27 Feb 2016

The KIEHL'S Edit

All the way through secondary school and university, my skin never bothered me too much - aside from the occasional outbreak just on the day you really didn't want it - it has been pretty good. But as I've grown into my early twenties, all the stress that comes with growing up and entering the real world has manifested in the form of blemishes and scarring that turned into an inevitable vicious cycle of unhappy skin. After realizing that the only way it was going to improve was if I started actively taking care of my skin using a staple routine of simple, reliable skincare, I decided to invest. Kiehls is undeniably a reputable and classic skincare brand that I knew if anything was going to work, this would. So, I opted for a trio of the classics; the Ultra Facial range. With no gimmicks or unattainable promises, it seemed like the safest option.


The Ultra Facial cleanser works to open your pores to nourish and clean your skin, leaving it feeling fresh and soft. It's a really gentle formula and does not require much to create a lather on your entire face. The 75ml tube is great value and will last you at least a good few months. The Ultra Facial toner is similar; it is really gentle and works to close your pores after cleansing.

Step three; the Ultra Facial moisturiser featured on my last favourites post as I have been won over by its light formula, which time and again leaves my skin feeling freshly hydrated through the day and night. I also use the Creme de Corps on my body before going out or when my skin is feeling dry. It is a lot richer and thicker than its facial counterpart and smells like holidays. It really does work wonders if your skin is dry and in dire need of hydration.


Two months in and my skin is undoubtedly clearer, less-dehydrated than it once was over Christmas and in general, in better condition. The toner in particular has made a noticable difference in tightening my pores, leaving my skin a lot more radiant than it once was. Within a few weeks I noticed a such a difference and I am no longer overly conscious of being sans make-up. I also find the cleanse-tone-moisturise routine really therapeutic, especially before bed.


Kiehls also promote the mantra of try-before-you-buy in that they are generous with their samples. I am a big fan of the Micro-Blur Skin Perfector, rivaling the Benefit Pore-fessional in my all-time favourite primers. It is worth picking up a tester as it creates an amazing silky-smooth base pre-make up. What are your favourite Kiehls products?
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7 Feb 2016

Refresh your routine

The beginning of a new year, what better time to refresh your routine, especially when it comes to skin, make-up and hair when it is an ideal time to get set into good habits that make all the difference. These picks are a range of both new releases and cult classics that I have tried, tested and fallen for recently and are making these cold months considerably more bearable...



Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturiser | Kiehls £15.50 for 75ml 

I invested in the Kiehls Ultra Facial range at the beginning of the year after a pledge to increase my cleanse, tone and moisturise routine to twice a day (..and stick to it). This has to be my favourite product in the range and I find myself reaching for it all the time. It is so moisturising and keeps my skin hydrated until the morning. It is slightly greasy to wear underneath make-up so I don't tend to use too much in the morning, but make up for it in the evening. It is simple in form yet extremely effective (the ample positive online reviews speak for themselves). I would recommend the entire range to anyone who is struggling with their skin. 

OGX Thick and Full Biotin & Collagen Root Boost Spray | Boots £7.35 for 177ml 

Lately I've started to invest a lot more time and money into my hair routine as having recently had it chopped shorter, I want to keep it as healthy-looking for as long as possible. I use a lot of electricals on my hair (hairdryer, straighteners..) almost on a daily basis which cannot be doing it any good, so I've been trying to choose products to counteract this. OGX is a brand that I have used for a while now - their packaging is amazing and it is really affordable and long-lasting. This spray is part of the Biotin and Collagen range that infuses nutrients into your hair to create a thicker, fuller appearance. It really creates body and does not make hair feel greasy like a lot of products like this unfortunately do. It smells lovely and you can even use it as a touch-up spray to boost your hair throughout the day. 

Bumble and Bumble Grooming Creme | Boots £10 for 50ml 

I was drawn to this after using the Bumble and Bumble Styling Creme last year and was completely sold by it. It is aimed at thick, course or dry hair types and promises natural separation, subtle hold and a satin finish after use. You only need a pea-sized amount to work through your hair while it is damp. It makes my hair really soft and shiny, but keeps the lived-in, wavy texture that can get lost when blow-drying. I would definitely recommend buying the Bumble and Bumble products in the smaller sizes before investing as it is a premium brand. The salon-standard results are definitely worth testing for yourself. 

Nars Illuminator | ASOS £23 for 30ml 

I bought this illuminator towards the end of last year after becoming obsessed with the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation and equally with their bronzer in the shade Laguna. It did not disappoint and has become a staple in my make-up routine. It comes in four, quite different, shades and I went for Orgasm as it is the shade I had heard most about and thought the peachy tone would suit my skin. I apply a small amount to the balls of my cheeks after I have applied concealer and foundation but before any bronzing powder. I find if I apply it after I use bronzer, it can slightly rub off as it is a liquid consistency. The highlight lasts all day and gives such a subtle, sheen glow. I also have my eye on the Laguna shade for the summer months when my skin is a bit darker to compliment the bronzer.  

Seventeen Easy on the Eye Palette Birthday Suit | Boots £7.99 

This palette was the result of an impulsive spree in Boots one day after being drawn in by the golden-toned box and extremely affordable price tag. Seventeen isn't a brand I usually pay much attention to but I have been so impressed by this palette. The shades are aplenty and really wearable for day and evening. It offers eight matte, shimmer and pearl powders, three metallic cremes and an eye primer. You can mix and match the different textures for a variety of different neutral looks. This was the first palette that diverted my attention from the Naked palettes since Christmas and the range of tones really gives them a run for their money. 

L'Oreal Paris Lumi Magique Primer | Boots £9.99 for 20ml

I am always drawn to products that offer facial radiance or illumination as the dewy, fresh-faced glow is a look that I love. L'Oreal is one of my favourite high street make-up brands and I swear by the Telescopic Mascara, and having recently learnt the importance of primers I took the plunge and tried out the Lumi Magique. It is a pearly white shade which is different to any other primer I have tried, and it creates the look of an illuminator over your whole face. I tend to use it quite scarcely to avoid making my skin greasy, especially after moisturising, as this just makes my make-up slowly fall off my face throughout the day. It creates a really healthy glow under foundation and works as well as other primers I have tried in keeping your base lasting for longer.



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