Pamper Month || Whats your skin type? || Beginners Guide to knowing your skin type!!

Hello ladies, 

This post is going to focus on skin type. Many people are unaware as to how knowing your skin type can be beneficial when choosing cosmetic and skincare products. When purchasing a new product no matter how much research you do you are still taking a gamble. Will this work for me?? Will I see any results?? Will it break me out?? Will it make me look flawless?? These are all questions that run through our minds when pick up a new foundation or moisturiser so it still baffles me as to why anyone would want to make that process any harder by not knowing their skin type.

No matter how good the product worked on your friend who is a combo / oily girl, It is never going to work on you if you are a normal / dry or sensitive skin kinda girl (unless specified for all skin types) and this is something I think that needs to be recognised. I really hate to think that people waste their money on expensive products that never had a shot of working for them in the first place. 

I am here to help! Here is my guide to knowing your skin type!

Normal Skin

The best way of describing this skin type is the skin a child has. Not oily or acne prone, or dry and flaky and usually not sensitive. Soft, Even pigmentation and healthy looking. This is this is the most desirable skin type to have but it is rare. The only thing about having this skin type is the people that have generally do not take care of it because there is skin is a non-issue, meaning later in life their skin will suffer. 

• Benefits - Easiest of all skin types to have
• Draw backs - More likely to suffer later in life

Dry Skin

This is where the skin does not produce enough sebum. The skin will look dry and flaky and will feel tight (this is not a good thing) This skin type if not taken care of can age the quickest as it does not have enough oil/moisture underneath the skin the aid the movement of it. It is also the quickest skin type to get broken capilaries which cause redness or rosacea of the skin.

• Benefits - Skin will be clear and acne free
• Draw backs - Skin will age quicker

Oily Skin

This is where the skin produces too much sebum and there is an oily residue on the skin. Skin can look oily / sweaty. Tends to be acne prone. This skin type ages the slowest as it has all that oil to keep it subtle. #Tip - If you have oily skin do not make it your mission to strip it of all its natural oils. This will make your skin think it is not producing enough as your skin is getting drier and encourage it to produce more!! Instead use a night oil serum as part of your nightly routine and this will trick your skin into thinking it has already produced enough and slow down on the oil production!!

•  Benefits - Takes the longest to age
• Draw backs - Can be the most problematic of skin 

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is usual dry and tight to touch. It is not usually Over oily or Over dry but it can become irritated easily and is very reactive to products that go near it. Also tends to have redness. People with sensitive skin need to be careful and understand what ingredients / makeup lines work for them and more importantly what ones dont!

• Benefits - skin will is not acne prone or generally have too much dryness
• Draw backs - Person will need to be very careful when choosing products  

Combination skin

Most people will have combination skin this is where they will experience oiliness in their T-zone (which consists of across the forehead and down the nose) and dryness on their cheeks and chin. This means that different products need to be used in different areas in order to treat and aid the different skin types. It is also possible to have any combination of skin. 

• Benefits - as there are a combo all drawbacks of others (apart from sensitive) are decreased
• Drawbacks - Can be tougher to treat as there are different areas/issues to focus on

Unfortunately one final bit of bad news - Skin type can change depending on the season. In generall skin tends to get oilier in summer (heat) and dryer in winter (cold) but again it depends on the individual. 

I personally am Normal/Dry. This just means that my skin is mostly Normal but tends to get dry every now and then and that has be addressed. If left untreated I have experienced very bad dryness!

I hope this helped you!!

My previous post! - Youtubers/Bloggers made me do it 2014! - Link

My Lifestyle Blog - Beauty La Linda Lifestyle

My Previous Lifestyle post! - The Universe has a plan right?? - Link

Thank You For Reading

xox 

YouTubers / Bloggers made me do it! 2014

Hey Everyone!

So one of the wonderful things about being apart of this great community is that I get hear about and see so many different beauty products that ordinarily I may have never stumbled upon or took much interest in. This however makes it inevitable that I will end up purchasing these products! This post is dedicated to the products that I picked up last year or even late 2013 due to the testimonies of other Bloggers / Youtubers. Unfortunately I didnt have some of the products to hand so I had to improvise with pics from the internet.

Nicole Guerriero

Nicole Guerriero is the first Beauty Guru I ever watched on YouTube and honestly the first person who opened up my eyes to this whole world. I remember I was looking for a smokey eye and thought maybe YouTube might have the answer and I stumbled upon her video Dewy Skin & Bronzey Eyes - Link. I then went on to watch her other videos and I was hooked started looking for other YouTubers and never looked back. 

Two Products I ended up picking up solely on Ms Guerrieros recommendations were

• Loreal True Match Foundation
• Urban Decay Setting Spray

I have loved both of these products and the Loreal True Match is probably my favourite drugstore foundation of all time! The only downside to the Urban Decay Setting Spray is that the packaging seems to get so dirty and cant be cleaned!!

Tanya Burr

Tanya Burr is just the sweetest person I think! I think If I knew here in real life we would def be besties haha. She is the second YouTuber I ever watched! I found her so easy to watch and so likeable. It is because of her that I picked up 

• Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation
• Rimmel Stay Matt Powder

I think both of these items have featured in favourites and they were all because of this lady!

Zoella

Honestly when I first started watching her on YouTube I didnt know what to make of her. I wasnt sure what she was beauty? lifestyle? I was so new to this whole vlogging culture and I didnt understand it.... Ah seems so long ago now ..... Now however I have so much respect for this girl. She really is an inspiration to all us normal girls. She just seems like someone you would want to hang out with and chat about life. I am currently reading here book Girl Online and loving it! From watching Zoes beauty videos I was inspired to pick up 

• Sleek Cosmetics blushes and eyeshadow palattes

I now own 2 blushes in swede and roses n gold and 2 eyeshadow palattes in Storm and Eu Natural

If you would like to read more on the sleek cosmetics I own just click here - Link 

Pixiwoo

These two are constant inspiration for make up ideas! They are so talented!! Honestly I dont know what YouTube ever did without them! So it may come as now surprise when I tell you what I picked up from watching them .... any guesses??

• Real Techinques Brushes

I love them so much! good job you guys!!

Tati

Last but certainly not least Tati! I love watching her! Shes so quirky but in a good way haha. and always has helpful tips and hints! From watching here videos I went out and bought 

• Collection lasting Perfection Concealer
• Maybelline Colour Tatoos

I love both these products. She was right on point with her reviews as always.

There are so many others that I didnt include or else I would be here all night but I thought I would just pick 5 of my favourite YouTubers / Bloggers and tell you a couple of things I felt inspired to purchase. I you havent checked out any of their channels then here are the links

• Nicole Guerriero
• Tanya Burr
• Zoella
• Pixiwoo
• Tati

What Bloggers / YouTubers have inspired you to pick up products??

Have seen my previous post?? Best of Beauty 2014 - Link

If you would like check out my Lifestyle Blog  - Beauty La Linda Lifestyle

My previous Lifestyle post The Universe has a plan right??

Thank You For Reading

xox     

  

    

Announcement!!

Hello Everyone,

Today I have a little Announcement!! If you follow me on Twitter then you may already know If not and you want to follow me then just click here - Link.

A couple of weeks ago I received my certificates from college and now I am a certified Make-Up Artist!! yey!! Im so happy and a little proud of myself!! 

Beauty La Linda MUA ..... I like how that sounds haha

Anyway I just want share my news with you! New Beauty blog post coming soon - 

Have seen my most recent blog post?? Youtubers/Bloggers Made Me Do It 2014!! Link

If you would like check out my Lifestyle Blog  - Beauty La Linda Lifestyle

My previous Lifestyle post - The Universe has a plan right??  

Thank You For Reading

xox

Best of Beauty 2014!!

Hey Beauties!

Today I thought I would dedicate a post to my Top 10 beauty finds in 2014. This post would have been up sooner but unfortunately I have been really sick the past few days :( I know not a great way to start the new but it can only get better right?? hah...  

Honestly it was quite hard to narrow this down as there were quite a few to choose from. In the end I chose the products that were stand out kind of products that I used consistently since discovering them. All these are products that I chose over others most or all of the time! I chose 5 make up items and 5 skin care items. Enjoy!! 

Make - up

Essence Long Lasting Lipstick - 15 Nude Love

Ah the perfect Nude!! I think I may have raved about this product a tad too much already to be honest but you cant have too much of a good thing...can you?? haha! If you want to see a full review just click here - Link

Essence 24hr Liquid Liner

Essence does it again! I found this liner early last year and I have never used any other liquid or gel liner since. It is totally user friendly I find that I can get almost any thickness or shape of a cat flick that my little heart desires. The only thing I wouldnt recommend it for is smudging out because girl let me tell you this stuff is made to stay put! Perfect on application and 16hrs later (I have not made it to 24) Its still perfect!! Also it costs less than €4!! Bargin!! 

Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser - Primer

Another product that has featured in a monthly favourites and has a full review. This is another product that I have never strayed from since discovery in the beginning of the summer. For full review just click here - Link

Catrice Sun Glow Bronzing Powder

I love this bronzing powder. I think it may have been mentioned in a monthly favourites and if I havent it definitely should have been!! This bronzer is perfect for contouring and general bronzing up of the face and neck. I also use it in the crease to contour my eyes! Love Love Love!

  

Ardell Demi Wispies

This was another beauty I just happened upon one day and didnt look back! This product has already been featured in a product of the week and a monthly favourites. To read the product of the week review just click here - Link

Skin Care

Garnier Micellar Cleansing water and eye make up remover

These too products for me were total game changers when it came to taking off my make up! I have yet to find better products at removing make up and for the price they are an absolute steal!! For a full review on the Micellar Cleansing Water just click here - Link

Balmi Lip Balm

Like I said in my monthly favs in which this featured I thought lip balm was lip balm as long as it does the job im happy but I fell in love with this one!! If anyone is looking for a new nourishing lip balm to try then I recommend you give this one a go! 

Argon Oil Night Serum

This is another product that since I picked up I have been using it as my only serum and I have noticed that when I use it my skin seems softer and more hydrated! Plus as I have said previously I love the smell!!

Vaseline Healthy Hands + Stronger Nails ,  Hand Cream

I love this hand cream. I love smell its non sticky and and smells soooo nice. Plus my hands feel so soft and nourished after using it!

So There you have it! Now I realise I need to branch out and discover new products as I have been using the same ones for a while now. Cant wait for all the new discoveries in 2015!!

Have you tried any of these products??

What are your Best of Beauty picks for 2014??

Have you seen my previous post?? January - Pamper Month || Use before you lose!! Link

If you would like to read my lifestyle blog just click here - Link

Thank You For Reading

xox

January - Pamper Month || Use before you lose!

Hello Ladies, 

So Ive have decided after a month of party season I want to focus this month on pampering and recovering that skin, hair and body! In this Post I'm going to focus on products and expiration dates.

As a Beauty blogger or indeed a product hoarder in general sometimes it is easy to leave some products fall by the way side. This could be because or the sheer volume that we own and there is just simply not enough time in the day or because we have put it in a certain drawer or storage container and have forgotten about its exsistance. Well for the foreseeable future I am making it my mission to go through all my products, throw out any that I may have had for too long and try to use up the rest as much as I can!

Another reason products tend to be left until they inevitably go out date is because they are expensive and they are almost too good to use... at least in our minds. Logically speaking this makes no sense. Why spend all that money on something you are not going to use? By doing this in itself is making the product a waste of money. Plus you skin is never going to receive the benefits and you are never going to see the results if it sits on your counter as a display but we all do it.

So I have put a ban on myself. Not a complete ban to where I can only use what I got before I buy a new variation of the same product no but I am going to limit myself. I'm putting ban on skincare especially. I'm going to use up products, see the results (If any) and get my moneys worth out of them! I am not buying another moisturiser until I need a new one.... and so on..... I am going to try the same with makeup and hair care.... but a girl can never have too many lipsticks can they?? because makeup (while I have more than enough and Im not going to run out of it anytime soon) is so varied I know there is no way I want to do a complete ban at the moment, Especially with new spring lines coming out. However I am going to be more conscious of my purchases instead of impulse buying as usual.    

I really think in the end I will really benefit from it. My skincare routine will benefit as I am making a conscious effort to use things up. I will be able to be more informed of what works for my skin and what doesnt. I will be able to give guys better and more indepth reviews on the products I have used and I will have lots more empties to show you! Win win!

To help us all find out just how long our products will last I have done a little research and here is what I have found!

Skin Care

Moisturiser                  - 1 year

Cleanser                       - 1 year

SunScreen                    - 1 year 

Serum - 6 months        - 2 years

Body Lotion                - Up to 2 years

Hand Cream                - Up to 2 years

Treatment products     - Up to 2 years 

Toner                          - Up to a year

*Remember the closer you get to the expiration date the less likely they are to work.

Make - Up

Water based foundation           - 6 months

Oil Based foundation               - 18 months

Concealer                                 - Up to 1 year

Liquid eyeliners & Mascara     - 3 months

Pencil eyeliners                        - 6-8 months

Powder eyeshadows                 - 2 years

Cream eyeshadows                  - 6 months

Lip liner                                   - Up to 3 years

Lipstick                                    - 1-2 years

Nail Varnish - Up to 1 year

Perfume - Up to 3 years

This is just a rough guide also with some products if they are maintained well they will last longer like pencils if they are sharpened between uses they will be more hygienic and last a little longer....

Also one final thing if your are still unsure a lot skincare products actually have a little guide on the back of the packaging that looks like this - 

  

So when in doubt just check the back of the bottle or jar (*Sorry the photo is a little out of focus)

I hope this was helpful I now have a lot of make and skincare products to go through!

Are you also on a no buy ban to use up products?

Thank You For Reading

xox

     

Empties!!

Hello Beauties,

I think its about time for an empties post dont you? Now as Im sure as it is with other beauty Blogger & YouTubers I find that it takes me a while to use products up just because of the sheer volume that I own! With or without the blog and YouTube channel Im sure I would still be a make up hoarder but Unfortunately / Fortunately ( depending on how you look at it ) It gives me a reason to keep buying and trying new products that ordinarily I would not be able to justify. I mean who NEEDS over 20 eyeshadow palates or like 80 bottles of nail varnish >This girl thats who, because Im a beauty blogger & Youtuber of course! <



Anyway that was my really long and rambly way of saying Empties Posts and Videos can generally be few and far between. So heres one for you!

Make Up!

Concealers

I have four! yes FOUR! as you can tell theres rarely a day goes by without it. Now I dont have bad skin. I am aware and EXTREMELY grateful for it. My skin is normal to dry and I only really experiance dryness around this time of year. I have slight redness and can get dark circles  if run down and tired but nothing major. However I like to use concealer to A. cover any darkness or redness and B. Highlighting. I love how adding a brightening / highlighting concealer can add dimension to your face and now I cant seem to go a day without applying it! These are the ones I finished ( Im also listing them in the order of preference , Again I am judging them on highlighting more than concealing also consistancy, blendability and all that good stuff) -

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Fair

Catrice Cosmetics Re-Touch Light-Reflecting Concealer - 005 - Light Nude

Essence Stay All Day 16hr Long Lasting Concealer - 10 - Natural Beige

Essence Stay Natural Concealer - 03 - Soft Nude

Foundation

Rimmel Wake Me up Foundation - 100 Ivory

I would definately recommend this foundation. Its light weight, meduim coverage and does exactly what it claims to do which is make you look more awake! If you would like to hear more about it you can just click and read my post on my Top 5 drugstore / highstreet foundations & you can also watch my YouTube video - Link                                                         

Primer

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

Love Love Love This! I recently mentioned this in my November favourites! Also I just realised today when I was going back over old post that it was also a monthly favourite in July. So that will tell you just how much I love this product. I went 3 days without it and I noticed a huge difference in my make up. My foundation didnt blend as easily and went patchy! My skin also dried out quicker! If you have not tried it please do and let me know what you think!! also #top tip - If you think its empty cut it open and you will have about another week if not more left in it! If you would like to read a full review of this product just click here! - Link

Mascara

This is one of my favourite mascaras. It is the Catrice Lashes to Kill Volume Express with Lash Extension Fibres! I would definately recommend this if you are looking for a new mascara to try out!

Eyeliner

I love this eyeliner. I think I have purchased about four of them now. It is the Essence Eyeliner Pen , Waterproof. I have talked about this in my collab video with one of my besties Aoife ( wonderstruck-beauty.blogspot.ie Link I recommend you check out her blog!! ) on whats in our makeup bag?? If you would like to watch it just click here - Link         

         

Skin Care

Facial Wipes

I have 3 packets! 2 of the Pure 3 in 1 Make-up Removal Wipes & 1 Tesco Cleansing Facial Wipes. I must say I do prefer the Pure ones but the Tesco ones will get the job done too. I like to use these as a part of my cleansing routine or when Im in a rush or really tired or lazy but I dont recommend them to use as your only means of cleaning your face!!

Hand Cream

Vaseline Healthy Hands + Stronger Nails Hand Cream. I love this hand cream! It smells great and its non-sticky. It also feels very nourishing on the skin. Both this product and the face wipes were mentioned in my Beauty Hangover Survival Kit Part #1 - Skin Care post. If you would like to check it out just click here - Link

Exfoliater

Cyclax Nature Pure Cocoa Butter & Walnut Exfoliating Scrub. I liked this scrub. It smelled nice but for tan removal I think that this scrub wasnt scrubby #newword enough. It wasnt harsh or gritty enough for effecient tan removal I think is what Im trying to say. Still though nice for an everyday scrub.

Deodrant

Radox fresh aqua 24hr. I have obviously used more than one bottle since my last empties but this is only one I remembered to save I guess. Anyway deodrant is deodrant. It was nice and did the job. I dont really have a preference on deodrant. As long as it does what its supposed to do Im happy.  

Nails

Nail Varnish Remover

Pretty Perfect Nail Varnish Remover Pads. I love these little pots of nail varnish removing pads. They are so handy to keep them in your hand bag in case of emergency haha... Ive tried a couple of different brands now and so far these ones are my favourite. These just get the varnish off so quickly. They do contain acetone though so they are no good for removing varnish if you have painted it on gel or acrylic nails as they will damage them.

Hair Care

Batiste Dry Shampoo Dark and Deep Brown

I have 3 of these in my empties bag and another one currently in use. I have tried a couple of brands of dry shampoo over the years but since Ive started using Batiste I have never looked back. I cant even seem to find one when in the shops that even looks like it might compare. I dont wash my hair everyday for many reasons but the main one is I used to be blonde and that dried out my hair completely and if I washed my hair even more it would make even drier. I also have long colour treated hair and at this time of year it gets very dry from the weather anyway. So by not washing it everyday Im leaving the natural oils in my hair for longer and helping it to be healthier. Batiste is my saviour and its also brown in colour which means I dont have to worry about the greyish white cast that seems to happen with other brands. That might fly when your a blonde but it definately does not when you are a brunette!!

Mark Hill Holiday Hair - Sun, Sea, Frizz-Free - Anti Humidity Spray

This was a god send over the summer months. We experienced really high humidity during the summer and humidity and work = frizz hair. well it did for me anyway. Like I said previously my hair tends to be dry so when humidity gets at it it gets super frizzy and this was the first product of its kind I had seen on the market and it really intrigued me. I featured this product in a monthly favourites video on my channel so if you would like to check it out then just click here - Link   

         

And that about wraps up my empties post.

Have you tried any of these products??

What did you think of them??

If you would like to see my last empties which was done in the form of a video on my YouTube channel then please click here - Link

Thank You For Reading

xox