Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel

August 31, 2014


I've been using (and loving) this cleanser for around the past three months so I have no idea how it hasn't made an appearance on the blog until now. From the very first wash, I knew this stuff was a winner. The (rather visually pleasing) peachy-pink coloured gel when massaged into skin and either rinsed or muslined off, leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed. It's a lot lighter on the skin than a cleansing balm but it doesn't leave you face feeling tight and dried out either. I've been using this both morning and evening and my skin has never felt smoother. I've also noticed a huge difference to how my make-up applies - it's really helped to minimise any dry patches and leaves my skin with a healthy glow.

The ingredients list is pretty impressive - with vitamins A, C and E and Omega 6 to help replenish dry or ageing skin and Pumpkin Enzymes to deep clean pores and dissolve dead skin cells, it's no wonder this cleanser works so well. Oh, and I really can't forget to mention the chamomile and rose scent - subtle, yet extremely pleasant, it just adds to the whole experience. As much as I love make-up, I still prefer the feeling of freshly washed skin, there's something just so therapeutic about it!

At £28, the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel isn't the cheapest out there, but it's definitely not the priciest either. I've been using mine AM and PM for almost three months and there's still quite a bit left in there. For me, the skin benefits defiantly out-way the loss of pennies and as soon as I've squeezed out the last blob of pretty coloured gel, i'll be undoubtably picking another one up.





A Few Additions

August 25, 2014


After spending an awfully long time swooning over the By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadow's , I finally decided it was time to become and owner of one myself. I chose the shade Misty Rock, a shimmery pink toned taupe that looks gorgeous blended over the entire lid. The creamy texture and pigmentation is spot on and it doesn't fall short on longevity either - this stuffy pretty much lasts all day without fading or creasing. I've already started eyeing up the other shades...



I was in desperate need of a new shower gel (I was still squeezing out the dregs of my Lush Snow Fairy from Christmas), and though I didn't intend to buy something quite so luxurious, after giving the L'Occitane Hule de Douche Almond shower oil a sniff, the (worryingly) small amount of self restraint that I usually hold disappeared completely. This stuff smells delicious, like almost good enough to eat delicious. I have to admit though, it is a painfully large amount of money for a shower gel, but as a treat, it's perfect. I've been using it quite sparingly and have found it best to keep it hidden as I'm sure Richard has been stealing an occasional blob...



Obviously I don't need more nail polish but who can say no?! For just £3.99 each, the Barry M Gelly Nail Paints are amazing value for money, especially since there's usually some sort of offer floating around too. I picked up the shades Huckleberry (pastel blue) and Coconut (off-white/cream).

So that rounds off a few new additions, though watch this space because unfortunately for my bank balance, but fortunately for my ramblings, I'm sure there will be more shiny new things making an appearance soon. 





A Very Late July Favourites

August 17, 2014


I've had these photos sitting on my camera since the end of July. For some reason they haven't made it onto my computer until today. It's not that I haven't wanted to update my little corner of the internet with the beauty bumph i've been loving throughout July, and it's not even that I couldn't find the time to do it; it simply just didn't happen. The longer I left it, the harder it seemed. I realised this morning how silly (and lazy) I was being, so here we are, two weeks late, but you know what they say... better late than never...




I've already raved about this in a previous post (here) but I might as well reiterate how AH-mazing this stuff is. It removes heavy eye-makeup and waterproof mascara effortlessly. Yes, it's pricey, but so worth it on my books.

This one is pretty new on the market and I've just noticed it starting to pop up in my local Boots store. It's a cleansing conditioner that doubles up as both a shampoo and conditioner, but it's not like your usual 2-in-1. It cleanses hair from all of the nasty dirt and grease without completely stripping it from the natural oils that your hair and scalp needs to stay healthy. When I first used this I was worried that it wouldn't properly clean or moisturise my hair but it does both beautifully. When you first wash it out your hair feels quite rough at the ends but once dry it's a completely different story. It leaves my hair soft and silkily and after two months of use, my hair is looking healthier than it ever has. I do find that I occasionally need to use a proper shampoo to really get rid of any build up of oil, but for most of the week I use this. For someone who tends to wash their hair a lot more than they should, it's a life saver. 

Another product that i've already raved about (here). I've been using this to remove my make-up before properly cleansing and it does the job pretty well. I do find that it struggles with heavy eye-makeup but other than that I can't fault it.

L'Oreal's newest eyeshadow realise has impressed me in general, but this particular shade has been getting a lot of use lately. The texture is gorgeous and the colour is so versatile. During the day I like to smudge it into my lash line, and for a more smokey, night-time appropriate look its great blended all over the lid and into the crease.

Another Essie polish in my monthly favourites? What a surprise! This shade is part of their summer collection, and despite also having a lot of bright, summery colours on offer, I just couldn't resist buying the neutral pastel shade that looks like very other polish in my collection! It reminds me a lot of Essie's Fiji but a little more on the beige side. It particular looks gorgeous with sun kissed skin.

I'd been wanting to try one of these for a looong time and last month I eventually treated myself to the expensive but beautiful eye shadow. These are so easy to apply and blend effortlessly (I like to use my finger). The colour Misty Rock is a shimmery pink toned taupe shade that looks gorgeous blended over the entire lid. Despite being almost 'glittery', it is still subtle enough to wear during the day and lasts hours without fading or creasing. I've already started eyeing up more shades...

I'm a huge fan of L'Oreal mascaras and it's no secret around these parts that their Volume Million Lashes Mascara is my favourite mascara, ever. However, I think their newest release might be a rival for my old favourite. It adds a little bit more volume and length yet does so without ever looking too 'spidery'. I've also found that even in the hot weather that we've been experiencing lately that it doesn't smudge or flake at all though out the day. I'll definitely be repurchasing.  

So that's it for July - quite an eventful month in the beauty department. Hopefully my August favourites will be a little more on time...