Face Mask Friday: Montagne Jeunesse White Chocolate Ultra Deep Cleansing Masque

Have you ever bought something thinking it's going to be divine, just by reading it's name? Well I did that with this. The Montagne Jeunesse White Chocolate Ultra Deep Cleansing Masque caught my eye because pampering + chocolate should definitely = HEAVEN.

But alas, it was not to be. 

For me, if the packaging doesn't suck me in, then the next thing that does is the smell. I adore products that make me want to drool as soon as I open the packet/container. This one.. if I had known how horrible the smell was before hand I would not have wasted my money on it, even if it was for a pound!

The smell was incredibly synthetic and overpowering and it actually made me want to gag. I was expecting something that smelt like MilkyBar but in reality it was nowhere close to that.

But in the end I had to put my disgust for the scent aside and put it on my face - two or three times actually, you get a lot of product in the sachet - and try to be unbiased and see if it would do anything for my face.

So I smoothed it all over my face and tried to relax (which didn't work because I couldn't NOT smell it xD) for about fifteen minutes. I could only make it to ten minutes though, and it didn't dry anywhere on my face at all, while some other masks I've used did after ten minutes or so at least.

After washing it off, my skin didn't feel much different if I'm honest. It didn't feel particularly moisturised nor any smoother as it claims to say on the packet; in fact my face always felt greasy and a little congested after I used this mask! I used this when my skin was going through a bit of a dry patch, and I had high hopes for it because it has Jojoba oil in it which is meant to be good at moisturising the skin.

I do however think that this would have been better for someone with extremely dry skin rather than someone who has combination skin like me though. For some reason I just couldn't get a long with it - the smell was just too overpowering!

You can purchase Montagne Jeunesse face masks in Boots, Superdrug, Asda, Tescos, New Look, Home Bargains, everywhere! They're usually for a quid but Home Bargains tend to do a 4 for the price of 3 a lot so you should check them out if you ever pass by one (^__^)

Disclaimer: I bought this with my own money, and all views stated at my own.

Related Posts: Montagne Jeunesse Pressed Blueberries Very Berry Ultra Moisturising and Cleansing Masque, Natural Collection Rosemary & Witch Hazel Mask, Superdrug Hydrating Self Heating Mask

Back To Uni Wishlist ♥

Back To Uni Wishlist by themaryfairy featuring Skullcandy

Burgundy Chiffon Blouse from H&M - £14.99 / Beige & Black Long Sleeveless Chiffon Blouse from H&M - £14.99 each / Dorothy Perkins Indigo Straight Leg Jeans - £20/£25 / Skullcandy Headphones - £15 / New Look Extra Wide Fit Brown Elastic Back Buckle Boots - £24.99 / Topshop Large Edge Paint Satchel in Grey - £34 / ASOS Satchel Bag With Scallop Bar Detail in Conker - £30

Anneyong my lovelies! I thought I'd post a little wish list on what I'm planning on getting in prep for uni this year (^__^)

I think the colour for this year for my wardrobe is going to be stuff like dark purples, maroons, and dark greens. I've been really feeling those colours lately, and I know for sure that once my money comes in I'm going to spend it on updating my wardrobe with a lot stuff in these colours! They just feel so wintery, I love it~ I'm actually looking forward to the cold winter.. I know I'm strange but come on, you know you are too really!

I'm in dire need of some new jeans, and Dorothy Perkins never fails to let me down in the jeans department. Their petite sizes are perfect length and fit for me, I'm so glad I found them because it's really hard to find jeans that fit me because I'm on the short side.

Shoes wise, I have some already but I need a new pair of mid-calf-length kinda boots like I did last year, but they're ruined now so I need to replace them ASAP. I think I've found the perfect ones here in New Look, but I'm going to try them out in store before I buy them. I'm really picky when it comes to shoes haha.

Speaking of being picky.. I'm quite picky when it comes to choosing a bag. And now I can't choose between these two. I might end up buying them both (which is a first) I actually love them that much, and they both will fit my netbook easily, which doesn't make the decision any easier (>.<)

Oh and last but not least, headphones to drown out the world while I work and study. My trusty old JVC headphones broke a long time ago and I haven't had a decent pair since. I don't really know which ones to get yet, but I do know I really want some in red that are similar to these! (^__^)

Have you prepared for uni yet? Or doing it all last minute like me? :P

Girl, What's On Your Face?!

Hi my lovelies~ Hope you're having a fabulous evening. ^.^

I thought I'd share a kind of a 'face of the day' post with you guys today. But, you know, without the face. :D

[clockwise from left]

Bourjois Healthymix Foundation in shade 52 - Benefit They're Real! Mascara - Revlon Lip Butter in Wild Watermelon - Maybelline Fit Me! Pressed Powder in 125 Nude Biege - Benefit Benetint - Stila Smudge Pot in Cobalt

I don't really wear much colour on my face, but when I do it's usually the eyes where I put it - I tend to just use a coloured liner on my bottom lashes and that's it. 

But this time I remembered my blue gel liner from Stila and thought I'd give it a try since it had been AGES since I had cracked it open. I've literally had it for two years and used it, what, once? It hasn't dried out at all.. probably because the lid was on REALLY tight!

It actually lasted a very long time: TWELVE hours in fact! That's a bloody long time compared to my usual black Maybelline gel liner, which usually lasts about six to seven hours I'd say. I'm definitely going to be wearing this again, I loved how it made my eyes look really brown and bright in contrast (^__^)

My lips seem to be really dull lately, and I can't figure out why. So I used some of my trusty Benetint to brighten my lips up a little  and kept my Revlon Lip Butter in Wild Watermelon in my purse for when it faded away (after eating so much) through the day (^__^) haha!

What do you use to brighten up your face? Have you shaken up your usual makeup lately? And should I post more faces of the day without the faces or not? Let me know in the comments below! (^__^)

Disclaimer: I bought everything with my own money, and all views stated at my own. (>.<)

Mini Haul ft. Eucerin ☼

Ayooo~~ How's it going guys? Everyone doing well? ;D I'm back today with a collective mini haul! 

I actually bought these a few weeks ago separately, but thought I would post about them anyway, because 2/3 are for the dry skin I will be anticipating once I get on Roaccutane - it's meant to dry your skin out A LOT so I thought I'd prepare early and buy some of the things other people on Roaccutane had recommended in advance. (^__^)

[L-R]

Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser - This is the heavier version of my usual Simple moisturiser which was for oily skin. I have tried it and because my skin is still a little oily (because I haven't started Roaccutane yet) I need a lot less than I did with the light version. So far so good! Let's hope it works when my skin gets drier. If not I have another moisturiser in mind from Eucerin ^.^

Real Techniques Stippling Brush - I ordered this off of iHerb with a load of other stuff... but the other stuff was for my younger sister and her friends lol. I just bought the one lonely stippling brush because my first one was falling apart. xD Dead cheap, you should should check it out! You do have to pay a customs fee if it costs more than a certain amont though, so be warned! I didn't know until I received it, wish I had known before -.-

Eucerin Aquaphor Lip Repair - Everyone who has been on Roaccutane has bought, used and recommended this over and over again. I couldn't find it in Boots so I ended up having to look for it on Amazon, where it seems everyone seems to get it from!

Do you know what I've noticed.. my mini hauls tend to come in threes.. o_O Why is that?! LOL! I guess since my project pan last year I've gotten good at not overspending ^.^ Hurray for not wasting money! :D

Disclaimer: I bought everything with my own money, and all views stated at my own. (^__^)

Skin update #1 - Lymecycline/Tetracycline

Aloha my lovelies~ Today I thought I'd talk about what I've been doing for my skin lately.

Last time I posted about my skin, it was in a really bad state. You can click here to read the full post. After asking many people for advice, and them telling me to see my dermatologist, I gave in and made an appointment. I explained to her how painful it was and how I'm sick to death of battling with my acne on a daily basis; it's been about eleven years now, and I still haven't gotten rid of it, no matter what I tried. I had already been on antibiotics when I was around sixteen, and that messed my skin up even more, which put me off going to the doctors for it until now.

She decided that it was time to put me on Roaccutane, which is a last resort drug that is extremely harsh and you have to jump through a million hoops before even being considered to be put on it. I had to book a blood test to see if I had the all clear, and in the mean time she prescribed me something else to take as the time until I get Roaccutane will be quite long, and she wanted me to see if anything else that was left (that was less harsh) would work on my skin instead.

And guess what she gave me? Yup you guessed it.. more antibiotics.The first set she gave me when I was sixteen was an antibiotic called Tetracycline and some topical creams containing Benzoyl Peroxide and Differin in. It dried out my skin, my eyelids were rough and dry, and it LITERALLY cracked my lips. LITERALLY. It even made them turn bluey purple. 

It didn't help that I had no good idea about skincare back then either. She never told me to wash it off properly in the morning, she didn't explain what the ingredients were - I just assumed it was like a moisturiser like a nivea cream I had that had some added bonus ingredient in to get rid of the spots. It didn't occur to me to look up the ingredients or research them either, as I had a lot of bad things going on in my life which took centre stage instead.

But now that I know a lot more about skincare, I can battle anything that comes my way when it comes to any skin-related side effects when taking antibiotics.

But alas, as prepared as I was for those side effects, it was not to be. At least not with this one anyway. My dermatologist prescribed me some antibiotics (which is similar to tetracycline) called Lymecycline. I took these for two weeks exactly, and I had no skin related side effects apart from a little dryness, but that was easily combated with a heavier moisturiser. 

The reason I had to stop taking these was because I was having other side effects that I couldn't handle. These included headaches, dizziness, and itchy skin. I was itchy on my face, arms, legs, torso, back. It was ridiculous! When I would pray and stand up after prostrating, I would be so dizzy I would fall side ways and end up hitting myself on a wall or a sofa or even the fan!

If you know me personally, you'd know I suffer from migraine attacks very frequently, but less so than before. Because of the fact that they had been getting less, I was very happy - but then I would get a different type of headache which lasted a lot longer and was painful in a different way, and the only thing I was taking that was different was the antibiotics.

Anyone who has had migraine attacks like mine will agree with me that you wouldn't wish them on your worst enemy, and I did NOT want to have any more headaches than I could take, so in the end I had to stop taking the antibiotics.

I managed to get another appointment with my dermatologist and she told me to stop taking the Lymecyline and prescribed me another antibiotic which is also in the same family of drugs, but I will post about  how I'm getting on with that in an other skincare update, seeing as I've only just received them, so I can't really tell you if I have any side effects yet!

Whewww, sorry about the length of this, I didn't realise I had so much to say! I might post another update in about two weeks, or maybe earlier depending on if these antibiotics work or not - hopefully they will, that way I won't have to go on anything harsher! (^__^)

Let me know in the comments below if you like posts like this, and/or if you have any questions about any of the topical creams or antibiotics I've used, or anything else related to this post - I'll try my best to answer it :o)

Chitchat: Eid, Summer, and Life in General~

Anneyong my lovelies! Hope you've all been well and you've enjoyed your summer (^__^) 

I thought I would post a little update since I haven't posted in a very long time~

Ever since Ramadan ended, I've been feeling a bit down and I just wasn't in the mood to blog as a result. When an honoured guest like that leaves, it's presence is missed greatly, because it's presence basically did take over my whole life. It's just one of those things. Eid was a little bittersweet because of how sad I was that Ramadan was over, and I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. I'm looking forward to next years Ramadan already - I pray I live long enough to see it once again! >.<

I hope everyone else's Ramadan and Eid went well though, and if you aren't muslim I hope your summer has gone well! Sitting here typing this, I'm already wrapped in a blanket and a hoodie, it's that cold up north! While I did enjoy the heat, I think autumn and winter will always have a special place in my heart; there's just nothing like being wrapped up in a massive coat and boots, sipping on some hot chocolate, speaking through a woolly scarf wrapped around half my face whilst waddling to lecture first thing in the morning. xD

I think I've made the most of my summer this year, for once. I got work experience in various healthcare settings, went on trips to the seaside, to lakes, to parks. I applied and bagged a couple of volunteer jobs that were difficult to get, and spent a lot of time with my close friends and made many new ones.

I went to a lot of weddings, and learnt more about my culture and religion. I've always been into my religion, Islam, but never so much into my Pakistani culture.

I like how everyone looks after each other not only in the Muslim community but my Pakistani community too, and how good hospitality is central to our culture as well as our religion, not just to our own people but to others too. :o)

Another thing I learnt how to do this summer is learn how to be alone, and not feel lonely. Being lonely is something every human fears deep down inside, and it's something I've struggled with for a long time.

I never liked doing anything by myself, I'd always want someone to be with me at all times and would only go out alone if I had no choice but to do so; I guess I just didn't like the company of my own thoughts.. of myself.

Lately though, I've actually begun to like being alone, doing things alone. I no longer feel shy or weird going out for a coffee or shopping on my own. It's times like these where I feel at peace and at ease, because I've realised that I can go at my own pace, I don't have to hurry or be afraid I'm holding someone up. The lesson I've learned from this is that being alone does not mean being lonely - sometimes all I need for company is me myself and I (^__^)

Oh, and I actually managed to soaked up a lot of Vit D this summer too! Something I've been meaning to do for a long time, since I'm severely deficient and have been so for ages now.

This summer I only tanned on my hands and feet -_____- My face didn't feel like tanning so now I look very strange when I put my hands anywhere near my face haha!

Anyway, enough about what I have been doing. As much fun as it has been having nothing to do and going with the flow, I've already got loads of things planned for this year, and also the next! Let's pray that God is planning the same thing as I am, but if He isn't I'm sure He will have something even better than I could even dare to dream of planned instead, so I'm not too worried if my plans don't pan out. (^__^)

As for my blog, I'm definitely going to carry on with it. I might take breaks because ultimately, this is only a hobby and my degree and career is far more important to invest my time and effort in. But I will definitely still post as much as I can - in fact, I already have a few blog posts planned out, I just need to type them up :D

Goodness me, I've typed a whole load of waffle today haven't I? I just sat down and anything that came to mind spilled out. I hope I didn't bore you to tears and that you're not mad I haven't been posting for a while. (>.<) Mianhamnida (that's the formal way of saying I'm sorry in Korean ^.^), I will post more often now!

Anyhoo.. until next time, stay awesome my lovelies! ;D

On being a female in a Muslim household in Ramadan..

Girls. I need to rant about something. Y'all know how much I love fasting. It makes me sad when I can't. But it's that time of the month right now. And it's slap bang in the middle of our blessed month. Which means I can't fast. 

It also means I can eat whatever I want; but the thing is.. I just - I just CAN'T okay, it's really hard!! Not because I physically can't, or I feel like I should be fasting (although I do sometimes feel like the latter). No it's neither of those. It's just.. how do I eat without getting caught by the opposite gender? They're usually clueless about the whole period thing..

 Let me walk you through the awkwardness and problems I face when it comes to this issue and how I deal with it.. or how I try not to deal with should be much more an accurate of a description, LOL

At first, I try and eat stealthily. When they're in masjid, when they're at work, when they're napping. I tip toe across the creaky landing outside my room and lightly jump over a couple equally creaky stairs like a cat stalking its prey, flee to the kitchen and find something to eat that won't leave a mess, a scent or any dishes to wash. 

But then... *horror music* they come home early, or they wake up from their nap and instinctively walk to the kitchen for a snack and BAM they find you stuffing your face with Jaffa cakes with a cuppa on your right and a half eaten tube of Pringles on your left and time freezes for a moment and you're just stood there like AW POOP NO I'VE BEEN CAUGHT! 

So now what do I do? Do I flat out tell them the reason?

Me: ...

Them: OMG YOU'VE BROKEN YOUR FAST?! 

Me: ohai.. um.. yeah I'm on my er.. you know.. my erm... *mumbles* period..

Them: Your what?

Me: *flails at the prospect of having to explain menstruation to her 15 year old brother*

(or alternatively)

Them: Oh.. *awkward silence*

Me: *flails inwardly just as awkwardly*

DO YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN? If I wouldn't tell someone I'm on my period on a normal day, why am I going to tell them now?! Obviously I try to avoid this situation. I mean who wouldn't? Maybe someone who wasn't dropped in a pool of awkward as soon as they were born and can deal with stuff like this in a mature way.. heh.

The only alternative left is for me to not eat, or flat out lie by saying I'm ill. Or bring up a fruit basket* up into my room and put a lock on the door. 

*sigh*. #muslimgirlproblems

Luckily, (even though I don't believe in luck, I just couldn't find a better word) I have actually been ill and have been given some meds so I can just half lie and say the doctor told me not to fast if they ever catch me. xD Teehee! *rubs hands with glee*

How do you deal with your time of the month in Ramadan?

*And by fruit basket I mean a basket full of Jaffa Cakes. And Pringles. Lots of Pringles..

Something I've noticed about the beauty world this Ramadan..

WHY does EVERYTHING I own and use on a daily basis smell of delicious, mouthwatering food? 

Everything I use when I wake up in the morning or through the day smells of something fruity or foody, and it only makes my fast seem just that tiny bit harder..!

*shakes fist at pile of stuff*

Now I know what you're thinking. Mary, you're just hungry and missing food, that's all! You won't notice this after Ramadan, no need to be so grumpy!

But YOU GUYS!!

The Nivea lip butter smells (and tastes) like caramel popcorn, the Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer of strawberries, the Garnier Pure Active moisturiser of cucumbers, the Clean & Clear Morning Energy moisturiser of papaya and lemon, and the EOS lipbalm of lemon!

It's almost enough to make me not want to use any of my skincare stuff LOL!

Seriously though what I want to know is.. what is it with the obsession in the beauty industry with making everything so heavily, fruitily scented? 

Actually I don't even know why I'm asking that question - I already know the answer.. 

I mean, DO YOU GUYS HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH I LOVE LEMON FLAVOURED/SCENTED THINGS? I'm a slave to anything remotely related to lemon (T__T)

*sobs*

I mean, I'm pretty sure we don't need any of the scent the manufacturers put in the products, but let's be honest with ourselves. If you like the look of something.. and it also smells drool worthy.. you know you're more likely to end up popping that in your basket. Am I right? You know it's true! 

Well.. it is for me anyway.. (>.<)

Blaaaaaah. Maybe I am just being a bit grumpy. Someone tell me I'm right about whole scent thing, I mean it really is in almost every product we use (o.O) 

*sighs* I don't know. I'm off to eat some fruit chaat. Toodles!

(Oh and btw - it's a good thing I'm not using the EOS lipbalm anymore, I'm pretty sure I had an allergic reaction to it, it made my lips itchy and sore. :[ made me sad because I was really looking forward to using it!)

Disclaimer: I bought this with my own money. All opinions are my own, I swear^^

The Face Shop New Zealand Volcanic Clay Black Head Charcoal Nose Strip Review

Hello there everyone~ Or should I say Anneyong, chingu-deul! Today I will be reviewing the New Zealand Volcanic Clay Black Head Charcoal Nose Strip's from The Face Shop (^__^)

The Face Shop is a Korean brand, and so far I have bought two items from their selection of skincare items - these and the Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam.

Now, the last time I tried nose strips.. well.. it didn't go well. At ALL. They just didn't work for me and they made my skin worse. If you would like to read that particular review, you can click here to see my little rant on it xD

I know what you're thinking. If you had such a bad experience with nose strips the first time, why on earth would you go back for another round?! Well if I'm honest with you, I have no idea. Actually, no that's a lie. My love for looking at cute Korean skincare and beauty things on Ebay ended up making me click on the purchase button and well.. here I am two months later sat typing this review with one plastered on my nose. :D

Gosh, everything about Korean stuff seems so much more appealing to me, packaging wise especially! I love the little description about where the mud in the nose strip comes from, what the mud contains and how it helps your skin. I'll look past the slightly incorrect grammar because I'm biased and yeah. xD

At the back, while all the instructions are written in hangul, they've given a handy step by step illustration as well. So if you're a foreigner who doesn't know a word of Korean (or english!) and you're looking to try this, they've made it easy for you figure out what it is and how to use it ! (^__^)

Inside, you get 7 strips - which is one more than the Biore nose strips I reviewed last time, AND they only cost me £3.54 as opposed to the £7.99 I wasted on the Biore ones! Sure it takes a week to ten days to get here but at least they worked :D

Onto the actual product^^ When you open up the little satchet, you can immediately smell the charcoal - the scent is REALLY strong, so if you aren't a fan of that, I suggest you steer clear of these!

In case you don't know even from the instructions at the back of the packet, here they are: wet your nose, take off the clear backing and put the sticky side on the bridge of your wet nose. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.
I find that, on my face, after about 7/8 minutes it has almost dried but I leave it on for ten minutes because usually I'm doing stuff whilst I have it on. Hash tag multitasking ;D oh yeah~~

This, unlike the Biore one actually does get rid of my blackheads! It also doesn't aggravate my skin and does not cause breakouts on my nose either, something that happened with the Biore ones. It leaves the skin on my nose feeling very soft and smooth. Overall, I'd give this a 4/5, one point deducted for the grammar :P

Can you tell I didn't like the Biore ones much..? Yeah, I really, REALLY hated them. Unlike these, which I recommend wholeheartedly if you have blackheads and an oily T-zone! Here is the link to the ebay seller where I bought them from (and will soon repurchase!). If you try them out, do let me know how you found them (^__^) 

Till next time, toodles! :o)

Disclaimer: I bought this with my own money. All opinions are my own, I swear^^

May & June Empties ♥

It's that time again.. time to sort though me empties and throw em out! Let's see what I've finished these past couple of months..

[L-R]

Garnier Dark Spot Corrector - I liked it at first but then it started breaking me out. Since then, all it has done is sat in my drawer, unloved and unused. Repurchase? Nope.

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream - I won't say much on this.. review is coming soon! ;D

Nivea Hydro Care lip balm - An all time favourite, I always go back to this. I need to pick up on soon - my lips are missing it!

[L-R]

Nivea Powerfruit Refresh Shower Gel in Goji Berry - Love this stuff, it leaves my skin feeling clean and moisturised, and it smells absolutely divine! Repurchase? I already have, but in a different scent this time (^__^)

Natural Collection Loose Powder in Translucent - I've had this pot for ages, and while it did finish a while ago, I've been putting my broken powders into it when they well break. xD Throwing it away now, it's taking up space and I just don't want it around anymore. Repurchase? Nope!

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Original - This has been knocking around for a couple of months and I finally finished it when I went to Brighton for the weekend with my friends. My friends always end up using it too, they love how well it works and how it leaves their hair volumized after using it - something I would not have bothered to think about/would not have noticed being a hijabi and all >.< Repurchase? Definitely!

[L-R]

Benefit Foamingly Clean Facial Wash - Once again.. review coming soon.

St Ives Timeless Skin Review & Firm Apricot Scrub - This was a bit of a meh product. It didn't have enough granules in it for me, nor were they coarse enough. In fact its so meh I saw no point in writing up a review about it (>.<) Repurchase? Definitely not.

The Body Shop's Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash - Come on guys. Do I really have to say this? I won't because you already know my love for this. Repurchase? Already have done!

[L-R]

Superdrug Vitamin E Skincare Gentle Eye Makeup Remover - I picked this up on a whim, and from the beginning till the end of this bottle, I've freaking loved this...apart from on my eyes. I just don't like using it on my eyes, it feels weird and I'm always scared it'll get in my eyes *covers her eyes* (/ . \) I'm strange I know. after using this, my skin always felt so soft and clean! My sister, who is dry skinned, also loved it and says that it works really well on eye makeup too (as it was intended to be used, haha). Repurchase? Yep!

Superdrug Large Cotton Wool Pads - I'm not too sure why I picked these up; I think they might have been on offer or something and i was running out of my usual circular ones and happened to be in Superdrug. They're okay I suppose, but they did irritate my face a bit - they weren't as soft as I thought they would be! I'm sure they are intended for babys bums! Repurchase? No thank you.. I'll stick to my normal circular ones.

Garnier Skin Naturals Simple Essentials Soothing 2 in 1 Makeup Remover - I rave about this in every empties post. You should know by now how much I love this stuff :P Repurchase? I already have two as backup kehe!

Wow that's a lot of stuff! Glad I can finally throw it all out (^__^) *slam dunks it in the bin* 

Ahh don't you just love that feeling?

Disclaimer: All products were bought with my own money unless stated otherwise. All opinions are my own.

Ramadan Mubarak! (^__^)

Salaam and hello everyone! Guess what?

RAMADAN IS HERE!!

 *bounces off the walls in excitement* 

*squeals like a child*

*moonwalks across her room* 

SDJFKLDSADFSGKHASLDFGHFDSKAJGSHDK;LS!!!

...

Sorry (>.<) I'm just REALLY REALLY excited xD 

It's definitely my favourite month in the WHOLE YEAR, and I wait for it to come back as soon as it ends - that is how much I love this precious month! (♥__♥)

For anyone interested in the topic, I will definitely be posting some Ramadan related posts this month, In Shaa Allah! 

However, if you're curious about Ramadan and want to know what it's all about, you'll be glad to know I have already posted a couple of posts on the subject last year, so instead of typing it all out again I shall leave you with a link to a brief overview of the basics of Ramadan for you to read at your leisure by clickety clacking here~

Right, I'm off to type up some more posts! If you're curious about anything, anything at all, please don't hesitate to leave your question(s) in the comments below - remember, there is no such thing as a silly question! (^__^)

Mini Haul ft Skin79 ☼

Well hello there my lovelies :o) Everyone enjoying the heatwave? I seem to be going from one extreme to the other. One moment I love it and the next I want it to be autumn already. XD 

Anyhoo, I thought I'd show you a little collective haul I've gathered over the past month or so. I haven't really been shopping much at all, I've been trying to cut down on unnecessary spending but I thought I would treat myself with a couple of things since I've been doing so well lately (^__^)

[Clockwise from left]

Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam in Acerola from The Face Shop - I was looking online for a new cleanser because as you know, your skin can get used to something if you use it for long enough - something which I definitely don't want because I love my Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash! This is from a Korean brand, one of which I've read some really good reviews about, and if you know about my love for all things Korean, then you can imagine how eager I would have been to try it out xD

Skin79 Super+ BB Cream in Hot Pink - I bought this on Ebay on a whim - I really wanted to try this, everyone seems to love it and on top of that.. it's Korean! (♥__♥) I haven't tried it yet because I haven't had a chance to, but once I do I will definitely review it ;D

Maybelline New York Fit Me! Pressed Face Powder - I bought this from Boots because I ran out of face powder and the 17/Seventeen one I bought before it was far too dark for me, it was practically a bronzer on my skintone :/ So I matched myself to this and it looks much better! ^^

Just checked and I spent £13.62 on skincare/cosmetics in a whole month! I'm actually quite proud of that, because I've been out shopping quite a few times last month till now, and I usually come out with atleast a couple of skincare stuff whenever I step into Boots/Superdrug etc. Go me haha! 

What have you bought this month? (^__^)

Disclaimer: All products were bought with my own money unless stated otherwise. All opinions are my own. But if you read the post you'd know that. :P 

Google Reader --> Bloglovin'

As I am sure many of you know by now,  Google Reader will be no more from tomorrow, so I thought I'd  put out a quick little post on how to follow me after its gone! (^__^)

Bloglovin' is my favourite way of keeping up to date with my favourite blogs! Click here to follow me on there ;D 

It's easy peasy to set up an account, and you can import all the blogs you're following on Google Reader to Bloglovin'! It'll save you a lot of time, trawling through your blog list trying to find their Bloglovin' button (if they have one)

So yeah.. get on it guys! Please *wide eyed, pleading kitty face* it'll mean the world to me! ^^

Updated Skincare Routine for S/S 2013

If you remember a couple of months ago, I posted a Chitchat post on how bad my skin had gotten. Just to refresh your memory, or for those who don't know about it.. it was so painful I could not sleep because of it.

I got various comments on that blog post, but the general theme was to go to the dermatologist and to stick to natural things. I haven't really been to the dermatologist (mine is useless) but I did end up going for more natural things, less harsh things, and things intended for sensitive and blemish prone skins. 

And now that my skin has almost recovered from that awful breakout, Alhamdulillah, I thought I would share  my skincare routine again (^__^)

[Clockwise from left]

Cleanser:
The Body Shop's Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash
I've used this cleanser for years. It's really good for oily skin, and I decided to go back to it to eliminate all the excess sebum that was clogging up my pores. It works everytime, and I will always go back to it.

Scrub:
St Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Scrub (Blemish Fighting)
This. Is. Amazing. It's MILES better than the one I tried before, which was a bit meh. Its granules are much rougher which is exactly what I like in a facial scrub - I think this has got to be the best exfoliator I have ever tried, and yes! It is better than the original formula! It's texture reminds me of this superdrug mask I reviewed ^^
This helped to slough off all the dead skin cells and random dry patches that also clogged up my pores. It left my skin as smooth as a baby's bum. I use it every other day now. :D

Moisturisers:
Holland & Barrett's Aloe Vera Gel
This saved my whole face. This has got to be the single most important thing in my skincare routine. It healed all my spots, it calmed down my redness, it moisturised and softened my skin really well. I thoroughly recommend this if you had a bad breakout like I did, it will save your skin - I just cannot live without it now.

Simple Kind to Skin Light Hydrating Moisturiser
I don't love this as much anymore, but I have been using this so I thought I'd put it in. It's really good if you have oily skin but my skin just isnt that oily anymore. I'm thinking of trying the rich version of this when it finishes.

Skin Wisdom Youth Protect Eye Treatment
I've already put up a review of this eye cream, which you can read here. It's a pretty good eye cream for its price, better than the simple one anyway. Can you guess who made this? :P

Lipbalm:
Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream
Sigh. I jumped on a bandwagon. My Nivea Hydrocare was running low when I bought this that's why, I swear! *shifty eyes* Sigh. I just wanted to know why everyone was dying over it, okay?
I still don't see it though. I mean it's alright.. it does the job. The smell reminds me of caramel popcorn *drools* which is a bit of a pain in the bum because when I put it on before bed, the smell always makes me crave it!

So yeah. I decided to keep it simple and gentle. I haven't been using any masks either. Although that will soon change, I do miss using them. Also, apologies for the long hiatus (yet again) I needed a bit of a break :o) Glad to be back though! (^__^) Missed you guys ;D

Disclaimer: All products featured were bought with my own money. All opinions are my own, etc, etc, etc.. ^^

Sample Sundays: L'occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream

Woo I am finally slowly getting through my little stash of samples! Can I get a woop woop? ;D I decided I should switch up my body butter choice for a bit (I love my papaya body butter but sometimes you just need a change!) so I looked through my little box of neglected samples and came across this^^

I think I got this when I bought some hand cream from L'occitane and they gave a couple of free samples with it. So generous (^__^)

Let's see what the website says~

'The Ultra Rich Body Cream is a complete body care treatment for dry to very dry skin. Exceptionally concentrated in shea butter (25%), it intensely nourishes and protects the skin and helps to restore the hydrolipidic film. Enriched with moisturising extracts (linseed, marshmallow, sweet almond and honey) and softening apricot oil, it durably hydrates for 24 hours and makes skin soft and supple.'

[source]

I don't know why I'm showing you the back of the packaging. but there it is. :P Also the writing in the middle is Japanese if anyone is wondering.. not Korean xD Yeyuh for being able to tell the difference between Chinese, Japanese, and Korean writing! (^________^)

Anyhoo. The cream is of a really nice, not-too-thick but not-too-soft consistency (technical terms. Ahem.). It absorbs into the skin quite easily unlike some other rich body creams I've tried. The scent is faint and doesn't really linger, so this could be one for those that don't really care for scents in their body products. ;D

I'd say that the website's description of the cream is pretty darn accurate. I used it on the more drier patches on my body, e.g. my elbows, knees and hands (I have incredibly dry hands) and it really did leave my skin soft and supple. My skin stayed moisturised all day, which is saying something because I wash my hands about twenty times a day (I have a bit of a germ phobia..).

I think it was probably because of the perfect combination of moisturising ingredients in this - 25% shea butter (that's A LOT), linseed (aka Flaxseed,  rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids), marshmallow (hydrating, moisturizing AND anti-inflammatory), sweet almond oil (more of an emollient than a moisturiser; it softens the skin rather than hydrates it, so acts more as a humectant and prevents loss of moisture from the skin) and honey (absorbs and retains moisture).

I'm really glad I got and used this sample, because now I know that when I run out of my usual hand cream, I know which range to buy from L'occitane. Woohoo for shea butter!

I'd definitely recommend this body cream if you have incredibly dry skin - if your skin is as dry as my hands' is, then this is DEFINITELY for you! It costs £29 from the L'occitane website, but you can get it for a couple of quid cheaper from ASOS for £27 (^__^)

Disclaimer: Free sample I got with a purchase. But you'd already know that if you read the post hehe. (>.<)

Face Mask Fridays: Montagne Jeunesse Pressed Blueberries Very Berry Ultra Moisturising and Cleansing Masque

It's that time of the week again: it's Face Mask Friday! Todays review is on the Montagne Jeunesse Pressed Blueberries Very Berry Ultra Moisturising and Cleansing Masque *gasps for air* I swear, MJ's face masks have the longest of names..

Don't you hate it when there's a sticker on the product you're going to review and when you try to take it off you know it's going to ruin the packaging even more so you leave it and the perfectionist in you wants you to just GO OUT and BUY ANOTHER ONE because GAH ITS NOT PERFECT LOOKING and ASDFGHJKL;'?? *flips table*

Can I get a #bbloggerproblems up in here? xD

Ahem. Anyhoo. Onto the review..

The last MJ mask I reviewed was a bit of a disaster to be quite frank, and I was a little hesitant in trying out another one.. my poor eyes didn't want another round of that again. But I had some other masks in my stash from MJ, and having seen how everyone loves their masks so much, I thought I might as well give the brand a second chance seeing as I have some to try!

So I picked this one out of the bunch, mainly because I'm a fruit lover and have been on a bit of a blueberry and cranberry jam kick these past couple of weeks. Oh, and it said 'ultra moisturising' on the packet, and I was getting sick of the random dry patches around my nose and thought I'd remedy them at the same time (^__^)

'Bursting with the juice of pressed Blueberries and crushed Cranberries, our fruity beauty is packed with antioxidants. Nourishing Peach Kernel Oil and soothing Aloe Vera will leave your skin refreshed and cleansed.'
[source]

Let's break down the main ingredients:
♦     Blueberries - reduce redness (e.g. in rosacea), good for acne prone skin, antioxidant, anti-ageing.
♦     Cranberries - antioxidants, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and also has brightening properties.
♦     Peach Kernel Oil - anti-ageing, antioxidant, contains Vitamin E, perfect for dry and/or sensitive skin.
♦     Aloe Vera - soothes skin, has antibacterial properties that can help reduce the appearance of acne.

All good ingredients to have in a face mask if you ask me! (^__^)

Now.. when I opened this up, I was REALLY surprised at the look of it. It looked so.. metallic?! I'd never seen anything like it. It confused me a bit O.o It smelled really nice and fruity though, just like it's description - good enough to eat!

Consistency wise, it was a lovely, soft cream that spread quite well over the face - not too thick, nor too runny. It didn't really dry fully, but I didn't really mind to be honest - I think it was because I might have put too much of it on.

After using this, my skin did feel a little softer and cleaner, but not to the extent where I was oohing and ahhing over it. I expected I would because of the whole 'ultra moisturising' part in the title. It was a little bit of a let down when I patted my skin dry and it didn't feel much different than before. *sad face*

 Aaaaand that's all I have to say about it really. Should I do a conclusion? Okay I'll do a conclusion. T__T

*clears throat*

SO IN CONCLUSION.. I'd say it was a bit of a meh product. Apart from it's fruity smell. I got about 2/3 uses out of it, which is pretty good value in my opinion, but I wouldn't buy it again because it didn't do wonders for my skin. I prefer to use things that make me go 'WOAH I am SO glad I used that!' and this I'm afraid, didn't.

You can buy these practically anywhere for a quid: Boots, Amazon, even New Look. 
Have you tried this mask? What do you think of it? 

Disclaimer: All products were bought with my own money unless stated otherwise. All opinions are my own. I promise ^^

Related Posts: Montagne Jeunesse Passion Peel Off Facemask, DIY Fruity Face Mask: Oily/Combination Skin, Natural Collection Rosemary & Witch Hazel Mask

May Favourites ♥

I haven't been loving much this month if I'm honest. My skin has been terrible, so I have been sticking to things that help get rid of and help cover up the state of my face..

[L-R]

1. L'oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Anti-Redness Primer - I've had a lot of redness on my face these past two months, and this primer has been sitting in the back of my makeup drawer for ages after a friend gave it to me a while back. I like how it gets rid of the redness so I don't have to use as much foundation.

I apply this with my Real Techniques Stippling brush little by little all over the affected areas before my foundation. I find using a brush as opposed to my hands does a better job. I've read reviews about it leaving a green tinge on the face after using it, but honestly, I think that only happens when you use too much. So don't be afraid of taking the plunge if you're thinking of it^^

2. No7 Moisture Drench lipstick in Rose Blush - I've been reaching for this more often lately, if I have been wearing any lipstick at all. It's a lovely pink colour that really flatters my skin tone, and the formula is quite moisturising too (as the name suggests, haha). I like that it's pink, but not in your face pink; I like colours like that. :o) I also love the fact that it has SPF in too!

3. DIY Sugar Facial Scrub - My skin has been really flaky lately too, so I decided to go back to basics with my skincare and whipped up a batch of my sugar scrub. It's really helped.^^ If you want to try it out for yourself, you can check out my blogpost on it by clickety clacking right over here~

That's about it for this month to be honest! What have you been loving this month? 

Disclaimer: All products were bought with my own money unless stated otherwise. All opinions are my own. :o)