Diabetes Awareness Month – My Story

November is world Diabetes awareness Month.  Been a Type One Diabetic myself I thought I would give a snippet of my story and also raise awareness!

I have been a Type One Diabetic since I was 10 years old so I was diagnosed at a far young age.  I was very unwell for a really long time.  I was losing weight, not eating, getting sick a lot, non stop drinking and couldn’t stay awake!  My parents found me really unwell one day and I was rushed straight to hospital.  Ketones in my body was making my organs fail so I was very lucky I got to hospital when I did.  Straight away I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes with my blood sugars been 74.0mmol/l. I spent two weeks in hospital been taught everything about diabetes and getting back to good health.  The only downside for me was the fact I had to take injections (I hated needles but it is something I have gotten used to).  Diabetics need insulin injections to stay alive as their pancreas cannot produce insulin itself.  Without insulin a Diabetic would get ketoacidosis which is very dangerous and life threatening.

For 11 years I have been in hospital multiple times, seen hundreds of doctors and nurses and tried many different things for my diabetes.  For the last couple of years I’ve been on a DAFNE programme and use injections to get my insulin.  This is what works for me but there is many different programmes that work for each individual person!  I don’t let it control my life, it is just something in my life that I have to look after!

Diabetes Facts

• Type one & Type two Diabetes is completely different things!  Type One is mostly from genetics.  Type Two is generally linked to poor health lifestyles.
• Lack of hunger, drinking a lot & tiredness are some of the symptoms of Diabetes.
• Diabetics can eat sugar!  Just in moderation.
• Type one is no way caused from eating too much sugar.  It is mostly diagnosed in children.
• Hypoglycemia is when your blood sugar drops really low.
• Hyperglycemia is when your blood sugar goes really high.

I know this is very different to what I usually post but I hope it does help raise awareness and give people a more perspective into diabetes!

Soap & Glory Skincare Haul

It has come to that time of year again where my skin starts acting up because the weather can’t make its mind up if its warm or cold *sad face*.  While recently in my local Boots they had a special offer on Soap & Glory Skincare, with my skin acting up and a sale I thought it was the best time to try new products!

The Fab Pore – Daily Micro Smoothing Moisture Lotion

I have oily/combination skin and the last few weeks because of the weather it has really been acting up.  Soap & Glory claim this product will shrink pores, tone & brighten skin & give an instant matte skin finish.  I do not see any toning or brightening benefits in my skin but I have noticed my skin is less oily!  I wouldn’t say it had a matte finish but there is more of a velvet finish.  It also leaves my skin very soft which is surprising for an oily skin moisturiser!  I apply this twice a day – in the morning & when I clean my face at night.

The Fab Pore – 2 in 1 Facial Pore Purifying Mask & Peel

This is a must have product from Soap & Glory!  This has saved my skin and used with the Daily moisture lotion it is fantastic!  Soap & Glory claim it will unclog pores, prevent breakouts and reduce oily skin.  They are not lieing when they say this!  It is the best product I have ever used to help my skin!  The only thing that I thought was misleading was the “peel” part.  This mask does not peel off your skin, it has to be removed with water.

As this is an intense mask I recommend using it 2-3 times a week.  Concentrate on your T-Zone and leave on for 15 minutes.  Your skin will feel soft and super cleansed after!

One Heck of a Blot Primer

If you’re looking for a new primer this is a must have!  It’s for all skin types but I would push it more oily to combination skin.  You only need a tiny amount and it will cover your whole face.  This primer reduces redness, controls shine on the skin and keeps your make-up on for 6+ hours!  It is amazing and helps make your foundation apply flawlessly.  It is great to use alone and under make-up.  It is very light on the skin and leaves a velvet finish.

August Favourites

I can’t believe August and summer is over.  It just feels like yesterday it was June and I was planning my summer holidays out!  I thought I would give you all an insight of what products and other bits I have been enjoying this month!

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body lotion

Soap & Glory are my all-time favourite body/bath products and the Sugar Crush collection is my favourite.  This body lotion leaves your skin so soft and hydrated and also dries very quickly on your skin.  Also if you like sweet lemon/lime scent you will adore this! It’s also great value as I’ve been using this 4 times a week the past month and I haven’t even hit the half way mark in the bottle!

Cocoa Brown One Hour Tan – Shade Dark

This is the best tan I have ever used!  I couldn’t recommend it enough.  I use this tan for nights out and leave it develop for 3-4 hours.  After I wash it off, I’m left with a deep natural looking tan and it also lasts up to 4 days.  It’s the only tan I’ve used as well that doesn’t have that typical tan smell.

Botanics Shine Away Face Scrub

This is a very recent monthly favourite.  My face has become very oily the past couple weeks and a friend recommended this range of products to me.  This does exactly what is says on the packaging!  I use it 2-3 times a week after my skin care routine and my skin has definitely become less oily and my pores have shrunk.

L’Oréal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Collection

My hair is very dry and damaged from having balayage hair.  I’ve recently started using these products and so far it is the only products I would recommend for helping my hair.  The scent is mature but amazing and stays in your hair for hours after washing it.  Now I didn’t see results straight away but the more I used the products the better my hair got.  My hair now feels soft and healthy and doesn’t look so dull anymore!

The Weekend featuring Ed Sheeran – Dark Times

The Weekend’s new album “Beauty Behind the Madness” came out a couple weeks ago and to me this is the best song on the album.  Their voices together are amazing and the music and lyrics are fantastic.  Definitely give it a listen!

Sons of Anarchy

OH MY DAYS! Where do I begin with this show!  I started watching this at the start of the month and I’m already on season four.  If you like drama and crime shows you will love this.  You will be on the end of your seat with how intense some scenes are!  You will be hooked from episode one, so I will clear up some time if you start watching it!

MAC Haul

Nothing better than getting on a plane to get away for the weekend is the deals in Duty Free in the airport.  While flying back to Ireland from London I had a few moments to wonder around, of course the MAC stand caught my eye the most.  Not having many MAC products myself I decided to buy and try a few products.
MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation

I have never tried a MAC foundation before until this one.  I had no idea what would suit my skin and the sales assistant was so lovely to help me find a foundation that was good for me.

I have combination skin and I like a full coverage so I was told the Studio Sculpt foundation would suit me best.  This is a gel-based foundation with a satin finish.  It has a thick consistency so a little goes a long way with this foundation.  I usually just use a pea sized amount.  The shade NC20 matches my skin perfectly and it really gives a natural look to your skin, perfect for using during the day.  The only thing I dislike about this foundation is the smell, it has a mature old smell but it does not last and eventually the smell disappears.

MAC Dazzle Eye Shadow

MAC has recently brought out 12 Dazzle shadow shades.  They are intense 3D glitter effect shadows that are extremely pigmented even without a primer.  They are perfect for night time looks.

The shade I got was “I like 2 watch” (not fond on the name) which has a copper, gold and green hues.  I like wearing this shade all over the eye lid and blend out with a matte light brown shadow.  It is such a statement eye shadow that I just wear a nude lip to keep the focus on the eyes.

MAC Heroine Lipstick

MAC lipsticks never disappoint me and for months I have wanted the “Heroine” shade.  To me this is the perfect shade of purple for my skin tone.

It is a bright purple with blue under tones. Also for a matte lipstick it doesn’t dry out your lips and has very long lasting power.

MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powered

This is my all-time favourite powder when doing the “baking” method to set my highlighter and concealer under my eyes.

It leaves a silky finish on the skin rather than a matte so you won’t be left with that typical caked finish that most matte powders leave on the skin.  It leaves your make-up in place all day and reduces the shine on the skin.  It suits all skin types and doesn’t leave that white washed out look that some transparent powders leave.

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Shimmering Nudes Eyeshadow Palette Review

After months of this palette been out of stock I have finally gotten my hands on it. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this palette and since it is Limited Edition, I felt like I had to have it before it was gone for good.

Estée Lauder has released a perfect eyeshadow palette for the summer months and it also ties in with their Bronze Goddess Range.  The Bronze Goddess Shimmering Nudes eyeshadow palette comes with 5 nude shades plus 3 high-intensity metallic shades.  The palette also includes a dual-ended eyeshadow brush which isn’t much to brag about, you’re definitely paying for the packaging and the shadows not the brush.

The shimmering nude shades are very soft bronzed shades.  Compared the metallic shades they aren’t as pigmented but I have used them with eyeshadow primers and it does make the pigment much better. These shades are a dream to blend and build up very well.  There also perfect for day and night looks.  The first two shades are also great to use as a face highlighter as there are really soft and shimmery.

I can’t get over how amazing the pigment is in the metallic shades, with and without a primer.  A little also goes a long way with these shades, I would not recommend packing on the product or you’ll be blending for days on end.  They are perfect for night time looks but I wouldn’t recommend wearing them during the day as there are really intense but then again whatever floats your boat!

This palette is a bit pricey but it’s worth every penny!  It’s also a great palette to get if you’re starting to get into make-up as it has a bit of everything in it and it suitable for every skin tone.   I cannot fault Estée Lauder at all with this and hopefully they will make it a permanent product!

Morning Skin Care Routine

I’m back!  Sorry I Haven’t blogged in what seems like forever!  I’m going to get back into things with my normal Morning Skin Care Routine.

Step One

I have dry skin so to bring moisture back into my skin I wash my face in the morning using Granier’s Micellar Cleansing Water.  This is my favourite cleansing water because it works for sensitive skin and makes my skin feel hydrated and clean.  It’s also amazing for removing all make-up off your face even eye make-up!

I wipe this all over my face using a cotton pad and remove excess water using a dry cotton pad.

Step Two

Next I was my wash again with Soap & Glory’s Face Soap & Clarity 3-in-1 Daily Detox Vitamin C Facial Wash.  This product is amazing at removing any last bit of uncleanness from your face.  There is also little beads inside the soap that help exfoliate the skin.  This is also very skin friendly and doesn’t cause break-outs, it actually helps prevent them!

I splash water all over my face and then pour a 50c size amount onto my fingers and lather into my face.  I remove this product using a clean face cloth.

Step Three

Once all my skin is dry, I use Lancome’s Visionnaire Advance Skin Correcteur.  It is a very expensive product but it is worth every penny!  My skin has never been better since I started using this product.  It helps reduce wrinkles, shrink pores and evens out your skin.

You only need a pea sized amount on your face as a little goes a long way with this product.

Step Four

My last step is moisturiser.  I use Garnier’s Moisture Nourish Dry to Very Dry Skin Daily Rich Moisturiser.  Can you guess that I’m a big fan of Garnier products ;).  This is the only moisturiser marketed for dry skin that actually works for me.  It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and soft, giving me the best blank canvas to start applying my make-up!

Top Favourite Lip Products

Lip products have always been my holy grails in my make-up routines.  I rarely walk out of any shop that sells make-up without purchasing a lip product.  Also thanks to the genes of my parents, I have been blessed with big lips so I’ve never had to do the whole “Draw on lips” fad that has been going around.  If I did I would look like a clown!  I could talk about all my favourite lip products but we will be here for days so I will just mention my top of the list favourites! Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick – Shade “03” This is my favourite nude lipstick as it doesn’t wash me out or gives me concealer lips.  I would describe it as a nude/peach tone that would suit any skin tone.  It’s a moisturising lipstick and doesn’t dry out your lips.  The only downside of this product is that I do need to top it up a few times if I’m wearing it.  I purchased this product in Boots for €6.99.  It is also a great dupe for MAC’s “Velvet Teddy” NYX Cosmetics Matte Lipstick – Shade “Eurotrash” I only ever heard of this product online and was so happy when a local drug store starting selling the brand so I can finally try them out.  I am in love with their Matte Lipsticks, but “Eurotrash” is my favourite out of them all.  The product is creamy but dries with a matte finish and it is very long lasting.  I would describe it as a brown shade with pink undertones and it really suits people with pale to olive skin tones.  I purchased this product in Sam McCauley’s for €7.49. Sleek MakeUP True Colour Lipstick Matte – Shade “Exxxaggerate” When dark lip shades where trending I was so scared to try dark shades until I came across this one and now it is my favourite dark purple lip shade.  To me it’s a dark purple with a pink undertone, it goes great with a natural make-up look if you wanted to add a pop of colour.  It also looks amazing on dark skin tones.  The only disappointment I have with this product as it is a matte finish it is a very drying on the lips, so make sure you’ve used plenty of lip balm before you use this product.  I purchased this product on Sleek MakeUP website for €5.99. MAC Lipstick – Shade “Flat Out Fabulous” MAC lipsticks are my all-time favourite and I am in love with the packaging as it’s just so clean and expensive looking.  Also if you like scented products MAC lipsticks have a sweet vanilla scent.  MAC brought out this shade with the “Retro Matte” shades.  It’s a matte finish and is a dark pink with blue undertones.  This product lasts nearly all day and I feel I only have to top it up once or twice when wearing it.  This is my favourite lipstick to wear when I fake tan as it pops out more with my make-up.  Brown Thomas sells this product for €19.50.  The price is a bit expensive compared to my other favourites but it is well worth the price!

Teatox Your Tea: Tiny Tea Review

All I see on social networking sites and advertisements online is the whole “teatox” fad.  I knew nothing about it until my twin bought this product and I was intrigued.  A month ago I was fed up of feeling bloated and horrible after eating and then my twin recommend me to try this “teatox”.

Tiny Tea Teatox is designed to assist you with:

Bloating

Indigestion

Problematic Skin

Cellulite

Reduction of excess weight loss

Increase energy

To me I thought this was all just a load of nonsense that a tea could help with all this and from what I heard about other brands and how they don’t work.  Tiny Tea is not like other brands and I can honestly say it works!  After a week of trying it I felt so much better!  I had no bloating, more energy and also which surprised me, I was feeling fuller when eating a meal which has helped me with my weight loss.

I drink this tea twice a day half an hour after eating a meal.  I leave the tea bag soak in hot water for 5 minutes and I add lemon for some flavouring.  It really does have a unique taste so if you’re into your teas you would love this.

The disappointment I have with this product is the tea bags are very fragile even though they are protected in a paper wrapper. Also I did not see any improvement with my skin.

If you’re looking to try all the “Teatox” business I will more than recommend this brand over others!

Mac Prep & Prime Fix Plus Review

During the Christmas Holidays I was shopping up in Dublin and just couldn’t go past Brown Thomas without having a snoop around.  I always wanted to try the Mac Prep and Prime Fix Plus and thought why not and actually just got the last one on sale!

I am in love with this product, it is my holy grail in my make up routine and really cannot fault it.  For €20 you get a 100ml bottle and for someone who uses this everyday since December I haven’t even hit the half way mark! It is well worth the money for that anyway!

The product describes itself as “A soothing moisture mist that refreshes the skin and finishes the make up”. It does that exactly and I have noticed a better look with my make up using this and have even been complimented on how good my make up looks!

Once I’m finished my whole make up routine I spray this from arms length on my face a couple times and gives it a couple seconds to dry.  It leaves my skin looking dewy and blends everything in, also takes the powered look off your face if you use a lot of face powered like myself.

All in all this product is amazing and I will be purchasing again once this one runs out!