skincare
With the arrival of the biggest snow storm Ireland's seen in 40 years, I've found myself with a lot more time on my hands than usual. And so, I'm trying to use that time to write things that aren't local news stories or college articles.
I remember back when I used to blog frequently, there was a point when I scoffed at beauty reviews. If you're a long time reader, you'll remember I originally started out writing about nail art and makeup reviews (usually from the bargain basket from Tesco). After some time, it felt like everyone and their mother had a beauty blog, so I told myself- no more beauty on the blog. But now I've grown up and I'm no longer as obnoxious as I used to be. So without further ado, here are some skincare products I've been loving lately to tackle that dreaded winter skin.
- Superdrug 'calm skin' 2 in 1 moisturiser & serum
I've honestly been raving about this product since I accidentally discovered it before Christmas. After coincidentally writing an article on the effects stress can have on the skin, I decided my skin was just that- stressed. I spotted this line of Superdrug's own brand and decided to give the moisturiser a whirl. Of all the products listed, it saved my skin from dryness and I can't get enough of it. Better yet, it cost less than €5 too!
- Urban Decay 'rebound' prep priming spray*
I got sent this product recently to try out, and as a huge UD fan, I knew I'd probably like it. I'm really lazy when it comes to applying makeup and always forget to use a primer, but I find this spray does the trick. It's the perfect end to my skincare routine and start of my makeup! I find it adds a last minute freshness to the skin and prevents my makeup looking cakey or settled.
- Revo watermelon lip balm
I stole this (unused) lipbalm off my lipbalm hoarding sister and I feel like I've become addicted. At first I wasn't too keen on the watermelon taste, but now I can't stop applying it. It's the only lip product I've used over the colder months that's actually left my lips looking and feeling better.
- Garnier rose water toner
I feel like toners were a must have a couple of years ago, but it's been years since I've used one myself. I picked this up randomly one day and it's definitely helped to put some moisture back into my skin. The rose scent is gorgeous too!
- Superdrug 'Vitamin E' gentle oatmeal exfoliator
Another bargain beauty buy, this exfoliator is my hangover saviour. I only use this once or twice a week so not to damage my skin, but I love using it after a night of partying. There's nothing worse than post-drinking skin, and this makes my dead face look alive instantly.
Rachel x
Items marked with a * were sent to me for consideration. All views are my own! Read my full disclaimer here.
My favourite skincare picks for dry, winter skin
3.02.2018
With the arrival of the biggest snow storm Ireland's seen in 40 years, I've found myself with a lot more time on my hands than usual. And so, I'm trying to use that time to write things that aren't local news stories or college articles.
I remember back when I used to blog frequently, there was a point when I scoffed at beauty reviews. If you're a long time reader, you'll remember I originally started out writing about nail art and makeup reviews (usually from the bargain basket from Tesco). After some time, it felt like everyone and their mother had a beauty blog, so I told myself- no more beauty on the blog. But now I've grown up and I'm no longer as obnoxious as I used to be. So without further ado, here are some skincare products I've been loving lately to tackle that dreaded winter skin.
- Superdrug 'calm skin' 2 in 1 moisturiser & serum
I've honestly been raving about this product since I accidentally discovered it before Christmas. After coincidentally writing an article on the effects stress can have on the skin, I decided my skin was just that- stressed. I spotted this line of Superdrug's own brand and decided to give the moisturiser a whirl. Of all the products listed, it saved my skin from dryness and I can't get enough of it. Better yet, it cost less than €5 too!
- Urban Decay 'rebound' prep priming spray*
I got sent this product recently to try out, and as a huge UD fan, I knew I'd probably like it. I'm really lazy when it comes to applying makeup and always forget to use a primer, but I find this spray does the trick. It's the perfect end to my skincare routine and start of my makeup! I find it adds a last minute freshness to the skin and prevents my makeup looking cakey or settled.
- Revo watermelon lip balm
I stole this (unused) lipbalm off my lipbalm hoarding sister and I feel like I've become addicted. At first I wasn't too keen on the watermelon taste, but now I can't stop applying it. It's the only lip product I've used over the colder months that's actually left my lips looking and feeling better.
- Garnier rose water toner
I feel like toners were a must have a couple of years ago, but it's been years since I've used one myself. I picked this up randomly one day and it's definitely helped to put some moisture back into my skin. The rose scent is gorgeous too!
- Superdrug 'Vitamin E' gentle oatmeal exfoliator
Another bargain beauty buy, this exfoliator is my hangover saviour. I only use this once or twice a week so not to damage my skin, but I love using it after a night of partying. There's nothing worse than post-drinking skin, and this makes my dead face look alive instantly.
Rachel x
Items marked with a * were sent to me for consideration. All views are my own! Read my full disclaimer here.
*I'm going to have a few guest posts by some fellow bloggers over the next two weeks- I hope you enjoy them! First up is a close friend of mine, Alex, who recently started her blog It's Just Alex- show her some love! - Rachel x
Hey my name is Alex and I'm the owner of the 'It's Just Alex' blog. I'm so happy to be guest posting on Rachel's blog and I hope you enjoy this post. I'm a 16 year old blogger that is also from Dublin, Ireland. I'm a beauty and fashion fanatic, as well as being book and TV show obsessed. My aim is to post helpful tips, tutorials and reviews so if this post interests you don't forget to check out my blog so you can find out more home remedies and beauty tips at http://www.itsjustalex.com. I'll be writing a post on my latest skincare obsession, banana's. First I'll tell you how beneficial banana's are for your skin. Banana's are rich in moisture, they will repair dry skin as well as smoothen rough ageing skin. It also helps if you have acne-prone oily skin, banana's can even control excess oil and reduce further breakouts. So I'm going to show you guys how to get healthier skin and a healthy snack too with just one banana.
Banana Spot Treatment
Banana peels are an excellent remedy for treating pimples. Just get your banana and directly apply the inside of a banana peel onto the area of troublesome skin to reduce inflammation and destroy bacteria. Rub the peel on the area for a few minutes until the inside of the banana peel turns slightly brown. Personally, after using the banana peel I can see the difference almost immediately after washing it off. I'd recommend doing this daily if you can as it is great for your skin and also will commit you to eating at least one banana a day which is also good.
Banana Face Mask
If you've got oily greasy skin, use a simple banana face mask with lemon juice and honey. Banana is a great exfoliant which helps get rid of excess oil on the skin's surface. It also contains and contains moisture, potassium and vitamins E and C which all encourage clear glowing skin. To make this mask you simply follow theses steps.
- Mash one half of a banana with the back of a fork in a bowl until there are no big lumps.
- Then add 1 tablespoon of honey to the mixture
- Finish off with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
I find it easiest to apply this face mask with a flat foundation brush. Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes, rinse with warm water and pat your face dry. I'd recommend you use the banana peel first as you want to use it when it's freshly peeled, if you leave there while you wait to wash off the mask it wouldn't be as beneficial.
But don't let the other half of that banana go to waste as they're great, not just for skin but overall health as well. You can just eat the other half or even throw it into a blender with other some other fruits to make a smoothie! I hope you enjoyed reading my guest post and take the time to try this skin treatment out because it is super quick and easy and has helped me get rid of some pimples way faster than usual.
Thanks for reading.
-Alex
*P.S- Wanna write a guest post for my blog? Email me asap with an idea! rachelfarrellblog@gmail.com
Guest Post: DIY Banana Skin Treatments!
6.04.2015
*I'm going to have a few guest posts by some fellow bloggers over the next two weeks- I hope you enjoy them! First up is a close friend of mine, Alex, who recently started her blog It's Just Alex- show her some love! - Rachel x
Hey my name is Alex and I'm the owner of the 'It's Just Alex' blog. I'm so happy to be guest posting on Rachel's blog and I hope you enjoy this post. I'm a 16 year old blogger that is also from Dublin, Ireland. I'm a beauty and fashion fanatic, as well as being book and TV show obsessed. My aim is to post helpful tips, tutorials and reviews so if this post interests you don't forget to check out my blog so you can find out more home remedies and beauty tips at http://www.itsjustalex.com. I'll be writing a post on my latest skincare obsession, banana's. First I'll tell you how beneficial banana's are for your skin. Banana's are rich in moisture, they will repair dry skin as well as smoothen rough ageing skin. It also helps if you have acne-prone oily skin, banana's can even control excess oil and reduce further breakouts. So I'm going to show you guys how to get healthier skin and a healthy snack too with just one banana.
Banana Spot Treatment
Banana peels are an excellent remedy for treating pimples. Just get your banana and directly apply the inside of a banana peel onto the area of troublesome skin to reduce inflammation and destroy bacteria. Rub the peel on the area for a few minutes until the inside of the banana peel turns slightly brown. Personally, after using the banana peel I can see the difference almost immediately after washing it off. I'd recommend doing this daily if you can as it is great for your skin and also will commit you to eating at least one banana a day which is also good.
Banana Face Mask
If you've got oily greasy skin, use a simple banana face mask with lemon juice and honey. Banana is a great exfoliant which helps get rid of excess oil on the skin's surface. It also contains and contains moisture, potassium and vitamins E and C which all encourage clear glowing skin. To make this mask you simply follow theses steps.
- Mash one half of a banana with the back of a fork in a bowl until there are no big lumps.
- Then add 1 tablespoon of honey to the mixture
- Finish off with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
I find it easiest to apply this face mask with a flat foundation brush. Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes, rinse with warm water and pat your face dry. I'd recommend you use the banana peel first as you want to use it when it's freshly peeled, if you leave there while you wait to wash off the mask it wouldn't be as beneficial.
But don't let the other half of that banana go to waste as they're great, not just for skin but overall health as well. You can just eat the other half or even throw it into a blender with other some other fruits to make a smoothie! I hope you enjoyed reading my guest post and take the time to try this skin treatment out because it is super quick and easy and has helped me get rid of some pimples way faster than usual.
Thanks for reading.
-Alex
*P.S- Wanna write a guest post for my blog? Email me asap with an idea! rachelfarrellblog@gmail.com
Hey everyone,
About 2 months ago, I came to a realisation that my skin was in the worst condition it had been in a while. I had always been pretty good when it came to having a skincare routine, but somehow laziness took over and the only thing touching my skin were makeup wipes at night. I have combination skin, and I don't suffer from acne, but I do get a lot of spots around my mouth and chin area- particularly during that time of the month. I also began to notice dryness around my cheeks and nose. After a look around my skincare drawer and with the addition of some new products, I have finally gotten my skin back on track! Here are some products that have really helped to clear up and improve the general appearance of my skin;
Skincare Saviours (For Combination Skin)
5.06.2015
Hey everyone,
About 2 months ago, I came to a realisation that my skin was in the worst condition it had been in a while. I had always been pretty good when it came to having a skincare routine, but somehow laziness took over and the only thing touching my skin were makeup wipes at night. I have combination skin, and I don't suffer from acne, but I do get a lot of spots around my mouth and chin area- particularly during that time of the month. I also began to notice dryness around my cheeks and nose. After a look around my skincare drawer and with the addition of some new products, I have finally gotten my skin back on track! Here are some products that have really helped to clear up and improve the general appearance of my skin;
Dream Dots For Spots Review
8.07.2014
Hey everyone,
As soon as Summer comes around, there's the dreaded realisation that your legs are as white as a sheet and you haven't shaved your legs in months (if you're anything like me anyways!). First up, I'm gonna talk about the colour. This can be alterted easily enough with fake tan or gradual tanner. I highly recommend the Dove gradual tanner, as you can reapply it daily for a natural glow. To avoid looking like a streaky mess, I would suggest exfoliating and shaving a day or two before. This is just so the tan doesn't seep into your open pores and give you brown spots.It also helps if you moisturise your legs really well, particularly your knees and ankles. I'm not going to lie- I'm not a big fan of false tan at all, and a gradual tanner is about as much tan as you'll get on me!
Now on to the hair removal part- there are a few different options for this! I personally use a razor, which does the job but means continuous touch ups. Waxing is another option, although believe it or not I've never used wax before!
The third option is laser hair removal, and sk:n clinics seem to offer a brilliant option. Sk:n have been around for 20 years, working with experienced doctors and staff to make your skin feel better. Laser hair removal is a popular choice in their clinics. In all honesty, I've never tried it either, but after doing some research it sounds like the best option! It works by focusing a laser beam at the hair follicle which stops any growth. It can be used on any part of the body too! They recommend 6 sessions every 6 weeks to get maximum benefit. At sk:n, you can book a free consultation, and they also conduct a patch test for your safety. It's a damn pity they have no clinics in Ireland so the options out for me unfortunately, but if you're from the UK you can locate your nearest clinic here.
Have you ever tried laser hair removal? What are your top tips for smooth pins?
Struggling To Get Smooth Summer Legs? Try Laser Hair Removal!
7.17.2014
Hey everyone,
As soon as Summer comes around, there's the dreaded realisation that your legs are as white as a sheet and you haven't shaved your legs in months (if you're anything like me anyways!). First up, I'm gonna talk about the colour. This can be alterted easily enough with fake tan or gradual tanner. I highly recommend the Dove gradual tanner, as you can reapply it daily for a natural glow. To avoid looking like a streaky mess, I would suggest exfoliating and shaving a day or two before. This is just so the tan doesn't seep into your open pores and give you brown spots.It also helps if you moisturise your legs really well, particularly your knees and ankles. I'm not going to lie- I'm not a big fan of false tan at all, and a gradual tanner is about as much tan as you'll get on me!
Now on to the hair removal part- there are a few different options for this! I personally use a razor, which does the job but means continuous touch ups. Waxing is another option, although believe it or not I've never used wax before!
The third option is laser hair removal, and sk:n clinics seem to offer a brilliant option. Sk:n have been around for 20 years, working with experienced doctors and staff to make your skin feel better. Laser hair removal is a popular choice in their clinics. In all honesty, I've never tried it either, but after doing some research it sounds like the best option! It works by focusing a laser beam at the hair follicle which stops any growth. It can be used on any part of the body too! They recommend 6 sessions every 6 weeks to get maximum benefit. At sk:n, you can book a free consultation, and they also conduct a patch test for your safety. It's a damn pity they have no clinics in Ireland so the options out for me unfortunately, but if you're from the UK you can locate your nearest clinic here.
Have you ever tried laser hair removal? What are your top tips for smooth pins?
Current Skincare Favorites
1.29.2014
Repurchased; No7 Soft & Soothed Gentle Toner
1.19.2014
Hey everyone,
After hearing so much hype about Lush Cosmetic's Christmas products, I finally gave in and bought a few items. Although I do love the odd Lush bath bomb, I've never been the type of person to go in and buy loads. I've heard that this smells quite like Snow Fairy, but I wasn't convinced enough to buy a whole bottle of it! So I settles for the Candy Mountain bubble bar instead- a girly, fairy-like cone of delight. As soon as I seen this little gem, I wanted to buy it. The pink and white swirls, and a silver sheen bright enough for any glitter lover made me realise why people love Lush! It just looks so cute, and I had to remind myself to snap a few pictures before rushing to take a bath and use it straight away.
Although I find scents quite hard to describe, from what I can recall this smells like sweets and candyfloss and Christmas all rolled in one. For those of you who don't know, you crumble the bubble bar under hot water and it creates big bubbles in your bath. By big, I mean HUGE. In all honesty, it was the most amount of bubbles I have had in one bath in my life! It also turned the bath bright pink and glittery- exactly what I expected.
I will definitely be repurchasing this nearer to Christmas, along with more Lush items! This quirky delight retails at just over €3.
Have you tried Candy Mountain? What Lush products will you be buying this season?
-Rachel x
Lush Candy Mountain Bubble Bar | Review |
11.13.2013
Hey everyone,
After hearing so much hype about Lush Cosmetic's Christmas products, I finally gave in and bought a few items. Although I do love the odd Lush bath bomb, I've never been the type of person to go in and buy loads. I've heard that this smells quite like Snow Fairy, but I wasn't convinced enough to buy a whole bottle of it! So I settles for the Candy Mountain bubble bar instead- a girly, fairy-like cone of delight. As soon as I seen this little gem, I wanted to buy it. The pink and white swirls, and a silver sheen bright enough for any glitter lover made me realise why people love Lush! It just looks so cute, and I had to remind myself to snap a few pictures before rushing to take a bath and use it straight away.
Although I find scents quite hard to describe, from what I can recall this smells like sweets and candyfloss and Christmas all rolled in one. For those of you who don't know, you crumble the bubble bar under hot water and it creates big bubbles in your bath. By big, I mean HUGE. In all honesty, it was the most amount of bubbles I have had in one bath in my life! It also turned the bath bright pink and glittery- exactly what I expected.
I will definitely be repurchasing this nearer to Christmas, along with more Lush items! This quirky delight retails at just over €3.
Have you tried Candy Mountain? What Lush products will you be buying this season?
-Rachel x
Hey everyone,
Before buying this, I had been using the Real Techniques Foundation brush for the past year [which I received for Christmas]. I thought it was good, because most of my foundations were quite light. However, I recently bought a heavier coverage foundation [Revlon's Nearly Naked- read my review on Love Tabitha here!] and I found the brush was just swiping the liquid across my face, leaving it streaky- not cool!
After debating between which Real Techniques brush to buy, I settled on the Expert Face brush, and by god, I'm so glad I did! Even after the first use I was seeing a huge improvement. For those of you who don't know, Real Techniques are a much-talked about and much-loved makeup brush line, with Sam Chapman [one of the Pixiwoo from youtube sisters!] as co-creator! The Expert Face brush promises "high definition results", and that it does. The brush comes in sleek plastic packaging, and the brush itself is quite small, round and made with duo-fibres.
This has got to be my new favorite product! A good set of brushes is essential for applying makeup, and my collection is slowly growing. I best recommend using the brush in circular motions to really buff it into the skin, leaving a smooth, natural and [almost!] flawless result. It spreads the foundation evenly with an airbrush-like finish. I totally recommend this for anyone only getting started into makeup, it's the perfect tool for getting a perfect base.
You can buy the RT Expert Face brush from Boots here for €13.29
What do you think of Real Techniques? Have you used the expert face brush?
-Rachel x
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush | Review |
11.05.2013
Hey everyone,
Before buying this, I had been using the Real Techniques Foundation brush for the past year [which I received for Christmas]. I thought it was good, because most of my foundations were quite light. However, I recently bought a heavier coverage foundation [Revlon's Nearly Naked- read my review on Love Tabitha here!] and I found the brush was just swiping the liquid across my face, leaving it streaky- not cool!
After debating between which Real Techniques brush to buy, I settled on the Expert Face brush, and by god, I'm so glad I did! Even after the first use I was seeing a huge improvement. For those of you who don't know, Real Techniques are a much-talked about and much-loved makeup brush line, with Sam Chapman [one of the Pixiwoo from youtube sisters!] as co-creator! The Expert Face brush promises "high definition results", and that it does. The brush comes in sleek plastic packaging, and the brush itself is quite small, round and made with duo-fibres.
This has got to be my new favorite product! A good set of brushes is essential for applying makeup, and my collection is slowly growing. I best recommend using the brush in circular motions to really buff it into the skin, leaving a smooth, natural and [almost!] flawless result. It spreads the foundation evenly with an airbrush-like finish. I totally recommend this for anyone only getting started into makeup, it's the perfect tool for getting a perfect base.
You can buy the RT Expert Face brush from Boots here for €13.29
What do you think of Real Techniques? Have you used the expert face brush?
-Rachel x
It feels like quite some time since I've written a review. I've been a tad busy with school lately, and I find hat reviews can be a bit tedious to write when I'm tired! Current state of mind= listening to old Lily Allen songs, and eating vanilla ice-cream on bed. Sure what else do us teenagers do?
Right, back to the review! I received* this serum at the official launch in Dublin weeks ago, which you can read about here, but I wanted to give it a proper try before writing this review. First things first- I have never actually owned anything by Vichy before this! Well, I've had the few samples, but not full size products. I've also actually never used a serum. Before attending the launch, I always presumed that that serums were typically for older skin. But I was wrong!
The Vichy Idealia Life Serum is a "skin idealizer", that claims an "even and illuminated complexion, refined looking pores and rested facial features". It's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, and better yet- ITS PARABEN FREE! For those of you who don't know what parabens are- they're specific nasty things are in most skincare products, and most of the time cause no harm. MOST of the time. The serum smells absolutely heavenly. I realise that scent means nothing but I can't help it! Roses and jasmine are the first things I think of. Its pearly white in colour, with tiny bits of shimmer inside, and its very easy to apply to the face. Iadore the packaging too- pink holographic, what more could a girl want?
The serum itself has most definitely changed my skin over the past few weeks. It states to help skin within 8 days, which I think is a tad far fetched! I applied it one in the morning, once in the night. My skin looks brighter, less tired and definitely alot smoother. Although I can't say if it helps with ageing ~ I am only 15..~ my mum also tried it out, and she loved it too!
You can read more about the serum here. Will you be trying it?
-Rachel x
*This product was given to me by Vichy at the launch.
Vichy Idealia Life Serum* | Review |
9.18.2013
It feels like quite some time since I've written a review. I've been a tad busy with school lately, and I find hat reviews can be a bit tedious to write when I'm tired! Current state of mind= listening to old Lily Allen songs, and eating vanilla ice-cream on bed. Sure what else do us teenagers do?
Right, back to the review! I received* this serum at the official launch in Dublin weeks ago, which you can read about here, but I wanted to give it a proper try before writing this review. First things first- I have never actually owned anything by Vichy before this! Well, I've had the few samples, but not full size products. I've also actually never used a serum. Before attending the launch, I always presumed that that serums were typically for older skin. But I was wrong!
The Vichy Idealia Life Serum is a "skin idealizer", that claims an "even and illuminated complexion, refined looking pores and rested facial features". It's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, and better yet- ITS PARABEN FREE! For those of you who don't know what parabens are- they're specific nasty things are in most skincare products, and most of the time cause no harm. MOST of the time. The serum smells absolutely heavenly. I realise that scent means nothing but I can't help it! Roses and jasmine are the first things I think of. Its pearly white in colour, with tiny bits of shimmer inside, and its very easy to apply to the face. Iadore the packaging too- pink holographic, what more could a girl want?
The serum itself has most definitely changed my skin over the past few weeks. It states to help skin within 8 days, which I think is a tad far fetched! I applied it one in the morning, once in the night. My skin looks brighter, less tired and definitely alot smoother. Although I can't say if it helps with ageing ~ I am only 15..~ my mum also tried it out, and she loved it too!
You can read more about the serum here. Will you be trying it?
-Rachel x
*This product was given to me by Vichy at the launch.
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