ORIGINS Original Skin Renewal Serum Review

As I have recently turned 25 I may have got sucked into Origins #QuarterCenturyCrsis campaign a little to easily, but if something claims to keep my skin looking youthful it is hard to pass by. I have been having a little trouble with my skin recently and I thought now is as good a time as ever to add that little extra step of serum into my skin care routine. It has been a long time coming as I have been looking into adding a serum to my skincare routine for a while but I wanted to choose the right one for my skin.

This serum can be used in the morning and in the evening before applying moisturiser. It focuses on de-stressing skin, smoothing roughness, removing dullness, shrinking pores and minimising flaws and imperfections. I was defiantly attracted to this product as it is aimed at the twenty something age range targeting common issues that are brought to light in your twenties, such as enlarged pores and dullness. My current skincare routine doesn't seem to be enough anymore as my skin is changing but anti-aging products can be too harsh. 

I am really glad that I have added this extra step of serum into my skincare routine, although I haven't noticed a massive improvement in all areas that the product aims to target, it has definitely left my skin looking brighter, looking refreshed and has left my skin feeling smooth. I would recommend investing in this product, like all Origins products it smells amazing very fresh and zesty and a perfect accompaniment to an early morning skin routine. The serum is a light gel consistency and soaks into the skin immediately leaving feeling smooth and perfectly prepping skin for make-up.

Pros

• Smells amazing - fresh and zesty
• Light gel consistency
• Soaks into the skin immediately
• Brightens skin
• Leaves skin refreshed and smooth
• Creates a great base for make-up application

Cons

• Quite pricey (£32 - 30ml)
• Opaque bottle - difficult to know when you are going to run out

I'd love to explore more serums to add to my skincare routine, what are your favorites?

Bernadette

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Oh So Lush

As Lush are celebrating their 20th birthday this year, I thought I would take a trip into town and join in on the celebrations by purchasing a few of my favourite products. In line with the occasion Lush have developed over 200 new products. When I was in London a few weeks back I got my hands on the most recent Lush magazine and I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new products in my local store - Exciting!

Twilight Bath Bomb

This is definitely my favourite way to unwind after the weekend, Twilight is my go to Sunday night bath bomb. As you can imagine this bath creates a vision of the night sky, purples, pinks and midnight blue water with a relaxing lavender scent - it leaves me feeling relaxed and ready for the week ahead.

Tisty Toasty Bath Bomb

This is romance in a bath bomb, I love the heart shape and the rose petals that lay afloat in the bath with a rose and perfume scent. This is the perfect 'Pamper Time/Me Time' bath that you never really want to leave!

Yuzu and Cocoa Bubbleroon Bubble Bar

This bubble bar smells amazing and has to be one my absolute favourite bath products. The coconut oil and shea butter makes my skin feel super soft and the chocolate orange fragrance leaves the bathroom smelling delicious (usually leaving me craving some Terry's Chocolate Orange!)

The Sacred Truth Fresh Face Mask

This face mask was recommended to me by a member of staff at Lush when I was on the hunt for a new product to brighten dull skin. It deeply hydrates and the papaya gives a youthful glow and I have yet to find a serious competitor.

Tender is the Night Massage Bar

I had to leave the best until last, my absolute go to Lush product. This massage bar is filled with essential oils and softening butters and is used by warming the bar up between your hands and massaging it into your skin.  It is my favourite scent used by Lush and it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and silky soft.

What are your go-to Lush products?

Bernadette

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A Day in London

As it was my fiances birthday a few weeks ago and we both had the day off work, I thought I would arrange a a spontaneous day to the city, London City. We both absolutely love spending time in London and everytime we go we find somewhere new to fall in love with. As we have been to the city numerous times we could avoid all the usual touristy activities and just explore.

Check out what we got up to and a few tips on how to make the most of 12 hours in London.

Travelling

Booking the earliest flight in the day and the latest flight home and booking well in advance will almost always guarantee the best price for that day. Booking the Stansted Express from Stansted Aiport into Liverpool Street Station online in advance also enables you to get a better deal, so being organised is ALWAYS good.

Belfast International Airport

Liverpool Street Station

Eating

We both love love having food with a view and what better place to eat great food and have an excellent view of London - than the Duck & Waffle. After researching and reading online reviews and blogs I knew we had to visit.The Duck & Waffle is based at Bishopsgate a few minutes walk from Liverpool Street Station on the 40th floor and it is open 24/7. We went for brunch around 10am, I would definitely recommend booking this well in advance as the online booking system books up extremely fast and I understand why. It was AMAZING, such a relaxed atmosphere, breath taking views and excellent food & cocktails.

Mimosa Cocktail - Duck & Waffle

Duck & Waffle Breakfast - Duck & Waffle

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club - Stadium Tour

Much to my fiance delight this trip was less about shopping and more about eating and exploring. In an attempt to be nominated for finacee of the year award I booked stadium tour tickets for White Hart Lane.

White Hart lane - Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

Home Changing Room - Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

Covent Garden & Neals Yard

Covent Garden is one my favourite places to visit in London (excluding the 190+ steps out of the underground). It's quirky, interesting -  I love the atmosphere, street performers, the food, the bars, the shops and everything inbetween, This time round we discovered the Neal's Yard, this is such a hidden gem, the place bright beautiful and full of life.

Covent Garden

Neal's Yard

Homeslice Pizza- Neal's Yard

Where are your favourite places to visit when in London?

Bernadette

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Skincare Haul

Recently I have taken a keen interest in everything skincare, I think approaching my 25^th birthday has given me a slight quarter life skin crisis. I am loving this new obsession and can really see the benefit of investing in my skin and will most definitely continue to do so.

OSKIA – Renaissance Cleansing Gel

I have read so much about this cleansing gel and I am so glad that I gave into the hype! This cleansing gel massaged onto dry skin then melts into an oil. This gel leaves my skin feeling beautifully clean and moisturised and I actually look forward removing my make up and cleansing my skin at the end of the day. This will definitely be my go to cleansing gel for the foreseeable future, an absolute must for my skincare routine.

Soap & Glory – the ULTIMELT

This is a facial cleanser that you massage into your skin and press off with a warm muslin cloth. I have been using this cleaner about once a week when I feel I need a deep purifying cleanse, neeedless to say this Soap & Glory product smells amazing and really does feel like a real pamper.

The Body Shop – Vitamin C – Energising Face Spray

This face spray is a real pick me up in the mornings, it is refreshing and smells amazing. It gives your face a burst of freshness to help brighten a dull completion. This is the first time I have used a face spray as part of my skincare routine but I am really enjoying this extra step.

Clarins – Lotus Face Treatment Oil

This product is 100% pure plant extract for oily or combination skin. It is beautiful oil that I have use at night time before bed and by morning my skin is revived. This product has helped control the oils in my skin, using this product every night for 3 or 4 days in row and my skin is smoother and less oily throughout the day. This 30ml product will last a really long time, as you only use a tiny few drops of it as and when required.

The Body Shop – Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask

This moisture mask is intensely hydrating and excellent for the summer months. It makes my skin feel moisturised and leaves it dewy throughout the day. I like to apply this mask in the mornings after my shower and leave for 20 minutes or so and my skin is beautifully hydrated for the day. This is suitable for all skin types and provides the skin with the essential vitamin E that the skin does not hold itself.

What skincare products do you love? What skincare products would you recommend?

Bernadette

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It's kind of a big deal...

I just wanted to write a quick blog post to say I'M GETTING MARRIED! We have been engaged from October 2014, and I have heard 'the time comes round that quick, you wont see the two years' and so far this is very true. I do not know where the past 6 months have gone, it is now serious wedding planning time! I thought keeping a blog of my wedding planning journey would good for me to begin to tick the items of the 'To-Do List', to have a record of my wedding planning journey and to help and share ideas with other brides to be.

I have always had an interest in wedding planning, being a bridesmaid three times (three times the bridesmaid never the bride!) has given me so much inspiration over the past few years, that I am so excited to start my own journey. Although I had a million and one ideas in my head before I even got engaged, when it actually comes to my own wedding it is hard to get started. We have set our date in 2016 I cannot wait to start sharing my wedding planning journey.

Are you getting married? Do you follow any wedding planning blogs?

Bernadette

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Introducing Bruno

This is Bruno, also known as Bruce, Brucie, Brunz and answers to all - usually when food is involved! He is an 8 month old Jackie Bichon, this is a Jack Russell and Bichon Frise mix. He has the most adorable little face and the biggest personality.

Bruno couldn't wait to get his paws on his very first parcel from PetShop.co.uk* - a box full of delicious food!

Treat Box* contained - Huntland - The Natural Hunters Diet (Scottish Loch  Salmon with River Trout & Sweet Potato, PRO PLAN dry food & Pedigree Dentastix

PetShop.co.uk - Online Pet Shop

PetShop.co.uk is an Online Pet Shop and provides wide range of products for your pet (dogs, cats and other small pets) in one online shop from food, beds, medicines to poop scoops and bags. These can all be purchased online and delivered right to your door. The bottomless bowl service allows you to order your pets food online and automatically reorders as and when required to ensure that your wee pet never runs out of food.

As you can see Bruno loved his treat box from PetShop.co.uk and could't wait to dig in!

If you have a pet check out PetShop.co.uk for a wide range of items delivered straight to your door, handy right?

Bernadette

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Favourite Lipsticks - Spring Edition 2015

(Lipsticks from left to right - NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil - Iberico, Rimmel – Lasting Finish by Kate Moss - Shade 31, Bourjois Rouge Velvet Edition - 09 Happy Nude Year, L’Oreal Paris – Color Riche Matte  - 640 Erotique, Bourjois Rouge Velvet Edition - 04 Peach Club)

The first things that come to my mind in spring is the fresh flowers, the good weather (the hope of good weather) and the make-up! The seasonal change from dark lips and dark evenings to bright lips, fresh make up and longer evenings puts a smile on my face. I love to experiment with brighter shades of lipstick come spring/summer, using them with my pale skin tone or when I have a bit of a tan. This is a selection of what I have been loving this season.

(Swatches from left to right - L’Oreal Paris – Color Riche Matte - 640 Erotique, Rouge Velvet Edition 04 Peach Club, Rouge Velvet Edition 09 Happy Nude Year, NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil - Iberico, Rimmel – Lasting Finish by Kate Moss - Shade 31)

L’Oreal Paris – Color Riche Matte Lipstick - 640 Erotique

I was really impressed by the L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Matte collection. It is available in over 30 shades, but 640 Erotique has to be my favourite. The formula goes on smoothly, leaving your lips moisturised and feeling velvety soft. For a matte lipstick the formula does not dry out the lips and the colour pay off is fab. I can use this lipstick everyday; it’s subtle colour leaves it open to all types of scenarios. I can wear this lipstick to work or in the evening when I want a more subtle look for my lips.

Bourjois - Rouge Velvet Edition 04 Peach Club & 09 HappyNude Year

The pattern is now appearing, matte lips are definitely my favourite lip look for spring 2015. I just love the look of dewy flawless skin and a pop of colour on matte lips. I discovered the Bourjois Rouge Velvet Edition Collection this spring, the range of colours are exactly what I go for and Peach Club and Happy Nude Year are two of my favourites. I mentioned Bourjois Rouge Velvet Edition Collection - 09 Happy Nude Year previously here. I find that you can have a more subtle colour with these lipsticks or you can build up the intensity to suit your desired look. For spring I like peach tones on the lips, sometimes I like a more subtle look and more often than not I love a more intense peach lip and I find you can get achieve both looks with 04 Peach Club by building up the product. Although I find this formula to be quite drying on the lips, I find that prepping the lip with a moisturising balm prior to application helps keep the lips soft and moisturised.

NARS  Velvet Matte LipPencil - Iberico

I got this lip pencil in the NARS Lip Pencil christmas gift set, and now that it is spring I am loving using it. This product is combination of lip pencil and a lipstick; I find that this helps the colour stay for longer but can become quite drying toward the end. I really like the intense coral colour, with warm undertones and a matte finish. The colour is mostly opaque giving the lips even coverage that stays for hours.

Rimmel – Lasting Finish by Kate Moss - Shade 31

I couldn't resist keeping a trusty red in my favourites list, although I don’t wear it as often as I would have throughout autumn/winter I can’t let it go. Red is my go to colour for the evenings and the Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Collection in shade 31 is my favourite for spring. This pink/red colour works well on a pale completion as well as when I have a slight tan. I adore using this colour to finish of my evening look, this lipstick is moisturising on the lips and as it says in the name it has a long lasting finish.

What are your favourite lipsticks this season?

Bernadette

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Chillin' at the Ice House

After spending the night at the Ice House Hotel, I couldn't wait to blog about it. I wanted a short quiet break away, with good food and plenty of relaxation and on arrival to Ballina Co.Mayo I knew I had chosen the perfect location. The journey took us longer than expected, so we were glad to hear “you are now approaching your destination...”

On arrival to the Ice House we were mesmerised by the beautiful view of the River Moy stretching right across to the woodlands. The building was modern with aspects of the original 19^th century building. 'Contemporary chic meets traditional elegance' a statement I couldn’t agree with more. With a brief welcome at reception we were shown to our room where we were greeted with a picturesque view.

Sleep

We stayed in a Deluxe room, it was very spacious with a ceiling to floor window with a spectacular view of the River Moy. The room also had a shower and separate bath, as I am normally a shower person; I get very excited when a hotel room has a luxurious bath that I can take advantage of.

Eat

Food, my favourite part of any trip...of everyday. We went as far as down the stairs for our dinner at the Ice House restaurant, the restaurant was bright and spacious with a view of the wildlife, the river and the adjacent woodlands. I have to say that the food was delicious, accompanied by Pinot Grigio I didn’t want the meal to end – shout out to the best dessert that I have had in a very long time Almond and Orange Chocolate brownie!

Chill

We spent the following morning at the Chill Thermal Spa, what better way to spend your Saturday morning than in a hot tub with a great view? There was a steam room, sauna, outdoor hot tubs and a relaxation room. Relaxing in the hot tub overlooking the river, had to be the highlight of this trip (the hot tub and dessert was almost too close to call).

If you are looking for somewhere in Ireland to indulge, relax and rejuvenate check out Ice House Hotel & Spa. Also check out Living Social for special offers, as this is where I got my offer at the Ice House Hotel & Spa.

Where would you recommend for a short break away?

Bernadette

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