9 May 2013

3 Tips To Keep Your Pores Clear In The Summer



Summer is finally upon us, and after the wacky weather we've had this past year, it's good cause for celebration. Warmer weather means everyone will be spending more time outside, which is great. Except, of course, for the fact that being outside and active causes us to sweat, which in turn causes our pores to become clogged. That, in turn, leads to blemish breakouts which are the very last thing we want during such a social time of year. It's a vicious cycle, but you can break it right at the source by using these three tips to keeping your pores clear during the summer months.

Tip #1: Wash Your Skin With A Gentle Acne Cleanser Every Single Night

You should always wash your face right before bed, no matter the time of year. It becomes even more important during the summer months, however, because you'll be cleaning excessive oils and sweat off your face. Depending on how active you are and what kind of facial products you use, you might also be having to clean off: makeup, sunblock, bug spray, dirt, sand, and who knows what else! So be kind to your skin and give it a good wash every night, without fail! No matter how tired you are at the end of the day, try to remember that the benefits of taking five minutes to wash your face greatly outweighs those five extra minutes in bed!

Tip #2: Use Blotting Papers Or Cool Water For Touch Ups Throughout The Day

If you're wearing makeup during the day, use blotting papers to gently blot away oils or sweat that might accumulate. If you blot them away before they have a chance to settle down into your pores, you'll be minimizing your risk of blemishes by more than half! If you aren't wearing makeup, you can splash your face with cool water during the day and pat it dry. You can do this anywhere that there's a bathroom, and it works to keep the oils, sweat, and dirt from being absorbed into your pores. As a bonus, this technique saves you money and keeps your blotting papers lasting longer- ready for when you have makeup to keep fresh!

Tip #3: Only Use Makeup When Necessary, and When Necessary, Use Modestly

During the summer months, you should only use makeup when necessary. If you have a formal event, night out on the town, or photo opportunity that requires you to wear it, go ahead and put your makeup on! Just remember to use it modestly, with the lowest amount of coverage necessary. Makeup can clog your pores, and extensive sweating or activity can increase the risk it will do so. If you're going to spend the day at the beach, go fishing, take a hike through the woods, or have a small BBQ with your family, there isn't really any need to put your makeup on. You should always keep your skin protected with SPF and protective clothing, however, to reduce the risk of sunburn.

These three tips can help keep your pores clear all summer long. Clearer pores means more naturally beautiful skin, and isn't that what we all strive for anyways? Do you have more tips for us and want to share? Or do you want to comment on something we've said here today? Go ahead and do so by leaving us a comment below. We're always excited to hear what our readers have to say!

Author Bio: Amanda is a make up enthusiast and author of SkincareHQ.org which features a report on the Best Foundations For Acne Prone Skin. Aside from writing about make up, Amanda loves to travel and one days dreams of going on an African safari. If you have questions or comments for Amanda, feel free to connect with her @Skincare_HQ on twitter!


8 May 2013

My Second Graze Box

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 photo P1110542_zpsbb0ef1c1.jpgThis sounded really yummy! Which it was, I have tried dried coconut before and really liked it. It was nice to have each piece together as the flavour was better. 

Would I have this again? Sure!

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I liked the idea of having something crunchy and savoury with a dip and these were rather on the spicy side, after having a few. But all the same they were tasty!
Would I have this again? Yep!

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I love my seeds and these sounded great, I was slightly unsure about the soy sauce and that it would taste weird. Unfortunately it did which was a same, it also had a weird after taste too.
Would I have this again? Nope

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This was lovely, not too salty which I find some microwave popcorn can be. I watched this whilst watching last weeks episode of "Doctor Who" with a can of Lilt, it was lovely and something I would have again, there was also just enough for one person!
Would I have this again? Absolutely!

Remember if you would like to try a gaze box you can get your first one free by using this code Y7GWJKN.

Have you tried graze, what are your favourites?
Love Emily xx

April Empties!

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Alberto balsam Coconut + Lychee shampoo & Conditioner
I have talked about this many a time on here, I love their shampoo's and conditioner's. They smell great and do wonders for your hair!
Repurchase? Yes, yes, yes!!!

Boots Zingy Berry Shower Gel
At first, in the shop I thought this smelt lovely and strong. But when using this in the shower it isn't the case. It was fruity but not zingy enough for me. I think that it lathered up pretty well. I have tried other own brand shower gels and this is rather a disappointing shower gel.
Repurchase? No way!

Pure Moisturiser
This was a good product, but it did leave my skin feeling a little bit tight afterward but only for a while.
Repurchase? Maybe, perhaps if I was in need of a moisturiser and couldn't get anything better.

Good Things Face The Day Moisturiser
I love the smell and the consistency of this. It also sunk in super quick, which is very handy!
Repurchase? Sure!

Radox Soothe Vanilla & Ginger Shower Gel
This smelt amazing! It lathered up very well. Short and sweet!
Repurchase? Yep!

What have you used up recently?
Love Emily xx

2 May 2013

April Favourites!

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So it is that time again, I swear this year is just flying by! 

Shadows book by ilsa j. black
I am now onto the second book of this series, it is really adventurous and nothing like I have read before. I would definitely recommend you having a read of it!

Clearasil Wash & Mask  
This is lovely fresh and creamy. It is great as a wash or a mask, makes your skin feel soft and clean!

Treacle Moon "that vanilla moment" body scrub
I have done a whole post on this (linked above). This is so sweet smelling, I just want to eat it. As well as smelling great it buffs your skin very well!

Soap & Glory Thick and Fast Mascara + MUA Waterproof Mascara in Black
I have been loving using these two mascaras together. They work so well. The MUA one give colour and separates my lashes and the S&G one volumises them. So a brilliant pair in my eyes!

That's my favourites of April, what are yours?
Love Emily xx

1 May 2013

Aldi's answer to Moroccan oil?

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I was in my local Alidi and doing the weeks shopping with my mum, I wandered over to the beauty/hair care bit and saw this. It was priced at £3.99 which I thought was rather reasonably priced, since morrocan oil is way more! I haven't tried morrocan oil, so I can't compare them. Is it good, I hear you ask...well lets see!


It doesn't smell overly strong, kinda of hair "producty" scent. It feels like a oil and applies like one. It sinks in pretty fast. The morning after applying it my hair feels rather soft, but not super soft. (Does  Moroccan oil make it super soft?)


Overall, I think it is really good value for money as it does soften your hair but doesn't do anything outstanding. 

What posts would you like to see more often or your favourite type of post?