Are Men The Real Expert?

I'm not going to lie... I'm not the best when it comes to my skincare, but I'm trying to get better! Especially since I have noticed that after having Harley, the texture and condition of my skin has changed dramatically.
Before becoming a mum I had little to no problems with breakouts, however now I find I get a lot more spots and a lot more texture to my skin specifically targeting my forehead, and it drives me INSANE!!

So I wanted to introduce something to my skincare that was quick, easy and also affordable.  I had every intention of heading out to go to the shops and have a look at all my options so I popped into the shower and I noticed one of Bertos facial washes, so I gave it a go and I AM IN LOVE! The source of my love? The L'Oréal Men's Expert Black Charcoal Wash Multi Action Purifier (and we thought women were bad for naming products).  I used a pea sized amount to a wet face to create a refreshing frothy lather. I left the lather on my face for around a minute and then simply washed it off. Simple.
The charcoal acts like a magnet to pull out any impurities from your skin while the menthol scent gives you that freshness to kick start your day. I'm usually not a fan of menthol but this is devine!
When I washed the product from my face, my skin was squeaky clean, I mean SQUEAKY clean!

I know this is technically a men's product and people will think I'm crazy but I swear, I have seen a huge difference in my skin after using this face wash every second day for the guts of the past year. I don't get half as many spots, barely any blackheads and my texture issue on my forehead has definitely decreased. Not disappeared but definitely decreased. I love it so much that I have repurchased twice now and a bottle will last me around 4-5 months because you only need such a small amount for your whole face. Also at around €8 you really can't go wrong. You can buy this product here

However, please don't try this for the first time if you are planning a night out or a special occasion in the next few days. This product is designed to pull any underlying spots or blackheads to the surface of your skin so be prepared! I know that nobody wants spots but this does mean that it's working. You want the first couple of times you use it to get rid of all that gunk in your skin and then to be using it to maintain this clear complexion.

You'll thank me later! Let me know if you try it!

Jen x

Loving Layouts

When it comes to technology, I just have to look at something for it to break. I have always hated the look of my blog and have spent countless hours trying to re-do the layout. These house were completely wasted as I simply didn't have a clue what I was doing. 

I found Kotryna Bass Design online as she was used by another blogger that I follow and I decided to purchase one of her templates. There are lots of beautiful layouts to choose from at a really affordable price for both Blogger and Wordpress. You receive the template immediately after payment and it comes with instructions on how to install it yourself. If your anything like me though and you find computer stuff like reading japanese symbols, then she also offers a free installation service which is completed within 24 hours.

I couldn't reccommend Kotryna enough. She was very helpful and she was happy to answer any of my questions. I couldn't be happier with my new layout.

Easter Obesity

I'm not usually one for baking. If you bake, the usual proceedings afterwards is to eat which results in me devouring EVERYTHING! It tends to be safer for me and for the people around me to just stay clear and leave the baking altogether.

Being Easter however, I have decided what's the harm in half a dozen Easter eggs (Cream Egg of course), a huge family roast dinner (courtesy of the mother) and to make 60 triple chocolate chip chocolate cupcakes with marshmallows (yes I counted 60, I got a bit carried away and I'm not even sorry). While we are on this truth buzz, I also had pancakes for breakfast. I can feel the diabetes creeping into my body already.

For my cupcakes I used the Betty Crocker Devils Food Cake Mix in Chocolate. It is the easiest All-in-1 recipe to follow and being close to midnight that I finished these, it was just Aswel.

I used to make these all the time as a kid with my next door neighbour so it was mandatory to listen to some old school Green Day albums to relive my youth before endulging into the chocolatey madness. 

You pop all your ingredients into a big bowl and stir. It couldn't be more simple unless Betty Crocker came over to your house to physically do it herself but one can only dream! 

Once all stirred up, I clearly have a chocolate obsession so I add far too many chocolate chips into the mix to give it that extra obesity factor that I am a little ashamed of at this stage. Pop into cupcake cases, into the oven for roughly ten mins and decorate as desired.

I did have hopes of hand making teeny pink icing Easter bunnies and cute yellow icing chicks but we can all imagine how they turned out like a three year old had made them with there eyes closed using their left foot so that was abandoned quickly.

Of course I knew this was a very strong possibility so I had a backup plan of these cute pink and white heart shaped marshmallows which worked just fine.

I hope everyone has a great Easter and gets ridiculously full on chocolate so we can all feel super regretful together next week.

Love Jen

Xx

Here Today, Tartan Tomorrow

Today's essentials are a black and gold type of affair, and tartan, tartan is always welcome in my book... and my hair!

Luggage Essentials

So, with only three weeks left until I jet off to paradise, I thought I should pick up a few bits to make the journey a little easier. I popped into trusty Penneys and purchased some really cute bits and bobs to make travelling a little more organised......and colourful!

The first item I picked up was this gorgeous little silicone passport holder. My passport has been on a bit of a journey since I got it a couple of years ago and basically it's starting to fall apart. This little number will keep it protected while looking super cute and girly for only €2.

How boring would luggage be without this adorable little owl head keeping all of my contact details safe and sound. Again, only €2 and you can trust if your luggage goes on a little side tracked detour that they can find you again in style.

Last time I was in South East Asia, I learnt my lesson when it came to sunglasses. Currently there are twelve pairs of my sunglasses washed up somewhere on the coast of Thailand.....TWELVE! This time I come prepared. I got this gorgeous floral print sunglasses case for €3 and three sets of sunnies ranging between €1.50-€4. You just can't go wrong!

Where are you jetting off to this year? 

Lots of Love

Jen x

Returning Shortly

It's official..... Myself and Berto are heading back to Thailand with two of our friends in March. Ever since visiting in 2013 I have always longed to return. I couldn't be more excited and hope that this be another holiday to remember.

Protein Power

It finally arrived! I have been so excited for my Protein World package to arrive with my Slender Blend order and yesterday, it came.

A giant yellow box with a huge Protein World logo on the side was a little mortifying arriving into the workplace, however it will be worth it in the long run.

Included in the parcel is the Slender Blend protein tub, I chose the Strawberry flavour and it is devine, a bottle of Fat Melter tablets and a bottle of Multi Vitamins. Also included was the beaker, scoop and a recipe booklet for all fab ideas on what to make with your protein.

After a grooling workout of Thai Boxing and a 30 minute kettlebell workout, a shake was in order. I mixed myself up four scoops of Strawberry Slender Blend Protein, a cup of frozen strawberries, three tablespoons of frozen yoghurt, five fluid ounces of water and a couple of ice cubes.

Compared to other protein brands that I have tried, this strawberry flavour is very natural tasting. After my tasty smoothie I'm off for a walk with the boyfriend and the puppy.

Jen xx

Fitness Fun

So I have started to think a bit more about my fitness these past couple of weeks. I have never been one for diets or excersise but I want to achieve a body that I can be more confident about when I'm away on holidays. I have cut out from my diet chocolate, crisps, sweets, bread.... Basically everything that we love to love. It's been a little tough and don't get me wrong, I have had a cheat treat or two, but overall I'm feeling so much better in myself.

I am loving doing my workouts at home. I am following Fitness Blender on YouTube and I find them really easy to follow. They talk you through each individual excersise with ease and explain which muscle you are working with each movement. Follow them below: 

<https://m.youtube.com/user/FitnessBlender>

I love their kettle bell workout. It only takes 15 minutes and you use whatever weight suits you. I find using kettle bell gloves really helps as otherwise it really hurts my hands (I know I'm a wuss). 

I have also been taking a few personal lessons in Thai Boxing. My boyfriend has been doing Martial Arts for years and the past year has taken up Thai Boxing. He's been showing me a few technique skills and I am loving doing sessions with the pads.

In two weeks I have lost over a kilogram in weight just from cutting out crap and doing 45 mins training sessions twice a week. Next week, I am starting on a protein Sleder Blend course from Protein World and I'm going to up the amount of days I excersise to 3-4. Fingers crossed I see some progress before I go away in March.

Jen x

Slender Blend on Trend

Eeeek......! So I might be a little over excited about my most recent online order. Even though I am so broke, and I am probably sacrificing running water and food on the table, I think it could be worth it!

 

I have just ordered the Slender Blend Package from Protein World. I've been reading tonnes of great reviews from all my favourite bloggers and they're all giving this little beauty great feedback. I want to see what all this hype is about.

Fingers crossed it's a good'un and I see some good results....and FAST!! 

Jen xx 

I'm Fancy

On the off chance of looking like an extra from Iggy Azelea's Fancy video... I am IN LOVE with this mock mohair style two piece. Even better news, they are under €30 for the set in Penneys. 

Catching up on reading my favourite bloggers new posts today, cleaning the apartment and heading to the cinema to watch Hunger Games with the boyfriend.

Happy Wednesday

Jx 

Intimates

Sometimes, it's what's on the inside that counts.

The Perfect Palette

Being a makeup artist can be a a good thing and a bad thing when getting ready. Although having all the good tips and tricks from my trade, sometimes, it can be a nightmare having TOO much makeup. I know, I know, first world problems, but every now and again I get myself into some kind of a rut with my makeup routine. 

To help me get out of this rut, I've decided to re-jig my everyday makeup palette.

Cosmetic brands make palettes to make it easier for the consumer to create a whole look with one purchase, however, they team their best sellers with their worst so you find yourself never using the full palette.

I use the MakeUp Forever Empty Magnetic Palette. Now I can build my own palette with all my favourite products and brands to suit me and my makeup taste. These are my go-to colours for anything from a natural day look to a dramatic evening style.

In my palette, I have three of my favourite Inglot blushers, two new Inglot contour powders, my favourite MAC contour powder, three highlighting eyeshadows and fifteen coloured eyeshadows.

From top left to right:

373 matte eyeshadow. Great for a matte highlight under the brow.

330 matte eyeshadow. I use this for an all over base when doing a natural eye

390 matte eyeshadow. This is fab for naturally contouring the socket of the eye.

337 matte eyeshadow. A great shadow for blending out other shades.

357 matte eyeshadow. A medium toned warm brown. Perfect for almost anything!

327 matte eyeshadow. A warm, chocolate brown. Goes with all skin tones.

363 matte eyeshadow. A cooler medium brown tone. Love using this tone when I don't have tan on.

326 matte eyeshadow. A dark, purple toned brown. A beautiful alternative for black.

393 sheen eyeshadow. My favourite shade when I want a strong highlight or for inside of eye.

361 matte eyeshadow. A light peach tone perfect for blending out a adding warmth to your look.

51 matte eyeshadow with glitter. Mixed with your neutrals, perfect for adding colour to a neutral eye.

335 matte eyeshadow. A burnt orange will warm up any warm toned brown.

450 sheen eyeshadow. The perfect cranberry. Used with others or alone, really brings out blue eyes.

74 matte shadow with glitter. Mixing this with orange tones gives you a stunning sunset toned eye.

325 matte eyeshadow. I call this Cadbury purple. My all time favourite purple, ever.

362 matte eyeshadow. A bubblegum pink, beautiful for blending out purples or to use on the cheek.

46 sheen eyeshadow. My all time favourite highlight. A pearlescent tone suitable for any skin tone.

63 matte shadow. The blackest black I have ever used. I use this for smoking out a look or wet as liner.

505 matte contour powder. Cool toned contour for when not wearing tan. New product.

502 matte contour powder. Warm toned contour for yellow toned skin.New product.

41 matte blush. I rarely use this on my cheeks. I love it as a red toned shade on my eyes.

29 matte blush. A bright, medium toned coral. Beautiful on most skin tones.

47 matte blush. A bright, peach toned coral. Suitable for light to tanned skin tones.

MAC Pro Definitive Contour Powder. Beautiful for light, pink toned skin. 

Hope you enjoyed

Love Jen 

xxx

The Good Additives

Last week, I gave you my list of 'Top Ten Favourite Makeup Brushes' for all your basic makeup needs. Here are my top ten additives to your brush collection, weather it be for personal or professional use. These brushes will help you achieve a beautiful, professional makeup look and add that extra touch to your makeup that will really make a big difference.

#1 Inglot 4SS, Eyeshadow Blender. €22

This brush is amazing to use with powder or liquid products. It is technically an eye brush, but other than an eyeshadow primer or a base colour, I feel it is too large for even the biggest of eyeshapes. A perfect tool to contour the face. As it is small, it can carve out the most awkward of faces easily. As wel as contouring, the brush is an ideal size to apply a highlight to the cheekbones, the nose and more. I personally love to use this brush to apply a lighter foundation/concealer around the eye area before or after finishing the eye makeup. 

#2 Sigma F05, Small Contour Brush. €13.16

This contour brush is small in size and a mix between a dome shape and a flat top brush. It's size, texture and shape makes it easy to control product allowing you to achieve a perfectly sculpted face.

Can also be used to apply powder, blusher, highlight or bronzer to a specific area in the face.

#3 Crown C404, Small Duo Fibre Face Brush. €9.27

This is another brush I like to use to apply foundation to a face, whether it be a clients or my own. I tend to only apply foundation to the outer areas of the face, and use concealer or contour creams on the center. The size of this brush is ideal for that as it allows you to control where you are placing the foundation with ease. This brush has a duplicate in Sigma, the F55, if you prefer. However I find the Sigma versions Taklon hair stains quite badly and doesn't clean as well as the Crown version.

(The brush on the bottom is the Crown C404 compared to the average sized stipple brush (the Inglot 27TG)).

#4 Sigma P82, Precision Round Brush. €13.16

My makeup is not complete without the use of this brush. I use it with powder or cream products to darken the other sides of the nose and under neath the bottom lip to contour with. Perfection. This brush can also be used as a concealer brush.

#5 Inglot 6SS, €20, and Sigma E40, €10.24

These two brushes I have listed as the same as I carry multiples of both for my kit and for personal use. The Inglot version, the slightest bit stiffer to the Sigma, both are perfect for getting a perfect blown out, blended look. I could not do a makeover without these brushes.

#6 Inglot 10S, Eyeshadow Blender Brush. €18

Unlike others, this blender brush is long and slender with a slight stiffness to its hairs. It is perfect for applying colour and blending out product to concentrated areas of the eyes. This brush is also small enough to achieve a crisp, cut crease look, unlike most other blending brushes.

#7 Sigma E30, Pencil Brush. €8.77

I find most pencil brushes from a variety of other brands to very hard in texture. Although this can be controlled when applying makeup to oneself, when applyed to others it can be quite painful to the eye area of the recipient. The Sigma E30 has soft hairs and it's tapered shape allows you to get product right upto the bottom water line with ease.

(This brush has white hairs, I wanted to show how well it picked up black pigment, as this allows you to achieve a darker look, and forgot to take before pictures of my brushes).

#8 Inglot 11S. €12

Another brush that can apply product to the lower lash line with great ease. This brush can also be used as a pencil brush, to buff out pencils or harsh lines on the eyes. Another way of using this brush is for concealer or for lipstick due to its precise shape. 

#9 Sigma F86 Tapered Kabuki €15.35 or Sigma P86 Precision Tapered Brush €13.16

These two brushes are exactly the same shape, one is large for the face, and the other much smaller. It's synthetic hairs allow you to use powder or cream products with ease. These are perfect brushes to use to map out and place product on the face for contouring. You can then use these brushes to blend out the product or a beauty blender. I personally prefer to use the smaller P86 as I prefer to have more control over the brush and therefore the product. These brushes can also be used for concealer or foundation.

#10 Rubis Switzerland Tweezers.

I know this technically shouldn't count as it is not a brush but every person, to be used on yourself or on others, should own a good set of tweezers.

I'm not sure how much these particular ones were as they were part of a professional kit. A good tweezers is essential for maintaining growth of eyebrows.I truly believe you cannot achieve an amazing eye look with out the perfect brow, and all brows need a little maintaining even if you like the natural look. Tweezers can also be used to apply false eyelashes much easier.

Hope this helps guys

Love Jen xxx

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