Holiday Series: A Selection of Holiday Photos

Holiday Series: Sephora Haul

I went to visit the Sephora store in Rhodes Town while I was on holiday, and lets just say that I didn't have the nicest of experiences. 

But I did make few purchases, but I won't ever be going into that particular store again, but I would love to visit the stores in the USA.

The main reason I went into Sephora was to see if the stocked brand Make Up Forever; as I've heard nothing but praise for that particular brand, and they did. But it was also the area that put me off going back into the Rhodes store.

While I was at the Make Up Forever counter I picked up one of their famous Aqua Creams in the shade Pink Beige (16), as I didn't have a suitable base for my pink eyeshadows.

Also, while I was Sephora I managed to pick a few items from their own brand products; and I brought: -

- A travel size Micellaire water

- Two of their nail buffers (4 way)

- Lip/ eye pencil sharpener

- A crystal nail file

Holiday Series: Greek Pharmacy Haul

We all know how lovely French skincare is, and the hauls that go with them in the blogging world. I've decided to do something a little different, and do a Greek pharmacy haul. Because, while I was on holiday I visited three Greek pharmacies; one in Lindos and two in Rhodes town. Let's just say I was like a kid in a sweet shop.

Korres
I know that we can get this brand back in the UK, but I wasn't sure if we could get these products, so naturally I picked them up.
- Milk Protein face wipes
- Vanilla Cinnamon shower gel
- Mint Tea shower gel
- Vanilla, Lychee & Freesia shower gel

Apivita
This is another brand that I know that we can get back in the UK, but we can't get as wide of selection of products as you can in Greece/ Greek Islands. I went a bit mental when I saw these inside the pharmacy, so I ended up picking quite a bit of Apivita while I was in Rhodes.
- A tube of the Express Beauty Sea Lavender face mask
- Express Beauty sachets with aloe face masks x2
- Express Beauty sachets with honey face masks x2
- Express Beauty sachets with cucumber face masks x2
- Express Beauty sachets with pink clay face masks x2
- Express Beauty sachets with sea lavender face masks x2
- Express Beauty sachets with pomegranate face masks x2
- Express Beauty sachets with olive exfoliator x2
- Express Gold sachets with prickly pear face masks x2

I picked up the Vichy Extraordinary Oil, which is a dry body oil that helps to give you radiant skin. I also picked up another face mask sachet from a brand called Macrovita, and its the Olive Oil & White Tea Beauty Peel Off Mask.

I went on the hunt for Bioderma while I was over in Rhodes, and it took a while to track it down, and it wasn't just Bioderma that I came back with.

I picked up a 250ml bottle of each variety of Bioderma. So I got a bottle for sensitive skin (pink top), sensitive/ dehydrated skin (blue top), and oily/ combination skin (green top).

Another micellaire water I picked up was from a brand called Santangelica, and its also formulated for sensitive skin.

I really enjoyed visiting the Greek pharmacies over in Rhodes, and they are well worth the visit if your into your beauty products; and you never know may fall in love with something completely different.

Holiday Series: What I Did While on Holiday

I went to the lovely Greek Island of Rhodes at the beginning of October, and we stayed at the Sentido Lindos Bay Resort and Spa.

The hotel was lovely, and it had a very chilled out atmosphere. All the staff were lovely and they couldn't do enough for us.

One of my favourite things to do while on holiday is to chill out and go to sleep by the hotel pool while the sun is gazing down on me; and this happens every time I go abroad. To me it is sheer bliss. I also like to have a swim in the hotel pool, but the water was freezing and that was in the afternoon.

While we were away we did two trips; the first one was an excursion to Rhodes Town, and the second was a trip into Lindos, which we did at our own accord. 

The new part of Rhodes Town is nothing special, but the old part of Rhodes Town and the harbour is lovely.

Lindos on the other hand is beautiful, and the town is like a maze with the Acropolis at the top. The only thing was that we had picked the coldest day to visit; so we ended up purchasing a pashmina each to keep us warm (which is no big deal since I wanted to buy one anyway). Also, while we were in Lindos, we discovered that they really like their fresh orange juice; because everywhere were we turned they was a stall selling it.

During the afternoon I went up to the top of the famous Acropolis. It was steep and rocky, as well as being beautiful at the same time. The views from the top of the Acropolis were to die for. But it wasn't such a good idea to go up to the top of the Acropolis while it was so windy, because I nearly slipped twice on my way back down to earth.

While I was on holiday I went out into the sea, which is something I never usually do and I really enjoyed it. The first time I took a swim in the sea I only went out a little bit and then came back to shore. The second and third time I went in I managed to swim out to the first set of boys; which I reckoned was about half a mile out, maybe less. Another reason I enjoyed swimming in the sea was because it was warmer than the hotel pool.

In all it was a lovely, chilled out holiday that I really enjoyed; and I would recommend Lindos to anyone. 

Holiday Series: Airport Hauls

Manchester Airport

I decided to put away my birthday money, so then I could do a spot of shopping at Manchester Airport; and I made my purchases at the Biza Tax & Duty Free store inside Terminal 1.

I first went to the YSL counter, as I had my eye on a couple of luxury beauty products.
The YSL products I picked up are: -

- YSL Glossy Stain in 17 Encre Rose
- YSL Rouge Volumpte Shine Lipstick in 6 Pink in Devotion
- YSL Touche Eclat Foundation in B20

Also, while I was at the airport I picked a 50ml bottle of the Marc Jacobs Dot perfume, which I'd also had my eye on for sometime.

I really enjoyed spending my birthday money at Manchester Airport, and the girls who helped me at the YSL counter were lovely, and they couldn't do enough for me.

Rhodes Airport

I usually like to spend whatever holiday money I have left at the airport on the way back home, which I did. But, the Tax & Duty Free store inside Rhodes Airport is extremely expensive.

I did make a few purchases from the Tax & Duty Free store, and here's what I brought: -

- 25ml non-refillable bottle of Angel
- Reese's Individually Wrapped Peanut Butter Cups (travel exclusive)
- L'Oreal Colour Infaillable pressed eyeshadow in 004 Forever Pink

I picked up the eyeshadow thinking it was the shade Amber Rush, which is a shade that we can't back in the UK, and it turned out to be Forever Pink; which is a shade we can get in the UK. I didn't notice the mistake until I got home & I ended up paying DOUBLE the price of what it is at home.

Holiday Series: Holiday TAG

Photo was taken by myself while on holiday last year in Fuerteventura

The 'Holiday TAG' blog post is inspired by TalkBeckyTalk and Twinkle Lashes Youtube video. I've also had permission from Becky to do this as a blog post.

1.) What's the best summer holiday you've been on?
      Santa Susanna, Spain - As we managed to find a little cafe outside the hotel that we went to everyday; and all we did was sit and watch the world go by.

2.) What is your favourite holiday drink?
      The NescafeIced Coffee's that we discovered while on holiday in Fuerteventura last year. I also drink a lot of smoothies and fruit juices while I'm on holiday.

3.) What is your favourite holiday song?
      I like two pieces from the string quartet Bond, and they are 'Victory' and 'Scorchio'.

4.) What is the most random thing you've ever taken on holiday?
      I'm a sensible holiday packer, so I don't think I've ever taken anything unusual.

5.) What is your favourite holiday colour?
      Blue

6.) Relaxing or Active holiday?
      Relaxing

7.) What is your go to holiday outfit?
     Vest top and shorts for during the day, and I like to wear dresses at night.

8.) What would be your holiday from hell?
      Not having the basics such as no running water etc.

9.) What do you miss the most when your on holiday?
      My little niece.

10.) Where would you most like to go next on your holiday?
        Las Vegas

Skincare Series: Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid comes from the bark of willow trees, and its also known as a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA).

Salicylic acid is most commonly found in skincare products, which help to treat acne; as it helps to exfoliate the pores from inside out, as well as stopping pores from clogging up again in the future. Also, salicylic acid helps to shrink the size of the pores. 

Skincare Series: Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid is part of a small group of acids known as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and it also has the smallest diameter within the AHA group; and this makes it easier to penetrate the top layer of skin.

It's most often found in chemical peels and chemical exfoliants.

The aim of glycolic acid is to improve how the skin looks in texture and feel. Glycolic acid is used to help to reduce wrinkles, scarring from acne; as well as many other skin concerns.

Skincare Series: Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is natually found within our bodies, and as we get older we have less hyaluronic acid within us. Hyaluronic acid is also present in some skincare products such as cleansers and moisturisers.

Hyaluronic acid can soak up a 1000 times its own weight in moisture from the air, and this could benefit someone who either has very skin or dehydrated skin.

Skincare Series: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are found in some cosmetic products, and these can either be natural or synthetic AHAs. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are more commonly found in skincare products that claim to help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, as well as improving the look, feel, and also the texture of the skin.

The most common forms of AHAs are glycolic acid, which comes from sugar; lactic acid, which comes from sour milk, and citric acid, which comes from citrus fruits.

AHAs become effective once it penetrates into the skin, and they work by acting on living cells within the top layers of skin.
The AHA that has the ability to get into the skin quickly, due to it having the smallest molecules of the AHA family is glycolic acid. Thus, also makes it the most effective.

Skincare Series: Moisturisers

Moisturising the skin is the final step in a skincare routine. The role of a moisturiser is to help and prevent dry skin, protecting sensitive skin; as well as improving the appearance of skin tone and the texture of the skin. Also, some moisturisers may help to mask the skins imperfections.

Recommended Moisturisers for Your Skin Type

Preventing the skin becoming too dry or too oily
Its recommended that you buy a moisturiser that's light, water-based, as well as being a non-greasy formula.

Oily Skin Types
Its recommend that you purchase a moisturiser that has a heavier formula, as well as being oil based. 

Dry Skin Types
A lightweight, water-based moisturiser is ideal for people with dry skin. Also, it may be a good idea to look out for hydrating moisturisers; as this will help to give your skin a well earned drink.

Sensitive Skin Types
People with sensitive skin will need a moisturiser that contains natural ingredients such as camomile and aloe vera. But look out for moisturisers which contain any fragrances, essential oils and acids; as these won't be suitable for sensitive skin, as they will irritate the skin.

Skincare Series: Toners

This is the second step in a skincare routine. The aim of a toner is to help to cleanse the skin, as well as reducing the look of pores.

They are two different ways to apply a toner to the skin:-
- Using a damp piece of cotton wool or cotton pad (This is the most common method)
- Spraying it onto the face

They are three different types of toners, which are available on the market.

Skin Bracer/ Freshners
These are the mildest form of toners that's available on the market, and they contain between 0% - 10% alcohol, and also a humectant such as glycerine. The aim of this type of toner is to help the top layer of skin feeling lovely and moist; and the glycerine within the toner helps to keep it on the skins surface by preventing it from evaporating.

This type of toner is ideal for anyone who has dry, dehydrated, and normal skin types. It's also suitable for people who have sensitive skin, but it may cause a burning sensation.

Skin Tonics
These are a slightly stronger toner, and they contain up to 20% alcohol. Skin tonics are ideal for people who have normal, combination and oily skin types.

Astringents
These are the strongest form of toner thats available on the market, and they contain between 20% - 60% alcohol, as well as an antiseptic.

Because of this type of toner is very strong, as well as it containing a high percentage of alcohol it's only recommended for people with very oily skin; as it can be extremely drying.

Skincare Series: Cleansers

Cleansing your face is the first step you do in a skincare routine. By cleansing your skin it helps to remove make up that your have worn throughout the day; as well as removing any impurities such as pollutants and dirt' which your skin would have picked up just from walking around outside all day. Also, by cleansing your skin it will help to prevent acne breakouts; as it will to help to unclog the skins pores.
   
Be careful when shopping for a suitable cleanser for your skin type; as some cleaners have fragrance and/ or essential oils in them.

Types of Cleansers

- Milk cleansers (Caudalie, REN)
- Forming cleansers (Biotherm, Clarins)
- Liquid cleansers (Elemental Herbology)
- Balm cleansers (Emma Hardie, Rodial)

The brands that are in the brackets are just examples of what I've found thats available on the market.