Jamie's Italian Leeds: Super Lunch Menu

It's no secret that I'm partial to a good Italian dish. In fact, if I had to make an ultimate decision and eat at the same restaurant for the rest of my life it would have to contain a menu filled with Italian cuisine; no ifs, no buts. I shouldn't be thinking about pizza, pasta, bread specialities and fresh cuts of meat after a hefty indulgence on holiday but that can't be avoided when looking back on my complimentary visit to Jamie's Italian on a pleasant, sunny day last month.

The Skincare Miracle: Caudalie Vine[Activ]

My New CID Cosmetics Collection

Hello you fine folk, remember me? It actually feels like I haven't blogged in years (okay, it's only been 13 days but still) I seem to have slipped off the wagon for a while and I'm not putting the blame on anyone but myself. October has been a manic month; I've been caught up in real life, I've sat down at my laptop numerous times with a page open in front of me only to stare back at a loss of motivation and a blank mind, and truthfully, my innovative ideas were second to none. BUT I'm back, and it feels so good to get back into the swing of things.

Instant Effects: The Lip, Eyes and Lash Review

In this day and age, the beauty industry is widening to the extremes. Gone is the acceptance of our not so perfectly rounded features and a three pound lip-gloss from a magazine doing the trick in your daily makeup routine, and hello are the following of trends, constantly wanting to evolve and enhance our natural elements with expensive cosmetics and sometimes, even surgical procedures. That's not necessarily a bad thing, I say go ahead and make yourself feel amazing if you have the funds and really do want to make a change to small part of you that will expand your confidence positively. I, personally, however, would be an absolute wuss and I'd chicken out purely at thought of it going horribly wrong and ending up resembling Pete Burns meets Chewbacca. This is where Instant Effects comes into the equation. When I received an email informing me of the range of products that deliver targeted treatments without the need for any extensive add ons, I jumped at the chance. I was kindly sent the trio but in no way was I obliged to promote - I've just loved using them so much that I had to share my views on this breakthrough phenomenon!

Beauty: Under Eye Corrector, I Found A Dupe!

Since discovering Bobbi Brown's miracle working corrector, it's become my holy grail product and my fragile eye area deprived of precious napping hours suffers greatly when I don't apply it generously (in other words, I frighten the outside world with my purple coloured bags and grumpiness caused by lack of sleep). The corrector has the immediate ability to neutralise the darker hues embedded in the crease of your under eyes with its pinky peachy tones. Just one sweep of the concealer-like consistency and it brightens the entire section. Really, there are no faults; it stays put all day, works with other cosmetics applied to the face afterwards or before and doesn't dry with a caking appearance. The only problem is, for the size, the price is a little hefty and with my growing expensive tastes in beauty, I can't always afford to keep repurchasing after I sometimes - probably too often - overuse in attempt to drown out any signs of fatigue. It's a vicious cycle where my best feature is concerned!

Salon Success Styling Society Box: Rare Marula Oil

If you cast your mind back to February where I introduced the first instalment of my Styling Society box, then you'll remember I'm lucky enough to be sent some deluxe products during a bi-monthly period, revolving around a theme and blessing me with gracious hair to be boastful about whilst doing so. This month was a completely different focus compared to February's 'no animal testing' but one which I'm equally thrilled with and I was privileged enough to preview the range before it became available to the public at the beginning of April so basically, it's an exclusive to the insiders (or at least I can keep telling myself I'm of great importance, ahem.)

My Yorkshire Blow Dry Experience

I get to visit some pretty awesome places courtesy of this little online empire of mine but an hour and half of my time spent on leather seating staring back at my illuminated reflection is without a doubt the most elated I've been to get home and write up all the positives that made last Wednesday a cheery day indeed. I was lucky enough to be booked into Yorkshire Blow Dry - a brand new blow dry bar exclusive to Leeds, located slap bang in the heart of the city - readily available to treat you to the ultimate pampering experience for any occasion. As I was already in town for a later food tasting event (which was another exquisite encounter may I add) I decided it'd be the perfect opportunity to have my mane tamed, refreshed and transformed before I head off to eat my own body weight in Mexican food. Pure bliss!

Sunglasses Season: Finding The Right Pair For You

As the sunshine finally decided to show its face last week and it gave premature hope of the ultimate shift into the glorious spring/summer season (premature being the main word here because as excited as I was about the moderately warm mornings and progressive blossomed trees - it's back to gloomy rain this week) it was the perfect opportunity to venture out into my not so superior front garden to christen my brand new Polaroid sunglasses courtesy of the fix of all high end sunnie cravings for half the price - Discounted Sunglasses.

Beauty: the garnier micellar water round up

I'm taking it right back to the start today! Garnier Micellar Water was a compelling discovery made by myself a good few years ago now (yes, right back when face wipes were my only form of cleanser, yikes). Despite its cost effective price, it was an absolute life changer and I believe the simple purifying method is an important must in a daily and nightly skincare routine. If you've been reading my blog since the start (and if you pay any attention to my frequent complaining) you'll know I have extremely oily, troublesome skin that's prone to breakouts most of the time - which takes me on to a realisation of an updated version on the micellar water. Pure Active has been around a while but for slack old me, it took a TV advert to bring it to my attention that there could be an even more beneficial form for my skin type. 

Salon Success Styling Society Box: No Animal Testing

Back in January, I was sent my first ever Styling Society box joining with my most trusted haircare brand, the prestigious Paul Mitchell. This blogger based programme means I am one of the members lucky enough to receive a bi-monthly box of products designed and specially picked to my specific requirements ready for me to test and share my thoughts with you all. Sounds exciting, right? When I opened my carefully wrapped package to be greeted with various welcoming messages and a novelty biscuit (which I'm yet to devour), I knew I was in for a treat. I've had an absolute ball pampering my hair with some luxury and have really noticed a vast difference in the past month! 

Life: new menu tasting at Black Swan Leeds

The first time I visited Black Swan was for the Leeds Xmas Meet back in December. Before this, I'd heard so much about the delicious food on top of a traditional rustic pub meets industrial city vibe yet I'd never been to try the tantalising tastes. Luckily, I was kindly invited back there to trial their new February winter to spring menu and I wasn't disappointed! Black Swan has such a lovely, warm feel to it; with the cosy dimmed lighting (albeit not great for a non-high quality camera), friendly service and wooden interior. You're instantly welcomed on arrival and in such a handy location, it's the perfect unwinding venture for a classic sit down meal with grade A chef skills. That was my conclusion at the end of a rainy Tuesday evening last week.

Life: a luxury stay at Ox Pasture Hall Hotel

Those who know me, know I'm the definition of an introvert. There's nothing I love more than peace and tranquility, the opportunity to relax and unwind my inner tiring mind, put my feet up with a hot drink catching up on trashy TV, indulging in some pampering treats whilst soaking up the country air; so, when I was asked if I would like to review a night at Ox Pasture Hall, the luxury Scarborough hotel with a king suite, dinner and bed and breakfast included I was absolutely delighted and quite frankly, totally flattered.

Beauty: my hair care secrets

There's some secrets that just have to be shared, especially when in the name of beauty (fellow woman to woman companionship and all that). If you're anything like me, you'll try anything to ensure you feel the benefits of beauty secrets and in turn wish to look like a million dollars. Everyone deserves to feel confident and what better way than to latch on to individual and personal formulas that seem to work in their favour, then being incorporated into your routine!

Beauty: the KIKO focus

KIKO is fast becoming one of my favourite beauty brands. Although I now rely heavily on high-end (bloggers, I blame you) KIKO ticks all my expectations and I actually see it as the superior side of cosmetics because of its impressive standard.

Beauty: Makeup Forever HD Foundation

It's not often I write an individual product review. I used to in the blogging beginner days but now I just think they're a little dated and dull. However, there comes a time where you discover one holy grail that is worth shouting about!

Life: cocktails, pizza and pool at Slate NQ

The last time I visited Slate NQ it was a rowdy and rather exciting launch night so when I was invited back to have a sample of the real Slate experience of food, drink and entertainment a few weeks back, I was thrilled and just couldn't say no! 

Beauty: a summer glowing makeup look

Throughout the summer, I love to have that natural gleam but having only just adjusting to the odd highlighting and contouring here and there, I'm still learning. I have moved up in the world in terms of beauty products and I'm finding myself coveting the higher end brands purely because I love the quality upon my face. I'd be lying if I said I stretch far beyond my means in the makeup area because truthfully, I'm boring and tend to stick to the safe smokey eye and basic bronzer. However, this warm weather has got me craving a subtle, nude eye with shimmery, glowing cheeks and a pink lip which is why I collected all my new bits and bobs together (along with some old favourites) to create a playful mix up of my usual routine.

Although all this holiday stress is starting to show in my dull skin and dark under eyes, a good primer, base and concealer can resolve the issue the best it can (which in my case can only do so much justice until a hella' good filter arrives on the case). Starting with my under layer, I applied the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, a new addition to my makeup collection but one I've been missing out on. It gives the ultimate smooth complexion successfully ridding of any prominent pores and blemishes. Next, I followed on with the Jane Iredale Glowtime Mineral BB cream, I swapped to this after some expert advice at a previous blog event and haven't looked back since. My skin has shown great improvement since using a mineral BB cream, I do still get the odd spot (as you can see one unexpectedly popped up on my chin) but it tends to be much clearer and controllable. This BB cream has the coverage of a brilliant foundation but feels less heavy on the skin. With the SPF, it does have a shiny finish but the more satin kind, not the horrible oily kind. It brings your skin alive for the adventurous summer months. 

Once that is done, I then focus on the cover up, using my trusty Bobbi Brown Corrector to erase any blue-toned patches underneath and around the eye area. Still being on the subject of concealer, I then use the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer on any visible marks, spots, red patches or blemishes and blend in carefully. I feel this is definitely the best concealer on the drugstore market and this is the one preventing me from falling victim to all high end! Once the base is complete, I then powder with Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder which is the perfect combination of setting your face  with some extra non-colour changing coverage whilst maintaining that natural radiance. 

Next is the focal point in this formation, and that's the eyes. This is the first time I've practised combining all four shades in my MAC palette but I'm happy with how it turned out. With the Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush I applied Satin Taupe directly over the lid, the most gorgeous cool toned starter base shade, then using my Real Techniques Shading Brush, I blended from side to side along the crease with Naked Lunch and All That Glitters in the outer corners to bring out that shimmer. Then using my Real Techniques Angled Shadow Brush, I highlighted above the mixture of colours and in the inner corners with Shroom. To then balance the match of tones, I brought out my barely used Stila In The Light Palette and reached for Bliss and Sunset to fix a stronger rose colour but not too in your face pink completion to the look. All the shades were then buffed with my Zoeva Luxe Soft Crease brush to make a whirl of colour.

For the brows I stuck to the natural look again and groomed each eyebrow as equally as possible with my MAC Gelcreme in Dirty Blond and my Zoeva Wing Liner brush to trace the hair into structure. As I'm becoming more expertised in winged eyeliner, I swiftly added a fine line of my favourite Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner as the fully formed pointed tip is always a winner for my desired eye creation. I then finished off with my number one mascara, Maybelline Lash Sensational for an intense noticeable cat eye flutter of the lashes. 

Moving further down the face to the cheeks to achieve that flushed definition, I used my brand new Kiko Masterpiece Bronzer which not only looks beautiful but is also beautiful once applied to the skin. It's nice and gentle, just the right amount of golden to give you that sun-kissed glow and when paired with my Zoeva Sheer Cheek Brush sits on the shadows of the cheekbones to develop a natural contour. I also lightly dust the bronzer in the famous 3 shape under my chin and around my forehead and nose where the light would naturally hit. On top of the bronzer, I then pat in a sweep of the Mary Lou Manizer Luminizer in a triangle shape underneath my eyes, along my jawline, higher cheekbone and along the bridge of the nose. The stunning champagne shade makes the ultimate difference to brightening up your complexion. To then add a lighter illumination, on my brow bone and at the sides of my nose, I then use my Kiko Radiant Touch Highlighter Stick as the creamy formula makes it easier for me to reach those sparse parts. Wanting to be flushed but not too I-represent-Tinkerbell like I then finish off with the Sleek Blush in Rose Gold to match the softer tones and make my face pop. I adore this blush and think it's suitable for any decided makeup look! Plus, you don't need to pile it on as it's so pigmented. 

Finally, I slide over my lips with the Lord & Berry Lipstick Pencil in Intimacy which is the loveliest vibrant nude/pink and reminds me of the NARS lip crayons with the creamy formula. The pencil style makes shaping the lips a simpler task and the lasting power is fantastic. It can be used with a lip pencil to be more precise but I think this alone is just as effective.

Phew, and we're all done. Typing this seemed to give the impression this was harder than it looked but actually, it's a simple everyday look with a dramatic effect. What products do you rely on to glow?

Bridie x

The Sunday Natter: let's talk teeth

Possibly the most random subject of the many Sunday chats I've implemented into my blog but one that I felt deserved a discussion instead of a focused review. I don't feel I could write an essay on teeth as I quite clearly lack knowledge in dentistry and apart from the fact they support your entire mouth and are the reason you are able to indulge in some amazing food, they aren't really capable of much more.

Aside from the vitality they do, however, make or break a smile and the whiter the teeth, the more noticeable! Unfortunately, I wasn't blessed with great teeth. I had a removable brace at the end of primary school and I absolutely hated it. Thinking about it now, it wasn't much use, was a pain to take out and clean, gave me a lisp, made my teeth feel uncomfortable and I don't tend to notice the difference it made in later life (probably because long lasting changes never actually happened). I've never been confident with my teeth, I don't smile with my teeth, I despise the wonky gap between my two front teeth and they're far from sparkly white but to say I don't have a great set, I seem to have an obsession with the perfect set of gnashers.

It's becoming all the rage to have a dazzling smile, there are dozens of products on the market to give you that gleam and I'm one of those gullible people who is eager to try out every possible option. The loveliness of teeth are the first thing I notice on a person and it does warm me into finding them attractive. They radiate your face and allow you to show your smiley personality (which means actually, they are more important than first thought in the above statement).

I'm on the mission to turn mine into a set I can show off and it's becoming an extremely needy desire, so when I won a tube of Naturawhite Toothpaste* over on Twitter a few months ago, I couldn't wait to give it a go. Recommended by dentists, this formula contains micro crystals that works to eliminate plaque, dissolve difficult to remove stains deep inside teeth, and leave teeth bright and shiny. Although I don't have visible stains on my teeth, they definitely continue to discolour as I get older and wear down the natural enamel. It did take a couple of weeks of using the toothpaste for me to notice a difference and I didn't always see it due to the change in lighting but it was there, by the end of the single course, there was a small difference. The toothpaste is a light, clear liquid with a minty taste and gentle froth, it left my mouth feeling fresh but I had to use the toothpaste as a second round after my ordinary toothpaste as I don't feel it was enough to provide an all round fulfilled cleanliness. It was certainly an extra boost and gave me that polished feel. Running my tongue over my teeth, they felt smoother and seemed to stand out more than usual. The length of time it lasted me was the only problem; I used up the tube quite quickly so wasn't really given the chance to compare a before and after.

After trailing this, it's given me the starter pack to reach more into teeth whitening and I'd love to hear your recommendations. Using toothpaste is the simple way to build up a new grin, but of course there's the famous whitening strips or even a professional consultation at a specialised clinic. I'm hoping to reach out into the deeper world of whitening so watch out for any progress. If you see me representing Chip Skylark, then you know it's been successful.

Are you as weirdly intrigued with teeth as I am? Do you face any problems or dislikes about your teeth? What're your go to products/routines?

Bridie x

Beauty: products I'm currently testing #2

Another month, another chance for me to hoard a group of products together and waffle on about them over on my blog. I'll try and keep these mini reviews as short as possible but if you know me by now, you know the talking can get out of hand. Let's start with the favourites of the bunch, shall we?

La Roche Posay have always been my one holy grail skincare saviour brand I can rely on and their new launch of micellar water proves no different. The La Roche Posay Gelle D'eau Micellaire* is a cleansing product that works as a magnetic field to remove makeup and all impurities. With the name 'micellar water' I instantly thought of the likes of my Garnier and L'Oreal staples so I was unsure on what to make of this solution when I realised it was a pump with a thicker, gel like substance. Going with the flow, I went ahead and used as normal, aside from the fact I massaged into the skin opposed to applying to a cotton pad. I do think this works best as a mild cleanser as it's non greasy, soothing and moisturizing to the skin leaving behind a fresh feel but in terms of removal of makeup, I don't think it's as thorough as I'd like it to be. I still felt like I needed to use something on top of (or before) this to fully rid of the built up daily grime but, what I can say, is that it most certainly improved the balance in my skin, helped banish any redness, does the job of keeping my oily, spot-prone skin at bay and provided comfort with a lovely, delicate richness that's suitable for us sensitive skin types. 

This brings me on to the Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, another genius product that leaves my skin feeling soft and super replenished. I've been dying to get my hands on this for a long while now so when the lovely Helen was selling one in her blog sale, I knew I had to snap it up. I've been using it every morning and night and I'm so impressed with the results. I'm new to the whole adding a facial oil into your regime thing. The thought of adding a heavy oil to natural oil within the skin did terrify me but after finally biting the bullet, I've seen it does make the world of difference and found out that actually, it doesn't feel so loaded on to the skin but has a gentle, velvety texture that soaks efficiently into the skin. Not only is it continuing to help even out the blemishes, up my hydration level and refine my complexion but it's also doing a fine job of de-congesting my pores to reveal a brighter, healthier skin tone without those pesky impurities getting in the way. Plus, you only need a tiny amount for it to be effective so it's going to last me a decent amount of time.

Environ is a newly introduced skincare intuition which I discovered at a blogger event a couple of months back. I was kindly gifted stage 1 of the AVST range in moisturiser form and it's safe to say, it's become a product I would feel lost without. This starter product has maintained that bounce of moisture and nourishment my skin needs on a daily basis but without those hidden ingredients that can irritate your skin. I've had nothing but beneficial results with this; my skin is soft without feeling too packed with product, it smooths out my skin and leaves room for a choice of base foundation to radiate. I should really follow up with the continued sequence but to see me through, I'm happy to stick with the one.

I'm a novice when it comes down to hair products, I don't do an awful lot to make sure my hair represents that as a princess (and let's be fair, it could do with some taming most of the time) so I'm always willing to try out some new products to allow my hair to shine with flowing volume. Dry shampoo is always a rescue for when I just cannot be bothered maintaining my hair when it becomes greasy after ONE DAY but I struggle to find one that makes my hair feel nice and refreshed, instead of even worse than when I started. Redken's Pillow Proof Blow Dry Genius Extender definitely rates up with the dry shampoo's I'd reach for in a hurry without having to worry about whether my hair's turned white or appears to be matted. It gives my hair that boost for the day without the powdery feel you can find with drugstore shampoo's but unfortunately, it stays at just the one day. It's said to be a two day extender but my unruly oily scalp says different! I'm still carrying on the hunt for one that ticks all boxes. The Redken Iron Shape 11 is also another little stand out product that helps to strengthen and protect hair. I don't blow dry or straighten my hair often but when I do I love to use the finishing thermal spray as A) it doesn't weigh the hair down, B) helps with frizz and C) keeps the ends of my hair looking healthy and silky.

Finally, we're on to the L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation; a foundation I've heard nothing but great reviews about but unfortunately, a foundation I was disappointed by. After switching to high end and finding a few foundations I absolutely love, I've found myself disagreeing with the usual 'hyped' drugstore products so I don't know whether it's just my snobbish expectations (which I apologise for) or my unpredictable skin. It does have great, buildable coverage and certainly lives up to the designed matte finish but I think it's too matte, if that's possible? It tends to be drying and overly clingy to my skin which is unusual as I am a very oily skin sufferer but it just doesn't work all that well for me. I feel as though my face misses that natural sheen; I hate being totally shiny as the day progresses but wearing this made me crave hydration. It's a shame because it definitely amplifies a clear complexion but it's just not doing it for me. Maybe I'll give it another go sometime soon to see if it was just a couple of off days I had. 

Have you tried any of these products?

Happy Friday! 

Bridie x

(I do love having a name that rhymes with the best day of the week)

Beauty: my recent makeup and skincare buys

It's been a while since I had a good beauty splurge, in fact I can feel another one brewing in my bones but until I get my money priorities straight, these current buys will do me fine and see me right through the year (well, apart from the fresh Lush mask with a sell by date of course). I love it when I purchase a group selection of both makeup and skincare products and not one of them disappoints. It's a job well done.

There's no denying, I'm becoming a bit of a lipstick hoarder. I'm a firm believer in the fact you can never have too many shades. One staple nude? Don't be silly, there's at least 20 more with that extra tinge of differentiated colour. Two drugstore lip products I have picked up recently are the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in Don't Pink Of It! and Maybelline SuperStay 24hr in Pink Spice. Both are more of a glossy formula with a simple and typical foam swipe applicator but they are more lightweight with a matte finish, taking away the sticky feeling some other glosses may have.

The Bourjois Velvet Lipstick have a range of gorgeous shades and it was quite difficult to choose a favourite in the 3 for 2 Boots' deal but since my style masterclass I've been warming to some softer toned lippies and eventually ventured for this lovely, rich pink colour which can be classed as a lighter nude. I absolutely love the bold appearance once smoothly applied to the lips. It's a highly pigmented liquid and is extremely buildable giving you the opportunity to choose on the subtle to dramatic scale but the great thing is, it doesn't stay super tacky. It drys easily with a soft, velvety texture and if lips are properly exfoliated, it stays swiftly sleek and doesn't cling to patches. The only negative I have to identify from this is the slightly chemical smell it has to it but apart from that, the staying power is incredible without any smudging, it's comfortable and wearable and the intensity of colour stays vibrant throughout the day. The Maybelline SuperStay 24hr has very similar attributes to the Bourjois Velvet. I love the two-step process of this, starting with the gloss end and finishing with the conditioning balm. Pink Spice was the perfect colour choice for me, a gorgeous, versatile browny-nude which is easily transferable and glides on in quick time. As the applicator has a slight point I find it ideal for precising the shape of the lips giving you a fuller appearance. It's definitely one of those long lasting lipsticks. Not quite 24 hours (especially when eating those oily foods), but for a decent duration indeed. The conditioner side fixes the colour in place giving it a shiny effect with a non-heavy yet sturdy finish and no visible crumbling and when it comes to fully removing, it is a tough cling on.

Moving on to the higher end products; Bobbi Brown is a brand I've been dying to try for years now and I thought it was about time I got my hands on the luxuries. Blogging has been a huge influence on me heading towards the higher end in comparison to the drugstore but I've also found my skin disagreeing with the lower end products since discovering high end. It does work out as more pricey, yes, but I also think it's the quality worth paying for as I've found with these two star pieces. I don't think I need to go into detail about the Bobbi Brown Corrector in Extra Light Bisque as I'm sure you've heard all about it but what I will say is, it's a little miracle worker. I don't know how I ever went without it. Without a doubt, my dark circles are horrendous. Thanks to my insomniac sleeping pattern I rock the zombie look every morning but dabbing a fraction of this on top of my foundation and under my concealer has made a hell of a difference. The peachy tones blur out the blue hue and brightens the whole eye area in an instance and to add to the efficacy, it applies smoothly and without that dry, caking appearance. 

I struggled figuring out what shade would match up to my skin tone in the Bobbi Brown Sheer Pressed Powder but with the colour charts, I braved the risk and went for Pale Yellow. Thankfully, it is a suitable shade for me; yellow based but not at all yellow once applied. The sheerness evens out my skin tone and compliments my pale cast by giving a natural finish without the piled on, cakey look and feeling. It did come with an ordinary puff applicator but I prefer to use a powder based brush for that 'you can't even tell I topped my face up with a dust of powder' emergence. I adore how amazingly smooth and silky my face feels after applying this; not only does it mattify, reduce shine and absorb oil, it also rids of the imbalanced dullness and highlights the complexion giving it that fresh glow. I wouldn't suggest it for full coverage as it is a light powder but that's what I love about it. It contains Vitamin C so hasn't irritated my skin or *tries not to jinx it* caused any breakouts AND the beautiful minimal monochrome packaging is a bonus.

On to skincare now. REN is the one brand I can rely on for sorting out my troublesome skin. I own the Clarifying Toner (and it's my holy grail!) but fancied a cleanser to go with it. After reading some reviews, I decided to go with the Clearcalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser and it hasn't let me down. It's a lovely gentle cleanser with a creamy, lightweight texture and a refreshing, herbal scent. You only need a teeny amount for it to lather and cater for the whole of the face which is brilliant. Never have I had my skin feel so revitalized, tingling and purified. It's almost like a treatment for the skin, whilst deeply cleansing at the same time. Since using it, my pores have noticeably minimised and appear less clogged, and any angry redness has certainly calmed. I always feel so renewed after use, it feels as though it rids of all the lurking bacteria without any harsh stripping of the skin. It's the one product that keeps my skin at bay but doesn't dehydrate, dry out and leave my skin feeling tight like other breakout and blemish combating products can do. Not only has it reduced my spots significantly and prevented me from having continuous monster breakouts but my face looks so much more healthier and luminous. 

Finally, a magic face mask from one of my obvious favourite beauty providers. Lush's fresh face masks are something I always reach for to restore the radiance back into my skin but Catastrophe Cosmetic has become a firm favourite. The ingredients included (wholesome blueberries, and the vitamins and minerals) accumulate the most incredible scent and it feels like heaven when layered on to the skin. It's one of those all round face masks which caters for skin in need of TLC. My skin has moments of lacking moisture and energy but this mask instantly soothes, calms and brings back a clearer, more pure complexion. If I may say so myself, the morning after using this my makeup looked absolutely glowing and I'm pretty certain Catastrophe Cosmetic contributed to this rare occasion. 

Have you tried any of these products? What are your thoughts?

Bridie x

As this Friday marks my 2 year blogging milestone, I've extended my NARS giveaway/celebration an extra week for all my fellow and loyal readers. Don't forget to get your entries in!