SUPER SENSITIVE SKIN ROUTINE

Hey guys! Recently I had been on the look out for a new skin care routine as my super sensitive skin had took a turn for the worse. From a young age I have suffered with product reactions to anything over perfumed or if I used too many steps in my routine. If you are like me, you will understand the constant battle of finding something that works for you. Something that you can finally start to feel comfortable using. No more purchases shoved into your black hole draw of barely used products that wont ever see the light of day again. RIP to the ones who never made it past the first two days of use.

But finally, after my draw was nearly full and I had diagnosed my skin as basically dead or incurable on Google (we have all done it), I have found some products that I feel work great for me and could for other super sensitive skins. 

This is me without make-up, with tinted lashes and brows using Eylure Eyebrow and Eyelash Tint in BLACK . Please excuse my awful sandy blonde roots, I am dying my hair this weekend! My skin at the moment has never been better. My forehead and cheek areas are free of any rashes or blemishes where I usually break out. My hormone area seems to be under control, as I often suffer from cystic under the skin spots. The only problem area I am suffering with at the moment is my nose. In this picture I have zoomed into my problem area so you can see the types of rashes I tend to get on my face.

I have always suffered from really bad eczema around my nose area. I believe this is from using steroid creams, prescribed antibiotics and far too many harsh exfoliants to remove dead skin over the years, I have very sore and angry skin around my nose and at the moment, my skin has been producing blistering little spots that pop water and get very red and angry. I can't even blame the redness on a runny nose now as its coming into summer! With this said, I felt that my old skin care routine was making it worse, so I binned the exfoliants and cream removers (which seemed to spread the rash) and went on the look out for something to calm my skin. 

My skin rashes from highly perfumed products on the left and my skin now on the right after using my new found loved products.

SO WHAT ARE THESE PRODUCTS? 

This is my step by step routine using these products: 1 The Body Shop- Chamomile sumptuous cleansing butter (rrp: £12) // 2 Olay- Regenerist 3 point super cleansing system (rrp:£39- found for £20 on Amazon) 3 Clean flannel (any drugstore/supermarket)// 4 Boots- Coconut body oil  100ml (rrp: £2.54)// 5 MAC- Prep+Prime blemish control gel (rrp: £13)// 6 The Body Shop-Aloe soothing day cream 50ml (rrp:£8)

STEP 1 Removing make-up-cleansing and exfoliating 

To start my routine I rub my fingers into the The Body Shop- Chamomile sumptuous cleansing butter and work it into my skin using warm water. The Chamomile is so, so soothing for any sensitive skin and has drastically improved the redness of my skin in breakouts or rashes. As it is an oil, it really breaks down the make-up on the skin and has a silky smooth texture which is great if your rash or blemishes are sore. To remove this I use a fresh flannel everyday to rub any excess product off accompanied with warm water. 

Exfoliating products really don't agree with my skin. They are often to coarse or too drying which can send my skin from oily to dry very quickly, I decided to try the Olay- Regenerist 3 point super cleansing system to exfoliate. I do this sometimes when I put the chamomile butter on my skin or after to polish off any left over product. As you may notice I do not tone as it strips my weak skin. This soft rotating polishing brush on the gentle setting exfoliates my skin and acts as my toner.  

I then rinse my face with warm water and dry.

STEP 2-  Adding in Boots- Coconut body oil 

If you wear full coverage make-up like myself, try adding in some of the Boots- Coconut body oil to break down the make up easier. It has a fab smell and again, glides over the skin. Coconut oil is a natural antibacterial so it is a MUST for me to add this in as it controls the bacteria on my face keeping blemishes away. It also makes my skin super super soft!

STEP 3- Moisturise and control

To finish off my skin routine, I then use The Body Shop-Aloe soothing day cream to hydrate my skin. This moisturiser is incredible for people like me who are afraid to moisturise in case they get spots. It is fragrance, colour and alcohol free which is amazing for sensitive skin. Aloe is a natural anti inflammatory substance so it is soothing and super light on the skin. I cannot recommend this moisturiser enough to anyone out there!! Finally, I finish off with a little bit of MAC- Prep+Prime blemish control gel. This heals my blemishes as it is infused with acne-fighting salicylic acid which minimises my breakout over night. The only thing I would say about this product is to use if finely and sparingly as it can dry out the skin around the blemish. 

So that is my skin care recommendations and routine that I use on a daily basis. I would love for you guys to recommend me other products you have found work well for sensitive skin also!

Can anyone recommend me a good eye cream? This is missing from my routine but I don't know what is best for fine lines and dark circles?

Samantha x

PRODUCT REVIEW: RAPID BROW - EYEBROW GROWTH SERUM

Hi guys ! There was a time in life were we all just jumped out of bed and the only thing we couldn't leave the house without was mascara... But now all I can think is 'Crap my eyebrows aren't on!' 

If you are not blessed with the bush of beautiful brows like myself, you will have tried EVERYTHING to make those brows appear. However, as night time falls and the moon comes out, instead of turning wolfie and gaining a few eye brow hairs, the dreaded make-up remover comes out and 'POOF' they are gone. 

I have tried everything- even contemplated tattooing. However, ladies I want to introduce you to Rapid Brow. 

Rapid Brow - Boots RRP:£37 

This is little old me when I was 16 on holiday with a bit of brow product and mascara on. As you can see my eyebrows are pretty non existent . I have always naturally had very sparse and delicate fair hairs. With bushy brows on the break through, I, like many others, have the never ending task to create my own bushy brow. With this, I discovered Rapid Brow through my mum, who had also suffered with a bit of hair loss. 

So how does it work ?  

Product description-  

'This brow enhancing serum helps transform weak, uneven, sparse brows into healthier looking more beautiful brows.

RapidBrow® is created with an exclusive Hexatein™ 2 Complex, a unique blend of fortytifying proteins, stimulating peptides and nourishing ingredients designed to help condition, restore and repair the appearance of eyebrows in 60 days.

Simply apply RapidBrow® with the easy-to-use mini brush with a few quick strokes twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

For best results, it is recommended to continue to use it for at least eight weeks.' 

(www.boots.co.uk)

MY REVIEW

After using this product myself for over a year now, I can honestly say this product is the best thing I have ever used on my brows. I started to notice a difference in my brows within 6 weeks as the regrowth of tiny hairs started to appear at the front of my brows. Hair follicles began to grow in places I had lost or never seen hair before. My brows had begun to grow longer which was great to fill out any gaps, so much so that I have started to trim them into my desired shape. 

Using Rapid Brow is not a quick overnight solution. I have persistently used this morning and night for over a year now (using roughly around 5 tubes to date). You have to be patient with this product and look after your brows whilst using it. I found that using harsh make-up wipes through my brows sometimes pulled out the tiny regrown follicles, so I started to use soft oil or cream remover to gently remove any brow product on them. 

Try not to use too much. If you over brush the product you will notice a film which peals off of the skin in the morning. I feel that when it did this they didn't grow as well - little and often is the key.

MY EYEBROWS WITH NO MAKE UP ON - 1.5 YEARS USE OF RAPID BROW

These are my brows now after a year and a half of using Rapid Brow. As you can see tiny hairs are now growing and starting to get thicker in areas of my brow that had nothing left. I am so, so happy with this product, it truly works and I think for anyone suffering with alopecia or finished with chemotherapy, I can't strongly recommend this product enough for you. I really hope it gives you back the confidence you deserve.

It is expensive at £37, however, if you have a Boots card you will sometimes receive a £7 off Rapid Brow token and also a 10% off token. If you use these together with your double points you get a great price - I bought this for £21 this month in Boots as they also reduced the price to £31 and on top of that I received £2 worth of boots points! Great deal! (usually £37 in Boots without deals)

You can also buy this on Amazon which I have found cheapest at £26.

FINISHING THE NATURAL BROW LOOK OFF

To finish off the natural bushy look I run MAC- Haute and Naughty Brown Mascara through my brow. I use the first defined wand from this two wand mascara (the pink top) and run that through my brows. I then tip my brows forward to catch all the fine hairs that have regrown through Rapid Brow. By using lash mascara, little fibres cling to these fine regrown hairs to create a natural thicker brow without the use of pencil and show off all of the new regrowth! It also keeps the brows in shape so you can brush the hairs around to fluff out any gaps. 

 Haute and Naughty Lash- RRP:£19

Remember eye brows are sisters never twins! My left eyebrow in this picture still has some growth to do in the front section to make it an even width apart. However, I am super happy with Rapid Brow and will religiously always use it every night as a staple in my routine!

What other treatments have you tried for your brows? 

Samantha x  

MA(C)SCARA GUIDE FOR THE ULTIMATE LASH

Hey guys, recently in work  (and once randomly in Tesco) I get questions about what mascara I use and how I get my lashes so big. So I thought I would give you the down low on what mascara I use, tips on building that ultimate lash, but also what mascara will suit you!

This is my MAC MASCARA 101

Its all about how we style our lashes. When you go to buy your total fave falsies you can see that there are so many different styles of lashes. Some with flicked ends, some that are super full and some that are delicate and fluffy. This is the same for your mascara!

If you put it into three categories, we like lashes that are DEFINED, VOLUMINOUS and CURLED.  (Me however, I try to do all three like a mascara monster- Hey! Life is short but your lashes don't have to be...)  So lets go through a few of my favourite MAC mascaras:

Are you a VOLUME AND CURL girl?

FALSE LASHES MASCARA (RRP:£19)

Key claims: Smudge-resistant/ Flake proof/ Long-wearing/ Suitable for contact wearers/ Comes in waterproof.

The wand: Tapered tip ( great for the finer ones in the corners)/Rich creamy formula which glides easy onto the lashes/ Intense black pigment.

This mascara is perfect for a girl who likes curl with that extra UMPFF! I would recommend this mascara to anyone who likes a traditional brush wand and for women looking to add that extra length to their lashes. The tapered end of the brush is super great to fluff through the tiny lashes in the corner so that you can get that full fan false lash effect. It is perfect for women who wear glasses or contacts as it truly does not budge and the lashes don't go all clumpy and flake. So no black freckles down the face as soon as you step into the wind!

#LOOK OUT MAC are giving away free FALSE LASH samples in store !! Put down your False eyelash glue, ask an artist for a mascara demo and take away a little tube of your own False Lash mascara!

IN EXTREME DIMENSION 3D BLACK LASH (RRP:£19)

Key claims: Smudge proof/ Long wearing/ Clump resistant/ Flake-proof

The wand: 360 degrees ball tip to reach lower lashes and small corner lashes/ Gigantic moulded brush/ The brush has symmetrical moulded bristles that curl around every lash for volume and separation.

This is my ultimate MAC mascara. I am a huge fan of that supper thick, volume and curl lash. I never wear false lashes as they always seem to make my eyes look smaller, so this mascara is on my #musthavemascara list. I adore the fact that the bristles are wrapped around the tip of the wand so that I can go vertical and push each individual lash up with a shot of rich black product. This is the blackest mascara I have ever used (previously I have used Dior Blackout and Benefit They're Real). However, this formula seems to stay black and glossy throughout the day which I feel my other two old favourites did not!

#LOOKOUT  I will demo some tips on how to pump up the volume and length below after introducing my next mascara.

Are you a bit of both girl? Let's VOLUME AND DEFINE.

Ever had those days were you you want that 'no make-up' make-up, but then you need that 'actually drinks after the gym sound good look'! Well it was about time there was a mascara that  had two mascaras in it!

HAUTE AND NAUGHTY  (RRP:£19)

Key claims: Smudge-resistant/ Flak-proof/Long wearing/ Clump-proof/ Comes in waterproof and brown. 

The wand: It features a dual wiper system/ The brush is full at the bottom and tapered at the tip/Hollow bristles that fan out  in multiple directions over the lash for full lash effect. 

When you open the first pink top of the brush, the wand is pulled through a smaller opening which takes off any excess product. This creates the ultimate defining mascara 'The day look'. Fluffy and defined, each lash has a fine coating of mascara which fans out the lashes in all directions. However, when you open the second top, (the sparkly end) the brush has a wider opening leaving that fabulous glossy black product to create the ultimate volume! 'The night look' It is an absolute winner! I truly love this mascara as it is a perfect day and night look. Great for women on the go, who go from the office to late night cocktails after work. This also works for someone who loves bold lashes on the top and softer lashes on the bottom. It is two mascaras in one!

TOP TIPS - HOW TO APPLY YOUR MASCARA


Pro tip #1- The tissue

If you're afraid of that dreaded imprint, pop a tissue underneath the lashes and push that product down! This is a fantastic way to dress those lashes from root to tip with no mess. It also creates that fantastic volume and defines the entire lash to its full length potential. This is great for a night out or for someone like myself who wants that huge lash impact!

Pro tip #2 - Go VERTICAL and tickle the lashes 

Use the end or close to the end of the mascara wand and push each individual lash up to insure root to tip application. This is great for bottom lashes too- if you have those tiny ones in the corner go vertical and tickle the bottom lashes in the corner. This will stop you imprinting in the corner and edges of the eye. 

By tickling the tips of the lashes by going vertical, this also ensures the tips are as full as the root. 

Pro tip #3 Prep and Prime Lash (RRP:£13) 

Like nails, if you have a base coat the product will look more enhanced and stay on longer. MAC Prep and Prime Lash forms a beautiful base for your mascara to grab hold of and build on top of your lashes. This is perfect for anyone who has fine lashes and wants to create a bolder defined and voluminous  eye. You can also layer this in coats- one coat of mascara, one coat of primer and so on. The primer sets transparent so the layers just look like bold beautiful lashes.

Pro tip #4 Eye lash curlers

Ladies with straighter lashes always reach for your eye lash curlers. ALWAYS curl before product- never curl when product is on lashes. If there is product on the lash the grips will stick causing lashes to pull out.  

Pro tip #5 Your finger curlers

If you have straighter lashes but hate anything close to your eye (this might take a little time) you can apply your mascara, push your finger horizontal under your lashes and hold. You will bend the lashes with the product on, and as the product starts to set, it will hold in the position creating a little more curl. 


And there you have it ladies! These are my 3 favourite MAC mascaras for beautiful bold lashes.

What mascaras are you loving at the moment ? Do you have any other tips you can share with me ?



Samantha x

* All other images than my own are from maccosmetics.co.uk

ITS A NUDE THING

Hey guys! So this is my first post in a while, lots of things have happened since I started this blog so I thought that it was finally time to get the ball rolling again!

Recently at work I have been sporting the all nude everything look. Of course working on a MAC counter more than 10 times a day we all get asked 'How do you contour?'... 'Do you have Velvet Teddy back in stock?' (cheers Kim and Kylez) Ladies I can finally say, YES !!! We have been getting Velvet Teddy back in stock. ( I couldn't deal with the 'Gurl Bye' faces any more when we didn't...) With this, I thought it would be fitting to show you my all nude everything look with a lil Velvet Teddy thrown in there.

So this is the look- I always go for a blown out soft eye, huge mascara pumped lashes and a strong lip liner. This look isn't complicated and is perfect for a quick 'selfie' with no flash back in the foundation! 

Here is what I have used:

To start this look I always use my Body Shop Aloe Smoothing Day cream. As you start to read my blog you will realise my skin likes to react to anything. It always throws a wobbly when I introduce too many new products and this moisturiser is one of the purest and skin sensitive I have ever used! (I will review this product later in my blog) In terms of skin prep, you will notice no primer. For me, primer has never seemed to enhance my make-up, therefore I have never used one! 

Moving on to foundation- MAC Prolongwear Waterproof Foundation (NC30) Hurrrayyy !! Finally I have found a foundation that is full coverage, has a built in concealer, no SPF (which means no casper selfies) and is waterproof. I can't honestly tell you how much you need to head to your nearest MAC store and grab yourself a sample like I have. I like to use my 187 buffing brush to lightly buff into my skin which has no problem areas, however, I do go old school using the tips of my fingers working it into my blemish scared areas and around my nose where I suffer from eczema. This foundation is great for both flawless skin, or for those who have combination skin like mine and need to target any problem areas. The perks of not have to use a concealer with this foundation is a huge bonus! It stays on all day.

How do I contour? 

I will go into more depth with a contour and highlight post however, here is a quick shot to tell you were I place my contour and where I place my highlight. 

I'm a huge lover of powder contour and highlight, as cream tends to look too muddy on my skin. I use my HOLY GRAIL bronzer - Hoola by Benefit cosmetics. The warm red undertone in this bronzer is just delicious and I feel it is a fantastic tone to use as a contour as it has the red undertones which we get from a natural holiday tan. I feel it warms the skin creating a bronzed goddess look rather than a thick drag like brown contour. Next I go in with my MAC- Prolongwear pressed powder in Light. This powder creates a silk like texture on the skin which I feel makes the highlight look effortless in transition so we don't get the neapolitan ice cream contour. 

Over the top of the light powder that has created a beautiful matte base, I use TOPSHOP- Crescent Moon highlighter. This adds a hint of shimmer, dimension and luminosity to the skin. I also place this under the brow bone and in the inner corner of the eye as seen in the image above. This creates a brighter wider eye.

Brows and Lashes

My brow game has changed quite a lot over the years. From my first blog post #Browdownbitches I was using all Benefit products and in this look I have gone for a more bushy effect. I don't use the Spiked eyebrow pencil by MAC that you see in the product group... I use that for something else. I use mascara! Yep, I use the MAC Haute and Naughty Brown mascara through my brows and it's my brow game changer! The mascara not only fluffs up my little strays and makes them thicker, it also sets them into the shape I want. I adore the deep brown pigment which actually stays brown all day. I was previously using 'Gimmy Brow' by Benefit which was a fibre brow mascara but I always found it had a grey tone to it. So all you brunettes out there give 'Haute and Naughty' a go! I LOVE the stuff! 

Everyone who knows me knows I love mascara- My HOLY GRAIL mascara is MAC-In Extreme Dimension 3D. It is the blackest of black mascara and has a great 360 wand so I can go vertical and plump the hell out of my lashes! (a mascara demo will be posted shortly)

#KylieJennerLipChallenge

Sorry guys, for no love or money will I stick my mouth in a deodorant lid and suck till my lips fall off. Instead however, I will tell you what products I have used to create that full plump lip shape with make up and overdrawing! 

First I go in with my lip liner. Today I needed a nice chestnut brown colour and I didn't have one to hand so I reached for the closest brown pencil I have- MAC Spiked eyebrow pencil! Pencils are pencils, don't be afraid to experiment with your make up! Use eye shadows as highlighters if you have a cream/champagne shimmery one. Use lash mascara on your brows and definitely any pencil whether it be brow, eye or lip - put it anywhere you want! The depth of the brown liner really defines the shape of my lips and creates a bolder line to over draw them with. For the lipstick I have used MAC Velvet Teddy and softly blended the brown brow pencil into the colour. Remember nude tone lipsticks always create the illusion of a bigger lip. 

For me, I feel that a gloss always amplifies and creates that extra juicy plumper lip! Look at the difference with Velvet Teddy with and without a gloss. I'm defiantly a gloss girl and I love the intense glossy lip against a matt foundation.

So guys, that's it ! A quick talk through what's on my face on a daily basis! Please write below any looks or tips in make-up or beauty you would like me to go through for future posts.

Samantha x