Dermalogica Clear Start

Hey everyone!

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post on dermalogica's Clean Start Wash Off cleanser which I have been using for a good year or two.  So when dermalogica approached me on twitter and asked if I would like a sneak peak of their new line - Clean Start - how could I refuse? Now before I go any further, all opinions are completely honest, but dermalogica is a brand I 100% trust with my skin and I have for years.  I want to assure you all that I'm not being a "sell out" because I'm about to give them a good review, I just genuinely believe their products work. 

Regimen 

A.M;

-Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash

-Breakout Clearing All Over Toner

-Breakout Clearing Daytime Treatment

-Oil Clearing Matte Moisturiser SPF15

P.M;

-Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash

-Breakout Clearing All Over Toner

-Breakout Clearing Overnight Treatment

Product Close Up

Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash

This foaming wash has a similar function to the wash off cleanser from the Clean Start range.  One difference I definitely noticed with all products in this range, is that they all smell less acid-y than the Clean Start.  This made me have a scan of the label for the ingredients list, and right enough, a lot more natural ingredients were used across this range. For example this foaming wash has 8 different botanicals including Tea Tree, Lavander and Camellia Sinensis.  It also has orange peel extract in it, so this product is looking more and more natural. Of course it still includes Salicylic Acid to help fight breakouts but overall this product is much more natural than previous lines. 

This product is my favourite in the line, and the one I noticed the most difference with my skin with.  If you were to buy one product alone from the range I would recommend this one.  It deeply cleanses the skin, getting rid of all excess makeup, dirt and dead skin cells. 

All Over Toner 

This toner is really unique as you spray it all over your face to control excess oil and help rid breakouts from your face.  The spraying sensation is so cooling for the skin.  However unfortunately I have super sensitive eyes, so instead of spraying this directly onto my face, I simple spray some onto a cotton pad and pat gently into my skin and it works just as well. 

Matte Moisturiser 

This moisturiser is so light on the skin it's quite hard to believe it's even there.  It's designed specifically for morning use so is perfect for applying before applying make up. The formula is non greasy and maintains an all over matte finish throughout the day. 

 

Daytime Treatment 

The daytime treatment is almost a serum consistency. It's designed to clear your skin of breakouts and prevent them returning.  It also soothes and calms the skin of any redness or irritability. 

Overnight Treatment 

Similar to the daytime treatment, the overnight treatment is also a serum constancy.  It's used to reduce congestion in your skin and reduce breakout. I definitely notice I was waking up with less breakouts when I included this is my routine. 

Cooling Masque 

I've yet to use this masque as I was planning on using it to unwind tonight while catching up with 90120. The masque is said to have a cooling sensation which I love. I don't know about you guys but I hate heating masques and much prefer cooling masques and find them much more soothing.  The masque is designed to help reduces redness and unclog pores. 

Overall 

NEW FAVOURITE. That's about all I can say. This set is just perfect for teen skin. I have spot prone, red skin and the difference I have noticed within a week of using this is unbelievable.  Even in my last post I received a few complements on my skin -which I never get- and it was a major confidence booster and showed me that I wasn't the only one noticing a difference.  My skin became clearer and brighter and I will definitely be using up the full set until there's not a drop left. 

I hope you all liked this post, and let me know if you want to try this range, released tomorrow, 29th September. You can definitely tell the difference in my skin from the pictures below.  I will speak to you all very soon and I'm proud to be able to say, CLEAR SKIN STARTS NOW. 

Katie

Xox

(No makeup)

(Makeup)

Prairie Charms

Hey everyone!! 

Firstly I want to deeply apologise about how late I am in posting this. I wanted to make sure this post was the best it could be so it is about a month late unfortunately.  Second of all, the customer service I received from Prairie Charms was really great.  They seem like such a lovely company and were kind enough to give me a discount on my order. 

Okay, how cute is this bow?? The floral print is utterly perfect and it's just completely adorable. Once spring and summer of 2014 hits us, I will be wearing this non stop. I must also note how high quality these bows are.  The material is lovely and thick so is very sturdy.  The clip is fairly larger and perfect for all hair types. 

This next bow is more fall suited with the warm purples and rich creams.  It is the same material as the other bow and has the same fascinator as the other. 

The next thing I bought was these adorable bobby pins. I love all these colours and they are just so pretty. I have a cool idea of brading my hair and flowing these down throughout the braid and I can't wait to try it out. 

  

I also bought this cute floral hair band. I usually feel like these don't sit very well in my hair and usually play around with it and decide against wearing it. Unfortunately I feel the same about this which sucks because it's adorable! If any of you have tips or styles you like to wear these types of bands with, leave them in the comments below please!!

 

Finally as a free gift, I got this cute little glitter bow.  This is not really something I would pick out for myself so I gave it to my little cousin as a surprise and she loved it!! Every time I see her she's wearing this! 

I hope you all enjoyed this little haul and I will speak to you all soon!

Katie

Xox

Tester Tuesday - Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

Hey everyone! 

Today is the second Tester Tuesday, and I have a makeup review for you guys.  It's the Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara.  

This 4ml tester is perfect for the handbag or travel. I have used this tester before, but it has been my favourite mascara this past week.  It's nice and light and doesn't weigh my lashes down like some other mascaras.  

This mascara elongates my lashes without clumping them.  If you hate clumpy mascara then I urge to to try this one as it is far from clumpy.  I would also say it separates my lashes and coats them evenly. 

The wand is a typical brush rather than plastic wand. 

As you can see from the picture, I would definitely say this mascara is more suited if you want length rather than body.  I do really like this mascara for everyday wear. I would probably switch if I was wanting more dramatic lashes but for everyday, I love this mascara. 

I hope you liked this tester Tuesday review.  Let me know if you have ever tried this mascara before, and what you thought of it. 

Katie

Xox

Fall Makeup Look

Hey everyone!

Since today is the first official day of fall, I thought what better way to start off than with a makeup look?  In fall I love all the colours of the leaves and that's the kind of shades I like to stick to with my eyes (okay that sounds weird, matching my eyes to the leaves on trees but hey?).  I love the bronzes, golds, taupes, maroons and crisp reds. 

Face

To start with I applied Benefits Porefessional primer all over my face.  Then using Real Techniques Stippling Brush I blended No7's Beautifully Matte foundation into my skin and then went ahead and set it with Rimmel's Stay Matte powder. 

I then applied an ELF blush in Peachy Keen to the apples of my cheeks and blended upwards along my cheekbones.

 

Eyes 

I first primed my eyes with Smashbox's Photo Finish Eyelid Primer.  I then went on to use my Revlon Custom Eyes Palette in Naturally Glamourous. 

I used the second shade (left to right) all over my lid using my MAC 217 brush.  Then applied the middle shade in my inner corners. 

For my crease, I took my Sleek storm palette and used the top right colour which is a gorgeous berry shade and blended it in with my MAC 217. 

I then used my Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Liner to create a slight winged look.  (This eyeliner is on it's last leg and I'm looking for a new black liquid liner that is great and easy for winged liner, if you have any suggestions, please let me know in the comments). 

After that I curled my lashes and applied my favourite mascara right now, Benefits They're Real. 

Lips

For lips, I applied an all time favourite of mine, regardless of season, MAC's Creme Cup.  This lipstick is such a delicate pink and nicely evens out the slightly more dramatic eyes. 

Overall 

Overall, I'm really feeling this look.  I think it's really pretty for autumn and I'm sure I will be wearing this throughout the season.  I hope you all liked this post and let me know of any fall posts you would like to see in the comments below. 

Katie

Xox

Autumn Tag

Hey guys!

So I was recently tagged to do the Autumn Tag, and I grabbed the chance! I adore fall like most people and it's my favourite season. I'm not going to spend ages blabbing, I'm just going to get straight into the questions! 

 1. Favourite thing about Autumn? 

HOW CAN I EVEN CHOOSE? Potentially cardigans, I'm a huge cardigan fanatic. There is a section of my wardrobe decdicted to fluffy, cream, cozy cardigans.  If not cardigans, events. I love Halloween and bonfire night. They're both so exciting and fun!  Fall is such a great time to fill your social calender!

2. Favourite drink? 

 A Starbucks signature caramel hot chocolate! I've never actually tried the pumpkin spice ranges but I'm determind to try them.

3. Favourite scent/candle? 

Hmm...tricky tricky. I love apple cinnamon scents! I'm currently waiting for a bath and body works fall candles to come in so we will soon see...

4. Best lipstick? 

This may shock some of you guys (if you know how much of a lipstick fanatic I am) but I don't actually wear much lipstick in the fall. Because of the sudden change of weather, I NEED lipbalms.  I've really been loving baby lips in cherry me. 

5. Go to moisturiser? 

Simples light moisturiser. It's the only moisture I've actually stuck to.  It's so lovely and light but moisturises so well. 

6. Go to colours for the eyes? 

Bronzes, golds and cranberry shades. I love all of these colours all year round but they are particularly beautiful in fall. 

7. Favourite music or band/singer to listen to? 

I love all kinds of music! My favourite right now has been the 1975's new album. Sex, chocolate and menswear are my favourites from the album. I also love a good bit of swifty in the fall time. 

8. Favourite outfit to wear (i.e. boots & a scarf combo)? 

Already stated somewhere above, cream cardigans, leggings/jeggings and brown ridding boots. 

9. Autumn treat? 

I've treated myself to some bath and body works goodies (pumpkin cupcake and leaves mason jar candles and 5 pocketbacs) that should come soon. But usually in the fall I like to treat myself to some new boots. 

10. Favourite place to be? 

Either at home, curled up in bed watching a movie or out on bonfire night with my friends.  Again I love bonfire night, it's so lovely to be crowding around a bonfire with your friends wrapped up cozy, watching the firework displays at the local park. 

I hope you liked today's post and I tag all of you to give this a go, or at least tell me your favourite thing about fall in the comments below! 🍁🍂🌰

Katie

Xox

Tester Tuesday - Burberry Body Perfume Review

Hey everyone! 

Welcome to the first tester Tuesday! 

Today I'm going to be reviewing the Burberry Body perfume.  I got this 4.5ml tester in a glossybox but never really used it. 

The perfume is described as "a feminine and effortlessly sensual fragrance with an eclectic combination of refined ingredients."  

Top Notes;

•fresh green absinthe

•illuminating elegant peach 

•refined freesia

Heart Notes;

•natural rose 

•iris  

•warm tones of sandalwood 

Base Notes;

•Woody cashmeran

•creamy vanilla

•sensual amber 

•musk 

Okay now your all probably thinking "shut up with the perfume jargon, what does it actually smell like?!" 

(PS, I don't blame you, when people describe perfumes half the time it sounds like a load of rubbish to me!!)

(PSS, I am the worst at describing scents so I do apologise for the following text)

When I smell this perfume I definitely smell rose, but not fresh roses, like warm roses.  This scent reminds me of my grandmother, not in a bad way but simply because it's a warm, feminine scent. The musk scent is also very strong to me, but I think that just adds to the warmth of this perfume.  

Funnily enough I started this post with the intention of telling you all that I wasn't really keen on this scent and it wasn't really for me.  Now I'm going to tell you all that the more I smell it, the more I like it.  It's a perfect fall/winter scent in my opinion because its so warm and cozy while remaining feminine.  When I smell this (and I know this is weird but I'm telling you anyway) I think of curling up next to a fire watching a movie wrapped in blankets. 

I hope you all enjoyed this review, I've actually really liked writing this one because I've completely changed my opinion on this perfume. I kind of love it now.  Let me know if you've ever tried this perfume in the comments! 

Katie

Xox

Dermalogica Clean Start Wash Off Review

Hey everyone! 

Today I'm going to be speaking about something I have loved for about a year now.  It's the dermalogica Wash Off cleanser. 

Dermalogica is a brand I first discovered when on a beauty therapy course. We used dermalogica products for facials, and my skin seemed to love it. So when I browsed online I discovered the Clean Start range, a range specifically developed for teen skin.  Maybe I should have started with this but I have very spot prone skin. I wouldn't say I have full blown acne but there isn't a time I remember being completely spot free. My skin is also quite oily in my t-zone. 

With that being said, whenever I use my wash off cleanser, my skin is noticeably better the next day.  And if I actually stick to using this (I am SUPER lazy when it comes to a skincare routine) my skin is so clear!! My redness calms down, I have considerably less spots and my t-zone is much less oily.  I have actually stuck this in my shower to encourage me to use it more often (any excuse to stay in the shower longer). 

I genuinely wish I wasn't as lazy as I am with skincare because this product is great.  It's obviously great because it makes me want to become a less lazy person.  I know it's a little pricier than a lot of "drugstore" skincare retailing at £14.30 but I think you get what you pay for. Because the formula is concentrated to mix it with water to lather it so it lasts such a long time. I've been using this for about 6 months and I'm still on my first bottle. 

I genuinely think this is such a great product and everyone struggling with teen skin should give this a go. I hope you all enjoyed this post and I will speak to you all on Tuesday for the first "tester Tuesday". 

Katie 

Xox

Style Stealer; Ashley Benson

Hey Everyone!

Today's post is another of the Style Stealer Series, and this week is the lovely Ashley Benson.  I love Ashley's style, its so chill and relaxed.  I love that you can totally tell she's comfortable in what shes wearing and not just prancing around in the latest Jimmy Choos because that is what people expect of celebs.  

Outfit 1

Top - Topshop - £18

Jacket - Jane Norman - £15

Leggings - Dorothy Perkins - £16

Shoes - Dorothy Perkins - £14

TOTAL OUTFIT COST - £63

Outfit 2

Top - AX Paris - £12.95

Jeans - Miss Selfridge - £20

Shoes - Schuh - £50

Hat - BooHoo - £12

TOTAL OUTFIT COST - £94.95

Outfit 3

Top - Nordstrom - £21

Shorts - Miss Selfridge - £35

Necklace BooHoo - £6

TOTAL OUTFIT COST - £62

Outfit 4

Playsuit - Topshop - £38

Neon Bra - Free People - £28

Sunglasses - Topshop - £16

TOTAL OUTFIT COST - £82

I hope you all enjoyed today's style stealer post and remember leave any suggestions in the comments!  Feel free to leave links of specific outfits and I will try my hardest.  Thank you for reading!

Katie

xox

My Little Black Sample Box

Hey everyone! 

Over the past months I have accumulated more testers than any person should ever need.  I decided to put them all in a box under my vanity in hope I will start using them.  Every week I plan on having a review of one of the products in my box for you all.  This will range from perfume to skincare to body care to makeup to pretty much anything.

 

I strongly believe in the use of testers as it gives you an actual idea of whether you like a product or not, before your purchase a big tub of it that could put you out of pocket. 

I plan on trailing each product until its finished (or 1 week for the larger testers) to give you all a true, honest impression! These posts should be going up every Tuesday and should henceforth be known as "Tester Tuesday" (how inventive Katie). 

I hope you are all as excited as I am. Reviews are some of my favourite posts to write and read so it should be bundles of fun! 

Katie

Xox