Elemis Exotic Moisturising Mask Review

Another mask review! Today I used the Elemis Exotic Moisturising Mask. I went on a night out last night with Chris and the girls, and when I woke up this morning my skin was incredibly dry, dehydrated and generally unhappy. Not only that, after using the Elemis Papaya Peel a few days ago (review here) So a moisture mask was just what I needed.

This mask is enriched with plant extracts that are naturally known for their moisture boosting properties, including super soft honey, sea rocket, mallow, mandarin and bergamot. These also make the mask smell incredible. Upon application , the mask does tingle but I had just fully cleansed using Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Lotion (review/video coming soon) so my skin was feeling a little sensitive.

The mask claims to be "super moisturising" "deeply cleansing" and provides "a youthful glow". As with the Peel, this is also an anti-ageing product. After washing the mask off after 10 minutes, (it can be worn overnight) my skin feels very soft but not completely remoisturised so I would reccomend leaving it on for at least 15-20 minutes. Seeing as I have oily skin, I expected this mask to really help.

End of story? I like this mask, my skin feels soft and replenished, but it should be left on for longer. You can purchase the full size mask here for £30.70.

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Most Used Hair Product

I am incredibly picky when it comes to hair products. Not only that, I change them up as often as I can. So when I finally stick to a product for more than a few weeks, I know I must really love it. I generally go for products that perform the same functions. I like smoothing and frizz controlling serums, creams and oils. Anything to control my mass of frizzy and unruly hair!

 This Create the Shape Smoothing Balm from a company called Guy Kremer. I was sent this last Autumn for consideration at Anarchy Magazine. I have been using it nearly every day since I was sent it, which is a sure sign that the product is really working for me.

The product comes out as a thick balm textured cream. You need about a pea sized amount for all of your hair, which is how it has lasted so long! It creates a smooth and soft texture to the hair, defrizzes well and keeps my hair smooth straight throughout the day. I was also sent the Guy Kremer Hairspray, however it doesn't have the same hold power as this balm so I would definitely reccomend the Smoothing Balm. You can buy it from the official Guy Kremer website here.  

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Spring Trends: Candy Nails Video

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The W7 products were sent to me consideration. This is not a sponsored post.

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Elemis Enzyme Peel: Review

Time for some expensive treatments. My Auntie so kindly gave me a few Elemis products to play with, as now I am back at uni I can't really afford luxury beauty treatments. So the first product that I have used is the Papaya Enzyme Peel. According to the Elemis booklet that came with the products, this treatment is "perfect for complexions which are sensitive", which is definitely me. My skin breaks out so easily, and hates harsh treatments. Despite this, I have oily and acne prone skin so I need to tackle my icky-ness in a softer and often more natural way.

A great brand for sensitive, oily and acne prone skin is La Roche Posay and I have several reviews of their products on this blog so just use the search bar the find them. Back to the Elemis treatment. I have never used Elemis before, but I am in the knowledge that their skin care is incredible. This peel is enriched with papaya and pineapple, and uses their "natural fruit enzyme action" to exfoliate the skin folicles. If you've ever eaten a pineapple, you'll recognize it's tangy taste: that's the acid enzymes which in the peel are used to work on the skin. As an exfoliator, you would expect this peel to have graininess or beads, however this product uses fruit acids as a replacement.

As well as exfoliating, the peel contains milk protein, anti-oxidant rich vitamin E, and marine algae to nourish and remoisturise the skin. Peels can often be hyper drying and dehydrating on the skin, so to have built in remoisturising ingredients is a real bonus. These ingrediants also work to repair unhappy skin, and protect it in the future.

To apply this mask, fully remove all make up: I use baby wipes as these are sensitive enough to not irritate my skin. Then cleanse using your favourite cleanser and pat the face dry. Using around a pea sized amount to start with (the product is quite runny), begin to work the peel into the cheeks nose and chin. If you need more,  for the forehead used about half the amount and work into the forehead. Avoid the eye area completely. Leave for 10-15 minutes, and rinse away with lukewarm water.

Although the product isn't clay based, it does get that dry and cakey feeling around the edge of the face just before you wash it off. It rinses off easily, and leaves the skin feeling super plump, soft and regenerated. I am really impressed with the texture of my skin, as it feels smooth and evenly textured. As for 'brightness and clarity' I can't say any of my redness or spots have dissapeared immediately, but I will check in the morning for further results.

The Papaya Enzyme Peel costs £28.60, for a full size 50ml bottle. You can purchase it at Time to Spa here. This product is also highly commended by Elle UK Magazine. Read here

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Top Products of 2011

I had every intention of videoing this topic, rather than blogging, but my iPad is refusing to load my Youtube videos. So expect about five new videos on Sunday when I get home! So as 2012 rolls in, it's time to review my top products of 2011.
2011 for me, was a year of learning, inspiration and definite change. My skin type has become oily from dry, and I have really opened up to trying new products and improving my look. So here are my top products of 2011!

 Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation (01 Creamy Ivory/ 11 Very Light), MAC Paintpot (Bare Study), MAC Eyebrow Pencil (Fling), Maybelline Gel Studio Eyeliner (Black), Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara (Brown Black), Dior Addict Lipstick (Beige Perfection) and MAC Sheer Tone Blusher (Tenderling)

 L-R: Mascara, Paintpot, Eyeliner, Eyebrow Pencil, Lipstick

 Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Stippling Brush, W7 Eyebrow Comb, MAC 217, MAC 206, MAC 128SH

Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream, Vaseline, Vichy Aqualia Thermal Moisturizer, Vichy Normaderm Moisturizer, Cliique Anti- Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion

If you would like me to do a video discussing these then please comment below, and I will be sure to try and film  one for you. Once again, here's to 2012.. 

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New Year's Resolutions

This post is way over due. I did film a video discussing what my aims for the next year were, but my iPad is refusing to load my Youtube videos... how odd! I usually make the same resolution every year; "to eat less chocolate", but this year I want to really work on my inner character, and hopefully improve the quality of my day to day life.
Become more positive. This seems incredibly vague I know, but trust me a moment. I'm going to split this heading into four subtitles, which will add up to a more positive and stress free life. Being more positive is not only good for your inner character, but the people around you, relationships and your professional life. This year I start the final year of my degree, and I need to be in top form mentally to survive the year, and complete my degree to the best of my ability. So here's the 'sub-headings'.
1) Get on with my sister better.
My sister and I are incredibly different but very similar at the same time, and due to differences and difficulties in our family life we have grown apart. We were alot closer when we were younger, we even dressed the same, and I really want to rebuild the relationship I have with my sister. She's really bright, interesting and fun to be around, so this goal means so much to me.
2) Eat better, eat different.
Everyone wants to lose weight in January, but this year I'm going to take a different approach. I want to really explore new foods, and open my mind to different food groups and cuisines. To maintain a healthy lifestyle while doing this, I will  be trying my hardest to get my 5-a-day. I will also but cutting out a different food type each month. For example, this month I am not eating meat, then next month I'm not eating bread, and the next milk. I think this will encourage me to be more adventurous with the foods I try.
3) Be more active
Similar to number 2. In being more physically active, the body produces endorphines which make you happy.. Physical activity also boosts brain activity, making your more mentally aware and productive
4) Stress less
I stress out so easily. If the tube is late, or my hair isn't working, or if I have a spot it can ruin my entire day. I want to stress out way less, and become more calm in difficult situations. This goes hand in hand with having more body confidence, and my ultimate goal here is to have one day at university with no make up on! Right now, that sounds terrifying, but I want to get there.

So that's my New Year goals. I'd love to hear yours, and to help each other achieve them. Comment below, and we'll track each other's progress, and maybe this year everyone will reach their goals. :)

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What Did I Wear?

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a great time celebrating bringing in the New Year. Alex and I traveled home to London, to watch the fireworks at the Southbank. Unfortunately, Embankment station was closed and so we got off at Charing Cross. But then the viewing areas were full, so we joined the crowds at Trafalgar Square and partied the night away with complete strangers. I wore this awesome glitter eye look, which I originally showed on this blog here. I used a turquoise colour from the Accesorize eyeshadow pallet (Christmas Gift), and the W7 Glitter liner in Green. I used an Orange lip gloss from Feeling Fruity, and Estee Lauder foundation. Excuse the lighting, tube stations do not do photos justice!

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