Get Unready With Me

Getting ready for the day is something I find highly enjoyable as I get to play around with my make up, try new products and put together outfits that I'm happy with. But in all honesty, I enjoy that bit at the end of the day when I get to take it all off and get cozy in my pjs. So today I'm sharing with you the products I used to help me get unready from the day and ready for the night.

The first thing to come off is my make up. As much as I love putting my make up on I love taking it off even more. And I'm a big believer in double cleansing so I always choose two different cleansers so that my skin gets used to just one. The cleanser I find myself reaching for a lot for my inital cleanse is the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm. It's balm to oil formula is perfect for breaking down my make up, including mascara without weighing it down. It doesn't sting my eyes and removes even the most stubborn of mascara formulas.

Then it's on to my second cleanse and for this I usually go for something soothing or hydrating so my skin doesn't feel dry or tight after cleansing. The one I've chosen this time is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser. Containing nothing more than Hyaluronic Acid this lightweight gel cleanser cleanses away any lingering make up and daily grime whilst simultaneously giving skin a boost of hydration, something I find my skin needs after a day of wearing make up. Both of these I remove with a damp flannel or muslin cloth, it depends what isn't in the wash.

Now my make up is off and my skin feels a lot fresher, it's time to move onto the rest of my skincare. I'm feeling like doing a mask but before I go in with that I think I'm going to tone and refresh my skin to make sure the mask works better. So for my toner I'm going in with the infamous Pixi Glow Tonic. This is one of my favourite toners with it's 5% Glycolic Acid formula. It not only provides my skin with a gentle exfoliation but revitalises and refreshes whilst the Aloe Vera soothes and alleviates any dry or tight feeling I may have after cleansing.

Now this next step may seem a little excessive considering I'm putting a mask over top but I feel this is good at locking everything in place and really nourishing my skin. Before I apply my mask I go in and spritz my face generously with the Botanics Rosewater Toning Spray. It's really refreshing, nourishing and revitalising which gives my skin that much needed boost. Plus it smells absolutely divine.

Then it's finally onto my mask and as I'm feeling a little lazy I'm going for a sheet mask over your more traditional wash off mask. And there is only one brand I reach for when it comes to sheet masks, Garnier. Their Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks are amazing. They fit the face perfectly, don't flap about or peel off and genuinely feel like their working on the skin. The one I've chosen this time is their Glow-Revealing Mask. It contains Sakura Extract alongside Hyaluronic Acid to moisturise skin whilst revealing skin's natural healthy looking glow. They say to leave this on for fifteen minutes but I like to leave it on for longer so my skin really benefits from the serum that the mask is soaked in.

And whilst that's working it's magic I get myself into my pjs ready for the evening. And for that I can't resist pulling on this adorable set from Primark. Consisting of a crop top/bralette and shorts with an adorable Minnie Mouse print, this two piece is ultra soft to the touch and ultra comfortable. And my favourite part is that the crop top makes my boobs feel secure and supported even though it doesn't have any underwiring or built in support. And as a bigger busted lady it means I'm very happy as I can wear just this and not feel like my boobs are around my knees.

Then over top of that I throw on a ridiculously oversized sweatshirt. This is another gem from Primark and looks like just an ordinary sweatshirt but when you actually put it on, it is practically a dress. I love it! It covers my shorts and makes it look like I'm wearing more of a jumper dress than a sweatshirt. Plus it's uber soft inside and out and has this cute little embroidery design on the right corner.

 Then once I'm changed and my mask is removed, I move onto my hair. Out come the hundreds of bobby pins that hold it all in place and in goes a generous amount of the Rosie For Autograph Divine Miracle Oil. This multi purpose oil is lightweight enough to run through the lengths and ends of hair but can also be used in the bath and on the skin. With hints of orange blossom this delicious smelling oil is really nourishing in my hair and leaves my occasionally dry ends feeling silky soft and smelling gorgeous. Then I pile it up into a pineapple on the top of my head and secure in place with an invisbobble.

And the last bits I do to make myself feel pampered and relaxed for the evening is make sure my lips are smothered in lip balm and my hands are moisturised. Carmex is my go to for lip balm, I know a lot of people say it's not good for you but it's the only thing that actually leaves my lips feeling moisturised. And then to make sure my hands stay moisturised I go in with the Neal's Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream. Containing Honey and Satsuma Extract, this not only smells delicious but also is super nourishing on my hands and can take away even the worst dryness that I have. It never leaves my hands feeling greasy and sinks into skin quickly so you don't have to worry about getting a greasy residue over everything.

Now I'm make up free, with pineapple hair and no bra it's time to make myself a hot drink (a Salted Caramel Mocha) and snuggle down with this little bed hog who always wants to sleep right next to me even though there's a whole double bed available to him. 

Top 3: Budget Cleansers

 

When it comes to cleansers I have tons. I can't help myself, I'm forever buying new ones. I have high end cleansers and budget cleansers but they all essentially do the same thing. And whilst you may think paying out for a higher end cleanser is going to mean better quality, sometimes it just doesn't work out that way. Sometimes the more budget friendly cleansers are better than those you can pick up from higher end brands. So today I thought I'd share with you my Top 3 Budget friendly cleansers.

The first is one I always find myself going back to. I intially brought it because Khila from MissBudgetBeauty recommended it in a video but it soon become a skincare staple for me after a few uses. The Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean Cleanser is a lightweight, cream based cleanser that breaks make up down easily and can even remove waterproof mascara. It doesn't sting the eyes or leave it skin feeling dry or irritated after it's been removed and can be used even on sensitive skins. There is a slight tingling feeling when you use this but instead of irritating the skin or leaving it feeling tight or dry, it leaves it feeling refreshed and squeaky clean. Plus a little goes a long way so the generous size bottle takes a good while to get through.

Another cleanser that I can't get enough of comes from Botanics. Their Dual Effect Hydration Burst Cleanser not only removes all signs of make up and daily dirt whilst also hydrating the skin, alleviating the dry tight feeling a lot of cleansers can leave behind. This thick gel like formula transforms into a milk when activated with water and breaks down even the most stubborn of make up. It's perfect for those with dry or sensitive skins but those with combination to oily skins I'd advise trying a different cleanser as this would more than likely clog skin. Again this is a cleanser that requires very little to be effective which means it will last a good while making it brilliant value for money.

And the final cleanser is one I adore but don't reach for as much as I think I do. Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser is effective both as a make up remover but also as a daily facial cleanser. It also contains Hyaluronic Acid and not much else which means that it instantly boosts skin's hydration levels with every use. A little goes a long way and always leaves skin feeling clean, refreshed and hydrated but it's strong fragrance is just a little off putting. I've been using this for a good six months now and haven't had any breakouts or reaction to this cleanser but it's fragrance does always make me wonder if one day it's going to cause a reaction with my skin and I have to stop use. If you're skin is one that barely ever reacts badly to products then this cleanser would be perfect for you but if you're skin is easily irritated then I'd say stay away from this. That being said I'm not going to stop using it because I adore how it makes my skin feel and how clean and clear my skin looks after every use. Plus it comes in a pump which is my favourite packaging design when it comes to cleansers.

Review: PS Matte Lip Kit

I'm a big fan of a matte lip product, especially those that come in a kit with a matching liner and with brands all bringing out their versions of Lip Kits I'm in my element. Barry M do fantastic Lip Kits in a variety of shades but apart from them there aren't many more on the market, espcially ones that catch my eye. And when I noticed that Primark had released their own version of a matte lip kit I just had to pick one up.

The Lip Kit that costs £3 consists of a lip liner and a matching liquid lipstick. Now I don't know the colour of this as it I've thrown away the packaging and there isn't a shade name on either the lip liner or liquid lipstick. What I can tell you is that it's a stunning berry purple shade that on fairer tones is going to pop and be a vivid berry shade whereas on darker skin tones will be a more muted yet still bold purple shade. The lip liner is unsurprisingly creamy like the other liners that Primark sell and just glides along the lips, leaving behind a highly pigmented colour. It doesn't drag or scratch at that the lips when you apply it and you can easily fill in the entire lip with it. It can be slightly drying if worn on it's own but a little lip balm underneath soon remedies that.

The liquid lipstick is thin and lightweight in consistency. It applies opaque in one coat but does have a tendency to dry down a little streaky. That can of course be remedied by applying another coat but then there's the risk it's going to dry and look even more uneven or it'll start to crack or peel away from the lips. That's why I advise using the lip liner all over instead of just outlining the lips with it, it helps give an even colour all over. The doe foot applicator is standard size and has just enough flexibility to glide almost effortlessly over the lips. It takes slightly longer than normal to dry down and even when it's completely dried down it has a slight tackiness to it that could possibly lead to it peeling away over time, especially if you eat or drink.

I've worn this quite a lot to really give it a fair test. I've tried it just outlining the lips with the liner, filling in my entire lip with the liner and even just the liquid lipstick on it's own and everytime I've needed to go in with a moisturising lipstick over top to even it out and to make it more comfortable to wear. The slightly tackiness to it means it wears from the inner corners of the lips quicker and leaves a slight uneven finish to the lips. It did become slightly drying and uncomfortable after a few hours and I was grateful to take it off when I could. Which is very disappointing because the concept and the shade of this product are both very promising. However there is something just lacking in the formula which makes it harder work than it should be. If I were you I'd spend a bit more and buy one of the Barry M Matte Me Up Lip Kits, they're lightweight, comfortable and you'll forget you're even wearing it.

Review: Naturally Radiant Glycolic Tonic with 5% Glycolic Acid

I love any product that has Glycolic Acid in it. I always have to try a new release if it has Glycolic Acid in it and I'm pretty sure you're all sick of reading about it from me. However I couldn't help but pick up this new release when I saw it.

The Naturally Radiant Glycolic Tonic with 5% Glycolic Acid is a toner/treatment type product that as it says contains 5% Glycolic Acid. This can be used in place of a toner and works to exfoliate, retexturise and rejuvenate skin. It awakens skin's natural glow and helps with cell turnover and rejuvenation that if left can leave skin looking dull. This product is very similar to Pixi's Glow Tonic except it doesn't contain the Aloe Vera or Ginseng that Glow Tonic does but works in the same manner and costs a fraction of the price. And it's so easy to do. All you have to do is pour some onto a cotton pad and then swipe it across your face as you would any other toner.

I really like this product. I find myself reaching for this on a daily basis after I've removed my make up because it's not only rejuvenating but also refreshing and gives my skin that boost it can sometimes need after cleansing. A little goes a long way and it doesn't leave skin feeling dry or tight after use and serum or moisturiser can be applied over top no problem. If you have sensitive skin, don't worry you can still use this and enjoy the results this product gives. Preferably I wouldn't advise using it daily if you have sensitive skin or are new to using AHA based products, I'd start once or twice and build up to whatever your skin is comfortable with. However if your skin is used to AHA based products or reacts well to Glycolic Acid then I'd say go in with what your comfortable. Because it reminds me so much of the Glow Tonic I went straight in with using it daily but if that's too much than every other day or twice a week is a good place to start.

This product has received a lot of hype and some really good write ups recently and usually that's enough for me to want to stay away from a product but I couldn't and I'm glad I didn't. It's really changed how my skin looks and feels and used in conjunction with the rest of my skincare routine, has left my skin looking the best it has in a while. And the best bit, it's ridiculously inexpensive for a product of this kind. Coming in at £5.99 a bottle, this is a fraction of the price of Glow Tonic and other AHA/Glycolic based products on the market, including others you'd find in the skincare aisles of Superdrug or Boots. If you're a fan of Glow Tonic and are in the market for a more budget option then I'd highly recommend checking this out. I promise you, you won't be disappointed. 

Review: Simply Pure Hydrating Night Serum

Simply Pure is one of my favourite of Superdrug's own brands. The products are brilliant, well priced and suitable for those of us with more gentle skins. One of my favourite serums is their Hydrating Day Serum so when I saw they had released a evening version I couldn't resist picking one up.

The Simply Pure Hydrating Night Serum is essentially a thicker richer version of their Hydrating Day Serum. It's packed full of Allatonin, Soothex and Hyaluronic Acid to soothe skin as well as hydrate, the Hyaluronic Acid working over a longer period of time to give skin slow release bursts of hydration instead of one hit, allowing skin to dry out a few hours after application. It's fragrance free, hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin types even the most sensitive of skins.

As I'm a big fan of the Hydrating Day Serum I knew that I was going to like this and I wasn't wrong. It's a lot thicker in texture and feel on the skin and takes longer to sink into the skin but that means it's just giving the Hyaluronic Acid more time to work and bond with the skin. This isn't a product you can layer something over top so in a way it eliminates the need of a night cream over top. However I still put a night cream over top, I just wait until right before I go to sleep so that this has been giving a chance to really sink in and moisturise the skin and then my night cream just tops up the moisture levels. The Allatonin in this makes it perfect for those nights where I've gone in with a strong acid toner or treatment and want to make sure that my skin doesn't become irritated afterwards whilst simultaneously moisturising it.

If you're looking for something new to add to your evening skincare routine or are just a fan of really hydrating products then I highly recommend you check this out. It's readily available in Superdrug stores and on their website and doesn't break the bank. Now a lot of people don't believe that inexpensive own brands work but Simply Pure and Superdrug's Own Brand products really do work, with visible results and ridiculously good prices. I recommend checking this out when you're in your local Superdrug next.

Review: KiraKira Studio AHA Liquid Cleanser

A few weeks ago I saw a new brand called KiraKira reaching out on Twitter for bloggers to try out their new cleanser. And as soon as I saw that it was called AHA I knew I had to reply and enquire more. And they ever so kindly sent me a bottle of their new cleanser to try out. I will say now though, that I'm not being paid to write this post but they did ask me to share my thoughts on their product as they get ready to launch this cleanser.

Their AHA Cleanser is a mixture of Glycolic, Citric and Sterarlic acid and this cleanser easily breaks down make up but can also be used on bare skin to remove the daily build up of dirt, grime, excess oil and other impurities that can cause havoc with skin. The effective AHA concoction also helps repair and rejuvenate skin and cell turnover without drying skin out or leaving it feeling irritated or tight. That means that any texture or uneven skintone that you may have will feel diminished after you've used this and skin will be left feeling supple and softer to the touch. And the best bit about this product, it's all natural and free from parabens, mineral oil and palm oil, some of skincares nastier ingredients.

I've tested this for an entire week to gather my thoughts on this product. I've used this as an initial cleanse whilst wearing make up, as a second/double cleanse as well as on my bare skin as a morning and evening cleanse. And whilst I do like it to remove my make up, it really breaks it down with very little effort, I don't really like it as a cleanser on bare skin. It doesn't seem to really cleanse the skin as well as I would like it to. I find I need to go in with another cleanser afterwards to make sure my skin is properly clean before applying the rest of my skincare routine.

When it comes to trying out new face washes/cleansers I don't tend to break out and after having used this for a week, I haven't had any breakouts but that may be because my skin loves products that contain Glycolic Acid. If you have sensitive or reactive skin I'd say you'd still be able to use this but just a little less often than others with more normal or combination skin's. It's lightweight, doesn't clog pores and doesn't leave a film over the skin which makes it suitable for even the oiliest of skin types and the combination of AHA's will help with any excess sebum that skin may be creating.

KiraKiraStudio are starting to launch this product over here in the UK and market themselves as a brand that's bringing Japanese inspired skincare and beauty to the forefront of their products and brand in general. The packaging of AHA is very reminiscent of that of Japanese beauty products and certainly fits with the aesthetic and style they are promoting. The AHA Cleansing Liquid is £19.99 a bottle but for the price is a larger than normal cleanser size, coming in at 190ml a bottle. This is the first of many products they're planning on launching, details of which you can find over on their social media platforms and website..

Review: Murad Essential-C Cleanser

Murad is a brand I'd heard a lot about but never had the chance to try out. And in a way I didn't want to try out any of their products because of their high price tag. That was until I saw the Mark's and Spencers did travel miniatures of certain higher end brands including Murad's Essential-C Cleanser. And I just couldn't resist picking one up.

The Murad Essential-C Cleanser is a lightweight gel cleanser that is perfect for everyday use. Enfused with citrus extracts this works to cleanse skin whilst renewing it's radiance and awakening skin's senses. This cleanser also has an enviromental shield which claims to neutralise the damage that pollution and other daily aggressors that can leave skin feeling irritated. The enviromental shield is something I don't pay much attention to as I don't quite believe a product can do that.

However I do absolutely love this product and would happily pay the price for a full size bottle. It's not the best cleanser for breaking down and removing make up but used on bare skin as a second cleanse or an inital morning cleanse, it's fantastic. It really works to rejuvenate and awaken the skin whilst cleansing away dirt or grime. It doesn't leave skin feeling dry, irritated or tight after use, skin in fact feels softer and smoother to the touch but clean and ready for any skincare or make up you place over top. It's suitable for all skin types, even oily and sensitive and it's somewhat gentle yet effective formula really works wonders on the skin without stripping it of any essentials oils or moisture. If you're in the market for a new day to day cleanser then I highly recommend you check this one out. Yes it's slightly higher on the price scale but it works and I'm a firm believer of paying a bit more when necessary.