Barry M
My Travel Makeup & Skincare Essentials
My Travel Makeup & Skincare Essentials
Sunday, 26 March 2017
Going on holiday is an exciting thing to do, whether it's with family, your partner, friends or even on your own. But, the one thing that stresses me out is packing. Even though I've been on many holidays, I always take far too much, despite writing up a list of what I'll need. But hey, I'm pretty sure most people will take about 5 pairs of shoes even though they are going for a 4 day holiday, just incase an occasion arises to wear a specific pair.
I'm currently on holiday so I've been through the whole 'What do I want to take with me'. Not only did I have to think about the clothes I'll be taking, but also my makeup and skincare for the week. Luckily, I'm only within the UK so I'm not restricted in what I can take, like liquids, aerosols etc. but I still wanted to be as reasonable as possible. I'm not looking at wearing makeup everyday but just wanted to take some items with me so if I'm going out for dinner or a trip out, I can atleast look alive, it won't too heavy on my skin and doesn't take forever to do. I've taken some skincare pieces also, as it's important that I still look after my skin, regardless if I wear any makeup or not.
Because my skin hasn't been too bad lately, I've not been messing with the skincare products that I've been using, as I'm worried something may flare it up, so what I'm not actually taking too much. So, coming with me is:
- Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water: I've been loving this again recently. I used it ages ago, stopped and now I use it every time I want to get the makeup off my face. You don't need to use too much water to get rid your makeup, so this is a big thumbs up from me.
- Clinique Moisture Surge: I've had this for so long and I still love it. If my skin is feeling on the dry side, I only have to take a small amount and spread it over my face and it'll instantly feel so moisturised. It comes in a small pot so it's really handy to take with you on holiday.
- Pixi Glow Tonic: I've reviewed this product on my blog before and I was saying how much I loved this. I still do, which is why it's part of my travel essentials. I usually use this after I've used the Micellar Water just to fully cleanse my skin. This has been such a saviour and something that I've used where I've seen a noticeable difference.
- Superdrug Pure Cotton Wool Pads: I'll be using these with my Micellar Water and Pixi Glow Tonic. Pretty standard cotton pads, which you can get from drugstores or supermarkets. These are the ones I had lying around and it doesn't appear that I have many left but I can get some whilst I'm on holiday if I do run out.
- Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes: I used to use these before I used Micellar Water, and used them again when I stopped. Even though I'll mainly use the water, it doesn't harm to take some wipes just incase. Sometimes they are good to get rid of some stubborn makeup.
- Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask: I love these! These tissues are incredible. Whenever they are on offer in Boots at 99p a go, I tend to buy a handful because they are that good. Similar to the Moisture Surge, this is good to help moisturise my skin but I use it more of a pamper session, so I can sit back and relax for 15 minutes whilst it does it's thing. My skin just feels so refreshed once I peel it off so it's something I'll try and do once or twice whilst I'm away.
That's skincare out the way, now let's go through what makeup I'll be taking with me. For the base, I've got:
- MAC Prep + Prime Primer: I used to use the Babyskin before I was gifted this for Christmas. I've been using it the last few times I wore makeup and I feel that this helped my makeup stick to my skin slightly better. It has a SPF 50 rating so incase it's a tad sunny, this will keep my skin sun-safe.
- NARS Sheer Glow Foundation: As you probably know by now, this is my regular foundation so it's no surprise that this is mentioned in this post. This foundation is lightweight, so it's perfect that it won't be heavy on my skin.
- Collection Last Perfection Concealer: Again, the pretty regular concealer that I use all the time. This lasts a long time and can cover my blemishes and darkness under my eyes really well. I'm slowly running out so may need to locate more whilst I'm away.
- Rommel London Stay Matte Powder: I've mentioned this in previous posts but this powder just does what it needs. It's lightweight and doesn't make your makeup look cakey.
- Makeup Revolution Blush Palette: This palette is so pretty and very spring like so I thought it would be a great product to come along. I've only really used one colour but it's good to have variation.
- NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray: Once the base has been complete, I would apply my favourite setting spray from NYX. I prefer the Matte finish over the Dewy because I don't really want to look that shiny.
- For the base, I have some of my Real Techniques brushes and complexion sponge to put it all together. My good ol' trusty tools, which need a good clean (oops).
I have a small amount of things for eyes, again, mainly because I just want to keep it simple. For eyes and brows, I have:
- Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette: This is a perfect spring palette. Really lovely light, peachy/pink tones, just to add some subtlety to my eyes.
- I've decided to bring two different brushes to apply eyeshadow, one for the base and for the crease/blending.
- Barry M Kohl Pencil Liner: Just a simple eyeliner, no shimmer or anything. Barry M is really good for simple products costing at a reasonable price. It glides nicely on my water liner, without being all scratchy.
- Barry M Liquid Eyeliner: Just incase I feel a little bit daring one day, I'm bringing my liquid liner. I'm not that great at doing winged liner but I've been using the side of a card from my purse to give me the wing that I want. I hope that one day, I can do it without using something as a guide.
- Maybelline Lash Sensational: I've raved before how I love this mascara. It really brings volume to my lashes but not too thick and heavy that it'll make my eyes look like they are shut.
- Soap & Glory Archery Brow Pencil: This is just my current brow pencil that I've been using for so long and not getting bored of it. The colour of the pencil doesn't make my eyebrows go too dark because I don't suit dark brows in the slightest.
For lips, I have very few things, namely:
- ColourPop Ultra Satin Lip (Schnookums) + Ultra Glossy Lip (Sugar Lips): These two minis are part of the Short and Sweet mini set, that was released for Valentine's Day and thought these were really good colours for Spring. One is more like a gloss so I don't have to have obvious colour if I don't want it, just a nice shine.
- Vaseline: Because I'm near the sea, I'm bringing this with me incase my lips decide to start cracking, which they already have.
That is everything that I have taken with me on holiday which I'm very certain will get me through the week. I'm so excited to be having some chill time with my boyfriend.
What are your Makeup and Skincare essentials? Is there anything you'd recommend?
Look after yourself,
25
25 Things I've Learnt In 25 years
25 Things I've Learnt In 25 years
Tuesday, 14 March 2017
On Sunday, it was my birthday and I turned 25. That is crazy. It only felt like yesterday that I was in Secondary School all carefree, GCSE's were going to be a big thing for me, I'd be on MSN for countless hours chatting to my friends and giving people love on Bebo. That was 10 years ago and a lot of things have changed since then, mainly for the better, although many bad things have come my way. But, in the 25 years that I have been alive, there have been many things that I have learnt but these are the 25 that have stuck with me the most. So, here they are.
1. Tea is my favourite hot beverage.
2. I'm a little bit weird and that's okay.
3. You don't get bumps on your tongue if you lie.
4. Glasses aren't a bad thing.
5. Cats are my favourite animal ever.
6. Getting spotty is a normal thing, even in your 20's.
7. I can't please everybody.
8. Not everyone will like me.
9. I don't have square eyes, even though I've watched TV for most of my life.
10. Things may get scary and stressful but it will get better.
12. It's okay to have down days with no explanation as to why.
12. I don't have to know what I want to do in life.
13. Looking after myself is a priority.
14. I can just be me. I don't need to fit in or be part of a crowd.
15. I'm the worst of getting rid of material possessions.
16. You can spell Jason from using 5 months' first letters (July, August, September, October, November).
17. Friendship is about how much we care about each other, not how long I've known them.
18. Going outside with wet hair doesn't give me a cold.
19. I'm unique.
20. Having a sister is like having a best friend, who brings you food or toilet roll.
21. When I say 'having a few drinks', it usually means I end up with a few bottles of wine under my belt.
22. I am pretty.
23. Saving money is definitely beneficial for my future.
24. Using swear words frequently means that you have a 'greater overall vocabulary'. I must have a massive vocabulary.
25. The quality of my relationship isn't defined or rated by what I see on social media.
And that's the list complete. 25 years have taught me a lot, let's see what the next 25 years teach me.
What have you learnt in your years?
Look after yourself,
2017
Look Fantastic Beauty Box | February 2017
Look Fantastic Beauty Box | February 2017
Wednesday, 8 March 2017
Another month has passed. I cannot believe that we're finished with February already. It'll be Christmas in no time! But, what it does mean is that I've received another Look Fantastic Beauty Box. I really liked the contents of the January box, so I was so excited to see what will be in the February box. I hope I have this feeling every month!
Instantly, I see that the box colour and theme is different to last months, which is a nice touch. Included is the February edition of ELLE magazine, alongside their own one, just like January. What else is different? The products! Let's get into the February Look Fantastic Beauty Box.
Unlike last month, I actually don't know any of the brands or products in this box although there are some that I'm quite keen on using. I love that you get such variety and it's hard to gage what you're likely to get in the next box. So, let's have a look at the products in more detail.
First up, are the myvitamins Catwalk Queen vitamins, for hair, skin and nails. The blend of ingredients, which include Vitamin C and Zinc, will supply the body with the crucial nutrients to help with the health of your hair, skin and nails. For 60 tablets, which are listed to last a month via their website, these are priced at £9.99, with the RRP being £12.99, so bearing in mind that this contains 30 tablets, you're getting about £5 of tablets. I definitely need to start trying these and see if there is any improvement, which I hope will be my skin.
The next product in this months box is the Polaar Icy Magic Instant Eye Contour Energiser. This product will help eliminate dark circles, puffiness and signs of tiredness. Definitely something I need then! Not only does it help refresh your eyes, it also helps improve eyelash growth, with up to +30% more natural volume within 15 days. I have pretty long lashes anyway so I don't think I'd be using it for this purpose, but definitely for under the eye. For a 10ml tube, it costs €19.90, which is roughly £17, so it's quite a pricey product.
Out of all the products in the box, the is the one I was most drawn to, which is the Fango Active Mud for Face and Body from Borghese. I'm quite the fan of face masks so I'm always keen to try new products. This will help exfoliate, minimize pores and hydrate, to give you smooth, toned textured skin. This has been infused with Sweet Almond and Avocado Oils, so it'll leave your skin radiant and refreshed. Looking on their website, for a 7.5oz container of this mud mask, it's priced at $50 (around £41) with their 17.6oz priced at $100 so it must do some good things! I can't wait to use this!
Next up, it's Stress Check Breathe in from thisworks. This smells so amazing! It's packed with lots of essential oils, including coconut, eucalyptus and lavender. To calm your senses and help you breathe more easily, you simply need to roll this over on your wrists and pulse points. An 8ml tube of this costs £16, which is available on their website however the one in the box is 5ml but I'm sure that this will last you for a long time. I've actually placed this on my bedside table as I want to see how it changes how I sleep, and how I feel in the morning.
Cute little makeup product next. This is the Model Co Eye Lights, which is their metallic liquid eye shadow. I've never bought any sort of liquid eye shadow before but the colour and pigmentation of this is so pretty. In the colour St Barts, it's a shimmy gold with rose/peach tones.
This is something I look forward to using as part of a makeup look and being listed as a new product priced at £15 on their website (unfortunately it doesn't say the amount this is), I'm glad that this is part of this months box. Thumbs up from me!
Last but not least, we have a moisturiser from The Ordinary. Being a vegan and cruelty-free product, I know that this would be liked upon many people. Just like any moisturiser, you just need to apply this after your regular skincare routine, or whenever you use a moisturiser. It's reasonably priced, at £4.90 for 30ml, which is the size that is contained in the box, so you get a full size product here. Their website says that the formula provides non-greasy hydration, which acts as a direct topical supplement for impaired NMF components. So it sounds like it has many benefits and I like to moisturise so I'm keen to see how performs.
And that brings us to the end of the February Look Fantastic Beauty Box. Once again, I really like all of the products that are in the box and can't wait to try all of them. What will the March box bring?
Have you used any of the products before? Any that you swear by?
Look after yourself,
This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own and honest!
The next product in this months box is the Polaar Icy Magic Instant Eye Contour Energiser. This product will help eliminate dark circles, puffiness and signs of tiredness. Definitely something I need then! Not only does it help refresh your eyes, it also helps improve eyelash growth, with up to +30% more natural volume within 15 days. I have pretty long lashes anyway so I don't think I'd be using it for this purpose, but definitely for under the eye. For a 10ml tube, it costs €19.90, which is roughly £17, so it's quite a pricey product.
Out of all the products in the box, the is the one I was most drawn to, which is the Fango Active Mud for Face and Body from Borghese. I'm quite the fan of face masks so I'm always keen to try new products. This will help exfoliate, minimize pores and hydrate, to give you smooth, toned textured skin. This has been infused with Sweet Almond and Avocado Oils, so it'll leave your skin radiant and refreshed. Looking on their website, for a 7.5oz container of this mud mask, it's priced at $50 (around £41) with their 17.6oz priced at $100 so it must do some good things! I can't wait to use this!
Next up, it's Stress Check Breathe in from thisworks. This smells so amazing! It's packed with lots of essential oils, including coconut, eucalyptus and lavender. To calm your senses and help you breathe more easily, you simply need to roll this over on your wrists and pulse points. An 8ml tube of this costs £16, which is available on their website however the one in the box is 5ml but I'm sure that this will last you for a long time. I've actually placed this on my bedside table as I want to see how it changes how I sleep, and how I feel in the morning.
Cute little makeup product next. This is the Model Co Eye Lights, which is their metallic liquid eye shadow. I've never bought any sort of liquid eye shadow before but the colour and pigmentation of this is so pretty. In the colour St Barts, it's a shimmy gold with rose/peach tones.
This is something I look forward to using as part of a makeup look and being listed as a new product priced at £15 on their website (unfortunately it doesn't say the amount this is), I'm glad that this is part of this months box. Thumbs up from me!
Last but not least, we have a moisturiser from The Ordinary. Being a vegan and cruelty-free product, I know that this would be liked upon many people. Just like any moisturiser, you just need to apply this after your regular skincare routine, or whenever you use a moisturiser. It's reasonably priced, at £4.90 for 30ml, which is the size that is contained in the box, so you get a full size product here. Their website says that the formula provides non-greasy hydration, which acts as a direct topical supplement for impaired NMF components. So it sounds like it has many benefits and I like to moisturise so I'm keen to see how performs.
And that brings us to the end of the February Look Fantastic Beauty Box. Once again, I really like all of the products that are in the box and can't wait to try all of them. What will the March box bring?
Have you used any of the products before? Any that you swear by?
Look after yourself,
