Morning Skin Care Routine

Hey Guys and Dolls

Today I'm sharing with you my morning routine.
 (Minus the incessant pressing of the snooze button and gentle screaming encouragement at my boys to GET READY FOR SCHOOL!!!)

It looks like a lot doesn't it?
I guess it is but it's all part of my bid to tame the queen of bitches that is my skin! Seriously it still hasn't decided if it wants to be sensitive, spotty, oily or flaky... often it can be all of those things at once!
LUCKY MOI!

I just know my Grandma will see this and say  (in your best Geordie accent please)
 "eeee al av ever used is watta nd a flannel nd av nivva had a spot yit, folk use owa much noo-a-days"

Clearly Grandma I've not been blessed with your genes!
Anyway...

CLEANSE
So basically I use a gel or foaming cleanser in the morning to freshen my face and help wake my ass up. Currently using Elemis Fresh Skin Gel Wash which is lovely and brightening and satisfyingly tightening! It's also aimed at younger skin so I find it a delightful little ego boost that it works well for me!... makes me feel all young and precious! 

I use the Clarisonic religiously and love the deep cleaning, pore emptying results it gives. That said I really must improve my attitude to replacing the brushes though... oopsie! 

QUIRK ALERT

I ALWAYS ALWAYS splash my face with cold water before allowing a towel to touch it. (or come within 10 metres of it actually... can't be too careful!)
 I've done it for years and it's an odd little 'quirk' but I was told many moons ago that ice water closes your pores and stops any dirt getting in. (I know i know) I'm set in my ways and it's too late trying to change me now :)

TONE

After washing  I give my face and neck a quick sweep of Clarins Exfoliating toner then Yves Rocher Clarifying lotion. I wouldn't be without the Clarins (I have stock) and the Yves Rocher is a mattifying gel that probably doesn't qualify for repurchase status.

OILS AND SERUMS

Tea Tree Oil is always a standard, I'm not sure I ever (EVAAAAH) have a day where there's not blemishes... yes plural *throws self on floor and sobs*  

If I'm having a no make up day then I use my Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules or my Decleor Aromessence Neroli Face Oil. I find these boost hydration and leave my skin supple. 

There's certainly nothing in the myth that adding oil to oily skin makes it worse... quite the opposite for me.

(That may of been another pearl of Grandma wisdom)

MOISTURISE

Sakare Eye Cream- I picked this up in London and the story behind it will require a post of it's very own. It's good though. If I can face the ordeal again I'd quite like to get another.

I rotate a few moisturisers at any one time (to keep my skin on its toes) and currently it's Elemis ProCollagen Marine Cream and Decleor Hydra Floral that are floating my boat. They are both UHMEZZING and PCMC is most definitely a holy grail product.

FINISHING TOUCHES

La Roche-Posay sunscreen- I always wear this if I'm doing the bare faced chic 'look' as I find it beautifully mattifying as well as being a shield against all the nasty UVAs and UVBs... apparently those guys penetrate even the darkest clouds on the coldest days so we aren't safe even if it's minus temperatures outside.

Bit dramatic like but that's how I roll!!

Aaaaand finally a bit of Blistex Relief Cream. The perfect lip protector. It smells satisfyingly medicinal so you know it's working. I do about three tubes a month. (excessive) 

So there we go. That's my morning routine which in fairness is keeping my complexion as near clear and flawless as I think I'll ever get, as finding the perfect skin care routine is something I'm yet to conquer. 

I've done it all, from just using face wipes to throwing triple the amount of products at my face!

Maybe there's a magic potion?Is there a miracle product out there? Is there? Is there?

I BET YOU I'VE TRIED IT :)

I know the answer doesn't lie within facial wipes though and I'll leave you with Caroline Hiron's theory about face wipes... they are for the THREE F's... festivals, flights and fannys!

On that note... Taaaaaaraaaaaa

Love 

k xxxxxxx

Ps  remember you can follow me on  bloglovin HERE and do keep in touch by following me on twitter here Oh and come over and see me on instagram HERE

August Monthly Haul

Hello, Hi, Hey and Hola

It's September, I'm back from my Summer Holiday and I needed to wear a cardigan the day I arrived home. A sure sign autumn is upon us. Well actually it's not quite upon as (annoyingly) the sun has persisted on shining the odd day or two! I'm so ready for boots, tights and chunky knits. But don't want to be looking all cosy and wrapped up if the weather changes its fettle half way through the day! I'm also majorly excited to shop for the perfect winter coat and I'm just in the mood to hoy the fake tan to the back of the cupboard and become lax with regularity of hair removal.

From the #bbloggers chat the other night it seems as though we are all excited for the new season and my September haul is already filled with berry shades and nourishing moisturiser. BUT back to today... today I bring you my August purchases.

Ooh I must also add that lots of you have requested full reviews of certain products and they will posted in the next week or so... 

Alpha H Liquid Gold

 This is a much raved about product that promises miracles in transforming your skin. I won't say too much as I've actually written a full review about my results with before and after pictures (seriously scary stuff!) What I will say is notice there is TWO bottles and I restock what I lurrrrrve... 

Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover

Ok so despite spending almost three figures in boots before I went on holiday (I went in for sun cream and toothpaste) I found myself in Germany without anything to take my mascara off...  

Cooling, gentle and effective, it even dissolves they're real! What a prize for being disorganised!

Eau Thermale

Just because I'm incapable of buying only one thing at a time and the fact I've read like a million ravey reviews about it. I'm yet to use it but I think it will be ideal for refreshing and setting my make up on long days at work.

Perricone No Foundation Foundation-

This is a repurchase and I absolutely adore the trousers off it. It's like a second skin and I cannot express how much I love it. I've written a full review with swatches and stuff so if you are thinking of buying I hope that it's helpful as I often read that people find 'the one shade fits all' doesn't really fit you if you are pale.

Me? I'm like translucently blue and I think it's fine on me but maybe I'm swanning around with a tide mark? I'm pretty sure I'm not but the mirror can sometimes lie, I mean it used to tell me my unplucked mousey eyebrows were totally acceptable!

Anyway if you found the No Foundation Foundation too dark then worry not as they are releasing the LIGHT option at some point this month.  

Guerlain Meteorites Perles in Teint Rose

First off, apologies for the rubbishy blurry picture, I'm putting it down to shaky hand excitement as I was so dazzled by their beauty. 

Again I have a full review coming up of this delightfully pretty finishing powder.

Mally Easy On The Eyes Collection

 Anyone who reads my blog regularly will know that I'm a bit of a Mallynista (QVCers will get the reference) and I bought this kit whilst it was the TSV. I had been umming and ahhing over the Urban Decay Naked Palette for some time (see I am capable of exercising some level of purchase control) so I was in the market for some eye shadows...  aaaand the rest is history :) 

Mally's Palette in Buff has a primer plus 11 neutral shades which can be used wet or dry so in essence you get 22 colours to play around with. The kit comes complete with three BULLET PROOF eye pencils, mascara and some under eye brightener (which is also known as 'sunshine in a jar' ooh!). Not to mention a 60 page booklet with step by step instructions so you can create a whole spectrum of gorgeous looks.

YSL Touché Éclat

I've always lusted after this and for as long as I can remember beauty magazines have hailed it as a 'must have' and told me that I need it in my make up bag. I never took too much notice as dark circles aren't something I suffer from (blood shot eyes, yes, spots, yes, sensitive skin, yes, oh the list goes onnnnn!) but I thought I'd give it a whirl and see how it works as at covering blemishes.  (Of which I have many!) 

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in #18 Prune In Fire 

Right let's be fair. Does this lipstick not scream sexy? Everything from the sleek and seriously beautiful packaging to the vampy purple loveliness... Aaaah it makes me melt. 

Leighton Denny Colour Cocktail Collection

I also bought this as a QVC TSV as I can't resist anything Leighton related. The kit contains four colours plus two 'cocktailing' shades that transform the base colours to create a new shade with plenty of shimmer. If I'm being totaaaaaaally honest, I'm not a huge fan (anxiety set in as I typed that). It's simply a personal preference as I prefer a nice block of colour to make a statement. The shimmery sheerness of these shades just aren't really 'me'.

The Essential Remover Pot, the Diamond Buffer and Lip and Cuticle Balm were worth it alone though.

In other news, after buying like a million Nails Inc Remover Pots I've fallen out of love with them- a brand new pot dyed my fingers a dirty greeny grey. Tres ugly.

OPI San Francisco Set

 Now these little beauties were a bit of a surprise. I ordered the OPI TSV (are we seeing a home shopping addiction here?) back in March and I selected the auto-delivery option which basically means you get a further delivery with new colours but held at the special discounted price. I wouldn't of actually ordered these but kept them as I needed a new nail envy and you can never have too much avoplex oil!

I need to remind myself that the surprise auto-delivs aren't actually gifts though! Oopsie!

SBC Collagen Gel

How bad is this...? This arrived and I had absolutely no memory of ordering it! I now have a vague recollection of doing it whilst half asleep! I think I saw the pretty pink gel and thought it'll look fabulous in the bathroom if nothing else! Perhaps I was drunk on tea and jaffa cakes? I haven't used it yet BUT it does indeed look beeeeeeowdifal in my bathroom!

The pictures below are repurchases which I've enthused and rambled about on previous blog hauls. The Decleor set was bought primarily to get my casper white mitts on their gradual tan again. You can read about why I LOVES it here 

My Elemis pots of joy are the Pro Collagen Marine Day and Night Cream- the ultimate in moisturising goodness. Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules are in the big pot and if you fancy reading about why they are loved like my children you can do that here

The ABC Skin Care Set for me is a must have. Espesh the HEEEEOWGE body wash which lasts for months (unless one of  your children 'plays' with the pump and fills the bottle up with shower water...) and it keeps skin clean and clear. The shampoo and conditioner smell amazing, well all of these products smell amazing if you happen to love the zingy fresh tea tree aroma? If not then (why not?) just skip to the next picture. 

The Pure Tea Tree Oil is perfect for adding to bath water or when you want a nice deep cleansing steam. I tend to dispense onto a cotton pad and wipe over blemishes (yes plural!).

The blemish sticks contain witch hazel too and they have a roller ball application, perfect for slipping in your bag to target them nasties that get bigger and angrier as the day progresses. You know the ones right? They often crop up on Friday ready to spoil your weekend!

The wipes are in my car and will probably be used a glorified baby wipes! (Think sticky fingers on a three year old!) Oh I is Glam!

Maybelline Baby Lips

Well I just had to didn't I? Absolute bandwagon purchase and unlike many they don't incite any strong feelings in me either way. A lip balm is a lip balm, tinted or not right? Cherry Me gives a gorgeous juicy flush of colour and Hydrate is fine to slick on as you would any lip balm. I did also get Pink Punch but I gave that to my sister in law who wears it far better than I ever could- plus these aren't available in Germany so I felt like I was bringing her treasure!

Organix Brazilian Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner

I like a high end shampoo and conditioner, Kerastase, Ojon or Aveda often take residence in my shower. In my pre-holiday panic I ended up 'settling' for the Organix set as I was rushed, in boots and needed something quickly (usually order my shiz off the net). I'd also read a rave review from Allana Beau and believe me when I say that girl takes some impressing! 

Emma Hardie Moringa Balm, Day and Night Cream (pictured on first picture). I forgot (bad blogger) to take a photo of these individually but essentially it's a repurchase as I need plenty of stock of the cleansing balm. The moisturiser I don't use regularly (Elemis loyalty for you right there!) but the odd occasion I have I did notice it was rather thick. Perhaps ideal for the colder season?

So that was August... Done. Dusted. Gone. 

September marks the end of the summer and the end of my haul. 

Any products you're loving? Ooh or have you seen anything and thought BIG MISTAKE KATE? 

Let me know if there's anything you'd like to see a thorough review on as I'm more than happy to oblige :)

Oh and slightly off topic but you know how I mentioned I'm super excited to go shopping to find the perfect winter coat? I don't why I said that as I've never ever actually found one. Each winter it's a constant disappointment where I trawl around the shops searching for perfection before buying something I actually hate and then spend the rest of the season having coat envy when I see girls who just get it right! 

Anyway

Looking forward to reading your comments and don't be shy, come say HIYAAAon my TWITTER

I also have a giveaway running to win a Mac Lippy or Paint Pot of your choice, click here if you're feeling lucky?

Love 

k xxxxxx

I'm Haulin

Alright lovelies?? It feels like an age since I've blogged...And i've got a load of excuses reasons why! In summary I had an attack of some basic blog envy. You know when your admiration/fan girl moments turn to "OHEMGEEE my photos are a pile of  (insert chosen insult here) ---- compared to EVERYONE ELSES" and "I haven't EVEN got DSLR let alone any studio lights". And to prove what a novice I am i even needed to google DSLR as didn't have a clue what one was!

But then I thought well a blogs a journey, and just like I look back and cringe at photos from the last week last decade, I'm now thinking I'll just have to look back 'fondly' on my first steps into bloggersphere, no one ever did die from embarrassment did they!!

So anyway... This post was originally scheduled for March as a haul post so it really is a bit of a late one.

Pile of goodies... (creases on quilt optional)

This photo doesn't actually cover it, as after taking the shots I remembered I'd bought a Bare Minerals set and quite a few Leighton Denny polishes and treatments that could of been included, aaah well!


I love Benefit. The brand, the products and packaging. And true to form Fine One One is One big HIT HIT with me, it's a blush and highlight stick that can be used on cheeks and lips. Swipe it on, blend and hey presto you've got a lovely pretty glow. The pink and peach colour's on the stick (sorry no swatches) are super pigmented  but sheer enough so you're in control and can build up as needed. Its the product that says "Hey Summer, I'm Here!"
I'm yet to try the World Famous Neutrals... I'm not the best with powder shadows but this cute little kit comes complete with step-by-step instructions. Fool proof surely!

SEXY SEXY PACKING 

Now a month ago I'd not tried a MAC lipstick (although I did rock a gloss on my wedding day!) and now I have three of the bad boys with big plans to increase my collection to double figures before the month of May is out!

My Lady Danger (a super striking bright orange come red matt colour that I cannot get enough of) is missing here as I'd left in a bag at my friends house. (Fear not it's back in my loving arms now)

Hip and Happy Lip Pencil

Lippy on left is Candy Yum Yum and it is UH-MEZZIN. It has the wow factor and makes a statement, its a matt finish so don't forget to slick a bit lip balm on before applying.

Lippy on the right is Pure Zen and it was my first flirtation in the Mac lipstick world. A cremesheen finish so it glides on leaving my lips a gorgeous pinky nude. LOVES it!

All about the lipstick honey

Keeping with the Mac theme... as well as gifting me with Pure Zen lipstick for my birthday, my brother and his girlfriend (guessing she was the brains behind the operation!!) also equipped me with the goods to achieve a perfectly flawless complexion.

The studio fix powder foundation gives great coverage with what i think is an almost airbrushed effect, it gives you sort of skin you see make up counter ladies with (I tend to gaze wistfully at these girls thinking "how?") so I'm a fan. Saying that the I prefer a dewy sheer look (when i can get away with it!) so i keep this for special or spotty occasions!

Airbrush in a compact?

A light dusting of  Mac's Silver Dusk powder highlights all the places you may want a gaze to linger (wink wink)... Not too glittery, just the right amount of shimmer to reflect the light. LOVELY.

Shake your shimmer??

Bit of a nail haul... Some OPI Euro Centrale Collection and Nail Envy and Avoplex Oil to keep em talons long and strong.

L-R Polka.com, Can't find my Czechbook,Suzy's Hungary Again!

Nails Inc collection, this was sent as an Auto Delivery from QVC, lushy range of colours and my favourite leather effect polish to date. A little re-stock of the coveted express remover too.

L-R Hyde Park Square, Bayswater Road, Mornington Crescent, Old Comptom Street, Bloomsbury Way, Great Portland Street

Nails Inc Garden Party Collection, muted pastels and a shot of special effect glitter... Don't mind if I do :) And a bigs oops.. spot the duplicate!

L-R Bloomsbury Way, Holland Park Gardens, Pembridge Crescent, Grosvenor Gardens

A bit of an Elemis haul too... I haven't posted pictures of my Pro Collagen Set but you can read about my review here . I'm in the early days of the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash but first impressions indicate an overall improvement in skin appearance with less clogging and build up. 

Bumper size!

EEEESH another bit of a splurge, this time in the name of Mally Roncal (Make up artist extraordinaire) You can read my review on her Lip System here 

First up is the Poreless Primer, the big pot is touch misleading as there isn't a great lot of product but you only need a small amount. Leaves a velvety soft finish to the skin and can be worn alone or under make up.

Titchy little pot encased in glass to double the size!

 The Face Defender is an innovative and quite amazing product and shown here is the home compact and travel size. Its designed to replace translucent powder and its a like wax formula... Keeps make up perfectly in place all day and its TA-RA to shine.

The home and away face defender kit

The brow system... Now this is the only brow pencil I'd be rocking in between HD appointments. Nuff said :)

Also came with a brow gel... MIA!

Colour sustain kit from Ojon, smells like liquorice and leaves my hair soft and glossy. And I swear its picking out the warmer tones and making them gleam.

The Oil is a little wonder product!

Hocus Focus I simply think is wonderful, on good skin days I wear alone (although this may have only ever happened the once!) but it's oh so effective under make up for that fresh glowy dewy effect. This is a third re-purchase and can't see me falling out of love any time soon.

You won't believe your eyes is a  light reflecting eye cream that dispenses from a roller ball,  jurys out on this one... I'm perhaps a tad heavy handed but I can always see this on my skin and when make up is applied over it, it sort of 'balls up' and collects. Will persevere as I am admittedly clumsy :)

Soap and Glory cuteness

Last but certainly not least the Hydra Floral Blemish Balm. I was lucky enough to win this before its UK launch (it doesn't hit stores until May 1st although QVC have this on sale currently). I will do a full review of this product in a future post.

This makes big promises 

So thats it. That was March.

If there is any further details you'd like (prices, swatches etc) or if you'd like a full review of a product then please do get in touch.

Any thoughts? Have you tried anything I've mentioned?

Remember you can follow me on twitter at prettylittleus

Kate xxx