Every Morning Glow | ORIGINS Vitalizing Energy-Boosting Moisturiser

Everyone is always after that natural radiant, sun finished glow without all of the time and effort put into it. We clean our faces, use products to help even out our skin tone and to brighten our complexion, yet we still wake up in the morning wishing for so much more. 

I received a very large and generous package of beauty products from my mum over the weekend and this little gem was in there. I must admit that this was the first time that I had even heard about this product - still wondering why I have never seen anyone rave about this – so I had little to none expectations, purely because I didn’t really know what it had to offer. I already had a moisturiser that I use every day without fail but hey, it was the weekend, and if I can’t try new products now then when can I?! 

After my little Sunday morning pamper, I prepped my face with my Elemis toner and reached out for the Origins Vitalizing Energy-Boosting Moisturiser . I only used a small amount as I hate smothering my face with products, and wow wow wow. I honestly couldn’t believe the difference in my skin. Ok so most of this shock was because I still hadn’t read any of the benefits and what it targets, but even if I had done hours of research I really can’t see my reaction being that much different. My skin was glowing, as if I had spent the morning doing a fantastic gym session or someone had made me blush or whatever, my skin was looking incredible. Even skipping foundation in the morning and just applying a bit of concealer under my eyes - because we all love to stay in bed those extra few minutes, especially when it’s dark and miserable outside.

This energy boosting moisturiser is suitable for dry, normal and oily skin types and even has a hint of tinted moisturiser – which isn’t too good for your towels if you don’t read the label before and wipe your hands in them straight after, silly me – and vows to make you look as though you ‘eat right, sleep tight & don’t have a worry in sight’… Which I can definitely stand by! There is nothing better than finding a good beauty product that makes you feel so good, and I personally find that my mood can be influenced in the mornings by the way I look. If my foundation is patchy, or if I’m bloated, or even if I have an eyelash out of place, I’m conscious of it. So that’s why I love finding products that make me feel just that little bit better so that I can have a much more satisfying and productive day.

This product is also the perfect little booster to apply before the gym, I always go with very little make up on as I feel so dirty going there with a full face applied, but this product is that perfect little something that makes you look so natural and ready for whatever. Its even better once I've finished my work out and I don't look like a sweaty mess! I applied this in the morning as my base, and after travelling around London to get to and from work, I arrive back home, walk into my bedroom and I look exactly the same as I did when I left in the morning... Result! Pair this with the Dr Andrew Weil Mega Bright Dark Circle Minimizer and you're good to go!

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

Hit The Hay With Lush Sleepy

I am either hit or miss when it comes to bed time, as in I either hit the pillow and I'm a goner, or it takes a lot of tossing and turning to even come close to shutting my eyes. Of course I have a evening ritual - I will be posting this very soon - and although it can be so relaxing, it can also be lost as soon as I get under the sheets. We can't help but over think when those lights turn off and all you have is your overactive mind... What do I need to complete tomorrow? Whats the weather going to be like? Did I check my emails before bed? Did I turn the oven off? Ooh, what shall I have for dinner? Is there really gold at the end of the rainbow? So after numerous weeks - even months - of this bad habit of welcoming the new day before falling asleep, I decided to purchase this little pot of heaven. And if there isn't really any gold at the end of the rainbow, then this definitely is there waiting for you instead.

This Sleepy Body Lotion by Lush smells absolutely amazing and the texture is so creamy which is heaven when applied. Now it might sound a little odd, but it is infused with oatmeal and lavender flowers. Together they create a beautiful relaxing scent which makes bedtime that little bit more rewarding, plus the colour of it is so pretty! The instructions advise you to cover it over your entire body, but knowing me the pot will be gone within a couple of weeks, so I just apply it to my chest, arms and neck as these are the places which I will benefit from it the most. Then you just simply crawl under the covers, become slightly obsessed with the smell of your arms for a couple of minutes and fall fast asleep!

Not only do I love the fact that it is Vegan, but it is also made from 100% recycled plastic which makes me feel so much more satisfied with this product.

Whats you favourite evening essential to help you sleep?

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

Elemis Absolute Eye Serum

I have spoken highly of this product multiple times on my post about Dark Circles and 6 Essentials for the cold up and coming months, so I felt as though it deserved its own little post. I can’t even keep track of all the eye creams that I have used over the years, it’s honestly been that many, and as I suffer with that dreaded Dark Circle curse I always try and hunt down those that are suppose to ‘cure’ or ‘help’ with them.

I read so much content and I research for days about eye creams until I have pretty much found every single review on the internet. I narrow them down one by one until I've come to some sort of conclusion on make my final decision. So you can imagine my hesitation when I went ahead and bought a product that I had done zero research on.

During my mooch around Heathrow, I was initially hunting down another Elemis product, the Pro-Radiance Illuminating Eye Balm which is specifically designed to brighten and reduce the appearance of dark circles.  I had carried out my usual research on this product and I was happy with the reviews, so I was pretty much power walking when I saw the Elemis sign. But when I was approached by the very kind expert who worked there, everything changed.

I was pretty adamant on what I wanted, as this was specifically designed to target dark circles and brighten the eye area, but when I explained my situation I was told that the Elemis Absolute Eye Serum was much more suitable. I don't know how I haven't come across this product before as this is also designed for battling those unwanted shadows, but I just can't go a day without using it now. Im the first to admit that my water intake is very poor, and probably one of the factors causing the prominent darkness, so I needed something to help hydrate. Not only does this do the job,  but it also minimises time and dark circles! 

Its super easy to apply as you only need the tiniest bit which means that it lasts a long time... Bonus! I simply just put two drops on the back of my hand, morning and night, and from there I just lightly pat around my eye area. It's quite easy to over apply and just put layers on but you really don't need to, and applying too much will only cause the product to be heavy on your eyes which will weigh them down. I've also noticed that when I use this product at night, I wake up looking a whole lot fresher. Yay!

If you suffer from dark circles or the heat is causing you to have restless nights, don't forget to up your game on all of the little stuff as well as applying eye cream. Drink more water, exercise and try and find a solution to help you sleep a little easier. I know its hard as opening your window is letting all of that muggy heat in and you probably don't fancy investing in a fan when its forecasted to start raining soon, boo. But even ditching your duvet or switching to silk sheets can help. All of these factors do start to add up which causes them to be far too prominent for anyones liking. 

Have you found an eye cream that you swear by?

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

6 Essentials For The Cold Upcoming Months

I know, Summer coming to an end is the last thing that anybody wants to think about. We daydream all day long for months and months about sitting by the pool relaxing. Or out in the garden with a drink in our hand and the BBQ going and then when it does finally arrive, it's gone again! But I can't help but feel all giddy knowing what the next few months have to offer. Now I don't know about any of you guys, but my skin can get so dry when its cold outside. I'm talking dry lips, rough skin and just lacking in colour. So I've got some essentials for you to stock up on ready to take on the next few months.

1. Lip Balm
When the temperature starts to drop, my lips need a bit of TLC to help them get through. I've only just recently bought this Urban Decay Rehab Lip Love Balm and I already can't go a day without applying it. For me, not only do lip balms have to actually hydrate my lips but they also get a big thumbs up if they smell and taste good. This one is infused with shea butter and coconut oil so I instantly had high hopes, and theres nothing more rewarding than something living up to your expectations! And whats even better about this product is that a little goes a long way. When applying, you only need the tiniest bit as it is quite thick and glides across your lips very easily. It's not gloopy or heavy, it's just simply a dream. I use it as either a primer and use a light layer 10-15 minutes before applying my lipstick, or I just use it by itself for the glossiness and of course the benefits. The cooling coconut mint is also an added bonus when it comes to this lip balm. I would definitely recommend using this conditioning, hydrate and replenish lip balm before bed and during your morning routine.

2. Face Moisturiser
If you haven't already introduced moisturiser to your daily morning routine, then this definitely needs to be a priority! I have powered through many moisturisers, trying out different ones to try and find one that is best suitable for me, and for a few months now i've been using Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream which provides hydration for 24-hours. It feels incredibly light on my skin and instantly hydrates which is a beauty must have for when those rough patches start to arrive.

3. Eye Cream
I have previously mentioned this eye cream on my post about Dark Circles but I can't get enough of this Elemis Eye Serum. I have to be so delicate when it comes to my eyes, close to being over the top, and I've had no worries since using this eye cream. Theres no greasy or unpleasant feel when it comes to applying and it soaks in pretty much straight away. They're now left hydrated and refreshed, unlike those dull and dark early mornings.

4. Take Care of Your Hair
Everybody knows that saying, If you look after it, it will look after you and thats exactly how you should treat your hair. I used to be an absolute nightmare at the hairdressers and would only want the tiniest bit cut off but I've reached that stage now where if I get 2 inches cut off, I still have a million split ends. Thats purely for the fact that I went so long just wanting long hair and waiting months before I had it cut (hair destroyer for blondies). My hairdresser is an absolute angel and she miraculously cures my hair every single time I go and see her. Her go to products for my dry hair is the L'Oral Professionnel Absolut Repair Masque and L'Oral Professionnel Vitamino Colour 10 In 1. There is currently 30% off all L'Oreal products if you buy from Look Fantastic which is something that I will definitely be doing.

5. Body Moisturiser 
I have stuck by this body moisturiser for some time now, the smell is to die for and it comes in the cutest jar. I used to just use the Laura Mercier Body Creme for special occasions as its not the easiest buy to justify, but at the moment I can't help but apply it more and more. Your skin needs looking after all throughout the year, as soon as you think that you've finally stopped peeling from soaking in all that sun, your skin starts to dry up from the cold! This cream contains shea butter and multiple vitamins such as A, E and F which will help to nourish and moisturise your skin... And you will smell like a million dollars!

6. That Golden Glow
I'm really not someone who constantly reaches out for fake tan, I usually just accept the non existent tan that I didn't get from summer and just roll with it. But now and again, especially when it comes to events, no part of me wants to be the palest girl at the party so this is my go to. St Tropez have a gradual tan which you apply whilst in the shower, perfect for the unpredictable weather! This is guaranteed no streaks, so you won't have to worry about covering your skin when theres a bit of water around you and it will also help with keeping your skin hydrated! Theres different shades that you can chose from but nothing best compliments an outfit like a good healthy glow.

What are your go to products?

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

The Stress Of Dark Circles & How To Love And Accept Them

There really is no beginning part to this. For as long as I can remember, my dark circles have always been a very big issue for me. It is honestly the bane of my life. I’ve spent endless hours researching and googling different solutions as to why they're so prominent and dark. If you ever saw my search history, you would probably be slumped on the floor in hysterics. I tried to word them in so many different ways, changing a word here and there in hope that a new link would pop up and tell me the answer that I was looking for. I was constantly asking myself why my eyes are like it? How did they get like it? And when? And why my friends all had flawless skin.

 Obviously now at 21, I’m not as upset as what I used to be. Partly because I actually know how to apply makeup and I work around it — unlike my 12 year old self with half pink/half blue eyeshadow — and partly because I’ve really just learnt to accept them. A few years back I would have completely laughed at myself if I heard anything similar to that coming from me, how can you accept dark circles? Now don’t get my wrong, you would struggle to ever get me to leave the house without dabbing a little bit on concealer around my eyes and the beast itself. But nowadays it is very very minimal, which truly is a huge improvement… And achievement. I remember a few years back now, I even had to ask my doctor to see if, 1. There was any miraculous cure for them or 2. Why I even had them in the first place. Obviously I didn't get the answer I was praying for, there is no miracle cure, apparently its due to my skin tone and the dark pigmentation around my eyes will live with me forever. But that never stopped my research, my consultations, my eagerness to get them to disappear. 

I decided to book myself in to get dermal fillers at Radiance, which is an Exeter based Medispa. On one of my many searches, I kept on coming across the same answers which were either fillers, or laser. Laser just seemed far more aggressive so I decided to go with what I felt was the easier option. Apparently, so iv read, if your eyes are sunken or hollow then they can appear really dark because of the shadows. Now I wouldn’t necessarily say that I have hollow eyes, in fact, I have never thought that about myself. But if it helped with dark circles, then I'm your girl, I would've happily have been anyones guinea pig. The dermal fillers arounds the Tear Trough area cost around £375. Ros Debenham, the founder of Radiance Medispa, personally carried out my treatment. She is ever so caring and friendly, making me feel so at ease throughout the whole process. I was taken into this cute little room to allow the local anaesthetic to work its magic and after around half an hour, we begun. The fillers are injected just below the skin with a very fine needle. And no, they are not permanent, they last around a year and then your back to your usual beautiful self, unless you choose to carry on with this treatment. I however, didn’t see a huge difference at all. It definitely plumped up my eye area, but those nasty circles had not even faded in the slightest. Some things work absolute wonders for some people, and some things work not at all for others. It’s just one of those things unfortunately. One of those things that I kept on experiencing.

That didn't put me off though, my next little investment was to try out these highly spoken laser treatments. I went to Exeter Medical for this treatment, after my consultation with them and explaining my living nightmare, they thought this would be the best option. However they did warn me that results are not always seen straight away, that I may need to have a handle of sessions, but me being me, I held my faith and booked straight away. Now I can’t remember the exact price, but I remember it being a couple hundred. If you are interested then let me know and I can find out how much exactly I paid. But the whole treatment lasts around half an hour, and you have some time before to allow the local anaesthetic to kick in. Now this is by far the weirdest treatment that I have EVER had. Even emphasised I don’t think you will really understand. I really did think that my skin was burning at one point, because thats what I'm certain that it does. A few days after the treatment, a red/browny colour scab formed which made me think, this is it, this has done it! My new babylike skin will come through all pretty like and I will never have to worry about concealer and foundation ever again. Bit dramatic, but you get the gist. When I was a child, I had no faults with my skin, these dark circles must be something that I have grown into. So the day that these bad boys of a scab decided to spread its wings and fall… It was yet another disappointment. They were the same as their usual self.

Now I’ve used creams and lighteners, but all they seem to do is burn my skin and make it peel. It is much easier to cover a bit of darkness than peeling skin. I can not stress enough about how much research you need to do. Give yourself time, i’m the worst person when it comes to wanting something done because it has to be the earliest date available. Please don’t just read a simple solution that will solve all of your problems and then go for it, know what you're having done, who you're having it done by, and if you really truly need it. I look back now and think, a student working part time should not have to waste their money on ridiculous treatments. Obviously back then I thought anything would work, but that really isn't the case. Sometimes going back to basics and going down the good ol’natural route is more effective… And costs a hell’o lot less. If you're like me and struggle to fight of these dark shadows, you've probably read multiple times about how water is the most important part of reducing them, and its true. I would be the first to admit that I'm the worst at keeping up with my water game and its something that I really need to put my foot down and make sure that I drink the correct amount. If you feel as though you already drink enough, keep on drinking. I watched this video of a woman who made sure that she was drinking a certain amount of water a day for a year and she took a picture of herself everyday, it was incredible. Water is so important and its a cure itself in the beauty world so don't neglect it. Also, find an eye cream that works for you! I have been through so many, but I've finally found one that I'm happy with which I will write about in my next post. 

Dark circles will be with you forever even in the less obvious times. Love them, they're what makes you characteristic. They're what makes you different. They're what makes you you. Be who you are and embrace it. Don't thrive for something because it looks good on one person, thrive for something because it makes you feel good on the inside.

How have you managed to deal with your insecurities?

                                                                        Love,                                                        

Chloé Danielle-Taylor