Breath of Fresh Air.

Lush -

Breath of Fresh Air Facial Toner Spray

Lush. Just say the name and 99.9% of people (well, the female population anyway, maybe not as many guys) will know what you're talking about and proclaim their love for at least one of their products. I genuinely don't know a single person who doesn't love Lush, so if you're reading this and you don't then please tell me, it would be nice to make a change!

Lush describes this toner water online as  ‘The sea breeze captured in a bottle, a refreshing spray to tide you over’ it goes on to states; ‘A blend of seawater helps soften and hydrate the skin. Carrageen seaweed and aloe gel delicately coat the skin to lock in moisture, preventing further dehydration. Great for use any time throughout the day as a pick-me-up for skin and mind. Perfect for people on long haul flights, where cabin pressure seems to suck all life from the skin.’

I originally went in store to pick up the tea tree toner, however the lovely lady in Lush highlighted my skin would not really thank me for it during winter, (highlighting the tea tree toner might better suit my skin during summer). Therefore she pointed me in the direction of this toner as it helps lock in moisture. She also stated it helped to tighten pores and helps draw out any oil or dirt within the pores due to it causing the pores to contract rather then just minimise.

Lush's toners all come in the same black spray bottle, but in varying sizes, which is perfect for if you're going on holiday anywhere. The spray is quite direct - it isn't a mist at all, it's a proper jet-like spray (but not with the force of a jet, don't worry) so please don't expect a light mist if you spray it directly. You can also spray onto cotton wool and apply that way; both feel as good as each other. I find that I have no wastage with the product, and when I do it's my fault (like when I forget to check the spray is actually facing the right way and not at the wall....) so, depending on how often and how much you like to use, the bottles really do last you.

I’ve been using this toner for a while, morning and night before moisturising and I truly love it. At first when I used it I did find I broke out, however when talking to a friend who works in lush she said it happens to everyone as it’s helping to clear the skin of congestion. However now I’m over that period, my skin seems really much clearer and my pores appear much smaller. I do still get spots very now and then but they’re not as major a break out as before and for that I’m super glad. I also find that this toner really helps keep the dry areas of my face really moisturised, however helps get rid of the excess oil in my t-zone.

Overall, I definitely don’t think I will be using another toner for a while and I think it’s definitely time I try out some other skin care products from lush.

Maybe a mask?

Take the Day Off.

Clinique -

Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

I have very sensitive skin, so finding cleansers that don't make my face blow up, making me look like I've gone 10 rounds with Rocky Balboa, is pretty tricky. Until now…

My latest cleansing discovery is Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm from Clinique. It’s not new, but it’s new to me. I suppose that the balm, in its little flat pot, must have simply escaped my notice. Next to the tall bottles, it’s rather forgettable, but despite that I really like the packaging; it feels compact and neat. I'd steered away from balm cleansers for a long time - the strong fragrance in them tells me there's a high risk of my skin completely freaking out - but this one is fragrance free with no nastiest - illustrated by the fact the ingredients list is incredibly short.

You don’t need very much at all; in fact the hard texture makes it more difficult to scoop out excessive amounts. I simply wet my fingers and sort of rub them over the balm till I think I have enough to use. The Clinique balm is un-fragranced, which I imagine will be a huge bonus for many, and the formula is gentle and non-stripping. The balm melts in to oil that slips nicely across the skin so that you can really massage it in. It removes every last trace of makeup but rinses clean and if you have oily skin and are worried about using oil: fear not. This cleanser rinses completely clean – there’s absolutely no residue left behind and it’s not greasy at all. Surprising considering the initial waxy, lardy texture, but there you are. Never judge a book by its cover and all that.

After cleansing my skin is clean, and feels clean, but feels far more nourished than it does with just my old gel cleanser. Personally I wash my face twice with this balm at night, once to get rid of my make up, and I repeat it again to make sure that my skin is extra clean and gets all the nourishing benefits of the balm. This has been a total life save recently, my skin is super happy and hasn’t become horribly dry due to the cold weather like it usually does, at the same time it hasn’t broke out in to millions of spots or become irritated.

Overall this is the best cleanser I have ever used, and I doubt I will be changing it to anything else.

Decemeber Wish List.

I don't actually have a really big list of things I want this month, mainly because most of my money is being used on Christmas presents. However, there are a few things I really need this month, mainly due to running out of current products.

First up is the French Connection Olivia Pom Pom Scarf. I'm not really a scarf person, if I can get away with not wearing one, then I will. However, I saw this in store and its just amazing. It's a rather chunky knitted scarf, which is really soft and unlike some other knitted scarves I've seen isn't at all heavy. The one thing I really like about this scarf is that it actually has gold flecks running through the material, you can't really see it on the photo above, however it looks so pretty in person and i think it would be a brilliant addition to every outfit.

Next up is the Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Face Lotion. I have recently found a cleaner I really like, and that makes so many improvements to my unpredictable skin, however something I haven't ever found is a moisturiser that my skin actually likes. Never the less, I recently went to the Origins counter and got a sample of this lotion. I actually really like this lotion. It doesn't sit on my skin like many other moisturisers but it soaks in and leaves my skin feeling moisturised and soothed, plus it hasn't broken me out...bonus. I think when I purchase this I might also pick up a sample of the Mega-Mushroom Night Health Bedtime Face Cream.

Recently I have had my hair lightened, I actually didn't want it as blonde as it currently is, but whats done is done. However, one thing I have notices is that since having it done my hair has become unbelievably dry. Therefore due to my current shampoo/conditioner not cutting it, I thought I would try a new one. Like my last shampoo/conditioner duo this is too by Sebastian Professional, however this is the penetraitt version; which aims at strengthening and repairing hair, which is exactly what I think mine needs right now. One reason I chose to repurchase from Sebastian Professional if that their shampoos don't have any alcohol in them, which is something my scalp is really reacting to at the moment. I'm hoping for great things from this little duo.

Last up is the Lanolips Lip Ointment in Rhubarb. Lip balm is something of a necessity during winter as my lips are always the first things to get dry and chapped. Therefore as I've heard so many amazing things about Lanolips, I think its time I at least give it a go. Rhubarb is a pretty, deep pink colour which I think will give just the right touch of colour for winter. It promises to be naturally glossy, non sticky and super hydrating...lets see if this lives up to the hypes or will I be re-covering Burt's Bees this winter?

As you can see its not a very long list, most of it is stuff that are replacing other products I've run out of, or some what essential things...other then the scarf...but it is Christmas soon isn't it?!

Whats on your December Wish List?

Winter Tag.

I always enjoy reading these tags when it comes to the beginning of each season, and when I get tagged in them there fun to fill in. I actually got tagged in two therefore I thought I would do them both, because some of the questions were the same or similar, I thought I would blend the two together.

❄ Favourite winter lip product?

I always need a lip balm on hand during winter. My lips are the first things to get dry, flaky and really sore. My favourite products depend on what I need them for; if I just need something every day to stick in my bag for when my lips are really dry then I tend to reach for my Carmex Lip Balm Pot. I actually like that this burns/stings the really dry and cracked parts of my lips because it makes me think its really working. Alternatively I’ve been reaching for my Dior Lip Glow a lot recently, its ultra moisturising but also gives a beautiful slick of colour and gloss.

❄ Top 2 Winter Beauty Essentials


The first one that pops in my mind is a good chap stick/lip balm. It’s really a necessity during the cold seasons. Alongside this a moisturiser is really important, which the hunt is still on for.

❄ Top 2 Winter Fashion Essentials


My top two would be UGG boots and my body warmer. Those are the things I love the most about winter. I love wearing dresses with nice tights and my UGGs, but I also love wearing my Jack Wills body warmer. It’s the warmest most comfy thing in the world.

❄ What shoes do you tend to wear the most in the winter?


Again UGGs. However my hunter willies, they tend to make a lot of appearances during winter especially if it starts snowing.

❄ Favourite Winter Accessory


Gloves and scarves aren’t really my favourite things, because if I can, then I don’t always wear them, however when its really cold their somewhat essential.

❄ Favourite Winter Nail Polish


At the moment, I really love a red glittery polish like Chanel's Taboo, alternatively I love butterLondon's Petrol which is just stunning.

❄ Favourite winter beverage?


Hot Chocolate all the way!

❄ Favourite Winter Candle?


I don’t usually burn candles, I always say I’m going to, especially during winter, however for some reason I never get around to it.

❄ Does it snow where you live?


Yes, but we don’t have snow all winter long, it tends to just turn up randomly in bucket loads.

❄ Have you ever made a snowman?


I try, every year when there is snow. However, for some reason it never looks like the amazing ones in adverts. This year, I will once again attempt to make an amazing snowman that doesn’t just look like a pile of snow with a carrot and two sticks in it.

❄ Favourite Christmas song?


I’m not really a fan of Christmas songs; I blame my older sister for playing a Christmas CD non-stop throughout the whole of December ever since I was little.

❄ Favourite Christmas movie?


The main reason I love Christmas is because of the amazing movies that come on TV. However if I had to choose my favourite it would be The Grinch…and maybe the nightmare before Christmas (if that counts as a Christmas film)

❄ What is your favourite winter treat? (candy cane, gingerbread, etc…)


I love hot chocolate and gingerbread men, however only if the gingerbread isn’t too rock hard.

❄ What is your favourite Christmas decoration this year?

The TREE! It’s always going to be the tree. Well technically it’s the lights on the tree I like. I’m a very sensory person so I like the feel and look of things; therefore really bright lights that change colour are just amazing to me.

❄ What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list? 


I have two things at the top of my wish list; one is a pair of leather UGG boots which is just amazing. I tend to find leather boots don’t fit my calves because I have such tiny calves, therefore they somewhat resemble wellies on me, however these look and fit perfect. Secondly is the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette. I really can’t wait for this to come out. I have put this on my Christmas list, however I think I may be allowed to have this as an early Christmas present…I hope.

❄ If you were to ask Santa for one thing and you were guaranteed to get it, what would it be?


Hard question. If I could have anything, I would want enough money to buy my own house, car and move out into the countryside after passing my teachers training. I love the countryside and little villages they always seem so cute and everyone always gets on with each other. However, if I was going to come back down to earth and be more materialistic, then it would be clothes, make up and an endless bank balance.

❄ Do you have anything fun planned for this winter
?

Winter always means Christmas Markets, Christmas Shopping and long walks in the snow…when it decides to make an appearance. However, other then that I love just snuggling up in front of the fire, with hot chocolate watching Christmas films….that to me sums up winter.

xox