Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan by Marissa Carter

When I first heard about Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan* over 10 months ago now, I had no idea how successful it was going to become! This tan is widely recognised all over the world at this stage, and rightly so! Here is how I got on using Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan.

Preparation-
(The Day before applying Cocoa Brown Tan)

In order to prep your skin for this tan (or any tan for that matter) it is always best of exfoliate your skin prior to applying the tan. I exfoliate my entire body using Pulp Friction by Soap&Glory (my current body scrub) while in the shower the day before, focusing on my knees and elbows so I don't get a build up of tan on these areas. I also shave the day before applying the tan to try and ensure I get as smooth an application as I possible. After the shower I moisturise using a body lotion (avoid using the Palmers Cocoa Butter body lotion at this time as it takes a good 24-36 hours to fully sink into your skin). I do love Palmers Cocoa Butter body moisturiser, but not for the day before applying tan!

(The Day of application)

At this stage, your skin should be all ready to apply your tan. Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan develops in as little as 1 hour and the colour is visible when you apply it so you can see where you have/haven't put the tan. After you have applied the tan to your skin (using a mitt is best-check out their tan mitts here) you can leave the tan on for 1 hour for a natural, light colour, 2 hours for a warmer toned colour or 3 hours for a deep rich 'cocoa brown' colour! (Just to note, no matter how long you leave it on after the 3 hours, it won't develop further).

Personally I feel that 2-2 1/2 hours is right for me for a night out. But if I wanted just a light natural glow, then I would leave it on for about 1-1 1/2 hours. After this you hop into the shower and have a quick shower and wash off the excess. I like to grab some shower gel and gently rub my skin and wash off the excess. I really do recommend having this shower as the colour is not the same if you don't wash off the excess (I think it can be a little too dark if you don't wash it off). (TOP TIP- Don't wash your hair at the same time as you wash off the excess tan because when you rinse your hair the increased flow in water will remove the majority of the tan. Keep the flow of water pretty light!)

Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan does contain an ingredient that gives your skin moisture and makes the application of the tan on a mitt very easy. It literally glides on your skin. You don't need to apply moisturiser to your skin until day 3 of wearing the tan. It is recommended that you use an oil free moisturiser if you plan on applying more of this tan, on day 3 for example. But when you want to remove the tan, do use a body scrub and a body oil to help remove the tan.

Personally for me, I wouldn't leave my tan on for more than 2 days. I would rather remove the tan and apply a fresh layer on a clean base. For this reason, I use this tan slightly different to most. I prefer to remove the tan (or any tan for that matter) a day or two after applying it. This can be time consuming, as I find Cocoa Brown quite stubborn to remove. It does take a few steps I find to remove the tan. I have tried using different body scrubs, but for me it takes a good day or two before any remaining tan is gone. But if you enjoy wearing long-lasting fake tan and don't see it as a chore to remove the tan and you'd moisturise to help keep the tan looking it's best, then this product is for you! Cocoa Brown have also brought out a new body scrub to help remove old stubborn tan and prepare skin for a new layer of tan, so I plan on checking it out to see if it helps me! You can buy it here.

Along with a speedy, easy application process I'm sure you will notice how good this product smells. Cocoa Brown does not smell biscuity/nutty as with some instant tans. It smells so good! (The smell is 'Tahitian Gardenia' if you were wondering!) I also love the colour range of this tan.

Left- No tan. Centre- after 2 hours. Right- after 3 hours.

As you can see on the left here is my arm without any tan on, the middle picture is after showering it off after 2 hours and the right, after 3 hours. I find my skin has a radiant healthy glow when I wear Cocoa Brown. Cocoa Brown is also very affordable (RRP €7.99) and it can ideally be used as part of your daily routine. Cocoa Brown tan also drys pretty quickly after applying (1-3mins) so you can get dressed while you are waiting for the shower.

Here is a picture of my tan fading evenly, on day 2 just before I showered and washed it off. Another bonus!

Cocoa Brown Tan is available from Feel Unique (free worldwide delivery), pharmacies across Ireland, Boots (Ireland & UK), Superdrug (UK), Tesco (Ireland), Primark (UK) and Penneys (Ireland) and retails at approx. €7.99 which is very affordable and well worth trying out!

Let me know if you try Cocoa Brown's 1 Hour Tan and if you have any tanning tips, share them in the comments below!

Sarah

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Nails of the Day

Since using my Mavala Nail Hardener (which I mentioned in my Mid-Summer Favourites) and my China Glaze Nail Strengthener & Growth Formula, my nails have been much stronger and longer than before. I also think it may have something to do with it being summer-time as I find my nails can get weaker come Winter. So with the bonus of having longer nails I have been feeling inspired to paint my nails more often than I used to and it's actually something I have been enjoying doing!

I wanted to share what I've been wearing on my nails recently as I really am loving this nail look! I recently had a family wedding to go to and this nail look is what I wore to this special occasion. It matched my black and white dress perfectly and is like a spin on the 'white nail polish' look, which is quite on trend at the minute! 

Essie- Fiji

Essie- Fiji is the nail polish I've been loving lately! Whether I paint all my nails (like seen here) or just do an accent nail with another colour like a dark pink, this nail polish is quite versitile and can be carried through to Autumn/Winter! It is a pale baby pink, very similar to a white from the distance and with a good base coat and top coat, this polish lasts about 5days- a week for me! BONUS!

Let me know what you've been wearing on your nails lately. Also if you have any pictures of you wearing Essie's Fiji nail polish tweet them to me (@SarahWhelehan) or tag me in your pics on Instagram (SarahWhelehan)!! (If your not following me on Twitter or Instagram, then why not?!? Lots of beauty related things posted on both!)

Sarah

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OOTD: Joules Polo Shirt

So here it is, my first Outfit of the Day!

Top- Joules (£49.95)*

Jeans- Zara TRF

Shoes- Primark/Penneys

Sunglasses- Forever21

Recently I was offered the opportunity to review a polo shirt from a UK clothing retailer called Joules. I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to review a shirt of my choice, so in the end I went for this one. I thought the navy was quite classic and I could see myself wearing it again and again and teaming it with many different things I have in my wardrobe. For today's OOTD I teamed the polo shirt with my Zara jeans and a simple pair of white flat pumps. I thought my style here was quite classic and stylish, all at the same time! I wanted to keep everything else pretty simple and to maintain the focus on the classic British style polo shirt. This outfit is quite casual but I can see myself wearing this polo shirt with a pair of jeans and some heels if I wanted to take it from being casual to more night-time glam. I just love this top and how versatile it is!!

One thing that stood out to me when wearing this top is the quality. It is quite heavy for a polo shirt and one that will keep you snug! One thing to keep in mind is that this polo shirt is not generous on size (my only "slightly negative" comment!). I would advise if you are purchasing one to perhaps go up one size from your normal size, if you would like that bit of room and comfort. Personally I like mine being fitted but it is just something to consider if you are buying one. 

I have to say I really love this top and I can see myself wearing it again and again! www.joules.com offer classic British style clothing and most of their polo shirts for women feature their recognizable brand logo.

If you want to buy this exact polo shirt that I have on from Joules, you'll be delighted to know that they deliver to UK (beginning from £1.00), Ireland (£9.00) and all across Europe and further afield. 

Have you ever tried any clothing from Joules? Let me know!!

Sarah

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So...? Fragrance Giveaway!

I've been wanting to do some sort of a giveaway on my blog for you guys for ages now! I really do appreciate everyone who reads and follows my blog. Little did I think a year ago when I began to blog, that I would have people who liked reading my little beauty blog and enjoyed stopping by. When you follow, I smile, it's as simple as that. I'm so happy that you want to see more!!

I have been contacted by So...? Fragrance and they have recently added a new fragrance to their Rock 'n' Roll range and have kindly sent me over four body fragrances from the Rock 'n' Roll range to giveaway to one of you guys! How exciting!!

So, on to some information on the four bottles of So...? that I'll be giving away to one lucky winner. The So...? Rock 'n' Roll range was designed with personality in mind and therefore has a scent to suit everyone. The first one is So...? In Love (beginning with orange, leafy green raspberry and pear notes and then settling into a beautiful mix of jasmine, gardenia and rose). You also can win So...? For Me (featuring a fresh blend of orange flower, freesia and strawberry notes). Also up for grabs, from the Rock 'n' Roll collection is So...? Fab (featuring a sweet mix of bergamot and freesia, jasmine, cedar wood and praline, vanilla beans and musk finish off the fragrance leaving you with a warm subtly-sultry scent). Finally I'm giving away So...? Daring (containing grapefruit, bergamot and plum; heart notes of jasmine, peony and blackcurrant and a woody bottom of sandalwood, cedar wood and white musk. One to make you stand out from the crowd!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Terms & Conditions
1. Closing date: 12th September 2013. I will then notify the winner via their contact details and announce it on my Twitter page so be sure to follow me (@SarahWhelehan). 
2.     Competition open to residents of the Republic of Ireland only (I'm sorry to my other readers but due to restrictions I cannot send these outside the country) with the exception of employees of INCOS LTD, their families, agents or anyone professionally associated with the administration of this promotion.
3. The winner will be chosen by the owner of this blog. Personal details used when entering this giveaway will not be passed on to INCOS LTD.
4. You must have parent or guardian's permission to register and enter if you are under the age of 16 years old, because I will be looking for your address to post the prizes.
5.     There is no substitution available and no cash alternative. The prize for the competition is 4 body fragrances 75ml.

Review: Avène Skincare Range

Avène specialize in skincare that has soothing properties and is suitable for sensitive skin. The products are made up of Thermal Spring Water which is know for its soothing properties and is suitable to be used on skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

A while back I was given some products from Avène to try out and I dived right in. I was aware of the brand before but I was not aware that their products are specifically tailored for people with sensitive skin. I have mentioned on many occasions that I have quite sensitive skin when it comes to what skincare products I use. I often find myself swapping and changing up my skincare regime, as many products just don't work for me.

I have often applied a face scrub or cleanser on my face and been left looking like a tomato, so I was really looking forward to trying out these products from Avène. Welcome, Avène.

Avène Micellar Lotion/Water

I used this product as a face cleanser and to remove makeup. I applied this water, which I love because it's light and fresh and gentle on my skin, onto a cotton pad and gently cleansed and removed my makeup. I wasn't wowed but this Micellar Water in the Blind Trial and honestly found others were better for my skin. It did clean my skin but I felt my skin was slightly dry after using it. I did love the smell of this product, as with the entire range! (That is one thing I really enjoyed and it made the use of these products enjoyable as the smell was very fresh!) I will finish this product for sure but I am unsure if I'll re-purchase it again. It removed my makeup quite well and it is suitable for sensitive skin as it says, but I just didn't find it as moisturising as other Micellar Waters I've tried.

Avène Gentle Purifying Scrub

This face scrub ended up being one of my favourites from the range and one I will be repurchasing. I used this face scrub after cleansing my face with the Micellar Water. It really does exactly what it says. My skin felt purified and it removed all the dead skin cells. I applied this scrub onto wet skin, rubbing it in gently, in circular motions (for blood circulation/flow) and washed off. My skin felt fresh and this product is definitely suited to sensitive skin. I used this face scrub once a week and as a result it is now empty! It comes in a really handy size (50ml) to fit in your skincare bag and is ideal for travelling.

Avène Soothing Eye Contour Cream

After cleansing (daily) and exfoliating (once a week) my skin, I then begin to moisturise my skin. It is so important to moisturise your skin directly after you cleanse and exfoliate your skin. After cleansing, and especially exfoliating your skin, your pores on your skin are open and you want to apply your moisturiser immediately to get that moisture back into your skin. I apply my eye cream first, to the eye area but I don't use eye cream everyday as at the minute I don't really see that much of a need for it. This eye cream has very little smell and as with any eye cream you only need a small amount of it and I apply it with my ring finger. I do enjoy using this product.

Avène Soothing Moisture Mask

This moisture mask was my favourite product out of the range! This has become a must-have staple in my skincare bag and I can see myself repurchasing it over and over again. I applied this mask on my face after cleansing and exfoliating. This mask provides so much moisture to my skin and left my skin super hydrated. I use this once/twice a week, depending on how my skin is. If I feel like I need a moisture boost I call on this product. I apply it to my face and just down my jaw-line using clean hands. This mask is meant to be left on the skin for 10-15mins. You then take off the excess with a cotton pad/tissue. After taking it off you can then apply your regular moisturiser. Personally I use this at night time as a real treat when I have a pamper evening!! As I tell everyone, "It is like a drink for your skin!" LOVE!

Avène Skin Recovery Cream

For me, I have not really got much use out of this product as I don't find my skin needing it. This product is a recovery cream for when your skin gets irritated/red but with using this Avène range, I don't find my skin getting as irritated/red. Yay! But I shall be keeping it just in-case I have any skin irritations or reactions in the future!

All in all, I really found some gems among the Avène Skincare range and I will definitely be continuing to use these products. I can also see myself repurchasing a few items! 

Have you tried any of these products? Or have you tried any other products from Avène and that you would recommend? Let me know!!

Sarah

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Micellar Blind Trial- Results!

After doing my First Impressions blog post on the Micellar Blind Trial, I tried and tested all 7 samples over a 2-3 week period. There was one particular sample that I really liked and that really worked for my skin and was my overall favourite. This was..... *DRUM ROLL*.........................................

                                                          

                                                       Sample F

When I got the results I found out that Sample F was Bioderma. I was so surprised that such a product as the Bioderma Micellar Water, which is loved by so many people, proved so popular in an anonymous trial! It just shows and proves how good the product is and how many people like it! Sample F, Bioderma was the overall favourite out of the 7 Micellar Waters (22.1% of people chose it as their favourite).

Personally I found Bioderma so good because:

• It has little/no scent and was very refreshing on my face
• Didn't aggravate my skin
• Felt like I was getting a deep clean/cleanse
• Removed all of my makeup with 1/2 cotton pads
• My skin felt very moisturised after using it
• It didn't leave a film/residue on my skin, which makes it easier for my moisturiser to sink in
• My skin didn't feel tight/taut after using Bioderma

Bioderma can be bought online at Escentual.com and you can view all the results from this Blind Trial here.

It's really interesting to see some other people's comments on each sample. 

I really enjoyed being part of this Blind Trial and I hope you enjoyed my documentation of the process. I also want to thank everyone at Escentual for coming up with such an interesting piece of work! I'm planning on purchasing a full size of the Bioderma Micellar Water right away!

Sarah

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Mid-Summer Favourites!

The weather we've had in Ireland lately is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G with temperatures of 25°C-30°C. This beautiful weather makes people much happier but one thing that is not happy is my bank balance! I've found that I've made a few too many online orders, but this then means that I have found some little gems. This is why I've decided to do my Mid-Summer Favourites. Although it is only mid-July, I have found some beauty items that I wanted to share with you all!

I am celebrating quite an important birthday next Wednesday the 17th of July, so I've been doing some shopping online, looking for a dress, and some new beauty treats! You are only 21 once, eh??!! ;-)
So here are my Mid-Summer Faves!!

Elave¦ Daily Skin Defence SPF45 Daily Moisturiser
Starting off with bases, this product from Elave has been one that I have used every single day since I got it! I won this daily moisturiser in a competition that Sarah from Adoreabubbles hosted on her blog, a couple of months ago. Ever since I got it, it has become a classic staple in my skincare collection. Elave Skincare are an Irish company who specialise in skincare for sensitive skin. So not only is this daily moisturiser suited for my sensitive skin, it provides a very high SPF which is personally what makes this product a winner for me. SPF45 in a daily moisturiser is brilliant and for this reason, I've been using it every day. You need to wear a moisturiser with a high SPF every day, no matter where you are living/whether it is sunny or not. The harmful rays from the sun (which cause sun damage to your skin, aging and increase your risk of skin cancer) penetrate through, even on the cloudiest of days.

With the beautiful weather and hot sunny days we've been having in Ireland lately, I have been going without foundation on many occasions. On these days, I will often just apply this moisturiser and let my skin breathe. Not only do the sun's rays harm your skin, cause aging and increase your risk of skin cancer, the sun causes pigmentation on your skin, and especially your face (as it's most exposed). To try prevent pigmentation on your face, I really recommend using a moisturiser with a high SPF, to protect your skin. (Pigmentation on your face is something you can avoid, as once it happens over long periods of time, it is irreversible). Pigmentation is basically where certain parts of your face (or body) change slightly in colour/pigment and you end up having darker patches on your face (which often appear like you have facial hair.) So do remember to use a high SPF in your moisturiser every day, whether you can see the sun or not!

This product can be bought in selected pharmacies throughout Ireland and online- here.

Kiehl's¦ Actively Correcting &Beautifying BB Cream SPF 50*

This has become my go-to foundation/base this summer. On the days where I am wearing foundation, I have been loving using this. This is actually a BB Cream, which has a lighter consistency than your average foundation and is perfect for summer. Another reason why I love this product is because of the high SPF it has. This Beautifying BB Cream has SPF50, which is amazing! You know at least that your skin is protected from the sun, while looking beautiful. I have been loving using my Real Techniques Expert Face brush with this BB Cream, to buff it into the skin. You certainly don't feel caked in makeup when wearing this BB Cream. 

BonPrix.co.uk*

As I mentioned above, my birthday is coming up next Wednesday and I am planning on having a party to celebrate. I've been on the hunt for a pretty dress to wear to the party. I have been enjoying browsing this website, which I came across a couple of weeks ago. They have great bargains on their website- from Prom dresses, to Beach dresses to Regular dresses for any occasion. I have found a particular dress I like on the website- here. Let me know what you think, but I think this is a classic, timeless dress. I plan on teaming the grey up with some nude heels or bright coloured heels. 

There are lots of dresses that I like on BonPrix.co.uk, but this particular link has most of my faves! Make sure to check out the website and let me know if you find any dresses or clothing you like!!

Mavala¦ Nail Hardener

My nails have been quite weak for a long time now, and I have found them very hard to keep at a nice length. One day while walking though Boots, I came across some Mavala products. This Mavala Nail Hardener has been a cult classic for many years and my Mum raved about it, when she was younger. So I decided to purchase it and I really have it to thank for the transformation in my nails. From weak, bendy, short nails to the below image! (This has been over a 6 month period, before they turned out like this. Let's hope they continue to grow and stay strong!)

Elizabeth Arden¦ Eight Hour Cream

This product has been a cult product in the beauty world for many years also, so I decided to purchase some for myself. I have been loving using this on my cuticles and nails to keep them moisturised and strong. It really is a multi-purpose product as I've also been using it as a lip balm, and on the tiny dry patches of skin on my face. The next day they are much improved, if not gone!

MAC¦ 217 Brush

I have this particular brush for over 3 years now and I dowonder why I've never featured it in a favourites before, but I have recently been using it in different ways! Prior to 3/4 months ago, I was just using my MAC 217 brush with a darker colour for the crease, but in recent months I have been using it for a quick all over eyeshadow look. I have been applying MAC Corduroy matte brown eyeshadow all over the lid with my MAC 217 and blending it out, and it works really well for this. I end up with a soft brown eyeshadow look with subtle edges. On other occasions I'll just apply some NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil on my lid and blend it out using this brush. I plan on buying a second one to have in my kit, to save me cleaning my original one while I'm in the middle of doing my makeup!

MAC¦ Corduroy Eyeshadow

This matte brown eyeshadow can be used on your eyebrows with a MAC 266 brush or on your eye lids. I have been using this all over my eye lid with my MAC 217, for a quick, soft, summer eye look. I also use it at night-time in the crease area, to smoke up my eyemakeup. A real essential to have in your eyeshadow collection. I have been using a minimal amount of products on my eyes in this beautiful hot weather, and have not event ventured to using my gel eyeliner in a few weeks. I love to lighten up my day-time eye makeup during the summer months. 

NYX¦ Jumbo Eye Pencil "Yogurt"

My friend Shawna picked this up in the US for me, back nearly a year ago. I've been very fond of it, but it did take some time to get used to applying a creamy eye pencil, and a consistency I was not used to using beforehand. But I have found some really nice ways of wearing this eye pencil and I love this colour. It is a pearly, shimmery, pinky/salmon colour and I've been using it on the inner corner of my eye with my Corduroy eyeshadow from MAC or with any eye makeup look. I also love using it on its own, all over my lid, for a quick look on my eyes. I either blend it out with my MAC 217 brush, or if I'm very stuck for time I use my ring finger. 

Chanel¦ Soleil Tan de Chanel

This is a pricey product but I really like it and find it worth the money. I have this since after Christmas and I use it nearly everyday and I have made a very small dip in the product. I think this will last me for a long time! Spending €38 on a bronzer may seem a lot, but the product is actually intended to be used as a makeup base. I have definitely been enjoying this product during the summer months more so than before. I applied this all over my face for a slight bronzed glow and used my Real Techniques Blush Brush. It really gives your skin a radiant glow and in no way leaves you looking orange. First I'll apply my moisturiser from Elave with SPF45, give that some time to sink into my skin. Then I apply this all over my skin, on days when I don't want to use foundation/BB Cream, but want a glow to my skin. 

I've also used this with my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush as a contour on my cheeks for a night-time occasion. 

So here are my Mid-Summer Favourities! I have been loving lots of different products and wanted to share them with you.

Let me know what you have been loving this summer!!

Sarah 

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Designer Sunglasses?

Ray Ban sunglasses are an investment. They do have an above-average price tag, but that's what's to be expected with designer sunglasses. I have been eyeing up the collections from Ray Ban for years now, trying to decide which ones are my favourite. I have finally decided that I am going to invest in some Ray Ban Wayfarers!

I know that there are some stores across Ireland (few and far between) and in the airports which sell Ray Ban sunglasses and many other designers, but I was looking online one day to see if I could get them online. I was aware that Optical Express* have stores around the country and online, but one thing I wasn't aware of, was that Optical Express stock designer sunglasses aswell as prescription glasses. Here is a link to the sunglasses that I came across on the Optical Express website that are my fave! (I have decided I'm going to invest!)

Optical Express was not one I would have initially thought of when it came to buying sunglasses, but they do in fact have a wide range of designer sunglasses in both their stores in Ireland and the UK and online (Ireland- Optical Express and UK- Optical Express). Their prices are also quite competitive and they offer free delivery to both Ireland and the UK.

I have always been wary of buying sunglasses from the likes of high-street stores, which claim to have 100% UV protection. At least with designer sunglasses, you are getting what you pay for- guaranteed UV protection for your eyes.

Do you feel the same about designer sunglasses? Have you invested in some Ray Bans? Which are your favourite?

Did you know you can buy designer sunglasses from Optical Express? Let me know!

Sarah

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Review: La Roche-Posay Toleriane¦ Eye Makeup Remover

As some of you may know from my disappointing products blogpost, I have had some difficulty finding an eye makeup remover, for my ever-so sensitive eyes. After having a reaction to the Simple Eye Makeup Remover, I was on Twitter and asked for some recommendations for a good eye makeup remover for sensitive eyes. I got a reply from Elaine at Bespoke Beauty who recommended 'La Roche Posay's Toleriane' range and specifically their Eye Makeup Remover.

So off I went to Boots and picked up the La Roche Posay Toleriane Eye Makeup Remover. This is the first product I have tried from La Roche Posay and was excited to try it!

This box costs €15.67 from Boots and contains 30 individual doses/containers. Each dose is enough to do both eyes if you have light everyday makeup on, but if you have a full on, night-time eye makeup look, I tend to use 2 containers.

What I do is, empty the contents of 1 container onto a cotton pad, then place the damp cotton pad over my eye area. I leave it placed on my eye for 15-30 seconds, and my eye makeup dissolves off. I find that leaving the damp pad placed on the eye area for some time, allows the bulk of my eye makeup to come off.    With the remaining area of the damp pad, I begin to gently massage the eye area, where the remainder of my eye makeup comes off. Do remember that the skin around your eyes is very thin, and if you are to vigorously rub the area or tug at it, you can cause premature aging to the eye area (which is never a good thing!!).

Ta-da!! Eye makeup has been removed and no irritation to my ever-so sensitive eyes. I recommend this product for anyone who is looking for a new eye makeup remover, if you have sensitive eyes or if you have had a reaction to any eye makeup remover as this product is specifically for people with sensitive eyes. These individual doses/containers are so handy for travelling also! I have 3 containers left, and this full box of 30, has lasted my for a few months! I'll definitely be re-purchasing!

TOP TIP- I use these also to remove eye makeup from my false lashes. Removing old eye makeup keeps your false lashes in tip-top condition and when you go to use them again, they are nice and clean!

Let me know what eye makeup remover you use, especially if any of them are suited for sensitive eyes!!


Sarah

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Micellar Blind Trial- First Impressions

A couple of weeks ago I was offered the opportunity of taking part in a blind trial of 7 different Micellar 

Waters. Micellar Waters are a form of makeup remover and in this blind trial, I've been given 7 different anonymous dropper bottles with 7 different Micellar Waters in each. All I know is that there are 7 different waters in each bottle, including the following brands- Dior, Caudalie, Bioderma, Nuxe, La Roche Posay, Vichy and Avéne. 

Micellar Waters are a nice, light, refreshing form of makeup removal. I have already tried the Avéne Micellar Water myself and found it really fresh and it worked very well for me. I find these a nice way of makeup removal, especially during the spring/summer months. 

I'm excited to share my journey and experience with these anonymous dropper bottles, as I've no idea which one is which. I've began to use them already and want to trial all 7 bottles and then I'll be sharing my results with you. I'll be giving my results in letter form, as they are labelled A-G, and then I'll be filling in a survey myself which will give me the results of which one was which. At that point then, I'll let you all know my results. 

You can search the hashtag #micellarblindtrial on Twitter to see how many other beauty bloggers are getting on with all the different brands. I'll be tweeting about my experiences and using this hashtag also. (Be sure to follow other people's journey also). 

Below is a picture of the 7 bottles labelled A-G. I'm going to be using each one a couple of times, for the next couple of weeks to remove my makeup. 

You can check out all these brands on the Escentual website, which deliver to the the UK, USA and throughout Europe!

Sarah

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Introducing: The Lush Spa Gift Box

I have a huge love of all things LUSH and would easily have a LUSH bath every day if I could. Did you know, that LUSH now have Spas located around the UK, and now you can have a Spa Day in the comfort of your home, with this LUSH Spa Gift Set*. (€32.50)

Before I opened the gift box up, as with all gift sets from Lush, I was in awe of the amount of detail that went into the packaging and its' presentation. The quirky detail of the brown wrapping paper, the brown string, and the stamps on the box, gave it that vintage, chic feel. So immediately it was a thumbs up from me!!

Big Blue bath ballistic... Bath ballistics are one of my favourite things to get when I'm in a Lush store. The huge variety in store is so appealing, and I think I have pretty much tried most of them, and I do definitely have my faves! (Avobath, Dragon's Egg, Golden Wonder, Honey Bee) This bath ballistic is now in that list! It contains lavender oil (relaxing), lemon oil (clears the mind) and seaweed and sea salt (softens the skin). When the stress levels are high, I love nothing more than getting in a warm bath, with this bath ballistic. It also has properties to ease aching muscles, another bonus!

(This is just before the burst of seaweed!)

           When you drop this under running water, it immediately fizzes and dissolves in the water, turning your water a blue colour. THEN there is a burst of seaweed form the middle of the ballistic! The seaweed floating around the bath, cleansed my skin and made my skin feel really soft. TOP TIP- after your bath the seaweed is left lying at the bottom, so you will have to give it a little clean!

Peace Massage Bar... This is the first time I've tried a Massage Bar. Basically this solid bar, begins to soften or melt when you rub it into your skin. I used this is the bath, and just began rubbing it on my legs and arms. I don't feel the need to moisturise my skin after my bath, when I use this. I feel it gives my skin a huge amount of moisture. It contains olive oil, cocoa butter and shea butter, all very nourishing and kind to your skin. I have used this twice so far and it is still lasting me! This massage bar is meant to bring some 'peace' into our busy tired lives!

Full of Grace serum bar... Again, a product I have never tried before from Lush. This has a similar concept to the Peace Massage bar, i.e. a solid bar, which melts upon contact with the skin. This is to be used on the face, as a face serum. I literally began to warm this up in my hands, when I got out of the bath, when my pores were open, and rubbed it gently into my face. The serum bar began to melt and I rubbed the serum into my skin. It was very easy to apply and again, is lasting me very well. This would definitely last you a couple of months, as a little goes a long way. Be careful not to over-apply this, as it will take some time to sink in! It is very handy for travel, and contains rose water which is good for sensitive skin. Ideally this is to be used at night time, to let it soak into your skin overnight. I wouldn't apply this daily as it is quite rich, so about once a week, is how often I'll be applying it.

Stepping Stone foot scrub... This really cute foot scrub, is AMAZING! Not only does it smell amazing, (citrus, zesty) but it has made removing the dead skin off my feet, so easy! It has left my feet feeling so soft, and smooth. This little foot scrub contains sea salt, which gently exfoliates the skin, while also containing jojoba oil, and cocoa butter, which help soften the skin. My feet have never felt so soft and smooth! I have got two uses out of this foot scrub, which I think is pretty good!

This FAB Lush Spa Gift Box, is ideal for this time of year, to give your tired skin, body and muscles a much needed pampering. I definitely have more baths in the winter, to unwind and de-stress during the winter chills!

The combination of using these 4 products have left my skin feeling so soft and full of moisture. I would recommend getting your hands on this Spa Gift Set if you want your skin to be moisturised for the year ahead. Or this gift set would be an ideal gift for your Mum, Sister or a friend, or just for yourself!! You can buy the gift sets in your nearest store, or you can order online and get it delivered to your home! You can also order on-line at www.lush.co.uk

If you are interested in seeing me post pictures on what I'm using in my bath, be sure to follow me on Instagram (sarahwhelehan).


What is your favourite gift set from LUSH? Or what is your favourite product? What do you love most about LUSH products?

Sarah
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The Yellow Sunflower?!

My blog has not had the love and attention it deserves recently. Things in my personal life have taken over, and I am aware I haven't blogged since just before Christmas. Sorry guys. :-(

As you all know Christmas comes, takes over your time, and I just never got around to blogging. Along with Christmas and all the antics it brings, in the back of my mind, I was thinking of my college exams, which begin just after Christmas. I have my exams just after Christmas, so I was pretty hectic (to say the least!) after Christmas and all throughout January studying. 

Thank you for sticking with me, and I'm hoping to blog more regularly and have more of a routine with my blog, but I am only going to blog about things I am passionate about and love etc. I'm also super happy with a little change that has occurred here at The Yellow Sunflower. I have had my blog re-designed and the look changed slightly. The content will still be the same but I just wanted to spruce up my blog!! (Fresh start, new year, and all that...) I really hope you like it!

Let me know if you like the new design and layout. If any of you are interested in re-designing your blog, Lauren from MBLM, has worked her magic here on my blog, and you can check out all the different layouts and headers she can personally create, to your style, over on her design blog.

I also want to add a couple of snaps I took of my Christmas. I hope you all had a lovely peaceful Christmas time, and here's to 2013 with The Yellow Sunflower!

 

Sarah

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