What I'm Loving Right Now

I may have posted a few photos... but if you haven't seen, I've been away on holiday, so there has been a lack of reviews and posts the past month. Its almost Match 2018... HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?! If you're wondering how my New Year More Me is going, well not too bad thanks actually! I've changed up my diet- not fully veggie but I'm doing well- and I'm spending a lot more time with those who matter to me. ANYWAY, let's get back to the good stuff shall we...

What I'm loving right now. I've compiled a list of my favourite, whether they are all-time go-to's or new found loves, beauty products...

Twilight - Lush
Limited edition body wash that smells LUSH. I'm trying out more eco and animal-friendly products at the moment. I'll have to stock up on this again next December! 

No Oil Oil - Percy & Reed
I used this product whilst I was away on holiday and didn't touch the hairspray once! Amazing at preventing frizz and holding a style.

Chocolate Soleil Bronzer - Too Faced 
This matte bronzer is sooo smooth, I never get blotchy spots, and it smells of chocolate... what's not to love?!

Mon Guerlain - Guerlain
This is now my daily perfume - floral notes, but not too sweet! I'm not the best at describing perfumes, but if you like La Vie Est Belle and Si, I can guarantee you will love this.

Rouge Velvet The Lipstick - Bourjois
Such a lovely tone, it suits my complexion down to a t. I often find it hard to don pink lipsticks being blonde, but this is the perfect mix between pink and nude.

Better Than Sex Mascara - Too Faced 
I always rave about this product. SO much love, you have to try it!

Lemon Highlights Shampoo - OGX 
I have spent so much time in the past trying to find a good blonde shampoo. Some have sent me ashy, some bring out yellow tones. This does exactly what it says, awakens sunkissed highlights.

No Big Sweat Face + Body Cleansing Wipes - CliniqueFIT
My sensitive skin often prevents me from using wipes, as they sting and irritate my face. These wipes are soft and smooth - perfect even after a long day.

Magnitone's New BlendUp Vibrasonic Beauty Brush!

So this post has been a long time coming, but I don't like writing a review of a product until I've given it a good try and tested it a few times. As a Magnitone Babe, I had the honour of receiving their newest product, BlendUp, a few days before its official launch. None of us were told what we would be receiving in the post, and as Mangnitone usually produce skincare and beauty based products I was so excited when I opened up my parcel to find this absolute gem!

BelndUp uses the same technology as their original BareFaced cleansing brushes, and is the very first vibrasonic makeup brush! The idea is that the consistency and fluidity of the vibrations create an even and smooth distribution of makeup, whether it be bronzer, blusher, or even foundation!  

I was so excited to try it out for myself, and over the past three weeks I have used this wonder brush for contouring, bronzers and blush. I will at some point try it out for foundation, but as this isn't part of my every-day makeup routine I will leave this for a special event or occasion. 

It's safe to say that this brush is fab! My usual makeup brushes (ABODY) are in fact the best I have ever used, and I stand by that they are the best (non-vibrasonic)for blending, eyeshadows and contouring, but this brush is a total winner and out of this world! Everyone experiences the odd skin patch that often collects and clumps your powder. I get this often on my cheeks in the morning and have to use my fingers to smooth and pat it out. BelndUp does exactly what it says on the tin, it glides over your skin to give the softest, most natural, and airbrushed effect. If you're using this new product from Magnintone its safe to say you will not experience any clumping or streaks. 

Oh Magnitone, you've done it again. Such genius! I will be using this brush for Halloween to create a mermaid inspired look, so keep your eyes peeled for pictures and how-tos! 

If you're interested check out their website HERE

Trying Out Magnitone's BareFaced Vibrasonic Cleansing Brush

It's taken me a while to test out this one, but after a month of using this beauty, I can now give an honest review on how the Barefaced Brush effects and cleans your skin. I have previously used other non-electronic cleansing brushes that have been tough on my skin, and instead of feeling the positives of brushing away oils, impurities and dead skin cells, the only thing that I could think about was how harsh and painful they left my skin. When I first used Magnitone's Vibrasonic brush, I was so wary of it being the same. I hesitantly put the brush head on my skin, scared it would leave my skin stinging and in pain...

I chose to go with the original brush head, rather than take a wack at the one designed for sensitive skin just so I could see a comparison, but because the original was so soft, I haven't had to use the other yet! I then grabbed the instruction manual to make sure that I was using the tool right...

1. Remove all makeup and apply your usual cleanser. In this case, I used the Dirty Works Creamy Cleanser, I love the smell and how soft it leaves your skin. 

2. Wet the brush and choose which mode you would like, normal or pulsing. 

3. Let the vibrations do the work and glide gently over your skin in small slow circles. 

4. Every 20 seconds the brush will beep, after which continue to another section of your face.

5. After 1 minute the brush will turn off and you're all set!

This cleanser and brush are an absolute match made in heaven. Although the day after use you may witness some spots coming to the surface of your skin, after a few weeks you will really see improvements all around. My skin has become less oily and blotchy, something I'm sure everyone would appreciate on a daily basis! 

Magnitone is such a fab brand, and I'm so lucky to have been able to review this product for them. If you are looking to try one out for yourself check out their website - HERE 

#Magnitonebabe Wipeout! Cleansing Cloth Review

Anybody following my Instagram account will know that I have just become a Magnitone Brand Ambassador! Super exciting stuff. And as I am now a Magnitone Babe, I have been ever so lucky enough to receive a box of goodies to review, especially for you guys! 

The first of their products that I have been particularly excited to review is their Wipeout! Cleansing Cloth, a cloth makeup remover that works just by adding hot water! It's great for those with sensitive skin, looking to avoid nasty and harsh chemicals. 

After giving it a good soak in the washing machine at 30, I tried it out for the first time yesterday evening, and it did not disappoint. The cloth is like the softest and fluffiest flannel you have ever touched and wipes off your face in seconds. You don't have to scrub at your face harshly, and its soft on your skin, perfect for me as so many products end up stinging my face! 

 The only downside is that unlike your common makeup wipe, you can't just throw it in the bin and get rid of the makeup remnants, it does leave a stain on the cloth. I suggest using the cloth nightly, and then after a week popping it back in the washing machine for a good clean, so it's then spic and span for the next! 

Thanks so much, Robyn and the team at Magnitone. Next up will be the Barefaced Daily Cleansing Brush- looking forward to it! Grab your own cleansing cloth HERE 

KIKO Milano Bargain Buys

Hiya all, sorry that It's been fairly quiet on the blog recently. Summer is a busy time, but I have lots of new posts coming up and exciting things for the upcoming months! 

If you haven't seen on my Insta account, I have just got back from being in Italy for a short holiday, just north of Luca. A fab week spent eating, drinking, sleeping and chilling by the pool (I did play tennis a few times to get a bit of exercise in). On our final day, we went to Viareggio to spend some time bathing on the beach, but I couldn't resist a little bit of shopping! KIKO Milano had a sale on, and when I walked inside to see bargain buckets of beauty and makeup products I just couldn't help myself...

I was amazed, and with the total of these two products, Super Duper Less is Better Cream Blush and Signature Eyemarker Liquid Liner, totaling to only three euros sixty, I am now looking back thinking I was a total fool and should have stocked up and bought Birthday and Christmas presents in advance! 

I assumed that as they were so low in price that they must have been lacking in quality, and I was so so wrong. Okay, so I've only been using these two products for the last two days, but in that time I can truthfully say that this is the nicest cream blush that I have ever used, the tone is beautiful, and it lasts leaving your cheeks flushed and blushed for hours at a go. The liquid eyeliner is also a steal, the application is fab, leaving thick and clean lines instantly, without having to press down hard onto your skin. Unfortunately, the precision isn't as great at the Bareminerals liquid liner that I usually use, but for one euro it's pretty amazing, and I usually end up using a cotton bud to smooth and shape each line anyway. 

I am pretty chuffed with both of these. I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT MOREEEE, WAHHHH 

Kristy x

Sönd Hydrating Face Spray

After finding out about Sönd via Instagram I was desperate to try out some of their oils, serums and supplements. I became interested in the company as they specialise in products for sensitive skin, perfect for someone like me who suffers from extra sensitive skin and therefore many skincare products can be harsh on my skin, stinging and drying it out. They maintain a holistic approach to skincare and demonstrate how keeping your skin healthy can be achieved through your skincare routine and lifestyle. 

For the past week, I've been trying out their Hydrating Face Spray, a product that beauty bloggers and brands are going crazy over at the moment. It's a great idea, perfect for a spritz mid-day to refresh your skin and keep your going. Give yourself a few sprays with the mist and massage it into your face and neck. It's also perfect for me, as previously mentioned I have very sensitive skin, but I also suffer from dry skin, so it's a great way to hydrate throughout the day. I also have the Dermalogica's Multi-Active Toner, a similar product that also seeks to hydrate and refresh, and I've got to admit that Sönd's take on this spritz is far better, one reason being because of a faulty nozzle and the second because it has a nicer and more subtle smell. 

Although I originally had a pessimistic view of hydrating mists and sprays (believing it was just water in a bottle) after trying this out I can honestly say that I love the effect it has on my face daily, keeping me hydrated, energised and refreshed.

K.x

Mudmasky's Facial Detox Purifying Recovery Mask

So as you might have seen on my Instagram account I have been non-stop raving about this product, but I wanted to make sure that I had tried and tested it for at least a few weeks before writing a review and reflecting on its quality. 

I've been using Mudmasky for the past two weeks, around three times per week, so that's six times in total. It's really simple, and although I swear by my usual three product skincare routine, I will definitely be making room for this at least once a week for a skin pamper session. Like any normal mask you leave it on for around 8-12 minutes, until the mud dries and makes you face feel tight (it does sting so be careful!), I like this as it makes you feel like to product is doing its job. After, simply wash it off with cold water, it can be a bit tough so I'd suggest using a flannel or cold cloth to help scrape off the remnants. 

IN REVIEW

This product has done absolute wonders for my skin. If you've read any of my other posts you'll know that I am a firm believer in changing up your skin routine every once in a while, just like your shampoos. Your body can get too used to a certain product, so it's nice to give it a change every now and then. I feel this sudden change gives my skin/hair a little bump into action and is an indulging refresher. Mudmasky will bring out spots the day after its use, but don't go thinking that it's made your skin worse, it is simply doing its job and giving your skin a deep purifying recovery detox, clearing out all the dirt and muck from your pores. After 2-3 days your skin will be looking clean, clear and radiant. Many face masks instantly dry out your skin, or in fact, do the opposite and make it super oily. Mudmasky has a great balance of ingredients that hydrate (but not too much!), brighten and sooth. There's only one down-side, that you've got to leave it on for 8-12 minutes, but in all honesty, when dealing with a face mask this is something to expect. I might be fussy but I, unfortunately, do not have the time to do what the packet suggests and use it a few times a week, but I will try to find the time to use it at least once because of its fab results! 

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Cleanse Face Wash Review

As you may well know, I am a big fan of a good face wash. I'm not massive on having a skincare routine that consists of 6 stages, who has the time for that?! I prefer having three, remover (typically micellar water), an everyday face wash, and a good moisturiser. I will use various masks and eye creams once or twice a week, but those three stages are my typical everyday skincare routine. I'm not saying that this is the best way, I just can't seem to find the time, and most nights definitely wouldn't have the energy to do anymore. We had this Aromatherapy Associates Deep Cleanse Face Wash turn up at work, and after reading reviews I decided to pinch it for myself and see what everybody was raving about. As you may well know I have fairly sensitive skin, it often stings when I use specific products, I come out with rashes fairly easily, too much or too little of specific ingredients can leave my skin dry and flakey or event the opposite, oily and spotty. 

I've used this product for the past week and can already see its influence on my skin. In previous months I've used the likes of Bliss, Soap and Glory, and bareMinerals for my daily face wash, most of which tend to leave my skin super dry, and I end up having to lap on the moisturiser straight after my shower because of how harsh they have been on my skin. This product must have the perfect balance of ingredients, as it leaves my skin smooth, spotless and brighter, with absolutely no signs of flaky skin and dryness! You can feel the foamy texture of the soap cleaning your pores instantly, and although I love a good bit of exfoliation this is softer and probably healthier for my skin every day. I only have one complaint about the product, and that's the smell. I'm quite fussy with the smell of beauty products, and this is usually where I'll end up complaining. Lavender, bitter orange, tea tree, ylang ylang and flower oil are not the best mixture of scents! I'd much prefer 1 or 2 rather than 5 or 6, but that is a personal preference. All-in-all, this is a fab product and does its job, but at £24 a pop I won't be buying it again, maybe if they release one with a simpler smell! 

Beauty On A Budget: The Best Makeup Removers

Finding the perfect makeup remover for my skin is a constant and epic struggle. I suffer from sensitive and dry skin, but when using the wrong products it can also shift in the opposite direction and become greasy and spotty (I hope I'm not the only one!). So when it comes to trying out new makeup removers I'm all for it! I've always struggled with using makeup wipes as typical brands such as Johnson's, Nivea, Neutrogena and own brand skincare ranges leave my eyes stinging and watering- so I'm always on the lookout for a product that not only swiftly leaves me makeup free, but is also pain-free! I've done a quick round-up of my current top makeup removers, that are especially good for those with sensitive skin. Hope you enjoy!

1. Simple, Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Wipes

These are the most recent addition to my makeup remover collection. I received them as a freebie from my Fat Buddha Yoga Class last week along with your typical health bars and coconut water. I highly recommend these wipes, they are one of the few that doesn't sting my eyes and are super gentle on your skin. The only downside is that I feel you need to scrub your face quite hard to make sure all of your makeup is off, otherwise you wake up with panda eyes in the morning, and nobody wants that! 

2. balance me, Flash Cleanse Micellar Water

Can you see a trend forming yet? Yeah, I'm kind of in love with micellar, it's a beauty product that I love as it's extra gentle on your skin, unlike other harsh removers. I have previously reviewed this remover in the past, but my opinion remains the same. This formula was great and left my skin clean and pain-free within a few wipes. I only have two criticisms; 1. The bottle says to push down twice and apply, I would instead recommend pumping at least 3-4 times (but no biggy), and 2. The smell of the product isn't that great. For something like this I'd say either go completely scentless or go full-on, this was neither and smelt a bit like a mild bathroom cleaner (I've got to be honest). All in all, this is a great product, I will be using it until the bottle is finished, but I'm not sure if I'll be purchasing it again.

3. Garnier, Micellar Cleansing Water

I've raved about this product on a number of occasions, but I can't help it! It's truly one of the best makeup removers I've ever used, and it's perfect for my sensitive skin. This specific green formula is a combination for sensitive skin, but the original pink colour 'for even sensitive skin' is just as soft on my skin. 

 An added bonus is that it doesn't dry out my face, usually, waters and tonics removers do this, but my skin is left super smooth and clean.

4. Yes To, Coconut Cleansing Wipes For Dry Skin

As you've probably seen Yes To are a current favourite brand of mine and have featured at my Brand Of The Week around a month ago. I decided to try out these coconut wipes as they are supposed to relieve dry and cracked skin. The wipes smelt great and took off my makeup fairly easily, but unfortunately did sting my eyes, but many of my friends now swear by these after my recommendation- so for those with less sensitive skin I'd say give these a go! 

5. Yes To, Cucumber Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Wipes

These were a clear winner for me, along with the new Simple wipes, these are the only two brands that have left my skin sting free, fresh and clean. The smell is refreshing and subtle, perfect for everyday use! 

I hope this helps anybody looking to change-up their skincare routine and try out new makeup removers.

Love,

K. 

Beauty On a Budget: Rimmel vs Soap & Glory

I haven't done a beauty on a budget post for a while, but since my uni-work life transition, I've realised that I definitely still need to be saving-savvy with all my beauty products If I want to be able to have good makeup, nice clothes, and go out with my friends! I've decided to compare two of my favourite concealers, both under £10, and that I believe are an absolute bargain. 

1. Rimmel London's Wake Me Up Concealer

In the past, I have mentioned how this is one of the best concealers for the price you pay (a mere £5.49!). It's perfect to brighten your eyes in the morning and hide those horrible bags. I simply apply this product under my eyes, on my forehead, and on my chin, all in the shape of an upside down triangle, then blend with a concealer brush. It's as good as any benefit product that I've purchased and has been a clear favourite of mine for the past year. The only downside is that due to its liquid nature it tends to sweat off quite easily, which means re-applying it a number of times throughout the day. 

2. Soap and Glory's Kick Ass Blur and Brighten Crayon

I bought this product a little over 3 weeks ago, to try out a new concealer and see whether there is anything else about that is better quality and better value for money. I've been using it every morning since! This product is amazing. I apply it in the same way I previously stated (triangles under my eyes, the centre of my forehead, and on my chin), and it lasts all day long. I wake up for work and put on my makeup at around 7.30 each day and I don't need to re-apply this until I leave work at 5! It's slightly thicker in texture to the Wake Me Up concealer and seems to cover up blemishes a lot faster and easier. The best part? This Kick Ass product is only £6! 

Although I love both of these products to bits in this beauty on a budget battle there is one clear winner... Soap and Glory's Kick Ass Blue and Brighten Crayon!

I hope this helps you if you're looking for beauty on a budget!

K. x 

balance me Flash Cleanse Micellar Water Review

balance me are a company that I have supported for around 2-3 years, they endorse and create natural cosmetic products for every woman; young, old, you name it. I was super excited when I had found out that they had released a micellar water as its a match made in heaven(I'm a maaaaasssive fan of the Garnier micellar products) so I couldn't wait to try it out! Micellar water is a super product that makes your evening face routine 100x easier, you don't even need to go near the bathroom sink, simply splash a bit of this formula onto a pad and wipe your face, magic! 

Last night I tried out this product and to no surprise though it was great! I have had issues with some micellar waters in the past as you need to scrub your face really hard to get all the makeup and dirt off, but with this formula, my face was clean within a few wipes. I only have two criticisms; 1. The bottle says to push down twice and apply, I would instead recommend pumping at least 3-4 times (but no biggy), and 2. The smell of the product isn't that great. For something like this I'd say either go completely scentless or go full-on, this was neither and smelt a bit like a mild bathroom cleaner (I've got to be honest). All in all, this is a great product, I will be using it until the bottle is finished, but I'm not sure if I'll be purchasing it again.

Love,

K.

Guinot Product Review

Guinot is a brand that I have been lucky enough to stumble across due to work. Their products are advertised as being all-natural and animal-friendly (no animal testing), which is great news for those of us who are trying to feed our skin with the best products possible, and avoid nasty chemicals which can often produce horrible side effects. After attending their Christmas Press Launch (at the amazing Ham Yard Hotel- SO COOL) back in July, I have been eager to try out all of the goodies that they gave me, and see whether they really work. 

I'm afraid this is only part 1 of a two episode series of my reviews of these products, because they gave me soo many goodies that I haven't been able to try them all out yet! So here are the three that I have been absolutely lusting over the past few weeks...

1. Douche Mirific Shower Gel 

This is honestly the only shower gel that I have ever used which has a sweet clean smell that lasts all day long! Most shower gels smell lovely whilst you are applying them in the shower, but after you've got out dried yourself with a towel and put on some clothes you can barely smell the scent. I love the smell of passion flower, so this is a definite keeper for me, plus it managed to keep my skin fairly moisturised, which is an added bonus as I have horrifically dry skin.

2. Masque Yeux Instant Eye Mask

After attending a beauty event around a year ago and having an expert's opinion on the health of my skin (they used this really cool UV machine that highlights where your skin is most dehydrated), I found out that my under eyes are the most dehydrated aspect of my face, with the rest seeming pretty healthy and normal. When they showed me this product at the Guinot press launch I couldn't wait to try it, as I had been making the rounds trying every eye cream you could imagine. This eye mask is perfect for hydrating those dark bags. It also managed to get rid of some dark marks I had developed by the crows feet of my eyes, maybe due to over wearing liquid eyeliner? I'm not too sure. But all in all, a really good product that I'd recommend. 

3. Nutrologic Nourishing Body Balm

This one says what it does on the tin. Not anything much I can particularly rave about, but all-in-all a fairly good body butter. But unfortunately, I'd recommend various creams and lotions that are a fraction of the price, but that's just my opinion.

Hope you've enjoyed these three product reviews! I'll be back with part 2 sometime soon!

K.

My Skincare Routine

1 & 2. Rodial Glamoxy Snake Mask & Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Mask

Both of these masks are a-maz-ing! You can feel them working as soon as you've slathered them on. I'd recommend using them once or twice a month.

The Glamoxy is a peel-off mask that you leave on for around 15 minutes. When I first used this I could feel it working its magic,  with a slight sting it was doing just as it said, cleansing my pores and removing all dirt. I use it before bed and wake up with great results the next day. You may find that it occasionally pulls out some nasty spots due to its deep cleaning, but after a day or so my skin is spot-free and brighter than ever! 

Rodial's Dragon's Blood is also a top pick of mine. Cover your face with a smooth layer and let it sink in, I also suggest using this before bed after you've wiped off all your makeup from the day. The next day I could feel my skin was super smooth, and also plump. This is a deffo for summer holidays when you are trying to perfect your au naturel look. 

3. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I know I've gone on about this product A LOT, but I can't help it! It's truly one of the best makeup removers I've ever used, and it's perfect for my sensitive skin. An added bonus is that it doesn't dry out my face, usually, waters and tonics removers do this, but my skin is left super smooth and clean.

4. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
Mix this with water until it's foaming, then apply and scrub all over your face, then wash it off with water, easy! I've seen a dramatic improvement in my skin since using this cleansing gel, my skin has cleared up and looks healthy, rather than it's usual dry self!

5. Guinot Eye Cream
I started to use this product around two weeks ago. Initially, I was looking for an eye cream as I've developed dark patches around the crows-feet of my eyes. This gel is perfect for getting rid of unwanted bags and those dark marks. I need to continue using this to prevent unwanted wrinkles and dark circles! 

6. Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser
As I've previously said, my skin has a habit of drying up quite a bit. I have to moisturise my legs daily to prevent that scaly look! I use this on my t-zone, as I often find it peeling. It's perfect to throw on just before bed or when you get up in the morning as it's a light cream, unlike many other heavy and thick face moisturisers. 

I'd highly recommend any of these products to friends and family! 

K. X

Brand Of The Week

This week I've gone for a skincare brand that I couldn't live without...

Yesto

These products are absolutely amazing. I suffer from sensitive skin and really struggle to find makeup wipes that don't sting and burn my face and eyes, but these guys have done it, and it smells great too! They now sell their products in seven different smells, cucumber, charcoal, coconut, tomatoes, grapefruit, blueberries and carrot! Cucumber is specifically for sensitive skin, but I have also given their coconut facial wipes a go and they work a charm, it's merely a preference to smell. For every-day use, I'd tend to steer towards using cucumber as it is refreshing and subtle, but I do like the sweet smell of coconut every now and again!

I've just bought their grapefruit body wash, and am yet to try it but it smells AMAZING. I'll let you guys know how I get on with it.

Love,

K.