Clarisonic Mia 2: One Week Update

If any of you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you may have seen that I invested in a Clarisonic last week. I have been contemplating getting one for about two or three years now. I've heard amazing things about the cleansing tool from bloggers and YouTubers worldwide. The reason I hadnt invested in one sooner was down to the many doubts I had about the product. It is quite pricey so was it going to be worth the money? I had never used a cleansing brush. Was it going to be harsh? Would it damage my skin? My skin wasn't overly bad so did I really need it? I realised the only way I could answer these questions was to try it out for myself. 

Now, for those who don't know what the Clarisonic is, let me explain. The Clarisonic is a cleansing brush that claims to cleanse the skin six times better than hands alone. The brush uses a sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to deeply cleanse the skin. Clarisonic promise to transform your skin and even have a 90 day money guarantee. I like a company that are confident and can stand behind products that they really believe in. Clarisonic have a number of brushes to choose from; Mia, Mia 2, Aria, the Plus, the Pro and the new Pedi (for feet). 

I opted for the Mia 2. It's small and compact and easy to travel with. You have a choice of two speeds. Plus it was €50 cheaper than the Aria. I had watched a review on YouTube and it said it was a lot easier to use and handle due to the size. I felt it suited me perfectly. The Mia 2 also came in an array of colours to choose from which I liked. I chose the pink model and paid a total of €149 in Sephora, Spain. This included the device itself, a sensitive brush head, a protective travel case, a sample size of their Refreshing Gel Cleanser and a charger. I compared prices elsewhere and the Mia 2 seems to be €149 everywhere whether it be euros, pounds or dollars.

So over a week ago before I started using the Clarisonic my skin was good, and when I say good I mean nothing special. I have combination skin with an oily nose and chin, normal cheeks and I am quite dehydrated on my forehead and around my eyes. I have quite large pores on my nose and cheeks but very rarely would get blackheads. My pores usually look clean. I don't really get spots anywhere except around my chin and mouth. I have been using my Dermalogica Skin Kit for the past few months and my skin is a lot better than it use to be but I was hoping with my new Clarisonic, it would look its very best. To say I could not wait to use it was an understatement. I was so excited! Let's bare in mind I am a skin FREAK! 

The night finally came and I got to use the Clarisonic for the first time. I decided to use my Dermalogica Gentle Cleansing Gel with it as it has been what I have been using and I knew the Mia 2 required a cleanser that would foam with the brush. You must wet the brush before use and then with a limp wrist, move the brush in light circular motions. You are expected to spend 20 seconds on your nose and chin, 20 seconds on your forehead and 10 seconds on each cheek. The Mia 2 has a Timer which indicates when to move on. Honestly, when I first started using the Clarisonic I felt it to be quite rough and sore on my skin. I started to panic a little thinking did I just spend €149 on something which is going to tear my skin to bits. Worry not! I don't know if the brush was a bit stiff or if I was putting too much pressure on my face but it doesn't feel half as rough now. Despite the horrible feeling instantly, after my first use, my skin looked bright and healthy, my pores looked smaller and my face was smooth and soft. I couldn't believe it. I continued to use my Clarisonic morning and night (twice daily as recommended) happily going without make-up to show off my skin. 

I had heard of a lot of people going through the so called 'purging phase'. This sometimes occurs the first week or two after starting to use the Clarisonic. It's down to all the impurities, dirt and oil being pushed out of your skin causing you to break out. It doesn't happen to everyone and I thought I was getting away with it until a few days ago. I woke up with the biggest, sorest spot on the side of my mouth. I can't ever remember getting anything like this one my face. This was huge. Thankfully, it started to go down after a couple of days but at that stage I had broken out even more. I had a spot on my cheek where I never ever get spots and a few on my chin. If there was anywhere I was going to break out I knew it would be my chin. Strangely enough they aren't coming up to anything. They're just small bumps that are making an appearance and disappearing quite quickly. For the first time ever, I actually looked if I had mild acne on the right side of my face. I have also noticed some blackheads on my nose which I rarely get. I'm putting it down to the Clarisonic pushing all the gunk out. I'm really just hoping that it also gets rid of them eventually. 

 

On a more positive note, I have noticed a big change in the texture of my skin. Above I mentioned that my forehead was quite dehydrated. It consisted of fine lines, small bumps and a thick looking texture. I tried hydrating masks and exfoliating but nothing worked until I started using my Clarisonic. The skin on my forehead looks so much smoother than before. The small bumps are almost completely gone and the dehydration lines have vanished. I also used to get tiny blackheads in the crease of my chin which have dramatically decreased. I can't believe it and I'm really hoping that the results continue and these spots disappear FAST!

I wore a full face of make-up the other night since I started using the Clarisonic. Removing my make-up was going to be the true test for my Mia 2. I didn't want my brush head to be covered in foundation so firstly, I used some cotton pads and the Garnier Micellar Water to remove most of the make-up then I went in with my Clarisonic and cleanser. After patting my face dry, I always tone and more often than not, I see my make-up hasn't been thoroughly removed. The evidence is left on the cotton pad. Your face may look clean but god only knows how much make-up and dirt is trapped in those pores. After the use of my Clarisonic, the cotton pad was clean. Success! I was left feeling confident that I wouldn't be going to bed with any make-up left on my face and for someone who never goes to bed with their make-up on, this makes the job so much easier.

I have only been using the Clarisonic Mia 2 a little over a week. It is still early days and too soon to be giving a full review. I'm not 100% convinced this is good for my skin. Only time will tell. I'm not giving up just yet. I just thought it would be best to keep you up to date as I go along rather than trying to remember each week for a full review in a month or two. I'm excited to see how my skin looks in a few weeks. Stay tuned to the blog and I will have more updates on using my Clarisonic. For now, thanks so much for reading and if you have any questions don't be afraid to get in touch through one of the links below. Mwah!

Holly X

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Summer Essentials Part 3: Make-Up Products

Make-up can be a bit of a struggle when away in the hot weather. The heat and humidity can make you look like a hot mess and can result in make-up sweating off your face. I am one of those girls who chooses to go make-up free during the day. It's not very often an Irish girl gets to soak up some Vitamin D so I'm taking the opportunity while I can. Plus, I always feel my skin's appearance improves when it's exposed to the sun (with SPF, of course). In saying that, I like to make a bit more of an effort in the evenings whether it be going out for dinner or drinks or just going for a little stroll. Minimal make-up is something I have begun to take a liking to whilst away and I find myself not wearing half as much make-up as I would at home. I like the appearance of a fresh face and always hope to achieve an awake and natural look. I love dewy skin, groomed brows, plump lips and rosy cheeks. The following products are just a few of what I like to use to help achieve this look.

MAC Strobe Cream

One of my favourite products right now is MAC's Strobe Cream. It is an illuminating moisturiser which is the type of product currently on trend due to the introduction on the 'strobing' technique. Strobe Cream can be worn alone or as a base before you apply your make-up. I like to apply it on the places I like to enhance, i.e. the centre of the forehead, down the bridge of my nose, the top of my cheeks and on my cupids bow. Instantly, your skin looks brighter, smoother and more radiant. It gives your skin such a boost. I feel it really hydrates the skin and gives it a gorgeous glow without making your face greasy or look overly shiny. 

MAC's Strobe Cream retails at €33.50 and can be bought from any MAC store or online.

MAC Studio Face and Body Foundation

My next essential make-up product for the Summer season has to be the MAC Studio Face and Body Foundation. This is such a great product and I feel together with the Strobe Cream, they make a great combination. I'm usually a girl who likes full coverage but when away I like something lighter in coverage. The Face and Body foundation is perfect for this. It helps even out skin tone while also allowing the likes of freckles to show through. It leaves a dewy finish on the skin but can be mattified and set with a small bit of powder. The watery consistency of this foundation is what allows it to be so lightweight and sheer in coverage. I went up a few shades from my natural colour and got C3. It is a great alternative to wearing fake tan on your face. It gives the skin a natural looking glow and can also be used on the body. It helps to even out uneven skin tone, add colour and give the appearance of smoother skin. You will find it is often used on brides as well as catwalk models. MAC's Face and Body proves to be very popular with the professionals.

This foundation retails at €31.50 for a 50ml bottle and can be bought from and MAC store or from the Brown Thomas website.

Inglot Freedom System Pressed Powder

If you would like to go that extra mile and still want to include contouring in your make-up routine, the Inglot Pressed Powders are great for sculpting the face. I use the shade 17. I always opt for a cooler, ashier shade when contouring as cool tones have a slimming effect on the face. I like this as a bronzing powder as it can be used in small amounts to achieve a natural, light contour or can be built up to give a full on chizzled look. I would definitely advise powdering before applying this otherwise it can appear mucky and go quite patchy. 

The Inglot Pressed Powders come in an array of shades and retail at €22. You can pick up yours from any Inglot store/counter or online.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes

If you would like to add a little warmth to your skin, the Mac Skinfinishes are products I would highly recommend. They are shimmery mineral powders that come in a variety of different shade. I have three of the Mineralize Skinfinish powders; Lightscapade, Global Glow and Gold Deposit. I prefer 'Lightscapade' for Winter if warmth is what you want for Summer as it is a cooler white tone compared to the rest. It makes a gorgeous highlighter and is subtle enough for everyday use. 'Global Glow' is more of a nude shade with a silver sheen. It comes out a very neutral colour which is perfect for highlighting or shading depending on your skin tone. I like using this as a contour on my forehead and to blend out any severe cheekbone contour lines on fairer skin but makes a gorgeous highlight on medium to dark skin. It adds warmth and structure to the face as well as a little shimmer. 'Gold Deposit' has to be my absolute favourite. It is the perfect golden shade which I love using to bronze up the skin. It is one of those products that could even be worn alone. I usually use this on my forehead, chest and sometimes cheeks and nose to add a shimmery glow when I'm tanned. 'Gold Deposit' also makes an amazing eyeshadow which really makes blue eyes POP! It can also be used on the body. If you're after the Hollywood glow and want shimmering legs like Beyonce or JLo, a couple of sweeps of one of the skinfinishes and you will be one step closer to achieving the look of the stars.

The MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes are €30 each and can be bought from any MAC store or online.

KIKO Blushers

Blushes are definitely a must whether you decide to contour or not. Blusher adds life back into your skin as well as warmth. It can make you look fresh and awake. Coral and peachy pink colours are always a must have for Summer and they seem to have become very popular within every make-up brand. 

While in Spain, I picked up a number of blushes for my kit as I felt it was one thing I was lacking. I paid KIKO Cosmetics a visit for the first time. I found it so hard to choose just a few items so picked up loads (they had a 50% off sale) including three blushes; Soft Touch Blush 103, Colour Veil Blush 03 and 06. The Soft Touch Blush 103 is the perfect peach colour. It is kind of reddy pink with gold specs. It has a slight shimmer so it's perfect for Summer. The Colour Veil Blush in 03 is a matte pink shade. It is so pretty and adds a subtle hint of colour to the cheeks. 06 is little more brown in colour. It is a nude shade which looks great on tanned skin. I can not get over the quality of KIKO's products. They are so cheap yet so pigmented.

The Soft Touch Blush is €7.50 whilst the Colour Veil Blush is €7.90. Unfortunately, KIKO are yet to come to Ireland and can't even be delivered to the Republic but if you are on holiday in Spain or even the UK, I'd highly encourage you to check if there is a KIKO store in town.

Sleek Rose Gold Blush

I also picked up a blusher from Sleek. Another fantastic and affordable brand (If you haven't tried their eyebrow or contour kit you are missing out). I am in love with their Rose Gold blush. It is almost identical to Nars 'Orgasm'. It is the perfect shade of peachy pink. It has a slight shimmer which creates a golden sheen on the skin. I love it and this little gem is only €5.99 from Boots. Sleek is available nationwide from numerous pharmacies. For a list of full stockists in Ireland click here.

MUD Volumizing Mascara

Now I don't like to go to OTT on my eys when on holidays, A small bit of mascara is what I usually go for. I am quite fair so can't pull off the look of thick black lashes without looking completely false. Therefore, I usually opt for a more natural look. I really like the MUD Volumizing Mascara. I got this as part of my college kit and wasn't a fan until I started using it on myself. It really grabs all your lashes coating them lightly with mascara. The brush is really good at coating all of your bottom lashes which I think is really hard to find in a lot of mascaras. I feel it really lengthens the lashes. You can build it up to add more volume without it looking clumpy. It isn't waterproof but for me it has never transfered or made my eyes run which is often a problem for me when in the heat. I'd highly recommend this mascara if you are looking for natural looking lashes but if you want something more intense this may not be for you.

You can buy this mascara online for €18.91 from the MUD website.

MAC Prep and Prime Translucent Finishing Powder

Last but not least is a product I use to set my make-up, the MAC Prep and Prime Translucent Pressed Powder. This is my all time favourite setting powder and I am on my third or fourth compact. It reduces shine without completely mattifying the skin. It is translucent so doesn't leave a white overcast or lighten the make-up. It doesn't adhere to dry patches or dehydrate the skin which I find a lot of powders do. It keeps my make-up in place all day but may need to be reapplied.

The Prep and Prime Powder is also available in loose form and retails at €26. It can be bought from any MAC store or online.

MAC Fix+ Setting Spray

I like to finish any make-up application off with a couple of spritz of my MAC Fix+ Setting Spray. I have a full review here. It is great for getting rid of that powdery look or freshening up your make-up. It's so hot over here in Spain at the minute so even to just cool you down, the Fix+ is a great product to have at all times.

You can pick up yours from any MAC store or online for €20.

So that's all for my Summer essential series. I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any questions about the products mentioned don't be afraid to get in touch by commenting below or contacting me through one of the links below. Thanks so much for reading! Mwah!

Holly X

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Review: SOSU By Suzanne Jackson Gel Polish

When Suzanne Jackson announced that she was launching a gel colour polish collection, I could not wait to try them. The colours are to die for and I wanted them all. My boyfriend surprised me with two and I fell in love, but two colours wasn't enough. I had to have more! I'm not usually a fan of nail varnishes and usually find painting my nails to be such an effort but when SoSueMe launched these polishes I just couldn't resist. I love the look of gel nails and the thought of achieving the gel look with a few layers of polish was more than appealing. I picked up five shades from the collection as well as the Top Coat. Below in order from left to right we have Unicorn Dust, Angel Kisses, I Do, Boss Bitch, Serial Shopper and Top Coat. Also, can we take a minute to appreciate the gorgeous packaging? I just love the rose gold finish.

I have tried the polishes a few times and it has taken a couple of tries to perfect the application. They definitely need to be applied in thin coats as when applied thick they don't dry properly. It usually takes 2-3 light layers. The polishes are very true to colour and the quality is top notch. I applied 'Boss Bitch' (below) with the Top Coat at the beginning of my holiday on my Nailene Full Cover Nails (also amazing!). This was two weeks ago and not one nail chipped. I've never found a nail polish to be so durable and long-lasting. I have also tried the polishes on my natural nail and they look just as good. The SOSU polishes really give the look of a professional gel nail application without the price tag. The shine they give off is gorgeous and at €7.99 each, you have yourself a bargain. This is my go-to nail varnish now and cannot wait to pick up some more shades. 

You'll find the SOSU by Suzanne Jackson gel polishes in Penneys and numerous pharmacies nationwide. For a full list of stockists take a look at the SoSueMe website. I hope you like them as much as I do.

Thanks so much for reading. Mwah!

Holly X

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Summer Essentials Part 2: Tanning

So next up let's talk tanning. This is for my fellow pale-skinned girls who want a natural looking tan but know they'll need to fake it to make it. Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with being pale. This is just a personal preference. I'm a lover of fake tan and don't believe in allowing myself to burn with the slight chance it might turn into a light tan. Plus it's a safer alternative.  

Starting with the basics, make sure you exfoliate well and moisturise areas such as your elbows, knees, hands and feet as well as any other dry areas you may have. This is a must before self-tanning as it will make the application a lot easier whilst also helping your tan last longer. I like to go for a gradual/developing tan instead of an instant/wash-off formula. This means you can get a number of days out of your tan. It's also a better option if you plan on going to the pool or beach.

I picked up a few different brands of tan before I left for Spain. One was my all time favourite fake tanners, Laurens Way. It is unbelievable! I have used the mousse and lotion but decided to pick up the spray this time for a change. I was hoping to achieve the look of a professional spray tan.  I bought the Lauren's Way Glam Tan in 'Darker than Dark' which is the perfect shade for those wanting to achieve that deep dark tan without applying multiple layers. It goes on so smooth and instantly you are left with a gorgeous glow.  It is light weight and you aren't left with that sticky feeling. I allow it to develop overnight or leave it for a minimum of 8 hours before showering. Lauren's Way tan has green undertones giving it the look of a more natural and realistic tan. It fades evenly and lasts up to seven days with good maintenance; moisturising and exfoliating lightly throughout the week is key. It has even held up pretty well with being in and out of the pool. The only consequence is a little bit of fading but nothing a little top up couldn't sort. It is definitely my holy grail tan and is always my go-to tan for a night out or event. I've had to order it online in the past but last week I found out that Allure Beauty Salon in Drumcondra stocks it as well as Superdrug (AMAZING!) in the Omni Shopping Centre, Santry.

While in Superdrug, I also bought the Bondi Sands' Dark Tanning Lotion. I had heard great things about the Australian brand and when I saw it in store I just couldn't resist. I applied this the night before I left for Spain. I don't know if it was my mitt or the tan itself but I felt it went on very mucky looking and it was very difficult to rub in especially around the neck and chest area. I went to bed feeling a bit skeptical about how it was going to look the next morning. I have to admit though it smells AMAZING! The coconut scent is to die for and to my surprise, once I had showered I had been left with a gorgeous, natural looking tan. It was not quite as dark as I would have liked but I couldn't believe how flawless it looked, A week on into my holidays and it still looked great. My Mam even complimented my tan and she's a tough critic. I plan on getting a new mitt and hopefully the application will go a little smoother next time but other than that I am very impressed. Check out the Bondi Sands website for more or pop into Superdrug.

To maintain my tan, I like to use a moisturiser that contains a self-tanner. I like the Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion for Medium to Dark skin. It was the first fake tan I ever used as a thirteen year old. It adds a natural glow and gives you sun-kissed looking skin. It really hydrates the skin and prolongs previously applied fake tan whilst adding a bit of extra colour. It has a very strong tan smell which may be a turn-off for some. I like to apply this once or twice a week over either the Lauren's Way or Bondi Sands once I have showered off the excess but it can also be worn alone. The Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion is also available for Fair to Medium skin. I picked this up at half price for €3.75 (Usually €7.49) in McCabes Pharmacy. It's affordable for those not wanting to spend loads on self-tanners and it's also great for first timers.

Sometimes I will go that extra mile and add even more of a glow. I am in looove with the Nuxe Shimmering Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse. It is a subtly tinted oil with tiny specs of glitter and looks amazing over a tan. It enhances and really gives you that Hollywood glow that stars such as J-Lo and Beyonce sport on the red carpet. The good thing about this oil is that it can be used on your body, on your face and even in your hair. It dries instantly and doesn't leave you feeling greasy. It really is the finishing touch to any look and is an absolute essential product on a night out.

So thats it for my Summer tanning essentials. Next up we'll be talking make-up! Stay tuned and thanks for reading. Mwah!

Holly X

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Summer Essentials Part 1: Sun Protection

Since I'm away in sunny Spain soaking up the rays for the next few weeks (Don't be jealous!), I thought I'd do a couple of posts on all my essentials for the Summer season. Whether it be protecting the skin or just wanting to look good in the sun, I'll try cover it all.

First up, lets talk SPF. There has been a lot of controversy about sun protection products lately with a lot of brands claiming to protect the skin from UVA and UVB (as that is what sun cream is suppose to do), yet people are still finding themselves getting burnt. The factors aren't always what they claim to be and can sometimes be less than what is stated on the bottle. It is important to always do your research before spending money on sun lotion, as they can often be very expensive. 

I picked up four different sun lotions before I went away. First, I have the La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Cream SPF 50+ in the Comfort formula. This is a MUST have! I use this stuff on my face all year round and have been using it for about two years now and not once have I got burnt. I find sun lotion always make me break out on my face but this one is different. It is non-comedogenic which means it doesn't block pores and it's suitable for sensitive and sun-intolerant skin. I have tried it in the tinted formula too but found it to go on quite patchy so for now I'm sticking to the 'No White Marks' cream. It was €20 for a 50ml tube from Boots but is currently on special offer for €15. 

As I am as pale as a ghost (no exaggeration), I picked up the highest factor for my body to prevent myself from burning. It is the ol' reliable Granier Ambre Solaire, which is probably one of the most popular choices when it comes to sun protection. They have such a huge range and it is available just about anywhere (even in Penneys). I went for the Sensitive Advanced for fair, sensitive and sun-intolerant skin in SPF 50+. I will use this on my neck, chest, shoulders and back as I find they get burnt the easiest. It is a really nice formula and is non-greasy as well as being water resistant. I have only been here two days but so far so good! I bought a 200ml bottle from Boots for €11. They're currently offering customers two selected Ambre Solaire products for €20. Click here to have a look for yourself.

I also got the Boots Soltan Protect and Moisturise Suncare Lotion in SPF 30 but after purchasing I heard some bad reviews with the likes of FacesByGrace saying she burned with it on. The problem is they say they are SPF 30 but are probably really ranging from SPF 20-25. I brought it with me as I will gradually ease my skin into a lower factor when my skin gets a little more used to the sun so it's not completely going to waste.

After hearing the bad reviews on Soltan I was feeling a bit skeptical so decided to go on the search for another factor 30. My Mam had been using the Piz Buin Tan and Protect Tan Intensifying Sun Lotion the previous year on her holidays and she loved it. A mother knows best as they say so I decided to pick up a bottle. It contains an ingredient called Melatin which helps to enhance your skin's natural tanning process. My Mam said it really helped her with getting a tan and prolonging it with the intense moisturisation that it provides. I started using it today on my arms, legs and stomach and it has left my skin feeling and looking soft and smooth. I haven't gotten burnt just yet either. I'm still waiting on that tan but I'm feeling doubtful. The only tan I will ever get is from a bottle. Ahaha!

As well as wearing sun cream and re-applying after toweling or being in the pool, it is so important to protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays. Wearing sunglasses can help prevent ageing and reduce headaches and eyestrain. I have picked up so many pairs for my holidays which I will feature on the blog soon but today I am wearing these gorgeous Purple Round Frame Sunglasses from New Look. I feel they're very 70's.

It is also important to protect the scalp by wearing a sun hat. I prefer one with a large brim to shade the face, neck, chest and shoulders. A sun hat will also minimize the damage the sun can do to your hair as well as reducing the chances of getting sun stroke (It isn't nice .. Trust me!). I picked up a White Straw Floppy Hat with Black Band from New Look which they also have in the colours black and stone online here.

So stay safe in the sun kids! I will be back during the week with my essential tanning products for Summer (fake tanning that is), for myself and my fellow milk bottles. Mwah!

Holly X

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Brand Review: Dermalogica Normal/Dry Skin Kit

Dermalogica is one of the leading skincare brands worldwide among both consumers and professionals and I can understand why. A couple of months ago I ran out of everything all at once; cleanser, toner, moisturizer and eye cream. My plan was to go to Boots and pick up something new in Clinique or Elizabeth Arden as I was willing to invest a little more into my products. I was at the Brow Boutique getting my HD Brows done when I spotted these Dermalogica skin kits. I noticed this small box which included everything I needed and MORE! I asked the beautician, out of curiosity, about the Dermalogica brand and the products and she replied 'You will never use anything else again'. The great thing about the skin kits is that they're available for every skin type. It isn't a one size fits all. Everyone's skin is different and the same ingredients and form (cream, gel, milk, etc.) don't suit everyone. 

My skin can be quite dehydrated on my forehead and around my eyes but is normal elsewhere with a bit of oiliness on my chin. The beautician recommended the Normal/Dry skin kit for me as I'm not dry all over. With use of the cleanser, toner, moisturiser, cream exfoliant and eye cream, Dermalogica claim to hydrate, balance and restore the skin. The kit also came with two sachets; one of the Dermalogica PreCleanse and Skin Hydrating Masque. The bottles are travel size and are supposed to last for 30 days but I was told I could make them last a lot longer using small quantities of each.  I could not wait to get home and give them a try.

PreCleanse

This stuff is LETHAL (in a good way)! It literally melts any make-up, sunscreen, dirt or oil based debris off your face. I have never ever removed my make-up (including eye make-up) with such ease. Instantly, my make-up started to slide everywhere then once mixed with water it turned into a dirty, milky mixture. One rinse and nearly everything is gone. I have never experienced anything like it. I definitely plan on purchasing the full sized product because this makes the first part of your double cleanse a hell of a lot easier. I am yet to try this with waterproof mascara .. That could be the true test.

Special Cleansing Gel

I haven't used a gel cleanser in years so I didn't know what to expect. It lathers into a foam when mixed with water (like shampoo) and feels really nice and gentle. Sometimes with gel cleansers you'll find yourself being left with sticky residue on your skin but this isn't the case with Special Cleansing Gel.  When rinsed off my skin is left feeling squeeky clean and looking fresh.  My complexion instantly looks evened out and redness is reduced. Usually, my skin is crying out for some moisturiser but for once it is not left feeling tight or dry.

Multi-Active Toner

Firstly, I love how it comes as a spray. After you dry your face following your cleanse, spritz this on your face. It feels so lovely! It takes a few seconds to dry in but it's so refreshing and hydrating. Pores look smaller and skin tone is evened out. It also claims to prep the skin for moisture absorption which means the moisturiser applied after will penetrate better into the skin giving you the full benefits. The one bad thing about the Multi-Active Toner is the chemical-like smell, which doesn't bother me one bit but I know it may affect some people.

Gentle Cream Exfoliant

This is such a great product for dehydrated skin like mine and I can imagine it also being suited to sensitive skin. I tried a cream exfoliant for the first time during my year at college. I had a facial module every Friday and we were trained up on Matis products. I used the Matis Peeling Cream which is a non-abrasive exfoliant and works enzymatically. The Dermalogica Cream Exfoliant is very similar but not quite as drying. For those of you that don't understand, there are no exfoliating beads. You put this cream on a freshly cleansed face and leave it to work for 10-15 mins. The skin is left feeling smoother with skin texture being improved. Cell renewal is increased and dead skin cells start to shed. I have only used this product a couple of times since I bought the kits as I only exfoliate 1-2 times a week but I really like it and will continue to use it as part of my skincare routine.

Skin Hydrating Masque

I looove hydrating masks so I was looking forward to trying this. If, like myself, you suffer from dehydrated skin then this is what you need. Certain face masks can suck all the moisture and oil from your skin but this does the complete opposite and hydrates the skin. It contains 'calming botanicals and antioxidant vitamins' which restore moisture to dehydrated, dry or stressed skin. I use this or my Matis Hydrating mask 1-2 times a week and and dehydration lines or tightness is gone. This one in particular is so refreshing, like many of the Dermalogica products, and just adds to the amazing results their products give.

Intensive Eye Repair

An eye cream is a MUST ! I always use an eye cream as the skin around my eyes is very dehydrated (from wearing make-up and rubbing). An eye cream can also help with fine lines and wrinkles. I like intense eye creams and this does have 'intensive' in the name but unfortunately I didn't find it intensive enough. To be honest, it was just average and the only thing from the whole kit that I will replace with something else. I'll admit it does its job and relieves the tight dry feeling but I like something a little more intense and soothing. For now, I'm using my Ogra Avacado Eye Cream which I love!

Skin Smoothing Cream

The final step of my skin routine; MOISTURISE! We have come to the end where we lock in all that moisture and soothe and hydrate the skin. That is exactly what this moisturiser does as well as smoothing out the texture. It feels so light on my face and doesn't leave a greasy residue. It dries nearly instantly and leaves a matte finish.

Overall, I am over the moon with the results from the Dermalogica products. I feel they suit my skin perfectly. I was going through a bad phase with my skin as I was stressed out and tired. With the lack of sleep and bad diet, it was showing on my face. I was being left with marks from spots and they were not going away but now I'm using the Dermalogica Skin Kit I have everything I need. I love wearing no make-up when my skin is looking so good. I have been talking non-stop about the Dermalogica brand and it, as well as Ogra Skincare, is one of my new favourites. I would highly recommend the Skin Kits to anyone. It is even said to be great for acne. Even though the bottles are quite small, I've got a good 2 months out of them with some cleanser and exfoliant still left. A little really goes a long way with these products.

I bought the Normal/Dry Skin Kit from the Brow Boutique in Swords Pavillions for €33.50. Dermalogica is sold nationwide in numerous salons as well as online. I will be holding a GIVEAWAY on my Facebook page soon so keep an eye out for a chance to win a Dermalogica Skin Kit. Mwah!

Holly X

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Review: MAC Prep and Prime Fix+

Today I have a little review for you. Setting sprays have become all the rage in the past year or so. To be honest they weren't something I felt that I had to try but after a fellow make-up student recommended the MAC Fix+ I decided to give it a shot. There is huge range of setting sprays on the market today with brands such as Urban Decay, Inglot and Nyx jumping on the bandwagon. The good thing about these sprays is that they have many uses from making your make-up last longer to renewing your dried up gel liner.

I got my hands on the mini 100ml version of the MAC Prep and Prime Fix+ from the MAC Pro Store on Grafton Street (only Pro Stores do the travel sizes). I felt there was not much point forking out €30 for a full size bottle with the possibility it could be left on my dresser with no desire to use it again. 

To my surprise, I am now ADDICTED to the stuff and two days ago, I picked up the full size bottle. I use it every time I put on make-up. You know that dried up powdery finish that can be left on your skin after you apply your setting powder ? Well, with a couple of spurts of the Fix+ the powdery look is gone. You don't lose the effect of the powder just the dry finish which, lets be honest, no one really wants. I love using this on a night out too. I never have to reapply make-up to freshen up my appearance. With the Fix+ it will look as it did when you just applied it. Fresh and fabulous leaving a dewy finish. It is a little gem to have in your handbag.

 The MAC Fix+ may be a setting spray but it also has many other uses. You can use Fix+ with eye shadows, pigments and glitters to add intensity to the colour and to help them stay in place. Adding a small amount of this to dried up gel eyeliner or mascara will help bring your products back to life. You can even spray this on to the face prior to applying make-up as a primer. I was also told it can act as a detangler for your hair. This isn't a one trick pony, I can assure you that! I'm recommending it to everyone and it is a product that is always in my handbag everywhere I go.

So if your one who has trouble with keeping your make-up on and making it last the duration of the day, a setting spray may be the answer for you. Why not give it a go for yourself? Let me know what you think. 

Thanks for reading. Mwah!

Holly X

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