Rebalancing after pregnancy :part one skincare

 Baby sparkle is now 8 months old and thankfully he now has a full bill of health. I'm not sure if it's the norm or if it's because I had a really difficult time after but my body just went crazy in particular my skin and hair. It took me about 6 months of trialing different products to finally get the right balance again, I am still searching for the right exfoliator to finish the routine so I'd love for you to comment with any reccomendations. 

I kept reading so much about a double cleanse I figured it would be a good place to start so I use 

Blumain organics cleansing oil

This is lovely as it's really gentle and adds moisture rather than taking away like most cleansers. This also has the added bonus of being completely natural. 

Rrp: €19.95

Followed by 

NIA cleansing balm 

This is a little touch of luxury for daily routine it comes in a fab tin with cloths included. You apply onto face with sticks provided( I couldn't get hang so used my fingers!) it feels lovely on leaves a really nice softness and again isn't drying at all. 

Rrp: €19.95

For toner I have been using 

Lotion yonka 

I absolutely love this it's pure luxury but really good value for money as the bottle goes very far. Just a little spritz adds lovely glow to your face and keeps it from drying. It smells amazing too a definite favorite that will be repurchased for many years to come. 

Rrp: €30.50

 For moisturiser and this little treasure from NeoStrata 

Its a really moisturising really comfortable cream and like it says on the tin it really does restore! 

My skin before was deeply lined, greyish looking and plagued with flaky patches around my nose, chin, hairline and brows. Even thinking back makes me shudder. 

My skin after is a lot more youthful looking its softer and holds moisture in a huge leap forward from the dehydrated mess I started with! 

Rrp: €46.95 40g 

As I said I'm still on the hunt for the right exfoliator as the ones I have always used are way too harsh for me now. 

Did your skin totally change with pregnancy? Let me know in comments x 

This post features pr samples. 

Impress nails winter collection

Impress nails have just launched a new winter collection with some new shades that are even more realistic looking than the predecessor. 

The nails are shinier even more similar to gel nails and the colours that have been added are really versatile for every day and special occasion wear. 

My particular favorites are the nude (riot act) and grey (rumor mill) shades I think they look really natural and the type of colours I would normally go for. 

I'd love to see them mix it up a little and maybe add in the option of a sparkly accent nail ( maybe they will put my idea on file ;p) of course you can do this yourself by mixing and matching between packs. I've since been informed that impress do in fact do these packs of nails and I've seen a picture and they are beautiful ( I'll add it on my instagram for you) 

Anyone who has read previous posts of mine on impress nails will know I'm a giant fan these not only look real but I have personally tested their staying power. They can be applied in under 4 minutes and lasted about 6 days on for me just make sure you leave them on for a while maybe an hour before you wash your hands as it can affect the adhesive. 

These are fantastic for the party season as you can easily change up your look for each party night. 

Impress nails are available in Dunnes stores and pharmacies nationwide retailing at € 9.99. 

Physicians Formula: Mineral Wear & Happy Booster

Hi everyone, sorry for the little break I took this week was doing lots of behind the scenes work for lots of exciting things coming up soon.

Today I have a review of the Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Powder and Happy Booster Blush. 

Physicians Formula are a well established brand that are relatively new to Ireland everything is under €20 and the products are amazing quality. 

First I will start with the Mineral Powder, this is a compact powder with a really cool packaging design the powder is on top and can then be lifted up to reveal a mirror and small brush. 

The first day that I wore this was at a wedding and every time it left my bag it was snatched away by other ladies really intrigued by what it was and all the ladies at my table had a little trial of it too! So this is a definite tick for the packaging being desirable and eye catching.
As for the powder I am a huge fan of Mineral foundations and powders. I have combination dry skin so do need a little powder for my t-zone but anything other than mineral dries It all out badly.
This is hands down the best Mineral powder that I have used it was so light when applied but worked for keeping away the oil and added an extra bit of coverage that you get with a mineral powder. I have worn this over a lot of different foundations while testing but the most impressive was wearing it over Estee Lauder Double Wear. I fully expected it to cake on my skin immediately because DW is already drying I tend not to be able to wear any powder with it but this worked like a dream.
It managed to make the DW even more flawless.
I have also worn this alone a few days in the trial and although it isnt marketed as a mineral foundation with a little concealer applied first It does a pretty good job at creating a light daytime base.
This mineral powder gets a massive thumbs up from me and although I got this as a PR sample I will definitely be purchasing another. This retails at €17.90 a bargain for such a quality powder.

The next product that I have is the Happy Booster Blush.
This is another really eye catching product, the packaging is really similar to the mineral powder with the mirror and brush underneath the blush.
The blush is designed with lovely hearts on the product and it has the scent of Violet to make you happy and It really does give you a little boost when you smell it.
The brush that comes with it is surprisingly soft as It looks really stiff. It is perfect for application on the go but I did prefer one of my bigger brushes for applying at home.
The colour of this blush is sort of a mix of highlighter, soft pink and bronzer and even though it sounds like there is a lot going on It all blends together really well and gives a lovely natural flush look.
This is a gorgeous blush that would be at home in anyones make up bag. The happy booster blush retails at €15.90

I now have a physicians formula wishlist that consists of almost every product they make! Anything I have tried from them has been such good quality and has gone over and above my expectations for the price. Physicians Formula are available in Pharmacies Nationwide.
Have you tried any Physicians Formula or do you have a favorite. Let me know in the comments.