Murad Pore Perfection Starter Kit | Review

Murad Pore Perfection Starter Kit - £25.00*

Skincare for me is a complicated one and therefore it's something I never blog about. My combination skin has been giving me lots of trouble recently so I've been hell bent on finding the perfect skincare routine for the perfect skin, it's getting there but there's still a long way to go. Because of this, I was so excited when I got the chance to try out this Murad Pore Perfection Starter Kit as it promised to perfect pores and control shine. I've had this for a while but with skincare products I think it's a tricky one as skin can be affected by many factors including the weather and diet and therefore I have trailed this for quite a while.

Murad's Pore Perfection Starter Kit is made up of 4 different products which make up the three steps of their skincare routine - Cleanse/Tone, Treat/Repair, Hydrate/Protect. All of the products feature pomegranate and some smell rather strongly of pomegranate, this is something I personally like as I think they smell gorgeous - but if you're one for unscented products then this set may not be for you.

Energizing Pomegranate Cleanser
This is a foaming cleanser which smells lovely, my first impressions were shock when that cute pink liquid turned to a white foam when pumped out - I guess I'm just easily amused. Personally I prefer cleansing oils to anything and a foam cleanser leaves me feeling rather uneasy since I have combination skin and the lovely Caroline Hirons advises well away from foam cleansers if you're acne prone like me as they alkalise the skin surface which enables bacteria to breed. Luckily, with this cleanser I didn't break out any more than normal however I didn't see an improvement in my acne or the appearance of my skin. This cleanser is gentle and leaves the face feeling soft and clean however I like a cleanser to really make a difference and I eventually returned back to my Cleansing Oil where I instantly saw results. This cleanser would be suitable for those who only need a gentle cleanse and aren't acne prone. Also as a side note this is a cleanser and toner in one - I would always follow up with a toner as I'm not really into combo products and I still feel like I haven't used a toner - which I find such an important step in my routine.

T-Zone Pore Refining Gel
I briefly featured this product in my Travel Make-up/Skincare post as I took it with me to Amsterdam. The product in this set is 15ml and is a gel which is meant to balance oily and dry skin whilst gently exfoliating. Well, until now - I didn't know this gel gently exfoliated and this excites me. I have combination skin so a gel to balance this is great for me and seems like more of the toning step I was craving from this kit. I like this product as it smells nice and is a step I like to incorporate into my routine because if, eventually, my pores become more refined then theres no harm in that. I haven't seem many results from this product but it hasn't had any adverse effects on my skin whatsoever so I won't stop using it until it's run out in the hope that something noticeable will happen. 

Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask
In this set you receive two samples of this exfoliating mask which I find contain enough for four uses. This is a chemical exfoliant which is to be used as a weekly treatment - it contains AHA's, natural fruit enzymes and salicylic acid which are features in many cult exfoliating masks. The full size version of this product is £22.50 on lookfantastic.com and actually comes packaged as 6 sachets the same size as this, my thoughts on this are mixed, whilst sachets are handy to carry around and store, these sachets provide at least two applications each and I find I have to transfer the remaining product from the sachet into a little pot after first opened - which is a bit of a pain. I really think this product is the star of the show - chemical exfoliating masks are becoming more and more popular as people move away from the abrasive scrubs which can damage the skin and spread bacteria. This applies like a gel and really tingles so I know it's definitely working, afterwards my complexion looks clearer with my acne scarring faded and it just seems to keep on working as I am sure my skin improves through the night after using this.  I'm definitely going to be repurchasing this product. 

Energizing Pomegranate Moisturiser 
This moisturiser also featured in my Travel post as it has wormed it's way into my daily routine and is currently my staple moisturiser. I like the scent of this moisturiser as it's light and not overpowering. The moisturiser has hydrated my once very dehydrated skin and is light and absorbs into the skin quickly without leaving my skin feeling oily or leaving a residue. My skin does not get any shinier than normal during the day whilst using this moisturiser and it also contains SPF 25 which is great for protecting the skin against UVB/UVA rays if you prefer to get your SPF from your moisturiser. I think this moisturiser would be great for summer to keep skin hydrated and protected whilst being non-greasy. 

Overall I think sets like this are great for trying new products and brands and usually are the first thing I turn to if I'm looking to a new brand as they're relatively inexpensive for the range and amount of products you can get in a set and if you don't get on with them, it's okay because you didn't splurge before you tried. Everybody reacts differently to skincare and some products which are great for others just simply don't do it for somebody else so don't write off the cleanser just because it left me underwhelmed. I'll definitely be repurchasing the Exfoliating Masks - I'm unsure if i can live without these handy little skincare saviours and the moisturiser will continue to be a firm favourite and one I'll keep going back to.

When in Amsterdam... | OOTD

River Island Jacket, American Apparel Disco Pants, Topshop T-shirt, Topshop Boots, ASOS Necklace

Hi y'all, just a quick post today as I've got exams and all that jazz - I thought I was past this point in my life but seems not, exams live on. Whilst in Amsterdam and having lots of jazzy walls for backgrounds I thought surely I cannot pass up the opportunity to get Andy behind the camera and act as my human tripod - thumbs up to you Andrew. 

This is a really simple outfit - monochrome seems to be a recurring theme in my outfits these days and thats not because I'm following any trends - I'm  just running in the opposite direction to colour, shade's of grey any day. I thought this outfit would be comfy but I was wrong - after an entire days walking in these boots I felt like chopping off my own feet and attempting to grow new ones as that might have been less painful. 

Serious lack of jewelry going on here, although I can't say I'm ever big on jewelry any way, however I only packed one necklace (and one jacket) in the hope that everything would go with everything, since I only packed black, grey and white items of clothing coincidentally...

A Weekend in Amsterdam

It was my birthday on Saturday 4th May, another year gone already? Being 19 is a little boring - there's nothing I can do now that I couldn't do last week, I guess 18 is so hyped up that your 19th birthday is sort of an anitclimax - sorry to those turning 19 soon. 

Saying all of that - I had an amazing, completely chilled and relaxed birthday as I spent the weekend in Amsterdam with Andy. We headed down to Manchester after work on Wednesday and spent the night in an airport hotel then 4am Thursday morning headed to the airport and boarded our 6:30am flight - I had to being dragged away from the MAC duty free counter by the other half - no make up shopping on this holiday!

The weather was glorious in Amsterdam and we spent 4 whole days in the city before we headed back late Sunday night. During this time I managed to do a spot of shopping in H&M and snagged a bikini from the H&M for water campaign - bonus since I've seen Beyonce wearing this as she's the new face for H&M's summer range. 

During our time in Amsterdam we wandered down many many canals, walked through the Red Light District, visited Royal Artis Zoo, explored Anne Frank's house, had a tour of Amsterdam's Dungeons (where I was utterly creeped out by the actress who kept sniffing me...), went on a canal boat and indulged in countless meals, pancakes, waffles, macaroons and slices of pizza which can be found on most streets.

Amsterdam was a great place to visit and we had a perfect weekend, the chilled atmosphere mixed with the 20 degree heat and beautiful scenery meant it was a beautiful break away. I'd recommend Amsterdam to anyone as there's plenty to see and of course it's very diverse with its relaxed policies and many ethnicity's  If you were to visit I think Andy and I would both insist you visit Wynand Fockinks for a spot of traditional Jenever served in a cute tulip glass - a traditional gem we found in an alleyway and visited everyday coming away rather tipsy each time. 

It seemed that we coincidentally chose a good weekend to get away to Amsterdam since the 4th May was a Remembrance Day for World War II where Dam Square filled with tens of thousands of people for a two minutes silence with the Royals in attendance, the Queen had just abdicated and Ajax won the league 5-0 on the Sunday so football fans were out in force to watch the game and celebrating on every corner.

Whilst in Amsterdam I filmed a vlog and I hope this encourages you to hop on a flight and jet away to Amsterdam if you're considering a break away, also this is the perfect way for Andy and I to reminisce on our weekend away and share with family and friends. I couldn't have put it together without Andy who willfully obliged every time I said 'we have to film today!!' and had a camera pointed in his face at every opportunity - also his ear for music and his perfectionism when it came to matching the clips with the beats... 

I hope you all enjoyed your bank holiday weekend! 

Travel Make-Up



Bow Make - Up Bag - Primark*

 

 

On Wednesday afternoon, Andy and I are travelling down to the airport and jetting off to Amsterdam for the weekend & my birthday. Since it's only a weekend trip we opted for the hand luggage only option - what seemed like a money saver at the time has quickly turned out to be a little difficult - since I realised this meant my handbag and all it's contents would have to also be packed into the small hand luggage case (this is actually a small hand luggage rucksack).

I have struggled but somehow managed to cram in three pairs of shoes, hair straighteners, probably about 12 outfits, the iPad, the Canon, my make up bag, my huge Warehouse handbag and countless other unnecessary items. You can image my horror when it dawned on me that all my liquids would have to be sealed in a clear plastic bag, all under 100ml and under 1 litre in total since this was hand luggage and I have no hold luggage. I'm not 100% sure that these things are compliant with those rules so its looking like Andy is going to be travelling through customs with his very own plastic make up bag - aw.

Due to the restrictions I've packed as little skincare/haircare as possible - I am slightly worried about my lack of hair styling products packed so far and may need to pick up a salt spray when I'm out there (I believe I have just found an excuse to shop). I've chosen really handy mini/travel sized items which I just happened to have already thanks to the North Meet Up! I am really sad that I'm leaving my Lush Tea Tree Toner behind but it's just a little on the large side.

This little make-up bag was a gift from my friend Emily and is really small and cute. It has two compartments, on one side I've stored the make up and on the other haircare and skincare. I'm taking some travel sized Anne Semonin shampoo* and shower gel* in a seperate bag, which are fantastic and really handy to take anywhere for an overnight stay.

Skincare and Haircare

Redken Colour Extend Treatment Spray*

This isn't a product I've used much but it's a really cute and handy travel sized bottle. The thought of going away without any hair products is horrible and I've heard really great things about this little bottle so I'm glad it's joining me on my travels.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil*
Cleansing oils are my favourite type of cleanser and I can't live without them. My favourite cleanser is the Nude Perfect Cleansing Oil, but recently I've been using the DHC oil due to its small and handy travel size. The DHC oil smells so gorgeous and literally melts away all traces of make up without being harsh on the skin and stripping it of its natural oils.

Murad Pomegranate Energising Moisturiser*
Obviously I need take a moisturiser, this is a really light moisturiser which I know will blend great with my foundation to make a tinted moisturiser. It smells amazing and sinks in to the skin really fast. It's not a holy grail product but its a nice, simple product which does its job. It's also a really handy size with a nice hygenic nozzle so i can get just the right amount out of product.

Etat Pur Micellar Solution*
This came in my North Meet Up bag - it's seriously cute and I instantly I was thinking Bioderma. My Bioderma bottle has almost run out and is too large to take with me so this little bottle will do perfectly. Just like Bioderma it takes off make up effortlessly, has no scent and doesn't leave the skin tight! Perfect for a trip away.

Murad T-Zone Pore Refining Gel
Perhaps not a necessity but such a dinky little bottle so it'd be rude not to bring it along with all my other minis! This came in a set with the Murad moisturiser and although I haven't seen many results, this is the kind of product I love because if it can refine my pores eventually I will be one happy chappy.

Phil Smith Argan Oil Cream*
Much to my despair I have ran out of Argan oil - but I picked this little tube of Argan oil cream up free with Cosmopolitan last month and it smells lovely and works well on my hair which is often rather dry on the ends.

Make up

I'm not going to go through everything here because I'm sure that you know most of it but I'm taking what I consider the 'essentials'. I've been using NARS Sheer Glow Foundation but I've brought the Bobbi Brown Stick out of storage due to its compact nature plus I really do love it. The Burts Bees Pink Grapefruit Lip Balm* is absolutely hands down the greatest product ever - not even because it makes your lips softer than any balm - it probably doesn't - but it smells beyond amazing and makes my mouth water like crazy and it does leave the lips nice and soft, my must have item! High Beam has made an appearance after spending a good few months shelved as I've been using my Topshop Powder Highlighter instead but this tiny little bottle is perfect to take in the bulky Topshop highlighters place. In my opinion three lipsticks is not enough however I cannot fit anymore in and don't forget I've got to get all this through customs.... I've chosen the infamous Kate Moss 107, MAC Cockney and YSL shade 12. Also into make up bag are some MAC eyeliners, a NARS blush in Lustre and Hoola - a bronzer.

So that's what I'm sneaking into my suitcase (plus some NUDE treatment oil which I forgot to photograph). What would you be taking in yours?

*all items marked wth an asterix are PR samples or gifs