

I love Topshop jewellery and this necklace is understated but absolutely gorgeous. For people in your life who like to wear jewellery but don't like it to take over an outfit, necklaces like this are perfect!

It even comes on a little pack where you can tick who it's for which I think is super cute!

This necklace is available from Topshop for €12.

Keep an eye out for my mid-range gift guide coming next week!

Don't forget I have a Christmas giveaway coming up in early December!

Check back here and on my Instagram over the next week to see what's up for grabs!

Ciara,

xoxo.

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