Category Archives: beauty

Exploring Paris & French Skincare with La Roche-Posay | Advertorial

 
Comments Off on Exploring Paris & French Skincare with La Roche-Posay | Advertorial
 

It wasn’t until I developed adult acne, did I learn to appreciate good skincare. I’d always had relatively good skin, even throughout my teens and seemed to avoid that ‘life ending’ puberty led onslaught of acne. Of course I had the odd blemish here and there, but never anything too extreme.

Growing up with a single mother who didn’t care much for makeup, skincare or beauty products, I learnt through trial and error, and women’s magazines which skincare products to use. Needless to say, I picked up a few terrible beauty care tips… (Does anyone else shudder with horror at the thought of putting toothpaste on breakouts and baby powder in their hair now?)

When my skin was at its worst, It affected my self confidence in so many different ways. I was a shadow of my former self and I wasn’t sure on the best way to deal with it, but one thing that helped me, was sharing what I was going through.

It took me the better part of a year to get my skincare routine nailed in a way that was working for me, and it was so heart warming to see all the amazing comments and messages of support in Instagram and YouTube from those that had been following my skincare journey.

One thing I’ve learnt is how temperamental acne-prone skin can be, and I’m very aware that many of the skincare products I added into my routine were mid to high end in price point – which isn’t very purse friendly. A few of you were disappointed that I hadn’t found more affordable products that work to combat blemishes and acne prone skin, so over the past few months I’ve been looking into alternative options that are affordable to everyone and that’s why I recently headed to Paris, famed for not only it’s amazing Boulangeries, but also it’s wonderful French Pharmacies and incredible skincare, with La Roche-Posay. .

These days I’m always more reserved, and hesitant with trying new products, but one thing which attracted me to La Roche-Posay, is that they have an affordable range of products called Effaclar, designed specifically for acneprone skin. In the summer, I was SO into the La Roche-Posay Thermal Spray Water, and was intrigued to learn more about their products as I’ve seen so many bloggers talking about them. With that in mind, a quick Parisian trip seemed the perfect way to learn more.

I checked into the beautiful Les Bains Hotel, infamous in Paris and showbiz circles for the Celebrity packed parties that frequently took place in the 80’s and 90’s. Now, it’s decked out into a beautiful designer led boutique hotel. The Room was so beautiful, and looked like a bloggers paradise with a beautiful marble headboard and crisp white sheets.
I spent the first afternoon wandering around the city, even stopping for a quick bite to eat near The Louvre, and before I headed home, I got the chance to spend time with a leading French Dermatologist – Prof Phillipe Beaulieu. If you follow me on Twitter then you may have heard about a very special YouTube video Phillipe and I got to film together! I asked on twitter if you had any questions or thoughts you’d like me to put to a Dermatologist, such as ‘What do Derms REALLY think of face wipes?’ as well as a few other burning questions I see popping up all the time about skincare.
A huge thank you to LaRoche-Posay for helping me understand more about skin, as I got to attend a special Dermatologist led skincare session. We talked about everything fromIsotretinoin(more commonly referred to as Accutane), to the different types of acne and how they are graded on a scale – from very severe to no lesions (only redness) and how dermatologists treat the different types. It was fascinating and I feel like it totally enriched my knowledge, which hopefully I can pass on. Over the next few months I’ll be putting the knowledge and skincare to the test, and trying out the La Roche-Posay Effaclar range in the hopes that it could be the affordable skincare line we’re all looking for.

Continue reading →

Spotlight: Ere Perez Makeup is My Favourite.

  ,
Comments Off on Spotlight: Ere Perez Makeup is My Favourite.

In the past couple of months whilst taking a break from all things blogging, I’ve really got my whole beauty routine down to a fine art – I think it must be something to do with not reading other blogs and keeping up with the new releases, it’s been cleansing for my SOUL and also kinda great for my skin.

If I’m putting makeup on my face, I’m probably using something, if not several items from Ere Perez. Over the past couple of years, I’ve grown to really love the brand. (Check out this post from 2016!) The clean minimal packaging is gorgeous and I love that everything (EXCEPT for two of the mascaras at the time of writing, boo) is vegan. 

It’s not just the makeup though, having branched out into skincare too, the brand has really gone all out and carried on their minimalist, millennial approved aesthetic perfectly. I had to get the micellar water ASAP and obviously followed shortly after with the toner (not pictured in this post).

So what have I tried and loved, or maybe not so loved?

1) Quinoa Water Foundation in Haze

I hate starting on a negative, but trust me the only way is UP after this. Unfortunately, this foundation just didn’t sit well on my skin and the colour was (this is the lightest shade) still a little too dark. I found it tricky to blend and it would gather in all the areas you don’t want a foundation to gather. A real shame. 

2) Ginkgo Micellar Water

My favourite & a repurchase! This simple micellar has been fab for my skin. The bottle is 200ml so thankfully lasts a good while! Even when used nearly every day (I’d say about 3-4 months but that depends on your personal usage!). I went through a stage recently where I just couldn’t be bothered to do any sort of cleansing routine to remove makeup in the evenings, but of course, you can’t sleep with makeup on!! even if you’re not going to moisturise, let your skin breathe! So micellar to the rescue – no stinging eyes, every scrap removed, no tight skin sensations and I’m ready for bed, good night x

3) Oat Milk Foundation

I love oat milk to drink, and it turns out I also love it in a foundation! What a multi-tasking little grain. 

I actually don’t use this as a foundation, as I found the lightest shade ‘latte’ just a touch to ghostly pale for my whole face. Instead, I use this under my eyes and around the centre of my face where my skin is pretty red, plus dabbed over any spots before I apply my mineral foundation. It’s sort of like my concealer and primer in one. It really brightens and evens everything out so that I don’t have to use layers and layers of mineral foundation. 

It sounds like a farce but this is a routine that really works for me. On its own, it’s too pale and maybe a touch too glowy, and my mineral foundation can be too dry, so together??? it’s a match made in heaven.

4) Cacao Lip Colour in Wander

Described as a “creamy cool blackberry lip colour” this lip tint/balm is one of my favourite lip colours lately. I’m pretty nervous of lipstick, especially dark lipstick, but I love berry colours! This balmy tint is actually quite pigmented and can be built up to an impressive blackberry shade (much darker than the models pictured through the link). It doesn’t last too long through eating or drinking, but as it’s more of a balm with lots of hydrating ingredients I really don’t mind.

Also, the packaging is just lovely, it feels high quality and weighty, plus, has a satisfying click!

Also pictured: Beetroot lip & cheek tint in the OLD PACKAGING. This now has a new formula and easier to use packaging so I can’t really comment on this old one much – other than to say holy moly! So pigmented and bright! 

An old eyeshadow which I can’t find online. Ere Perez seem to have scrapped these old duo eyeshadows for upgraded palettes that look dreamy! I’ve only heard good things.

NOT PICTURED BUT I REALLY LOVE: Carrot Colour Pot in ‘Holy’ This little colour pot is a top favourite contender! The only reason it’s not pictured is because Oliver ran off with it & I couldn’t find it for a few weeks. Toddlers, man! 

What do you think of Ere Perez??

xo

Top 5 Instagram Feeds – March Edition

 
Comments Off on Top 5 Instagram Feeds – March Edition
Okay, I have a problem. I’ve totally gotten into Instagram over the past few months and I just can’t stop scrolling. I got my very first iPhone last year, and for the first 6months or so, I kept forgetting Instagram existed… but over the past few months i’ve become obsessed. I wanted to share the love, and today I’m bringing you my Top 5 people to follow on Instagram this month!
LaurenPopey
Lauren has the most beautiful hair, and impeccable fashion sense. I love her soft sultry beachy waves and her stylish fashion sense. Lauren knows how to dress for her figure, and her outfits are always bang on trend! She also has her own clothing range ITSbyLP and her new collection is so perfect for spring/summer!
Briarroseblog
If soft pastels and all things disney are your thing, then get ready to fall in love with Megan’s instagram feed. Megan has one of the most beautiful instagram feeds i’ve ever laid my eyes on and her photography is just so breathtaking. I can find myself scrolling through her images for days.
Leannelimwalker
Leanne has a stunning instagram feed that’s packed full of stylish fashions and must have accessories. A beautiful pastel pink head of hair and make up skills to boot. Leane has a fab feed and is certainly one worth following.
Velvetgh0st
Gabby has an ever evolving theme on her instagram. If you’re a fan of her youtube channels then you’ll enjoy her instagram. I love seeing her images pop up on my feed as I can guarantee they’ll be beautiful shot, edited and selected.

Kayleighjcouture

Kayleigh’s feed is so clean, modern and fresh. Everything is so clean and sleek. I love her feed for beauty and fashion inspiration as well as photography inspo. Another must follow.

So that’s it for my Top 5 Instagram feeds.Do you follow any of them? I’d love to hear who your favourite instagrammers are! Let me know in the comments.
Em xxx
All Images are copyright their respective owners.

Continue reading →

Vegan Friendly Morning Skincare Routine.

  ,
Comments Off on Vegan Friendly Morning Skincare Routine.

My morning skincare routine is brief. I’m not a morning person at all, between getting ready for work and trying to chase down the small boy to get him ready too, there are about 5 minutes left just for me. 

I love using bar soap to wash my face in the morning, obviously one specifically for my face and not just any old bar of soap. Currently, I’m using the Gallinée Prebiotic Cleansing Bar (£10) It smells mild, fresh and a little sweet and really freshens up my complexion in the morning with a gentle creamy lather. The bar is actually soap-free and “is made from gentle cleansing actives in a solid form, called a Syndet.” Whatever that is, I’m digging it and so is my face.

Next up is a crucial step, and possibly my favourite. Toning! Spritzing! A good ol’ mist! I’m obsessed with the Tropic Vitamin Toner (£14) lately. The scent, the airy light mist, the cooling effect, all dreamy. Packed full of nourishing, soothing and hydrating liquid ingredients, it’s the best wake up call in the morning.


Next, we have the serum stage. My skin is super fussy and problematic with the colder weather (and perhaps my sugary filled diet as of late) so I’ve been trialling the Tropic Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum (£42) This water-based blue serum smells like watermelon and contains clever vitamins and minerals, hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid to keep skin in tip-top condition. I’ve only been using the serum for about 2 weeks now, but I really rate it for healing blemishes. I also like to mix it in the morning with my final layer – moisturiser, to save time!

My moisturiser of choice lately has been the Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturising Cream (£25.50). A purchase for dry winter-worn skin and serious sensitivity. I was looking for a cream that was free from jojoba and coconut, with pretty simple ingredients and this fit the bill nicely. The cream itself is thick, really thick, like butter! I only need to use a dab or else my skin ends up smeared in a thick cream that takes an age to sink in. It’s great to slather on any sore bits or if my dermatitis flares up, though! 

I really like how this makes my skin look really nourished and plump with makeup, a huge win especially as I prefer to use powder foundation. My only negative is the jar packaging, which is a shame as I know it used to come packaged in a tube!

What do you think of my speedy skincare routine?


xo

P.S. Lovelula currently have a Galinee gift with purchase! Spend £30 on the range & get the cleansing bar for free! Well worth a look.





P.P.S. This post contains gifted product but does not affect my as always honest opinion.

How to Live The London Look – Advertorial

 
Comments Off on How to Live The London Look – Advertorial


<

If there’s one thing I love, It’s makeup and style with a bit of grit. My style has always veered on the edgier side, and often the brightest colour you’ll find in my wardrobe is Khaki Green.
As a teenager I was obsessed with skateboarding, punk music, alternative fashion and generally rebelling against the system.

When Rimmel London invited me to take part in their very first RimmelRoadTrip, I was super excited to revisit my old teenage stomping ground in Cardiff and give Fleur De Force a tour of the city. As a teen, many Saturday’s were spent skateboarding through the city centre with my friends, Listening to music, sitting by the fountains & attending music shows. It felt like the city was alive, and as teenager, image was everything.

Although a lot has changed since my teens… I’ve now lived in London for nearly ten years, I drive an Electric Car, rather than a skateboard, and music shows no longer rule my life. I still stay true to my teenage style as best as I can (…maybe minus my bad emo phase). My most worn shoes are still a pair of Converse and grungy Biker boots, whilst some of my friends have never seen me wear anything except skinny jeans and a leather jacket!
One thing that hasn’t changed however, is my love for that gritty edge to my makeup. As a teenager I wouldn’t be seen dead without winged liner, and smokey smudgy eyes. I used to adore heading to the drug store in search for the blackest black eyeliners and shadows I could get my hands on, and Oh how I wish we had the makeup selection back then that we have now.

Continue reading →