Review: H&M Argan Oil and Rosehip Oil Hydrating Face Mask

As a big fan of face masks, I picked up one of the H&M masks a few weeks ago. My skin was quite dry and dehydrated, so I chose the hydrating mask which contains argan oil, rosehip oil and shea and cocoa butter. At £1.99 I didn't think too much of it.

Last week, I decided to use the H&M face mask instead of my usual sheet masks. The result? Not great. Moments after I had applied the mask to my face, my eyes started watering and itching.

Considering I had applied the mask nowhere near my eyes, I was confused as to why I was in tears. I managed to leave the face mask on for a few minutes before I washed it off using a wet flannel and warm water. My skin felt smooth at first but I had to apply moisturiser soon after as my skin felt quite dry. Overall, I wouldn't repurchase this face mask again. I'm not sure what ingredients caused my eyes to water but unfortunately it's put me off trying out the rest of the masks available at H&M.


Have you tried any of the H&M face masks?



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You Beauty Discovery - May (CEW Awards)

This month's YBD box is centred around the winners of the 2015 CEW beauty awards. From the award winning product selection, I chose the Angel Face Cloth by The Konjac Sponge Company and The Body Shop Miracle Solid Wild Argan Oil.

The Angel Face Cloth claims to be kinder than a muslin cloth on your skin, and I'll be testing it out with my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish to see if it's true. The Wild Argan Oil is a solid oil for use on the body and hair. To be honest, because the Argan Oil is not very high on the ingredients list, I'm not sure how it would compare to a pure (or more concentrated version) of Argan Oil. Nevertheless, I'll be using it as a hair oil on the ends as I recently dip dyed my hair and the bleach hasn't left my hair in great condition.

Both products in the box are full size and have a combined retail value of £19.99, which is amazing considering the YBD box is only £6.95. I honestly cannot fault YBD for their value for money, which is not always the case with some of the other beauty subscription boxes available. The extra's included in this months box are a sample vial of Jimmy Choo Man EDT and a sachet of Dr Organic's Organic Snail Gel. Also included in the box is a 20% off selected beauty and fragrance at M&S, which I'll definitely be making use of.

Have you subscribed to any beauty boxes?



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Library of Fragrance - Oud // Fireplace [review]

Library of Fragrance launched in the UK late last year, with 101 scents available here in the UK via their website and a selection also available at Boots. I had the opportunity to try out two from the range and decided on Oud and Fireplace. As much as I love that Summer is coming, these scents remind me of Autumn and Winter. Not of a specific moment but just that general feeling of cosiness, with the candles lit and listening to the rain fall on the rooftop.

Fireplace

The method of using wood for heating homes and offices is almost as old as time. It was during the Victorian era, however, when fireplaces started gaining popularity. During that time, people felt that in addition to the production of heat, fireplaces added a touch of class, creating a cosy, homely atmosphere. The Library of Fragrance has captured a small part of this tradition, with the wonderful, comforting scent of the fireplace on a cold winter’s evening. It smells exactly like your jumper after sitting for hours in front of a roaring wood-burning fire.

 

Oud

Oud is also called agarwood. It comes from the wood of the tropical agar (aquilaria) tree, believed to have originated in the Assam region of India, and spread from there throughout Southeast Asia. When the wood of this tree gets infected with a certain mould variety (phialophora parasitica), it reacts by producing a precious, dark and fragrant resin from which this precious perfume ingredient is derived. Oud is highly valued by perfumers for its sweet, woody, aromatic and complex scent. It is a classical note in perfumery, most often used as a base note. Our Oud fragrance refines and isolates the oud note into a wearable, single note scent, whilst maintaining its full, rounded and enveloping nature: beautiful worn alone, or layered with other scents to add rich, mysterious depth.

Both are fairly strong fragrances, and while I appreciate wearing them individually, I think they're best when layered. The combination of musky Oud and smoky fire logs, is definitely my personal favourite, and the two scents create a sweet yet rich blend, perfect for evenings out. It also has a slight masculine tone, which completely goes against my normal girly-vanilla based perfumes, but it's something that I can't get enough of.

There's no need to imagine creating your own personal fragrance, with Library of Fragrance you can choose individual scents and layer them to for a bespoke cologne. At £15 for 30ml, they give you the opportunity to create your own custom blend without breaking the bank. There are 28 fragrances available at Boots (currently on offer at 2 for £25) and 101 fragrances available online here. I know that I'll be popping over to Boots soon to pick up a few more scents, with my eyes on Baby Powder, Vanilla Ice Cream and Musk #7.

Will you be layering up your fragrances for a unique scent?



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Note: This post contains PR samples however all views and opinions are entirely my own. 

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Review: Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil

A super belated happy new year! I can't believe we're already mid-way through January!


I got my first bottle of the Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil some time ago in the first BBB Beauty Edit Box, and have repurchased a few times since then. Every year, during the winter, my cheeks become really dry and flaky, which I've tried to combat with a number of different products. For the past two winters, I put Trilogy Rosehip Oil to the test and try it out to see if it would at least reduce the dryness from my cheeks. The oil itself is not too greasy and you only need 3-4 drops (using the pipette) to cover the entire face.

I've been using it twice a day (once in the morning and again before bed) since the beginning of November, testing it over time to see if it's made a difference. And has it?

I'd definitely say it has! It hasn't eradicated the dryness completely, but my skin is not flaking and it's a lot smoother and softer. I expected my skin to become a little dry because there are other factors like the crazy cold weather and as a result, central heating being turned on, which does affect how my skin behaves. I'm happy to say though, that the longer I've been using it, I've needed to use less and less and now I only apply it to problem areas (under the eyes and tops of cheeks). This has definitely changed my skincare routine and is one product I will repurchase again. I only use this during the winter months, as I found that my skin isn't as dry and flaky once the weather warms up.

Have you tried Rosehip Oil? Do you have any tips on keeping dry skin at bay once the weather gets colder?



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The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask [review]

If you have dry/dehydrated skin, this sink-in moisture mask by The Body Shop is one for you. The idea is that you apply a thin layer over the face and leave it for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, most of the mask would have been absorbed into the skin and all that is left is to remove whatever remains with a cotton pad. 

At first, this mask was a little odd to use, as I'm so used to using clay masks and peel off masks that it was weird not to remove it all at the end. The Body Shop Sink-In Moisture mask isn't heavily scented and smells like the rest of the products in the Vitamin E range. I've managed to get two masks out of the one sachet, as it says to apply a thin layer. After 10 minutes, most of the mask had been absorbed into the skin with only a few patches to remove. My skin felt firmer and softer, and I found that my moisturiser and makeup applied more smoothly.

I would definitely recommend trying this face mask to anyone with dry/dehydrated skin. It's available in a 6ml sachet (perfect for testing out as I did), as well as a 100ml tub. I've also got a similar mask by Avene which I'll be trying soon, so look out for that review =)

 

 

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Philosophy Purity Cleanser [review]

I got a 90ml bottle of the Philosophy Purity one step cleanser in the first BBB Beauty Edit Box. I've been using it occasionally over the past few weeks as I want to use up products that seem to be gathering dust at the back of my wardrobe.

 

I have to be honest and say this is not the cleanser for me. Using the Purity cleanser has made me realised that I really don't like foaming cleansers (which is good, because I now know not to pick them up) and so I'm not keen on using it. It has a creamy texture which is a little thin and runny, and is supposed to be fragrance free, but it does smell a little green and herby (if that makes any sense!). However, it is a good cleanser as it does remove all my makeup and doesn't leave my skin feeling dry and tight. It's also very easy to use as you simply pour a little into your hands, and massage over the face until it foams up. Then simply wash away! If you are a fan of foaming cleansers then this is probably perfect for you, with prices starting at £8 (90ml).

I wish this was a cleanser that worked for me, but unfortunately it isn't and I won't be purchasing the full size.

Has anyone else tried Philosophy Purity cleanser? What did you think?

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P.S. Have a read of my review on the GlamGlow YouthMud Tinglexfoliate over on Frootibeauty's blog as part of her Takeover Tuesday =)

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Review: Hijab Obsessions Jersey Hijabs

A couple of months ago, I ordered a few jersey hijabs from Hijab Obsessions. Hijab Obsessions make each of their hijabs by hand and have such a wide variety of colours and styles available. I ordered the Burgundy Shimmer hijab, Teal Shimmer hijab and the Maxi Black hijab. I've never actually worn jersey hijabs before so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to try them out as well as purchase some new hijabs (and clear out some of my more worn out ones).

The maxi hijab is huge! (obviously it's in the name). Everyone needs a plain black hijab in their collection and I think this is my staple. It's large enough to wrap around twice and create as many folds and drapes as you like. The jersey is super soft and stretchy, and it's not slippery, so it can be worn without an underscarf. This is a great hijab for winter as the material isn't thin and will keep your head and neck warm. I liked this hijab so much that I ended up purchasing the Lavender Pot Pourri printed maxi hijab at Smoky not Smudgy this year!

The shimmer hijabs are so pretty! Perfect for special occasions as well as for everyday wear, they aren't too shiny and provide just that something extra to what would otherwise be a simple outfit. The shimmer is subtle and is throughout the hijab so there is always a little sparkle as you move. An underscarf is a must with the shimmer hijabs as they are quite slippery and need the underscarf to keep it from moving out of place. The jersey material is also soft and smooth and great for creating drapes and folds. As the shimmer is in the actual material, it doesn't feel rough or itchy which is definitely what you don't want from your hijab!

I'm still experimenting with ways to wear jersey hijabs. I like that jersey hijabs don't need a lot of effort to style as they can simply be wrapped around and pinned with minimal fuss. Perfect for work (and those lazy days!). I'm looking forward to ordering a few more once I've cleared some space on my hijab hanger =)



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RMK Cleansing Balm [review]

Now here's something that I don't often do (and is probably the biggest BBlogger no-no!) and that is do a review after I've finished using the product and realise that I haven't actually got any photo's of it. Anyway, I got the RMK Cleansing Balm in the March Birchbox and it sat around for months, untouched and just left to gather dust. A few weeks ago, I found it and decided to give it a try instead of my usual Cleanse and Polish.

In short, this is a pretty awesome cleanser. You only need a small amount and simply massage over the face and it removes everything from stubborn eyeliner to waterproof mascara. It's ideal to use with a muslin cloth, but if I couldn't be bothered, it's just as quick to remove with water. Because it's a balm, it doesn't dry out your skin and just feels a lot more luxurious than a cleanser that foams and lathers up. The solid balm melts into a creamy liquid when it's applied so it doesn't take any effort to apply and remove. The rose scent might not appeal to some but it didn't bother me. I used this almost every evening after work to remove my makeup and I'm just sad to see it finish. It doesn't irritate sensitive skin and is safe to use around the eye area (which I was a little apprehensive of when I was first removing my eyeliner). I would definitely repurchase this, even though it is a little pricey (£29 for 100g).

Have you tried this cleansing balm? Or any cleansing balms? Let me know what you think of them in the comments =)

And don't forget to enter my giveaway over here =)





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Review: Bioderma Atoderm PO Zinc Creme

Bioderma's Atoderm range of products were designed for very dry skin types, which also includes eczema and atopic dermatitis. Following on from the Bioderma UK launch event (blog post), I was given the opportunity to test out the Atoderm PO Zinc Crème for myself. After testing it out for over 3 months, here's what I think of the product.

 

The Atoderm PO Zinc Crème is an ultra-soothing cream specifically for irritated, very dry, sensitive skin. This pretty much describes my skin, especially when the eczema flares up. The cream itself is not too thick (which is what's usually the case with products designed for very dry skin) and absorbs into the skin quickly (great for mornings when I need to rush to get ready). I apply the cream at least twice a day on the patches of eczema near my eyes and around my ears, usually in the morning and then once again before bed. As my eczema does flare up more during colder weather (I'm not exactly sure why), I was applying more cream onto the affected areas to both soothe the eczema and stop me from itching it.

 

Since I've started using it, the patches of eczema have definitely reduced and they are not as dry and as irritated as before. This is not the product to use if you want instant results, but with consistent use over time, the eczema will lessen. I've already picked up a second one as a backup for when this one finishes!

 

 

Do you have eczema? What products do you use to keep it at bay?

 





 

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*This product was sent for review purposes. The review is based on my own thoughts and experience of using the product.

 

 

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Review: Avene Thermal Spring Water

It's been a while since I've last blogged! Work has been taking over, especially because the Summer term is the busiest with all the extra activities going on. Hopefully I'll be blogging a little more when the Summer holidays arrive! Onto the blog post =)

I've only been using this for a few months and already it has become a staple product in my daily makeup routine. The Avene Thermal Spring Water is a multipurpose products which can be used as a refreshing spray when your skin feels dry and tight. It can also help sooth sunburn and skin irritation as well as being used as a cleanser for your face.

I've actually been using it to set my makeup in the mornings, and have also been carrying it in my bag so I can use it during the day. The 50ml can makes it ideal to carry around, but it's also available in 150ml and 300ml from Boots. It's suitable for sensitive skin as it doesn't contain any fragrances or chemicals which may cause irritation (perfect for my eczema). I love that it just gives a fine mist of spring water, which helps set my mineral makeup instead of ruining it. This is definitely my go-to product this summer and it'll be perfect for the upcoming summer holidays. At the price of £3.15, it's also a product I'd recommend you try out (because you really can't go wrong at that price) =)




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