One of my favourite things to do at night is apply an overnight mask to give my skin an extra boost of hydration. Whilst the concept of a leave on mask might sound strange to some, I find them to be essential in the Winter months when my skin is dry and miserable. All of these masks are perfectly fine for daytime use but I like to use them at night to get the full benefits. I have quite a few in my collection but today I'm streamlining them to give you the best option for your budget... 

Superdrug Vitamin E Moisture Mask 75ml - £2.59

This mask combines Grapeseed Oil and Vitamin E to hydrate and nourish the skin leaving it soft and supple. Designed for normal-dry skin, this has a lovely thin texture which gives just enough moisture without being heavy or clogging. If you apply the right amount (I would say a 5-10p size), it will absorb properly eliminating the need to tissue off excess. It has a nice gentle scent which I really love as I'm not a fan of heavily fragranced products. You won't find many skincare items under £3 that work but this one absolutely does! 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink in Moisture Mask 100ml - £11

I would say this is the best option if you have sensitive skin. Part of their best selling skincare range, the mask is packed with Vitamin E and Wheatgerm Oil to protect and nourish. The texture is quite a bit thinner than the other masks but the finish is still super soft and smooth. Every morning after using this my skin looks a lot brighter and my skincare seems to just glide on. A great mid priced option.

Pixi Beauty Nourishing Sleep Mask 30ml - £18

Pixi make some of the best skincare products I've ever used and their Nourishing Sleep Mask is no exception. The formula is lightweight and comfortable so I'm never left feeling greasy or like my skin's going to clog. Loaded with fruit and flower oils to soothe and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and plump, this will give you bouncy, glowy skin in no time. 

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask 100ml - £24
Every time I add this back to my routine I remember why it's the most popular overnight mask on the market. Nothing makes my skin look as plump and juicy as this... It's literally magic in a bottle. Each morning after using the mask my skin glows like never before. With a rich creamy texture this glides over the face instantly relieving dryness and dehydration. Even though it's recommended for normal-dry skin, all skin types can use this. Avocado and Apricot Kernel Oils help to quench skin's thirst while Japanese Seaweed repairs the skin's barrier. If you're looking for a luxurious night time treat, this is the product for you!

What are your favourite overnight masks? Leave them below!

Thank you so much for reading!

Maiya
x 

• Sunday, February 26, 2017

The Overnight Mask Edit

One of my favourite things to do at night is apply an overnight mask to give my skin an extra boost of hydration. Whilst the concept of a leave on mask might sound strange to some, I find them to be essential in the Winter months when my skin is dry and miserable. All of these masks are perfectly fine for daytime use but I like to use them at night to get the full benefits. I have quite a few in my collection but today I'm streamlining them to give you the best option for your budget... 

Superdrug Vitamin E Moisture Mask 75ml - £2.59

This mask combines Grapeseed Oil and Vitamin E to hydrate and nourish the skin leaving it soft and supple. Designed for normal-dry skin, this has a lovely thin texture which gives just enough moisture without being heavy or clogging. If you apply the right amount (I would say a 5-10p size), it will absorb properly eliminating the need to tissue off excess. It has a nice gentle scent which I really love as I'm not a fan of heavily fragranced products. You won't find many skincare items under £3 that work but this one absolutely does! 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink in Moisture Mask 100ml - £11

I would say this is the best option if you have sensitive skin. Part of their best selling skincare range, the mask is packed with Vitamin E and Wheatgerm Oil to protect and nourish. The texture is quite a bit thinner than the other masks but the finish is still super soft and smooth. Every morning after using this my skin looks a lot brighter and my skincare seems to just glide on. A great mid priced option.

Pixi Beauty Nourishing Sleep Mask 30ml - £18

Pixi make some of the best skincare products I've ever used and their Nourishing Sleep Mask is no exception. The formula is lightweight and comfortable so I'm never left feeling greasy or like my skin's going to clog. Loaded with fruit and flower oils to soothe and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and plump, this will give you bouncy, glowy skin in no time. 

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask 100ml - £24
Every time I add this back to my routine I remember why it's the most popular overnight mask on the market. Nothing makes my skin look as plump and juicy as this... It's literally magic in a bottle. Each morning after using the mask my skin glows like never before. With a rich creamy texture this glides over the face instantly relieving dryness and dehydration. Even though it's recommended for normal-dry skin, all skin types can use this. Avocado and Apricot Kernel Oils help to quench skin's thirst while Japanese Seaweed repairs the skin's barrier. If you're looking for a luxurious night time treat, this is the product for you!

What are your favourite overnight masks? Leave them below!

Thank you so much for reading!

Maiya
x 

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Maiya

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• Saturday, February 25, 2017

I'm On BlogLovin'

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Maiya

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Anyone can get a breakout no matter what their age or skin type but unfortunately some people are more prone than others. This often leads to hours of stressing which in turn makes the breakout worse. Talk about a vicious cycle! Now I can't sit here and say I suffer with acne or an abundance of spots but when I was in my early teens I definitely experienced my fair share of breakouts. Whether it was a patch of blackheads or a big juicy whitehead, you name it, I had em' all. Nowadays I don't often deal with breakouts as I'm very fortunate to have quite a 'normal' skin which only sprouts spots around my time of the month or when I've been a bit too generous with my facial oils. But even though blemishes aren't one of my primary skin concerns, they are to a lot of people, so I wanted to share my tips and tricks on how to stay blemish free. 

Cleanse Like You've Never Cleansed Before

This doesn't mean scrub your skin until it feels dry and squeaky, it simply means make sure that you are cleansing consistently and thoroughly. This entails cleansing every morning and every night. Twice in the evenings if you're wearing makeup or SPF! When dealing with blemishes it's best to lay off rich cleansing oils/balms and switch to something a bit lighter. Creams and milks are perfect for cleaning the skin and pores without stripping the natural oils or being too heavy. I personally love using the First Aid Beauty Milk Oil Conditioning Cleanser or Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish. Both great for keeping the skin clean and balanced.

Acid is Key

 AHAs and BHAs are great at removing dead skin cells, resurfacing and killing off bacteria which are all essential when treating breakouts. I started using Salicylic Acid when I was 14 and it instantly helped clear my skin. If you're a beginner I would start with something gentle like Lactic or Salicylic and then gradually move up to Glycolic which I find to be the most effective. My top picks are the Pixi Glow Tonic, Garnier Pure Active Pore Purifying Toner and the Nip & Fab Glycolic Fix Pads. Just make sure you use something that isn't harsh or full of alcohol. And always apply SPF in the day time!

Leave It Alone

Naturally our first reaction when we get a spot is to pop or squeeze it but realistically this isn't going to do anything except irritate it and perhaps make it worse. As hard as it may be, you've got to resist the urge to touch or pop it. This is probably what I struggle with the most. 

Use A Treatment

Carrying on from my last tip, a good way to avoid messing with your breakouts is by using a spot treatment. There are so many out there but my personal favourite is the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. While you can't actually dry out a spot, this uses Salicylic Acid, Camphor, Zinc Oxide and Alcohol to keep it clean and soothed.

Keep Your Tools Clean

I think this step is one of the biggest contributors to my skin being blemish free. When I hear people say that they deep clean their makeup brushes every one-two weeks it literally makes my skin crawl. How is this sanitary? Even if you spot clean your brushes in between they are still going to contain old makeup and bacteria which will of course lead to spots and blocked pores. This may sound excessive but I deep clean my brushes, sponges and flannels after every use. No exceptions. Re-using a foundation brush after you've worked so hard to keep your skin clean is like eating healthily and exercising for 6 days only to have a massive McDonalds and chocolate binge on the 7th. Doesn't make sense does it?

Combat Scarring With Facial Oils

Sometimes even if we haven't popped a spot we are still left with unsightly scarring that doesn't go away for weeks and weeks. Being a fair skinned gal means that any kind of scar or blemish is instantly more noticeable, so I love using facial oils to nourish and repair the skin. My current favourite is the Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil. Rich in essential fatty acids, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, this oil helps to brighten, hydrate and protect against free radical damage. 

Thank you so much for reading!

Maiya

x

• Wednesday, February 22, 2017

How I Treat and Prevent Breakouts

Anyone can get a breakout no matter what their age or skin type but unfortunately some people are more prone than others. This often leads to hours of stressing which in turn makes the breakout worse. Talk about a vicious cycle! Now I can't sit here and say I suffer with acne or an abundance of spots but when I was in my early teens I definitely experienced my fair share of breakouts. Whether it was a patch of blackheads or a big juicy whitehead, you name it, I had em' all. Nowadays I don't often deal with breakouts as I'm very fortunate to have quite a 'normal' skin which only sprouts spots around my time of the month or when I've been a bit too generous with my facial oils. But even though blemishes aren't one of my primary skin concerns, they are to a lot of people, so I wanted to share my tips and tricks on how to stay blemish free. 

Cleanse Like You've Never Cleansed Before

This doesn't mean scrub your skin until it feels dry and squeaky, it simply means make sure that you are cleansing consistently and thoroughly. This entails cleansing every morning and every night. Twice in the evenings if you're wearing makeup or SPF! When dealing with blemishes it's best to lay off rich cleansing oils/balms and switch to something a bit lighter. Creams and milks are perfect for cleaning the skin and pores without stripping the natural oils or being too heavy. I personally love using the First Aid Beauty Milk Oil Conditioning Cleanser or Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish. Both great for keeping the skin clean and balanced.

Acid is Key

 AHAs and BHAs are great at removing dead skin cells, resurfacing and killing off bacteria which are all essential when treating breakouts. I started using Salicylic Acid when I was 14 and it instantly helped clear my skin. If you're a beginner I would start with something gentle like Lactic or Salicylic and then gradually move up to Glycolic which I find to be the most effective. My top picks are the Pixi Glow Tonic, Garnier Pure Active Pore Purifying Toner and the Nip & Fab Glycolic Fix Pads. Just make sure you use something that isn't harsh or full of alcohol. And always apply SPF in the day time!

Leave It Alone

Naturally our first reaction when we get a spot is to pop or squeeze it but realistically this isn't going to do anything except irritate it and perhaps make it worse. As hard as it may be, you've got to resist the urge to touch or pop it. This is probably what I struggle with the most. 

Use A Treatment

Carrying on from my last tip, a good way to avoid messing with your breakouts is by using a spot treatment. There are so many out there but my personal favourite is the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. While you can't actually dry out a spot, this uses Salicylic Acid, Camphor, Zinc Oxide and Alcohol to keep it clean and soothed.

Keep Your Tools Clean

I think this step is one of the biggest contributors to my skin being blemish free. When I hear people say that they deep clean their makeup brushes every one-two weeks it literally makes my skin crawl. How is this sanitary? Even if you spot clean your brushes in between they are still going to contain old makeup and bacteria which will of course lead to spots and blocked pores. This may sound excessive but I deep clean my brushes, sponges and flannels after every use. No exceptions. Re-using a foundation brush after you've worked so hard to keep your skin clean is like eating healthily and exercising for 6 days only to have a massive McDonalds and chocolate binge on the 7th. Doesn't make sense does it?

Combat Scarring With Facial Oils

Sometimes even if we haven't popped a spot we are still left with unsightly scarring that doesn't go away for weeks and weeks. Being a fair skinned gal means that any kind of scar or blemish is instantly more noticeable, so I love using facial oils to nourish and repair the skin. My current favourite is the Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil. Rich in essential fatty acids, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, this oil helps to brighten, hydrate and protect against free radical damage. 

Thank you so much for reading!

Maiya

x

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As much as I love trying out new products, I'm a big believer in having a handful of items that you can always rely on when you need something that gets the job done. Today I'm sharing with you my 5 go-to products that I think everybody needs to try. There's a mixture of skincare and makeup and all of the products will work for just about everyone. Let the enabling begin...

Pixi + Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse

I thought I'd start with the basics and quickly mention my current favourite skincare product. Cleansing is one of the most important steps in any beauty routine and this product makes the process nice and simple. The balm destroys makeup and SPF whilst the cleansing cream gently removes excess oil, dirt and daily grime. Formulated without fragrance, mineral oil or parabens, this cleansing duo is perfect for all skin types. Full review here!

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil

I'm probably the last person in the world to try this product but you know what they say, better late than never. This multi-purpose dry oil can be used on the face, hair and body to add hydration and moisture without feeling thick or heavy. I've been using it as a leave in treatment when my hair is damp and I cannot believe the difference it has made. A couple drops spread through the mid lengths and ends makes my hair feel soft, more manageable and super shiny. It has a gorgeous slightly musky scent which lingers beautifully without being over powering. This will always be on backup. 

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

This mask is my secret to glowing skin. If I don't use it at least once a week, my skin starts to look really dull and congested. It uses Pumpkin Enzymes, Alpha Hydroxy Acid and Aluminium Oxide particles to exfoliate and polish the skin. It's quite a strong mask so it's not something you want to just slather on. A thin layer is all you need to get smooth, luminous skin. It smells amazing too. Think spiced pumpkin latte...

Zoeva Cocoa Blend Eyeshadow Palette

This palette has everything a warm-toned eyeshadow lover could ever need. With a range of finishes and colours, it's super easy to create a gorgeous eye look in less than 10 minutes. At £17.50, this palette is an absolute bargain and whether you're a makeup novice or a serious hoarder, you need one in your life. 

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF 50

To me there's nothing better than a super dewy, super flawless base and this CC Cream gives me exactly that. Considering this isn't a foundation, it has amazing coverage but never looks cakey or thick, especially when applied with fingers or a damp sponge. It comes in a thin tube which is great for travel and I find one pump is all I need for a full face. This have a very glowy finish so people with a combination or oily skin will need to set it with a powder. My only complaint is that the shade range is quite limited. Even their darkest shades aren't dark enough for some people which is very annoying. Apart from the restricted shade selection, this product is absolutely amazing. I'll never be without it. 

So there you have the five beauty products I think everyone should try. What are yours?

Thank you so much for reading!

Maiya

x

• Sunday, February 19, 2017

5 Beauty Products You Need To Try

As much as I love trying out new products, I'm a big believer in having a handful of items that you can always rely on when you need something that gets the job done. Today I'm sharing with you my 5 go-to products that I think everybody needs to try. There's a mixture of skincare and makeup and all of the products will work for just about everyone. Let the enabling begin...

Pixi + Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse

I thought I'd start with the basics and quickly mention my current favourite skincare product. Cleansing is one of the most important steps in any beauty routine and this product makes the process nice and simple. The balm destroys makeup and SPF whilst the cleansing cream gently removes excess oil, dirt and daily grime. Formulated without fragrance, mineral oil or parabens, this cleansing duo is perfect for all skin types. Full review here!

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil

I'm probably the last person in the world to try this product but you know what they say, better late than never. This multi-purpose dry oil can be used on the face, hair and body to add hydration and moisture without feeling thick or heavy. I've been using it as a leave in treatment when my hair is damp and I cannot believe the difference it has made. A couple drops spread through the mid lengths and ends makes my hair feel soft, more manageable and super shiny. It has a gorgeous slightly musky scent which lingers beautifully without being over powering. This will always be on backup. 

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

This mask is my secret to glowing skin. If I don't use it at least once a week, my skin starts to look really dull and congested. It uses Pumpkin Enzymes, Alpha Hydroxy Acid and Aluminium Oxide particles to exfoliate and polish the skin. It's quite a strong mask so it's not something you want to just slather on. A thin layer is all you need to get smooth, luminous skin. It smells amazing too. Think spiced pumpkin latte...

Zoeva Cocoa Blend Eyeshadow Palette

This palette has everything a warm-toned eyeshadow lover could ever need. With a range of finishes and colours, it's super easy to create a gorgeous eye look in less than 10 minutes. At £17.50, this palette is an absolute bargain and whether you're a makeup novice or a serious hoarder, you need one in your life. 

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF 50

To me there's nothing better than a super dewy, super flawless base and this CC Cream gives me exactly that. Considering this isn't a foundation, it has amazing coverage but never looks cakey or thick, especially when applied with fingers or a damp sponge. It comes in a thin tube which is great for travel and I find one pump is all I need for a full face. This have a very glowy finish so people with a combination or oily skin will need to set it with a powder. My only complaint is that the shade range is quite limited. Even their darkest shades aren't dark enough for some people which is very annoying. Apart from the restricted shade selection, this product is absolutely amazing. I'll never be without it. 

So there you have the five beauty products I think everyone should try. What are yours?

Thank you so much for reading!

Maiya

x

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When I first heard about the new Liquid Peels from The Body Shop I was initially really excited, however after trying one out for myself, I have to say, I'm quite disappointed. This peel belongs to the Drops Of Light range which is designed to brighten the skin. I know there are quite a few people who really like these peels and that's absolutely fine. I just wanted to share my personal thoughts as I know a lot of you have a similar taste to me when it comes to skincare. 

The product comes in a plastic bottle with a pump. (Similar to the Chamomile Cleansing Oil) Ok for travel.

Price - £18 for 145ml

Texture - Gel

Finish - Exfoliated, soft skin

What they say

This quick fix brightening essential will visibly brighten appearance after first use. Transforming gel-to-peel technology that traps and gently peels off impurities and dead skin cells to unveil healthy-looking skin that feels resurfaced from first use*. With continued use, skin looks more luminous and skin texture looks refined.

Key ingredients

Red Algae Extract - Brightens the skin

Vitamin C - Rich in antioxidants and helps to repair the skin

What is it

This is an exfoliating gel that gently removes dirt and dead skin cells without the need for physical particles. As you start to massage the product into the skin, little clumps of dead skin will form. It has a strong alcohol scent. Suitable for most skin types except sensitive, and dry.

How I Use It and My Results

After cleansing I take 2 pumps of the gel and massage it into the skin until clumps form. The gel starts to absorb quite quickly so there isn't much slip when massaging it in. I find the best way to remove the peel is by splashing the skin rather than using a flannel. It takes me quite a while to remove the peel as it starts to go a bit tacky when it's mixed with water. 
I remember the first time I used the peel I rushed straight to the mirror expecting to see a brand new layer of skin, but to my surprise, my skin didn't look any different. My complexion was still grey and uneven and all of my dry patches were still there. I also expected my skin to feel a lot smoother and more refined but annoyingly it didn't. The alcohol leaves my face feeling quite dry and tight which I really don't like. This literally does nothing for my skin.

Pros
- Gentle exfoliation (no particles)
- Easy to use
- Removes dead skin cells
- Simple packaging
- Ok for travel

Cons
- Quite pricey for what it is
- Contains alcohol which leaves the skin feeling dry
- Skin doesn't look brighter 
- Skin doesn't feel smooth
- Serums/moisturisers don't absorb any better
- Strong alcohol smell
- Not enough slip

Similar Products That Work Better
- Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Overnight Peel - £5.99 
- Pixi Overnight Glow Serum - £26

Summary
I think it's safe to say that this product is not for me. It's such a shame as the concept really interested me and I normally get along really well with products from The Body Shop. I would say people with a normal/oily or ageing skin might enjoy this but I still think there are better products at a much cheaper price. To me, this is definitely not worth £18. 

Please let me know if you enjoy this product or not as I'd love to hear your experience with it!

Thank you so much for reading!

Maiya
x

• Friday, February 10, 2017

The Body Shop Drops Of Light Pure Resurfacing Liquid Peel - First Impressions

When I first heard about the new Liquid Peels from The Body Shop I was initially really excited, however after trying one out for myself, I have to say, I'm quite disappointed. This peel belongs to the Drops Of Light range which is designed to brighten the skin. I know there are quite a few people who really like these peels and that's absolutely fine. I just wanted to share my personal thoughts as I know a lot of you have a similar taste to me when it comes to skincare. 

The product comes in a plastic bottle with a pump. (Similar to the Chamomile Cleansing Oil) Ok for travel.

Price - £18 for 145ml

Texture - Gel

Finish - Exfoliated, soft skin

What they say

This quick fix brightening essential will visibly brighten appearance after first use. Transforming gel-to-peel technology that traps and gently peels off impurities and dead skin cells to unveil healthy-looking skin that feels resurfaced from first use*. With continued use, skin looks more luminous and skin texture looks refined.

Key ingredients

Red Algae Extract - Brightens the skin

Vitamin C - Rich in antioxidants and helps to repair the skin

What is it

This is an exfoliating gel that gently removes dirt and dead skin cells without the need for physical particles. As you start to massage the product into the skin, little clumps of dead skin will form. It has a strong alcohol scent. Suitable for most skin types except sensitive, and dry.

How I Use It and My Results

After cleansing I take 2 pumps of the gel and massage it into the skin until clumps form. The gel starts to absorb quite quickly so there isn't much slip when massaging it in. I find the best way to remove the peel is by splashing the skin rather than using a flannel. It takes me quite a while to remove the peel as it starts to go a bit tacky when it's mixed with water. 
I remember the first time I used the peel I rushed straight to the mirror expecting to see a brand new layer of skin, but to my surprise, my skin didn't look any different. My complexion was still grey and uneven and all of my dry patches were still there. I also expected my skin to feel a lot smoother and more refined but annoyingly it didn't. The alcohol leaves my face feeling quite dry and tight which I really don't like. This literally does nothing for my skin.

Pros
- Gentle exfoliation (no particles)
- Easy to use
- Removes dead skin cells
- Simple packaging
- Ok for travel

Cons
- Quite pricey for what it is
- Contains alcohol which leaves the skin feeling dry
- Skin doesn't look brighter 
- Skin doesn't feel smooth
- Serums/moisturisers don't absorb any better
- Strong alcohol smell
- Not enough slip

Similar Products That Work Better
- Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Overnight Peel - £5.99 
- Pixi Overnight Glow Serum - £26

Summary
I think it's safe to say that this product is not for me. It's such a shame as the concept really interested me and I normally get along really well with products from The Body Shop. I would say people with a normal/oily or ageing skin might enjoy this but I still think there are better products at a much cheaper price. To me, this is definitely not worth £18. 

Please let me know if you enjoy this product or not as I'd love to hear your experience with it!

Thank you so much for reading!

Maiya
x

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