How to Battle a Bad Skin Day?

It's no secret that my skin is rather temperamental at times. Despite my best efforts, a bad skin day is inevitable for me. Whether it's due to stress, the environment you're in or hormones - I think we can all agree that battling bad skin days can be difficult and make you feel quite self-conscious and crappy at times. Whenever my skin flares up, I feel like all eyes are directly on me (my skin flaws and spots to be exact) and all I want to do is run and hide away. But thanks to my 'go to' guru that is Caroline Hirons, I've learnt from great tricks and tips along the way. 

Over the years I've learnt that some things help, whilst others hinder the quality of my skins complexion. I think I have probably tried most of the products out there that say 'prevents acne' or 'reduces blemish and remove blackheads' - both high-end and high-street skincare products - but truthfully the products I use depend entirely on whether my complexion is fresh and glowing, dull and bumpy or a mixture of oily and dry. Skin changes all the time. But one of the key things that I've learnt over the years is... what works for one person, may not work for you - all skin types are different. 

Here are some of my 'go to' skincare products and top tips for when I'm having one of those days (my battle plan, so to speak):  

Daily Skincare Regime 

My daily skincare regime is simple but effective (and a little costly at times). I do it daily - day and night - and I never miss a step. There are a few things like spot treatment, face masks and exfoliating that I don't always do on a daily basis because I don't always need to do but I've listed them below anyway. 

1. Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish
   I heard a lot about this brand, and in particular this cleanse and polish before I thought I'd give it ago. But without a doubt, I wouldn't be without it ever again. 
2. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo CreamAhh, here's to my blemish fighting bestie - without you, I'd be nothing. 
3. La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Fluide Cream
   Finally a moisturiser that doesn't hate my skin, that actually isn't greasy and just is incredible for combination skin. Where have you been?! You can't go wrong with La Roche Posay, you pay a little more but well worth it.

Added Extras to my Daily Regime 

So I don't use these everyday, some when I need to, others I use once or twice a week depending on the product. 

1. Origins Face Mask - 10 Minutes to Rescue Problem Skin
   My lifesaver. My everything. If I need quick skin rescue this is the face mask I wouldn't be without. I tend to use this after holiday when I've been slapping on suncream left, right and centre or if I've been wearing make up for a long period of time. Highly recommend. 
2. Origins Face Mask - Retexturizing Mask
   Definitely an all year round, and one that I use if my skin has decided to be my best friend rather than my enemy. It gives you a healthy glow, and really refreshes your skin. You really notice the difference when using on your sun-kissed skin! 
3. IT Cosmetics - Your Skin But Better CC Cream
   I've thrown this in as a bit of an extra - no make up than skincare - but again something I wouldn't be without. My friend put me onto this and I haven't looked back, it's lightweight, glowing, really refreshing and just builds on coverage! It's a little more expensive than most foundations, but a little goes along way. 

Twelve Ways to get Clear Skin and Battle Bad Skin Days!

1. Know your skin type and properly treat it. Don't just buy products because they're popular or your friends use them, choose them because they're right for your skin type. 
2. NEVER go to bed without taking your make up. You're asking for trouble. 
3. Wash your make up brushes and sponges on a regular basis.
4. Try not to keep touching your face throughout the day without washing your hands first {just think how much bacteria and dirt is on your hands that you can transfer to your face and clog your pores with, resulting in breakouts}. 
5. Don't touch or pick. Apply a bit of tea tree oil to the inflamed area for a natural spot treatment to quickly dry it up. 
6. Keep your skin hydrated, not only through moisturisers, serums and oils but by drinking plenty of water as well. I noticed a huge difference to my skin by just drinking water. 
7. Limit your intake of sugar and caffeine. According to research out there, sugar and caffeine can trigger breakouts; I'm not saying cut it out all together but instead of having four coffees a day, have two - I notice a huge difference doing this. 
8. Don't use old make up past their expiration date. Throw them away and buy new; normally make up last between six - twelve months. 
9. Sleep your hair out of your face. Platt it, tie it up in a bun, clip your fringe up - whatever is easiest for you, just as long the oil in your hair is out of your face. 
10. Once or twice a week, use a clay face mask to draw out any impurities from your skin. 
11. Gently exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to remove any dead skin cells. 
12. Don't scrub your face when you're cleansing, toning, exfoliating etc; make sure you apply all products gently.

Do you have any tips and tricks or products to help achieve a clear complexion and battle a bad skin day? 

Workwear Wardrobe Wishlist

1. River Island - Black Frill Blouse | 2. Mango - Coat | 3. Miss Selfridge - Tie Cropped Trousers | 4. New Look - Grey Suede Loafers | 5. Oliver Bonas - Black and White Skirt  | 6. River Island - Grey Striped Bardot Shirt  | 7. Oliver Bonas - Shirt | 8. River Island - Light Blue Cami Top | 9. New Look - Waterfall Duster Jacket | 10. Zara - Faux Leather Skirt | 11. Topshop - Pinafore Dress | 12. River Island - Striped Cami Top | 13. New Look - White Spot Shirt | 14. New Look - Black Cropped Trousers | 15. New Look - Burgundy Shirt | 16. Topshop - Tie Sleeve Bardot Blouse

Why is it, when you’ve got money to spend, I can never seem to find any clothes that I want but when my funds are lacking, I seem to be able to create an entire wishlist as long as my arm.

However after creating said wishlist, my excuse legit and very plausible reason for shopping spending my money on said clothes on that wishlist is that I have a ‘new’ job. Well I’ve actually had said new job for about six months now but I never actually managed to replenish my wardrobe after having a massive clear out and de-clutter before moving. So I need some workwear.

My usual daytime attire consists of both jeans and a baggy t-shirt/top – depends on my mood - so I needed to step up my game a little in the office wear world.  My office is quite ‘relaxed’ in terms of wardrobe, however I tend to go for the ‘smart/casual’ look on a day-to-day basis unless I have a client meeting when I tend to dress it up and make a bit more of an effort.

Luckily, I have found some great additions to hopefully add to my workwear wardrobe; New Look and River Island have some lovely items in at the moment as well as Oliver Bonas – however this is likely to stay on the wishlist, a little longer.

If there is anything else out there you think my wardrobe needs then let me know!

My Everyday Look

Although I like to try new things, I am more or less a creature of habit when it comes to my make-up routine. I tend to keep my make-up quite simple during my 8:30am - 5pm working hours. No crazy contouring, highlighting, brusher or bronzer (well sometimes I do like to use bronzer depending if I have either been on holiday or I look as white as a sheet). I like to keep my face simple but have fun with my eye make-up but not all the time if I am heading for a day or night out. When I find products I like, I use them all up before moving onto something new; switching between foundations or powders on a daily basis doesn't really appeal to me - my skin is temperamental enough without adding more confusion of new products everyday. 

I do change my style of make-up according to the season but I don't tend to change my core foundation or powder products unless I am looking really tanned and Ivory foundation, just doesn't cut it. High-end, drug store, it doesn't matter to me as long as the product works on my skin I don't mind but sometimes I do think that paying a bit more for products can be better for your skin in the long run but if drug-store works, then don't changed for the sake of high-end. Here's a look at what I've been loving in my everyday make-up lately: 

Face 
Every girl knows that finding the best, most suitable foundation for your skin type is a must; whether its powder, liquid or a mousse form foundation you need to choose what is best for your skin oppose to choosing the brand. For a while now, I have been using Bourjois Paris Healthy Mix Foundation in No. 51 Light Vanilla (but in the Summer months, I tend to go for No. 52 Vanilla).  It’s one of the most beautiful silky foundations I’ve used; its undertones are peachy with a hint of yellow, it has even coverage and it is very buildable. This looks incredibly flattering on my skin tone, adding just a hint of soft glow, rather than a crazy shimmer, which makes it a great option for a day-time look. 

With dark circles under my eyes and red belmishes on my skin, my face wouldn't be set without a good concealer and powder; I tend to go for Rimmel London Wake Me Up Concealer in Ivory and the Rimmel London Stay Matte Powder in Peach Glow. 

Cheeks (Not normally included in the 'everyday look')

I don't tend to use Bronzing Powder or Blusher in my 'everyday work look'. I feel that when adding bronzer and blusher to your make up look, you need to have a bit more time than I do because if you add to much of either to your look - the results can be disasterous! But on the weekend, whether its hitting the town on a night out or lunch with a friend, I add either a bronzer or a blush to my look, here are my products of choice: 

• Bourjois Paris Bronzing Powder - No. 51 Peaux Claires (It looks slightly like a Chocolate bar) 
• Bourjois Paris Blusher - No. 48 Cendre de Rose Brune (Ashes of Roses) 

Eyebrows 
I tend to use two products for my eyebrows; one for the outline and the other to fill in the brow itself. I opt for the Collection (which I always thought was called Collection 2000 but clearly they've dropped the 2000 part) Eyebrow kit in Brunette to outlined the brow and the Maybelline BrowSatin in Medium Brown to fill it in the brow - these products work extremely well together and are so easy to use, which makes my brows so easy to do, especially when I am half asleep.

Eyes 
I love adding a splash of colour into my eye make-up but I like to keep it natural at the same time, my product of choice is the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. It is one of my favourite Urban Decay eye palettes, with both neutral and smoky colours, this palette allows you to create both everyday and evening looks. 

I tend to use Foxy or Bootycall (light vanilla colours) all over my eye lids but really focusing on the inner corners of my eyes; however on the outer corners and throughout the eye lid crease I like to lightly add Chopper (smoky copper/pink), so that my blue eyes pop but the colour isn't overwhelming to look at. This colour looks incredible together and if you want to make this into an evening look, you can add YDK (shimmery brown) onto the outer corners and into the crease; but to complete this look no matter whether its day or night, I get a liner brush and add Blackout to my lashline as it makes your eyelashes look bigger. To complete this look, I use my DiorShow Mascara in Black, which helps to open up my eyes and makes my eyelashes really long. 

Lips 
There isn't much to say about my lips, during the days I like to keep them hydrated and looking fresh with my secret weapon - Nivea Lip Butter Caramel Creme - on a night out I will live it up with a bright coloured lipstick; red, pink, nude or peach. 

Brushes 
I have tonnes of make-up brushes; big, small, flat and fluffy but here are my brushes of choice for my everyday make-up look:

• Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - Foundation 
• Real Techniques Blush Brush - Powder/Blusher
• The Body Shop Eye Shadow Brush - Base Eyes 
• Real Techniques Shading Brush - Eye Shadow
• Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection: 201 Pointed Crease Brush

I don't know about you but I feel there was a pattern emerging between Bourjois Paris and Real Techniques but until the next time, Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo 

Bedtime Beauty Routine

Good Evening All! I always find other people's bedtime routines interesting; I mean I think it says a lot about someone, from the products they choose to what they keep near to them at nighttime on their bedside table. Sometimes, I have a glass of water by my side; other times, I have a packet of sweets or a snack from earlier that evening but I will always have my bedtime beauties next to me. I always think of my bedtime routine, as my go-to items that I really love and I am happy to spend a little bit more on than I would usually on skincare. I tend to keep my bedtime routine simple though as I don't want to overcomplicate things before going to bed; also I love using these products as a reminder to NOT go to bed with my makeup left on, so I need to keep it simple, otherwise it is just a huge effort. I always find that a good bedtime routine, helps me to unwind and relax from the day that I've just endured and sometimes, I enjoy doing it; especially when I have a good book to conclude the evening with and a hot beverage waiting for me - hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream… Tasty!

For my bedtime skincare routine, I tend to use a lot of Body Shop items as I find that their products are light, refreshing and affordable. I love to do my bedtime routine, just before I read my book for an hour or so then afterwards I would settle down for the evening; my skin feels refreshed and it allows me to unwind. Perfection! 

BEDTIME BEAUTY PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

FYI, these products are in order, I tend to use them. 

The Body Shop, Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator - £11.00 

(I tend to use this product in the shower as I find it easier!)

Superdrug, Deep Cleansing Facial Sheet Mask - £1.29

The Body Shop, Seaweed Night Treatment - £13.00 

The Body Shop, Aloe Soothing Night Cream - £13.00 

Feel Unique, Garnier Nutritionist Caffeine Eye Roll - £6.19 

(I've literally just run out but it is always on my repurchase product list and I tend to use this in the mornings as well!)

Superdrug,  Nivea Lip Butter - Blueberry Blush - £2.25 

(I've also tried the Coconut one as well - I would definitely recommend these lip butters; I've never looked back) 

This isn't all of my bedtime routine products, as some products I use after I've had my shower and other times, I don't use all my products but these are definitely some of my go-to favourites for bedtime. 

Do you have a bedtime routine that you keep near to you as a reminder to take you makeup off in an evening? 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

Bonus Exclusive Skincare#1: 

The Body Shop, Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask - £24.00 

I haven't purchased this whole product yet; I got a tester from The Body Shop to see what it was like as £24.00 is a lot to pay, if you don't like something but I LOVE it and I'm waiting for my order to arrive - like the other products from The Body Shop, it's light, refreshing and soothing and it's a good replacement for any moisturisers or face masks. 

Bonus Exclusive Skincare#2: 

Superdrug, Deep Action Pore Cleansing Nose Strips x4 - £2.69

I only tend to do this twice a week as otherwise my nose is extremely sore but actually they are absolutely brilliant; it does exactly what it says on the tin (or the box). 

Pick of the Week: Shearling Darling

These days nail polishes tend to chip so quickly; it's kind of upsetting and honestly, I can't stand it when I or anybody else has chipped nail polish on their fingers or toes, I think it just looks so untidy (lame, I know but I am a slight perfectist at times). Painting your nails is such a task anyway, but having to repaint them almost twice a week, just becomes one of the biggest challenges a girl has to face (okay, I am being slightly melodramatic but it is a hard task to paint your nail and for them to chip, just two days after). 

After painting my nails for many years, I have never discovered a nail polish that doesn't chip as soon as you've put on the top coat; annoying right? But the fact that I've finally found a nail polish that doesn't chip after just two days (even after many long hours at work) is a miracle and one I have to share; this nail polish is simply gorgeous, from the name choices of each colour to the ultra shine it leaves when you've finished painting. Essie is a brand, I've always wanted to try but price has always put me off; I mean £7.99 for a bottle doesn't seem overly expensive but I refuse to pay for something that doesn't do it's job properly… I think that's fair enough, isn't it? 

The formula is so great that you only really need one coat but if you do want that extra shine on your nails, a second coat would be the best idea; I usually apply two coats anyway as I always think two coats is better than one, which in this case is every true. To make this nail polish even better, it is quick drying and something you can do when you're in a hurry or you decide to make a last minute nail polish decision. 

The size of the brush is PER-FECT! It fits perfectly into your cuticle nail bed as it is the perfect shape to fit on your nails and paint without making a massive mess; believe it or not, as twenty-one year old girl, I still can't paint my nails without getting polish everywhere.

As the seasons are changing, its time for the Autumnal colours to take pride of place in my nail polish collection; whilst 'Shearling Darling' isn't a traditional Autumn name, its a beautiful colour and I really love how warm this colour is; especially when it comes to matching it with Autumnal outfits and accessories. I am so happy that I have found this colour; not only has it lasted longer than three days but it still has high ultra shine and still as warm as ever. 

You can buy 'Shearling Darling' or any other Essie colours at some Superdrugs, Boots and online here!

Have fun painting! 

Love, 
Lauren xo