Its beginning to look a lot like christmas.....

Hello beauties!

It feels like forever since I last posted, the last few weeks have just flown by. I have been pretty busy at work what with everyone wanting to have their nails and skin looking gorgeous and glam for the Christmas festivities and on my days off I have been doing the last few bits of Christmas shopping (which I’m glad to say is now finished).


Me and my family went down to see the Christmas light switch on in my local town, which was a really lovely event hosted by Heart FM radio with live music, Christmas carols and a big firework display – it really got everyone in the Christmas spirit.



In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I’m slowly finding small bits of time to wind down and pamper myself including painting my nails (Jessica Cherrywood & Champagne bubbles) and decorating the house. So yes the tree is up, some presents are wrapped and I’m slowly beginning to feel ready. I just love Christmas and can’t even begin to explain how excited I am for Santa to visit!

 

In the last few weeks the weather here has seemed to really turn pretty bitter with a icy chill in the air, especially when the wind is blowing I’m pretty sure I have icicles growing on the end of my nose - it feels that cold!

 

My skin never seems to like the cold and this year it really has decided to take a turn for the worse, I’ve been sticking to my skincare routine with the intense serum and weekly mask however my skin just seems to be forever dry and UBER sensitive to the point that just the other night even aqueous cream stung!? 

 

I have found that using my Mary Kay facial brush (similar to the Panasonic cleansing brush) has really help to gently exfoliate my skin, I use this with my spa find cleanser which seems to help hydrate the skin a bit more too! It’s made me realise just how important using a rich intensive serum and moisturiser is in the cold weather. I’d strongly recommend this facial brush to anyone who feels their skin is dry, tight or sensitive – not only does it ensure of a deep cleanse but softly buffs away the dead skin cells from the surface. My Blistex daily lip conditioner has become a must for every few hours each day too.
As pretty this weather is, my skin isn’t quite agreeing – I think it’s telling me a winter holiday in the sun is needed!

Do you have any tips or advice that may help sensitive skin in this cold weather!?

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

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?

Top 3 Skincare Products for Autumn/Winter

Hello beauties!

Now I have to admit I am a massive fan for the cold days where the chunky knits, scarfs and boots can come out of the wardrobe again – however as everything it has its downfalls. As pretty as the autumn and winter months can be, the effects that it can have to the skin are not so pretty. A key way to help prevent your skin from being affected by the weather and climate changes is to ensure that you invest in a good moisturiser; not only for the face for the body too. In this post I am going to share and review my top 3 skincare products that I feel are great for this time of year.

BLISTEX Daily Lip Conditioner

Cold weather and strong winds can always lead to chapped, sore lips and that’s never a good look or position to be in. During the cold months; especially when the weather drastically changes, the skin can struggle to adapt. This lip balm helps to soothe, smooth and hydrate the lips and the surrounding skin too. Sometimes it can tingle as it heals any cracks or chaps within the lips – but also has an instant cooling effect too. It’s a perfect one to slip in your bag or coat pocket as it comes in a small, round pot with a screw top lid. I have been using this product for a few years now, I tend to be quite sensitive to lip products and I wouldn’t go without this as it really does help to nourish and condition them. I’d highly recommend this product to anyone who suffers with dry lips during the winter, or if you’re after a quick fix lip treatment.

It can be found in most drugstores and superstores but can also be purchased in Boots here.

ENVIRON AVST 1 Moisturiser

This moisturiser helps to hydrate the skin and balance un-even skin tone. This cream has active properties of anti-oxidants and a low concentration of vitamin A and C helping to boost the skin after the damaging effects of the sunny months – aiding a healthier, radiant skin. This product is great for the winter months when you’re craving that ‘summer time healthy glow’. This moisturiser is great for your money as you only need one of two pumps to spread across the whole face, neck and chest (not forgetting your ears). This product is great for anyone that has had a high amount of sun exposure through the summer, to help boost and prevent against damaging aspects of UV radiation to the skin.

This product can be purchased in larger stores such as Debenhams, John Lewis, Selfridges through the ENVIRON counters. You can find your nearest ENVIRON stockist here.

SPA FIND Re-mineralise Plus H.S Body Balm

This is a high strength body balm (a mix between a body butter and cream) which is great to use all year round, however it is great to help relieve and prevent dry skin from happening. This balm not only has the healing properties of the Dead Sea minerals but a blend of zinc, magnesium and copper to help increase hydration properties; repairing the skin and protecting against free radicals. Since my first use of this product I have become addicted to it and can’t go a day without smothering myself in it top to toes, morning and evening! This product not only has great body benefits, but has a gorgeous citrus zesty smell, absorbs very quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy feel to the skin – which most high strength body butters do.

This product comes in two sizes 50ml and 200ml (I have the 200ml) and can be found through your local SPA FIND stockist  OR at their new online store here.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my top 3 skincare products, what’re yours?
Do you use any of these or tried any of them? What did you think?
What would you like me to post about next?