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Testing Luxury Skincare ¦ Aurelia


After so many years of neglecting my skin, I have decided to branch out and explore the wonderful world of skincare. I'm not saying I never used any skin products before, but all of them were drugstore brands. That isn't necessarily wrong, but I seemed to follow the crowd and buy products that weren't beneficial to my skin type. Over the years, I have developed really dry skin; probably due to my lack of consistency when it comes to a skin care regime. However, I've come to terms with my skin type - very dry on the lower cheeks, normal-oily in the T Zone as well as suffering redness and dark eye circles. I am yet to find a perfect eye cream to soothe the discolouration under my eyes but I think I've finally found the products that are progressively improving my skin...

Aurelia Skincare is a British company that thrive to manufacture probiotic products for women to feel better, and confident, naturally. Their probiotic technology is combined with bioorganic botanical formulations to create a luxurious, and natural, feel on the skin. Aurelia conjures incredibly scented formulations that help to reduce levels of skin inflammation to create a perfect balance within the skin. With that being said, I was so excited to test out samples from their range, as my skin becomes red easily. I was happy to put their claims to the test..here goes... 

Oh and the products are all animal-cruelty free! BONUS!!






Arrival

First and foremost, the lovely women I spoke to via their email service was incredibly helpful. She advised products that would help with my dry and dull skin, offering me knowledge into what I should use to improve my skin's impurities. On arrival, my luxurious packaged samples were placed in a classy black box (which I'm now using for storage - practical!!). The products were encased in several layers of tissue paper and pretty brand-imprinted ribbons; I love when brands make that extra effort the please their customers. It simply shows pride and care in their brand. Also, the delivery took only 2 days to arrive - so if you are struggling to grasp something to save your skin, I would totally recommend popping your desired product for Aurelia into your basket.


Miracle Cleanser - The chamomile, eucalyptus, rosemary and bergamot infused cleanser sinks, and soothes, into my dry skin. Over the two weeks of using this to remove makeup and generally cleanse my face in the day and night, I have honestly (HAND ON HEART) felt a gigantic improvement. Not only does it remove dirt and bacteria that builds up in your skin throughout the day, it moisturizes and hydrates my face, making it feel soft and replenished. The scent is light with its floral feminine undertones, making it a pleasure to apply to my face morning and night.

Refine and Polish Miracle Balm - A product responsible for benefiting my dull, red skin. The ingredients combined in this balm formula aid balance and protection of the skin, whilst brightening my overall complexion. The same scent is used from the product mentioned above, making me more keen to pick this up and use it at the end of the day, rather than being lazy like I usually am! Aurelia advise their balm buyers to gently massage the formula into their skin - this helps to boost circulation and reveal a brighter and clearer appearance. I've also used this product as a mask, as well as exfoliant, once a week. This helps to target dead/dry cells that may surface on the skin. Unlike my past exfoliants, this balm doesn't force you to tug on the skin - the formula glides on and off whilst removing dirt.


Accompanying my cleanser and balm, was this adorably wrapped muslin cloth. You are able to buy a set of 7 bamboo muslin cloths here - one for each day of the week! The smooth, organic material is soft, also aiding no tugging at the skin which can cause irritation. They are also antibacterial so will be no harm to the skin - I gently remove the cleanser with this muslin cloth in small circular motions over my face. The bacteria and other nasties will be lifted from the skin onto the material - this can they be easily washed to become fresh again.


Revitalise & Glow Serum - One of the top products the kind lady at Aurelia recommended was this serum. I didn't know much about serums until I read some articles on them after receiving and the description that accompanies the product. 'A lightweight and easily absorbed potent age prevention fluid.Concentrated BioOrganic 100% pure botanicals include Baobab which is rich in precious Omega 3, 6 & 9 to revitalise the skin, soothing and firming Kigelia Africana and Hibiscus to fight oxidative stress, combined with a powerful dose of vitamin E.  this addictive serum works to hydrate and soothe dull and dehydrated skin promoting a luminous, dewy and radiant glow whilst helping to prevent skin ageing.' After two weeks of regular use, my skin has started to become slightly more radiant than usual, making me excited to use this further to ensure dull skin is no longer a problem for me!!!

Cell Repair Night Oil - Never owning a luxury night oil is something that has definitely negatively impacted me regarding my current skin situation. This stuff has never made my skin feel better - my favourite product of all received. I've applied this to my face most nights (I accidentally forgot 2 oops!) and when I wake up, my skin feels awakened and hydrated. This was a huge deal for me - I usually wake up and want to scream at my dull, dry skin when I look in the mirror. However, consistent use of night oil has helped revitalise my skin into the best state it ever has been. So so happy with the outcome of this product!


Aromatic Repair and Brighten Hand Cream - Testing a luxury hand cream had never really came to mind - I always stuck with a mini moisturizer as a handbag essential and didn't think much of it. I always like to keep a hand cream/sanitizer in my bag in case my hands feel dry (EVERYDAY!!) or I've been touching lots of bacteria prone surfaces. By the way, I'm not one of those crazy clean freaks, I've just recently seen so many videos on bacteria gathering in areas you never even thought were an issue and it kind of freaked me out... Anyway, my hands are easily super clammy or excessively dry so I'm hoping this can help me to achieve the perfect balance. The formula is creamy and works its way into the skin to achieve a moisturized finish. Aurelia states that this helps to nail strength - another exciting factor as my nails are super brittle. Will let you all know how I get on with this!

You can purchase Aurelia Skincare online or stockists such as Space NK. If you would like to see a skin care routine using my favourite products from Aurelia's range, leave a comment below and I will be sure to make a Youtube Video when I start up my channel. SUBSCRIBE HERE to be the first to see when I start it up in the next month. 

What's your favourite skincare brand?

Lots of love

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This post is in collaboration with Aurelia; however, all opinions are honest and my own.

Hair Care Saviours ¦ Richard Ward Chelsea Collection


Being your lazy typical teenager, I've grown up completely neglecting my hair. Don't worry, I'm not saying that I don't wash it on a regular basis, I'm talking going that extra length to ensure that my hair remains healthy, smooth and shiny. Due to complete lack of care, my hair sometimes becomes coarse and dry only a day or two after washing my hair. This simply gave me a wake up call to try something different - something that was going to recover the damage and save my brunette locks.

Luckily, I've discovered Richard Ward's Keratin Restore Collection consisting of a shampoo, conditioner and hair mask treatment. I was super excited to try the hair mask specifically because 'surprise, surprise', I had never tried one before. Also, this range is part of the Chelsea Collection - Richard Ward is hairdresser to the beautiful Kate Middleton and some of the 'Made In Chelsea' cast. By hearing celebrities and hair stylists talk about these products, I knew I was in for a right treat...


Keratin Restore Shampoo & Conditioner (RRP £5.99)

Keratin is your hair's natural proteins; it binds to the roots of your hair and works to re-build natural fibres and protect your scalp. This hero hair ingredient strives to protect vital cells from damage and excess stress. Many scientists have claimed that by exposing you hair to more keratin than it naturally produces, you can increase the thickness, health and growth of your hair. Additionally, the chicory extract and yucca vera contained in the products cooperate to produce a lustrous finish - the chicory invigorates strength of the hair, reducing hair loss, and the yucca vera revives suppleness and natural shine. 

After replacing my old hair products to the side, it was time for the real test. Over the past two weeks, I have been using these products in my regular routine (the shampoo and conditioner every other day and the hair mask once a week). The texture of both is balmy and the formulation appears to lather quickly and easily. Both products complimented each other in trying to revive my dull locks; the shampoo leaving my hair feeling extremely clean and the conditioner adding to the restoration and shine of the finished look. The only minor downfall was that the scent wasn't as strong as I would have liked; a very soft fruity essence that didn't quite fulfill my needs. Oh well, as long as the product is working efficiently, eh? 



Hair masks are always something I've wanted to give a go. All I ever see over social media, regarding hair care, is masks - there are always those on Pinterest creating their own mask using tonnes of exotic, qwerky ingredients to formulate a beautiful remedy or Vloggers expressing their profound love for coconut oil. Finally, I've been introduced to one and now I don't think I can stop. 

This conditioning treatment is enriched with vitamins and silk proteins to revitalize and rehydrate dry hair. My hair becomes super damaged from blow-drying so a conditioning treatment that aids restoration of dryness makes applying this hair mask a treat! This most certainly will become a part of my pamper evening routine which I get round to doing once every 1/2 weeks. The silk protein leaves my hair feeling voluminous, yet sleek, with no frizz after blow-drying - another issue I have to endure. Fifteen minutes after appliance, the mask didn't leave a greasy residue after washing it out - the formula was extremely silky so I was a almost certain it was going to give leave a greasy finish but boy, was I wrong! What a great first impression on hair masks this has given me :)



If you wish to try out some of Richard Ward's nourishing collections, visit the range online at Waitrose or in stores. 

Luxury Products You NEED In Your Makeup Bag



Over my years of makeup hoarding and testing loads of different products, I have come to terms with what works for me and what looks like a complete disaster. Recently, I've been trying to narrow down my makeup into a very small 'ten products you can't live without'. However, I found this too challenging, as I'm a huge lover of both the expensive and affordable makeup. Therefore, I would like to bring to you part 1 of my favourite makeup products of all time. 

Also, I've been thinking about uploading my top 10 drugstore products of all time over on my Youtube Channel to coincide with this blog post. I'm starting a Youtube Channel in the next few months as I am so close to saving up for a new, good quality camera. I cannot wait to start making videos and hopefully receive a positive response, as I've been sooooo scared to do this. If you are interested in watching my future youtube videos, don't hesistate to click on the link above or type 'CharlotteEmilyXXXX' to find my channel and subscribe. Leave a comment below if you do!

On with the fun stuff...



FACE

Without a doubt, I always prioritise my highend base goodies over my (also-very-loved) drugstore ones. Personally, I feel that they provide such a luxurious feel on the skin, alongside creating an effect that lives up to their high prices. I'm 100% a full coverage girl and my NARS Sheer Glow fulfills my every need; with a smooth, silky finish, even complexion and long-lasting power, this foundation is one to settle anyone's 'flawless finish' needs. Accompanying Sheer Glow comes my trusty NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. Nars base products really work on my skin, building a firm base with a glowing radiance that counteracts my dryness. This concealer does my under eye circles wonders - illuminating my dull areas (under eyes, around my nose) and my T zone to highlight the centre of my face. 

Powder products are definitely my safety net when it comes to adding extra definition to my face. Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess, which you are probably sick-to-death hearing about from me, is a dream to blend when contouring, accentuating the hollows of my cheeks and structuring my face. The tiny golden flecks running through the product makes it perfect for the summer months when you want your face to glow under the sunlight. Blush is something I have love-hate relationship with; I am horrendously bad at applying the correct amount to my cheeks so I tend to avoid wearing it. However, after picking up MAC's Melba at the beginning of 2016, creating a soft, flushed effect has never been so easy. The warm, peach undertones form a natural look on my cheeks, something I've been wanting to achieve for months years! Saving the best till last - highlight!!! MAC'S infamous Soft and Gentle and The Balm's Mary Lou Manizer are the highlights you will always find lurking in my makeup bag; I alter between the two depending on my makeup look. If I've chosen cooler tones on my eyes/lips, I will opt for Mary Lou. Alternatively, Soft and Gentle compliments warmer tones so I pop some of that on my cheeks when I'm wearing a copper shadow and I'm good to go :)


EYES

Finding a single eyeshadow palette that I adore with all my heart was a challenge - I own many a shadow palette so it was very difficult to decide which met all my criteria. The Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette won! This was simply because it met everything I could ever want in a shadow palette - a mixture of matter and shimmers, intense pigmentation, all wearable/versatile shades, a variety of colours, a handy mirror and sleek packaging to fit in your makeup bag. I will honestly never stop raving about this palette because I love it soooo freaking much! My most used shadow is definitely Creme Brulee - it creates a gorgeous golden lid colour for those days where you just cant be bothered to spend 113432 hours perfecting your eye makeup.


LIPS

Another very difficult product to condense into my top favourites were my lipsticks. Fortunately, I've managed to narrow my choices to my top 3 lippies - a deep pink, a nude and a dark shade. Starting from the left, Charlotte Tilbury's stunning rose-gold packaging holds my all-time favourite 'your-lips-but-better- shade - BOND GIRL. This cool-toned, mauve pink is perfect for everyday wear but can also look glamorous in the evening too. The versatility of this lipstick is endless and it will never leave my purse/handbag/pocket no matter where I am. Nudes are my fall back if I'm wearing little makeup or don't want to draw any attention to myself - Chanel's Satisfaction is always something I go back to when I acquire a nude lip. The creamy formula feels incredibly luxurious on your lips and lasts for several hours, not something many lip products can do. Lastly, MAC's Dark Side is a more recent discovery; the dark, red/purple undertones really complement my ivory complexion and leave a thin, yet intense, satin finish.

What are you favourite high end makeup products? Do you have any dupes for the products I mentioned above?!

Lots of love

Brand Focus: Essence


Today's brand focus is a brand that has rose dramatically in popularity over the past few years. Prior to receiving my Essence goodie bag, I had only ventured as far as their liquid glitter eye products and lipsticks so I was extremely excited to see what else they had to offer. Already, I was expecting good things, as I was rather impressed at the quality of their lipsticks, despite the inexpensive pricing.

Essence are a cosmetic company that are sold exclusively in Wilkinson's in the UK; however, when I went to Ireland a couple of years ago, they were selling Essence in a shop called Pennies (I believe it's the equivalent of Primark in England). 



EYES 

'Plump NO CLUMP' Mascara ~ Drugstore mascara is my go-to! I've never found a highend mascara that is any better than one I love from the drugstore; so quite simply, I just stick to the cheaper option. This worked very well on my lashes, giving added volume and lengthening too. 

Long Lasting Black Eyeliner ~ Eyeliner is something I always struggle to apply - I cannot perfect the 'winged' liner no matter how many times I try. However, I'm also a lover of eyeliner in my waterline and below to my bottom lashes to intensify an eye look. Thus, a long-lasting black eye pencil is what I need. I've wore this out once so far and was rather impressed by the results. The liner didn't budge for a good 5 hours, alongside maintaining the same pigmentation from when I first applied.




LIPS

XXXL Nude Lipgloss in 'Soft Almond' ~ I always turn to matte lips in the Winter, despite my lips deteriorating in the cooler months. This has literally ruined my lips and I completely regret not opting for lighter options, like lipgloss. I really love subtle lipglosses to add a shine to the look - a layer of this would look incredible on top of a nude lip! Perfect for the summer!

'Soft Berry' Lipliner ~ This may actually be the favourite product I received from Essence. I am a huge fan of nude lips, like most of the female population at the minute, so was thrilled to be gifted with the PERFECT nude liner to accompany my MAC Velvet Teddy lipstick. Soft Berry is a muted mauve-pink that doesn't budge from the lips all evening. I like to apply the product on my lip line and in the corner of my mouth to create a soft, ombre gradient.


NAILS




Nail Polish is something that always seems a chore to me. However, whenever I buy new polishes, I cannot help but quickly apply them. My go-to colour to wear on a daily basis is nude - it's just perfect for sixth form and every day wear because of the versatility of the colour. This makes matching your nails to your outfits a solvable issue. Anyway, these gel polishes were something I was excited to get my hands on. I love gel polish and have had my nails painted with 'shellac' many a time - I couldn't wait to try it on myself. Unfortunately, I didn't capture a photo with them on but the product lasted on my nails for 6 straight days. Usually, drugstore nail polishes chip within a day or two so this was a huge difference from me. Get your hands on these while you can girlies!

Have you purchased anything from Essence before? What are your favourite summer nails polishes?

Lots of love

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These products were received in collaboration with Essence Cosmetics. All opinions are honest and my own.

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