OCTOBER EDIT: PROBLEMATIC SKIN MIRACLE & DRAMA IN A MAGAZINE

October edit: Merumaya, Magnitone, Grown Gorgeous, Glossier & more

Hello November. Or as I’d like to call it December Eve. We are weeks away from Christmas and whilst I think decorating a tree in November is ridiculous, I literally can’t wait for payday and going Christmas decor shopping! That’s weeks away and today, we’re talking a busy month of October, which saw me working my not so skinny behind off, here on the blog as well as at work. It was a trying month emotionally and physically, but I survived somehow! Time’s flying and again I’m a little late with the monthly edit, but I hope you can forgive me. Without a further 500-word intro blabbing, let’s see what has stolen my heart in October! 

Skincare, skincare and more skincare.

October came and went and with it, we welcomed true autumn. Strong winds, cold and central heating usually have disastrous effects on my complexion. This year with a help of some amazing skincare, I managed to keep the disaster at bay. Mostly! I talked to you about multi-masking before, but lately, I’ve been going for multiple mask steps instead. I always start with Alba Botanica Hawaiian Pore-Fecting Papaya Enzyme Mask*. It'll only take 5 minutes of your time and smells delicious. It's also gentle and exfoliating at the same time. Green(ish) gel doesn’t sting for more than 30 seconds after application and it’s been really working for me lately. Papaya and pineapple enzymes work together to reveal clearer, more radiant complexion and aloe vera soothes and nourishes. Definite yes from me on any day, where more than 5-minute mask is just asking for too much or a great starting point for a whole pamper ritual.

Alba Botanica Enzyme Facial Mask

Merumaya Mud Marvels Mask, Glossier Stretch Concealer & Apple Airpods

If I’m in for a treat and really want to mask, I follow with Merumaya Mud Marvels Mask*. Here cleansing mud meets exfoliation and the finished result is brighter and clearer complexion (more about it HERE). Deeply cleansed pores and impurities lifted away in 15 minutes. It’s truly a little miracle mud if you ask me. This thick mask is best applied with a mask brush (or the cheapest synthetic ‘tongue’ foundation brush you own!) if you’re looking for Instagram-friendly results. Probably best one for the quite incredible ingredient list. Kaolin clay, activated charcoal and volcanic ash are responsible for deep cleansing and oxygenating your skins, AHA blend exfoliates gently yet effectively whilst an oil base (oat & sweet almond) ensures your skin stays moisturised throughout the process.  Love it!  

And if that’s not enough, I love to finish the whole masking with a bang and that’s the discovery of October for sure! I’ve used quite a few masks in the recent weeks but Blossom Jeju White Camellia Soombi Brightening Petal Mask* has totally changed my outlook on sheet masks! Will any other ever stand a chance against this perfectly cut sheet, soaked in a rich yet light serum and the simply divine Camellia Oil? I adore all the three masks I’ve tested thanks to the generosity of Skinsider UK - POST - but Brightening mask has truly shocked me. I first apply the oil step. There’s so much of it, I also apply it to my neck, décolletage and even arms! Then comes the perfectly cut sheet mask that actually fits my face! Soaked in a luxurious serum enriched with vitamin E, liquorice, peonies and pearl extract is known for their brightening and soothing properties. 

What to say about Clarins Blue Orchid Treatment Oil that I haven’t said in my recent post? It’s simply brilliant and deserves all the shoutouts in the world. If you’re like me and suffer from dehydration which causes you redness and breakouts (massive, painful hormonal spots too!) you will love this stuff. It’s based on Hazel seed oil which contains 66-85% oleic acid, 7-25% linoleic acid, 4-9% palmitic acid and 1-6% stearic acid. Oleic Acid is a dry skin saviour. Drier types are prone to acne like breakouts due to skin cells clogging pores in which case slower drying oils with a high concentration of oleic acid should be used. A little science lesson, I know, but I thought I educate myself so I did some research :) on the other hand, a high concentration of linoleic acid allows the skin to heal quickly as well to hydrate and plump it. This little sample lasts forever and it helps me deal with some nightmare breakouts nothing was working on. From volcano to a little scar overnight? Believe me, I could not believe my eyes either. I simply adore it and I’ll be purchasing a full size as it’s now a staple last step in my evening skincare routine. 

Clarins Blue Orchid Treatment Oil

Blossom Jeju White Camellia Soombi Brightening Petal Mask

Make me up.

I adore my new Morphe The Jaclyn Hill Palette. You may have heard me rave about it few times, lately HERE and for good reason. I love the formula, the shade selection and the value for money. These eyeshadows only cost a quid per shadow and are totally worth every penny and more. I wrote quite a lengthy review, so I won’t bore you here again, but some of the shimmer/metallic shades are so stunning, I literally can’t put it down. It’s been my every day and every evening first choice of eyeshadow palette and I can see myself enjoying it for a while. With all the amazing Zoeva new releases, I haven’t been tempted to buy because I don’t want to put this palette aside. Ever! 

What a discovery Glossier Stretch Concealer has been! If you’re looking for a creamy yet light under eye concealer with a decent medium coverage that doesn’t settle into fine lines or over dry bits, look no further. Glossier’s little pot has taken over and I’ve even stopped using my Tarte Concealer that much. On days where I use lighter base formulas it’s a perfect fit. The only minus is the shade which could be a tone lighter, but I’m making it work with my RCMA No-Colour Powder which is super brightening. I apply it with a brush and blend it in with a sponge for the most flawless finish. Great for dry and mature skin, my mom’s been borrowing it for a week or so also *must buy her a pot of her own for Christmas - making mental notes here*. I hope Glossier will listen and comes up with a lighter shade as I’d love to be able to contour with this as well! Such great formula!!! 

October edit with Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Palette & more

Glossier Stretch Concealer in Light

A little volume never killed anyone.

I am still totally in love with my Grow Gorgeous Full Bodied Volumising Shampoo*. The only shampoo ever that my tangly hair doesn't need a conditioner follow-up! It gives such natural and bouncy volume, it’s moisturising too and on the other hand, is keeping my oily roots at bay! I really enjoy the formula, the scent but mostly I enjoy my hair after it dries, so shiny and full of natural volume. I judge my haircare by the second day after washing hair. If my roots aren’t too oily and my lengths are well conditioned and shiny, it’s a huge plus for the product and Grow Gorgeous does just that! I love it! 

Gadget girl.

My limited edition rose gold Magnitone Barefaced Cleansing Brush* with The Stimulator* brush head add-on has been a true fave as of late. It looks stunning for one, it’s super gentle yet effective and I love it for its functionality. The 1-min timer divides the time into 3 20-second slots. It beeps every time it’s time to change the area, so you get 20 seconds for your cheeks, t-zone and neck. Perfect! Also, The Stimulator brush head gives my skincare a boost too! I use it every other evening to apply my serums with. The second setting is perfect for toning and conditioning the skin. The brush itself isn’t as gentle and I feel it makes my skin almost work for it. After using it for over two weeks, I noticed my skin is clearer and more plumped too, definitely firmer. I’ll keep testing it and will come back for a 6-month check up to see if I noticed any other results. 

October beauty edit

Magnitone Barefaced limited edition rose gold brush with The Stimulator

Totally non-beauty gadget of the last couple of month is my teeny tiny Apple Air Pods. I laughed at them when they were originally announced and thought they look silly. I swore I’ll never buy them and here we are. Apple lover here so it was kind of easy to predict. I love them like crazy. The most comfortable to wear headphones in the history of headphones. If you’re like me and listens to music or talks a lot on your phone and don’t want to stop what you’re doing just because you’re on your phone, these will be perfect for you too. I love it that I can now still listen to music when I cleanse my face in the evening or talk on the phone without the annoyance of wired headphones, or even vacuum whilst listening to a favourite playlist. I didn't think I'll love them as much as I do, but I'm glad I treated myself to them. 

Shameless self-promotion

When I was invited to the Dyson Hairdryer 1st Birthday Party recently I knew that DLuxe magazine was in attendance. I didn't quite expect they'll feature us in the magazine itself, so imagine my surprise when I picked up a copy (available free in Birmingham Grand Central and all around major department stores in Birmingham and Solihull). I am in a magazine!!!!!!! You can check it out HERE, we're on page 60 so a bit of scrolling is required. My mom even went out to pick up two extra copies, one for safekeeping and one she cut out the feature to put on our fridge... It's such a lovely gesture from the DLuxe and makes me a little proud :) Huge thanks to Ting for organising on behalf of Brum Bloggers crowd! 

Grow Gorgeous Full Bodies Volumising Shampoo

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Thank You For Reading,

Love