Origins Spot Remover

I don’t often review individual products on my blog, although it’s definitely something I am now going to start doing because I always find myself searching for specific products reviewed on blogs before I consider buying them (I value bloggers honesty when it comes to reviews). So, without further a do, I shall get cracking with this one!

I was sent this product a long time ago, and had completely forgotten it existed beneath the mountains of skincare products I seem to be hoarding. It’s a tiny little blue bottle, only containing 10ml. You may think this is a measly amount, but I have been using this constantly for around 2 months and it just doesn’t seem to disappear. This spot gel is essentially for those pesky breakouts you may experience. I personally get a few around my chin and my nose just before that time of the month (oh mother nature). Origins claim that this spot remover heals, fights and fades spots and I have to agree 100%. I have used many spot gels and creams in the past, but nothing that really worked in the same way as this. It contains salicylic acid which instantly helps heal, while “anti spot technology” helps to correct post blemish marks. It also contains caffeine and red algae to help relieve redness. To help keep skin looking spotless it also has super exfoliants to keep dead skin cells at bay and to ensure the skin is clear of clogged pores. 

I usually pop a tiny amount of this on any little spots that start to creep up on me and I notice that the spot either disappears completely after around 2 days or is somewhat dulled. It is a gel, so feels very cooling on the skin and dries almost instantly. It doesn’t feel too tight once dry, but does feel a little tighter than if you were to use a cream. I like the slight tightness, as I feel it’s drying out/killing off my spot. I also found that applying makeup over the gel once dried was absolutely no problem. I also use it after the spot has vanished, just to speed up the post blemish healing process (as my spots always leave nasty red marks for weeks on end) and I’ve noticed that it helps with that too. 

If you are looking for a product just to target spots once they’ve invaded, I would definitely suggest this! Of course we all spend money on skincare to try and prevent them from attacking but sometimes you have to come up with a plan b once they’ve pushed their way through!

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Bia Beauty

I received these lovely goodies from Bia Beauty at the Cloggers event in Cork. 

Bia Beauty is a fantastic range of 100% handmade, natural skincare products.

Created by Tracey Ryan, using simple, natural food ingredients. Bia is the Irish word for food, hence the name, and this range literally feeds the skin leaving it super moisturised and soft! I fell in love with these products straight away.

Heres what I’ve been trying out…

Lime Pie Lip Balm - These natural lip balms are made with pure beeswax, cocoa butter and nourishing sweet almond oil which keeps your lips moisturised whatever the weather. I apply this is the morning and night and throughout the day if I feel like my lips are dry or chapped. This is a definite handbag essential for me.

Orange & Grapefruit Facial Exfoliant & Cleanser - A facial exfoliant needs to be powerful yet gentle and it needs to cleanse and nourish the skin rather than dry it out, and this does exactly that!

Stop the Clock Natural Eye Gel - This natural eye gel is made from rose, myrrh and immortelle essential oils, which are soothing for delicate skin, combined with arnica oil and aloe vera to produce a cooling and healing eye gel to instantly brighten tired eyes. I use this eye gel as part of my night time routine and I really notice a difference when I wake up. My eyes appear less puffy and 'more awake'.

I really recommend these products and this brand. I will definitely be trying out more of their products and will be sure to let you know how I get on.

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My Favourite Self Tan & Tanning Routine

I'm a big fan of self tan. Usually I would tan if I had an event to go to, or if I was going out BUT recently I've been constantly tanning my whole body because the weather here has been absolutely shocking so there's no way I can get a natural tan. 

Prepare and exfoliate your skin 

Exfoliating is key to the perfect fake tan, it removes dead skin cells to create a blank canvas for your tan to be applied to. Make sure to moisturise after exfoliating too as this will banish any dry patches that the tan could cling to.

If you’re going to wax/shave before your tan: leave it 48 hours after waxing and 24 hours after shaving to make sure there’s no skin irritation when you apply your fake tan.

How to Apply Fake Tan

Take it a step at a time, figure out your fake tan plan before getting to work. I recommend starting at the top and working your way down, making sure nowhere is missed. (don't forget to tan your feet. there is nothing worse than seeing a beautifully tanned body and pale feet!!!)

Grab a mitt and apply your chosen fake tan to the mitt, work in fluid motions and glide the mitt over your skin until you have even coverage. Take it slow and make sure you haven’t missed anywhere, you can always ask for help with those tricky areas like your back.

Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after tanning, but don’t forget to tan them too!

Leave your tan to dry completely before getting dressed or getting into bed to avoid any smudges or patches. If you’re looking for a lighter tan, shower around 4-5 hours after application but if you’re looking for a darker tan, shower 8-12 hours after application. I usually tan at night so that way I can sleep in my tan and shower in the morning. If you feel that you want to go darker, simply repeat the fake tan process. Never apply fake tan directly to your feet and hands, always work the tan from your arms and legs to make sure you have an even, light colour. Use a little moisturiser to blend in dry areas and make sure to wipe away any colour on your palms and wrists, nobody wants orange palms! (trust me)

My Faves

St.Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse 

Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan

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Current Skincare Routine

I’m constantly changing my skincare routine, but I’ve recently discovered some new drugstore gems as well as some old time faves. Read on to learn about my current skincare routine:

Step 1: I’ve been using Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser for years because it removes makeup and also cleanses your skin in one step. If you close your eyes and use it on your lashes, it removes any non-waterproof mascara with ease, so I never have to use a separate eye makeup remover. After cleansing I would usually use an exfoliator but certainly not everyday. The exfoliator I use is the Murad exfoliating cleanser.

Step 2: Your next step should be a toner, especially if you have oily skin. I don’t use a toner every night, but one facialist told me that toner is necessary because it takes the pH of the skin back to normal. Apparently the pH of tap water is bad for your skin, and you need a toner afterward. This lady was also probably trying to sell me some toner. Regardless, when I use a toner, I use the Murad clarifying toner.

Step 3: Moisturiser - SPF moisturisers are a bigger deal than you think. You may be starting to think about your sun cream since the sun has been out, but ultraviolet rays can be damaging on even the cloudiest of days, so moisturisers with SPF are a year-round beauty bag essential. The moisturiser I am currently using is Origins 'A Perfect World'

Step 4: Apply eye serum. For the past year or so I’ve been using All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage from Clinique. I rolled on just a little not expecting much since my bags are pretty noticeable. Then I noticed my bags were GONE! This eye serum really does reduce any puffiness.

Step 5: I then apply a face oil. The one I have recently been using is the Clarins Face Treatment Oil Blue Orchid for dehydrated skin. I apply the oil last as it locks everything in, whereas if you applied this before it would stop any moisturiser or cream from being absorbed.

Step 6: And finally I apply my favourite lip balm which is the Bia Beauty Lime Pie Lip Balm. Its super moisurising and smells amazing. (Will have a full review on the Bia Beauty range soon!)

Would you like to see a Makeup Routine?

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Wolford Collaboration: My New Fave Leggings?

I recently got contacted by the wonderful team at Wolford asking if I'd like to review a few pieces from their line. Of course I jumped for the opportunity and said YES! They gave me a selection of leggings that I could chose from. They had so many different styles and colours but this was definitely my favourite. 

These are called the 'Estella leggings'. These faux leather leggings are super comfortable and completely opaque. A decorative seam above the knee perfects the look. I think every girl needs a pair of staple leggings and these are definitely mine. I not only wear them on nights out, or even going out in the evening for dinner but they can also look really lovely styled with a long-length top as more of a casual look. I would definitely recommend you look at their website as they have amazing stuff. These leggings retail at €245.00 and come in Black & Cream. If you want to see how I style them I will be posting more pictures on my blog in the next few weeks but also on my instagram which you can follow here: https://instagram.com/josie_o_d/

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REVIEW: Toni & Guy

These are my most used Toni & Guy products. I absolutely love them and have repurchased them all a good few times!

Heat Protection Mist: Love this! Initially used a Treseme heat protectant spray, but that simply does not compare to the Toni and Guy! I feel that this product really does protect my hair and have noticed reduced damage to my hair after using styling tools, absolutely swear by this! Worth the price tag!

Sea Salt Texturising Spray: I really like this spray. When I don't have time to dry and straighten my hair I spray this on and let it dry naturally. It gives my hair volume, some waviness and a beachy look. I have naturally curly hair and by adding this is doesn't make the curls look frizzy.

Cleanse Shampoo for Damaged Hair: After I bought a full set of this line, I had high expectations of this shampoo. From dying my hair so often my hair did get quite damaged. I wanted something nourishing and a good repair shampoo and this is definitely it!

Nourish Conditioner: I use this along with the Toni & Guy Cleanse shampoo for damaged hair. The conditioner has a fairly strong scent that I don't mind. It leaves my hair smooth without weighing it down. It also leaves it very silky and manageable and of course very conditioned.

These are my most used Toni & Guy products. I absolutely love them and have repurchased them all a good few times!

Would you like to see a Makeup & Skincare routine?

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May Favourites

So, its been a while since I last posted a favourties. Its kind of crazy how fast May has come and gone, but June is finally upon us and I'm ready for summer! (if the weather actually gets better, that is)  I'm really excited to show you my favourites this month though because I am truly in love with every single product on this post and I hope you'll find something to fall in love with too!

Benefit-They're Real Mascara

I've had this for a few months now, but as you know I haven't posed in a while. I had been wanting to try this mascara for so long, as I'd heard so many amazing things about it and I have the shortest lashes ever and knew it would be able to help me and I can say it has not disappointed. I have used it every day since and it's slowly over taking my all-time favourite mascara and I will 100% be repurchasing when this runs out.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

This is a really old favourite of mine, but I was having a few horrible skin days last week and my trusty Liz Earle came to the rescue. It really is gentle and perfect for anyone with sensitive skin who's scared of using harsh products because everything in it is natural. Plus, because it exfoliates too so gives me a really nice natural glow. The skin tonic spritzer is a really nice little companion for it too.  

The Body Shop All In One Cheek Colour shade Macaroon 

The wonderful girls in the Body Shop in Cork gave us little goodie bags filled with lovely little pieces. Recently this has been my go-to blush. I need an unlimited supply of this, seriously. The photo does it no justice, the colour is absolutely gorgeous, I'd say it's got a nice coral tone to it and it just awakens my face so much - I feel alive when I apply this to the apple of my cheeks, it really does alter my face and make me look so much fresher and brighter. I absolutely love this product. The Body Shop do it again!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

This is definitely my go to palette. I use this everyday, and have been for the past few weeks.

I do like the other 2 Naked Palettes but this one has got to be my favourite. Yes it is super pigmented, long lasting, gorgeous, and really easy to blend.

John Freida Sheer Blonde Moisturising Conditioner

I have ombred hair, which means the lengths and ends of my hair are bleached, which isn't great for your hair. It can leave your hair quite damaged if you don't look after it. I've been using this conditioner for about 2 months now and I can say it definitely has improved my hair. Its a lot softer, easy to manage, and super moisturising. I plan on getting my hair coloured again so I will definitely be repurchasing!



Mac Creme d'nude Lipstick
This lipstick I have been wearing all day everyday. It's constantly in my handbag and for sure will run out soon. This is definitely one of my favourite nude shades. I usually wear this with a darker nude lip liner like Mac Spice or Mac Stripdown.

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