Caudalíe Face Masks Review

Before Christmas I treated myself to a Caudalíe gift set that included three of their most loved face masks; the Glycolic Peel, Instant Detox Mask & the Moisturising Mask. New to the Caudalíe brand I was exciting to try these out, I have been alternating each of the masks on a weekly basis for the past couple of months so I thought i'd let you guys know what I think!

First up is the Glycolic Peel Mask, I was a bit dubious about using this as I had never used any products that contain glycolic acid in them before. This masks aim is to boost the radiance of your complexion and help revitalize and refresh dull looking skin (which I tend to suffer from after a long day in work!) My fears about this burning or tingling my sensitive skin were soon swept away once applied; it is a gentle, almost creamy consistancy which spreads evenly over the face. After leaving on for 10 minutes I did notice a significant difference in the appearance of my skin (the effects I would now liken to the Pixi Glow Tonic) My skin looked brighter and skin tone looks a lot more even. I would say this mask is a good starter product for those with sensitive skin who want to try glycolic acid, due to it's non irritating and gentle formula, it's perfect! 

Next up is probably my favourite out of all three face masks, the Instant Detox Mask. During a bad bout of hormonal acne I used this twice weekly and found it helps calm my stressed out skin. This mask is made up of 99.3% natural clay formula (pink in colour) it smells amazing due to the soothing botanicals used; lavender, chamomile and parsley. I found this a gentle yet effective mask in helping draw away impurities and toxins, helping refine the skins texture, helping tightened pores and evening out the skins texture. A definate purchase if you suffer from stressed out skin and need a little TLC.

Last but not least is the Moisturising Mask. This is a real treat to use if your skin is feeling thirsty! It is a creamy mask with 85.5% natural formula that helps protect the skins barrier and prevent future dehydration. I like to leave this mask on overnight, applying it all over my face including the eye contour area. You can also use this as a quick 15 minute treatment. This has been somewhat of a saviour of mine this winter helping to  sooth any dry patches. A worthwhile purchase if you need a pick me up for dry skin!

What are your favourite face masks? 

Carly x

My Favourite Podcasts

Last year I stumbled across the world of podcasts. 

Having recently switched jobs to one where I have to travel a lot further to get to, I needed something to entertain me on my daily commute. I thought about maybe bringing a book with me, but that didn't work, reading on buses and trains ensues terrible nausea, so I gave that idea a miss. Maybe listening to music? Nah, I get bored pretty easily shuffling through the same songs over and over on my iPod. That's when I discovered the wonderful world of podcasts. In today's post I'm going to share a couple of my trusty favourites with you which in turn may inspire you to give podcasts a go.

Stuff Mom Never Told You

Hosted by the hilarious duo Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin, this is a podcast produced by How Stuff Works that discusses the business of being women from every imaginable angle, and these girls know what they are talking about! They research each topic thoroughly before trying to decode the biology, psychology and sociology of ladies and gents alike, from past times to modern day. Each podcast takes on a different topic, trying to break down gender stereotypes that arise all too often in modern day society. This podcast is funny and informative at the same time, some of my favourite episodes are Man Caves, Single by Choice and  The Basics of Bitch. Fancy checking them out? 

You can listen here

Welcome to Night Vale

Imagine you lived in a town where all conspiracy theories were real, this is the premise of the podcast Welcome to Night Vale. Imagined up by creators Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor, each podcasts brings a new bizarre and sometimes unsettling local news story from this imaginary town (rumored to be somewhere in Southwestern United States) Each podcast features news, daily announcements and advertisements from this strange little town. The weather, which is a feature in each episode, plays a piece of music by different independently published artists, which has led me onto discovering some great musicians! If you like the sound of this podcast, go and have a listen to it here

Sword and Scale

This podcast is not for the faint hearted. Sword and Scale is a podcast that explores non-fiction true crime stories, it features a variety of narrated true crime stories interwoven with interviews from criminal witnesses, victims and authors and recorded 911 calls. Some episodes take you through the actual court cases featuring trial audio, which makes for some gripping on the edge of your seat content!  Hosted by creator and Mike Boudet, this podcast has become one of the most popular podcasts in the social science category. If you like true life crime stories you may love this podcast. Give it a listen here

The Minimalists

This has been a recent discovery for me which I have been really enjoying listening to. This podcast is created by Joshua Fields Milburn and Ryan Nicodemus. The minimalist duo discuss how to live a more fulfilled life, clearing the clutter from life's path to help us make room for things that are truly important and focusing on and making room for more time, more passion, more experiences, more growth and more contentment. They discuss different topics on how to lead a more fufilled life, focusing on what you already have and breaking down the common misconception that minimalists reject all forms of materialism, instead these two discuss how just owning things that serve a purpose or give us joy helps us to lead a more fulfilled and content life instead of feeling overwhelmed by the compulsion of wanting. Think you'd be interested in what these two have to say? You can listen to them here. I have also enjoyed reading some of there essays which if you can read here.

.
What are your favourite podcasts?
Carly x

Lush Haul: Boxing Day Sale

So, I may have did a sneaky online shop at Lush on Boxing Day...

I hadn't anything in mind that I particularly wanted to purchase, which was lucky as most of the goodies seemed to have been snapped up by the time I stumbled online Boxing Day evening. I was happy with the few bits that I managed to pick up, as we all know Lush sales happen once in a blue moon!

'Snow Fairy' Shower Gel

I have to confess, I have never tried nor smelt this 'famous' seasonal Lush shower gel, so I thought i'd pick up two mini bottles (they were going for so cheap, why not!) I'm a big fan of sweet, candy scented products, but wow, this smells sweet! (it reminds me of Calpol, you know the medicine we all used to get as kids?) I am a big fan of Lushs shower gels so i'm looking forward to using these!

'Dirty' Mint-Chocolate Massage Bar

I've previously tried the 'Tender is the Night' massage bar from Lush and it has become one of my all time favourite Lush products. These massage bars are great to use after a bath or shower and does a great job of moisturising dehydrated skin. They are made with a base of nourishing fair trade cocoa butter and are designed to melt at body temperature, which makes them easy to apply. I was a bit skeptical about the mint-chocolate scent, but after using it after my bath this evening, i love it! The chocolate scent is very subtle but it does leave a lovely fresh peppermint scent on the skin after..mmmm....

'The Rough With The Smooth' The Breakfast Scrub Bar

I've heard so many good reviews about this, I thought it was about time to check it out myself. First of, this smells incredible, it has a scent similar to the breakfast scrub by Soap & Glory, which is good enough to eat! You use this little bar whilst in the shower and bath over damp skin and it helps buff away any dry skin leaving you silky smooth. It does a great job of exfoliating, it is quite gritty and if not used gently may be slightly scratchy, but i'd rather has a good scrub that a gentle buffing to get the job done, am I right ladies?

'Cinders' Bath Bomb

This is a repurchase for me, as it's from the limited Christmas collection, I thought i'd treat myself to one more before they disappear for another year *sob* 

This is a sweet and spicy bath bomb that contains cinnamon leaf oil and almond oil (great for dry skin!) It is a lovely warming scent and has a fun feature of popping candy, yup, popping candy! 

I'd love to know your favourite Lush products!

Carly x

Bedroom Decor Inspiration: Chic & Minimal

December Favourites

Hi Lovelies!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas! It's that time of the month to show you what I have been enjoying...

First up is the Tarte Amazionian Clay Eye & Cheek Palette

I have been using this palette pretty much every day since I got it, it contains 6 matte shades of eye shadow, including a liner, lid, crease and highlight shade. The shades are great for creating a natural look but can also be used to create a more dramatic evening look. In the center of the palette is a golden peachy pink blush, which leaves a subtle hint of colour and creates a healthy glow to your complexion. Tarte is hard to find in the UK (which is such a shame!) but QVC has some great offers on this brand and what i've tried so far from this range, I definitely think it's worth checking out.

Pixi Glow Tonic

This has been on my wishlist for months and I finally bit the bullet and bought myself a bottle. I use this once daily, usually in the morning after cleansing and have found a definite improvement in my skins texture, I am no longer troubled by pesky dry patches and my skin is left with a healthy glow which makes for a great base before applying my makeup for the day!

Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

I purchased this at the start of December and have been using it once or twice a week and think it's a great little mask to add to your stash. It is a clay mask that deeply cleanses, helps to minimize pores and eliminates impurities and toxins to renew the skins texture. The main ingredients are pink clay, grape marc and coffee- it smells divine! 

Yankee Candle 'Fireside Treats'

Oh boy, I think this maybe my new favourite candle scent! I have been burning this in my bedroom and it smells delicious! It is very light in fragrance (not overpowering like other sweet scents) but adds a comforting marshmallow aroma. I will be repurchasing this once it's been used up, which will probably be quite soon at this rate!

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

I really didn't want to like this cleanser, as it is really very pricey, but after a couple of weeks of using this in the evening, I have to admit I love it! It is a deep cleansing balm, which helps soften and nourish the skin. This is a real treat to use and melts away makeup like a dream, I also find it quite therapeutic to use as it's fragrance helps you to relax and unwind before bedtime.

What have you been loving recently?

Carly x

Festive Baking Treats

Hello lovelies! Todays post is something that will appeal to your sweet tooth! Christmas is always a good excuse to make some festive sweet treats, either for yourself or too bring along to a family gathering. Here are three of my festive baking favourites...

Melting Snowman Cookies

What you will need

200g fondant icing sugar

6 white marshmallows 

6 large cookies

24 mini chocolate beans

6 pretzel sticks

Tube of black writing icing

Method

1. Put icing sugar into bowl and add cold water a teaspoon at a time until the mixture is runny but thick enough to coat a spoon.

2. Snip the marshmallows in half

3. Spoon a little icing onto each cookie and attach half a marshmallow. Using a little icing, stick the other half on top at an angle. Drizzle a little more icing onto a cookie to make melted snow

4.  Break pretzel sticks in half and place on cookie for arms. Stick orange chocolate beans on for noses. Stick 3 chocolate beans to each cookie to represent buttons.

5. Using the writing icing. Pipe small blobs for eyes and mouth- leave to set.

Gingerbread Cupcakes

These are delicious warmly spiced cupcakes perfect for indulging in over the festive season. Here's how to make then:

What you will need

150g butter (at room temperature)

150g soft brown sugar

3 eggs

150g self-raising flour

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

1 tbsp of milk

Frosting Ingredients 

200g butter

50g soft brown sugar

3 tbsp milk

200g icing sugar

Pinch of ground cinnamon

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180c/160c fan/Gas 4

2. Cream together butter and sugar until light & fluffy

3. Sift flour together with spices

4. Gradually mix eggs into creamed butter & sugar alternate with the flour to stop mix from curdling. Finally, stir through milk

5. Place 12 paper cupcake cases into muffin tin and divide mixture between them.

6. Bake for 15/20 minutes 

Frosting Method

1. While cupcakes are cooking- place 50g of butter in a pan with the brown sugar and cook over a low heat until melted. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and stir to form thick glossy toffee sauce. Leave to cool.

2. In a large mixing bowl heat the butter smooth, then start to sift in the icing sugar, stirring regularly. Add a splash  more of the milk if the mixture seems to thick- the frosting should be light and creamy.

3. Put the frosting in a piping bag and pipe onto cupcakes. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

Chocolate Mint Cookies

What you will need

For the cookies

100g soft butter 

150g soft light brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract 

1 large egg

150g plain flour

35g cocoa powder

1/2 tsp baking powder 

200g dark chocolate chips

For the glaze

75g icing sugar

2 tablespoons boiling water 

1 tablespoon of cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon of peppermint essence

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180c / gas mark 4

2. Cream butter and sugar, then beat in vanilla extract and egg.

3. Mix flour, cocoa and baking powder in bowl and gradually beat in creamed mixture, then fold in chocolate chips.

4. Using a rounded 15ml tablespoon measure, spoon out scoops of cookie dough onto lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

5.  Bake in oven for 12 minutes. Meanwhile put the glaze ingredients into a saucepan and heat until combined. 

I hope you've enjoyed todays post!

What are your favourite things to bake at Christmas?

Carly x

What's On My Christmas Wishlist

Happy 1st December lovelies! 

I've been bitten by the festive bug pretty early this year and have had my Christmas tree up for over a week now! I'm looking forward to drinking all the gingerbread lattes, watching my favourite

Christmas films and baking some festive sweet treats in the coming weeks.

Here is what's on my wishlist this Christmas...

Origins 'High Potency Night-A-Mins' Night Cream

I've been on the hunt for a new night cream and after reading some reviews for this Origins renewal night cream, it's been added to the wishlist! It helps combat dull and tired skin and leaves a healthy and glowing complexion the morning after use- enriched with C, H and E, which help resurface and replenish the skin, not too mention the scent helps aid sleep. Sounds like a

dream!

Georgio Armani 'Si' Eau de Parfum

After smelling this on my mum a couple

of months ago, I fell in love with this fragrance! It is a wonderfully warm scent with top notes of manderin oil & cassis, heart notes of neroli & jasmine and base notes of patchouli & vanilla. 

Tarte 'Tartelette' Amazionian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette 

I most definitely don't need another eyeshadow palette but this one is too dreamy! All the shades are matte and colours that are versatile that they can be used in a daytime or evening look. 

Welcome To Night Vale: A Novel

I have been an avid listener of the Welcome to Night Vale podcasts for a couple of months now and have been loving the series! It's based on a fictional town 'Night Vale' where a lot of mysterious and down right strange things happen, all told through their local radio stations host. I think I would enjoy reading this book if it's anything like the bizarre tales that are told in the podcast. A definate must listen too if you are a fan of horror paradies! 

Yankee Candles

Okay, nothing too surprising that candles

have made it onto my Christmas wishlist! A few scents that i'd like are Vanilla Satin, Fireside Treat and Toasted Marshmallow...yum!

What's on your wishlist this Christmas?

Carly x