The Ordinary Salicylic 2% Acid Masque Review

This much loved and sought after mask, is the first mask from The Ordinary’s much loved range and it goes out of stock just as quickly as those email alerts arrive to tell you that it is in stock, thankfully I was quick enough to grab it before missing out again. Meet the Salicylic 2% Acid Masque.

I love The Ordinary as a range, the Serum Foundation is one I’ve used time and time again and I have also been using the much hyped concealer, a review of which will appear soon. But this mask is one that intrigued me. Not like a mask you will be expecting, instead with its jelly-like texture, it is enriched with Salicylic 2% Acid which you might also recognise as an ingredient referred to as a BHA (beta hydroxy acid). The job of the salicylic acid is to gently exfoliate and slough all away all the detritus and debris such as dead and dry skin cells to help reduce inflammation, therefore, as it claims, making it an excellent companion for congested, blemish-prone skin types. 

The mask has a jet-black hue, which I absolutely wasn’t expecting, but it comes about because of the inclusion of clarifying charcoal and it works alongside Amazonian Clays (think Kaolin) to give you skin a really deep cleanse because they act likes magnets to draw out excess sebum, the end result being skin which is not only smoother, but also clearer and more radiant. Added to the ingredient list is Squalene, which is a great hydration booster.

Ideal for use twice a week, the Ordinary Salicylic Acid Masque must be used on dry skin. I use a spatula to apply my mask to ensure I get an even coverage on my skin and, as the instructions state, I do apply it whilst avoiding the eye area. Once on the skin, it should be left on for no more than 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. As with most products, you should ideally complete a patch testing prior to use to check for reactions. This masque should not be used on sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin and because it contains beta hydroxy acid (BHA) you will need to use sunscreen, which should be part of your daily routine anyway and limit exposure to sun for a week after use.

My skin absolutely loves this mask, I did the patch test as suggested to check before using as my skin often reacts to products which use clays as an ingredient, but thankfully no reaction occurred.  But, having rarely left the house for the past 12 months other than for a daily walk or to shop for food, spending hours working in front of my laptop has left my skin looking lacklustre and much drier than it would usually be. Having combination-oily skin, I am prone to dryness, so exfoliation and hydration are an absolute must part of my routine, a masque, like this one is a perfect once a week treat and it leaves my skin feeling just amazing, even if those on my Zoom meetings are the only one to benefit the most from my complexion.

Cruelty-free, Vegan, free from the likes of oil, alcohol, silicone, gluten and even nuts, it is priced around £10* and is just amazing, I can understand the hype and why finding it is stock can be a nightmare.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Net-a-Porter Summer Saviours Beauty Kit!

With news of the Net-A-Porter Summer Refresh Beauty Kit being launched, I am back again today with yet another kit and honestly, they are both so good I don't know which would I would choose!

The Summer Saviours Beauty Kit is said to include 'holy grail' beauty and skincare products coveted by editors and influencers alike and as with the previous kit, these products also fit neatly inside the clear travel pouch.

Priced at £85, the Net-a-Porter Summer Saviours Beauty Kit* features everything you need from skincare and makeup to lip care and eye care. Here is what you will find inside:

Contents

• Eve Lom Cleanser
• OSKIA Nutri-Bronze Adaptive Sheer Tinted Serum
• KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening and Exfoliating Mask
• REVITALASH Eyelash Conditioner
• Cosmydor E/1 Essential Care Vanilla Cream
• Summer Fridays CC Me Serum
• Amanda Harrington Perfect Body Ultimate Gradual Tan
• Joanna Vargas Forever Glow Anti-Aging Face Mask
• Joanna Vargas Bright Eye Firming Mask
• Dr Lara Devgan Platinum Lip Plump SPF30
• Shani Darden Retinol Reform Serum

As you can see, you are really getting amazing value for money given the brands included within this Beauty Kit and it is perfect for those upcoming holidays whether it is somewhere in the sun, a staycation or even a long weekend!

This Net-a-Porter Summer Saviours Beauty Kit is on sale right now, here* for just £85.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

9 Tips to Make Your Face Look More Attractive

Many people feel like their face is not attractive enough. Most probably, that’s not true, but these feelings can make you feel less confident and impact your self-esteem. While physical features depend highly on your bone structure, there are simple tricks to make your face look more appealing. However, the key factor here is to stay confident and take care of your mental health. If you love yourself and act cool, it impacts your appearance greatly. No makeup or haircut can do more than self-love does.

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In this article, you’ll find the best tips for making your face look more attractive. Read on, boost your appearance, and remember you’re beautiful in every single way.

Update Your Hairstyle

Did you know that your haircut can change the whole shape of your face? Everybody has a specific face type and there are certain haircuts that compliment each face type. You don’t even have to go to a salon to do this as there is so much information online available for you to be able to cut your hair at home. All you need is a good mirror, a comb, and some good professional scissors. If you are looking for professional scissors we suggest the best professional hair scissors from Scissor Tech.

Wear Sunscreen

The first thing you have to do in order to make your face look more attractive is to wear sunscreen. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can age your face, making you look older and tired. This can have a serious impact on how appealing you look.

Many people skip sunscreen because they don’t like the smell or it’s too greasy. There are many options available that won’t leave you feeling sticky. You can also choose natural sunscreens which are usually less greasy.

Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow is a great way to make your eyes look bigger and brighter. It’s a vital step you have to take if you want to make your face look more attractive. You can use basic colors such as brown, black, or gray to darken up the appearance of your eyes. This will make them stand out.

If you want to go bolder, you can use different shades of blue, green, or purple. As for eyeliner, choose a pencil instead of a liquid liner simply because it is much easier to apply and takes less practice getting it right.

Apply Foundation

Foundation is another way to make your face look more attractive and cover up imperfections. You can choose from different formulas which include, lightweight and hydrating foundation works best for dry skin. Full coverage and matte foundation works best for oily skin. You should always apply it with a brush as your hands can leave streak marks and a brush softens the foundation and makes it sit nicely on your skin.

To make sure that you get the right color, apply some on your jawline and blend it in. If the color doesn’t match your skin, go darker or lighter until you find the right shade to cover up your blemishes. You should also apply concealer wherever needed to hide under-eye circles or spot correct on any pimples you may have.

Apply Concealer

If you have any blemishes on your skin, use a concealer (you can also use a foundation that has some coverage) to cover them up. It will reshape your features and make them look smoother and more attractive. Just be careful not to overdo it because it can be a little cakey. Blend it very well with a sponge or a brush.

Apply Blush

Blush is another way to make your face look more attractive and reduce wrinkles. Blush is great for highlighting the apples of your cheeks but it also gives you a healthy glow and makes you look younger. When choosing a blush, you should pick something that matches the undertones in your skin. Choosing the wrong color will look unnatural and can look powdery. To apply it use a blush brush so that it blends beautifully into the skin. Start from the apples of your cheeks and then blend it all over the cheekbones.

Apply Highlighter

A highlighter is another excellent way to make your face look more attractive. It will bring out the definition in your cheekbones and create shadows on the sides of your face which makes it look sexier (you can achieve these shadows with contouring). Pick a highlighter that has a champagne/golden color and apply it where the light naturally hits, including the tops of your cheekbones, middle of the forehead, and the tip of your nose.

Wear Lipstick or Lip Gloss

Lipstick is an amazing way to make your face look more attractive because it gives you a healthy glow, makes your teeth look whiter, and boosts your confidence by making you feel good about yourself. Pick a lipstick color that compliments your hair and eyes - if you have blue eyes, go for something cool-toned like red or purple, orange. If you have brown eyes, a warm-toned red, orange or brown. If you have green eyes, pink tones will bring out their color. Lip gloss is a good choice if you feel that the matte look brings out the wrinkles around your mouth too much.

Less Is More

If you want to make your face look more attractive, avoid heavy eye makeup like cat eyes or smudgy eyeliner because it will age you and take away from other facial features. Instead, keep it simple with some mascara, eyeliner, and a little bit of highlighter (it will give definition to the eye without making them appear smaller). Eye makeup should draw attention to the eyes, but shouldn't take away from them either! Keep it simple and clean and use waterproof products so that they don't smear. It’s better to look natural than overdone! For an everyday look, try using a cream shadow instead of powder because this way you won't overdo it with shadowing the lid!

Summary

Not all of us are born with the face of a superstar, but there are many tricks you can do with makeup and skincare that will give you a more attractive face. Even big celebrities use all these tips and tricks before stepping onto the red carpet. It’s important to remember that those celebrities and superstars only look like that sometimes and not all the time, they are humans with blemishes too! By incorporating good skincare practices, using sunscreen on a daily basis, finding the right foundation and concealer for your skin type, playing with eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara, finding some complimenting shades of lipstick, and highlighting your cheekbones, you too can look great! It’s important to remember however that our outward appearance isn’t what makes us feel beautiful. True beauty only comes from the inside so remember to always love yourself, treat yourself kindly, and be proud of who you are.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Oliverum Pure Radiance Facial Oil

Olverum is one of my favourite products to turn too when I am feeling run down and have a cold on its way, their bath oil is absolutely incredible, as is the pillow spray, but today is the turn of a new product to join the Olverum family is the Pure Radiance Facial Oil.

Described as being a unique formulation of gentle, natural retinol alternatives exactingly designed to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, pores, and blemishes – restoring vitality to both your skin and your spirit. If that doesn't sell it to you, read on.

This Pure Radiance Facial Oil is Suitable for all skin types and it is not only Vegan, but also cruelty-free as well as being free from artificial preservatives, fragrance and colourants, Silicone, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Sulphates, Phthalates, Parabens, Triclosan and animal derived ingredients.  It is, however formulated with Bakuchiol, the first natural retinol alternative, to firm, plump and balance the tone of skin without causing any irritation, an ingredient my skin absolutely loves and one which doesn't get as much praise as it should. Alongside the Bakuchiol, this oil also offers vitamin rich oils which are known as F, A, C and E and they include cacay oil and rosehip oil. 

If anyone is a fan of the bath oil, which I really am, this oil has a much more subtle scent but the gentleness of the scent is incredibly uplifting. Bringing together the likes of lavender, geranium, clary sage and patchouli gives you that much needed soothing at the end of a busy day. Those busy days that come with the end of lockdown approaching means that time we spend winding down is all the more important, or at least for me it is.

To use, the advice is three drops into the palms of your hand which then naturally warms the oil, then cupping your hands around your nose, take the time to breathe in that scent, something I learnt long ago with another brand on their beginners guide to aromatherapy oils and benefits is the importance of those few minutes getting to know that oil to really reap its benefits. Once you have taken in the scent, massaging the oil onto the skin, if you have a Gua Sha tool or a roller then even better, otherwise the fingertips do just as good a job. 

This is a rich oil but it is one which isn’t greasy, it doesn’t leave a film on the skin and surprisingly it absorbs incredibly quickly and in doing so, it leaves my skin very soft and smooth to the touch.  As someone who has combination-oily skin, I always assumed using an oil on my skin would just exacerbate the problem, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. With regular use, it is said that this Olverum Pure Radiance Facial Oil not only calms signs of skin irritation but also helps to brighten, plump fine lines and reduce the appearance of blemishes and pigmentation.

Priced at £60, you can find this oil via Olverum and SpaceNk*

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.