NU SKIN EPOCH GLACIAL MARINE MUD MASK | REVIEW

*A Nu skin representative sponsored the product that is reviewed in this blog post. This review is written with honesty*

CLEANSE CLEANSE CLEANSE

As you may know, it is good to give your face a good clean ever so often even if you don't wear makeup, dirt still builds up and sometimes the residue is left on the skin from skincare products and makeup, it all ends up clogging your pores.

One of the most effective ways to deep clean your skin is to use a mud/clay mask. Firstly, there is a difference between a mud and clay mask. Clay masks tend to be more drying, however mud masks are more hydrating. I would recommend using a mud mask during the winter as ambient humidity lowers it naturally dries your skin.

BACKGROUND

Nu skin works with over 75 top scientists to produce skincare products that are based on science and research. They have a number of different skincare ranges for difference ages and purposes. This mud mask is from their Epoch range which was created by one of the worlds top doctors for medicine.

Not many people from the UK may know of this brand but it is a popular brand amongst the far east asians. Nu skin originated in the U.S. and not so long after they opened, they expanded to Asia and opened up in Hong Kong. Hence why this brand is more popular within the asian market.

MY EXPERIENCE

I started off with a clean dry face and applied the mud mask all over my face, and some parts started to dry up very quickly. By the time it got to 15 minutes, almost the whole face had dried and by 20 minutes it had fully dried (this all depends how much thick the layer is). Within 5 minutes of having the mud mask on, I could feel my face becoming very tight and couldn't make big movements with my face and it was difficult to talk. After 20 minutes I rinsed off the mask with warm water.

In general my face felt soft, clean and wasn't dried out but I had to apply a gentle moisturiser too lock in the moisture in my skin because the longer I waited, the more my skin dried up and became tight as it usually would. In the areas where my skin was more dry, it didn't make much of a difference, however the areas where my skin tends to be more oil such as my T-zone and chin, the mask balanced out the oil levels and my makeup stayed on for longer the next day.

DIRECTIONS

1. Apply a generous layer of mud to clean, dry skin, avoiding mouth and eye areas.

2. Let mud dry 15 to 20 minutes or until it turns a light aquamarine colour.

3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

RECOMMENDED USAGE

Dry skin: one to two times a week.

Combination skin: two times a week, maybe three times on areas that are acne prone or more oily.

Oily skin: three times a week.

OVERALL

Rating: 9.7/10

Price: £26 (Varies depending on distributor)

Suitability: All skin types

Texture: smooth, thin, creamy, cool

Pros: Easy to apply, doesn't clump, dries quickly, doesn't leave skin feeling very dry, balances out oily skin.

Cons: Slightly pricey for a mask but it's all worth it!

If you are interested in purchasing this product or would like more information on other products, please contact Jess via email on Strawbeefull@gmail.com <3

Thank you for reading, hope this has helped and if you've tried this product before then let me know what you think of it in the comments section~

M x

ARBONNE CALM GENTLE DAILY MOISTURIZER | REVIEW

Keeping your skin hydrated is a very important throughout the year (yes, even in the summer). I'm not a fan of moisturisers that leave my skin feeling oily. This moisturiser was introduced to me, at first I hadn't really heard of the brand so I did a bit of research and found that they're an American company who produce products that are made with botanical ingredients, which originate from plants... so they're all natural ingredients that are put together scientifically to make cosmetics and skincare products. Arbonne have a number of collections and this product that I'm reviewing is part of the CALM collection. 

KEY INGREDIENTS

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) Extract - natural cleanser 

Mallow (Malva sylvestris) Extract - hydrator, antioxident, soothes, moisurises

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Extract - calms, soothes, humectant with skin-conditioning properties

Japanese Green Tea (Camellia oleifera) Leaf Extract - antioxidant know for its soothing properties

MY EXPERIENCE

Last summer I suddenly began to have a rash on my forehead and around my eye area. It was itchy, red and the affected area became really dry. The local pharmacy gave me some allergy tablets to take which helped with the itchiness. Although I was given some medication, I still needed to use a moisturiser that wasn't going to make the rash worse, so no artificial ingredients and it had to be suitable for sensitive skin. An Arbonne distributor advised that I should use this moisturiser. I used it twice daily and within a week my rash had gone completely (I think the tablets did some of the work as well though). I still use it twice daily after cleansing my face and sometimes if I'm feeling lazy I use it as a base for my foundation.

OVERALL

Rating: 10/10

Packaging: 9.5/10 - simple, clear directions

Price: £27.00 (Available online at http://www.arbonne.com or from local distributors)

Suitability: All skin types

Texture: Smooth, light

Pros: not fragranced, easy application, suitable for daily use, light, not greasy, absorbs quickly

Cons: I personally prefer a pump bottle (but that's being super picky)

Thank you for reading and let me know your opinions if you've tried this product before!

M x

Blackhead Removal Activated Carbon Mask Set By MY SCHEMING |【我的心機】黑頭終結粉刺拔膜組 | REVIEW

I am determined to find a good product to remove blackheads & whiteheads and to clear up my large open pores. I came across this mask by My Scheming. This is a Taiwanese product which is designed to extract blackheads and whiteheads.

Directions

1. Cleanse skin

2. Apply appropriate amount of Deep Pore Sebum Softener with gentle massage to desired skin area. Wait 2 minutes then wash off.

3. Apply Blackhead Removal Activated Carbon Mask, create a thick layer of mask covering skin and pores entirely. Wait till mask becomes completely dry then peel off the layer gently.

4. Apply Skin Clarifying Pore Treatment Essence to minimise pores.

 

Skinfood Fresh Aloe Pack Review

What is Aloe?

Aloe (a.k.a Aloe Vera) is a cactus plant which grows in dry climates. In Asia a lot of people like to drink aloe vera or use skincare products that contain aloe because of it's health benefits. It contains high vitamins and minerals, it helps to sooth burns and wounds. 

If you're looking for a quick mid-week mask to freshen up and hydrate your skin then this is the one. It only requires 10 minutes to make your skin feel refreshed and soft.
Although it's a mild mask, but it does work! I bought this mask from Hong Kong but it is available on Yesstyle and Sasa websites.

Directions:
1. Make sure face is clean
2. On a dry face apply a layer of the mask
3. Wait 10 minutes
4. Wash the mask off

Urban Decay: PERVERSION Review

Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray Review

I have combination skin, my T-zone does get a little oily throughout the day, and some sufferers may also experience the annoyance of blotting ALL THE TIME! 

Although I use a mattifying primer on my face, it usually doesn't control the shine as much as I'd like. I usually have to blot at least 3 times a day, usually once every 2 hours. When it gets to 7pm and I'm still in the office I just don't bother... my makeup has probably all melted.

 I knew that SKINDINÄVIA are the pros for makeup setting spray, I had heard so many raves about their product but it's not available in the UK.

So, I was doing some research for a similar product and came along something called ''De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray''... I was like, WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!! I NEED TO TRY THIS!!

I went on Urban Decay's website to find out a bit more info and saw that this product is an exclusive partnership with SKINDINÄVIA. Without even thinking, I went out to buy it. It cost me around £23.00 for a XL bottle (177ml). 

HOW I FOUND A JOB MYSELF FOR PLACEMENT YEAR

I study Events Management at Leeds Metropolitan University. It got to half way through first year of uni and I chose the sandwich course, so I needed to go on placement/internship in my second year, so it was about time I got my CV and cover letters ready and started searching for an internship.  It took me around 2 months to sort all this out and to book one-to-one sessions with the placement tutors for them to give me feedback on the structure and content of my CV and covering letter.

(Leeds Metropolitan University, James Graham Building)

1. WHERE DID I REALLY WANT TO GO?

A. SPOT by Dorissiderm, Dr. Kendrick Clinical Skincare for Spots Review