The Review: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum; Shade 53

I was quite skeptic at giving this foundation a go up until last week, when I finally gave in and decided to jump on the bandwagon with other bloggers. And I'm so glad I did.

Smell

The first thing which is highly noticeable is the smell. It's infused with vitamin-rich fruits, including goji berries, lychee and pomegranate, and the smell is quite strong, but savory. Normally I don't like makeup that smells due fear of breaking out, however this one claims to be hypoallergenic, and so far there are no signs of any spots at all.

Colour

My skin is in between neutral with cool undertones, therefore finding a foundation that's a perfect match can prove to be a challenge. However, I can safely say this is the only foundation that I've found to fit my skin tone perfectly (I'm a shade 53). Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum is quite yellow-toned, therefore easier to match than other foundations.

Texture

Texture-wise I would say it's very runny due to being a serum, and it blends really well. I apply it with the Real Techniques Buffing or Expert brush, depending on the amount of coverage I want, although I would say it's quite light in that department. I'm not sure about the statement of giving a semi-matte finish, as I do find I need to apply some powder to my t-zone. However, it does not have that overly dewy finish you'd expect from a serum, thus it's also good for oily skin types.

Longevity

On the bottle it says "16 hrs radiance-boosting even, revived complexion" - if there is a foundation that actually lasts for 16 hours, please let me know as this is a bit farfetched, but I do agree with the latter. It does even out my skin tone perfectly, as I do have a tendency to get redness in certain areas.

Overall

I would give this gel foundation a 9/10 as it completely exceeded my expectations. It's texture is perfect for winter skin, which has a tendency to get drier. It doesn't feel like I'm wearing any makeup at all as it doesn't tighten my skin like certain foundations do. The lasting power is wonderful considering it is a gel, and most importantly, it covers any redness or unevenness of the skin. For €15.80, I would definitely repurchase this as an every day foundation.

Post-Drinking Remedies

While we all look forward to that night out, the same cannot be said for the following morning. Grogginess, starvation, sloppiness... although we cannot avoid these annoying sensations, I find the following remedies to help in curing a hangover.

 

1. Skin hydration

Despite having cleansed my face and applied serum upon arriving home, my skin was still begging for some a hydration boost this morning. My post-drinking skincare morning routine resembles that of the evening. After cleansing, I applied a thin layer of the Michael Todd Avocado Mango Extreme Hydration Mask and left it on for 15 minutes. My skin literally drank it up, and it felt so quenched after removing the remaining of the product with a muslin cloth. I then followed with Institut Esthederm Intensive Propolis Serum, which I received as a sample with a premium purchase from BeautyBay. I usually save this serum for days like these when my skin needs that extra boost, as I find that the propolis cleanses and deeply purifies my skin. The serum itself is very watery, hence the advice to apply it with a cotton pad. However, I use my palms to tap it gently onto my face until it sinks in, as I find that the cotton pad absorbs most of the product.

2. Water
Apart from using products, I make sure to drink water by the buckets. Dehydration from alcohol not only gives you tight and lackluster skin, but also a dry mouth, increased thirst and apathy. I sometimes like to add a slice of lemon or lime to my water as it helps to sooth my upset stomach. Anything that helps to avoid these uncomfortable sensations goes right down on my list.

3. Food
Everyone whom I spoken to about this said the same thing - after a night of drinking, the body seems to be dissatisfied with every consumption, except for junk food. This is because we crave energy-dense, fatty foods, and due to a brain chemical, galanin.

Right now I'm craving a Big Tasty, but considering my lethargy at the thought of driving to McDonalds and the absence of burgers in the freezer, I had to 'please' my stomach with this. Yes emphasis on the apostrophes, because I could still devour a Big Tasty after eating this sandwich.

Brown bread with edam cheese, tomatoes, rucola, cheeselets and basil

Despite these cravings, the best foods to cure hangovers are fruit to replace the vitamins lost, and, according to what I read somewhere, toast. Bananas are known to replace the body's lost potassium.

4. Shower
I don't know if this is a mental thing, but I immediately feel the hangover starting to wear off upon showering. Taking a shower helps to improve the circulation and opening up the pores, while being associated with relaxation. It's something I always do as soon as I wake up.

5. Paracetamol
Although I didn't take any paracetamol today, I sometimes could not resist not doing so due to a throbbing headache. Avoid taking any medication right after drinking though, as there is a high chance that it will adversely react with the alcohol in your system. If you are opposed to taking medication, massaging Tiger Balm onto your temples is a good substitute, while being completely natural.

6. Sleep 
... the best remedy to cure yourself of a hangover and make time go by faster. Sleeping can help you to avoid taking any medication, while getting rid of that groggy feeling.

Do you have any more tips on how to treat a hangover? Let me know in the comments below!

Back 2 School: Surviving School Days

Unlike abroad, college and university terms haven't commenced in Malta yet, but they're around the corner. Next Monday's Fresher's week. And am I excited... it's like I'm going into my first year at University. Except I'm going up to my third.

On campus 'working' on an assignment with Claire, from This & That

Fresher's week can be a bit overwhelming for those who are just starting, but it's actually one of the most exciting time of the term.

Socialise. Although this may seem terrifying, you're not alone. You may have your usual peer group with you, or you may be on your own. Don't lose sleep over it. Everyone's rocking in the same boat. Several students will be coming over to you from different organisations - some of them genuinely want to be your friend, others are just doing so for the sake of promoting their organisation. Apart from these people, get talking to people on your course, and avoid sitting alone in lectures. Buddy up with those whom you feel comfortable with. This helps to ooze your confidence, while encouraging you to participate in lectures.

Saying this, don't try too hard to impress others. Just don't. Also don't feel intimidated. Some people aren't worth your time. You'll make friends eventually. Joining an organisations helps, but don't get too disoriented. Focusing on lectures is more important. Most of the people who care more about the organisation end up repeating a year or two. And you don't want that. Still, make the most out of your time at university.

Creating a Facebook group for your course is another way of getting to know who's on your course. While getting to know these people better, it's a good place to share notes, ask for and receive information.

Although the first week can be a bit of a mayhem, don't take too long to settle. Start going to lectures as soon as they commence, and organise your stuff. Keep your notes updated, and if you feel you need to purchase extra notes lecturers leave at stationeries, do so. Just don't buy every book on the reading list, unless absolutely necessary. Which is rarely the case. If possible, borrow the books from the library and see the ones which are best for you. To save money, you can order the books online, or buy the photocopied versions from stationeries. A few of them are ridiculously overpriced. 

Speaking about money, spend it wisely. Having an amount of money in your smart card can be overwhelming, and you may be tempted to spend it all. Don't, you'll regret it. You'll need that money to buy books, notes, and other school-related material, which will keep cropping up until the end of the term. Of course you can treat yourself to something, or two... 

Use your free time wisely! Do go and have lunch with your friends. There are a couple of spots outside campus, and it's a nice way of catching up. But as the exams get closer, do start making appearances at the library. If you study better in groups, form a study group and meet up to revise together. It's good motivation. 

Jealous of my cat while desperately trying to study

School is what you make it. Personally, I love going to university. I hated college, but I love it here. You'll have those moments where you are buried under your books, and you 'regret' your decision, but they will be over within minutes. You may also be having friendship or relationship issues, where everything seems to be falling apart. When you leave school, you'll realise how it helped you to become the person you are. You'll find those people who'll miss it terribly, and those who are glad to have started working. 

Make the most of your school experience, and if you don't like something, there's always a way to alter it!

In between 2 of my favourite girls, while out for cocktails after an exam

Back 2 School: Breakfast Ideas

Let's face it - no one likes getting up early in the morning to prepare breakfast. But personally, I feel dangerously famished upon waking up, I could eat a scabby donkey between six bread vans. Also, breakfast is one of the most important meals, as it affects your performance throughout the rest of the day.

Everything aside, these are some quick, easy breakfast ideas you could make yourself before school or work.

Porridge

The traditional breakfast, if I could say so myself. I remember my dad telling me how they used to have porridge everyday for breakfast back in Swindon. Only he didn't make any effort to not make it sound like vomit. Instead of leaving mine plain Jane,  I spice it up a bit. You'll need:

3 tablespoons oat bran
Water
Cinnamon
Milk (I use almond)
Grapes (or any other fruit)
Holland & Barret Breakfast Sprinkle (mix of dried fruit and seeds) [It's not in the picture due to the unsightly state of the packaging... the result of me hurrying to have breakfast]

What I do is add the oats to a pan, along with water and cinnamon. I didn't include any exact measurements to these because I just calculate how much water to add (enough for the oats to not dry up), and with cinnamon... well I go a bit overboard. I just love the taste of cinnamon in everything, and it's good for your metabolism anyway.

While it's cooking, I remove the seeds from the grapes. Then after about 3 minutes, I pour the cooked porridge onto the grapes. If like me, you're always in a hurry, add some milk so it cools a bit. Then I sprinkle some breakfast sprinkle on top, and you're good to go! Or eat.

Banana Panckaes

For the pancakes:
1 banana
2 eggs

That's all yes. I found this recipe from Blogilates. I usually add cinnamon to mine for that extra bit of flavour.

For the topping:
Fruit (here I sliced a pear)
Holland & Barret Breakfast Sprinkle

Extras:
Peanut butter
Honey
Other fruit

Have a look at my other, more exciting appetizing pancakes here.

Overnight Oats

The crack of dawn breakfast. Perfect if you have a lecture at 8am and you need to run out of your house at 6.30am to avoid all the traffic and park your car in a decent parking space. This is what most university students here do. With a portable breakfast like this, you can never go wrong. All you need to do is prepare it the night before, and leave it in the fridge until the next morning.

3 tablespoons oat bran
200ml milk (I use almond)
3 tablespoons low fat yogurt 
Fruit of your choice (I chopped peach)
Cinnamon (optional)

Mix everything in a shake container and refrigerate. Pick it up the next morning and rush out of the house. Simple.

Breakfast sorted. Never again are you going to leave the house on an empty stomach. Unless you are exceptionally sluggish that is.

What's your favourite breakfast? Do you have any other quick and effortless ideas?

Back 2 School: Essentials

Today was the first day for those going to primary and secondary school. Those who will be starting college or university still have another week in waiting. While some may be dreading next Monday, others may be looking forward to it *raises hand*.

Around two weeks ago I did a Back 2 School Wish List and you guys seemed to enjoy reading it, so for this week I'll be extending the Back 2 School series.

How many times have you searched for something in your bag and couldn't find it? We've all been there. To avoid this, I have compiled a list of the essentials which should find themselves in your bag. 

Accessorize Postcard makeup bag*

I got this makeup bag last year during the Accessorize sale. I actually wanted the laptop case in this print, however they sold out before I could get my hands on one. Although it's quite big, it fits my stuff perfectly;-

Boux Avenue Pink Taffeta hand cream 

I got this as a gift when I spent €50 at the Boux Avenue shop in Sliema. Since last winter, I've never been found without a hand cream in my bag. With amber, peony and rose, this hand cream has a strong floral smell to it, while helping to keep my paws soft.

Macadamia Nourishing Leave-In cream

I bought this leave-in conditioner in a travel size on purpose. With this everywhere with me, you're hardly to see me with dry hair any time soon. 

SBR (Skin Barrier Repair) cream

This cream is targeted at very dry areas. Around a year ago I purchased it to treat my dry hands, thinking I had those of a gardener. Obviously it wasn't working because my hands weren't that dry, but I found it to work perfectly on my elbows. 

Hair grips, hair ties & GHD mirror

... for obvious reasons. Just keep the ties and grips away from the person that always asks for them. There is always someone.

Classic Carmex Nourishing Lip Balm

"IT SOOTHES. IT RELIEVES. IT MOISTURIZES." It does exactly what it says.

Moving out of my makeup bag...

AquaSan Hand Sanitiser

This anti-bacterial alcohol gel is a must-have. After getting off the bus, after sitting for an hour or so in the lecture theatre... don't even think of touching your face, or your food, before slapping this on your paws. 

Compact Wet Wipes

With their peachy scent, these wipes are sure to get rid of the smell of food from your hands. No one needs to know you had tuna for lunch.

Tissues

You still find those people who ask others for this stuff. Come on!

Nivea 48h Invisible Anti-Persperant Deodorant Spray

Not the most practical size, but they do smaller versions of these. And 48 hours of lasting power? I've never encountered any sort of product that lasted that long, but it does its job for the day.

Wrigley's Orbit White Chewing Gums

I've got mine in the 'fruity' flavour. Pop one of these after lunch, or whenever you feel your breath's not at its freshest.

All Bran Chocolate Bar

I always like to keep a snack at hand. You never know when you feel like nibbling something, and you might be unable to slip in to the canteen. While the flavour range of these bars is limited, you can substitute with nuts, or anything of your choice.

Accessorize London Notebook*

It's the first time I'll be keeping a personal notebook at hand this year at university. I've been doing it lately, and found that it's best for jotting down random ideas that come to mind. I'll be having a separate notebook to write down any homework or assignments, which I will be collecting from the KSU stand next week during Fresher's.

Laptop

It's very unlikely that I attend lectures without my Macbook Pro. I use it to take down my lecture notes, as it's quicker to keep up with lecturers. Also, it comes in handy to kill time during your frees. 

Pencil Case

This is not in the picture as I still need to buy it. I will be looking for a long, slim one that's easy to fit in most bags, rather than the bulky one I carried around last year.

Do you have any other essentials you would add to the list? Let me know!

Happy shopping! :)

* These haven't been restocked and I couldn't find any links.

The Autumn/Fall Tag

Autumn leaves - Image from Google

 

 While going through my usual routine of reading new blogs during breakfast, I came across this tag post. It seemed appropriate to do a post about autumn, and it's one of my favourite seasons along with winter.

Favourite thing about Autumn?

The changes it brings with it - weather, clothes... eveything!

Favourite drink?

Warm almond/coconut milk with honey.

Favourite scent/candle?

Cinnamon & Citrus scents.

Best lipstick?

Rimmel London Kate Moss in shade 107.

Go-to moisturiser?

Face: I prefer to use a serum in the evening, and the one I'm using at the moment is Michael Todd Hydration Boost serum. In the morning I'm using the Pai Geranium and Thistle moisturizer.

Go-to colour for the eyes?

Brown smokey eye.

Favourite music to listen to?

At the moment; Of monsters and men.

Favourite outfit to wear?

Oversized jumper, skinny dark jeans, long boots, chunky scarf and satchel.

Autumn treat?

Muffins! I'm gonna try and get into baking more this season.

Favourite place to be?

Under my blanket watching episodes on a rainy day, with a cup of tea/warm milk :)

I tag:

Charlene: http://acosmeticaffair.blogspot.com/

Claire: http://tat-claire.blogspot.com/

Josie: http://www.fashionmumblr.com/

:)

Facial Skincare Wish List for A/W

Just as the weather starts to change, so does our skin. The sweaty, moist surface starts to parch up, becoming more tight and dehydrated.

Since I started getting more into skincare, I decided how vital it is to change products according to your skin's needs. So here's my wish list for the coming seasons.

Morning

1. Elemis Peachy Perfect Gentle Face Wash - €11.72

I want to get into using a different cleanser for morning and evening, and after searching through cleansers online, I found this Elemis Peachy Perfect one. I know the name should not draw me to a product, but it did. The fact that it says "peachy" made me believe this would be perfect for day time. Who doesn't want dandy skin just after rolling out of bed? According to the product description, the cleanser contains lemon which awakens your skin, along with other ingredients that hydrate and condition your complexion.

2. Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream - £23.00

Those of us who are blessed with dark under-eye circles *raises hand* need some sort of targeted morning eye cream. Dark circles are at their worst upon waking up, especially after a fidgety night. So instead of putting coffee in our bodies, why not put it under our eyes? Yup, this Origins eye cream contains caffeine as one of its main ingredients. To add, ginseng is known for its brightening properties. De-puffed, awakened glowing under-eyes? Yes, please.

3. Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer - £23.00

Containing the same ingredients as the one above, this moisturizer promises a glowing overall complexion. With a lightweight, oil-free formula, this moisturizer is supposed to convert dull skin into a vibrant, lustrous glow.

Evening

4. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleaner - £13.25

One of the cheapest cleansers I could find that seems to get the job done. After a day wearing makeup, I prefer to give my skin a deep cleanse. This oil free cleanser comes with a muslin cloth, which is used to polish your skin while removing the cleanser. The muslin cloth further helps to deep cleanse your skin, as the steam from the hot muslin cloth helps to open up those pores.

5. Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil - €25.00

A facial oil may sound scary, especially for those with sensitive/oily/combination skin. However, this oil is suitable for all skin types. I've come across this product on various blogs, and most of them said the same thing - how this product is not that oily. As in, it sort of dries up, and sinks into the skin upon application. Rosehip is known to be advantageous to the skin by improving fine lines and wrinkles while giving the skin its natural glow. It also balances oily/combination skin, while acting as a moisturizer for dry skin. To add, it's known for balancing out skin tone, while reducing blemishes and scars. This oil seems to have it all.

6. Pai Echium Anti-Aging Eye Cream - €34.00

If I had to have different eye creams for morning and evening, I would prefer something a bit more hydrating for night time. This eye cream is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which calm and soften the delicate area of the eye.

Evening Extras

7. Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream - €19.77

Recently I stopped using a facial scrub, but I must admit that my skin has missed that exfoliating feeling. My skin used to feel so fresh and free from impurities. If you have sensitive skin, make sure to opt for a gentle scrub, with very fine and soft grains in order to prevent skin irritation. Rinse away the scrub with warm water instead of cold; it further helps to clean those pores.

8. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask - £25.00

There has been a lot of hype about this product amongst bloggers, and I can't wait to try it out. Since the skin gets more dehydrated in winter, I prefer to add a hydrating mask to my routine. This Origins Overnight mask replaces your usual evening moisturizer, and you apply it around 30 minutes before going to bed, and as the name suggests, you leave it overnight. Your skin will drink it up, and in the morning you're supposed to wake up with vibrant, hydrated skin. The avocado and apricot kernel oil help in injecting that moisture back in your skin.

As stated, this is a wish list, therefore the above are not personal reviews of the products. However, I have discreetly researched them online and compared them to other products. Hence why they ended up in my wish list.