Penneys 'P.s. Love this' Brush cleanser €2.50.

 Cleaning your brushes regularly is so important, as well as it been so annoying! I don't think it a job any of us looks forward too. But doing it is the best thing you can do for your skin as it stops an dirt or bacteria building up and going into your pores. Usually after every makeup application on my self I just temporarily keep my brushes clean using circular motions on a hair doughnut (yes a hair doughnut! check out my previous post on beauty hacks for under five euro) or a  piece of tissue. This doesn't really give your brushes the clean they really need but its a good way to keep your brushes fresh between deep cleaning. Deep cleaning for me is so important to ensure i'm getting rid of any dead skin,oils and bacteria that clings to brushes. I normally use baby shampoo and warm water to deep clean my brushes. 

However, I always worry about the bacteria that builds up between these washes. That is where the Penneys brush cleanser comes in very handy! It says it contains alcohol but doesn't say what content of alcohol. Ether way for only €2.50 it really does a good job for cleaning in between deep washes. At least you know there is something there to fight off bacteria which is better than using nothing. 

I took my Inglot stippling brush probably the oldest and dirtiest brush I own (don't judge!) to test out the brush cleanser.

I started by spraying some cleanser onto some tissue and then some cleanser directly on the brush.

Then using circular motion I rubbed the brush into the tissue.

The dirt really did come off the brush leaving it looking and smelling really fresh. I find the smell of the cleanser very pleasant. 

I would recommend you to buy this product for €2.50 it really did do its job, and like I said its prefect to keep your brushes clean during the period between deep cleansing your brushes. The cleanser dries very quickly so you can almost using the brush straight away after cleaning it. Very one should have one of these in there make-up bag. 

Natural beauty tips:The benefits of rose water for our skin.

Rose water is known to have lots of great benefits for our skin. It helps to maintain our skins natural pH balance. There is antioxidants within rose water which helps to strengthen skin cells to help heal our skin from scars and cuts. It can help fight acne, eczema and dermatitis. It hydrates the skin calming soothing and smoothing out the surface, revitalizing it whilst giving it lots of moisture. This is why some people us it as an anti-aging product for there skin because it revitalize tired and aging skin helping fight any fine lines. It can be used as a toner for the skin and offers anti-bacterial properties which is great for keeping your skin clear and spot free! 

Rose water as a toner: 
Commonly toners can be filled with chemicals and alcohol , not all toners do but some do and it is good too be aware of this when buying toners as using products like this regularly can strip the skin off its natural moisture. Instead of using those you can switch your toner to rose water.  Use rose water the same way as you would your regular toner after cleansing your face. Rose water naturally tones the skin and closes up your pores after cleansing it. It gives the face a natural pleasant flowery scent also. 

Use rose water as a cleanser:

Mix cup full of rose water into two teaspoons for glycerine and a generous few drops of almond oil (or rose essential oils for anyone with nut allergies.) and use this as a natural cleanser.

After sun:
So apparently, you mix a leaf called Tulsi into some rose water it works as a great natural after sun. I actually haven't used this myself as I've found it very difficult to get my hands on the Tulsi leafs. I just thought Id feature it here for any of my very sensitives readers who find it difficult to get an appropriate after sun, maybe you will have more luck finding the leaves. Keep it in a spray bottle in the fridge. Another alternative and my favorite after sun of all time is pure aloe vera.

Rose water mositurizer:
To get even more rose water benefits into your skin care routine everyday, add a few drops of the water into your usual moisturizer/night cream.

For acne suffers:
Squeeze one fresh lemon into a cup, mix in the same amount of rose water. Apply this to mix the face using a cotton ball and then let it sit on the face for ten to twenty minutes. Then wash off with warm water. Repeat this every 2-3 weeks.

DIY acne face mask:

All you need is honey, cucumber and rose water of course. Blend a generous amount of cucumber, about four thick slices and two table spoons of honey. Once that is all blended together pour in some rose water (just enough rose water that the mix is still pasty). 
Wash your face with warm water, pat your face dry and apply the mask. Wait for around 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Us once a week. Honey is a natural antiseptic and cucumber has lots of vitamins such a vitamin k and c. It can reduce puffiness around the eye area.

Rose water is very easy to get your hands on, It can be found it nearly all chemist and is very affordable. It is only €4.95 in McCabes pharmacy for a 15oml bottler pictured below.

Lush: Ultrabland makeup remover.

Lately I have been really conscious of what kind of products I have been putting on my skin and what kind of harsh chemicals that they might contain. In one of my previous blog posts I told you all about the Byphasse skin care products that I use and I really do love them. However, being the makeup geek that I am I tend to wear a lot of it and I need something that is going to remove it and clean it away from my pores. For this I started to do some research into products called 'Cold Creams' , Cold creams are supposed to remove makeup and smooth out the skin soothing and cleansing it. The cream is supposed to be deep cleansing, getting rid of the dirt within the pores. 

I had heard a lot about the Lush cosmetics Ultrabland facial cleanser/cold cream. Lush says that the product is based on the Ancient Greek's cold cream formula which has very simple ingredients such as almond oil, rose water, beeswax, Iris extract and honey. Almond oil is known to hydrate the skin, Rose water is known to calm, soothe and tone the skin. Honey is known to be a natural antiseptic and is great for acne suffers. Lush claims that any dirt will cling to this cream there for removing it from the pores which is great, but still leaving your skin with all of its natural oils and defenses. 

How I used this product: 
I only used a tiny amount of the product. It is very thick and creamy and a little definitely goes along way. I put a small dot of the product on my cheeks, forehead and chin. Straight onto my my makeup, I didn't wet my face or anything before hand as there is no need too. I then just messaged the product into my skin.

The product comes across as oily at first but once you message it into the face it gives a more silkier texture. People with oily skin shouldn't be put of by this. 

I usually only use eye makeup removed for my eyes as I find them very sensitive and usually facial products really sting and irritate them. This product was the complete opposite I didn't feel anything when using this on my eyes. In fact I was able to really get into my eyes removing all of my eye makeup including water proof mascara and liquid eyeliner which is usually very hard to remove. The makeup literally just melted of my face. It was amazing and actually so quick I was so surprised, especially with my eyes because they usually take a bit of time to come off. My face looked just like a gigantic mess with black and brown slapped around on it, beautiful. As you can see from the picture below you don't look that great while its coming off haha! Let it sit on the face for a minute or two.

Then too removed it you can ether use a clean face cloth and warm water or use a toner. I opted for my regular Byphasse toner (details in previous post) to remove it with some cotton pads. It just all slid off my face and left my face feeling fresh. In future I am going to try some rose water as a toner to remove it as rose water is a great natural toner for the face.

What I thought of the product: My first impressions of this product is just love. It removed my make up so so so easily I can't stress that enough. Previous to this I had been just using 'Simple' makeup wipes which are quick and handy to keep beside your bed at night but they never left my face feeling as fresh as the ultra bland did and they actually didn't even remove my makeup as quickly as the ultrabland. I was only given a tester from Lush but I will be definitely be buying this product in the future. My skin feels so soft, smooth and fresh and glowing after using it. I feel like it the best thing I have done for my skin. After using it for a few days I know I will never go back to regular makeup wipes to remove my makeup. I would 100% recommend this product to anyone. They only negative I have about the product which I hate to say but unlike any of the other Lush products the smell isn't the nicest thing in the world don't get me wrong it isn't horrible just in comparison to the other products. This is still a plus for me, because it insures me there is no added perfume or chemicals to make the smell artificial. On a final note BUY IT! I promise you wont regret it.     

Tester lush gave me.

PRICES: 

For the 45g pot: €9

For the 100g pot: €14

And remember if you bring back five empties of any lush products you get a free face mask! 

Benefit smokin eyes kit.

I received this Benefit smokin'eyes kit as christmas present, as with all benefits products the package is gorgeous and detailed. 

Whats inside?

• Three eye shadows: a pink highlight shadow, a pewter base shadow and a deep charcoal shadow.
• A 'smokin' black eyeliner
• A two sided brush, one side is an angle brush the other is a fluffy one.
• Two gels: One eye bright gel and a Brow zing gel in the shade 'Light'
• And finally a mini tweezers.

 really love there super cute tips and tricks booklet which is also included inside. It gives really good tips on how to make the most of there product.

This kit would be so handy to bring with you if you wear going away. It is so compact and has all the essential eye/brow needs. With this kit all you would need is your foundation and some lippy in your bag and your ready to go! Its so handy too have a travel size tweezers because you never know when you'll need to pluck a stray. This look gives you a metallic grey smokey eye which wouldn't be my usual go to colours , but they do all work lovely together. My favorite elements of this product would definitely be the zing brow and the eye bright. The zing brow only comes in the shade 'light' , which suits me but I don't think is fair for you darker haired gals. The light is a tad bit light for myself included but not by much, I just choose to darken it slightly using a brown eye shadow. The eye bright is a gorgeous pinkish toned highlight for under the brows and for the inner corner of the eyes. From using the Kit I would recommend you to buy definitely buy the zing brows, it is very similar to the Rimmel's 'brow this way' gel if you are looking for a more budget buy. I think I liked the zing brows just a tiny bit more i'm not sure if its the texture or the colour but it gives a slightly and I mean slightly more natural brow look as the texture isn't as thick! I am a huge fan of the Rimmel's 'brow this way' gel and I still use both. I haven't yet came across something like the eye bright to be honest so if your looking for a cream based highlight for eyes I would definitely recommend this to you.

Look created using the kit

REVIEW- Inglot sparkling dust 02

I am really loving this dust. I've probably worn it everyday since I've bought it. Its a prefect highlight for your cheek bones, eyes and body. You only need a small amount of this product so I would imagine the product lasting for ages. It gives the most natural glow to the face.It doesn't add any colour to the face so it is prefect for most looks, you could always use this highlight over a blush if you needed that extra pop of colour to the face. It doesn't leave you looking like a disco ball, it just gives a lovely glow when the light catches it. I just dip my brush into what ever is left on the lid when I open it. Be sure not to over do it with this product a little goes a long way. I sometimes us this product just in the corner of my eye near the tear duct for a sparkly highlight. I also mix this glitter in with matte eye shadows to make them sparkle.

I really think it light weight highlighter will be prefect for summer just to add a soft glow to your face. I think this highlighter is prefect for paler girls, although I love it and I am fairly naturally tan and love the false stuff. It would suit pale girls who don't want to go for that bronze summer glow look. For the summer it will also be gorgeous to brush this over your collar bones for a gorgeous glow.  

It is very hard to get a clear picture of this on guys as it is very natural on me until the sun hits it. I really do love this highlight it is prefect for when you want a more natural highlight and I would definitely recommend it.  

Me wearing Inglot sparkle dust 02.

PRICE: €18

Byphasse: my daily skin care routine on a budget!

So, in the media we constantly hear about these high end and high priced skin care products claiming to do amazing things. For the most parts the products do work but a lot of it is just clever branding. As a student who only works part time, skin care isn't really the first thing I would go out a splurge on. But it shouldn't really have to be, should it?

Ill be the first to say that skin care is so important for your face and body. A good skin care routine can leave us feeling amazingly fresh and good about yourselves. But does our skin care have to cost an arm and a leg? For me I just can't get enough of makeup, I enjoy putting it on myself more than the actual finished look sometimes. But I firmly believe your makeup is only as good as the foundation beneath it. Yes makeup does work its magic on those days were we have our breakouts and what not but for the most part for the prefect makeup application it starts with some well cared for skin. 

However, I don't believe you need to spend excessively to get good quality skin care. The following products, I have been using for over a year on a daily basis and have been impressed by them especially considering the price.

Just a little bit on my skin, so you compare the products to see if they would suit you:

If I had to put my skin into a category, id say it would be combination to normal skin. It nether overly dry or oil just a normal balance of both. I would be sensitive and don't like the idea of putting harsh or strongly perfumed products onto my skin. I would like any girl, have a break out during that girly time of the month around my chin/lower lip area. I wouldn't have problematic skin as such so for me the main goal is too keep my skin hydrated, soft and fresh.

A little tip: for you girls if you break out in your T-zone area it is just hormones, break outs of your cheeks are commonly associated with acne suffers or any reactions your skin may be having to a product. 

Byphasse is a brand I have only discovered in the last year. It is an exclusive french brand to McCabes pharmacy. It is a very large and affordable range of skin, nails and hair care products. Here is the items I have been using for the past year on a regular basis and I love:

Cleanser and Toner:

This matching cleansing milk and toner is huge, they are both 500ml and have lasted me over a year. The same two bottles I both a year ago still are going strong till this day but with only a drop left. The cleansing milk has vitamin E in it which I love for my skin as it has a reputation for repairing the skin. The cleanser really hydrates and soothes my skin it is good for removing my makeup too. The toner then takes away any excess cleanser or dirt left behind. It gives a really fresh feeling to the skin and makes it feel tighter but you can still feel the moisture of the cleansing milk. I cleanse and tone when taking my makeup off or after having a shower just put some minerals back into the skin 

Price : €3.99- cleanser

€3.95- toner 

Moisturizer:

I use there 24hr moisturizer after cleansing and toning. It is a day and night moisturizer. (For some this might be a big no no, but I have never used an actual specif night moisturizer I do have my eyes on a night moisturizer call 'seesee' which uses all natural sea minerals which I have heard alot about and plus its only €10.99 in McCabes pharmacy. I will try that soon and do a review on the brand for you guys) I don't think this moisturizer is thick/intense enough for some off regular night cream users but for me it works. It skins into the skin quick enough so doesn't leave much residue, but still leaves the skin feeling like you did moisturizer. Its prefect to use under your makeup to and actually gives a lovely finish to it! I can't say anything bad about this moisturizer, In my experience it gives the skin a beautiful glow and is one of the best moisturizers I have used.  

Price: €5.49

Face Wash:

This face washed can be used everyday, which I love because I know some washes I just for once a week and stuff. It so gentle on the skin I find. Most face washes irritate my eyes and sting, obviously try avoid from getting it into the eyes but its prefect and gentle to remove your eye makeup which is great! you only need apply the tiniest drop to damp skin and message in circular motions it will foam up and then rinse with warm water. This removes id say 95% of my makeup. It is an amazing eye makeup remover to even the toughest of eye products. The only fault I have with this product is it can leave my skin a tiny bit dry after I use it in the bath that may be due to the bath to i'm still undecided and its nothing the cleanser,toner and moisturizer wont fix!! 

Face Mask:

This is a clay face mask which is only supposed to be used once a week. I use this product in the bath when my pours are open. I leave it on for ten minutes and then wash it off. The feeling after you wash it of is amazing it makes the skin feel beautifully soft.

Face Exfoliater:

 so I have only recently bought this product and haven't yet used it! I'd just thought I would let you all know that there is a exfoliater available in there range, and as soon as I have tested it I will update this post and review it for you.  

Natural beauty tips: The benefits of argan oil.

In the last year or so the word Argan oil (or Moroccan oil) seems to have appeared on almost every product you can think of from skin care to hair care and even Rimmel have dedicated a mascara too the famous oil. 

So I thought i'd do a little investigation into this oil and see what benefits we can get from it. 

People often refer to this oil as 'liquid gold' and below are the reasons why and its uses:

Argan oil is found in the Argan tree in Morocco. It is so rich in nutrients such a fatty acids and vitamin E. Vitamin E is just amazing for our bodies because its can help our skin heal. We loose vitamin as we get older so its important we supplement that loss.

1.Hair Care:

Argan oil is a brilliant conditioner for you hair and your scalp. It has been proven that argan oil has the nutrients to make your hair softer, shinier and silkier. This makes argan oil the prefect kind of conditioner for dry or frizzy hair which needs too be smoothed out or tamed. Its a great treatment for split ends. The vitamin E found in the oil promotes hair growth because it contains antioxidants. These antioxidants help boost hair cells and encourages the cells to produce healthy hair. There for argan oil can be used as a regrowth method for hair. For the scalp argan oil helps to fight dandruff or dryness. It helps to reverse the damage done by chemicals we have used on our hair such as hair dyes etc.. 

Pure argan oil leave in hair conditioner:

Although there are plenty of hair care products on the market which are very beneficial for the hair. The natural chemical free way, which for some may find it the most beneficial to treat the hair is to use pure argan oil. All you need is a two small drops of the oil in your hands rub your palms together thoroughly. Then run your hands through your damp hair. Massage it into the scalp to the tips for people who would suffer from dry hair or scalp. For people with normal to oily hair but sill want to care for the ends just rub it through the ends.Then style your hair as normal.

You could always mix a few drops into your regular conditioner and leave it in over night and then wash it out in the morning.

Products I've tried: 

Available from Boots or McCabes. Priced Around €8 each.

very popular and only €1.50 each in McCabes Pharmacy.

2.Skin Care.

Moisturizer: Its a very commonly used as a moisturizer. It hydrates and softens the skin because its so highly in vitamin E and fatty acids. It gives the skin a natural boost and youthful glow. It absorbs into the skin with ease and doesn't leave it feeling greasy. It can be used on the face and body just smooth a few drops over the skin just like any moisturizer. Again you can get many skin care products which contain the oil rather then the 100% pure oil.

Dry skin: For people suffering which dry skin conditions such a eczema, which leaves the skin flaky and itchy and sometimes even raw. Argan oil can be a huge benefit to you. Again the vitamin E and fatty acids will help repair the skin helping prevent dryness or irritation. Messaging the oil directly into your skin daily will provide you with amazing results.

Anti-aging: It is known to reduce wrinkle visibility and give the skin a glow. The anti-oxidants are proven to restore the skins elasticity leaving the skin feelings younger and plumper. 

The best way to use it as an anti-aging product is to message a few drops into the face and neck before going to bed. acting almost like a anti-aging night cream/serum.

Acne: Although many oils can irritate suffers of acne, argan oil is supposed to sooth the skin and the vitamin E within it promotes the skin to heal. Acne can be a result of oil skin, argan oil is not greasy! it just helps to balance the skins natural moisture. It is also known it reduced inflammation. 

Having cleansed the skin, pat the skin dry. Then apply a few drops to the skin. This process is supposed to be done twice daily. 

2. Lip care:

Especially in winter, we need to take extra care of our lips they can easily become dry and cracked. Argan oil is supposed to help keep lips plump, supple and soft. Rub a drop of the oil onto your lips as a lip balm.

3. Pregnancy: So, for a lot of woman stretch marks can be a huge issue/concern. Argan oil is a great prevent against stretch marks and sagging skin because its increases the elasticity in the skin. 

Rub the oil onto any area of concern, such as your thighs,breast, bum,hips and stomach can reduce the possibility of developing stretch marks. 

4. Hands, feet and nails.

For cracked heels or brittle nails, Message a few drops of the oil onto your cuticles, into your hands and your feet at night time.

One little bottle can work wonders and last for ages why not get a bottle and try out some of the tips above, as always let me know how you got on! hope I could help.

You can buy pure 100% argan oil in most health food stores and selected chemists.  Holland and Barrett have a bottle on special at the moment €16.58. 

REVIEW: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel.

SALLY HANSON MIRACLE GEL

With out a doubt there is nothing us girls love more them some freshly manicured nails.

 I don't know about you but when my nails are done fresh and nicely I feel like in some way I have my life together. Chipped nails is a huge pet hate of mine! But sometimes with our busy lives its hard to keep them prefect all the time, this is the reason why I love having my nails done with shellac or gel. Because you know its not going to budge for a good while. That is why I was delighted to hear that my favorite nail varnish, Sally Hansen had brought out there own line of 'Miracle gel' which doesn't require a lamp.

It is a really simple process, its exactly like painting your nails with regular varnish. 

2 coats of the colour.

1 coat of the top coat (the clear gel)

Let it dry...

and your done! Its really that simple.

What I thought of the product:

I found that the drying time was very quick in comparison to regular nail varnish. I just gave each coat a little drying time before moving onto the next coat. The colour is very strong even on the first coat and the gel gives it a beautiful shine. For me it lasted four days without chipping which is really amazing compared to regular nail varnish, I also think it would have lasted me even longer however I recently had a series of sets of gel nails on which left my in very weak condition. Which I think led the gel to chip quicker than on others reviews. The great thing about the gel varnish for this problem was that it actually strengthened my nails and repaired them from their poor condition.

For me this nail varnish is definitely one to try! I have only tired one color but I will be definitely investing in more! The good thing is once you buy the gel/top coat you can team it with any colour. 

  

The colour I used was this gorgeous wine colour called 'wine stock'.

'Wine stock' on my nails.

The full range of Sally Hansen miracle gel colours.

PRICES:

Colour: €9.99...(€8.99 in McCabes on special at the minute)

Top coat:€9.99

Deal together: €12.99