The Write Up - Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

Another Masque added to my skincare arsenal...

I like treating my skin to a deep cleansing mask at least once a week, and the newest one added to my collection has fast become a firm favourite, enter the Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, this is packed with skin loving ingredients like Amazonian White Clay, hydrating oatmeal, and soothing aloe vera which is proven to calm sensitive skin.  This intense treatment gets deep down into the pores to remove excess oil and bacteria, it also helps to eliminate surface impurities and toxins from the skin as well as minimising large pores.

I do my usual cleanse and tone and then as directed I apply a thin layer of this onto my face avoiding the eye area, it has an initial tingle when first applied but after a minute or so it goes away, because such a thin layer is used it always feels comfortable on the skin, I leave it on for ten minutes and then rinse it off, it comes off very easily and no harsh scrubbing is required.

After using my skin feels deeply cleansed, refreshed, my complexion looks refined and my pores are visibly smaller. This would be perfect for oily/combination skin as it completely clears up excess oils whilst still being hydrating.

Have you tried this cult product yet?

Night Out Essentials

Big night out on the town planned? Add the following to your shopping list...

Heels... not really my forte if I am honest, I am pretty useless when it comes to high heels and nine times out of ten I opt for a more comfortable option, but on that odd special occasion I do love a good ASOS pair, the fit is always perfect and the range of styles available means you can find the ideal pair to go with any outfit, my current favourite pair are the ASOS Positive pointed black high heels, this style is incredibly classic and the curve design really elongates the legs. I will be truthful though, these are most definitely style over comfort, that burn you get after wearing heels for too long? Yep, these sure deliver on that -these babies will kill your feet.

If I am getting all dolled up for an evening out I always like to have big, bouncy hair with lots of volume, to achieve that I use the Living Proof Instant Texture Mist, this can be used to prep the hair pre blow dry or as a finishing spray. This plus a backcombing brush equals big hair, I like to keep everything in place with a truly classic styling product - the L'oreal Elnet Hairspray, available in a variety of hold levels means there is something for everyone. If I am working with freshly washed hair then I like to use a couple of Velcro rollers through my parting for added oomph.

Last of all on my list but certainly not least is a big, dramatic pair of false lashes. Currently I am loving the Eylure 212's, these are bold, black and very full. To secure in place I use the Duo Lash Glue in clear/white, a steady hand and a pair of tweezers. I find I always have to trim my lashes slightly to fit the shape of my eye so have a pair of scissors handy too. Youtube is great for tutorials on putting on falsies if you are a newbie.

So in summary I like big hair, big lashes and high heels, what are your must haves for a night out? Comment below.

The Skincare Series: Part One

When it comes to my skincare routine I think I have finally got it just right, all that experimenting has paid off and now I am left with a selection of products that suit my skin and a routine that works well, here is what I use to cleanse and tone...

Cleansers come in so many different formulas - creams, balms, foaming washes etc but nothing takes my make-up off better than an oil cleanser, the oil breaks down dirt and make-up like nothing else out there, my current cleanser is The Body Shop's Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil, this is super gentle and melts into the skin leaving it feeling super soft. I massage this into dry skin and then add water so the oil emulsifies, next I take a clean muslin cloth and soak it in warm water, ring out excess liquid and then use to take the cleanser off - make-up and dirt literally melts away to reveal a squeaky clean face.

If I have a little more make-up on than the usual everyday face like a smoky eye or a heavy lip then I like to use something slightly more heavy duty like the Camomile Gentle Eye Make Up Remover, this on a cotton pad makes removing a smoky eye effortless - again the formula is great for sensitive eyes as its incredibly gentle and soothing.

To prepare my skin for moisturiser I have been using the L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Velvety Soft Toner - this is specially formulated for sensitive skin and is infused with skin softening actives which leave skin feeling clean and smooth, I like to apply this day and night after my cleansing routine to help improve my skins texture, this is also alcohol free so doesn't cause dryness or discomfort.

The next step is to hydrate and moisturise, stay tuned for part two...

DISCLAIMER: Although I work for The Body Shop, my opinions are all my own. 

Weekend Trip Essentials

Weekend away planned? Not sure what Beauty essentials to pack? I've got your list covered... 

Every girl needs those go to products that she knows wont let her down while she is away, staying somewhere that isn't your house means you need products that you know work but that also mean you can pack light, I have whittled down the essentials to the bare minimum. If you are staying somewhere over night one of the most important things to remember is make up remover, plan ahead and your skin will thank you for not using a make up wipe or worse - sleeping in your make up! Try the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser, this will suit even the most sensitive skin whilst removing all your make up - yes even waterproof mascara, just don't forget to pack a few cotton pads. Next is dry shampoo, whether you need a little root boost and texture or a full de-greasing then I really recommend the Label M dry shampoo, however sometimes the night before wild shenanigans just need washing away and no dry shampoo on the planet can deliver completely clean hair, so try Klorane Nettle Shampoo, this is super cleansing leaving your hair feeling fresh and as good as new, and the bottle is slimline so is perfect if your struggling to pack all your essential items into your weekend bag! On the subject of staying fresh the next product is a must have - deodrant, forget this and you will be rushing to Boots in a real hurry. For me nothing does the trick like Mitchum, this is 48 hour fool proof so roll this on after showing and you don't need to think about it again for ages.

Face wise a good moisturiser and a simple lightweight foundation are a good basis for a fresh look, Try the Super Facialist Vitamin C Skin Defense Daily Moisturiser, if you are waking up in a hotel room slightly fuzzy headed from the night before you can be sure your skin isn't looking quite it's best, give it a helping hand with this brightening moisturiser, it helps to bring a little life back to the skin, follow up with L'Oreal's most natural foundation to date - Eeu De Teint, an incredibly build able, light base that covers and conceals imperfections without looking at all heavy, I like to apply this with the Sigma F80 flat top kabuki brush, this brush is perfect for seamlessly buffing the foundation into the skin.

Now that you've got the basics covered what are some essential products you would add?

Shaking Up My Make Up Routine

I recently changed up my everyday make up routine, it is good to try out different products and formulas once in a while, the purchase that convinced me to change my base was the L'Oreal Infallible 24 hour foundation, when it comes to make up for the day I like my foundation to be long lasting so seeing 24 hour in the product description got me hooked, I chose the shade 'Golden Sand' which suits me really well, It is a full coverage foundation that gives the skin a radiant look without being too dewy, it isn't too matte either so it sits right in the middle with a satin like finish. True to its name this foundation is long lasting, I can't say if it would last the whole 24 hours, who wears make up for that long? I have stuck with my trusty Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium Cool, this helps to conceal dark circles and blemishes.

For a natural eye look I have been using the MUA pallet in Undressed, this pallet is packed with pretty shimmering neutral shades for a subtle look. Benefit's Coralista has wiggled its way back into my make up bag, this is just about the prettiest blush I own and it has the right amount of shimmer for a daytime look. For the lips I have been reaching for Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in the shade 'Lovers Coral' this is super sheer and leaves my lips looking naturally tinted with a little shine, the formula is really nourishing too, the only downside is that it doesn't stick around for long but It is a delight to apply so I am not too bothered.

How often do you change your routine? Or are you stuck in a bit of a beauty rut?

Beach Babe

Lets talk haircare, I always stick to the same routine when it comes to shampoo and conditioner, up until recently I have been using the Headmasters Brunette range, after having my hair coloured I noticed that its current condition was looking a little unloved, after searching for a repairing duo I came across L'Oreal Elvive Triple Restore shampoo and conditioner, the packaging said that if your hair has a tendency break then this would do the job, so after using it for a couple of weeks I thought I would let you know how I got on. The shampoo lathers up really well and leaves my hair feeling super clean after just one shampoo, my favourite of the pair is the conditioner, I have definitely noticed a real difference in how my hair feels after using this, it is now alot softer and feels much stronger than before. Once my hair is washed then I get down to the styling...

Most days I like to rock the beach babe look as it is by far the easiest to achieve, I have naturally wavy hair so that helps alot, I like to apply the Wella Ocean Spritz onto towel dried hair and then rough dry with the hairdryer, next I neaten things up a little with my GHD straighteners just on the very ends and around my hairline where things can look a little wild. And there you have it, sexy, undone, tousled beach hair.

What is your favourite everyday hair look?

Autumn Nail Shades

Yes I know it is slightly depressing summer is over but I would safely say that Autumn is in full swing, so bring out your winter coats and start layering. I love this time of year, the build up to the festive period, all the twinkling lights, cosy fireplaces, jewel tones colours and hot chocolate, I mean whats not to love.

As you all know by now my nail lacquer choices can sometimes be less than experimental, but when it comes to autumn I think neutral, dark jewel tones are very appropriate. I thought I would some up my autumn nail polish wardrobe for you, first up are two shades from L'Oreal, Parisian Rooftops which is a grey with a slight mauve tint to it, and Femme Fatale which is a classic vampy red, the brushes on these polishes are perfectly shaped to coat the nail, and these last a good few days without chipping. Next up is an old favourite and one I am sure I have mentioned before, Essie's Decadent Dish is a shimmery burgundy shade that is perfect for this time of year. Barry M's Navy has a slight shimmer to it, it's a real deep luxurious blue, the only problem I have with this is the brush is far to thin for my liking but the colour itself is gorgeous. Lastly is a polish from Deborah Lippmann which I received in a GlossyBox ages ago, it is a stunning deep raspberry red glitter lacquer that covers the nail in glitter, perfect for a night out.

What are your favourite nail shades for Autumn?

False Lash Effect - Max Factor

I have been wanting a new mascara for a while now and after reading countless reviews I decided to go with the Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara after reading Anna's Mascara post on Vivianna Does Makeup 

Anna recommended this as a replacement for the well loved L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara, at first I was slightly put off by the brush. The difference in size between these two waterproof mascara brushes is enormous, the L'Oreal brush in tiny in comparison.  Having said that however I have been a lot less clumsy with this brush than I thought I would be. This mascara gives a natural look to my lashes, with none of that clumpy nonsense. It also holds a curl really well if I use my Shu Uemura curlers.

All in all I think I have managed to find a good replacement mascara that still gives me a natural and full look.

Have you tried this mascara yet?

Beauty Icons: Marilyn Monroe

When it comes to beauty inspiration, Marilyn Monroe is up there with the greats. As well as being in probably my most favourite movie ever 'Some Like It Hot' she is also a huge inspiration for me when it comes to putting make up on. No one can pull a red lip off quite like Marilyn did, with her feline like eyeliner and perfectly groomed eyebrows she always managed to look flawless. In an ode to Marilyn I thought I would show you the products I use to re-create this classic sexy look:

Base - To start with I prep my skin with M.A.C's Fortified Skin Enhancer, this illuminator makes a perfect layer for my foundation to go onto, for foundation I am really loving the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk in the shade 4, this gives perfect coverage that lasts all night and as it contains no SPF it doesn't give the ghost face if flash photography is used making it perfect for nights out. For concealing I love the Collection 2000 lasting perfection concealer, this is great for blemishes and the under eye area. Powder wise I have recently been using the Sleek Luminous pressed powder compact. This helps to keep the shine at bay and set my make up in place.

Eyes - For the perfect cat eye I love the L'Oreal Super Liner in black, the felt tip like pen makes the cat eye easy. After curling my my lashes with the Shu Uemura curlers I apply the Collection 2000 Dolled Up Mascara, this gives a lovely curl and volume to my lashes.

Contour - I really only use one bronzing powder and that is the Nars Laguna powder, this gives my face some definition and enhances those not existent cheekbones.For a bit of highlight I like M.A.C's Mineralized Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle, a cult product that just gives the most gorgeous glow to the skin.

Lips - The lips are definitely the most important part of this classic look, I can't get enough of the Kate Moss Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick in 107, this deep red really suits my skin tone and as the product title suggests it really does stay put.

I really think this look suits everyone, whether your fair or dark.



Who is your beauty inspiration?

Hair Resurrection

After years of dip dying my hair I can safely say the ends are pretty dead! I'm not quite brave enough to chop it all off and start a fresh, so I have turned to every sort of repair/damage control/serum/lotion..... anything to give my hair it's life back.

I have been looking for a good hair oil for a while now and when I stumbled across L'Oreal's Mythic Oil I thought I would give it a go.I had always been slightly skeptical when it came to an oil, my worry was that it would result in an oily finish... not sexy. Oh how wrong I was.

The Mythic Oil is like a hair resurrection product, I apply this to my hair on the ends in between blow drying and straightening/curling, it really does breathe a new lease of life into my do!

Available here at Look Fantastic.

Everyday Face

Just thought I would do a little post about the make-up that makes the cut for the 'Everyday Face'. I work five days a week and don't get home until after six so long lasting make-up is a must for me. I also go the gym after work and don't want to look too done up so this is a pretty basic "no make up" look.

For my base I start with Revlon's Nearly Naked Foundation in the shade natural beige, I apply this with my fingers and the Real Techniques Buffing brush for a my skin but better finish. This foundation is low to medium coverage and it is buildable. It evens out my skin tone nicely. If I am looking particularly tired then I like to use Rimmel's Wake Me Up Concealer which I find illuminates my under eyes and makes me look alot more human.

I like to fill my eyebrows in a little with the HD Brows palette using the shade Rich Brown, I find a stronger eyebrow look really suits me and helps to frame my face, on the lashes I just put a few slicks of the L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara to make my eyes look bigger.

For contouring I love Nars Laguna Bronzer in the hollows of my cheeks, the colour of this product is perfect for intensifying the cheekbone area, it isn't too sparkly like other bronzers I have tried either. For that fresh awake look I think blusher is a must, like Kate from gh0stparties.com I apply this to the top of my cheekbones as opposed to the apples as it suits my face shape more. For an everyday blusher I am currently using Revlon's Baby Stick Lip and Cheek Tint in the shade Pink Passion and I apply this using the Real Techniques Stippling Brush.

To finish off the look I use Revlon's Balm Stain Just Bitten Kissable in the colour Rendezvous which is a peachy pink with a slight sheen, this product was also featured in my top lip products post 'On The Lips'.
This look takes only a few minutes to apply and it sticks around all day.

What's your daily make-up routine?

Danielle

The Bathroom Cupboard

I thought I would give you a sneak peak into my bathroom cupboard to see what products I keep handy for my daily skincare routine. My skincare products are always on rotation but at this point in time this is pretty much what I have been using. I have already reviewed a few of these products like the Botanics Rosewater Toner and the L'Oreal Micellar Solution and you can find those reviews here on my blog.

Today I am going to talk about a few skincare saviors that I can't live without, to start with it's the Simply Essentials Make-up Remover by Garnier If I have been wearing my L'Oreal Telescopic waterproof mascara then nothing can make it budge like this, with other removers I have to rub and scrub to get it off but with this one I just apply a small dap to a cotton pad and press down onto my eyelashes and its gone!! The consistency of this product is abit like oil (you have to shake it to blend the liquid) I prefer to use this just for eye make-up so I stick to a cleanser to remove foundation etc, I either like to use The Body Shop Aloe Vera Calming Facial Cleanser or the Botanics All Bright Gentle Cleanser, both have a lotion consistency and work in the same way. Apply with a cotton pad and wash away along with your make-up, if I had to pick one I would go with Botanics just because I love the smell.

Also one of my favourites is the This Works Perfect Look Skin Miracle, this does everything, it hydrates, moisturises and covers slight imperfections as it has a slight tint to it, I wear this alone as a tinted moisturiser or as a primer under foundation if I need a little more coverage.

I'm thinking of doing a make-up inspired post about looks I am currently loving or my daily make-up routine... let me know what you think!

Love Danielle

Under £5 Beauty Buys

£5 doesn’t get you much especially when it comes to beauty products I think I have found some real gems that all retail at £4.99 leaving you a bit of change! First up is a product that I loved so much I used it up and just had to re-purchase a new one! Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz is 100% organic and claims to cleanse impurities and leave your face feeling refreshed, well it certainly does that, I use this product after cleansing to get rid of any last scraps of make-up that may have got left behind, the smell is so fresh and it leaves my skin feeling clean and soft all ready for a blob of moisturiser! Vaseline Spray & Go New Body Moisturiser Aloe Fresh is the perfect moisturiser, it doesn’t leave you with that sticky can’t get dressed feeling, you spray over your body, rub in and it is instantly absorbed. It leaves your skin feeling so soft!

Up next is the L’Oreal New Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution , Being a fan of Bioderma Micellar Water I was interested to try L’Oreal version as it is quite abit cheaper, at £4.99 it comes in under our £5 budget! It claims to dissolve make-up, unclog pores, remove impurities, and tone and soothe skin. Like Bioderma you use with a cotton pad and sweep across the face without needing to rub and make-up comes right off!! This product is suitable for sensitive skin as well which is a plus. I hope more brands catch on the this Micellar water/solution craze, I like it!

Love Danielle