Skincare Skincare Skincare...

I have had problems with acne for over a decade now. I went from a kid with painful cystic acne to a young adult with minimal acne troubles and scarring from old traumas. A person who truly suffers from acne will try everything under the sun. If a voodoo man told you to lay out in the sun naked with a dead chicken on your face you'd do it which (to me) doesn't sound as bad or is at least on par with taking round after round of antibiotics for years. I took antibiotics for roughly 5 or 6 years on and off and I wish I never touched them. They did more damage than good. For years I'd hear from doctors, "Oh it's because you're going through puberty, it's normal and will clear up, take this to help it" or "when you're  17 it'll be gone, or 20…or any day now….it'll be gone" Then one doctor told me "it's never going to go away at this age or that, it's not the foods you eat, it's not this or that, it's most likely just bad genetics or hormones." With that I was both disappointed and relieved. I was sad I just had shitty genes or hormone problems but relieved that I could just breathe and not feel like I had to keep taking all these prescription drugs and topical creams that could cause birth defects and all that fun stuff…I decided right there and then that it wasn't worth it and that I was going to figure it out on my own. And from then on I've taken advice with caution. Please read on for my latest experiences with skincare and discover what brands and routines have worked for me. :)

essence I heart Extreme Volume Mascara & I heart Punk Jumbo Eyeliner Pen

 Nice & Affordable & Fun

I bought a few essence products not too long ago (so expect a few posts here and there on them) and I had been eyeing these 2 products for awhile but it took me a bit to finally allow myself to purchase them. Don't know why it was such a struggle when these products are so cheap! Read on for more info!

Soap & Glory Feel Good Factor(s)

I felt like a dope...

As you can see I have what looks to be two of the same product. Why you ask? Because I didn't think before I purchasing. I was quite aggravated to see that I was merely duped by new packaging. The biggest thing that got me was the fact the product on the left has "translucent bb cream" slapped on it. I know it's my fault for buying the same product but it kind of hurt my feelings a tad to feel a bit tricked by Soap & Glory. Meh...still great products. Read on to see what I think. :)

Korean Cosmetics/Skincare & W2Beauty Sponsorship Program

A Wonderful Online Shop for all Your Skincare and Makeup Needs!

I came across Korean Beauty/Skincare products by accident. I had heard whisperings of how Korean skincare and cosmetics were some of the best in the world but initially didn't pay it any attention because seriously, "where am I going to get these products? And besides they'll probably cost a fortune..." I couldn't have been more WRONG! I stumbled upon a blog The Wanderlust Project and it inspired me to finally research Korean Cosmetics and I found tons of shops that shipped the products worldwide! I didn't know where to start! After browsing for hours I finally decided that W2Beauty.com was the best shop given it had the most products/brands available, great prices, and amazing deals/discounts! I love this shop so much that I decided to be part of their sponsorship program. If you're interested please read on to find out how you can get an automatic discount and learn about some of my favorite brands W2Beauty carries! 

Treacle Moon Products

Wonderful scents to uplift the spirit...even if only for a few minutes 

Ridiculous isn't it? Do I really need 3 different body washes? NO! I need MORE!!! I've been eyeing the treaclemoon products for awhile but never bought anything because I told myself that I had plenty of bath/skincare products and need to finish those up before I buy anymore. Yeah...well...who said we always have to be reasonable? My mom...but we'll ignore that fact at the moment. Because it's time to get my bath on. Read more to get the scoop...

Naked Shine Shampoo & Conditioner

Not sure about this one folks...

I love trying out new shampoos, especially when they're on offer. I picked up naked shine at Boots about a month ago intrigued by the fact it's cheaper than the organix brand and still fairly natural. Sometimes it's just hit and miss. Find out whether or not this was a hit or a miss... :)

Liebster Award

Alexandra Hastings @ CelleMeBeauty Nominated Me for the Liebster Award. Thank you kindly!

The Liebster Award

The Liebster Award is an award given to bloggers with less than 200 followers by fellow bloggers in order to promote blogs and develop blogging communities and promote discussion. This is how it works:

Lady Gaga Fame Perfume

With a smattering of BLOOD & SEMEN

I got this perfume from my boyfriend for Christmas. As you can see I have used slightly more than half of it already and it's now on emergency lock-down, meaning: I'm only using it ever so often because I want it to last as long as possible. I must say I developed my mother's disability: I SPRAY ON MORE THAN NECESSARY IN ONE GO!!! I'm trying to remedy this problem but at this stage it's an OCD issue. I just have to feel like it's "right" before I walk out the door. Does anyone else have this problem? Anyway...read on to learn more and don't let the blood and semen shock you :)

Quick Fix Facials

Effective and Affordable!

I picked these beauties up at Boots a few weeks ago. New product on the shelves so they quickly caught my eye. Since they were on offer I bought two best for my skin needs: Calming and Brightening. There are other masks for other skincare needs as well : Anti-Blemish, Moisturizing, and Exfoliating. Based on my experiences with the Brightening and Calming, I'm willing to bet the others work wonders as well. Read on to get the details :)

Nivea Lip Butter Caramel Cream

If it were food I'd eat it

I picked this up on a whim at Boots as part of a 3 for 2 deal. There were several types available but the Caramel Cream called out to me. The scent I suppose is true to what it states but....I think it smells like Cap'n Crunch cereal. My absolute favorite cereal in the whole wide world. I'd eat it morning, noon, and night if it didn't destroy the roof of my mouth every time I'd eat it. (Does anyone else have this problem?) Read on if you'd like my full review of this product :)

Nivea In-Shower Moisturizer

Is it Worth it?

I was excited when I saw the ad for this. I thought to myself, "I'm too lazy to apply real lotion after showers, could this be the solution to all my laziness?" I bought it half off and was eager to find out. Read on to see what the verdict is :)

Juicy Couture Perfume (Viva La Fleur and La La Couture)

I absolutely love Juicy Couture perfumes. I've never re-bought any perfume before and quite frankly before buying any Juicy Couture perfumes, I never really wore perfume. I might have sprayed on a few samples here and there but never invested in full sized bottles. I originally bought Viva La Juicy back in December and tried to make it last as long as possible until the the day finally came where it sprayed no more. Very sad day. I debated whether or not I should buy another bottle of Viva La Juicy or try something new. I decided to buy a gift box of a full sized bottled of Viva La Juicy La Fleur and a portable rollerball that contained both La Fleur and the originally Viva La Juicy. I also splurged on another full sized bottle of La La Couture. Read on if you want to know what I think :)

Argan 5 Ultra Rich Body Butter and Precious Oil Elixir Review

I probably own or at least have purchased more than enough lotions, body butters, and moisturizers in some other form this year so far...and it's especially ridiculous because usually I'm far too lazy to actually use any of them on a daily basis. They are lucky to be touched once a month if that. I mean...I try to use some form of moisturizer after every shower but usually I'm in a rush, don't feel like waiting for it to absorb or simply don't feel like feeling sticky (as we know some lotions tend to do). I'm very picky about what I put on my skin and I'm always looking for that one product that doesn't let me down in any kind of way. I personally hate anything that doesn't absorb quickly. I don't like walking around feeling like I've just walked into Houston humidity when I live in Ireland. Those who've been to or live in Houston, Texas will understand what I mean. (Hell, really that goes for anywhere in the South in the summer.) Anyway, I came across these two beauties not too long ago : Argan 5 Ultra-Rich Body Butter and Precious Oil Elixir. 

L'Oreal Color Riche Nail Polish

From Left to Right:( Banana Pop, Wasabi Hint, Flashing Lilac, and Acid Watermelon) These are part of the NEON POP! Collection although I wouldn't call them neon just summery 

I should seriously be banned from buying nail polish. I've been living in Ireland for 2 years and I would not be surprised if I have over 100 different nail polishes. And often I find myself sifting through 10 reds, 6 purples, several blue-green shades and so on. Why the hell do I have so many reds and pinks? I tell myself that there is always a slight difference in color of each red, it's not just red it's fire truck red, or boudoir red, or I say I'm red but I'm really orange. There is a difference and some are better in summer and others in winter or at least these are the things I tell myself to justify my addiction. Nevermind my addiction onto the review of L'Oreal's Color Riche Nail Polish: 

Items I picked up in Belfast

I picked up a few frivolous items when I was in Belfast nearly a month ago. I suppose the most silly was the strawberry scented Denman hairbrush. But I couldn't help myself and it's a damn fine brush. I love brushing my hair with this brush. I can't smell anything when I brush my hair :( but it's sturdy and the teeth in it feel good against my scalp. It's a shame to think that I have to go hide away in a dark corner sniffing a brush. The brush is kind of pointless but fun. Here are the other items:

Korean Products from W2Beauty

Some Wonderful Products Purchased From W2Beauty

I recently purchased a primer (goodbye Pore Ever) and toner (Wonder Pore) by Etude House and a "gloss bar" (tinted lip balm) by Tony Moly. Read on to see my review! 

Rimmel SalonPro and essence Anti-Split Review

Rimmel Salon Pro

I recently purchased Rimmel Salon Pro nail polish in Disco Fever and Rock 'n' Roll. Disco Fever is a purple almost on the verge of magenta purple with a very slight shimmer. And Rock 'n' Roll is a very nice classic red. It's not too orange or too dark. Rimmel promises that your nails will be chip resistant for up to 10 days and it has a gel like finish. I usually have a hard time believing such promises. But so far, 3 days into the polish, I am chip free. I know that may not be a miracle for some but for me...I usually get a chip or too the next day even after making sure my nails are "polish" ready. Maybe I'm just really rough with my hands? Anyway, so far I am really impressed. The polish glides on smoothly and is quite opaque. You can definitely get away with only using one coat.

Overall, I would purchase again and definitely recommend it to those interested. 

Essence anti-split nail sealer

Essence is a brand that I have only encountered while living in Ireland. I don't think I have ever seen it in the States. Needless to say, I have only recently began purchasing essence products. The brand is definitely aimed at a younger market, say those in their early teens, and because of that I avoided the brand as I instinctively associate that sort of branding with poor quality. Honestly I couldn't have been further from the truth. Essence products are very affordable and the quality is quite good. I've picked up a few polishes here and there but mainly bought a load of nail "enhancers" (at least that's what I'd call them). I particularly find the anti-split nail sealer to be a great product. Over the last year or so my nails have become weaker and they split and break off like crazy if I'm not diligent. I picked the product up on a whim not expecting much. But truth is when I wear this either as a base coat or on its own my nails don't split like they normally would and it seems to have lasting power. So if you're having problems with weak or brittle nails I recommend you pick this little gem up. It'll cost you very little: somewhere around 3 or 4 euro.