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Sunday 19 June 2016

How to: Perfect Skin?!

Hi everyone,

I know what you are all thinking.. I have been MIA for the best part of a year, so I must apologize.. Any requests that you may have do not hesitate in requesting them, I love to hear your feedback!

Disclaimer: This is a long blog post, make a cup of tea & put your feet up.. ;)

The Perfect Skin?!
Today I am going to be talking about a topic that I have been asked immensely within the past year.. A guide to the perfect skin.. As much as I am flattered, I have imperfections of my own, just as much as the next person.. My point, it's important to love the skin you're in!

Embrace Your Skin!
For years I went on a crazy manhunt for a full coverage foundation to which I would mask my face to cover my freckles.. Layer upon layer, & money spent it took a long time, but I found that technique is more valid than paying an astounding amount of money for foundation each month..
I ended up doing more bad then good to my young skin..
I learned to accept & embrace my freckles, which to me was the first step on my journey to boosting & perfecting my skin..

Pricing!
I am extremely fortunate to work in a job that caters to skin care, and to receive extremely beneficial information on skincare from my manager.. I learned in all my experience you do NOT need a lot of money or products to get your skin at it's peak!
Take it from me, from the age of 12 I invested in skincare from 5-50 euros, I saved up every single cent I had & experienced every mental breakdown a 12 year could have when the product didn't work straight away? hmm I want a refund..

The Products!
My main focus today is on treating.. SPOTS!
It is something we all experience, & is part of human nature.. It is nothing to be conscious about, and if you learn something today I hope you will love your skin & find the products that suit you!

                                                                      Face wash:
                                 Available from all Tesco branches across Ireland & the Uk!

This is a gem of a product, wait for it.. it's 89 cent?! It has to be hands down the best face wash I have tried in a long time.. Enriched with cucumber & vitamin E it's main focus is to repair & even out the skins complexion! It has a light gel formula, which melts into the skin seamlessly, and for all my gals & guys it melts away makeup like nobody's business!

PROS:

  • Affordable
  • Effective
  • Light refreshing scent (cucumber)
  • Removes full face of makeup (including waterproof)
  • Suits all skin types
  • Travel friendly packaging (tube)


CONS:

  • Stereotype on Tesco products deemed as 'cheap'/ 'damaging to the skin'.. 


When & How to use?!
Morning & night time, place a pea sized amount into the palm of your hand. Work this product into wet skin to produce a lather effect which uses less product.. Pat face gently with a dry towel..


Toner:
 Bioderma Sensibio H20
        Available from Donaghmede Pharmacy & selected pharmacies across Ireland!
This is a product I cannot live without.. It is something I thought I didn't need to use and was I so wrong! This toner in my eyes, acts like a cleanser & toner all in one! I adore the light micellar water like feel as it glides onto my skin removing any impurities and excess makeup..
It does not contain any alcohol (sorry to inform) which means it will not dry out the skin, and it is free from parabens which is a chemical that may cause sensitivity within the skin to summarize..
It is a bit more on the pricey side, but believe me when I say I have had mine 3 months and the water level has remained the same.. So it's a win, win situation!

PROS:

  • Effective
  • Lightweight formula
  • Cleanser & toner in one
  • Available in small & large size
  • Paraben & alcohol free


CONS:

  • 14 euro for 500ml in comparison to Garnier Micellar water @ 4 euro for same amount of product.
  • Difficulty finding stockists of this brand


When & How to use?!
I like to use this product on an every other day basis.. Using a cleanser/toner based product every day will strip the natural oils from the skin and encourage excess oil (sebum) which as a result will cause breakouts and newly produced combination skin (oily & dry).. Take 3-4 drops of this product on a cotton pad & work it into the skin after using the face wash.. It is important to note that it is recommended to wash the face first to achieve optimum results.. I prefer to use it that way..



                                                                    Face Scrub:
                                                 St Ives Apricot ''Blemish Fighting'' Scrub
                           Available from all Dunnes Stores & Allcare pharmacy outlets across Ireland!
Face scrub is something I recommend to all customers when asked a question on skin.. It is very important to note that it is recommended to use this product 1-2 times a week due to it's grainy texture.. It lifts excess dead skin and dirt (disgusting I know) from the skin, giving us that smooth, glowing & baby face complexion we all thrive for! This product has helped me clear my breakouts, so much so I have gone through hundreds of bottles in the past 4 years especially..
Enriched with salicylic acid, it wears down that stubborn surface of spots, reducing redness..

PROS:

  • Affordable @ 3.95 euro
  • Effective
  • Great Packaging (tube)
  • Enriched with spot fighting ingredients
  • No harsh chemicals
  • Creates a silky feel to the skin
  • Quick results
  • Can also be used on the body
  • Removes excess dry skin


CONS:
Over-usage will lead to dry skin & breakouts

When & How to use?!
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of learning how to use this product correctly. I use this product once a week sometimes twice if needed & NO more! Over exfoliation will lead to excess sebum (oil) causing breakouts! I use one pump, massaging it gently all over my face, focusing on my breakout points, for me personally that is my chin & my nose.




   Moisturizer:
      Estee Lauder, ''Hydrationist''..
 Available from Debenhams
Every person you meet will have a certain skin type. For me personally at the moment due to climate imbalances I am experiencing quite dehydrated skin.. As well as other things spot prone skin.. I wanted to find a moisturizer purely to hydrate my skin  while applying nothing too heavy or oil infused that would cause breakouts.. The hydrationist is a light weight moisturizer that has catered to my every need.. (In skincare terms of course)..

PROS:

  • Lightweight
  • Effective
  • Hydrating
  • Refreshing
  • Enriched with antioxidants
  • Promotes healthy skin


CONS: 

  • Expensive @ 46 euro
  • Stocked only in Debenhams/Arnotts, other leading beauty departments..
  • Jar packaging resulting in constant dipping of fingers for product (not hygienic vs a tube packaging..)
  • Not much product compared to the size of the jar


When & How to use?!
I use moisturizer every morning before makeup application, and nightly after my skin care regime, applying a generous amount onto cleansed skin.. I apply a good two layers all over my face, concentrating on my dry spots..


Spot Fighting Moisturiser:
Effaclar Duo, La Roche Posay
Available at Donaghmede Pharmacy & selected pharmacies across Ireland..
Let me start by saying.. WHERE HAS THIS PRODUCT BEEN ALL MY LIFE!! 
(Yes the caps were necessary).. This product has been an absolute life saver to mine and many other's skin.. After using every prescription cream/gel possible I was slowly losing hope.. My skin was at it's lowest point & stress my friends only made it worse.. This product is fueled with spot fighting ingredients and antioxidants & free from harsh chemicals.. I saw results within 2-3 days, I could not believe my eyes when my breakout was completely banished within 7 days.. This gel formula moisturizer is vast becoming a blogger/cult favourite for obvious reasons..

PROS:
  • Effective
  • Quick acting, clearing breakouts within days (My experience)
  • Infused with spot fighting ingredients (Salicylic Acid etc..)
  • Light gel formula
  • Can be used alongside normal moisturizer
  • Promotes even skin texture
  • Free from harsh radicals/chemicals
  • Bottle lasts over 6 months, money well spent!
  • Tube packaging (hygienic)
  • Suits all skin types


CONS:
  • Expensive @ 17.50 a tube (Worth the investment)
  • Over usage may cause dry skin texture


Prescription Product:
Differin gel/Duac
Available on prescription given by your local GP..
I could sing the praises all the of the above products I mentioned, but unfortunately they may not work for everyone.. If you are curious about attaining a prescription for something stronger I would 100% recommend going for it, regardless of the fact my experience with prescription gels was not pleasant.. (Burning & flaking of the skin).. Each person is different, and in my case I now know that it didn't work as my skin wasn't as 'acne prone' as I thought.. These type of gels for instance would be for someone who has cystic acne (Breakouts all over the face with discolorations lasting for over 6 months).. Yes they are more expensive but let me be the one to tell you these prescription gels are extremely professionally made products, infused with high quality ingredients & approved by the top dermatologists.. (Yes I work in a pharmacy & no I cannot get you one without a prescription ;))  

PROS:
  • Effective in most cases
  • Quick results
  • Infused with spot fighting ingredients (Benzoyl Peroxide etc..)
CONS:

  • Can only be used at night time, no direct contact with the sun, it's prohibited!!
  • Expensive, ranging from 15-45 euros
  • Not easily attained, only given by prescription from a doctor/GP
  • May cause damage to the skin due to it's strength (flaking & redness)
When & How to use it?!
During my appointment with my local GP, I must have fallen asleep due to the information overload that was put before me (don't do that).. It's important to listen to your doctor to see what they recommend & for the love of God do not say ''Well JensBeautyBible said I could get this from my GP and now I can't?!'' They are many alternatives like mild antibiotics and creams so there is always a plan B.. I'm getting distracted, WHEN to use it, right.. With prescriptions gels, they can only be used at night, I cannot stress this enough.. When I was 12, that rebellious age where you didn't care for the facts and done you're own thing, I applied it morning and night and due to the sun experiencing contact with my face it burned my skin!! BURNED! Do not do that to yourself.. Night time only!!
You use a tiny pea sized amount in each area, it's important to note that you do not use more than that because it will burn your skin causing flaking of the skin & trust me no matter how much moisturizer you apply there is no going back from that damage for a very long time! I can hear echoes of people asking ''Are you okay''? with me replying ''Yeah I'm just peeling from the Sun, I'm only back from Tenerife'' says me ever so smoothly whilst portraying the whitest skin in all of Ireland..



Overview of Prescription gels
I may have rambled on too much there, I don't blame you if your eyes subconsciously lost focus..
  • Prescription only! 
  • Use at night time only, no direct contact with the sun!!
  • Use sparingly, pea sized amounts, it will burn and cause flaking to the skin!
  • Expensive than your average over the counter cream/gel
  • Many different brands & alternatives
  • Doctors will evaluate your case & recommend the perfect product for you
WHAT TO REMEMBER!!
  • 'Perfect skin' nowadays is achieved by Photoshop & misleading magazine shots.
  • Embracing your own skin is more important than spending hundreds of euros on skincare.
  • Learning to accept your flaws is step one to achieving perfect skin.
  • Find the products that suit you, different products suit different people.
  • You do not need to spend a lot of money on skincare, my favourite face wash is 89 cent?!
  • It takes time to find your perfect skin care regime, patience is key (took me 5 years!)
  • They are many alternatives like antibiotics & prescription gels to suit your needs.
  • Drinks LOADS of water, it works wonders!!
  • Years from now, you will regret being so critical on yourself.. I am.
  • You are flawless, do not care for the people who say different!!

Here's an unnecessary photograph of me gazing at something obviously very important, contemplating my skincare probably.. 
For my next blog post I was considering doing my top 5 foundations to cater to all skin types, but of course I want to hear your feedback that's all that matters to me!!

(All photographs are mine unless stated otherwise..)

Until next time..
Jen XO




Tuesday 14 July 2015

HUGE ONE DIRECTION NEWS!!

Hi everyone,

Louis Tomlinson & Briana Jungwirth news:

So today is a big day for One Direction fans all over the world, and for the main man himself 23 year old Louis Tomlinson..

His life is headed in a new direction (see what I did there..)
It was revealed today that he is expecting a baby with stylist Briana Jungwirth.

''Louis is happy and very excited about becoming a dad and he thinks Briana will be an amazing mother. It was a surprise at first, but he and Briana are very, very close friends and this has brought them even closer,''-source came from a mutual friend.

The happy couple met through a mutual friend earlier this year, after his split with long term girlfriend Eleanor Calder..

It was revealed that Tomlinson has said he will be a very ''hands on Dad'' when the baby arrives..

Which leads me to think.. Zayn Malik was the first to leave the boy band earlier this year, will this cause Louis to part the band aswell?
Sorry One directions fans but I think after this baby arrives I think it sounds like he is willing to do what is best for his child..

Now Louis has flown out to Los Angeles to look at properties near Briana and has attended every single ultrasound! How sweet.



The source went on to say..
 ''Louis and Briana care about each other very much and have spent a lot of time together privately over the last few months.

''The are both really happy and although they aren't in a relationship, their friendship is extremely strong and they are both really excited about the baby. It's early days and Briana and the baby's health are the most important things right now.''

''Briana is a really lovely girl; she's absolutely not interested in Louis's fame. She's very private and most of the time they spend together is out of the public eye, just hanging out with their friends.''

''She's never been to a One Direction concert till recently!''

The couple's parents and step parents obviously hit things off, and were delighted with the news after meeting for the first time in L.A over the 4th of July weekend, when Louis's mother and stepfather flew in to celebrate the exciting news..

I wish the lovely pair all the best, and hopefully will stay together since technically they are not in a relationship, and will put aside any difference for the sake of their new arrival due in the early wake of 2016.


Until next time,
Jen xo

Wednesday 6 May 2015

GIRL BAND CALLS IT QUITS!!

Hi everyone,

After eight years together, The Saturdays have decided to go their separate ways, despite still being signed to record label Polydor..

Una Foden, Mollie King & Vanessa are going to carry out their own solo careers..

A source told The Mirror.. ''Una, Mollie & Vanessa are already excited and a bit nervous about releasing their solo material, but it's been a long time in the pipeline..''

The source continued.. ''The girls are still a band, but they're are all happy to work on their own solo projects. It means there's no animosity or frustration between them- it's a set up which works really well..''

I wish all the girls the best & can't wait to hear their new material very soon!! xo


Until next time,
Jen xo

KYLIE'S LIP CONFESSION!!

Hi everyone,
Long time no see, my apologies.. 

17 year old beauty Kylie Jenner has finally come clean on her famous pout..

In an upcoming Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Kylie herself admits..
''I have temporary lip fillers, it's just an insecurity of mine, and it's what I wanted to do.''

She explains.. ''I want to admit to the lips, but people are so quick to judge me on everything, so I might of tip-toed around the truth but I didn't lie.'' 


Check out the KUWTK clip for yourself..

Seems like the public wanted a taste of what big lips might be like, and soon The Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge was created, and as for the results they were just as shocking as you might imagine..

Overall I have a lot of respect for Kylie for revealing her secret to them lips!!
But then again she did lie, and we all knew lip liner could do so much, but I have to agree people are so quick to judge so I agree..

But then again she is only 17..
What is everyone's thoughts, leave them below! xo

Until next time,
Jen xo

Tuesday 3 March 2015

KHLOE KARDASHIAN FOR FASHION POLICE?!

Hi everyone,

When the news came about that Kelly Osbourne would be leaving Fashion Police after five years on the show following the scandalous comment Giuliana Rancic made about Zendaya's hair, it seemed that the public wanted no other than Khloe Kardashian to take her place..

A source confirmed to People magazine that Khloe would be very interested in joining the others on Fashion Police & Giuliana herself would love for it to happen!

I think Khloe is perfect for the job, she is my new favourite Kardashian!
She has the personality, the humour, confidence & she never takes things too seriously..
Khloe has the experience for the job, as she co-hosted the X Factor USA alongside Mario Lopez  in 2012 & has appeared on E! News on several occasions & Fashion Police itself..

E! has not confirmed Kelly Osbourne's replacement, & the show is carrying on as usual & will be back on our screens on 30th March at 9.00 p.m.


I really hope Khloe gets the job!!
I think Fashion Police will gain so much more viewers thanks to Khloe..
Leave your thoughts below..
Love this woman!!

Until Next Time,
Jen xo



Monday 2 March 2015

CHERYL'S NEW HAIR!!

Hi everyone,

The stunning Cheryl Cole or should I say Cheryl Fernandez Versini, showed off her gorgeous new hair on Instagram just moments ago...

Cheryl teased followers with this picture captioning it ''Long over due..''


Cheryl uploaded this photo below just moments later & I am obsessed!
That women can pull off any colour & cut!!

Cheryl captioned the photo..
''I <3 the 70's #newdo colour is @lorealparisuk  Casting Creme Gloss Berry Red 565. @percyhair thanks for the chop.''

I think this is a gorgeous new look for the 31 year old, as I said she can pull off any hair style!!
Leave your thoughts below!!

Until Next Time,
Jen xo


PAOLO NUTINI GIG!!

Hi everyone,

Once again my favourite singer in the whole world, Paolo Nutini has made my day
by announcing a Dublin gig!!

28 year old beauty & voice of gold, Paolo is set to do a special outdoor gig on Saturday 4th July, in Marlay Park..

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9am and retail for 49,65 euro.

The equally talented Imelda May, Alabama Shakes & Gaz Coombes have also been confirmed as supporting acts..



Just an insight of what my reaction was.. ;)




So happy with this news!! 
Paolo Nutini is beyond talented!!
Until Next Time,
Jen xo