La Roche Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel

I'm always trying a new cleanser, the newest I have experienced is *La Roche Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel* I cannot get enough of this derma cosmetic brand, pretty much everything I have tried from them I have loved. 

The gel texture is ideal for normal/combination skin. The best way to apply is to massage into a wet face and remove with damp cotton wool. I really like how clean it has left my skin feeling. If there is any residue, I use my Holos Floral Toner. The two together are a perfect pair for my skin. 

La Roche Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel is available from your stockist for €15.50. You get 200ml for this great price. I think the bottle would easily last three months if not more. 

Although I don't have a clarisonic or other cleansing tool, this would be a dream to use with it. I really want to pick up some sort of cleansing tool so if you have a recommendation, let me know. 

Have you tried this La Roche Posay lovely?

American Beauties I Lust After

There is no question that 2014 has been the year where many much loved American brands have made the way to our shores - Wet 'N' Wild, Physicians Formula and NYX. I got thinking the other day about all the american brands I have tried over the years and which ones I would personally love to see arrive in Ireland. All the brands featured can be found on Amazon, Ebay and other websites including Camera Ready Cosmetics The only slight hitch is that sometimes shipping can be more than the actual product as can pesky customs. There are so many brands on the website but I have picked three that I have loved over the years.

Joe Blasco has been around for so long in the states. The quality of the products is outstanding and features a quite an extensive range. I have tried a few bits from them but my ultimate favourite is their Ultra Base Foundation. 

This creamy compact foundation is waterproof but also extremely lightweight. I usually find compacts and me don't get on but this is a whole different forty. It doesn't clog my pores or leave my skin feeling tight and dry. It's great for covering spots, redness and uneven skin tones. There is 38 shades so there is definitely a shade for everyone.

Camera Ready Cosmetics don't just stock well known american brands but they also have their own line. Way back when I was working as a freelance makeup artist, a lot of my kit contained the brand. One favourite is the micro fine loose powder. 

I love a loose powder, sure it can be as messy as anything but I find it gives a much better finish to foundation. Their offering is extremely fine and reminds me quite a bit of the Makeup Forever loose powder. The brand also do some extremely lusty makeup kits, if that's your kinda of thing. For me, I could stare at them all day and dream about owning one someday.....

When I think of Sugarpill, two things come to mind - Colour and super pigmentation. Since Sugarpill is all about fun colour, it seems only fitting I share their pressed eyeshadows. 

That is just a teeny selection of the colours but I think it gives you an idea of the colour I am talking about. So many times I've gone for a bright colour only to be list down by pigmentation and have to build up layers. Not with these stunners those.

Hopefully we will see these making an appearance here soon. Unfortunately Sugarpill are the only ones you can pick up on UK websites. I've ordered them from Love Makeup before to take a slight sting out of shipping.

Have you ever tried any of these brands or are there other american brands you lust after??

Holos Skincare

I love discovering new Irish beauty and skincare brands. The latest  I discovered is Holos Skincare owned by Niamh Hogan. 

Holos is handcrafted in Wexford and all products are made in a socially and environmentally friendly way. I'm recently getting into more natural products for my skincare so am thrilled to come across another Irish brand. 

Niamh very kindly offered to send me a few products to try. Being pregnant, I wanted to check the products would be safe to use as some aromatherapy oils aren't recommended when pregnant. Niamh was really helpful and sent me her Happy Momma Oil and Love Your Skin Floral Toner.

The Happy Momma Oil (100ml €14.70) ingredients includes orange and neroli in sweet almond oil. These essential oils energise and take care of the skin by helping to prevent stretch marks. something I am very happy to hear. It also helps promote cell regrowth to heal scar tissue. There is also Vitamin E and fatty acids present to nourish the skin and keep it smooth. Since first try, I have used this religiously every night before bed. I find it a very relaxing experience. Although it's a body oil, I don't find it overly greasy and it sinks into my skin really quickly. This is fast becoming one of my pregnancy holy grails. 

Love Your Skin Floral toner (100ml €15.20) is made with Bulgarian roses and smells gorgeous. I'm usually not one for Rose but I find this not to overpowering and actually a very pretty scent. The toner can be used after cleanser or by itself. I tend to use it by itself first thing in the morning or if I am having a no makeup day. I then team it with my La Roche Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel to remove makeup. I find by itself, it does a great job refreshing my skin and cleaning any dirt or remaining makeup from my skin. Because there is Rose present, it would be a great product for inflammation or broken capillaries.

On another note, I just want to compliment Niamh on the packaging. It's very pretty and clean looking. Everything you could want to know about the product is written on the bottle.

There a lots of grey products on the website, I'm definitely going to be buying a few bits from Niamh once babs arrives. 

Have you heard of Holos?