Khiels Dark Spot Solution

If you have been reading my blog then you would know that dark spots are something I've had trouble with for a long time. Even thought things are hopefully heading in a positive direction, I'm still doing my best to find products that  could speed up the lightening process. 

Looking online I found there were many good reviews for Khiel's Dark Solution £36.00; even with the the pricy tag attached I decided that I wanted to give it a go. 

The solution is clear and light. I apply this morning and evening after cleansing my face with my La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel and after applying their Clarifying Lotion and before my face cream. 

Since using this products I feel that my dark spots have lightened but the results are not as dramatic as people claim for it to be. I think testing and trying for different products has also made me realise that the deal with dark spots is that they just take TIME TO FADE. 

Yep, so treatments might help but it will still be a wait depending on the darkness of your pigmentations.

How have you been dealing with with dark areas? Home treatments or products? Let me know below so I can also try them out!

Priyanka xx

Meena Herbal Multani Face Mask

Meena Herbal Multani for oil balancing

 

During my time in India, my sister, mother and I went to a parlour for pedicures and manicures. One strange thing I saw was that they used Multani Mud as a mask for our hands and arms as part of the manicure. I've never seen this in London!

 

We asked where we could find this clay and grabbed some from the shop next door because it is much cheaper than in the UK.

 

The Multani packet inside is a powder which I added rose water and a little honey to make a paste (you can also use milk and olive oil if you have dry skin). To prevent the paste from becoming slightly clumpy, you should mix a little amount of liquid at a time and add more if needed; it is recommended that you leave the mask on for 30 minutes. I found that my skin was definitely softer and brighter. It also helped reduce the appearance of any spots.

 

It is said that over time using Multani pigmentation and scars are less visible.... I guess I will have to see if it does work in the long run.

 

Have you ever used this type of mud mask? Which do you think works on your skin the best? Everybody is different!

 

Priyanka xx

Mac Pro Longwear Concealer

Dark spots? Scars? Acne? 

Trust me, been there done that.

 

I had been searching for a good, high coverage concealer in Boots for a long time and finally gave up hunting for something that clearly doesn't exist. A good concealer in my eyes is difficult to find, especially when you're using it for coverage purposes.

 

Mac seems to be a popular and trust worthy brand in many people's eyes, so I opted to buy Mac's Pro Longwear Concealer and I am glad I made that decision. I put 1 pump of the concealer in a small circular container (which was originally a Mac tester pot) and use my No.7 Concealer Brush dab it onto any places I want to cover up, which is mainly darker scars on my forehead. I have found that layering the product over the area is key to making it look natural, even though this takes a little extra time to do.

 

The concealer is light weight, has brilliant coverage and lasts all day so no touch ups are necessary. A little product goes a long way and I think it is perfect for camouflaging. I haven't used this under my eyes because this shade would be too dark for that purpose and I prefer slightly lighter, natural coverage for the under eye area.

 

Have you tried any other products that cover up pigmentation effectively?

 

Priyanka xx

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Facial Serum

What else do I need to add to my facial routine?

A Serum? Ha, who needs a serum?

Wait, what is a serum again?

 

I don't know about you but that was what was going through my head....

 

However, now you can see that I found out that a facial serum is an essential part of any girl's skin care ritual as its aids long term skin issues that is not targeted by simple moisturisers and cleansers.  

 

For a long time, I felt that my skin was really dry on the surface and tough underneath and therefore it had also lost all of its plumpness and general glow. I purchased Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Booster Serum and I know for a fact that now my skin it a million times more plum and hydrated!

 

I would never lie about my opinion on a product but I do believe that over several months, much more moisture has been locked deeper into my skin so that I do not experience much surface dryness as before (as I used to have red patches that turned dark over time).

 

If you are going through the same problem I would definitely give this serum a try because it is much more affordable than other serums out there. The price is £16.66 from boots and you only need to use a pea sized amount under your moisturiser in the mornings and evenings.

 

If you are looking for a little more plumpness in your skin I would also recommend Superfacialist Rose Miracle Makeover Facial Oil which I wrote a blog post you can check out here .

 

Let me know if you have tested out other serums and which ones you have found have worked best on your skin.

 

Priyanka xx

La Roche-Posay Effaclar

During the summer months, my skin had decided to switch things up a little...and turn into a mini disaster (as least in my life).

Around my forehead, my pores had become enlarged so that blackheads and spots were forming there very easily and all the time. I tried keeping my face clean, began exfoliating with blackhead eliminating scrubs, steaming my face and trying out natural masks all to find that really I was doing things that made my skin worse or didn't help my skin's situation.

I learnt that blackheads are caused by the pores of your skin becoming clogged and dried up (by over exfoliating) so they begin produce excess oils - these appear black on the skin. Then I realised that I should probably stop using the scrubs everyday.....

I've read a lot of reviews about the La Roche-Posay's range and a local pharmacists who I spoke to recommended some products to me to try out myself. I obviously thought it was worth a try even though they are more expensive compared to products I've used before.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo[+] :

 

After using this on my face for a good few weeks there was definitely some serious changes. Firstly, the area on my forehead looked less oily and the blemishes seemed to be improving in appearance because the product has been keeping the oils away.

 

However, when a product is recommended for blemish prone oily skin, I would now think twice about using it on my face. This is because by using the cream alone on my face as a moisturiser it left my entire face in dry patches, which overtime started to look red and damaged. This is as the acne/ blackhead prone skin was only on my forehead and therefore my whole face did not need to be treated in the same way.

 

If your whole face is prone to acne and is oily I would definitely think that this would help your situation by controlling the oils but if not then you should only use this cream on the area which needs targeting, if possible , as I've been doing for several months now and it has been doing a great job at refining the skin. 

 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel:

 

I did begin to think this cleanser joint with the cream were the products causing my skin to become overly dry but after switching from the Effaclar Duo to my usual face cream (but using the Effaclar Duo on my target area only) I have been using the cleansing gel as I would as any basic cleanser.

 

Unless, with use this with other products I don't necessarily think that it does anything special than clean the skin but it does claim to remove excess amounts of sebum.

 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion:

 

I apply this toner like product over my t-zone after I finish cleansing. After forgetting to use this for just under a week I began to see that my apparently improved pore sizes were getting larger. I'm taking a wild guess here, but I really do think this toner has really helped with closing up my pores so that dirt is unable to get inside and develop spots!

 

Overall, I have seen a great difference to my skin, even after a little trouble with dryness.  Well, at least I  have learnt that my skin type is definitely not oily!

 

If you have tried the Effaclar range out please let me know if it worked on your skin. Have you tried any other products that have helped with blackheads?

 

Priyanka xx

Superfacialist Rose Miracle Makeover Facial Oil

,

It was one evening when I decided to change my entire skin care regime....

....and boy did I follow that idea through and change it entirely.

I was watching some videos on YouTube when I came across this video from Pixiewoo and Caroline Hirrons and picked up some really useful ideas when coming to facial care. One thing in particular which stood out to me is the idea that you only have one face for an entire lifetime unlike clothes, accessories and hair so why wouldn't you invest time, money and effort into it?

I read some articles and found this Rose Facial Oil by Una Brenna which I have now been using every evening as a pre-cleanse treatment. I usually wipe any makeup off my face with a wet wipe and then massage this oil all over my face for a good couple of minutes before using a warm wet towel to take it off. Then I wash my face with a regular cleanser and moisturise.

I've heard so many great long term benefits of regular messaging of the face and I do feel the oil does help make my face feel much fresher than with a cleanser alone. 

I would recommend that you guys try this oil out, expecially if you feel that your face just needs a little more delicate care.

Let me know if you have ever tried using oils before on you're skin and how it went.

Priyanka x

Skin Care Routine

Let's skip to the truth.

 

My skin isn't great.

 

Its okay most of the time but it does scar easily which means that I usually don't completely ditch the makeup if I'm going out - but as they say there is more to a girl's beauty than makeup *does an advert style cheesy thumbs up and wink*

 

1) First thing's first in the morning with Neutrogena 2-in-1 Wash and Mask - this is the first face wash I have ever bought and have loved it ever since my best friend recommended it to me. I  tried different cleansers in between but my heart has taken me back to this one.

2) For when I'm going out, I use Fade Out Day Cream which is supposedly meant to fade out dark pigmentation and lighten the skin. Truthfully, I'm not sure how much I can back the statement because I have been using it for a pretty long time but what's the harm still carrying on, right?

3) Twice a week I use Superdrug's Aloe Vera De-Stressing Mud Mask which I talked about another blog post here.

4) I've practically stolen all my mum's things from clothes, perfume and obviously face things including Boot's Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Exfoliating Face Scrub which does beautiful things to your skin and smells so damn refreshing!

5) E45 - Its a must bedtime because it puts back all the moisture from your skin that you've probably been missing during the day... and it makes a fantastic hand cream for those grubby little hands.

6) Red spot? *Instantly picks up Neutrogena's Rapid Clear Treatment* It cools down the red thing on your face and lets your breath again. Aaaahhhh. If that doesn't help, putting some tooth paste on one actually does!

7) I just recently purchased Bio-Oil in attempt to fade out some scarring but I am yet to know if it really does help. Have you tried it? Please let me know if it does help because my hopes are set high.

8) Finally a product most of you haven't heard of because my family usually buys it (in bulk!) when we go abroad because it is a massive life saver! No. Literally when you hurt your knee as a child and have to deal with tormenting pain and blood Boroline dries and clears everything up in a few days. I started to use it on my face where there may be a raw scar or its a little dry at night and it has helped so much to heal things up.

What is your swear-by skin care product? Do you have any recommendations?

Priyanka xx

Winter Glow Makeup Routine

 

It's nearly Christmas!

 

And 2015 (what!?)

 

And

 

I have a cold.

 

Great.

 

 

 

I have made some little changes to my everyday makeup look because I want to look fresh and good on camera as I am going to Spain for Christmas!

 

- Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation £9.99 - I recently bought this because I was convinced by all the good reviews out there, it has a medium coverage and a slightly dewy (and glowy) finish which is the perfect texture for me.

 

- Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer £4.19 - Do you know how much I love this? It had a great coverage for dark spots and works well under the eyes. Personally, I find it can be a little drying under the eyes but if you mix it in with your foundation it is fine. Also, I get through a tube of this stuff really quickly so I'm always making trips to Boots to get more which is a little annoying.

 

- Rimmel Match Perfection Illuminating Concealer £5.99 - For the extra glow in the inner corners of my eyes   

 

- Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder £3.99 - To set my concealer and minimize shine

 

- Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder £7.99 - I have had the same one for 3 years (not an exaggeration) and have used it everyday and it has not run out yet. Now that's what you call a miracle.

 

- Rimmel Lasting Finish Mono Blush in Santa Rose £3.99 - I have used this forever and I can't get enough of the natural flushed look 

 

- Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara £7.99 - I would say this is Maybelline's best mascara (I think its the brush that really makes me like it)

 

- Rimmel London Scandaleyes Thick & Thin Eyeliner £5.49 - Perfectly natural but I find it is a little fidgety to apply

 

 

I hope my experience had  helped anyone looking for new products to add to their routine. I personally get excited to apply my makeup now especially with my new foundation.

 

What is your favourite drugstore product that you would recommend?

 

Priyanka xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

Superdrug Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel Mud Masks

I search of a new face mask, I stumbled across Superdrug's Purifying Witch Hazel Face Mask and I wholly and totally fell in love with it. I have found that my skin reacts well to clay and mud based face cleansers rather than gel bases from brands such as Clearasil.

Beware (sensitive skin types).  Both these masks dry tight on your skin so at first it can feel a little uncomfortable but to me it feels like then it is actually working on my skin.

Knowing me, I dragged my friend on a very exciting secret mission to get to a Superdrug store and buy another one - the best thing about these masks is that they are pretty cheap, effective and the little bottle might not look like much but it does last a good amount of time.

These babies have become a part of my skin care routine and I feel that my skin is left fresh and renewed. I use it twice a week (after washing my hair which is wrapped in a towel and out of the way) and this way just when I think my skin is looking a little tired out...my face mask comes to the rescue.

Have you tried these masks? If I was to buy another mask which one would you recommend?

Priyanka xx

Favorite Blowdry Products

Some people have difficulty dealing with their hair in humidity, but I struggle with my hair in the rain and wind.

Urgg.

It annoys me so much that after I spend my precious time washing and drying my hair to fall how I want it, all ready for a new week- it just turns into shambles on the short walk to school (even if I try to keep my hood up, see where I am going whilst also attempting to look decent and awake).

Then I get to school and I feel all my efforts have gone to waste.

Anyway, when my blow drying efforts are kind enough stay I find that these 3 products are the best:

- Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce Body Booster Moose

I recently bought this product because my old moose ran out. It does exactly what it says - if you use a round brush (this is the new one that has been saving my life recently), it gives you a TON of volume...its scares me a little sometimes but we don't have to mention that to anyone else.

- John Frieda Straight Fixation Styling Crème

 

I bought this product a long time ago; I only use it for my fringe/bang area by putting a little product brushing it through and then blow drying it upwards.

- Heat Protectant  

Okayy. Im guilty.

I always forget to use protectant but I am realising that heat can actually damage your hair after repetitive use.

Guys. Use it!

I would appreciate so much if you could let me know how to dry your hair or the products you use to keep you hair looking... sane.

Priyanka xx

New Buys | Denman Thermoceramic Barrel

Winter and my hair doesn't seem to get on very well.

No, that would be an understatement.

They hate each other.

I preach the whole, 'Embrace What Your Born With' thing but I do wish that my hair was a little more manageable because the lovely kinks at the front of my hair are not very lovely at all.

I watched some videos to see how to blow dry the front of your hair so I flows away from the face when I realised that I really need a round brush.

The annoying thing about me is when I want something, I will do my best to get it as soon as possible, so I bought the Denman Thermoceramic Barrel from Boots for £8.79, which by the way, I have been absolutely loving!

I does everything it says I will: smooth, high speed, quick and simple styling. I tried straightening my hair with this and it took me just under 20 minutes which is incredibly fast compared to other times where it has taken me around an hour (yes, imma stingy perfectionist). It can also curl your hair but I have yet to try that puzzle.

Seriously, don't take my word for how helpful a round brush is... go out and buy one and then thank me for making your life that little bit less complicated:)

Priyanka xx

Natural and Glowy Everyday Foundation

I'm getting older. It's a fact. It's really terrifying but it's happening.

It seems as though as I'm getting older, the more picky I'm getting with how I look all the time and that means my makeup routine has changed quite a lot since summer began.

I have been loving L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation because its very light on the skin but also gives a hint of fresh faced colour which is great since my tan is wearing off and my radiance is dying out (how incredibly sad).

I apply a little (less than a whole pump) of the foundation on the back of my hand and then use my finger to dot it mainly under my eyes then a little more on my chin and forehead.

Using my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush I use little circular motions to blend it into my face. This brush is amazing for blending a little product evenly across my whole face; if you haven't brought a Real Techniques brush yet, the chances are your missing out!

I also dot the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer under my eyes and on any blemished and blend it in with my brush.

If I feel that I'm need a little more waking up I put a little bit of Rimmel Match Perfection Highlighting Concealer in the inner corners of my eyes.

That's my base done.

Now for the rest of my face...

What is your favourite day to day foundation? |Do you have any tips and tricks on how you apply it?

Priyanka xx

August Favorites 2014

Personally, I think that the photo looks like something exotic from Ibiza but that's just moi.

I'm so glad to be doing my first ever monthly favourites; hopefully they will be coming every month with things beauty, fashion, food, books and everything I have been loving!

This month I have been loving...

 1. L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation - This foundation I picked up in Boots because I needed a darker colour to fit in with my summer, tanned skin (yes, I actually tanned). I did spend at least 45 minutes with a by-then-a-very-annoyed-friend-that-needed-to-get-home to find a  colour that actually fit me, but we succeeded at the end. The foundation is low coverage and gives a lovely hint of natural colour which I find is great for an everyday look.

2. Marry M Gelly Nail Paint in Greenberry - I'll keep it quick. I love this colour so much, it reminds me of summer and every nail polish in the world should be this colour. That's kinda what I mean.

3. Superdrug Witch Hazel Mud Mask - This mask is great for clearing out my skin; I use it twice a week and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. It hardens quite a lot which might be a little stripping for people with more sensitive skin but I use a honey mask straight after it to renew the lost moisture back into my skin. Every time I use this mask I feel lovely and refreshed and it smells good.

4. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - This is a major upgrade from the sponges I used to use to apply my foundation with. I was pretty sure that this brush was going to be great because of how many people use and love it. It blends foundation and concealer out very well and makes it easy to use a little product all over my face.

5. Calcot Manor The Lazy Evening Dry Body Oil Spray - This is the best smell ever. It smells of summer, the sun, the blazing heat, the golden coast of Los Angeles and the long drifty, lazy, beautiful evenings in California under the blazing stars. Well, that's how I would describe it to you because I used it through the whole summer last year and every time I spray it on now it reminds me of that place, I really wish I was right now, and makes me smile every single time. If you don't believe me, go and buy it yourself.

6. The Maze Runner by James Dashner - I miss reading a good, exciting book. From when my mock exams started I couldn't get into a book and enjoy it but this really has been bringing me back into the flow. Its action packed, unexpected and exciting. Plus, on the cover it  says ' a must for the fans of The Hunger Games'... so you can see it has been calling for my eyes.

7. Calvin Klein Jeans Sunglasses - Its only a short time in the year that you can wear sunglasses and I love my white ones, they go with pretty much everything :)

8. Ikea Milk Frother - Coffee? No this makes more than milk, water and instant coffee granules mixed together. It makes it look like a posh cappuccino especially with a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top. Really, it  changes home coffee forever.  

I hope that you have found something here that you fancy trying out... and if you already have let me know what you thought about them!

Priyanka xx

Things That Make Me Happy #1 Loving Myself

'Happiness is about loving yourself and being less concerned with the approval of others'

Recently, I have been trying my utmost best to keep happy. Sure it might seem a little forceful but really it has been making a huge impact on my life.

As I did mention before here it all started when I drew a mind map of 'Things That Make Me Happy' so that I could identify them by brainstorming, and then incorporate them in my everyday life. These are some of my 'trigger' actions that put me in seriously good mood :D

So what about a series of posts about everything that makes me happy?

I think that's a marvellous idea!

Self Love

No, not the vain kind but the type that makes me feel BETTER about myself.

I have to admit it is hard to start to love yourself (and your body) wholly with your flaws and insecurities but once you really accept who you are it becomes so much easier to be more confident.

Beauty is from the inside, and once that begins to show to everyone you can be beautiful in everyone's eyes.

It is so much easier said than done but it is honestly those baby steps that make the whole difference.

I have definitely become more confident and outgoing; it is something that I have worked hard for and it makes me so proud and happy to feel this way.

Deep stuff.

In the ceremony  of 'Loving Myself' let me share with you a #selfie (which I normally am disastrously bad at).

Lots of Love,

Priyanka xx

The Little Things in Life

 Finally school is up (for a little bit anyway) and a week into the Easter holidays..I am pretty much bored sick.

Its not even that, just being in the same atmosphere everyday, waking up at the same time everyday, showering at the same time everyday and doing the same thing (everyday) just stresses me out. I have been revising everyday in the morning for a few hours for my mock exams but I just cant seem to concentrate.

Even my mum has notices and she just keeps telling me to CALM DOWN.

So I figures that I have to keep myself occupies and happy through the week and make those little things really count.

Drawing a mind map of 'Things I Love' really helps, I know what makes me happy (which are ideas to help me out when Im bored and well miserable :D )

So I made a list of 'Things That Have Made Me Happy This Week' :

Sunday: The sunshine, jogging in the park with my earphones on, having a baking contest with my sister (that I obviously won) and having grilled halloumi skewers for lunch and painting my nails mint green

Tuesday: WATCHING DIVERGENT with my friends (since I made them all read the book and have been excited for months!)...and then having pizza :) Wearing my new jewlery and top that I got for my birthday, getting all dressed up and having coffee in the morning #igottaslightaddiction

Thursday: Re-watching Catching Fire with my brother and sister (since its my favorite film as you might know!)

Friday: Walking to McDonald's to buy a cup O'coffee (well actually a latte) and a magazine

All week: Reading Allegiant (oh my goossh its so unexpected...)

I know this all sounds a little bit stupid but really it has been making a difference to my mood by just doing some little things for myself.

Hey anyway, WE'RE WORTH IT right?

Priyanka xx

Boots Birthday Haul!

If you are anything like me then you know how exciting going to boots can be! I mean seriously after constantly seeing bloggers and youtubers doing makeup hauls and favorites there are so many products that I seem to 'need' and have been adding up onto my wish list.

I finally convinced my mum to take me to boots because I had to get a ton of first aid things for my Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition and then treated my self to some beauty products because summer is not TOO far away and on Thursday (20th March) ITS MY BIRTHDAY!

I ended up buying:

-Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Eternal Gold

-Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Green Berry

-Maybelline Dream Sun bronzer in Blonde

-Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

- Boots Oil Absorbing Sheets

-Max Factor Gloss Infinity in Angel Nails 

-Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

-Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punched (that I didn't put into the picture!)

I think that all of these things will look (and work) gorgeous during the summer months and I am so excited to try out all these products because I have heard so many good things about them!

Have you tried these before? Let me know!

Priyanka xx

Frosty Window...

This week, as I sat delighting in my beautiful pancakes and sipping on my mocha (urm, I have a BIT of a coffee obsession...) I was called upstairs by my little sister to see the window.

And wow I was shocked. Hopefully the camera has picked up the beautiful patterns that we created by the frost because I really couldnt belive something so intricate could be created naturally. I just thought it would be lovely to share because I have never seen something that I have been in awe of ...on a window.Well, I guess it was all down to Jack Frost!

Priyanka xx

Product Review: Loreal Voluminous Million Lashes Waterproof

O.M.G. I have totally been loving this mascara! I purchased L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes during the summer holidays when I went to Calgary, Canada in August (which seems to be such a long time ago!) I needed a new mascara that would last those summer pool dips, sweat, heat, water fights and survive the whole day (since during the summer keeping preoccupied is my biggest concern) and this was the mascara for it!

When I came back to school (unfortunately summer doesn't last a million years), soo many people complimented my lashes! I naturally have long, thick eye lashes but this product emphasized my eyes, created a 'million lashes' (see what i did there?), gave me great volume and length so that I could look wide awake without any other eye makeup like eyeliner.  

The elastomer applicator (wand) is AMAZING as it doesn't leave any clumps or over-load the product on your lashes. Also, I found it could really grip every single lash and coat it will minimal effort which is very helpful for those, like myself, that have limited time in the mornings or are new to makeup.

I like to put on two coats onto each eye, without letting it dry until I'm satisfied with how it looks. 

However (oh no!), I would say the only disadvantage of using this mascara every day is that it can be rather difficult to completely remove. I felt like it was a little bit too harsh everyday and when I went to remove it with a waterproof eye makeup remover (as I found that normal wipes didn't remove anything) and ended up pulling my lashes out in aggression...eek!

 Seriously, I would recommend buying this mascara or a mascara in L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Range which are £10.99 at Boots. Eventhough this is a pricier side for a drugstore mascara it is totally worth every penny!

I know that before I buy a product I always do my research and see other people's views on products so I hope this helps.

Priyanka xx