Face Masks To Renew & Hydrate

I have to admit I'm not a big lover of face masks, I have to be super careful because of my sensitive skin and I always find that I'm forever being let down by them. Never the less I'm a sucker for good publicity and these guys have had nothing but. I don't have a great deal of specific skin problems so all I really need for a good pamper sesh is a hydrating mask when my skin is a little dehydrated, and a good exfoliating mask to rejuvenate.

What I love the most about these two is that I haven't been disappointed by them, they've served me well and for that I bow down to them. The Origins Drink Up-Intensive Overnight Mask is a thick and luxurious treat. I tend to stick with this in the winter when my skin is really dry and needs a little help, but occasionally I'll whack it out in the summer for a little pampering (that whole sentence didn't sound appropriate, I apologise). It continuously gives me plump and hydrated skin the morning after and in the colder months it's an essential in the nighttime routine. 

The REN F10 Smooth and Renew Mask is a great way to get exfoliating if you have very sensitive skin and find scrubs a bit harsh. This gel mask is extremely thick and sticky but leaves the skin looking brighter and renewed after use. It has a strange citrus smell to it, which some people may love but I'm not overly keen. But in the cases of facemasks it's how they work not how they smell that is the main factor. 

What face masks are a must have in your skincare routine? Do you care about the smell of masks or is it substance over style? 

REN F10 Smooth & Renew Mask

I have very sensitive skin so exfoliators, which contain beads, can be a little too harsh on me. I therefore decided to look into other forms of exfoliation. 

This mask by REN was being raved about by so many other sensitive skinned beauty lovers, that I thought it would be rude not to give it a go. I'd never tried anything from REN before but I will definitely be checking out more of their products after testing out this and a few samples they sent me with my order. 

The packaging is simple yet classic and tells you exactly what you need to know without confusing you with medical jargon e.g. 'Gently exfoliates and renews the complexion'. Pretty straight forward, plus it does what it says on the tin!  It also comes with a very handy cap to pop over the pump after every use; I hate having product smeared all over the packaging. The mask itself is a very thick orange substance which feels pretty sticky, I have to say it's not the most pleasant feeling product and feels really heavy on the skin, but it is a mask so I don't mind. After leaving this on for 10 minutes I wash it off with the small muslin cloth that comes included with the mask.  This just adds that extra bit of exfoliation to make sure you get all those nasty dead skin cells off. 

The first time I used this I immediately saw a difference in how bright my skin was, and it definitely exfoliated without any irritation or redness occurring. The F10 mask is the sensitive skin counterpart to the Glycolactic Radiance Renewal mask (which I got a sample of but have yet to try out) and I have to say I am very impressed with how gentle it is on my skin. 

I like to use this 1-2 times a week to keep my skin feeling fresh and renewed and find it fits nicely amongst my normal skincare routine. This mask is a great alternative for those of us with sensitive skin who find normal exfoliators too harsh, no more red blotchiness and sensitive cheeks!

RRP: £20

    

June/July Collective Haul!

  I'm not going to lie, I've been a bit naughty with my money lately. I am supposed to be saving for a potential tour of the US after graduation, but I'm the worst saver ever! I have managed to bag a few things that I've been eye balling forever though, so I suppose I can justify my spends right?  

This haul right here is a bog ole' collection of the goodies I've bought in the past two months. Some of it I needed, some of it I just plain wanted!

First up is the Fast shampoo and conditioner set. I did a sort of starter review on this here, I will be doing updates on how my hair is getting along with it though. I've used it in the past and it proved succesful so thought I'd give it another bash now that it's available in Boots.

Then we have the Barry M Gelly nail paints. You probably already know that I'm OBSESSED with Barry M. They are by far the best nail polishes I have ever used and I have quite a few in my collection. I decided to take advantage of Superdrug's 3 for 2 nails offer and grab the entire summer collection. I also picked up a confetti nail effects polish in Sour Apple to complete the offer (there's only 5 shades in the summer collection).

If you read my July lust list, which can be found here if you're interested, you will have seen this little gem. This is the Urban Decay Glinda Palette and I've been in love with it since it was first released. I love the fact that the actual palette can be kept and reused, it really makes a lovely addition to my palette collection. You also get a free 24/7 pencil in Rockstar and a Saturated Lip Color in Glinda, bargain. 

 I also picked up another Nivea Regenerating Night Cream because I ran out of my last one, I decided to try the normal to combination skin formula this time around. I usually go for the dry to sensitive skin version but fancied a change. 

We then have the products that I've bought purely from reading blogs, you guys are not good for my bank balance. First we have the REN F10 Smooth and Renew mask. I bought this after reading Little Red's review and it was also in my July Lust List post. I wanted an exfoliating mask that was kind on sensitive skin and didn't contain any beads, this guy sounded perfect. I've never tried any REN products before so I'm excited to use this! I also got two lovely samples, one of the Glycolatic mask and one of the Hydra Day Cream.

I also grabbed a bottle of Moroccanoil from Regis in the Trafford Centre. I've heard constant praise for Moroccanoil but was always just too frugal to pay out. I only bought the 25ml bottle because I just wanted to give it a test drive, I have to say I will be purchasing the full size when this runs out.

Finally I picked up some of Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. I got this because Caroline Hirons was raving about it and I'm trying to stay away from frothy cleansers. I've had one go of this so far and I have to say I'm pretty impressed. 

So that's all I got guys, I will be doing reviews of everything so keep an eye out and make sure you're following me on Bloglovin!

Have you tried any of my recent purchases?

 

July Lust List

I've been reading sooo many blogs lately that I have developed a rather long list of items I really really want to try. I thought I'd share some of the products that have really tickled my fancy. I am determined to own all of these by the end of the month! Money or no money (no money being the most likely). 

1. Gucci Premiere EDP - £45 30ml 

One of my all time favourite perfumes that I can never afford! I absolutely love the smell of this and often go into department stores just to take a sniff. Unfortunately it is extremely expensive, with the 30ml bottle costing a whopping £45! A girl can dream hey.

2. MAC Lipstick in Coral Bliss - £15

This is a MAC Lipstick that I've had my eye on for a while but just never seem to buy. With the prices of MAC lipsticks ever rising, it is getting harder and harder for me to be able to afford these luscious lippys. I am determined that I will own this, and soon. 

3. Moroccanoil Light Oil Treatment - £12.85 25ml

After trying the Organix version, I'm intrigued to see how it compares to the lord of all hair oil. Someone pointed out to me that the main ingredient of the Organix Moroccan Argan Oil was silicone, bad Organix! I want to see if the real stuff makes THAT much more of a difference. 

4. Dr. Jart+ Regenerating BB Cream - £21

Every beauty blogger and her dog has been praising this BB cream and I want to see why! There's 3 to choose from and the regenerating version is apparently the one that suits my sensitive skin the best. My skins been clearing up a lot lately and I want something that I can slap on when nipping out, this might just be the answer.

5. REN F10 Smooth & Renew Peel Mask - £20

I have Little Red to thank for this. After reading her review I was immediately hooked. I find it hard to find masks that agree with my sensitive skin, this one is apparently fine and dandy! I'm always after something to give me smooth radiant skin and this looks rather tempting. I have seen this in the REN Sensitive Skin Starter Set for £19, so I may buy that so that I can test out a few REN products at the same time. 

6. Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Mask - £23.95 250ml 

Another product I've seen featured on many blogs. I haven't tried any Macadamia products as of yet and I love a good hair mask. With growing my hair out, I'm constantly on the lookout for products to keep my hair healthy during the growing out process. This looks a good a place as any to start testing out Macadamia products.

7. Urban Decay Glinda Palette - £36

I very nearly bought this instead of the Naked 2 palette, I've wanted to get my mitts on this since the day it came out! I think the main appeal of this for me is the idea of a reusable palette. The packaging is so beautiful and would be a great addition to my collection that I could use again and again. Plus you get a pencil liner and a lip crayon! 

Have you tried and tested any of these products? Would you recommend them?