Ali & Her

Skincare Focus: All about Acne

2021-04-28T20:08:00.000+01:00

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Hey guys,

I have learnt a lot about skincare in my five and a half years of blogging so thought I would start a new series on Skin Issues specifically as I know so many of you suffer from problematic skin. This week I will be focussing on Acne.

Acne is a skin condition that a lot of people around the world have to contend with. It can be very frustrating, and it can impact on an individual’s self-esteem and mental health. However, it is important to recognise that you are not alone and there are options that are available to you to help you achieve clearer skin and get your confidence back. Considering this, I have put this post together to help you get a better understanding of acne and therefore a better understanding of your treatment options.

What is acne?

Acne is a condition that is caused when the small holes within the skin (pores) become blocked. There are tiny glands close to the skin’s surface, which are known as sebaceous glands. These glands are attached to hair follicles, and holes in your skin that individual hairs grow out of. The sebaceous glands have the responsibility of lubricating the skin and the hair to prevent it from drying out. They do this through sebum production, with sebum being an oily substance. For those who suffer from acne, the glands start producing sebum in excess quantities. This will mix with dead skin cells, with them both creating a plug within the follicle. If the plugged follicle is close to the skin’s surface, it will bulge outward, which creates a whitehead. On the flip side, should the plugged follicle be open to the skin, a blackhead is created. Typically harmless bacteria that lives on the skin can then end up contaminating and infecting the plugged follicles, resulting in cysts, nodules, pustules, or papules.

Acne is more common in females

Unfortunately, women have it harder than men when it comes to acne! Adult females are more likely to suffer from this condition than men. It is believed that a lot of the cases of adult acne are caused because of changes within the hormone levels, which is what women can have during different periods of their life. Some of the times when women are most likely to experience acne include polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy, and when they are on their period. Hormones have a big part to play!

Some of the myths about acne

There are a number of myths about acne that can be put to bed. One of the myths that a lot of people believe is that sunlamps, sunbeds, and sunbathing can help to improve acne symptoms. There has not been any sort of conclusive evidence that extended exposure to sunlight through the use of sunlamps or sunbeds can improve acne. And we all know how bad they are for skin health in general, so personally I would avoid. A lot of the medicines utilised for acne treatment can result in your skin becoming more sensitive to light, which means that such exposure could result in painful skin damage, as well as heightening your risk of skin cancer. So SPF is a must!

Some other myths that are not true include that acne is infectious - this is not the case - and that queezing spots, whiteheads, and blackheads is the most effective way to get rid of acne. Again, this is not the case and it can actually end up making the symptoms and leaving you with scarring.

Aside from this, acne is not caused by a poor diet. As of yet, there is no research that indicates that acne is related to the consumption of any specific types of food. Eating a balanced and healthy diet is simply recommended because it is good for your health and heart in general. Acne is also not caused by having poor hygiene or dirty skin . Acne is not impacted by the cleanliness of your skin, which a lot of people do not realise.

What treatment options are there for those suffering from acne?

There are a number of different treatment options for people suffering from acne. A lot of people end up on prescription medication. The combined oral contraceptive pill has become popular for those suffering from acne. Other options include the likes of gels, such as Duac, as well as creams, and lotions, and antibiotic tablets, azelaic acid, topical antibiotics, and topical retinoids. A combination of topical treatments and antibiotic tablets are typically the first option when it comes to severe acne. But I think it's great that products are becoming so much more accessible 'over the counter' too as brands like Dermatica* can create tailored creams specific to your needs from the comfort of your own home.

To conclude, acne is a skin condition that many people around the world experience. If you are suffering from acne, it can be incredibly frustrating and hard to deal with. However, it is vital to realise that there are options available to you and that you can get the treatment you need to experience fresh, clear skin and get your confidence back.

Amina xx

*PR sample. All opinions are my own.

3 Easy Ways To Shake Up Your Make Up Routine

2021-04-16T09:46:00.000+01:00

Hey guys,

Whether you have spent years mastering the perfect smokey eye, or know your way around a red lip, sometimes, it’s time for a change - especially if you are looking to branch out and try something new. However, this can be particularly difficult if you are used to doing your makeup in a certain way, as you get used to a routine and the same techniques. However as we get older we might want to try something new and get out of old habits.With that in mind, here are some easy ways in which you can shake up your makeup routine.

1. Remember that good makeup starts with good skincare.

I rave about skincare all the time but it honestly makes the biggest difference to your makeup game! Taking better care of your skin is the easiest way to shake up your make-up routine, as it gives you a natural glow from within that makeup alone could not create. Furthermore, it can help to even out your skin tone or banish acne - giving you a better base to work with when applying products such as foundation, primer, concealer, and contour.

Therefore, if you’re looking to vamp up your makeup look, start by establishing a clear skincare routine - ensuring that you are using the very best products. For example, you should try to source quality facial cleansers that rid your skin of any impurities. Finally, you should also ensure that you drink plenty of water, as this can also boost your hydration levels and even out your complexion, which will make your makeup look better than it ever has before. My water consumption has increased lately and I have seen direct benefits in my skin. More sleep is also another way to get your skin looking fresh!

2. Treat yourself to new products.

Okay, so I know you may think I'm just enabling you here, but If you use the same products repeatedly, it’s highly unlikely that you can shake up your makeup routine by continuing to use them. For example, if you tend to stick to neutral colours (browns, oranges) when doing your eye makeup, why not purchase a bright palette to bring a splash of colour to your look? Alternatively, you could take a step away from traditional black or brown eyeliner in favour of a brighter colour - such as white or blue. Though experimentation can be nerve-wracking, especially the first few times - it can help you develop an entirely new look - boosting your confidence in the process. You don't need to break the bank either, there are always loads of fab drug store deals to help save you money!

Furthermore, you should also invest in beauty gadgets that make a difference and can help you develop new techniques when it comes to applying makeup. For example, if you often find that your foundation is patchy or uneven, introducing new tools such as blending brushes or a makeup sponge can help you fix these issues. Skincare tools are also worth the investment.

3. Get online for inspiration.

Thankfully, there are simply hundreds upon hundreds of makeup tutorials online - whether they are uploaded by those who simply have a passion for beauty or trained MUAs with years of industry experience. This is where I mainly get my inspiration from. Therefore, the easiest way to shake up your look is by looking for inspo and following a guide. Pinterest, Youtube and Instagram cam be great for this. Alternatively, you could look at photographs and try to emulate these looks using your own knowledge and experience. Either way, don’t be afraid to be influenced from the world around you. I have learnt a lot from just watching tutorials online. Makeup for me is a form of creativity and I have toned it down quite a lot as I get older however makeup should always be an expression of yourself - so don’t be scared to go a little wild from time to time.

Have you tried switching up your makeup routine lately? Let me know your tips below!

Amina xx

Beauty gadgets that make a difference!

2021-02-22T11:48:00.004+00:00

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Hey guys,

I thought I would let you know about some of the beauty gadgets I use regularly and that actually make a visible difference to my skin. Beauty gadgets can be quite daunting to look at, however they don't have to be. If you are looking to take you skincare game to the next level then these products are for you! I have included five gadgets in this post that I use weekly. I have found the older I get, the more serious I have become about skincare and some of these devices will not only help to improve the skin's firmness, but will also help with cell turnover, giving you fresh, supple, and radiant skin.

Improving your Winter Wellbeing

2021-01-05T20:47:00.001+00:00

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Hi Guys,

This week, I thought I would bring some products to you that I have been using to improve my general health and well-being during Winter. I always struggle in the Winter months with it being so cold and the days being so short, the lack of sunlight really effects my mood. The more aware of this I have become, the more I have started to introduce little things to help me with it.

Autumn/Winter SPF!

2020-11-29T20:52:00.000+00:00

Hey guys,

I thought I would do a blog post to remind you all to wear your SPF (Sun Protection Factor). SPF is what protects our skin from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can cause a lot of damage to the skin. The sun is also the biggest ageing factor in our lives, so if you are obsessing over what skincare product to use next, but don't wear SPF you need to stop rewind and go back to basics. SPF must be a staple in your routine!

Getting Festive with Lush!

2020-11-16T20:07:00.000+00:00

Hey everyone!

Recently I was invited to a lovely zoom event with the team at Lush Birmingham and was introduced to some of their most popular festive products. I am always drawn to Lush because of the beautiful scents that flood out the door when you walk past, but especially at Christmas time there is something extra special. I was also amazed to find out the Lush based in Birmingham city centre has its very own spa! I had no idea and have even been in the store a number of times, so I can't wait to book myself in in the near future!

Top 5 tested face masks!

2020-10-22T11:58:00.001+01:00

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Hi guys,

This week I am bringing to you some of my favourite masks. For the past five years I have used masks weekly. Depending on how my skin is feeling and what type of mood I'm in, I like to go to my bathroom cabinet and select the perfect mask for me. Sometimes it might be just for a little bit of indulgence, but sometimes it is to tackle a particular need such as a build up of oil or if my skin is in need of hydration. Masks can really work wonders in helping restore your skin and I have found doing it weekly, if not more sometimes, has really been beneficial. So in no particular order here are some of my favourites!

Potion Paris Luxury Fragrance

2020-10-13T20:38:00.000+01:00

*Ad This post contains PR samples.

Hi guys,

This week I am showcasing an amazing new fragrance brand on the block, Potion Paris are a sustainable luxury fragrance brand who create cruelty free and toxin free fragrances derived from natural ingredients. Not only do they produce high quality fragrance they also look pretty too! Let me introduce you to a new sustainable fragrance concept of returning, refilling and repeating. As a sustainable brand Potion Paris are committed to helping the environment and reducing as much waste as possible, therefore their perfumes are built on the idea of having a vial where different fragrances can be interchanged. This then reduces waste on packaging but Potion Paris also reward you for returning used perfumes.

Dermalogica Favourites!

2020-06-30T10:37:00.001+01:00

*AD - This post contains PR samples

Hi guys,

As you know I have been working with Dermalogica as a skinfluencer now for a couple of years and I have been lucky enough to try a range of their products, so I thought I would do a post which narrowed down some of my must have products. Dermalogica are a skin care brand which are held in high esteem as their products actually work and are suitable or all skin types. Their products are vegan and cruelty free. Before I worked with them I honestly thought their products were just for problematic skin but I was completely wrong. They have products for all skin types and ages. I recently had a Pro Skin 60 treatment at one of their flagship stores and it was honestly the most comprehensive facial I have ever had, completely customised to my skin and I can't wait to go back for another! Here are some of my favourite products I use at home.

1. Ultra Calming Cleanser

Now even I am surprised by this choice as my holy grail used to be the Special Cleansing Gel and I would still recommend this for any of you who are new to Dermalogica and just want a good cleanse for normal skin. However more recently I can't get enough of my Ultra Calming Cleanser. Lockdown and quarantine have had my skin in all sorts of trouble recently so I have found myself reaching for this time and time again. If you're skin is more sensitive or if you are prone to a break out I would really recommend this for your skin. It has really helped reduce any redness or irritation I have been feeling recently.

2. Antioxidant Hydramist Toner

A lovely toning mist that actively protects your skin from free radicals by creating an antioxidant shield. It moisturises and keeps you skin hydrated. It helps to prevent the signs of ageing as it contains peptides, which reduce fine lines and increase the production of collagen. I love that this can be sprayed directly onto the face and there is no need for cotton pads. It can also be used to just mist over the face through out the day to refresh makeup, or give you a quick burst of hydration on a hot day. I have found myself using this a lot recently as it is so convenient and quick to use and my skin is thanking me for it!

3. Daily Superfoliant

This daily exfoliator has become a firm favourite of mine. You may have read about my love for the Daily Microfoliant in previous posts, well think Daily Microfoliant's big sister. It has slightly more impact and is perfect for ageing skin and is part o the Age Smart range which is fast becoming a favourite of mine. It is suitable for skin that may be oily as it has activated charcoal in it and Niacinamide for those pesky open pores. This can be used daily and really leaves my skin feeling so clean and resurfaced. Similar to the microfoliant you activate with water, turning it into a grainy paste and apply to the skin in circular motions. If you have ageing skin I would definitely recommend you try this.

4. Phyto-Nature Firming Serum

This serum is my holy grail and I would say if there was only one product you wanted to try it would have to be this. It has visibly reduced signs of ageing in my skin especially around my eye area. The amount of hydration in one pump of this is astounding, my skin is left feeling so plump and supple. The results are instant for me, I automatically see a revitalising effect. The serum is dual phase and pumps two serums that mix into one in your hands. It is made to lift and firm as it contains Biomimetic Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid which literally fills out any fine lines instantly. My skin is literally left looking bright and has a healthy glow every time I apply it.

5. Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque

A lovely masque that just resets the skin. It is packed with goodness and anytime my skin is feeling lack lustre, or dry or is just in need of some TLC, one application of this seems to sort it out. It contains concentrated vitamins A, C and E and once washed off my skin feels so soft. I use this once a week and it is a little bit of luxury for my skin. What I love about Dermalogica products is that they give you long lasting effects too, the masque shields your skin from free radicals which are damaging and ageing. This is altogether a lovely nutrient rich cream masque.

6. Bio lumin C Eye Serum

I just couldn't do a favourite post without including the Biolumin C eye serum. I absolutely love it. Packed with vitamin C it brightens under eyes and I can vouch for this as I have an 8 month old! I have used this consistently for the 9 months and it just perks up my under eye area. I like to apply a hydrating cream on top for extra moisture as this is only a serum. It is potent enough to work wonders on your eye area but also uses natural Arjun tree and mushroom extracts as the eye area is a very delicate space.

7. Rapid Reveal Peel

Another must have product has to be the Rapid Reveal Peel. This is an at home professional quality exfoliating treatment that will leave you with brand new skin, literally. It contains AHA's, Lactic acid and fermented plant enzymes that work together to give you a strong exfoliation. This is perfect to use weekly or even every other week. If your skin needs a complete transformation you can even use this for three days in a row to give your skin a fresh start. It completely resurfaces the skin and with continued use can help to combat signs of ageing. You will be left with radiant skin, I guarantee it. But remember to always use SPF after as skin will be extra sensitive to light.

Before and After using Rapid Reveal Peel

8. Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30

The final product I'm going to be talking about has to be the Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30, an physical SPF that protects your skin from UVA, UVB and blue light. The product initially applies on quite thickly and is white in appearance however within five minutes of applying it completely disappears hence the name. It literally is invisible, there is absolutely no white residue left and no stickiness at all. As well as protecting your skin it also contains Mushroom Complex to help soothe and protect the skin from any redness that may be caused from the sun. For a physical SPF (i.e it actually creates a barrier to the UV rays and reflects them away as compared to a chemical SPF which absorbs the rays and converts them into heat), it is one of the best I have tried, I only wish it came in factor 50 too.

So this is my round up of my favourite and most used Dermalogica products. Have you tried any? What are your favourites?

Amina xx

*AD - Products are PR Samples. All opinions are my own.

Pixi Retinol & Jasmine Collection

2020-05-13T10:00:00.000+01:00

Hey everyone,

I was recently sent the Pixi Retinol and Jasmine Collection* and thought I would share it with you as I know a lot of people may be interested, as Retinol is one of the many skin care products that has actually been proven to work on fine lines. Retinol is part of the Vitamin A family and it directly increases the production of collagen and cell turnover, hence giving you more youthful and even looking skin. If you are anywhere over the age of 25, it is definitely recommended as this is when the skin begins to mature. As I am currently breastfeeding, I am unable to use it in my routine and therefore unable to review it, so instead I thought I would give you a quick run down on what each product has to offer as this would be a great starting point if wanting to introduce retinol to your routine.

Antipodes - Clean Beauty

2020-04-29T11:41:00.003+01:00

Hi Everyone,

This week, I am talking to you about a new brand that I was introduced to, Antipodes. Antipodes is a New Zealand-based brand as the name might suggest, whose products are all 100% natural and made from plant based ingredients that are tested and validated on human skin cells, not animals. Let me just start with saying wow, and how amazing this is for all products to be 100% natural as well as scientifically validated. I feel like this is so hard to find and quite rare so I was intrigued to see how the products would work on my skin. They are also certified vegetarian and vegan. So far, so good, right? Well there is a lot more where that came from.

Baby No.3: The Fourth Trimester

2020-04-01T20:05:00.001+01:00

Hi Guys,

Gosh, it's been a minute, hasn't it. Things are getting so busy now baby is getting older, I literally don't get a second to myself. Long gone are the days of two hour naps where I could actually get stuff done! But I really have been looking back at the first three months of Lana's life and I thought I would write a blog post on what is the fourth trimester! The first three months of baby's life really should be treated almost like another trimester. Let me explain.

AD | My Combination Feeding Journey

2020-01-27T10:00:00.000+00:00

Hi guys,

This week I am talking about my combination feeding journey. I have combination fed with all my children and so I thought I would share with you what has been a bit of a roller coaster of a ride. With all three, I have initially struggled to breastfeed to some extent, be it latch issues or not producing enough milk but third time round I have come to accept it for what it is, without questioning why. Although I intended to combination feed, I always hoped somehow that I would be able to exclusively breastfeed, that unlike my other two experiences I would be overflowing with milk and have a baby with a perfect latch, but this hasn't been the case.

3 Steps to Luscious Lips

2020-01-08T21:03:00.004+00:00

Hi Everyone and Happy New Year!

This week I am bringing to you three products that I have been using to keep my lips in good condition this winter! Recently my lips have been so dry and I feel like no matter how much water I am drinking it has no effect on the condition of my lips. So I decided to take things into my own hands and have found the perfect routine to getting them looking fab. Lips are an important thing to me as when you are talking this can be one of the first things people see, so having them in good condition is a must.

Body Care Favourites

2019-12-10T14:20:00.001+00:00

Hi guys,

This week I am bringing to you some of my favourite body care items. We spend so much time making sure our skincare on our face is right but often forget how important the skin on our body is too. I am totally guilty of this at times, especially when I'm in a rush, but I pay for it later when my skin becomes dry, grey looking and dull. Winter is the worst time of year for my skin on my body. The wind chill in addition to the heating being on constantly is a bad combination. I have put together a post of some of my favourite items that I have been using for a while now that keep my skin feeling great.

Baby No.3: My Birth Story

2019-11-21T21:13:00.000+00:00

Hey my loves,

This week, I'm bringing to you my birth story for baby number three. I gave birth to Lana Rose on Tuesday 15th October at 12.15am, weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces. The birth probably didn't go as well as I had imagined it would due to how quickly she came, but honestly, when I take everything into consideration, it could have been a lot worse. I thought I would also share what I used to help get me there.

Pregnancy No.3 : My Third Trimester

2019-10-30T11:04:00.002+00:00

Hey guys,

So if you read my posts regularly you are probably wondering why there is no second trimester post. To be honest it's because the second trimester flew by and didn't really cause me any problems whatsoever. This is typical of the second trimester and probably the first time in my pregnancies where , dare I say it, I actually enjoyed the pregnancy!?!? (Reading this back I would say that's taking it too far lol) Compared to my first trimester (click here for post) the second trimester was the complete opposite. I wouldn't say everything completely disappeared but there was nothing apart from a small scare (a heavy bleed which is still unexplained) which really fazed me.

ICONIC LONDON Brow Silk Review

2019-09-24T13:30:00.002+01:00

Hey everyone,

Recently Iconic London had a 20% sale on and I had got a little birthday money so I decided to purchase a few beauty items as I hadn't splurged on myself in a while. Because of the sale, it meant I got the newly released Brow silk for £16 rather than the usual £20 so I was chuffed with my bargain. Surprisingly, I haven't actually bought any of Iconic's other products but have tried their Illuminating drops and really liked them. So it's not really a brand I was familiar with but the brow silk really appealed to me.

Summer Holiday in North Wales

2019-09-11T11:38:00.001+01:00

Hi guys,

This week I thought I would bring to you a little round up of what me and my family got up to in the summer holidays. The children are back to school now, so I have finally had the opportunity to write about our little getaway. This year, as I am quite heavily pregnant, we decided to go on holiday in the UK instead of abroad and we picked Wales as we absolutely love it there. One place we hadn't visited before was North Wales, so when we heard good reviews about the Haven based there, we decided to book it and give it a go.

Biscuiteers

2019-08-07T21:19:00.000+01:00

Hey Guys,

This week I am posting a review of a biscuit brand called Biscuiteers. These aren't ordinary biscuits though, as they can be delivered to your door and come in a variety of styles, as I found out when I was gifted some by the brand for my birthday next week! They arrived at the perfect time as it is also my daughter's birthday this week so double the celebration.

Pregnancy No.3 : My First Trimester

2019-07-10T10:43:00.000+01:00

Hey guys,

So by now you should know that I'm pregnant! I decided to document my first trimester in a diary format, so parts will be as I am experiencing it and there may also be comments from me reflecting on it later. Even though my blog started off as a motherhood and beauty blog, more recently I have focused a little more on the beauty side of things, but please expect to read more of my experience in pregnancy. The interesting thing is I started my blog nine months after the birth of my second child. So even though there are a lot of post-natal posts (click here) there are no pre-natal ones, so I am making sure I document how I feel every step of the way!

7 weeks

How can I feel so lifeless when I have never been more full of life? I'm pregnant, and the reality is I'm exhausted, not just from feeling tired but from feeling sick, from being constipated, from the smells that are the most overpowering they have ever been. This is my third pregnancy. so you might say you knew what you were getting yourself into. Yes I knew, but when reality hits, there's nothing quite like it.

Glowy Makeup Look!

2019-06-26T13:26:00.002+01:00

Hi guys,

One of my highest requested make-up looks is a glowy, natural, nude look. I recently did a poll on my instagram stories and this came up as favourite compared to other looks such as a smokey eye or bold lip. So I decided to create one using some fantastic products I received recently.

The first thing I will say is that when it comes to creating this type of look your skincare before the make-up application has to be on point. The skin needs to be really hydrated and prepped. So to start with I exfoliated using *Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, which exfoliates the skin and leaves you with a smooth surface. I then applied *Pixi Glow Tonic Toner and Glow Serum for that extra boost of Glycolic acid, which will reveal new skin cells. I finally applied my *Dermalogica Prisma Protect moisturiser with SPF 30.

A country escape to Chicheley Hall & an announcement!

2019-06-12T12:17:00.003+01:00

Hi Guys,

This week, I am bringing something a little bit different to the blog. Recently, I was invited to a one night's stay at *Chicheley Hall in Newport Pagnall (near Milton Keynes) for me and a plus one. It is a grade II listed, 18th century mansion that is being used as a hotel and wedding venue. It had come at the most perfect time as I needed a little escape from my busy mum and work life (I'll explain why a little later). I couldn't even remember the last time Aaron and I had spent the night away. At first, I wasn't even sure about where Milton Keynes was, as I had never been before but was pleasantly surprised that it was only around one and a half hours drive from Birmingham, so not too far, but far enough to feel like I had got away from the chaos of the city.

Recent Favourite Beauty Bits!

2019-05-15T13:15:00.001+01:00

Hey guys,

It has been absolutely ages since I last did a favourites post so I thought it was about time as I have been using a few new products recently. The products are a mixture of skincare and make-up and are all amazing so that's why they made the post.

First up we have a few make-up products I picked up from Pat McGrath Labs when I was in London a few week ago. Selfridges London currently have a pop-up which I'm hoping will become permanent across Selfridges stores as the make-up is beautiful. I have been waiting quite a while since PML was released online in the UK as I wanted to go and swatch products in store. If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen my arm full of swatches and I spent a good hour in the store going through all the products and picking what I wanted carefully.

I purchased the Fetish Eyes Mascara (£26), which is amazing and building length, volumizing and curling lashes. It literally does all three. You can also achieve different looks with it depending on how many coats you put on so I'm currently obsessed. I also purchased the Lust Gloss in Future Femme (£25) which is a lovely pink shade and highly moisturising. It has little flecks of glitter and I'm partial to a bit of glitter so it was definitely coming home with me. My favourite purchase has to be the Highlighter & Balm duo in Golden (£37). On one side you are given a transparent balm which is packed full of aloe, argan oil and hyaluronic acid. This gives such a natural healthy glow to the skin. I love wearing it on those no make-up days where I just want my skin to look extra dewy. The fact it has so much skincare packed in too make me love it even more. I apply to my lips and they are instantly hydrated. Similarly the gold side is also a balmy texture which makes it perfect for blending into the skin seamlessly. It literally melts into the skin to leave a glow from within. I am so happy with my purchases and love the branding on the packaging too. Pat has nailed it when it comes to her makeup collection.

Next up we have a make-up item I have been using regularly which is the Eye Majic Eyeshadow pads ** (£19.99). These are fantastic little sponge pads which have eyeshadow already applied. You simply apply directly to the lid and drag and the eyeshadow is then transferred to your eyes. Once applied I then run over with a eyeshadow blending blush just to soften some of the lines and it's as simple as that. It saves me so much time and the finished look is really effective. I have a whole tutorial over on my Instagram highlights so feel free to pop over and have a look! You get four different colours in a pack and there are 20 pairs so a great way to try a range of products.

With my skincare I have found my skin becoming more and more sensitive recently and I have even been breaking out in spots. Some are so painful I have never had spots like it before. Overall my skin has been lacking lustre and I tend to blame it on my hormones and they are a bit all over the place at the moment. Whenever my skin is feeling really bad I know I can rely on the Image Skincare Biomolecular Hydrating Recovery Mask ** (£41.95, 5 pack). This is the one sheet mask I know works and have mentioned it on the blog before. It contains volcanic water, red algae, amino acids and gives you brighter skin in one application. I was also recently sent the Image skincare Ormedic Balancing Gel Masque* (£28) which has been really helping with my sensitivity. I can see the redness in my spots calm down and it is very cooling on the skin so perfect for aggravated skin or even skin that may have been treated for example with laser or waxing. The combination of both of these products is great.

Now could I have a favourites post without including a Pixi product? the answer is no. One of my favourite skincare brands which your probably already know! I was so happy to recently find out the Glow range had been extended to include a cleanser, moisturising gel, and serum to name a few. I have spoken about the Glow Tonic many times on my blog and raved about how it is my favourite toner. So when I was sent the rest of the range I was ecstatic. I have been loving the Glow Tonic Serum* (£26) as it literally just continues to add that radiance and glow in a more potent formula. It is full of Glycolic acid which is the holy grail for exfoliating skin and regenerating new skin cells. It has particularly been good for my scarring that I have been getting from these dreadful hormonal spots.

Finally what I can't live without is my Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30 Moisturiser* (£58, 50ml) I actually have been using this every day come rain or shine however especially now with summer coming up SPF is so important! The prism protect is perfect because it is mixed in with a moisturiser so need for separate products. And I don't know about you but I am struggling for shelf space in my beauty cabinet so that's a bonus right there. It leaves no sticky residue and absorbs straight into the skin. A great product.

So this completes my recent favourites. I hope you enjoy and please let me know some of your favourites in the comments below.

Amina xx

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Natural Fusions for curly hair

2019-05-08T16:11:00.000+01:00

Hi Guys,

I thought this week I would bring you a little update on some of the curly hair products I have been using recently. I got my first curly hair cut and colour from the lovely Matt and Rosie at Spring is in the Hair salon, the UK's first dedicated curly hair salon which happens to be in my hometown of Birmingham. It was quit the experience as I have never had my curls cut dry before, but so nice to be in a salon full of curly haired people! Matt literally goes through your hair practically curl by curl until you achieve a shape that suits you. And I think by far what I am most happiest with is the colour. I wanted subtle highlights and Rosie nailed it. While I was there I was recommended the Trepadora Papaya Slip Taming Potion (£18). It is actually a life changing product for me when it comes to my curls. It literally holds every curl in place and can be left to air dry or diffuse, although I find the results better when diffusing. You are left with quite tight, rigid and crispy curls however you literally scrunch it out and your curls turn into these soft ringlets. It is just lovely so I am excited to continue using it!