Feed your skin fellas!

Hello fellas!

So the last few weeks I have been increasing my knowledge of you guys and what type of stuff you read, so yes I throw my hands up and admit, I have read articles from Men’s Health as well as some other ‘manly’ articles and journals.  As mentioned at the end of the last blog for you guys, this blog is all about different skin types and what moisturisers would be best – being a woman I haven’t ‘tried & tested’ these products personally, however after asking certain friends and family I have gained a better taste  for them, so here goes.

The first thing you are probably thinking is why do I need to moisturise? Not only can they help to prevent dry skin they also help to reduce premature ageing through hydrating and keeping the skin supple. And now you’re probably thinking, how do they do that? Moisturisers work in two ways hydrating and locking in moisture; however the effects only seem to usually last for 6-8 hours which is why it is important to moisturise twice a day as mentioned in my previous blog. (If you haven’t caught my post on men’s skincare you can catch up here)

Acne/Oily
- usually has a ‘shine’ to the surface of the skin, large open pores, blemishes and outbreaks.

Clarins – Ultra-matte Rebalancing Lotion
- A lightweight moisturiser with purifying and rebalancing properties, tightening pores and reducing sebum production. This moisturiser not only helps reduce the oil production but has a mattifying finish too!

Lab Series – Treat Daily Moisture Defense Lotion
- A very lightweight, quick absorbing moisturiser with a high content of antioxidants to reduce bacteria levels within the skin’s surface.

Combination
- tends to have an oily T-zone (chin, nose, and forehead) and dry/normal skin on the cheeks and neck.

Bulldog – Original Moisturiser
- This is a natural moisturiser containing 8 essential oils – three of which help to detoxifying, purify and tighten the pores whilst the others have high hydrating and nourishing properties.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar – H Soothing Compensation Moisturiser
- Helps to rebalance the skin and soothe any irritation that may have been caused to blemish creams or strong astringent properties in other products – this cream is a great pick me up to the skin.

Dry/Sensitive
- usually has a ‘flaky’ or rough surface to the skin, tight pores and small pimples under the surface.

Polaar – Moisturising Face Cream
- This ultra-rich, long lasting cream helps to repair damaged skin, soothing any irritations and providing rapid relief.

Clinique – SPF21 Moisturiser
- This has recently been awarded “Best Moisturiser for Men’s Health Grooming Awards” not only does it have the added benefit of a high spf protecting your skin against damaging UVA and UVB rays, it has a high moisturising content too.

If you’re still unsure to what skin type you may be there are many salons, and department stores that will have a consultant more than happy to help you. It is more than normal for your skin type to change throughout the year depending on the seasons, environment and even products that you are using and that’s why it’s important to use a specific product that has been formulated for a skin type.

If you have any questions regarding any of the products mentioned or want any information on a product, I am more than happy to help or to point you in the right direction J

How did you find this blog? What could I improve? Is there anything in particular you would like to know about or have any questions on?

So get in touch…
Comment below this post.
Email: Hannah-fehily@live.co.uk
Twitter: @Missfehily

Simple Men's Routine

Hello fellas!

Yes that’s right this post is for all you guys out there, that take the time to read my posts. I know that in recent years the grooming standards for men has grown and so has the market for men’s products too! After questioning a lot of the guys I know I have figured that just like cars, men want products that are going to be quick, easy and top spec (with a low price tag if possible). In this blog I have created a simple daily routine, to help keep your skin fresh and clear.

 

 

1.      CLEANSE
The first sin for bad skin is to use soap and water, it can leave your skin feeling tight and dry as it strips the natural ph. and damages the surface of your skin. It is important to use a facial wash that has been modified to cleanse the skin efficiently without stripping the layers. So squeeze/pump some into your hands, lather up and apply in circles to the whole face, rinse with water or a flannel to remove.

2.     EXFOLIATE (only once/twice a week, after cleanse)
Using a facial scrub can help to reduce build-up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria from the surface of the skin and inside the minute pores (which are usually the cause to spots, blackheads and blemishes). Just like a facial wash, squeeze/pump some into your hands, and apply in circles to the whole face concentrating on areas of dry skin especially the forehead, nose and chin, rinse with water or a flannel to remove.

3.     SHAVE

       If you tend to shave each day, just do what you got to do in this step here.

4.     TONE
Research has shown that most men believe a lot of products to be just an extra thing on the shelf or an extra thing to waste money on, however toners help to rebalance the skin’s surface and to tighten pores – preventing any dirt from getting in the pores and removing any excess product from the skin.

5.     MOISTURISE
Whether you have oily, dry or ageing skin there is a moisturiser out there to help combat and improve your skin. Moisturisers help to hydrate the skin, creating a barrier against the harshness of any environment, and can reduce the effects of UV if they contain an SPF. I also found that quite a lot of you tend to just moisturise as and when you feel you need it, but the truth is your skin will need moisturising every day if not twice a day – this is because your skin faces a lot each day think of the pollution in the air, the cold winds, the hot sweaty gym- the list goes on… your facial skin needs to be kept hydrated and nourished.

The next few male blog posts ideas will include;
- Different skin types and what products are best
- Skincare protection for all those different sports and events
- Top tips for shaving and aftershave advice
- Beards

How did you find this blog? What could I improve? Is there anything in particular you would like to know about or have any questions on?

Contact me and let me know…
Comment below this post.
Email: Hannah-fehily@live.co.uk
Twitter: @Missfehily

makeup - 8 simple steps

Hello Beauties!

I’ve been so busy lately getting into the festive swing, ordered so many Christmas gifts and getting so excited for all the wrapping and decorating to come!! I haven’t really thought about what I am going to put on my own Christmas list so today I thought I’d share my daily makeup routine, it doesn’t take too long to do and is just a basic classic for me to be honest.

 

1. PRIME
   I find that using a primer really helps to create a perfect base for any makeup and also helps the longevity too, I recently purchased a new primer and I am in love with how good it works, it doesn’t feel heavy on my skin and has great added benefits of all day hydration.
2. FOUNDATION
   I like to have a full coverage of foundation however not to look too cakey, I apply my foundation with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and slowly build up the coverage as I go. I would use a slightly thicker and fuller coverage for a night out but for the everyday/work makeup a light coverage is all that is needed.
3. CONCEAL
   For all those dark shadows, spots and blemishes that we all curse, concealer is a miracle, I tend to use a liquid concealer as I find it easier to apply and blend. I apply using the wand that it comes with and then blend using my Real Techniques Setting Brush.
4. CONTOUR
   On an everyday basis I don’t tend to do much contour but using my palette I can do the essential bronzer, highlighter and blusher. I use my Eco Tools Bamboo Domed Bronzer brush to apply the bronzer over the top points of my forehead, under cheekbones, jaw line and down the nose. I then use Bamboo Airbrush Concealer Brush for the highlighter just lightly swept over the top of my cheekbones, and the Tapered Blush Brush to apply a light coverage to the apple of my cheeks. 
5. POWDER
   To set the makeup and to help blend it all in effectively using my Mary Kay Kabuki brush I apply my powder in downward sweeps then circular motions all over my face.
6. EYES
   For an everyday quick and easy smoky eye look I use a duo stick in Golden Haze. One end is a creamy/gold which I apply all over then blend with Eco Tools Bamboo Eye shadow brush, then using the darker taupe brown end of the stick lightly in the crease and outside corner and blend again using the eye shadow brush. A quick line on the lower lid using Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal, and a few coats to the lashes of Maybelline Volume Express Colossal Smoky Eye Mascara to finish the look.
7. EYEBROWS
   Even though it’s a quick everyday thing, my eyebrows have to be perfect so I usually spend quite a bit of time on my eyebrows using the HD Brows eye & brow palette, I use a pencil to even out the shape, then the powder to thicken and fill the eyebrow and a gel-like mascara to set into place – I don’t tend to add much to my shape mainly just outline and thicken with powder.
8. LIPS
   Depending on how my lips are I either just apply Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner or use Mary Kay True Dimensions Lipstick in Lava Berry – this has a real creamy texture and has a long lasting pigment which means you don’t need to keep re-applying throughout the day.

And there you have it my everyday makeup look:

BEFORE                                    AFTER

If you click on each of the points, it will directly link you to the page to purchase the particular product that I use.

 

 

Hair Care Routine

Hello beauties!

How have you been!? I just absolutely love this time of year what with all the festivities going on, so last Friday we had Halloween, this week we have bonfire night and then before we know it will be Christmas and New Year. I don’t tend to do much for Halloween purely because I have a fear of dressed up people, so it’s best for me to stay in and snuggle up in front of the sofa – however this Saturday just gone, I went to the local town of St Albans to watch the firework display, which can I just say is quoted “The Best Display of Hertfordshire”.

During the colder months it’s easy to wrap up warm, turn up the heating and forget the effects it can have to your hair and skin – so this post is going to share with you my hair care routine. I have to admit that I am not the best at sticking to this religiously… but most of the time when I do I notice that my hair is in a much healthier condition. For as long as I can remember I have always had pretty long hair, so it’s forever being tied up tight in a ponytail for work or when I’m having a yoga day or lazy day – so split ends will always be.  

Hairdressers

Just like you manicures and pedicures, your hair needs a good grooming every 6-8weeks at the most, to help trim dead ends and re-shape and volumize the barnet. I try to see my hairdresser once a month for the usual “full head of highlights, wash, cut and blowdry.” For some reason I feel my hair is always so much glossier after coming out of the hairdressers than what it is if I were to wash and blowdry it myself… does anyone know why this is!?

Cleanse & Condition

When I wash my hair I tend to shampoo, shampoo and then condition – the double cleans helps to ensure any build-up of product and natural oils are removed efficiently and the conditioner helps to nourish the roots and scalp to help create a healthy balance. I use 3 types of shampoo depending on the timing of when I have seen the hairdresser and 2 types of conditioner.

Drying & Styling

When drying my hair after washing I towel dry as much as I can, then apply a hair serum (usually anti-frizz or argan oil) and blow-dry roughly. When it comes to styling, I tend to straighten in sections and being a “bad sin” I know, I usually forget to use a heat protector but the serum usually helps this.

My Routine

In the first 2 weeks after having my haircut, I tend to use Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo and Aussie Take The Heat 3 Minute Miracle. Although after seeing the hairdresser my hair is in great condition, I find that it can feel dry due to the chemicals used for the highlights – I usually wash my hair every other day or every third day. The shampoo is really soft, foamy and has an amazingly scrumptious scent. However the conditioner really is a miracle for dry hair – I tend to apply quite thickly from root to tip and then brush through with a comb, then leave to soak for 3-5mins and wash out.  In the following 2 weeks I go on to use John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder shampoo, I find this helps to keep my highlights light and also lightens my roots allowing my hair to grow that bit longer before the roots start to show. When I first tried this I was worried it may make my hair quite dry again but it has a real creamy texture to it and I try to use the Aussie Take The Heat treatment with every other wash.

In the final 2 weeks before I am due to go back to my hairdresser I then go on to use Spa Find Mineralizing Shampoo and Spa Find Mineralizing hair & body mud. As I suffer with quite a dry scalp it’s good for me to really help nourish and re-mineralise the scalp and hair, to help gain maximum benefits when seeing the hairdresser. Having psoriasis on my scalp I used to suffer with a lot of irritation, flakiness and at the worst scabbing – but after using these products it has completely cleared. These Spa Find products have really made a difference, it’s so relieving finding products that truly do work and only use natural contents. When using the hair and body mud I try to at least once a week apply a really thick layer and sleep with my hair in a towel over night so that it can really soak in and reap all the benefits of all the minerals.

Do you use any of these products, what do you think?
What's your haircare routine?