REVIEW || PIXI BY PETRA VITAMIN-C RANGE (AD/GIFTED)

*This post contains gifted items.

Pixi has to be one of my favourite skincare brands, and believe me when I say that I've tried a lot of drugstore brands. The price point isn't too high, the quality is superb and the packaging is cute and not OTT. I'm so pleased to be an ambassador for the brand and very grateful to have received their whole vitamin-C range to try out for myself. 

If you're a Pixi fan then you might already know about their amazing glycolic acid toner which can be a bit harsh on certain skin types, so the vitamin-C range might actually be a better option for you. However, if you're interested you can read my review of the Pixi Glow Tonic here.

2020 || SUMMER SKINCARE WISHLIST

*The images used in this post have been taken from the Cult Beauty website, and are not my own.

I haven't bought any skincare since December 2019, can you believe it?! I have so many unused products put away in the drawers that I wanted to get through before buying new products to try, but I can't help but create a wishlist of a few products I am dying to try! To be honest with you all, I have never tried any of these brands other than a couple of body products from Caudalie which I really liked. I'm hoping that my family members will come across this post and decide to treat me to something nice 😂

REVIEW || GARNIER SKINACTIVE ROSE SOOTHING GLOW MIST AND ROSE SOOTHING TONER

I've never really been fond of rose-scented products as I had an allergic reaction to a Lush product before. It was hard for me to get used to the scent of these two products at first as I found them slightly overwhelming, but now that my skin is used to them I have really been enjoying using the products.

REVIEW || LANCOME HYPNOSE MASCARA & LANCOME BONUS TIME - IS THIS THE ONLY TIME YOU SHOULD PURCHASE LANCOME PRODUCTS?

Lancôme is one of the most known and loved high-end beauty brands out there and there is a good reason for it. They sell their Hypnose mascara every 15 seconds across Europe and you can’t blame people for stocking up on this beauty.

I don’t want to give too much away from this review just yet so carry on reading for my opinion on this mascara and whether it’s worth your money.

The packaging:

I believe that the brand is known for its very luxurious and sleek packaging and this product does not disappoint. The mascara handle is narrow on the tip making it easy to grip and manoeuvre for the most precise application. I like holding the mascara by the tip to add on extra volume after applying the first coat.

The wand is quite thick with a lot of bristles for more precise application. The bristles are quite short which allows the wand to get very close to the lash line for a ‘false-lash with liner’ effect.

The formula:

The formula of the Hypnose mascara is different to most I’ve tried before as it applies absolutely beautifully from the first use up until the last, meaning that even when it dries out it still works just as well as it did the very first time I used it. The product doesn't feel sticky, it feels more smooth and creamy to touch (yes, I have touched the actual mascara to check the texture).

The longevity:

I have currently been using the travel size version of it which I received as a part of the free gift with purchase, and I must say it has lasted me nearly two months! I was told that a full-size mascara should be replenished every 8-10 weeks because of the hygiene reasons and best effect but it can usually last me around 4 months with daily use so I tend to pick up two every time they’re on gift! The product itself lasts all day/night long on my lashes and doesn't seem to wear off at all. Having very fair blonde lashes I find some mascaras difficult to cover my full lashes as no products ever seem to reach the roots of my lashes, but this mascara is definitely the best one I have tried so far that gently combs over my natural lash and defines my eyes without clumping.

The Overall Verdict:
Obviously, if you are reading this review then you are already considering whether to purchase the Hypnose mascara or not. Let me make this decision a lot easier for you - BUY IT. Try it out, if you don't like it or feel like it's not doing anything for you then return it back to the retailer, but I promise you that you will not be disappointed with this product. £25 might seem like a lot to spend on a mascara but this can last you up to 6 months which will only make it £4.30ish a month which will actually save you a lot of money as you don't need many coats of the product for the desired effect, but you might go through one drugstore mascara a month which will cost you £10-£12 a month.

Lancome Bonus Time - Gift with Purchase
To be honest with you, I didn't even know what 'gift with purchase' was until I started working in the beauty industry. I always assumed that high-end makeup brands never offered any samples or gifts, so I stayed within my budget and continued to purchase drugstore branded makeup. After finding out about the bonus time I was in shock because you could actually receive nearly £200 worth of free gift just by picking up your favourite products! I know I will most likely only purchase Lancome products when they have bonus time unless I run out of my beloved Hypnose mascara then I will just have to buy it anyway, but I know it's worth every penny!

I usually buy my makeup from House of Fraser in Nottingham as I want to support my friends and their businesses in the store. I believe that Lancome has bonus time twice a year - once in March and once in September. This year was the first year I bought enough Lancome items in one transaction to qualify for the free gift with my purchase. In March I bought two sets of the Hypnose mascara as I know how much I love the product and as the third item I bought the Honey Foaming Cleanser which melts makeup away (it's great).

As a free gift, I received:
- full-size Micellar water £23.50
- full-size Rose Sugar scrub £30
- travel size Hypnose mascara £8
- travel size Genifique serum £11
- sample size Teint Idole Ultra Wear foundation £5.50
- travel size La Vie Est Belle perfume £7
- travel size Absolue day cream £39
- travel size Absolue night cream £45
- travel size lipstick £10

More recently, in September, I purchased a Monsieur Big mascara set, Gel Eclat cleansing gel, and Creme Mousse foaming face wash. This time I already knew that I really liked the honey cleanser and thankfully it was a part of the free gift this time around so I thought I'd try something else.

As a free gift, I received:
- full-size Honey Foaming Cleanser £24
- full-size Hydra Zen Jelly mask £31
- travel size Hypnose mascara £8
- travel size Genifique serum £11
- sample size Teint Idole Ultra Wear foundation £5.50
- travel size Hydra Zen day cream £12
- travel size Hydra Zen night cream £13
- travel size comforting toner £8.50

I really hope that this post has helped you decide if Hypnose if the best mascara for you, I absolutely love it and I can't imagine myself replacing it with any other mascara, but I cannot wait to try the Monsieur Big mascara as this is my Mum's favourite.

Have you tried any of the products mentioned above? Would you recommend any other Lancome items for me to try for my next purchase?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

2019 || JANUARY FAVOURITES

Origins Night-a-mins £32:

This is hands down my new favourite night cream. I used to really enjoy wearing Decleor Neroli Oil or Night Balm but I’ve been completely diverted. Night-a-mins has recently had its formula changed to fruit-derived acids to make it more effective as a treatment and more environmentally friendly. The cream consists of grape, apple and beetroot acids which help resurface the skin as well as peel the dead skin cells off overnight. It took me a couple of weeks to get used to this product as I found it a bit tightening at first which gave away an uncomfortable sensation on my cheeks, but now I use it daily and can’t imagine myself going back to anything else.

MAC 217s blending brush £21:

I don’t know what I did before I got this brush. It has honestly changed the way I apply my eyeshadow, making it so easy to blend any harsh lines or shadows together. I bought this brush exactly a year ago for my 22nd birthday and I got another for Christmas last year which will make my life much easier because I won’t have to wash the brush as often if I’m in a hurry (I try to wash my brushes at least once a week). Even though this brush is very expensive, it really is worth every penny. Especially now that the bristles are synthetic instead of real hair (much more environmentally friendly) it makes it a lot easier to blend all sorts of eyeshadows and it doesn’t shed at all. I think this is definitely a great brush to add to your collection and a staple in my daily routine.

Papier Disney dotted notebook £12.99:

I first came across this brand after seeing it on the Tribe app and once I saw that Papier sells Disney themed notebooks I had to get one. They offer quite a big variety of different styles and types of notebooks and diaries but for my first one, I picked this Alice in Wonderland one. I’ve been wanting to start a proper bullet journal for months now so when’s the best time for one if not now? I started filling this one out in the last week of December last year and I can’t seem to put it down. I also use another dated diary for everyday use but I enjoy the fact that I can customise my bullet journal to my needs. You can get £10 off your first order when using this link.

Heather Morris’ The Tattooist of Auschwitz £4:

I bought this book back in October and attempted to read it twice but couldn’t really bring myself to sitting down and focusing on a book due to some personal issues I was going through. Now that I have finally made time for myself I managed to finish this book in a couple of weeks time and wow, it is bloody brilliant. The writing is phenomenal and the way that Heather described Lale’s story is so personal and made me feel all the emotions in the world! If you haven’t read this already, please do - you won’t regret it.

Soap & Glory The Scrub of Your Life £7:
This is a gem that I re-discovered at Christmas when I received a large Soap & Glory set from my partner. I forgot just how good this smells and makes my skin feel after cleansing. Thankfully, the brand has stopped using microbeads in their products in 2014 (according to their Twitter account) which is why I was happy to start using this product again. I find that the product works well on its own, however, I prefer to use it with exfoliating gloves for a super smooth effect on my skin. If you haven't already tried this scrub then I suggest you do as it smells great and will make your skin feel brand new!

What have you loved this January?

*This post includes affiliate links.

Lots of love,

Maya xo

REVIEW || SUPERDRUG VITAMIN E SKINCARE REVIEW - DUAL PHASE CLEANSING OIL, MICELLAR SOLUTION, OATMEAL EXFOLIATOR & HOT CLOTH CLEANSER

If you’re like me then you’re always looking for good and affordable skincare. We’ve all heard of Origins, Clinique, Liz Earle etc but these labels also carry a high price tag with their great products. Since coming across Superdrug’s Vitamin E range a few years ago I wanted to pick up a few of their skincare products and give them a proper go before reviewing them for you guys.

Vitamin E Gentle Oatmeal Exfoliator £2.99:

I have previously tried the Oatmeal Exfoliator and loved the smell but didn’t really remember the product so I had to buy it again and see if it was any good. As I already mentioned, the scent is really nice - it reminds me of a Lush soap I’ve had before. It feels very gentle on the skin as it’s sort of creamy but the oat grains are effective enough to scrub away the dead skin cells and sebum. I do find that the grains get stuck in the tube a bit making it harder to squeeze the product out but as long as the little nozzle is cleaned after every use it shouldn’t get blocked.

Vitamin E Dual Phase Cleansing Oil £2.99:

When I picked this cleansing oil up I was really excited to try a new cleanser that will remove my makeup properly - including my waterproof mascara. I thought of this as a more affordable and cruelty-free alternative to Clinique’s Take The Day Off makeup remover which is one of my favourite products, but for obvious reasons (not being cruelty-free & price) I want to find a perfect alternative. At first, I thought that this oil was a bit rubbish as the bottle would leak after I applied some product to a cotton pad, it really got on my nerves as this would happen every time I used it!

The instructions say to shake the bottle to combine the two oils and then apply to a cotton pad ready to use to take any makeup off as well as to cleanse the skin from any impurities to leave the skin feeling clean and soft. I can say that this oil does work in a very similar way to the Clinique makeup remover, however, it doesn’t take waterproof mascara off as well which is slightly disappointing. It feels lovely on the skin as it glides on over the face and melts the makeup away but I feel like I need to double cleanse after (which I always do regardless of the makeup remover I use) therefore this might not be the right product for you if you want something fuss-free an easy to use, but at only £2.99 I think it’s definitely a product worth trying.

Vitamin E Gentle Micellar Solution £2.99:

I really love the scent of this micellar water, it smells very fresh and sort of sweet (similar to the exfoliator). This micellar water is designed to remove makeup and any impurities from the skin but I used it as a toner after double cleansing my skin. It’s an okay cleanser, I don’t think it takes off any makeup off however it feels great on the skin as a toner but that’s the only use I get out of it. I've noticed that my skin felt softer since using this product but it still has quite a lot of texture so personally, I don't think this works as a very good toner either, so for £2.99, I can’t be mad but probably won’t buy this again.

Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser £4.99:

Well, where do I start? I had really high hopes for this cleanser, especially after hearing that it’s a great dupe for the Liz Earl one. When I opened the box this cleanser came in, I found a cloth inside which I thought was a very good addition to the product as not everyone owns a face cloth (I have around 10 because I obviously lack self-control). The first time I tried this product I thought it was okay and it did cleanse my skin nicely but I had a feeling like it wasn’t enough so I’d always use a scrub after because I didn’t want to leave my skin feeling congested. Another time I used this was a completely different story and, to be honest with you, it was the last time I used this. My face was burning and carried on stinging after I removed the product. I don’t know what it was that made my skin react so badly but I haven’t touched it since. It does say on the bottle that it’s suitable for sensitive skin but I wouldn’t recommend it if you suffer from acne, rosacea, dry flaky skin etc. So this little guy will definitely not make it back into my bathroom cabinet unless they change the formula or create one for very sensitive skin!

Have you tried any products from the Vitamin E range? I know there are so many more, so if you’d like me to review any please let me know in the comments section down below!

*This post contains affiliate links.

Lots of love,

Maya xo

SS18 ESSENTIALS FOR BEAUTIFUL LOOKING FEET

Ever since I can remember I have always struggled with taking care of my feet as nothing seems to work. My feet are naturally quite dry and sensitive, so when I do apply some sort of ‘special’ foot cream it starts to sting and makes it unbearable for me to walk. This is why I started to try different products, and instead of spending loads of money on regular pedicures, I started to do them myself. I will write a full routine post for you later on but for now, let's focus on my new favourite foot care product.

The foot cream I recently tried out has become my new holy grail skincare item. I came across it when I went on a shopping spree with my mum, and I wish I bought more! It is the Origins' Reinventing the Heel Mega Moisture for Dry, Cracked Feet and retails at £24 so it is quite pricey. I have had it for nearly 3 months now and been using it on and off and have noticed amazing results. Because of the salicylic acid in the cream, it strips the dry skin off while moisturising the fresh layer ensuring your feet are very soft and comfortable. Since I've been using this foot cream it has really boosted my confidence when it comes to having my feet out and wearing sandals and other shoes that expose a bit of my heel.

Because of the lovely weather we've been having, my love for sandals keeps growing, so when I was offered to test the services of FootWay I was beyond excited. Anyone who knows me or reads my blog will know how much I love shoes and that I buy about 3 pairs a week. I have always loved Birkenstock shoes, so just had to get a pair with the voucher I was offered by the company. The pair I decided to go for was the Arizona Regular Birkoflor Myda Espresso which were only £60 in the sale compared to the usual price of between £75 to £90 - bargain! They are sooooo comfortable and make any outfit look super cute, even though you might think they’re granny shoes! I would usually pair them up with a pair of high waisted skinny jeans and a flowy top, or a midi dress in the summer. 
The FootWay website is very easy to navigate as it asks for your shoe size and it can either show you all brands sorted by price or you can select the type of shoes you're looking for. There are many styles to choose from and I struggled a lot picking a favourite pair (because I love all shoes) but have found shoes that are perfect for me. They don't look too bulky on my feet which is great as I find that many buckled sliders look a bit manly, the colour is also very nice as it's a brown-black shade with speckles of glitter (yay). I would highly recommend FootWay for those looking for shoes on a budget as they offer new collections as well as discontinued pairs. I couldn't be happier with the service I received, plus the delivery only took 3 working days which is always a plus especially if you need some shoes for a special occasion or before a holiday! These will definitely be coming with me to Majorca this year.

So my summer essentials for 2018 are the Origins foot cream, fresh pedicure and a comfy pair of sandals. What are your essentials for beautiful looking feet?

*I was sent the pair of shoes to review by FootWay. This post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.

Lots of love,

Maya xo

REVIEW || THE NEW AND IMPROVED MOISTURE SURGE 72-HOUR AUTO-REPLENISHING HYDRATOR

Some of you may already know that I recently started working for Clinique, and I couldn't be happier to be sharing one of my all-time favourite products with you. The original Moisture Surge Hydrator has been around since 1980's and has not been spoken about enough. Moisture Surge has been labelled the UK's number 2 best-selling moisturiser of all time which is very well deserved. I have tried many moisturisers for my oily-dry combination skin and none of them seemed to work as well as this one.

The first Moisture Surge I have tried was the newer version which was released in 2012 (I think) and I absolutely loved it. It felt very lightweight and soothing on my skin and made the perfect base for my makeup. The new, and improved version, however, is pretty much the same texture as the previous one but with more benefits.

The inspiration behind this miracle in a jar was to bring our skin to a baby-like condition. As we mature, our skin loses its ability to create its own hydration, becoming drier and losing its natural suppleness and healthy glow. Now, the new Moisture Surge 72-Hour Hydrator has been designed to keep your skin hydrated for up to 72 hours from within the dermis even after washing your face! This, of course, does not mean that you shouldn't apply the product twice a day, but what it does mean is that it will deliver a continuous flow of hydration to every living layer of the skin - sort of like watering a plant you can see the water sink in to the roots and that is exactly what this product does.

There are actually 7 different ways you can use your Moisture Surge Hydrator, which make it so much better value for your money! These include:
5-Minute Moisturising Mask - apply a generous amount to your entire face and wash off after 5 minutes for a hydrating face mask.
Cuticle Treatment - tidy up your cuticles in seconds by massaging the product over each nail bed to soften and soothe dry and rough cuticles.
Frizz Fighter - get rid of frizzy hair by applying a dime-size amount onto your palms and running your hands lightly through the ends or any frizzy bits.
Glow on the Go - apply a small amount of the product on the back of your hand alongside a thick swatch of the Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight, mix both products in together and apply the mixture to the high points of your face as you would with a liquid highlighter.
Dry Spot Soother - apply a small amount directly to any dry spots in need, even over your makeup.
Sheer Bronzer - mix in a liquid bronzer then blend the mixture all over your face for a sun-kissed glow.
Wow Now Practice - apply Moisture Surge onto the back of one of your hands and dab over with face powder - apply only powder onto the other hand and compare results - you should see how smooth the hand will look where you've used the hydrator.

My initial thoughts on this new Moisture Surge are that it made my skin feel like velvet and baby-like. If you've read my Porefessional review you will know what sort of feeling I meant by this, but it is quite indescribable unless you've tried the product yourself. Once I've applied the Moisture Surge I let it sink into my skin for a couple of minutes, (it does have a tacky feeling to it so if you like to put your makeup on such consistencies then go right ahead as it will make it last longer) and go on to apply my makeup. I've found that my makeup sits on my skin a lot better when I use Moisture Surge 72-Hour and actually lasts longer without my foundation separating. Even after I take my makeup off, I can feel how smooth and velvet-like my skin is - this is definitely the best product of 2018 and it's only February! So, well done Clinique! You have really outdone yourself this time!

*Available in UK stores from the 2nd March 2018.

You can purchase the new Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator through their website here.

Lots of love,

Maya xo

BLOGMAS 2017 || DAY 9 - A CHRISTMAS GUIDE FOR A SPECIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE - BEST FACIALS FOR ALL SKIN TYPES FT. DECLÉOR

I recently had my very first facial and back massage done properly and I couldn't stress enough about how amazing it made me feel not only on the outside but on the inside too. I've been feeling very stressed out the past few weeks hence my lack of absence on social media and this blog (I do apologise to those who actually take their time to read my posts).
Because I work in the beauty industry, I had the opportunity to book myself for a facial and massage with Decléor for free which was amazing. At first, I was taken into the beauty room and asked to fill out a form which had a variety of skin problems/allergies etc. to fill out, so I circled my main concerns as prone to breakouts, acne scarring, redness, and oiliness. After I had filled out this form, I was asked to strip down to my knickers and cover myself in a towel and lay on my front. The masseuse then used oils to massage my back and put pressure onto my knots to get them out. You can only imagine how relaxed I had felt at this point, I do wear heels a lot so my back hurts quite a bit, but the way she relieved the pressure in my back has really helped.

Moving onto the facial, I don't exactly know what she did but I know it felt amazing during and after! I really loved the mousse cleanser and the phytopeel exfoliating peel which made my skin feel amazing. She also used this clay face mask on me which I really liked and ended up buying as she advised me to wear it overnight to have very fresh and soft skin in the morning. Overall, this was a fantastic experience and I cannot wait to book in for another treatment soon! I think one a month is vital for good skin health, and it's very affordable as you get your money back in products. I know for a fact that I'll be buying a full-size mousse cleanser and the exfoliating peel next.

Have you tried any Decléor products? Would you treat a loved one to a facial treatment?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

REVIEW || INDEED LABS Q10 BOOSTER & EYSILIX 2 TOTAL EYE RESCUER - SKINCARE ITEMS TO START USING IN YOUR 20'S

Now that my 22nd birthday is just around the corner I've been feeling the need to step up my skincare game and start using anti-ageing products. By that, I am not saying that you should start using anti-ageing skincare, all I'm trying to say is that I started to notice lines under my eyes and darker circles under them so I thought now is the time to finally start using products to aid my ageing process in the most natural and graceful way.

I was recently gifted some Indeed Laboratories products by the lovely Maddy from Bux & Bewl including the Q10 Booster and the Eysilix 2 Total Eye Rescuer and I couldn't wait to try them.
Both products are designed for fine lines and wrinkles - whether that's on your face or crow's feet, there's something available for everyone.

The Q10 Booster also helps to defend against free-radicals, is paraben, colourant and fragrance-free and on top of that feels amazing on my skin. The booster is said to be used twice a day (morning and night), either on its own or mixed with a serum, moistures or foundation - I prefer to use it on its own before moisturising, however, it also works amazingly applied onto a beauty sponge before blending foundation. I have noticed an instant glow to my skin and been trying to use this product as instructions say (twice daily), and have also seen a difference in how my skin feels and looks. The Vitamin E and Vitamin C which slow down the ageing process and are antioxidants that get rid oxidant chemicals that are caused by literally everything.

The Eysilix 2 is a 'total eye rescue cream formulated with peptides, ceramides, extracts and probiotics to help instantly smooth wrinkles and reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes'. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it sort of is... just like the Q10 booster, this eye cream is free of parabens, colourants and fragrance, and feels amazing on the skin. It's very light-weight and absorbs really quickly so it doesn't mean that you'll have to get up early in the morning just to fit in a new skincare routine as this one only takes a couple of minutes! I do find that this fills up the lines around my eyes nicely and allows my makeup to sit on top of my skin without sinking - I did tell you it was a dreamy product!

These two are honestly some of my new favourite skincare products and I would highly recommend them to all who are wanting to start an anti-ageing skincare routine as these are suitable for all skin types - even sensitive so you can't really go wrong with them now, can you?!

You can purchase the Q10 Booster here, and the Eysilix 2 here.

Lots of love,

Maya xo

REVIEW || OPTREX ACTIMIST 2 IN 1 SPRAY FOR DRY AND IRRITATED EYES

How annoying can dry eyes get? As a constant glasses and contact lens wearer, I find it very difficult to keep my eyes moist and ready for the day. I have naturally quite dry eyes and as you can imagine staring at a screen all day long will hurt my eyes twice as much because of how dry they get. Another annoying thing is that I wear quite a lot of eye makeup nearly every day, so when it comes to using eye drops it's a no-go as I don't want my makeup to run down my face. So, when I was sent to try out the Optrex ActiMist for dry and irritated eyes I was super excited to try it out and see if it will work well.

Brian Tompkins who is one of the UK's top optometrists says: 

“While ‘Screen Eyes’ symptoms are often mild, having irritated or gritty eyes can be a nuisance and disruptive when you’re trying to go about your day. I find that sufferers don’t link dryness or soreness to staring at their screen or recognise that it could be exacerbating their symptoms. The first step we should take as eye health practitioners is to educate people about ‘Screen Eyes’ and help them both recognise the symptoms and manage them. There is currently a lot of confusion on this topic.”

The bottle is very handy, it's small and not an awkward shape which makes it easy to carry around - even if you want to pop it in your coat pocket or clutch bag on a night out. I was sort of expecting it to look more like a nasal spray but I'm glad it comes in a cute little bottle!

Now, the instructions advise to use it on bare eyes, but you should familiarise yourself with the instructions where you will find that it is okay to use it on top of makeup but be sure to use a good eyeshadow primer as you don't want it to run! I use it in the morning and at night before bed, and anytime my eyes feel very dry and need a moisture boost.

The smell, on the other hand, is very different from what I expected it to be. I thought it'll smell like a usual glasses cleaner or something along the lines but it actually is sort of scentless but reminds me slightly of the 1 calorie cooking oil spray hahaha! I mean, it's not a bad thing but that's what I familiarise it with.

Overall, I do enjoy using this product and feel like it does help relieve my eyes after a long day of staring at a screen and reading seminar papers. I would recommend it to makeup wearers especially, as it comes in a lot handier than regular eye drops.

*This post contains a PR sample.

Are you a glasses/contact lens wearer? Would you try this mist?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

REVIEW || SKINKISSED VITAMIN C SERUM

When I first came across the brand Skinkissed my initial thoughts were 'just another serum that claims to work wonders', but oh boy, did I surprise myself when I started using it...
This is a serum which consists of Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and Collagen as the main ingredients and claims to plump up dry and dull skin, making it more vibrant and fresh as well as reducing the appearance of wrinkles and treat acne.

As I mentioned above, the serum has acne-treating properties inside which is right up my alley as I've been battling with acne since I was 11 - you can read my story here. I didn't know what to think of it at first as I've tried many products and nothing really worked for me, but I think that this is a great addition to anyone's skincare routine as it really does make a difference in how my skin looks and feels. The packaging is quite cute and reminds me a bit of medicine as it comes in a glass bottle with a pipette for easy application where you can control how much product you use. I enjoy using this serum at night so it soaks into my skin and makes it nice and soft for the next day before I apply my makeup. The instructions say to use 3-5 drops on your fingers and gently massage into desired areas (I use it on my face and neck). You need to bear in mind that if you use more drops then it will take slightly longer for it to absorb into your skin, so the less you use the more efficient it'll turn out to be.
The consistency of this serum is quite watery however it feels a little bit sticky when it's applied but that goes away as soon as it's absorbed into the skin, but I find that the sticky feeling helps keep my makeup on for longer so it's a great substitute for primer!

When I get up in the morning I begin my day with a usual skincare routine, and I have noticed a big difference in the glow of my skin which makes my makeup look a lot better as I don't need to use as many brightening products to get a natural-looking glow. You might be asking yourself one question which is 'is it worth the high price tag?', well I think it is. I've had this product for a few weeks now and been using it every day yet I still have about 3/5 of the bottle left which means that it'll last you a while. It also has a lot of nutrients in it which your skin needs, but if you were to buy all the ingredients and use them separately it would cost a lot of money and who would want to take about 7 vitamins a day when you can very easily rub some serum into your skin? I know which one I'd rather... My verdict is that this product is my new holy grail for my dull and acne-prone skin!

*This post includes a PR sample.

What are your favourite serums? Have you ever tried this one?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

HOW I CLEARED MY ACNE IN LESS THAN 90 DAYS (AD)

*Personal post alert*

I don't even know where to start... I have been struggling with bad skin for 12 years and it's something that has bothered me since I started secondary school and met some horrible people. I wasn't too fussed about having spots and looking after my skin more until I got bullied for it - how can someone say a bad thing about something so natural? Either way, I tried a great number of different products which were either a hit or miss, but all I can say is that going to see a dermatologist was the best decision I made.

I was given yet another set of pills which were so strong that if I got pregnant while taking them, the baby would have been deformed... Is it healthy to put your body at such risk just to get off some damn spots? Either way, they did go away after a year of being on those meds but along with losing spots, I have also lost my good eyesights and now will have to wear glasses for the rest of my life.

Guess what? The spots came back, haha. At the age of 21, I still feel like a hormonal teenager who can't wait to get rid of bad skin. It might be due to my contraception method (I'm on the implant) but I can't blame all my unwellness of that, can I?

When I came across Proactiv+ I thought 'it's just another brand claiming to fight blemishes', but when I received a 90-day sample to try out for myself I was very excited to try it out for myself - got nothing left to lose, eh? I researched into the company and have seen many adverts in which Jorgie Porter shares her acne story - I knew she suffered from bad skin as I watched I'm A Celeb while she was on it. So you can imagine how much I was looking forward to trying the Proactiv+ Trio (I was also sent their face mask).

Step 1: Cleanse and Exfoliate

The Skin Smoothing Exfoliator contains blemish-fighting salicylic acid and gentle exfoliating beads to slough away dead skin cells, dirt, oil, grime and makeup. It reveals fresh, smooth skin while helping to calm irritated skin as well as being oil-free and dermatologist tested + suitable for all skin types - hooray! I apply this product twice a day - once in the morning as soon as I get up, and once at night before going to bed. This exfoliator retails at £29.99 however, you can get it at a discounted price of £23.99 if you join the membership programme. I find this product very gentle for my skin without any irritation, if you have read my recent skincare routine you will already know that I have a combination skin type which makes finding the right products very difficult, so this one is honestly amazing for those who have sensitive skin.

Step 2: Target and Treat

The Pore Targeting Treatment is probably my favourite item from the collection. It's described as a blemish-fighting 'powerhouse' of the system which contains an exclusive Smart Target technology, helping to deliver salicylic acid into the pores where blemishes begin. It kills bacteria and eliminates excess oil and debris, and works deep in the pores to break down dead skin cells, dirt and sebum. Now you know why I love this product!! I feel like this treatment works very well as it pushes out all the nastiness from the debris (middle layer of the skin) which makes spots come out on the epidermis so that your skin feels fresh and clean from underneath as well as on top. I do find that when the nasties are pushed out on the surface of my skin, it makes me break out a lot but that's when I knew the product was working as it was clearing out my skin from the inside, plus the spots would only last a few days with continuous use. This little gem also retails at £29.99, and you can get it for £23.99 like the exfoliator. You get less product in this one but I would suggest buying this one over the other ones I've tried if you're after only one product.

Step 3: Hydrate and Perfect

The third and final step of the treatment includes the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator which is specifically designed to hydrate and nourish acne-prone skin. It addresses the skin tone, texture, post-blemish marks, oil, dryness, and lack of brightness. The salicylic acid helps keep pores clean and looking smaller, as well as leaving the skin hydrated, supple, smooth, even-toned and bright.
I use this as my daily moisturiser after the Pore Targeting Treatment sinks into my skin, I find it very cooling and smoothing which makes a great base for my makeup (I wear a full face of makeup most days). This moisturiser is also £29.99 but £23.99 at a member price, which will cost less than £1 a day to clear up your skin in just 90 days if you buy all 3 products.

Skin Purifying Mask:

Like I've mentioned before, I was also kindly given the Skin Purifying Mask to try out. This mask is formulated to help clear existing blemishes and help prevent new breakouts from forming. It's very tightening on the skin which makes me feel like it's actually doing something to my skin, such as clearing out and minimising my pores and getting rid of sebum. I try to use face masks once or twice a week, so I usually switch between this one and a moisturising mask each time.

The Results:

After using the Proactiv+ 90 Day 3-Step Core System and face mask, I can honestly say that I have noticed a massive difference in how my skin looks and feels. Unfortunately, I don't have a good enough image of my skin before starting the treatment but if you've been following me for a while then you'll know how bad my skin can get (the bumps are usually visible in makeup posts). I highly recommend the trio to anyone who is suffering from bad acne and has tried many products which they weren't happy with. If you're not wanting to spend a lot of money then I suggest you try out a 30 day 3-Step Core Kit with Proactiv's membership programme which allows you to get the whole bundle for only £19.99 (special discounts apply to members and occasionally regular visitors).


*The kit was kindly sent to me by Proactiv+ however, all opinions are my own. The post may include affiliate links.

Would you try the Proactiv+ kit? Do you suffer from acne?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

REVIEW || XLASH SERUM AND MASCARA

Has anyone actually ever found a mascara that they're 100% happy with? I know that after 10 years of religiously wearing mascara (either clear, brown or black) I have become very fussy with the formula, wands, and even packaging! So when I was sent some of the Xlash products to try out I was super excited to see what all the fuss was about.

The packaging is alright, nothing fancy yet it's different to the ones I've tried before. I prefer the packaging of the serum, but having my MAC False Lashes mascara next to the other two kinds of makes them look worse - don't be fooled by the packaging though as I do not get on very well with the MAC mascara.

I love the fact that the mascara is infused with vitamin E as it's a great treatment for those with thinning lashes - I've noticed a huge difference in the thickness and quality of my lashes as this mascara doesn't pull them out when I take my makeup off. At first, I found the consistency very odd as it was crumbling off my lashes in a rubbery sort of way - if that even makes sense?? Either way, it didn't rip any lashes out which I thought was great as my usual mascaras come off with 1000 lashes every time!

I find the serum also helps with strengthening my lashes and letting them 're-charge' overnight as that's when I like to apply the product. I was expecting the applicator to be a wand but weirdly it's a liner sort of brush which makes the application a lot easier.

Here you can see the applicator which I think is fab for precise application that allows all lashes to be covered and replenish overnight. I also believe that this product will last a while even with daily usage as I've had it for a few weeks now and feel like there's an infinite supply of it!

I apologise for the quality of this photo - it took many attempts to try and get the camera to focus on the wand rather than the background but stubbornly it wasn't having any of it. As you can see, the wand is medium-sized with sparse bristles for a natural look. It's also curved for an easier application and natural curve which I love for work, especially during days like today.

Overall, I really enjoy using both products but if I had to recommend one of them then I'd say try the serum as I have honestly noticed a difference in the thickness and length of my lashes!

*The Xlash mascara and serum have been sent for me to try out and I am a part of the ambassadors' team for the company. All opinions are always honest and my own!

Have you tried or been thinking about using any of the Xlash products? If so, which one(s)?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

HOW I TAKE CARE OF MY DRY, SENSITIVE AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN

My skin has had its ups and downs recently, it gets especially bad around that time of the month. I started using new skincare products along with my old ones and I've really noticed a difference in my skin. Having combination skin consisting of an oily t-zone, dry patches, acne and being sensitive to a lot of products, makes it a lot harder to take care of.

I've been after a good exfoliating brush for a long time, and while a lot of people tend to go for the Clarisonic one I bought the Rio one for only around £13 from Asda! It was a great buy as it works really well and removes all the dirt from my skin after a long day of wearing makeup.

The Regime London Deluxe Collagen tablets have been my lifesaver during the winter months when my skin is feeling extra dry and my nails are breaking. I think it's a great supplement for those who are a bit lazy when it comes to skincare and want to look youthful with minimal effort.

One of my all-time favourite products to cleanse is the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner, as it purifies very well without leaving an oily residue on my face. I find that majority of toners don't clean well but spread dirt around - especially in the t-zone.

My recent additions to the skincare family include the Buff&Butter Tea Tree and Olive Squalane oils which are great for my skin type. I use the Tea Tree to combat spots as it dries them out and has healing properties, on the other hand, the Olive Squalane is fantastic for dry skin and leaves my face feeling like a baby if I leave it on overnight!

Ever since I bought the Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque I've been in love with it. I try to use it once to twice a week as I feel that it clears my pores so well as if I have had a facial done! If I were to recommend any face masks, it'll definitely be this one - don't be put off by the price as it is worth it and lasts a long time.

MAC's Mineralise Charged Water is great for those wanting an effective primer/setting spray but suffer from dry skin. It helped my skin look a lot dewier the past few weeks of owning it.

The biggest impulse buy was the Opatra Gentle Exfoliating Gel which I bought for £20 at the Clothes Show in Birmingham last year. I feel like it works well for getting rid of dead skin cells however, I do find it hard to believe that it isn't the product itself that is creating a shedding effect... Either way, I feel like it does something to my skin which I guess is a good thing haha!

Decleor honestly makes the most gorgeous bottles of serums. I got given this set by my mum and I must say it's great for the warmer days. The small size means it's easy to travel with and I know for a fact that I will be taking this whole set with me on my holiday to Rome.

What is your current skincare routine? Have you tried any of the products that I'm currently using?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

REVIEW || BEAUTY FORMULAS DEEP CLEANSING NOSE PORE STRIPS - A 5 MINUTE PORE CLEANSE EVERYONE NEEDS IN THEIR LIFE

As someone who has medium sized pores and wears a lot of makeup, it is hard to keep up with skincare regime that won't clog up my pores and won't remove the good oils from my skin.
I recently came across these Beauty Formulas Deep Cleansing Nose Pore Strips after watching my friend Rebekah's video (you can check her channel out here - she mentions the tea tree ones). She said they're very good at taking out all the nasty makeup residue and oils from the skin so I obviously had to go and buy some.
The good news are that these are only £3.95 for 6 strips which should last you 6 weeks if you use one weekly. I would advise doing these only when you feel like you need an extra cleanse as they are quite strong and do get rid of all the oils and clogged pores. I also have to advice against using this too often, like a few times a week, as it does get rid of the good oils from your face as well as the bad.

I was going to insert a picture of the results after doing one of these but I don't think you would want to see my nasty makeup residue from my pores haha - correct me if I'm wrong though?!

Make sure you follow all the instructions as these are a bit tricky to apply. First, you have to wet your face completely, well, the nose area anyway. Once you've done this step, peel off the strip from the plastic and apply it to the desired area. I've previously put one on my nose and chin so whatever works for you! You can also cut the strips in different shapes to use on other areas such as the forehead.

After waiting until the strip dries completely, slowly peel it off from side to side (if that makes sense?). You should now be able to see the strip pulling out all the nasties from your skin - it's so satisfying! Once you've peeled the strip off, wash your face with warm water and continue with your skincare as normal.

Overall, I think these are fantastic for the price, they're very affordable and do a great job. I would recommend these to all boys and girls who struggle with oily skin as this works wonders! Even Kieran uses them and he's the kind of lad who only uses moisturiser when he feels like it, haha!

Have you tried these before? Would you recommend any nose pore strips?

Lots of love,

Maya xo