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.
  1. Mash one half of a banana with the back of a fork in a bowl until there are no big lumps.
  2. Then add 1 tablespoon of  honey to the mixture
  3. 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.
  1. Mash one half of a banana with the back of a fork in a bowl until there are no big lumps.
  2. Then add 1 tablespoon of  honey to the mixture
  3. 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;

Hey everyone,
Admit it- we've all been there. I pretty sure I can speak for the majority of the female population when I say that there's always that one pesky spot that arrives just when you least need it. I tend to get a lot of spots around my mouth and chin area, which is extremely annoying! I know a lot of teenagers suffer from acne, so when I heard about Dream Dots* I was delighted to give them a try.
Dream Dots* are little circles that you apply to your spots overnight for 8-10 hours. That means it doesn't interrupt your makeup routine during the day! They were designed by beauty therapist Donna Ledwidge. All you do is clean the area, apply the little patch and wait to see the results the next morning!
I must say, I was really impressed with these. Although I can't say that they make the spot completely disappear after one night, they definitely reduce the size and redness of the spot. They're also pretty easy to apply, and completely unnoticeable once on the skin! If you're the kind of person that only gets one or two spots, then this product is definitely for you. That said, if you tend to get quite a few like me, it could be pricey in the long run. For €15 you get 24 patches- and it took me 3 patches & 3 nights to completely get rid of one spot. I've almost used up the entire box already, and it's only been about 3 weeks! 
What I like best about Dream Dots* are that they're an overnight solution. I hate waiting ages for spot cream to dry in the morning! Whilst having a makeup free day recently, I wore one during the day and no-one in my family noticed, so that's always a plus!
You can buy Dream Dots* Lloyds, Mc Cabes, Sam McCauley & Cara pharmacies nationwide. Their website has a pretty simple tutorial on how to use them too!.
Items marked with a * were sent to me for consideration. All views are my own! Read my full disclaimer here.

Dream Dots For Spots Review

8.07.2014

Hey everyone,
Admit it- we've all been there. I pretty sure I can speak for the majority of the female population when I say that there's always that one pesky spot that arrives just when you least need it. I tend to get a lot of spots around my mouth and chin area, which is extremely annoying! I know a lot of teenagers suffer from acne, so when I heard about Dream Dots* I was delighted to give them a try.
Dream Dots* are little circles that you apply to your spots overnight for 8-10 hours. That means it doesn't interrupt your makeup routine during the day! They were designed by beauty therapist Donna Ledwidge. All you do is clean the area, apply the little patch and wait to see the results the next morning!
I must say, I was really impressed with these. Although I can't say that they make the spot completely disappear after one night, they definitely reduce the size and redness of the spot. They're also pretty easy to apply, and completely unnoticeable once on the skin! If you're the kind of person that only gets one or two spots, then this product is definitely for you. That said, if you tend to get quite a few like me, it could be pricey in the long run. For €15 you get 24 patches- and it took me 3 patches & 3 nights to completely get rid of one spot. I've almost used up the entire box already, and it's only been about 3 weeks! 
What I like best about Dream Dots* are that they're an overnight solution. I hate waiting ages for spot cream to dry in the morning! Whilst having a makeup free day recently, I wore one during the day and no-one in my family noticed, so that's always a plus!
You can buy Dream Dots* Lloyds, Mc Cabes, Sam McCauley & Cara pharmacies nationwide. Their website has a pretty simple tutorial on how to use them too!.
Items marked with a * were sent to me for consideration. All views are my own! Read my full disclaimer here.

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?

post signature
*This is a sponsored post. Although I was paid, 
all opinions are my own. Full disclosure here

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?

post signature
*This is a sponsored post. Although I was paid, 
all opinions are my own. Full disclosure here
Hey everyone,

It's no lie that I loves new skincare products- I enjoy trying new things out and finding out what works [and what doesn't] for my skin. I have combination skin [i.e my t zone are gets quite oily] however recently I've found it's been oilier than usual- damn the Irish weather! I've been using a combination of products to tackle this problem, and the products photographed above are the ones I've been loving.

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil*;
I know what you're thinking; using oil on an oil face? Surely that can't work? Strangely enough, it does. I don't really know alot of the scientific facts behind it, but this is a real treat every couple of days. You simply pump some into your hand, rub it all over your face, emulsify with water and wash off. It's so simple, but thoroughly cleanses your skin. It has a lovely scent and a little goes a long way. Better yet, it's for all skin types!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar K*;
I've used a few small samples of La Roche-Posay products, so I was intrigued to use this when it arrived on my doorstep just before Christmas. To be quite honest, I had to google what exactly it was- I thought it was some sort of serum because of the packaging, but it's actually a moisturiser! The Effaclar range is designed to treat problem skin, and has been quite a hit on the internet. Effaclar K promises to stop blemishes from returning, and it really does just that! I like to apply this at night, as I always wake up with a nice matte complexion when I do. It evens out the skin, and it's also paraben free, meaning there's no nasty chemicals. I love the squeezy tube as it means I'll be able to get every last drop out. The only thing I don't particularly like about this product is the strong smell- it's very flowery, but you get used to it. 

Cleanse Off Mitt*;
When I read on Twitter about the Cleanse Off Mitt, I was definitely intrigued. It's been compared alot to the Nima mitt, which I hadn't tried, but for a cheaper price- only €5! Cleanse Off Mitt is an Irish product designed to remove all traces of makeup with just water- crazy, right? I was quite doubtful, in all honesty, but it really did take off my makeup, including mascara. It's super soft too, no hard fibres to felt at all. To clean it, you simple wash it under hot water or put it int he washing machine. This product has just launched and apparently, it's sold out! You can find it in selected Irish pharmacies and online here. They're trying to spread the word of #campaignbinthewipes which I think is brilliant, as face wipes can be so bad for your skin!


What skincare products are you loving lately?

post signature
* pr samples

where to find me >

Current Skincare Favorites

1.29.2014

Hey everyone,

It's no lie that I loves new skincare products- I enjoy trying new things out and finding out what works [and what doesn't] for my skin. I have combination skin [i.e my t zone are gets quite oily] however recently I've found it's been oilier than usual- damn the Irish weather! I've been using a combination of products to tackle this problem, and the products photographed above are the ones I've been loving.

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil*;
I know what you're thinking; using oil on an oil face? Surely that can't work? Strangely enough, it does. I don't really know alot of the scientific facts behind it, but this is a real treat every couple of days. You simply pump some into your hand, rub it all over your face, emulsify with water and wash off. It's so simple, but thoroughly cleanses your skin. It has a lovely scent and a little goes a long way. Better yet, it's for all skin types!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar K*;
I've used a few small samples of La Roche-Posay products, so I was intrigued to use this when it arrived on my doorstep just before Christmas. To be quite honest, I had to google what exactly it was- I thought it was some sort of serum because of the packaging, but it's actually a moisturiser! The Effaclar range is designed to treat problem skin, and has been quite a hit on the internet. Effaclar K promises to stop blemishes from returning, and it really does just that! I like to apply this at night, as I always wake up with a nice matte complexion when I do. It evens out the skin, and it's also paraben free, meaning there's no nasty chemicals. I love the squeezy tube as it means I'll be able to get every last drop out. The only thing I don't particularly like about this product is the strong smell- it's very flowery, but you get used to it. 

Cleanse Off Mitt*;
When I read on Twitter about the Cleanse Off Mitt, I was definitely intrigued. It's been compared alot to the Nima mitt, which I hadn't tried, but for a cheaper price- only €5! Cleanse Off Mitt is an Irish product designed to remove all traces of makeup with just water- crazy, right? I was quite doubtful, in all honesty, but it really did take off my makeup, including mascara. It's super soft too, no hard fibres to felt at all. To clean it, you simple wash it under hot water or put it int he washing machine. This product has just launched and apparently, it's sold out! You can find it in selected Irish pharmacies and online here. They're trying to spread the word of #campaignbinthewipes which I think is brilliant, as face wipes can be so bad for your skin!


What skincare products are you loving lately?

post signature
* pr samples

where to find me >

Latest Instagrams

© oh hey there rachel. Design by Fearne.