Yes to Cucumbers...

Yes to Cucumbers -

Calming Night Moisturizer

My skin has been incredibly irritated recently. I put it down to my skin not liking my Origins Mega-Mushroom Lotion, as every time I seem to use it my skin becomes itchy and comes out in red spots. Therefore I thought I would stop using it and try a nice, gentle, calming night cream to help sooth my skin before bed.

I haven’t ever come across the brand Yes To… before, mainly because its an American brand, and therefore is only available online. However it’s very natural and aimed at sensitive skin. Therefore I thought I would give it a go.

The website says; “Yes To Cucumbers Calming Night Cream is perfect for those looking for a dermatologist-tested formula to wear overnight that delivers a gentle, hypoallergenic moisture. This lightweight cream combines relaxation-inducing ingredients like Chamomile and Aloe to help relax and calm your senses. Grapeseed Oil is an anti-oxidant rich emollient to help repair and moisturize skin while you sleep. Sweet Almond Oil provides hydration, and Cucumbers provide a gentle, calming, silky-smooth finish to skin. You'll wake up with skin that feels soft, pure, and calm.”

It comes in an easy to use bottle that uses a pump to dispense the cream. Its very basic packaging however, there is something about it that I find really refreshing because it’s not all fancy. The first time I use it, I tried using a whole pump, however it was way too much, and I found using a little at a time for each area of my face was much easier way to apply it. The smell is quite strong, and isn’t particularly nice, however I don’t really mind, its just the natural smell from the ingredients. I would prefer this then a nice smelling cream that’s got lots of fragrances in it, and includes lots of added ingredients that aren’t necessary.

In my opinion this cream is amazing! I use this every night, and every morning my skin looks healthy, happy and a lot less irritated. It helps reduce the red slightly, however I have a lot of red in my skin anyway, and products aimed at redness not even help it completely. However, my skin isn’t itchy, irritated and hasn’t broken out from using this. I think it’s a really lovely cream, its not thick and heavy, but its not too thin that it doesn’t feel its working. It does however leave a slight film over the skin, however I find this fades the longer I wear it so I just assume this is the skin drinking it in. I do find however, when I’ve used a clay mask, or my skin looks really dry this doesn’t happen, therefore I think its to do with how dry your skin is, to how long it takes to soak in.

If you have really sensitive skin, I would really think of giving this a go. I’m currently using The Body Shop’s Aloe Vera day cream, however I’m very tempted to try the Say Yes to Cucumbers Day Cream when I have finish it (with one without SPF!).

Have you tried anything by Say Yes to…?

Extreme Anti-Snap.

Redken - 

Extreme Anti-Snap Leave in Treatment

Recently I had my hair highlighted, I had both highlights and low lights. I had it done to correct my previous hairdressers highlighting my whole hair, instead of just different sections. Therefore it is fair to say my hair was in seriously bad shape afterwards. My new hairdresser recommended this to me to help strengthen and protect my hair. However, without weighing it down or leaving it feeling greasy. Therefore I thought I would give it a go.

The website states; "Extreme strengthens and resurfaces chemically and mechanically distressed hair. Redken's exclusive Interbond Conditioning System delivers a unique 3D Repair Complex to fortify hair so it looks and feels healthier with increased manageability and shine. Leave-in treatment gently smooths the cuticle, reduces friction from brushing and helps fortify hair that's prone to breaking, splitting or snapping off.”

I have been using this leave in treatment every time I wash my hair for the last month, and my hair feels amazing. It feels stronger and healthier, and it looks so much more shiny and healthy. I actually forgot to take this away for the weekend with me, and when I washed and dried my hair, I straightway noticed a difference in my hair from not using it. It just didn’t seem to be as soft and silky and didn’t style as easy.

The product itself is very concentrated, therefore you don’t need to use a lot, and the pump means you can dispense enough for how long your hair is. Personally I use it after I have towel dried my hair, rubbing it between my hands then running it through my whole hair, focusing on the mid-length area. I know people say not to put treatments or oils near your roots, however I have layered hair, and the broken flyaway hair is actually really short, therefore I have to make sure I target these areas as well, as their most in need. It doesn’t make my hair greasy or get greasier any faster, it just strengthens my whole hair and makes it really soft, shiny and smooth.

I love using treatments on my hair, and I tend to swap and change a lot and I always like trying new products. My hair is the one thing, where I can actually try different products because unlike my skin, it doesn’t react to things. I do really like this leave in treatment and if you have really distressed, damages hair its great. I do think I will carry on using it, and the bottle will definitely last me a very long time. It truly has saved my hair, its amazing after having your hair coloured as it makes it a lot stronger, healthier and it doesn’t effect the colour!

If your looking for a new leave in treatment to try, and your hair is in need of some serious TLC then you need this leave in treatment in your hair routine right away!

February Wish List.

I bought a lot of things during January, therefore I don’t really have that long a list of things I want this month. Most of the things I want are new products I want to try, but also to replace products I’m nearly running out off.

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Balm

‘This cleanser is an indulgent make-up remover for the whole face. It gently and efficiently melts away make-up and impurities, leaving skin feeling clean, refreshed and pampered. Gently melts away make-up leaving skin feeling clean and petal-soft. Suitable for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers.’ This I’m hoping will be a good replacement for the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm, which is becoming incredibly difficult to get hold off. I have heard some so many amazing things about it so I really have high hopes.

The Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask

‘This revitalizing clay mask cleanses skin and controls excess oil. It helps draw out impurities, clarify and refresh the skin.’ I’m forever looking for the perfect mask to help clear my skin and help keep it that way. This mask has had really good reviews, and I’m really excited to try it. Hopefully it wont upset my skin.

CND Stickey Base Coat

‘Stickey™ base coat creates a soft, sticky layer that anchors nail color to the nail and improves wearability.’ I am yet to find the perfect base coat, that stops my nail polish from lifting, peeling or chipping within the first 3 days. This is meant to be the Holy Grail nail polish base coat for so many bloggers and celebrities and I’ve been looking at it since summer, never actually clicking the ‘add to basket’ button. However, I really think it’s time I took the plunge and give it a go.

CND Super Shiney Top Coat

‘The name says it all – this Super Shiney™ top coat gives a super-hard, long-lasting finish that resists scratches and shines bright.’ Like with the base coat above, topcoats are something I struggle to stick to, they never do as I hope, and my nails polish always chips or lifts after about 3 days, sometimes the next day which is a nightmare. I have been eyeing this up for so long. Its award winning and has been raved about all over the Internet. I have really high hopes and hope it become my new Holy Grail topcoat.

butterLondon polish in Stardust Overcoat

‘Sheer, silver holographic overcoat. Brush on top of any butterLondon lacquer to transform the shade, or use alone. A magical sprinkling of the stars and a dreamlike sense of well-being.’ As you will have guessed by now I’m in love with butterLondon polishes. They are my go to nail polish brand for so many reasons. The formula is amazing and the colours are just breathtaking. I have been eyeing this up since it was released just before Christmas. From the swatches online, it looks incredible. Its super, sparkly holographic glittery, and just amazing! From reviews its meant to apply like a dream, and is very similar to Fairy Cake by butterLondon, just finer glitter. MUST GET MY HANDS ON THIS!

What's on your February Wish List?

Beuaty Haul.

The Internet for me is a very dangerous place. It makes shopping so easy, and everything you want is constantly at the touch of a button. However, I recently handed in my first and last essay of this year, and I’m due to start placement in a few days and therefore thought I would treat myself to a few things. I just thought I would show you an overview of what I’ve bought, I will do an in-depth review of them all.

Yes To Cucumbers Calming Night Cream

butterLondon Polish in HRH

butterLondon Polish in Lovely Jubbly

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-in Treatment

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo +

Sigma E25 Brush

The Body Shop Aloe Lip Care

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector

Another Beauty Questionnaire.

Hi!

I stumbled upon this questionnaire the other day and thought it might be fun to share. Plus it's always interesting to see what products others enjoy using. I'm especially curious to see what everyone uses for skincare; I'm constantly seeking new masks and other products to keep my skin looking extra healthy.

SKINCARE

-What skin type do you have?

Combination/Sensitive.

-How many times do you wash your face daily?

Twice, however I was it twice at night just to make sure its extra clean.

-What is your current facial wash?

Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm.

-Do you exfoliate?

Because of my sensitive skin, I don’t exfoliate that often because it really irritates my skin.

-What brand do you use?

If I do exfoliate I tend to use Origins Modern Friction.

-What moisturizer do you use?

Origins Mega Mushroom Lotion (for now) and Yes to Cucumbers Calming Night Cream.

-Do you have freckles?

In summer I tend to get them.

-Do you use eye cream?

Nope.

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?

A few breakouts, but I wouldn’t say acne.

-Did you ever use Pro-activ?

Nope.

MAKE-UP

-What foundation do you use?

I tend to use Diors BB Cream (sometimes I mix it with a bit of Illamasqua Skin Base foundation for added coverage and to lighten my BB cream a bit) or Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation

-How about concealer?

Currently I’m using Becca Dual Coverage Compact Concealer.

-Do you know your undertone color?

Yep. I have yellow undertones.

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?

I love falsies they’re a nice way to add a splash of glamour, however I cant apply them to save my life.

-Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?

Yep and I do.

-What brand of mascara do you use?

Right now I am using the new L’oreals Mega Volume Mascara, however its no my favourite.

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?

A lot of brushes! Usually a mix of shadow brushes! Then a blusher brush, a foundation brush and usually a flat brushes for eyeliner/my brows.

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?

Yep. I use Urban Decays eye shadow primer.

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?

You can never go wrong with neutrals.

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?

I don’t always use eyeliner, however if I have to then I use pencil.

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?

Not often…well not anymore.

-What do you think of pigment eye shadows?

I love how vibrant they are, but hate the mess they can make.

-Do you use mineral makeup?

Not really.

-What is your favorite lipstick?

Dior. Dior. Dior.

-How about lipgloss?

Dior. Lancome. Dior.

-What is your favorite blush to use?

Dior (can you see a pattern emerging here).

MAKE ME CHOOSE

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?

Nope. Never. However, a friend does, and she saves a lot of money.

-Do you like drugstore makeup?

There are some true treasures in drug store beauty departments.

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)

I've never been to one, but have always wanted to!

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?

I really want to. I think one day I will, after I’ve finished university.

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

I sometimes have a clumsy day, and make really silly mistakes, or get really heavy handed.

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?

Super dark eyebrows, really orange faces and foundation lines.

-Do you like colourful shades of makeup?

I do, especially during the warmer months or for evening’s out/special events.

-Which celebrity always has great make up?

I feel like most of the popular celebrities always have flawless makeup, it makes sense...they're in the public eye constantly. However, I don’t focus on it too much. I think anyone who has a make up artist doing his or her make up for them is going to have perfect make up.

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use?

Dior BB Cream!

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?

Not really.

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?

Ha-ha…Not really!

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?

I feel that no makeup line trumps all. Every brand has something that's impressive and at least one thing that isn't widely favored.

-What do you think of Makeup?

I love make up. I think it really has the ability to change someone’s face entirely and I think that’s just an amazing thing. I think you can sometimes really tell a lot about a person on how their apply their make up and how creative and brave they are with make up.

xxx

Beauty Blogger Questionnaire.

I was tagged in this questionnaire a long time ago, however I've only just got round to it...sorry!

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?

My hair is naturally straight with a bit of a wave to it. When I was younger it was dead straight, however as I’m getting older it seems to be more wavy and all over the place.

2. What is your natural hair colour?

A medium mousy blonde colour, however it used to get a lot brighter during summer.

3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?

I have highlights put in at the hairdressers. She’s amazing at making it look very natural and not over the top blonde which is exactly how I like it.

4. Do you wear the same style every day or do you change it?

I tend to wear it the same way every day, I might have a bit more volume someday or decided to curl it however I’m rather lazy when it comes to my hair and just have it straight with a slight under curl to it.

5. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?

I used to have acrylic and then gel extentions, however it was costing me a bomb and my nails were getting really damaged in the process. Therefore I now do them myself, however I must be good at them because everyone always comments on how professional they look.

6. How often do you change your nail polish?

A lot. I tend to get bored of a colour quite easily, and if it chips I end up peeling the rest of them off and having to start from scratch. My nails are quite weak so polish tends to peel of them or chip easily.

7. Do you polish your toes in winter or just in the summer?

I hate seeing toes without polish on so mine are always painted!

8. How long does it take for you to put on your make-up?

It really depends what I’m doing and where I’m going. If I’m going to university or on placement I tend not to wear a lot of make up, so it usually takes me about 15-30 minutes. However, if I’m going somewhere special, a night out or shopping I tend to spend more time on it.

9. What do you do first, face or eyes?

Face!

10. Do you collect make-up or just buy what you need when you need it?

To be honest, I really try to just buy stuff when I need it, however sometimes its really hard to resist not buying things because their good or pretty.

11. How often do you wear false eyelashes?

Never. 

12. Do you do a full face of make-up every day?

Hmm…it depends what you see as a full face of make up. I don’t wear foundation, I only wear a Dior BB cream, therefore I’m not really sure if that classes as a full face. However, I always wear my BB cream, mascara and blush.

13. Do you wear make-up when you are home alone or with family?

Depends if I’m going out at all that day. If I’m having a lazy day then I don’t bother, I used to however I’m starting to try and let my skin breath.

14. Will you leave the house without make-up?

Not a chance!

15. How many high-end products do you have?

Don’t even get me started…I don’t own many drug store products lets put it that way.

16. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you're getting dressed?

I decide when I'm getting dressed!

17. How often do you change your handbag?

I'm really picky when it comes to handbags, therefore I don’t change it that often.

18. What time do you get up and go to sleep?

It really changes depending what I’m doing that day. When I’m not a university or got any plans I don’t set an alarm and I just wake up when my body decides, which is usually between 9-10. However for university its usually 7/8 and 6 if I’m on placement.

19. Do you work out? How often?

I love working out. Unless I’m having a cba day then it’s like a chore to drag myself there. I try and go 3 times a week but sometimes I only get there 2 depending what I’m doing.

20. Left-handed or right-handed?

I write right handed, however my mums left handed therefore I tend to use both, mainly because everything in the house is set up for left handers.

21. How tall are you?

6’1

22. Do you speak a foreign language?

Nope.

23. How many pets do you have?

I have a black Labrador, however I’m trying to torment my parents into buying me a bulldog…it’s not working out so well at the moment.

24. How often are you on Blogger?

Unfortunately not every day, sometimes my days really busy and I just don’t have time to write a post. I tend to do quite a few at once and then publish them individually every few days.

25. Do you read comments on blogs?

Yes!! I read and try to reply to every single comment on my blog.

26. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?

I actually do. I have a wish list and a try list on my iPad, where I write down products I’ve seen others use or recommend.

27. How did you come up with your blog name?

Well…I sort of had two or three, however it was just the name that I thought was a little more girly and unusual.

28. What kind of camera do you use for photographs?

My iPhone4s

29. How often do you clean your house?

Well…my mum does the cleaning, I swear she has OCD and nothing anyone else does is close enough to perfect for her, but when I’m home I try and help clean. My bedroom however I clean every other day, just because I don’t have time to do it everyday.

30. What is your favourite colour?

Pink

31. Do you swear?

I try not to, however sometimes it just comes out. I blame my mum because she swears like a trooper!

32. What are you doing with the rest of your day?

Some University work, watching Harry Potter and going to see my boyfriend later.

xxx