Mint Macaroon Nails

Happy Saturday!!

Wanted to do a quick post on the nail polish I used today. Cheap and cheerful with a brilliant finish! 

I used Sally Hansen 'Hard As Nails' and NYC Expert Last Nail Polish in 'Mint Macaroon'

I always start my nails with a base coat and right now I am loving Sally Hansen 'Hard As Nails'. I use it as a base coat and a top coat. I easily get a week out of my polish when I do this. 

 

I recently bought NYC Expert Last Nail Polish in 'Mint Macaroon'. At the bargain price of €1.99 I was delighted. I expected the polish to be watery and of lesser quality than more expensive brands, but to my surprise the colour turned out great.  

 

Have a great Saturday!!!

 

Love,

Elle x

Know Your Skin Type Test

It can be a daunting task to figure out which category you fall into so here is a small test to help you navigate through the different skin types and hopefully you'll be able to figure out which one you are.

Not only will you get to know your own skin a bit more, you'll also be able to buy the right products to help care for it.
 

1. After washing, your skin feels:
 

A. so tight that it hurts to smile

B. clean, but it gets shiny 20-30mins later 

C. just fine

D. slightly shiny 20-30 mins later, only on the t-zone

2. When you don't use a night cream the night before, your skin looks:

A. oily

B. rough & flaky

C. the same as it did the night before

D. shiny, only on the t-zone

3. The pores on your t-zone are:
 

A. Barely visible, even when I am close to the mirror

B. clearly visible when I stand 30cm from the mirror

C. only visible close up or with a magnifying mirror

D. somewhat visible in a regular mirror

Answers

Mostly A = dry skin

Mostly B = oily skin

Mostly C = normal skin

Mostly D = combination skin

My New Skin Care Routine

So I have decided its time for a change in my skin care routine. 

Since my teenage years I don't think there has been a time where my skin has been perfect. I have gone through years of skin problems and over those years I have tried so many different products & treatments to try and combat my unruly skin.

I was using Dermalogica for years and found it brilliant but over the last year my skin doesn't like it so much. Then I found out that some of their ingredients include parabens, which made me think twice before re-purchasing my usual products.

My skin has been breaking out badly and I got stuck into researching more natural ways to care for my skin. Not only is going natural better for your skin but also better for your purse too! Now don't get me wrong I still love brand name products but to cleanse and moisturise my skin I stick to my oils.

What oils do I use you ask?

At the minute I'm using olive oil and coconut oil and I have to say I love using these natural wonders on my skin. 

        Olive Oil

I like to use olive oil to cleanse my skin more so. It takes off even the most stubborn make up with ease and I just have to lightly massage my face to start breaking up the make-up. There is no scrubbing my eyes red raw to get mascara or eyeliner off.

 

              

          Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has to be my favourite as it penetrates right down into my skin. It gives my skin a gorgeous silky feeling and relieves all of the dry/flaky areas of my skin. 

Both can be used to cleanse & moisturise. But as I said above I usually cleanse with olive oil then moisturise with coconut oil. I also use Pai Skincare's Biogenerate oil before I go to bed to give my skin that extra boost.

This is my nightly routine and my skin is left super soft and bright in the morning. My acne scars benefit too, they are fading slowly with this skincare routine.

I urge everyone to try this out if you are looking for a new skincare routine. 

Your skin will thank you for it ;-)

Love, 

Elle x

ESPA Gift Set

I got this set as a Christmas present and had never really heard of ESPA, so wasn't quite sure what to expect.

 

 The gift set contains an energising shower gel and body moisturiser. With ingredients like English peppermint, Eucalyptus and Rosemary it is the perfect remedy if you need a pick me up after a hectic day or to ease you into a busy day ahead.

      

 

 

The packaging was very nice so I hoped for the best as I went to use them for the first time

I decided that the perfect time to use these products was after a long day at work before heading out the same night. I was in no mood to head out after work so I definatley needed a pick me up.

Well...

I can't even begin to tell you how amazing the shower gel was. The scent was simply hypnotic. I instantly felt energised and my tired mind came to life again. I took an extra 10 minutes in the shower it was that amazing! You don't need loads of the gel either a small bit goes along way. Although I kept putting more on my loofa because I couldn't get enough of it lol! 

After my shower I was so excited to get the moisturiser on my skin and to smell that wonderful scent again!  I wasn't disappointed here either, the same great smell  left me feeling even more alive but relaxed at the same time.

I was ready to get my dancing shoes on and run to the dance floor!

If you are looking for a  present for someone who has a hectic lifestyle but loves to be pampered this is perfect!

The set is £35 to buy and you can get it in ESPA Spas or online at http://www.espaskincare.com/gifts

Love Elle x

Healthy Snack Attack!

I have been looking for something to snack on during the day when I get an attack of the munchies. Something tasty that is good for me at the same time.

I have never been a fan of rice cakes and I used to hate when friends of mine would have them for lunch as the smell of them would turn my stomach.

But......

My opinion of rice cakes has recently changed, upon my finding of these little beauties. A friend of mine offered me one, one day and I said 'what the hey ill try one' and to my shock my taste buds tingled upon tasting them.

They are so yummy and tasty I often end up eating a whole bag in one sitting! 

I love the yoghurt and orange covered ones! They are not too strong in flavour which is good if your looking for something light to eat.

They also have Milk Chocolate flavour mmmmm!!! I have been meaning to buy a packet of this flavour to try it cause they do look delish! 

As these yummy treats have turned me into a rice cake lover they may turn you too!!!

Enjoy!!! :-)

Love, 

Elle x