Lauren Alex

My fake tanning routine

I’m pretty new to the world of tanning. It always seemed too much could go wrong, but it’s so addicting and makes me feel great. It’s obviously a safer alternative to sun beds and cheaper and less time consuming than spray tans, but those are *generally* longer lasting and more even. Hopefully if you’re a newbie then this will give you a guide as to how to get a decent tan!

1. Dry Brush

Before I shower/bath I get my dry brush and give my skin an exfoliate, getting rid of dead skin and any left over tan.

2. Exfoliate

In the shower I use exfoliating gloves and shower gel to further smooth my skin, I don’t really use scrubs loads. They’re nice and they work but I find gloves better. After that I shave to get an even base for the tan to sit on.

3. Shower Oil

This isn’t reaaalllllyyyy necessary but I have quite dry skin. Tan can be quite drying, especially express ones which can make the tan look a bit odd so I like to moisturise my skin as much as possible before application.

4. Apply Tan

No, I don’t moisturise before I apply. Again it can affect how the tan goes on and how long it lasts, but if you’re really dry by all means pop some lotion on and let it soak in before application. Get your tan of choice and a mitt and evenly swipe all over. I sometimes use a brush to apply some to my face but I don’t always (I’ll just use gradual tanning drops in my normal face moisturisers), and you can use a brush for tricky areas like wrists and ankles, but can anyone really be bothered to do that. The tans I use are Bondi Sands Liquid Gold or the Bondi Sands Aero Express Tan, so depending on which I leave it on for around 8 hours or 3 hours.

5. Wash Off

After the time I’ve chosen to leave it on for, back into the shower I go! I rub the excess off, you can tell when it’s all off because the water runs clear not a pinky/browny colour. Pat your skin dry with a towel, scrubbing with it can just rub the tan off again.

6. Moisturise

Again me and my dry skin needs some moisture so over the top I layer my normal moisturiser. This can keep the tan looking nicer but also keeps the inevitable ‘tan smell’ at bay.

7. Top Up

Normally that’ll last about a week but it obviously goes patchy as I shower throughout the week, so normally half way through I top it up with a gradual tanner, either drops or a moisturiser. I like the Balance Me Gradual Tanning Drops into my normal moisturisers, or the Garnier Summer Body Moisturiser.

Sorry if this seems really patronising but when I started using fake tan I had no idea what I was doing and would’ve appreciated something like this. Another thing I’ve learnt is to try and tan during the day on a day off because I hate the smell and marks it leaves on bed sheets. Thanks for reading!

See you next time x

Making my room my space

As for most people that live at home (I assume) your room becomes your sanctuary. Somewhere that’s completely your own and where all your stuff is, so while being at home that space is YOUR home. You know? No neither do I sorry I’m chatting shit. But I love my room it makes me feel peaceful so I thought I’d write about how to make it your own. I’ve lived in the same house my whole life so this room has been through it with my design ideas.

SIMPLICITY

So the last time I had my room decorated was for my 12th birthday. I’m now 19 and I fully appreciate my younger self for just going white (with a wall of black and white wallpaper but we’ll ignore that). I don’t really know how it happened because I remember being set on having purple walls, but I’m glad how it ended up. Over the past couple years I’ve bought furniture so that is all white too. It sounds like a lot but having a simple base works well (especially as a teenager) as tastes and popular styles change, so it’s easy to swap things in and out. I started with dark purple decor, then went to yellow and grey, now I’ve got a bit of everything but probably green being the overall colour. But simple basics work WELL and allow you to chop and change frequently.

FUNCTIONALITY

My room isn’t SMALL but it definitely isn’t big. My single bed and relatively large desk leave enough room for an exercise mat on the floor pretty much. And I have so much stuff it’s a joke so I really have to be clever with storing everything. My skincare I pop in a basket on my desk, so it looks pretty but it’s right there and quick and easy to use everything. Same with my perfumes. Perfume bottles are GORGEOUS so they sit nice on my chest of drawers but again I can quickly grab and spritz on my way out.

PRACTICALITY

Again on the smaller room theme, it’s easy for it to look messy when you have a lot of stuff, so efficiently storing my shit in all the little gaps I’ve got. Boxes under my bed are the best way to store lots, I’ve got all my shoes under there, books, documents I need to keep, stuff like that. But I’ve also got pretty boxes which can be on show. The box my advent calendar came in was super nice, so it’s on my desk holding all my extra beauty products. A lot of temporary/will be used soon stuff sits under my desk – not ideal but not immediately visible and it works. Blankets and bags folded nicely at the end of my bed. EASY!

DECOR

This is the best bit really isn’t it. This is how to make it yours. One of my favourite ways to decorate is with bedding. It makes a nice strong colour pallet and patterns can work as really nice decoration. Similarly with cushions or blankets you can add little pops. Another thing I love to decorate my room with is plants. Honestly who doesn’t but they’re great to add some colour, fill any awkward little gaps, and they make a room feel really peaceful. Similarly fairy lights and candles make a room cosy and cute. Everyone has their own taste as to how they want to decorate their room but generally these are things everyone has. Something I’m lacking is artwork and prints! That’s the next thing I need to add to my space.

This is a bit of a different post but being in lockdown and spending a lot time in my room as made me appreciate it being nice and relaxing, so hopefully it’s been a bit interesting to read. It’s also just things that have worked for me and I’ve kind of always subconsciously done.

See you next time x

A review of my recent skincare purchases

SO I’m back with a skincare post! Probably my favourite thing to talk about ever and I do feel like I know a fair bit about the topic. Since being in lockdown my skin has actually been better (I’m assuming lack of make up) but definitely drier. And because I’ve had a bit of spare money from being inside (my house, not prison) I thought I’d get some investment and highly rated pieces to try. And naturally I’ll share my opinion on all of them!

The Ordinary – Squalane Cleanser

This absolute beauty is my new morning cleanse. It’s my favourite consistency of gel-to-oil, so would be perfect as a makeup remover to. It doesn’t really have a smell, the same as most TO products, just a natural planty sort of smell but nothing overpowering. It’s basic and lovely and doesn’t strip your skin and doesn’t leave loads of excess on it.

The Ordinary – AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

I’m trying to convert myself to chemical exfoliants a bit more, so this is the first one I’m giving a go. Main thing to say is if you have sensitive skin this might be a no, or a very gradual build up. You use it as a face mask, spread it over your skin (starting with a really thin layer), you get a bit of a tingle sensation but it does go after it’s been on your skin a bit. Then wash off after about 10 minutes. It does leave your skin feeling soft and exfoliated but other than that it hasn’t done LOADS for my skin. However I think it might be a slow working product so I’ll keep using it (and for the price who actually cares)

Caudalie – VINOPERFECT Radiance Serum

Now this I had tried before from a little sample size, and loved it then but HOLY HECK it’s pricey. But I caved and have no regrets. It’s a beautiful fresh smell and feels so hydrating on the skin. A little really goes a long way as well. I purchased this to mainly help with redness and acne scarring (of which I have my fair share). I’m already seeing a massive reduction in scars and my skin does look more radiant and healthy. No complaints, I’m in love.

Glow Recipe – Banana Souffle Moisture Cream

I got a sample of this in my original order and have since purchased so I thought it deserved a special mention. I love the smell of banana so that’s obviously a perk for me, but it’s not overpowering and doesn’t linger on the skin which I do appreciate. It feels gorgeous and like a really hydrating cream, but applies like a gel and soaks in super fast. And the GLOW I tell you. It’s a lovely cream and I think it would be great for all skin types.

Sunday Riley – Ultra Clarifying Face Oil

I’ve read and seen about SR products for agesss and have always wanted to try. They do a few different oils for all skin concerns and if you want a high end investment piece of skincare I really really recommend Sunday Riley. Firstly this oil has a *distinctive* smell (I saw someone describe it as an Italian pasta sauce, which I don’t fully agree with but it made me laugh), it’s more planty compared to the ‘spa’ like smells of a lot of oils, but it’s completely tolerable and doesn’t stay on the skin. But it feels like heaven on my face, I use it in the evening only as my last step, it doesn’t pill, it soaks in nice and quickly (I hate when an oil sits on top and then you go to bed and wipe it all over your pillow). It’s amazing.

The Ordinary – Rosehip Oil

This has more been a daytime oil for me during lockdown. It helps with redness, is nice and soothing and hydrating. I haven’t used this one as much so I don’t have loads to say on it, but if you’re on a budget and looking for a facial oil, or any product that does the job, go for The Ordinary.

That’s all my recent bits and bobs! Lockdown has been great to properly look after my skin and try new things. I really feel like I’ve got my skincare routine really right for me now. I know it’s a lot of money but it’s my THING. I like it and there’s no reason to be embarrassed about it. Let me know if you’ve tried any of these and how you got on with them or if there is anything else you think I should try on my Instagram laurenalexblogs. Thanks for reading!

See you next time x

TALA Gym Wear: My Review

I spoke in a blog post a while back about sustainability and how I wanted to try TALA gym wear products because the brand and what it stands for is AMAZING. I’ve made a small collection of clothes from them (which trust me I want to expand) so I thought I’d do a little review on what I’ve purchased.

ZINNIA LEGGING

So these are my first decent pair of sports leggings I’ve own and they are lush. I didn’t realise how much nicer it feels to have support and compression in bottoms as well as tops. I don’t feel exposed when I squat or run, they’re thick enough to not reveal everything but don’t make you overheat. It’s kind of like a second skin, but give you shape and cinch you. For reference I’m about 5″5 ish, I wear a regular XS which is the PERFECT length for me (which is hard when you’re on the shorter side but not super small legs) and fit my shape so nicely. I have burgundy and baby blue, and can’t wait to get more.

AYLA BRA

I’ve got this one in marl grey, it has a nice textured feel to it (almost ribbed kind of). Exercise can be extremely inconvenienced by boobs. Like, love you but please let me run with out causing actual pain. So for me I like a good amount of support. This is a classic scoop neck style which is my favourite. Looks nice on it’s own but you can wear any top over the top and it’ll sit well underneath. I could’ve probably done with a size up in this as I went for XS again, but it’s fine, I’m still secure just gives me the best push up bra effect you’ve ever seen.

ZAHARA BRA

Now this one is called a bra however it’s not as easy to wear under tops, so as long as you’re happy to have a bit of mid drift on show it is better worn on it’s own. This bra fully compresses and keeps eryythangggg in. It has the zip so you can go full turtle neck vibes or have it more open with the collar open, which locks down so it’s not flapping about. I have this one in cool grey so goes with all legging colours (similarly with AYLA BRA), and again I got it in XS which if repurchasing I would get S, but it’s fine.

ACCESSORIES

On one of my purchases I got a free tote bag, which is grey and good. I mean there isn’t much to say on this. It’s a tote and it works and I love totes so 10/10. I also got a headband which matches my baby blue leggings, it’s actually so good for keeping stray hairs out of my eyes and weirdly makes me feel cooler (as in temperature). I do have to adjust it quite a lot but I do have a small head so that can’t be blamed when it’s one size. Lastly I have the mini leaf face cloth, which you can just use with water to remove make up, but I use it as a reusable cotton pad for toner, and it works well.

I love everything this brand stands for and fully rate the products they have. I can’t wait to get more, and try some different things like their loungewear. If you’re looking for some new gym wear or lounge wear PLEASE consider making a sustainable choice and purchasing from TALA!

See you next time x

Life in Quarantine

It’s been more than three weeks that we’ve been in a state of lockdown in the UK. For a lot of people it’s been a massive lifestyle shift and an extremely anxiety provoking time (including me, although not so much of a lifestyle change because any opportunity to be lazy I’m there). I thought I’d write a blog post just about what I’ve found from it and the positives I’ve gained from it.

NOT Enforcing Routine

I’ve had some regularity, going for runs on certain days, writing and uploading blogs on certain days. But not giving myself really strict timings or making my days so jam packed that if I miss something there is no time to do it another day. If I need to sleep and lie in, there is time for me to do that and I don’t have to feel guilty for having an extra hour in bed. I’m lucky I’m on a gap year and that I don’t have loads of uni work or a job I can do from home, but I am enjoying the free time and that’s okay! I am trying to get myself into good habits of stretching morning and evening, drinking lots of water, stuff like that which does feel productive in it’s own way.

Time for me

Three weeks of no make up is doing WONDERS for my skin, but still keeping up with my skincare routine. I’m not spending AS much money as I normally do, but wanting my skin to look extra nice and having joined the ‘Caroline Hirons Skincare Freaks’ Facebook group has made my CultBeauty wishlist rather long. I wasn’t super regular at the gym but I have been missing it, I’ve taken up outdoor running again (hahahaha it’s so fucking hard) and working out regularly has been really enjoyable. Even planning and making my workout routines has been fun. The nice weather has been lovely, weather really affects my mood so I think I’d find it a lot harder if it was raining constantly. Being in the sun is lush. And a big anxiety reliever for me is tidying my room, I normally do a bit every evening to relax me to go to sleep but at the moment I’ve been able to do SO much sorting. Under my bed, my jewellery and skincare and makeup. I love it.

Sleep

Sleeping has been hard. At the beginning I would get stressed because I was getting too hot in bed (in thick pyjamas fully under my 13.5 tog duvet) and then thinking it was a temperature and so on. I had a few nights like that and then I was just getting nervous about going to sleep. Obviously it’s not the end of the world when I can’t sleep as I have time to nap in the day but no one likes not being able to get to sleep. It’s frustrating and boring. I’ve been listening to something to concentrate on so I don’t worry every night. It varies from murder mystery podcasts, music, sleep stories on the Calm app and a lot of the time an episode of drag race. And I changed my duvets and don’t wear my winter pyjamas so that also helps.

So yeah. There are lots of things I’ve had to get used to and overcome, as has everyone. But there have been so many positives. I have more time to write my blog (consistently posting on a Friday, don’t know if you’ve noticed ;)), my skin is happy, my friends are home and I’ve got time to chat to people on facetime. I thought I’d document tis because it’s actually crazy???? When you think about people learning about this in the future and we’re in it it’s kind of mad. My one bit of advice which has been so helpful for me is stop reading every article you see. I like to be aware of what’s going on, statistics and government guidelines etc, but not overloading my head with random facts that Paul, 56, a property surveyor from Ipswich is posting all over Facebook. Scroll past. Be informed but not obsessed. It HELPS I PROMISE. Anyway hope you’ve enjoyed!

See you next time x

***disclaimer – sorry if you are Paul and 56 and a property surveyor from Ipswich this is just a very strange coincidence I am not coming for you.

My Wardrobe Essentials

Soooooo… fashion related blog. Immediately out of my comfort zone I can’t lie. I love clothes, I love making other people buy clothes. I love styling and high fashion and appreciating what other people wear, but I feel weirdly self conscious talking about it. That’s why this blog piece is about MY wardrobe essentials, personal to me so it doesn’t matter as much if other people don’t agree (but please be nice to me).

JEANS

Stupid right? Everyone wears jeans and owns jeans. But they are my ABSOLOUTE favourite. They are my most used clothing item. Work, casual, going out, I wear them literally everywhere. Mom style blue jeans are my favourite, high waisted because I’m little. They are just so flattering. For my birthday I bought a proper investment pair of classic Levi 501’s, and I love them.

PLAIN T-SHIRT’S

A lot of my outfits involve layering, so plain black and white t-shirts are an essential of mine. Long sleeves are useful too but I’m partial to a tee. Popping them under dresses, on top of long sleeves etc makes them so useful.

LONG SKIRTS/DRESSES

These are an essential to me because they can be so versatile, winter they can be worn with a jumper, again layered with tshirts/long sleeve tops, worn with tights and boots. And then can be brought back out in summer as a lightweight piece by itself. I find them super comfy and allow me to incorporate some louder patterns into my wardrobe.

STATEMENT SHIRTS

Again with bold patterns, for me these baggier tops which can be cinched in at the waist give a really flattering look. They can also be tailored for casual and more smart/going out looks. Also long sleeve and short sleeve so work well with layering. I find a lot of great shirts on depop/vintage shops and sales, so that’s somewhere to look if you like this style and fancy a bit of sustainable shopping!

ACCESSORIES

This is mostly a few other random bits that count as accessories but can’t really have their own section…

Headbands – Anyone who works with me knows when I need to wash my hair because the headbands come out. But I do love them any way to make any lack lustre outfits a bit more special. But they do cover greasy hair well

Trainers – I’m such a trainer gal, unless I’m going to a funeral or an interview, trainers are on. Converse, Nike air force 1’s, chunky sole trainers. I love them. They make my overly dressy outfits a bit more casual, but go well with skirts, jeans EVERYTHING.

Jackets – I’ve been kind of obsessed with coats umm pretty much my whole life. I have so many. Smart blazer coats, fur jackets, 80’s style bomber jackets. They really change the feel of a fit.

So this is my first attempt at fashion talk and modelling some of my outfits. I hope it was kind of interesting to read but also message me if I’m talking a load of shite. Thanks!

See you next time x

My haircare routine and products

For some people washing their hair is a massive chore and the bane of their life. Others (me) love it. It makes me feel so nice and refreshed when my hair is properly clean. Finding the right products can be quite hard, and knowing the ingredients that are good or bad for different types. So I thought I’d share my routine and the products I like to use.

So, obviously shampoo and conditioner are the main things to use when washing your hair. I’ve tried quite a few, of many prices and formulas. The ones I’ve found which work best are my Function of Beauty duo. It’s completely customisable, cruelty free, vegan, sulphate and paraben free. My formula is for curly, medium thickness and normal scalp dryness. My hair goals are curl definition, anti frizz, lengthen, soothe scalp and oil control. And I chose the peach scent which is BEAUT. I’ve definitely noticed it working for all those goals, however if you thought one wasn’t working you can swap between orders. It works as a subscription, so I get 400ml bottle of each delivered every six months (yes they last that long, and I wash my hair pretty much every other day). If you’re thinking of buying from this brand this link gets us both a fiver off, so feel free to use – https://5de2e0c1f2829.functionofbeauty.com

Other products I love to use…

A hair scrub is AMAZING if you get really oily, or get a lot of product build up. About once a week it gives my hair a good and proper cleanse, leaving it squeaky clean.

The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Hair Scrub – £15, OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub – £32

Hair masks are good in a similar way to deep condition to nourish, tame etc etc every now and again.

Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food – £6.99, Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Hair Mask £34.90

An oil is an essential for me to keep it tame, prevent fly aways and generally keep it healthy, particularly split end and dead hair

The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil – £15, Moroccanoil Treatment – £13.45 (25ml)

Serums are good if you have a specific need, so for me curl enhancers are my favourite, but you can get them for coloured hair, damaged hair, heat protectant, anything really.

Aussie Work That Curl Serum – £6.99, Aveda be curly curl enhancer – £23

And lastly a good old sea salt spray. All these products have a tendency to make my hair a bit too soft, so salt spray is perfect to add some texture to my locks.

Bumble and bumble Surf Spray – £22 (125ml), LUSH Sea Spray – £13 (100ml)

So that’s that! All the deets and products for my mass of curls. My hair is generally pretty healthy as I don’t put any heat on it at all, and I’ve never bleached it or anything. If you’ve got a similar hair type let me know what products you like on my insta laurenalexblogs. Also my deepest apologies for the amount I’ve said hair in this post. hair hair hair hair hair.

See you next time x

Amsterdam: a short trip

PSA: If you want a short European trip, Amsterdam is a must. It literally took about 50 minutes to fly from Bristol, mad. It’s *slightly* on the pricey side, but then any central city is. It was my first holiday without my family, we had 4 days there and it was perfect. I want to chat about what we did do, what we DIDN’T do and some tips.

Day 1

We arrived late afternoon, and got a taxi from Schipol airport. This was expensive but Schipol is HUGE and we couldn’t work out the trains and didn’t want to risk it. We were staying in a hotel literally next to the river Amstel, so we got dropped there and went to our nearest metro stop (overamstel) to figure out the trains. Made it to Centraal and just wandered around. There is so much to see and it’s very easy to get lost, so that’s what we did.

Day 2

Amsterdam has a lot of museums, which we didn’t really have the time or money to see them all, so we started in the MOCO museum. It’s more modern/contemporary art (ew I hate writing this I know NOTHING about art) and we saw exhibitions of stuff from Banksy, Warhol and Hirst. And other’s but I’m already feeling out of my depth. We then went to Vondelpark, which we should’ve rented bikes to see more of but that didn’t happen. That night we went back to the centre to experience the red light district. I cannot stress enough how you have to go and explore here at night. There is A LOT to see if you get me. But it’s so much fun and the city is so buzzing at that sort of time (I think we went 9/10pm).

Day 3

We started off going to the sex museum. It’s a must. You just have to. It’s what it sounds like but I can’t explain it at all. A lot of old porn. A lot of phallic structures. It cost about 5 euros and is so interesting (?). That evening was the only meal we had out while we were there (other than waffles) at a little Italian place in the centre, which was surprisingly cheap. There isn’t really classic Dutch food, or none that we wanted to try, so we stuck with what we knew. That night we went to Melkweg to a techno event. There are a lot of clubs and events going on all the time in Amsterdam, quite often a bit further out of the city, so it’s worth doing research on.

Day 4

Last day so we packed up in the morning and the hotel let us leave our bags there. I wanted to look round the markets and vintage stores in the city, which we did and it was very successful. The main market we looked round was in Waterlooplein. It was good for little souvenirs but had lots of good vintage clothes too. From there we walked back to Centraal, stopping in any of the shops we saw on the way. Then we picked up our bags and successfully got on a train to Schipol again.

Things we didn’t do

Anne Frank Museum/House : this was mostly bad planning because you have to get tickets months in advanced. I would’ve really liked to go and see this BUT that’s something for next time

Ice Bar : I’d seen this recommended but anyone I actually spoke to said it’s very expensive and not that good, we didn’t bother and I don’t feel like I missed out.

Tips

1. Get a metro ticket!!!! We paid about 25 euros for a 4 day ticket, unlimited travel on metro trains, trams and buses. Everything is frequent, on time, just the opposite of UK travel really. But it was one of the best things we did and we got so much use out of it.

2. Stay out of the city. Firstly it’s super expensive in the city centre, and busy. Staying that little bit further out (literally 15 mins from Centraal) let’s you see more of the city while saving you some money.

3. Plan your days. Not strictly but just have a vague idea. There’s a lot to do and it’s very overwhelming, so know what you want to do on what day at the least. And have an idea of the layout, where things are and the trains/trams you need to get.

4. Bring comfy walking shoes. It’s a lot. Bring two pairs if you can to swap each day to give your feet a break.

I would love to go back to Amsterdam at some point. We went July 2019 and we’re now mid-pandemic and all I want to do is travel. But hopefully I’ll get into a better blogging routine because of it…

Thanks for reading, see you next time x

What I did last year and what’s to come…

FUCK OFF I know it’s mid January but I’ve been tired not willing to make decisions about this year, but I’m going to write it all down so it definitely happens. If you follow my insta (laurenalexblogs) you may have seen my post about 2019. It was great. I went to loads of new places and did my a levels and went to gigs and spent lots of time with my wonderful friends and family (shoutout to you if you’re reading, you made my year). But I feel like I’ve had my fair amount of shit throughout 2019. At the beginning of the year I made some proper goals for myself, and I have again this year. So let me tell you what I’ve achieved and want I want to achieve…

2019

– Became vegetarian and stuck to it for a whole year

– Joined an actual gym and carried on my running and felt good about it. Physically and mentally.

– Got a bloody tattoo! (shouldn’t be a big achievement really but it is)

– Passed my a levels, and did well, and got three offers for dental schools.

– Went abroad with my friends to Amsterdam, with my boyfriend to Croatia, with my family to a whole other continent for the first time.

– Started this blog

2020

– Learn how to coooook. Honestly this stresses me out that I have no ability to keep myself living unless I just eat bread or something. I want to make my own recipe book with tips and favourite meals to take to uni with me.

– Start university. After having some time away from education has made me realise how great it is. Like who doesn’t want to just know loads of cool shit? And with a degree your area is so specialist you can properly get into it. Anyone considering a gap year honestly do it. Mine wasn’t really a choice but it’s the best thing that has happened. I will feel so much more ready come September. You have SO much time. A year is nothing in the grand scheme of things. Take some time to fully grow up a bit, get to know yourself and chilllll because a levels are nasty.

– Read more books! I’m the worst. Obviously I can read, but I either don’t bother or start one and don’t finish it. Most people reading this will think this is shit, but I actually read a whole book which for me is good. So the goal this year is to read two. Stay tuned…

– And the general stuff. See some more countries, continents etc. Go to more gigs (already have a couple booked). Go on more proper dates with my love. Be okay with my emotions. It’s fine to be anxious and sad. For no apparent reason. But hopefully this is a year of happy for me.

Thanks for reading. Hope you can reflect on even your tiniest of triumphs from last year.

See you next time x

Some skincare additions: my review

I go through phases of wanting to try loads of new products, then battling with knowing it’s probably not the best for my skin. About a month ago now I was like, fuck it, I need something new and I want to treat myself. Hopped onto Beauty Bay and picked up a few new things. I’ve left it this long to write my review to just fully let it settle and get to work.

1. Coffee & Herbal Oils Face Scrub by UpCircle

So I am a bit of a face scrub fiend. Therefore I’m picky as fuck. I like it to be very scrubby so it actually feels like it’s doing something, without making my skin hideously red or drying it out loads. This scrub I TELL YOU is perfect. Firstly, the brand is so cool and sustainable. Secondly the coffee grounds work so well to give your skin a decent exfoliate and the shea butter in the mix leaves your skin moisturised and extra soft. I fully cannot rave about this enough. I can’t wait to try more from this brand and I will absolutely repurchase.

2. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 5% by The Ordinary

I had never tried anything by The Ordinary before but heard so many great reviews. And with acne products I have tried everything possible and normally hate them. The thing I love about this as a blemish product is it feels so much more gentle on the skin. It doesn’t dry it out or make it go flaky, and doesn’t sting my skin loads when you put it on. Now I have to say my skin has had a bit of a purge since I started using it, which I expected because I read reviews. However 4/5 weeks later I’m only JUST coming out of it. Its been quite a slow process but as acids go I’m happy it doesn’t have too many bad outcomes, but I wouldn’t say its miracle product for me.

3. CBD Facial Oil by Revolution Skincare

As I’ve said in a previous blog post, I have really oily skin, which wouldn’t stop me using oils anyway, but especially coming into winter I get much more dryness on my face. CBD oil is being raved about at the moment for various uses, and I use the Hemp hand cream from The Body shop which is so good for dryness so I had high hopes. This oil feels nice and light on the skin and soaks in quickly, which is nice at the time but by the morning I don’t feel the affects of it as much. Compared to other oils I don’t think it gives my skin as much of a glow, but I imagine this would be a lovely oil on sensitive skin.

SO it was only a wee haul but I really like the products I got. Skincare is my favourite thing to indulge in so I really love trying things as a treat. I know my life is sad you don’t have to tell me. Just thought I’d give a little insight to these products in case you were thinking of buying, and I really recommend UpCircle as a brand and the scrub is lovely.

See you next time x