Soap and Glory Skincare Series - 5 - The Fab Pore 2-in-1 Pore Purifying Mask and Peel

Even just reading the name of these Soap and Glory products I feel slightly tongue tied! Today is the fifth instalment of a little series I'm doing every month looking at a product that I've tried from the Soap and Glory Skincare Range which I absolutely love!

This past month or so I've been trying out the 'Fab Pore 2-in-1 Pore Purifying Facial Mask and Peel'. This is a mask that you leave on for 15 minutes and claims to battle breakouts, minimise large pores and exfoliate the skin.

This mask is a light green colour sort of paste which goes on quite thick. I apply quite a good layer over my whole face really focusing on my T-zone and over the tops of my cheeks where I seem to get quite large pores. I then leave it on for the 15 minutes and use a soft cloth to wipe it off with warm water.

Using this mask I think has definitely helped pep up my skin a bit! After using it I notice that my skin is a bit brighter, a lot smoother and it has been helping me control my breakouts a bit (seeing as I've been having so many of them lately!) It has small micro-beads in as well which really help exfoliate. The scent of this isn't too strong and it just leaves my skin feeling nice and fresh!

Have you tried any good masks lately?

Soap and Glory Skincare Series - 4 - Puffy Eye Attack Turbo-Boost Hydragel

My fourth product I've looked at this past month or so as part of my Soap and Glory Skincare review series is the 'Puffy Eye Attack Turbo-Boost Hydragel'. This is an eye cream that is supposed to help with dark circles under the eyes and puffiness. 

With first use, I found that this made my eyes sting slightly but I seem to have found that with first use of a lot of the Soap and Glory products and that it goes away by the second use. I noticed results however almost immediately! Within a couple of days I did see a slight difference in brightness and a slight reduce in the puffiness under my eyes! (I'm not great at sleeping so my under eye circles are quite bad!)

I use this both in the morning and evening after I apply my moisturiser and dab a tiny amount in all under my eye up to the inner corner and all the way to the bottom of my dark circles with my ring finger - this is the best finger to use as it doesn't pull on the skin at all! I also found that this was nice and moisturising for under my eyes when putting on concealer. Before using this I found that under my eyes was really dry and my concealer didn't sit so well and this has really helped to stop that!

I've used this for over a month now and really like it! I skipped using it a couple of evenings to see if I could notice any difference and again it was almost immediate! The next morning my dark circles were a lot worse and I struggled to cover them!

The tub for this is 14ml so it's really nice and compact and you only use a tiny dab so this will definitely last ages and I definitely recommend it a try! 

Have you tried any new skincare products lately you've loved?

(Also if anyone has any recommendations I'd love to hear them, I seem to be having a tough time with my skin at the moment - breakouts, make up not lasting, pigmentation issues - so I'd love to know if anyone's tried anything they would recommend for a girl with combination skin!)

Soap and Glory Skincare Series - 3 - Instant Radiance Energy Boost Balm

In my third edition to my skincare review series of Soap and Glory products I've been trying out the 'Bright Here Bright Now Instant Radiance Energy Boost Balm' (bit of a tongue tangler!). This is a skin-perfecting cream which claims to lift, energise, tighten and brighten the skin and give a super-radiant glow! My skin has been lacking recently and I feel I quite often go through stages with my skin where it just seems a bit dull and doesn't react well to my make up, so thought I would try this out and see if it helped at all.

 

At first try of this one, as with many of the other Soap and Glory products, it did tingle slightly whilst it soaked in, but by the second go I didn't even notice it was on my skin! It has a bit of a strong scent when you initially pop it onto the skin which I didn't like too much, but doesn't smell at all once rubbed in and soaks in really easily. The formula is pretty much that of a light moisturiser, which is how I like to use it, or it can be mixed in with your foundation/base products. 

I've noticed a slight difference with this, using it in the morning and letting it soak in before doing my make up. I've definitely noticed a bit of a skin-perfecting element (I don't expect it to do much without actual concealer added in as I do have quite bad scaring) and think that it just adds a bit of life to the skin with a bit of a radiance. It's not too brightening that you glow (I have combination skin so was slightly weary but I don't get any more oily in my t-zone than before using it) and it just adds a little highlight where needed! I think it would be really nice to use strategically as a subtle highlighter if you wanted!

I'm definitely going to be trying this out mixed in with tinted moisturiser next!

Have you tried any skincare products recently you've loved?

Autumn Beauty Menu

As with most people, when the season changes so does my make up routine. I love all the autumnal colours, all the deep golds, purples, burgandys and berries and love experimenting with the season. So I thought I'd put together a little 'make up and beauty menu' of a few bits I love wearing for Autumn!

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in 'On and On Bronze' - Great for just a sweep of colour over the lids, as a primer or built up as a base for a gold smokey eye look!

Sleek Contour Kit in 'Light' - Even though Summer's over I still love a good bronze to keep the tan going a bit longer. I love using this as an eye shadow too!

Maybelline Colour Drama Lip Crayon in ' Keep it Classy' - I absolutely love berry lips and this lip pencil is so great! It's so easy to apply and doesn't feel at all drying on the lips, I'm definitely going to be picking up more colours!

Benefit Rockateur Blush - This is probably one of my favourite blushes of all time, I think it's perfect for this time of year though! Gone are the corals and pinks of Summer, instead this has a slightly darker tone and gives the cheeks a warm natural flush

Max factor Colour Elixir lipstick in 'Burnt Caramel' - This is a great one to wear everyday, it's a bit deeper than a 'your lips but better' colour so great for this season to just add a slight colour!

Deep Red, Plum and Nude Nail Polish - I love darker nail colours a lot of the time and these are great for Autumn. If not then light greys and nudes are my definite go to

Urban Decay Naked Palette - I could probably use this quite easily all year round. The only difference this season is the colours, at the moment I'm loving using the darker colours and really building them up for a slightly more smokey look or sheering them for a more natural look

What products are you loving this Autumn?

September Favourites

Another one of my favourite posts to read or videos to watch is people's monthly favourites. So, I thought I'd start to join in and let you know a few of the things that I've been loving this month.

• MAC Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 - I got this to try out a few weeks ago as I'm trying not to wear foundation everyday. I really like this just to even out my skin tone a little, the coverage isn't great but for everyday it's lovely and light.
• Garnier Ambre Solaire After Sun Hydrating Tan Maintainer - Having been lucky enough to go on holiday in July and then away for the weekend last week, I've still got a nice tan and think this stuff has definitely helped me keep it!
• Botanics All Bright Refreshing Eye Roll-On - Going on holiday in Summer, I wanted to try a new eye cream to brighten under my eyes a bit when I wasn't wearing any make up. I've really noticed the difference when using this and love how cooling the roller is!
• Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in 'Nudist' - I used to wear this all the time last year, but for some reason I've neglected it the past few months. When I was getting a '3 for 2' in Boots, I had to pick one up though, remembering how much I loved it. I've pretty much worn it just about everyday this month!
• New Look Checked Shirt - I bought this shirt late August but have worn it so much in September. I like that you can switch it up and make it warmer when its cold by layering or leave it open when its a bit warmer.

What have you been loving this past month?

Love Hope xxx

What's in my Make Up Bag?

One of the posts I most love to read or videos I most love to watch are 'What's in my Make Up Bag' editions. Both because I like being nosy, but also because I like to see what people trust to use everyday and have tried and tested. So I thought that was what I would do for you today.

Most of the items in my everyday make-up routine I've used for quite a while with only the eye and lip products really switching up between the days. I also have got into the routine of not wearing foundation every day so at the moment don't have one I'm loving!

• Benefit Porefessional Primer - I love this primer, it smooths on so lovely and really helps keep my make up in place throughout the day.
• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer on 'Warm Medium 3' - This concealer has been a staple in my make up bag for years and I've repurchased it so many times I don't think I'll ever be without it!
• Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer on 'Soft Beige' - I love this concealer for under my eyes and really love it, it so brightening and moisturizing, great for those dark circles!
• Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot - I used to only use Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, but tried this one and I think I like it just as much!
• Make Up Revolution Baked Bronzer in 'Golden Days' - I picked this up about a month ago and have used it pretty much everyday since, it's gives a lovely glow but is so nice and natural too. 
• Benefit Rockateur Blusher - Possibly my favourite ever blush! I always go back to this one and love how it looks on each skin tone different times of the year. 
• Benefit They're Real Mascara - Another favourite of mine for ages, I've never found a mascara I liked just this much!
• Soap and Glory Archery Brow Tint and Precision Pencil in ' Love is Blonde' - I can spend ages on my brows and love how easy this is to use, the tint is great and pencil really waxy so looks really natural. 
• Soap and Glory Supercat Black Eyeliner - I used a L'Oreal eyeliner for year but tried this one and never looked back. Being a pen, it's so easy to use!
• Soap and Glory Sexy Motherpucker Gloss Stick in 'Nudist' - One of my favourite lip products ever! I have repurchased this so many time and love this colour for everyday wear.
• Maybelline Baby Lips in 'Cherry Me' - As seen in  many of my previous posts, I always carry this and wear it in the morning to both moisturise and give the perfect natural tinted colour.
• Sleek Contour Kit in 'Light' - A great travel item with both a bronzer and contour that are greatly pigmented and blend really well.
• Real Techniques Brushes (Expert Face Brush, Blush Brush, Multitask Brush) - I love these brushes and don't want to ever be without them! They're so soft and easy to wash and really help create a great base for make up!

Do you have any make up bag favourites?

Love Hope xxx

Soap and Glory Skincare Series - Facial Wash

So recently I decided to start a little series for my blog of a brand that I absolutely love! I have always had quite troublesome skin (as many teenagers find) and am extremely strict with myself when it comes to skincare. No matter what, I will always remove all my make up at night, cleanse my face (not with a facial wipe either) and moisturise without fail. However, like many people, I still strive for that perfect, blemish free skin and am always eager to try new things. 

Soap and Glory has become one of my favourite make up and body and bath brands over the years and from the get go of them being in Boots I fell in love with pretty much everything they bring out.  Quite conveniently a couple months ago, I was just coming to the end of my facial wash and wanted a new one, so popped into Boots and picked up this 'Face Soap and Clarity 3-IN-1 Daily Detox Vitamin C Facial Wash'.

This facial wash is really lovely, it feels and smells really fresh and does leave your skin feeling really clear even when you've had a full face of make up on all day. It has tiny 'scrub beads' which gently exfoliate and get rid of any dead skin. The first time I used this it did feel slightly odd as I had used the Liz Earle Hot Cloth cleanse and polish for a while, however for only £8.00 (and also normally either on 3 for 2 or special offer) you can't really go wrong. The 150ml bottle has also lasted me about a month or more using it both morning and evening every day so well worth the price and more!

I'd always rather spend a bit extra on skincare as in the long run it means you would hopefully not have to wear as much make up. I'd definitely recommend giving this a go if you want a bit of a change up in your skincare routine (as long as you check it fits your skin type which it should hopefully do most) and want to try something new!

Let me know if you like this little series or if you have any skincare products you really like?

Love Hope xxx

Packing for Holiday - My Travel Make Up Essentials

Following my post on Tuesday of the toiletries that I take on holiday, I thought I would do one on the make up I like to take when I travel too. Here are a few of the bits I took with me this year...

• Benefit Porefessional Primer - My absolute favourite primer ever!
• Garnier Skin Perfector Daily All-In-One BB Cream - I used this in the evenings for a bit of coverage that still lets skin shine through and was really natural looking
• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 'Warm Medium' - For those sneaky blemishes, I only really used a little of this in the evenings instead of foundation
• Soap and Glory Kick Ass Concealer 3 Piece Camouflage Kit - I like to use this under the eyes as its got a peachy tone and yellow tone to cancel out those dark circles, the setting powder is great too!
• Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot Translucent Mattifying Powder - As I have combination skin, I always need a good powder to keep away that shine. I tried this one out on holiday and really liked it!
• Sleek Contour Kit in 'Medium' - As both a bronzer and highlighter, this is great for travelling and really showing off that glowing tanned skin! 
• Benefit Rockateur Blush - A staple in my make up bag, I wore this everyday on holiday!
• Soap and Glory Archery Brow Tint and Precision Pencil - Eyebrows are very important to me! This pen/pencil is great at keeping them looking natural but also perfect!
• Soap and Glory Supercat Black Eyeliner Pen - My favourite liquid eyeliner at the moment, it's really easy to apply and hasn't dried out despite me having it for months now
• Urban Decay Naked Palette - A go to palette for holidays, with gorgeous golden and champagne colours, this is all you could want for an evening eye shadow that takes seconds.
• Benefit They're Real Mascara - Another favourite of mine, I couldn't be without it!
• Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in 'Nudist' - I've repurchased this so many times I may as well just have a standing order. This is my favourite nude lipstick and such a lovely formula
• Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick in 'Neon Red' - This bright red lipstick is probably my favourite one in my whole collection and looks great with a tan!
• Natural Collection Mango and Papaya Lip gloss - I've been buying this lip gloss since I was about 11 and will forever, it's just a clear lip gloss that feels really nice on the lips and both smells and tastes amazing, what more could you want?

These are just a few of the main bits I took on holiday with me this year. I also took some extra lip products (as I said before I am a major over packer) and also took my Benefit Hoola bronzer, a set of Sleek blushers just in case and a few other bits and bobs.

What make up items do you take on holiday with you? Is there anything you couldn't live without?

Love Hope xxx

Packing for Holiday - My Travel Toiletry Essentials

When going on holiday I am the ultimate over-packer in every sense! I always worry that I'm going to need something and especially when it comes to make up or toiletries, I worry that I won't be able to buy it there and my skin might not react well. So I decided to put together a few of my holiday toiletries essentials that I just couldn't live without this year.

• Soap and Glory Face Soap and Clarity 3-in-1 Daily Detox Vitamin C Facial Wash - My favourite facial wash of the moment, it's got gentle exfoliating beads in as well so no need to take that with you on top!
• Soap and Glory The Fab Pore Daily Micro Smoothing Moisture Lotion - Keeping skin hydrated in the sun is a must!
• Nivea Daily Essentials Tinted Moisturising Day Cream SPF 8 in Natural - For a little bit of colour without needing any foundation on holiday, I use this in the morning just to even my skin tone a bit and the built in SPF is great!
• Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter - Lovely for a bit of luxury for your skin after a day in the sun.
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste - Not much to explain there...
• Hairbrush - ...or here really
• Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - My favourite thing for taking off make up or just refreshing your skin after a long day. Also great when using cotton buds for cleaning up eye make up.
• Tresemme Heat Defence Styling Spray - A must especially when going somewhere hot as your hairs already experiencing a lot of heat in the sun all day.
• Andrew Barton Brightening and Re hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner - I'm trying this out at the moment and really like the fresh citrus smell for summer!
• Tresemme Hair Spray - To keep the humidity off those locks!
• Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in Cherry Me - With a bit of a tint to it, I love this to really bring out your tan and make your skin look more healthy and glowy, amazing that a lip balm can do this!
• Botanics All Bright Refreshing Eye Roll-On - No need for under eye concealer in the day when you're just lounging by the pool. This helps to brighten without any make-up and feels so nice when you put keep it in the fridge!

So there's just a few bits that I wouldn't be without when going away

Love Hope xxx