BLOG SALE! Skincare!!

Hi!
Need to clear out a few things!

- Bioderma Sebium AKN (Purifying corrective care, reabsorbs blackheads), basically full - £9
- Caudalie Beaute Elixir 30ml, 3/4 full - £7
- Origins Modern Friction, 3/4 full - £23 (£31 new)
- Hydraluron, basically full - £19
- Bioderma exfoliating purifying gel, basically full - £10
- Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, basically full - £18

Please add £1 for shipping to the UK only. If anywhere else, please enquire for shipping prices!! Will combine shipping for multiple items... I may be open to haggling as well as I just want rid.

If you need any pictures or have any questions either email me carolinexoblog@gmail.com or leave a comment :)

Caroline.x

Brand Beef - feelunique.com VS. lookfantastic.com

Excuse the slightly geeky post but this made me laugh yesterday...

Whilst Googling 'feelunique.com', I couldn't help but notice lookfantastic.com sneaking in some sneaky subtle titling of one of their campaigns:

Ha! Lookfantastic named one of their previous campaigns with the words 'Feel Unique' in it... Coincidence? Me thinks not. In 'real life' I work in marketing and have experience/knowledge with search engine optimisation/search engine marketing and to me it appears this has been done to help them appear in the SERP (search engine results page) when somebody searches for FeelUnique.com.

Sneaky, but clever.

Caroline.x

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel Review

I've never raved about this tube of joy and whilst using it, I thought to myself, I need to!

Elemis' Papaya Enzyme Peel is what I call my tube of wonder. It contains 7 active ingredients (Papaya, Pineapple, Porphyridium (unicellular algae), Bladderwack (seaweed extract), Milk Protein, Sunflower Oil, and Vitamin E) to smooth, brighten, and clarify your complexion.

The unique thing about this exfoliator is that it is completely smooth, more like a cream than an exfoliator and contains zilcho granules so none of that scratchy feeling! I'll be the first to admit that I love a good scratchy exfoliator, but sometimes my skin may err on the sensitive/delicate side, so it's refreshing to use something that doesn't tug at my skin, and works without me having to do anything.

I usually slather this on whilst waiting for my bath to run, then hop in with it still on and leave for 15-20 minutes. This has a pleasant fruity smell, and the results after are amazing. Clear, smooth and glowy skin - exactly why I call it my tube of joy!!

The only downside is that it is a little pricy, £29.50 for 50ml on the lookfantastic site, but sometimes if you're lucky you may find it with 20% off like I did just after Christmas. Despite the price tag, I highly recommend it and will definitely purchase it over and over again.

Caroline.x

It's snow time!

In case you were maybe living under a rock, it's snowed in the UK. I have a love/hate relationship with snow... Looks beautiful, love walking in it, love the noises it makes when you walk on it. Hate attempting to get out of it as I live in the middle of nowhere, and hate the ice.

Yesterday, however, I loved it, and I took Ella out for a stroll in it. She absolutely loved it too, and spent her whole time trying to eat all of it as she's a big idiot. I also love the snow as it's the one time of the year I get to wear a ridiculous hat and nobody batters an eyelid.

Enjoy some pictures :)

Caroline.x

Waitrose Shower Gels - My new love.

I don't why it is but I have an obsession with shower gels. It's stupid really, as the scent never lasts more than 10 minutes after you have put your clothes on. However, this doesn't stop me from perusing the supermarket aisles for something that looks and smells tasty.

I introduce you to my new favourites - Waitrose own branded shower gels. For the grand price of £1.26 (or 2 for £2 at the moment), you can choose from Lemon Blossom & Amber, Cinnamon Cakes, Sea Salt & Kept (my three favourites), or other delicious scents such as Green Tea & Apple and Clementine & Ginger, amongst others! I'm not going to say that they are the most moisturising shower gels on the market, but they're pretty damn good for the price. For me, it's the smell that's the best part! The aroma lingers for hours in your bathroom (and out onto the hallway as my mum noticed) for hours. As an added bonus, they're also vegetarian and vegan friendly, which is good to know. All the ranges are accompanied by bubble baths, hand washes, and soaps, too. Next all they need is a range of deodorants and I'd be a happy bunny!

Available from your local Waitrose/online.

Caroline.x

2013

Once again I've been rubbish at posting more often... Oops! Unfortunately as usual, life has taken over, i.e. work and other boring stuff. Not to mention I seem to be absolutely exhausted 99.9% of the time.. Really need to work on that 10.30pm bedtime on school nights New Years Resolution!

I've decided to make my first post of 2013 a more personal one. I tend to steer away from making posts too personal on my blogland, no other reason other than privacy y'know, but, I thought if I make this more public, in a years time I can reflect back on it and (hopefully) think, yep, I did that! I promise this will all make sense in a second...

Towards the end of 2012 I hit a real low point in my life, the worst I've ever felt emotionally and physically. I won't go into reasons why on here, but at this point I was questioning anything and everything about my existence. I saw no purpose in what I did and that the rest of my life will be like how it was then, miserable and dark. Everything was going wrong, no matter what I did and how I felt, something would happen to knock it back down again. I spent every day in tears (not exaggerating), feeling like a mess, looking like a mess, questioning my existence and wondering why everyone else's life was so much better than mine and why no one else felt like I did. To put it bluntly, I felt like life had taken a giant shit on me.

I don't really know what clicked, it didn't happen over night obviously, but I very slowly started to tell myself that I don't want to feel like this forever, and I can't, and I won't. I learned to count my blessings and realise that even though I felt absolutely dire and was pretty much a nervous wreck, I wouldn't feel this way forever, and actually, I do have something to live for, and no, I'm not the only person in the world to ever feel like this. Some of the things I learned included:

- If someone is behaving atrociously and making you feel this low, just remember how miserable they must be inside to take out their insecurities and their nastiness on you. They only pick you because they're threatened and/or jealous. Sad, really.

- If something/someone is making you miserable, jog it on. I'm talking about relationships, mostly - it's not so easy to apply this to stuff such as a job, say. I should have ended a relationship within days of it beginning as I knew it wasn't right and it/he wasn't what I wanted, but because I was a mug/didn't have any faith in my decisions, I didn't, and ultimately ended up more miserable than when it started.
- COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS! I can't stress how important this was/is in making me feel better. Although I felt miserable about certain aspects of my life, the rest of my life was good. I have a very good and supportive network of family and friends who look out for me and vice versa, I have my health, and I'm still young, won't be feeling like this when I'm 44, innit. - I won't feel like this forever... Things change every single day. Not always for the better, but everything around you changes constantly. To quote a generic saying, you may get hit by a bus tomorrow, you don't want to spend that last day pre the bus incident being miserable.

Which leads me onto the purpose of this post... Because I never, ever, want to feel like how I did again, and it bums me out that A) I felt that low, and B) I wasted so much time being a sad panda, that I've made promises to myself for 2013/hopefully the rest of my life. Told you this would make sense at some point.

1. Have faith in my decisions and listen to my head, not my heart. As mentioned earlier, this caused me more aggro/upset in the long term, when really, a short term upset would have been better and caused less hassle. 

2. Be a bit more selfish sometimes. I spend/spent a lot of time trying to please others rather than myself. I'm not saying I'm going to become self-obsessed and never help others, of course.

3. Don't be scared to say something! Because I'm scared of disturbing the peace, I'll let people speak to me like a bit of dirt and not stick up for myself. My dad always says I need to let 'more of the Paddy (Irish) out in me more often and stop being such a wimp'.

4. Be more positive and try to see things as 'glass half full' instead of 'glass half empty'. 

5. Remember that there is absolutely nothing wrong with me! I spent a lot of time thinking that 'this happened because this is wrong with me', when actually, it was nothing to do with me. I'm awesome, it's just that not everyone can be as awesome as me... I kid, I kid. 

6. Try to keep myself occupied if I ever have a low day... The devil definitely makes work for idle hands.
7. Be a little more accepting and try not to analyse the shit out of everything, thus blaming myself. This kinda ties in with point 5. If I can't work out something, I blame myself. I need to learn that if I can't work out a conclusion, there isn't one, so let it be. 

8. Stop comparing myself to others. Everything may seem grand on the outside, but you don't know what goes on behind closed doors. If their life seems perfect, you never know if it's a farce and you never know what shit other people are going through and how they feel.

9. Stop worrying about what's the worst that happen. I am definitely an analyser - although this has it's benefits, it's stopped me from doing things previously. 

And finally, 10. Be happier and smile more!

So yes, that's my ten little promises to myself for hopefully, eternity. In a years time, I am hoping I can look back on this and think, yep, I stuck to it and didn't get down like I did before.

Give yourself a cookie if you read that far!!

To make this a little more 'normal reading' and beauty related, I recently dip dyed my hair purple and I freakin' love it. I didn't think it would work as my hair is so red I thought the bleach would turn it pink, I was amazed when some parts of it went white blonde!

I love itttt! I now refer myself to as the 'purple headed people eater'. Yes, I am normal.

 

It's also been bloody cold in the UK (for us, anyway) and thankfully my new favourite thing ever arrived yesterday... my Supreme bobble hat adorned with my favourite creatures, owls!

Yes, it's amazing, I know.

Anyway, apologies for the mega long post, if you enjoyed it, brilliant, if you didn't, soweee, normal service will resume too.

Caroline.x

Children and the dermatologist

SPONSORED POST

Children and the Dermatologist

Although people consider that children don’t need a visit to dermatologists in Leeds and other places, they have many of the same problems that adults do.  For example, when they have growth spurts, their sensitive skin can suffer from eczema, skin stretch marks and other blemishes.  Indeed, as teenagers they also suffer terribly from acne too.  To this end then, setting them up with a regular visit to the dermatologist is a good idea.

Eczema

The one good thing about childhood eczema is that it usually disappears as children grow up.  However, children need specialized treatment because they will be driven to distraction by itching.  This in turn leads to scarring from the scratching so they have to be taught how to manage their condition even while they are not at home.

Teenage Years

Teenagers have a lot going on in their development and they have to deal with the physical changes in their bodies as well as the psychological changes.  Greasy skin and acne rear their ugly heads just at the time when the teen gets interested in the opposite sex.  It is clear then that a visit to the dermatologist will enforce a strict cleansing routine on the child that should see him or her being free of acne scars when they get older.  They may have to undergo more drastic treatments, like skin peels or laser treatment, so it is vital to prepare them well in advance on what is about to happen.

Young Adults

As young adults setting out into the world of employment, it is important for that person to look the part.  Clear skin with no blemishes or unwanted hair growth, are part of the package and employers are very picky about how their staff look, particularly if they are in sales or have to face the public.  Some companies will even pass over someone who does not have that fresh and youthful look about them.  Unfair as it seems, it is their choice so the young adult who takes care of his skin – by getting checked up at the dermatologist – will have an air of confidence about him which stands out somewhat.

Problems Encountered

Skin can pick up all kinds of fungal infections particularly among the young.  The gym and public swimming pools are prime places to get some form of infections.  Nails are particular susceptible to fungal growths and they look extremely unsightly and can become uncomfortable.  Likewise, warts on the soles of feet can stop a person from performing at his best.  Any and all of these symptoms and complaints can be attended to by a good dermatologist.

Conclusions

The skin is the largest organ in the body so there is plenty of room for all kinds of infections, hair growth and moles that change in appearance from too much sun.  All complaints need to be checked over just in case the problem is more serious than it would first seem.  Booking up a yearly check with the dermatologist of choice then seems to be the best route to take.

November Favourites

Aloha!

As usual I've been rubbish updating.. I've been having a bit of a rubbish time in my personal life at the moment so I haven't been around in blog land too much... And I seriously don't know how people blog everyday when they work full time!

Anyway... I thought I'd bring you this months favourites. Yeah, it's not the end of the month, but I've been enjoying all the products so much I thought I'd post it now, eager me. I also decided to use Polyvore to create my collage of products instead of using photos I took myself. Reasons include - it takes less time, the pictures are clearer, and as the dark nights have drawn in, it's increasingly difficult to get decent daylight products! So yes, let me know if we're cool with the Polyvore collages?

One | L'Oreal Professional Mythic Oil Shampoo and Conditioner | £10.62 + £11.73

I'm a big fan of L'Oreal Professional shampoos and conditioners and my other favourites include Absolut Repair and Vitamino Colour, and my beloved Absolut Repair Cleansing Balm. L'Oreal Professional Mythic Oil (review to follow) is another one of my favourite LP products, and when they announced an accompanying shampoo, conditioner and mask I let off a little squeal. It's sad when what makes you happy is shampoo and conditioner, isn't it? Nah, it's totally sweet! This shampoo and conditioner uses a special blend of argan and cottonseed oils to 'provide a refreshing and cleansing experience', and promises to be deeply nourishing after every wash. And that, it does. My hair is left shiny, silky, and smooth after using these two babies, and combined with the original Mythic Oil, my mane looks better than Cheryl's. It doesn't, hers is photoshopped, but you get what I mean. 

Two | Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose | £1.25

A recent addition to my handbag is one of Nivea's new Lip Butters, in the scent of Raspberry Rose. I don't think I've ever instantaneously fallen in love with a lip balm like I did with this. First of all, the scent is divine - a delicious combination of raspberry followed by rose (obviously), yum! Secondly, this stuff just literally melts onto your lips... It contains shea butter and almond oil and lasts foreeeever on the lips, all whilst providing a slight sheen. It also comes in 'Original' and 'Caramel Cream' which I will may definitely will be picking up on my travels!

Three | SBC Collagen Gel | £15.95

Whilst perusing QVC's website, I decided to have a look at the 'Customer Top Rated' section and spied this. I'd actually seen this in my local wholesalers and wondered what it was but never bought/tried... After seeing all the amazing reviews, I decided to purchase, and I'm so glad I did! SBC's Collagen Gel is described as a 'light textured, easily absorbed, non-sticky, water-based gel. A gentle, hydrating moisturiser to condition the skin of the face and body. Regular use will help plump the cells, assisting in the elimination of fine lines and wrinkles.' I started using this as I'm starting to get really fine lines on my forehead sort of in between my eyebrows - it's where I squint at my computer at work, even though I have 20/20 vision, time for some glasses me thinks! I've been applying this under my makeup, and pre my regular moisturiser at night and I'm definitely starting to see a difference. The best part about this gel is that it's multi-use, too - it can be used on the body as well as during pregnancy for stretch mark prevention!

Four | Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant | £38.50

I received this in this months Glossybox and literally jumped for joy as I've always wanted to get my mitts on this. Described as a 'gentle, rice-based exfoliating powder activates upon contact water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter'. It certainly lives up to all the claims and after a few uses I'm hooked. Only a tiny amount is needed to mix with water to create a paste which is great, and my skin is left so smooth after. It's so gentle too, it can used daily which is an added bonus!

Five | Caudalie Divine Oil | £25

Another oil based product, and there is another one to come in my November favourites, can you tell I love oils? I bought this on a recent trip to France after reading raving reviews and I can tell why it's got such high praise. This multi-purpose oil can be used on your skin, hair, nails, massage and even in the bath. The scent is absolutely divine (duh), I wish I was good at describing scents as this is unreal. The scent lasts for hours and I've received compliments on it from people asking what perfume I'm wearing, too! I predominantly use this on my skin, and it absorbs fairly quickly without leaving that horrible sticky residue. It's pricy, but I will definitely repurchase!

Six | Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer | £11.99

Considering I have the oiliest skin known to man, I don't actually use a primer usually. Every single one I have tried had made little or no difference to the oilies (minus a MAC one from years back which was limited edition) so I've always steered clear. However, mother bought this and didn't like it so gave it to me to try, and surprisingly, it works! I'm not saying I'm 100% oil free at the end of the day, but I've definitely noticed I don't need to powder my nose as much throughout the day.

Seven | Barry M Nail Paint in Grey | £2.99 

I've had this Nail Paint for years and used to use it regularly. Of course since I bought it, my nail varnish collection has increased ten fold and it stopped getting used as much. However, this week I decided to use it again, and I'd definitely forgotten how much I love it. Welcome back into my nail life, NP293!

Eight | Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel | From £3.50

Yep, it's that time of the year again where we all go nuts over Lush's Christmas collection! I've been an avid user of Snow Fairy for as long as I can remember and each year stock up on as many bottles as possible. This sickly sweet shower gel is definitely one of my favourites - the closest smell I can describe it to is the sweets Pear Drops, yep, that sickly! But, I love it and it makes my shower pretty.

Nine | The Body Shop Polynesia Monoi Miracle Oil | £10

Another oil! I've been using this for aaages and have never blogged about it, silly me! The original reason why I bought this is because it is the spitting (scent) image of Elemis' Frangipani Monoi Oil, but, is more than half the price! If you have ever smelled the Elemis version, you will understand how damn good it smells, and frangipani is one of my top scents eeeever. Again, I mainly use this on my body, but as with the Caudalie version, this is multi-purpose and can be used just about everywhere. I've slept overnight with this on my hair and once I rinsed it out, it was like I didn't even need conditioner! Great multi-use product, I'm already on my second bottle!

Annnnd that concludes my November favourites :)

Caroline.x