My Favourite Evening Scents

Hi everyone,

I thought I would share with you a few of favourite scents which I love to wear during my evenings out or special occasions, and these fragrances are a lot stronger than what I usually wear during the day.

Armani Si EDP

The Armani Si EDP is my top go-to fragrance for an evening out, as its sweet and it also has a warmth too it, but it isn't overpowering. It also dries down lovely. If I do need a top up on my evening out then I will take out my rollerball of this fragrance, as its more portable and handbag friendly.

Jo Malone Dark Amber & Gingerlily

The Jo Malone Dark Amber and Gingerlily is more of a richer and darker scent compared to the Armani Si EDP. But it does also have a warmth too it due to the amber note.

YSL Mon Paris EDP

The YSL Mon Paris is the more fruity one of the three fragrances. This is a sweet perfume, but its a more mature sweetness. The notes for Mon Paris are peony accord, white musk, Datura accord and patchouli essence.

Review: Body Shop Seaweed Cleansing Gel

Hi everyone,

I have been using the Seaweed cleansing gel as part of my evening skincare routine for the past couple of months.

The Seaweed cleansing gel from the 'Body Shop' is ideal for anyone who has oily/ combination skin, and who is also looking for a cleanser that doesn't strip the skin of any of its natural oils.

I have been using the Seaweed cleansing gel for the past couple of months, and I have been pleasently surprised by how much I'm enjoying using it, as I don't usually get on well with the cleansers from the 'Body Shop'. Its also a cleanser that is aimed at who has oily/ combination skin, but it also isn't harsh on the skin unlike some cleansers I have tried in the past.

Claims

- Rebalances moisture levels

- Oil free & soap free

- Effectively removes impurities

- Leaves a shine free matte finish

- Mineral rich seaweed from Roaring Water Bay, Ireland

- Refreshes skin

- Suitable for oily/ combination skin

This cleansing gel has a lightweight consistency and it foams up nicely. It also has a lovely, light refreshing fragrance. Once this cleanser has been rinsed off using warm water, it leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed, and also a tiny bit hydrated.

Overall, I'm really enjoying this cleansing gel as part of my evening skincare routine, and I actually think I prefer this to the Elemis Lime Blossom cleanser.

Theatre Review: 'Winter Solstice' By Roland Schimmelpfennig

Cast

Albert - Felix Hayes
Bettina - Kirsty Besterman
Rudolph - David Beames
Corinna - Marian McLoughlin
Konrad - Gerald Kyd

I had the pleasure of seeing 'Winter Solstice' twice when it was being performed at HOME, Manchester back in February.

'Winter Solstice' is set in Albert and Bettina's home on Christmas Eve. Bettina has invited her mother to stay over for the festive season. But all isn't as it seems, as Bettina's mother has invited a stranger over to their house; as they were both stuck on a train in the middle of nowhere.
  Albert is an author and Bettina writes and produces films which are aimed at a very specific audience. Also, on this Christmas Eve they are expecting a guest later on called Konrad, who just happens to be Albert's oldest friend. Konrad is also an artist, and he has painted a canvas for them which hangs in the living room.

'Winter Solstice' is absolutely fascinating to watch, as you have five actors on stage who not only play their own individual characters, but they also set the scenes and perform the sound effects by using props that are laid out in front of them.
  This show also doesn't have an interval; and by doing so it flows at an extremely fast pace. It's also a lot of fun to watch; as it starts off as a family farce and it transpers into something completely different.

It's also worth mentioning that if you understand the history behind this play then it might just hit you like a "tonne of bricks". But, because it written and performed in a such a way the history appears gradually throughout the entire piece.

I also managed to get very relaxed into the final scene; so much so that I was getting ready to drift off on both occasions. I'm just going to blame Bach's Prelude in C Major for that, as it is a relaxing piece of music to listen too.

I personally cannot fault any member of the cast, as the show itself ran seamlessly; despite how complex the script was with the props, setting of the scenes and also the actors individual characters.

I would highly recommend 'Winter Solstice' for anyone who loves history and enjoys exploring new pieces of theatrical writing and concepts.                                 

Collective Beauty Haul

Hi everyone,

I've done quite a bit of shopping over the past couple of months, and the products that I have purchased I have had my eye on for quite some time but never got around to picking up.

Too Faced Sweet Peach Lipglosses in 'Pure Peach' & 'Peach, Please'

I have heard nothing but good reviews about these lipglosses, so I thought I would pick up a couple of shades to try. 'Pure Peach' is a light, coral peach shade; while 'Peach, Please' is a light pink shade. The formula is lightweight and very pigmented, as well as being comfortable to wear on the lips. Also, these have a lovely sweet peach fragrance.

Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick in 'Queen B'

The Too Faced Matte lipstick formula is very lightweight and very comfortable to wear on the lips. They also have a lovely sweet fragrance to them. The shade 'Queen B' is a lovely light mauve, which seems to suit my complexion well as I have naturally pigmented lips.

MAC 'Brave' Lipstick

The shade 'Brave' from MAC is a 'my lips but better shade', as it just ever so slightly darkens my natural lip colour.

MAC 'Chatterbox' Lipstick

The MAC 'Chatterbox' lipstick is a muted, bright blue-toned pink lipstick, and its also on more wearable side of a bright lipsticks. So if you fancy dipping your toes into bright lipsticks, but your little unsure of wear to start then have a look into this lipstick, and to see if it suits you and your complexion.

MAC 'Rose' Pigment

This is a lovely pink pigment with a light gold shift, and it also looks quite natural on the eyes. I like to use this as an eyeshadow by foiling it using MACs Fix+.

Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette

I have been thinking about getting this eyeshadow palette for a few months mainly due to the fact that its a cool toned eyeshadow palette, which is what I'm preferring at the moment.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Single Eyeshadows

I have heard a lot of positive things about the ABH eyeshadows, but I have never tried them as the palettes from ABH really don't interest me. The shades I have purchased are 'Vermeer', 'Buon Fresco', 'Pink Champagne' and 'Ballet'.

Dior Rouge Liquid Satin Lipstick in '788 - Frenetic Satin'

These are Dior's take on liquid lipsticks, and they come in four finishes. They have a very lightweight formula, and are quite long lasting. These are also easy to reapply if you need too. The shade 'Frenetic Satin' is lovely bright fuschia pink, and from wearing this I have realised that I can rock a bright lip :)

Lancome Ombre Hynose Single Eyeshadow in 'I204 - Cuban Light'

I picked up the shade 'I204 - Cuban Light' as this is a gorgeous irridesent taupe, which would make a great all over the lid shade. Also, because it is an irridesent shade it leaves a subtle glow on the lids. I also love wearing taupe shades on my eyes.

I hope you really enjoyed reading about the products which I have purchased over the past few months, as well as seeing my new helper Baloo the Bear from the 'Jungle Book'.

Review: Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder

Hi everyone,

I have been using the Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder for a couple of months, and I thought I would share my thoughts with you; as this was my first experience using a powdered exfoliator.

The Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder is a powdered exfoliator that you add a small amount of water to. The Classic Rice enzyme powder has been formulated for oily/ combination skin types. It is also very gentle on the skin whilst its exfoliating.

Claims

- Provides non-abrasive daily exfoliation to create a smooth, make up ready canvas

- Rice & Papaya enzymes delivered in a creamy, rich foam to soften, exfoliate and gently release debris; promoting healthy natural skin turnover to reveal glowing, baby soft skin

- Has a trio of anti-aging Japanese superfoods which are green tea, rice & algae to help restore a youthful radiance

- Daily use helps to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone & also hyper pigmentation

Overall, I'm thrilled with how gentle and effective this powdered exfoliator is; especially since its aimed at people who have oily/ combination skin. Also because this contains fruit enzymes I can also feel a slight tingling sensation, which is lovely. After I have rinsed it off my skin feels softer and looks more radiant.

Review: Herbivore Lapis Balancing Face Oil

Hi everyone,

I have been using the Herbivore Lapis Balancing Face Oil on alternate evenings for the last couple of months, and I would like to share my thoughts with you.

The Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil is suitable for anyone who has oily/ combination/ acne prone skin; as this oil will help to balance out the skin and hopefully lessen the skins natural oil production over time.

The Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil is a lightweight oil, but its also an oil which you can feel working on the skin once it has been applied, which is rare to find in a facial oil. It is also a blue coloured oil, but it goes on the skin clear.

Claims

- Highly concentrated oil blend is ideal to use as a daily moisturiser, & uniquely formulated for oily, combination and acne prone skin

- Works quickly to sooth irritated skin & reduce the appearance of redness and breakouts

- Helps to prevent future breakouts & balancing excess oil production

- Apply 3 - 5 drops to cleansed skin morning & night. Massage in & allow to absorb for 1 - 3 minutes before applying make up

I really like using this oil as not only can I feel it working once it has been applied to the skin, but when I wake up the following morning my looks a little more glowy and radiant. The scent of this oil is also pleasant, even though it can be quite strong on occasion. My skin also seems to be a little more balanced than usual, and I'm not as oily in my T-zone than I was previously.

Why is Your Skin so Glowy?

Hi everyone,

This blog post is actually inspired by a question which I got asked from a customer who I served?

Alternating Skincare Routine
During the week I have two different skincare routines, one for during the day and one for in the evening. My daytime skincare routine mainly focuses on being more hydrating, while my evening skincare routine is a combination of being purifying and hydrating. I've found this works best for me due to my skin being on the oily/ combination side, but I only ever have a mild breakout once every so often.

Vitamin C Serum
I use a Vitamin C serum as part of my evening skincare routine, and Vitamin C is known for helping to brighten the skin over time. I have been using Vitamin C for around 18 months as part of my skincare routine.

Balancing Facial Oils
I'm currently using two balancing facial oils on alternating evenings, as one is slightly more gentle than the other. 
  The aim of balancing facial oils is to stop the skin overproducing sebum, and balance out the bodies natural sebum production to stop the skin from becoming really oily.
  These types of facial oils are fantastic if you have naturally oily/ combination skin. Be careful as some of the balancing oils can be harsh on the skin.

Double Cleansing
By double cleansing my skin in the evenings it has really made a difference to my skin. My preferred method is to first cleanse with a cleansing balm and then remove it by using warm water and a flannel. Then for my second cleanse I will use either a cleansing milk/ gel, and I will then again remove it using warm water and a flannel.

Triple Threat Layering
Because facial serums and oils are the most potent part of any skincare routine I will layer mine by using a combination of three different serums/ oils, and I do this as part of both my morning and evening skincare routines. 
  The serums/ oils for my daytime skincare routine focuses more on hydration and revitalising the skin, while my evening skincare routine focuses on brightening, nourishing and purifying the skin.

Face Masks
I do these whenever I feel my skin needs a little pick-me-up, and I usually do these either once a week or once a fortnight. The face masks I mainly use are for clarifying and purifying the skin.