The Video: My Skincare Routine

It has been a while since I posted a blog but it is something I really want to get back in to.  I am a full time trainee dental nurse by day and as I am coming to the end of my course I have been rather busy finalising coursework and things which explains my absence from my blog.  I am back though, not only back to my blog but I am also posting videos on YouTube.  I have embedded the playlist to all of my videos I have done so far, starting with my skincare routine which does completely consist of Origins, I can't help it, there products work so well for my dry skin.  Grab a cup of tea, sit back and enjoy.

The Origins Edit

I've been searching high and low for skincare products that actually do good for my skin.  Up until I found Origins I had tried, tested and chucked out far too many products.  I actually felt like giving up, my skin was the driest it had ever been yet all of the moisturisers I was using were causing me to break out.  What a nightmare I can tell you.  I visited Origins in John Lewis West Quay and the lady I spoke to was very helpful.  I left with huge knowledge on Origins skincare and lots of little sample pots of the products she felt would be good for me.  They also offer free facials to help you find the perfect products suited to your skin.  Over the last few weeks my skin is finally starting to pick up and look happy, so because of that I thought I would share with you the products that have been working so well for me.  

Origins 'A Perfect World' Cleanser

This cleanser is focused more on nourishing the skin whilst cleaning rather than stripping your face clean.  This was important for me because my skin was so dry, with this cleanser I don't necessarily have to moisturise after using as my skin already feels really soft.  Its a gentle cleanser that sweeps the dirt from the face leaving you feeling clean, fresh and with 'baby bum' soft skin.  What a perfect world.

Origins 'Out Of Trouble' Mask

A Mask that does exactly what it says on the tube, gets your skin out of trouble.  It's important not to overuse this mask as it is quite drying, but with sensible use (meaning only when your skin is troubled with blemishes) its a really good mask that actually leaves my skin feeling soft.  You can apply it all over on freshly cleaned skin or even just pop it on your spots.  I like to leave it on for 10-20 minutes until its hardened and then I will wash off with a flannel leaving my skin happy and healthy.

Origins 'Drink Up Intensive' Mask

Okay, this is a great one for dry skin.  With my first use of this mask my skin was incredibly dry, when I woke up the next morning to wash it off my skin was so moist and hydrated I literally couldn't believe it.  How can one use of one mask turn my skin around overnight?  Well, this one can.  You apply it on a bit like a moisturiser, but leaving it sitting on the skin so it can soak in.  I usually put it on about 20 minutes before I'm going to bed which gives it enough time to sink into the skin before you go to sleep.  And if your worried about leaving a mask on overnight or your skin isn't that dry, you can also use it like a normal mask and wash it off after 10-20 minutes.

Origins 'GinZing' Moisturiser

This is just the best smelling moisturiser you will ever own, being fresh and fruity.  It's a really lightweight, hydrating moisturiser that is free from oil so won't clog your pores and give you a break out.  It contains coffee beans which makes it quite brightening and energising on the skin, making you look more awake than you really are.  After using this I feel like I have to get the GinZing Eye Cream.  It's on my wish list.

What are your favourite Origins products for skincare?

Lily-flame Candles

There's nothing like sitting in front of some freshly lit candles for some blogging inspiration.  The smell and the warm glowing flame somehow manages to completely send my mind into another world, one where all things cosy and beautiful takes over.  My candle addiction started years ago when I was first introduced to Yankee.  Before that candles were just something that my mum seemed to like, a lot, and I can't really say that at the time I understood why.  Well, one winters afternoon I decided to splash the cash and treat myself to one (or a few) of these Yankee candles that were so often raved about.  From then on I literally became obsessed, and admittedly I was very loyal to these amazingly scented candles for quite some time until that is I stumbled across Lily-flame candles.  Oh, how I've found heaven in a jar, or a tin in some cases.

I'll just jump straight in and tell you why these beauties are ranked above Yankee on my candle loving chart (that doesn't actually exist by the way).  The smell.  Need I say any more?  Firstly, there are so many different scents to choose from.  I seem to prefer the more fresh, girly, floral scents such as Fairy Dust, Rose Petals or Blush but there are plenty more available.  Secondly, after lighting these candles my room is instantly filled with beautiful, sweet aromas that lasts for the whole evening (even after being blown out) without being too overpowering.

Of course these wonderful creations have other elements of delightfulness too which make me want to repurchase again and again and again.  For one, they look really pretty.  The wax itself has four different coloured spikes around the wick that looks really nice (for as long as they last anyway).  You can buy them in glass jars or small tins, I personally like both and often switch up between them.  Another factor that makes these candles ever so special is the tiny descriptions they all have printed on the label, for example The first kiss of the night or Invisible and true or A delicate handful.  Each one has its own description and it makes you feel like you can pick a candle depending on what mood you are in or what you are doing.  Last of all I would just like to mention that these candles last for ages, what a winner.

What are your favourite candles?  Have you ever tried the Lily-flame ones?

The Lancome Eye

Ever since I started wearing make-up I've simply swung from product to product trying to find the perfect mascara which creates lots of volume and length without being too clumpy.  I've tried both drugstore and higher end but not once have I ever purchased the same mascara twice.  It wasn't that I was particularly unhappy with any of the mascara's I was using, I was just on the hunt for something better.  This Christmas my wonderful boyfriend gave me lots of lovely LANCÔME goodies and among them was the HYPNÔSE DRAMA mascara and the CRAYON KHÔL eyeliner.  Since both of these products have officially become staples in my make-up bag I thought I would talk to you about both.

Turns out this mascara is everything I had been looking for, if not more.  Upon opening of this beauty I wasn't sure what to expect, it was just another mascara to try, right? Wrong.  The brush is curved allowing for high volume and thicker looking lashes without all of the unwanted clumps (I can hear all of your screams of joy now).  Not only can you create big, bold, full body lashes for those nights out, you can also apply it with lighter strokes to add length for the days where you want to wear the "no make-up, make-up" look.  Perfect for us ladies working in a job where minimal make-up is allowed.

So, what's so special about the Crayon Khol eyeliner I hear you ask?  Well, the eyeliner itself is quite creamy and pigmented enabling for a really easy application whether you are hoping to achieve a crisp, sophisticated look or a dramatic smokey eye.  The sharp pencil lets me apply it quite seamlessly for a defined natural eye, which is the look I mostly go for, but it is also super blend-able which means I can even get in there with a brush to smudge it out for that sultry, "bedroom eyes" look.

These beauty essentials work hand in hand together and I can safely say that I will be purchasing again.

What is your favourite mascara or eyeliner?  Have you also tried these Lancome products?

Maybelline Baby Lips

I've been on the hunt for a moisturising lip balm with a hint of natural colour for some time now.  You see, I quite often suffer with dry lips and I tend to play it safe using Vaseline or Burts Bees (two incredibly hydrating treats for my dry lips).  I've recently heard a few good things about the Maybelline Baby Lips and I thought it was about time I gave it a try.  I picked one up from Superdrug in Cherry Me, not really sure what to expect, but it looked cute.

I haven't tested this lip balm for a long period of time but I am absolutely sure that it makes my lips considerably softer than anything I have put on my lips before.  The added bonus to this lip balm over any I have previously tried is that it tints my lips with just the right amount of colour and shine that creates healthier looking lips without being too over the top, especially for work.

If we are going to be picky then the only negative I could find with it is that the packaging seems very "supermarket chapstick".  For such a perfect lip balm I was almost disappointed by the cheap feel of the plastic, especially when opening and closing the product.  Still, for £2.99 you really can't complain.

Have you tried Maybelline Baby Lips before?  How did you find it?

January Favourites

I've decided to post beauty and lifestyle vlogs on YouTube and my first video has gone up today.  I'm going to try and link my blog to my YouTube channel as much as I can and I will be trying my best to post a video every Sunday.  In my first video I'm talking a little bit of my current beauty favourites.  Let me know in the comments what you think.

Watch The Video Here

Inside My Make-up Bag

Every week flies by me without a second thought and I have now found myself at my boys house with none of the products that I was intending to blog about.  So instead of telling you all about how fantastic I think the Lily-Flame candles are or about how creamy and long lasting I find the Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick collection I am going to dip into my make-up bag and share with you my everyday make-up.  All of the pictures above show everything I am currently wearing on a daily basis.

First up is my Lancome Teint Visionnaire Skin Perfecting Makeup duo.  Now, in all honesty finding the perfect foundation for my skin is an ongoing struggle.  I've tried a fair few and whilst this Lancome one is the best I've tried so far it still battles to blend out nicely when my skin is having a dry, angry day.  This foundation does actually come with a concealer but I feel it is quite thick and difficult to smooth onto my skin and I would much rather use a liquid concealer.

Which brings me onto the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer.  A lot of people have had very good things to say about this concealer and I have to say it took me a while to really be convinced that such a cheap concealer could work so well.  I use it under my eyes and to cover any blemishes I might have and it lasts me all day, what more could you want?!

For bronzer, which I lightly dust over my whole face, I use the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Soft Shimmer Bronzer in 02.  I actually got this for christmas in 2012 and I have used it ever since.  Its the perfect bronze for my face with a slight glow but without being too sparkly.

My favourite blush currently is the Lancome Blush Subtil Palette that actually comes with a sculpt, blush and highlight.  On an everyday basis I tend to only use the blush, its the perfect peachy pink shade for the apples of my cheeks.

I find shaping my eyebrows a real effort, especially on days where I am in a rush and I really can't be bothered to spend time getting them right.  So when I found the Topshop brow pencil and discovered how easy it was to use I was really, really happy. Their make-up range surprises me more and more all of the time and this particular brow pencil has become a staple product in my make-up bag.

Moving onto the eyes I like to keep it quite simple.  I use the Lancome Hypnose Drama everyday without a fail.  The brush of this mascara amazes me.  It is quite curved so that when  you apply the mascara it applies thicker on the outer corner of your lashes which I love.  I am currently using a sample size of this one because I had a couple in gift sets that I had for Christmas, but I can safely say that I have already ditched my previous mascara and as soon as this runs out I will be purchasing the full size.

For liner in the day I actually prefer to use a Pencil rather than a liquid.  I find that the liquid always seems too thick and dark on my lids no matter how thin I apply it.  This of course is fine for nights out but in the day I prefer my liner to be quite smokey and simple. The one I am using and loving at the moment is the Lancome Le Crayon Khol in 01 Noir.

I find that my lips need quite a lot of attention as they can get quite dry quite quickly which isn't great.  I use the Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm which I find to be extremely moisturising and also adds a bit of colour.  I'll also sometimes use a lipstick, depending on where I am going or how I am feeling, and I am currently loving the Lancome L'absolu Rouge in 132.  It is a very classic and christmassy red which I think is beautiful.

I try to minimise the amount of brushes I use on a daily basis as it means if I go away somewhere I don't have to take too many with me.  To apply my foundation I use the Lancome Foundation Brush No.2, to apply my concealer I use the Bare Minerals Max Coverage Concealer Brush and for my blusher and bronzer I use the Lancome Cheek & Countour Brush No.25.

As I said before, these are just my everyday products that manage to make me look alive.  What products are you loving and using at the moment?

Love Ellie