Falling Into Winter | Seasonal Essentials

See what I did there Falling into Winter, get it! ... no just me … okay … moving briskly on … 

   

Today I thought I would share my seasonal essential for Autumn and Winter.  I love this time of the year; crisp, sunny days filled with anticipation of Christmas (I know I said it!). But most importantly filled with the little luxuries, which we can’t use in summer.

The Anthony Logistics for Men Glycolic Facial Cleanser is a stellar cleanser for year round use but it’s especially comes into its own during autumn/winter. This cleanser with glycolic acid keeps your skin super clean and blemish free. What I really like about this is that it brightens my skin, no dull ashy skin for me which I can be prone to at this time of the year. Check it out here at 4Men.ie and Mankind.co.uk.

I am totally smitten with the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief (you can read my full review here). Skin can become a tad dehydrated and flaky in the fall of the year; even oily skin. This can exasperate both acne and dry skin conditions. This instantly rehydrates and soothes your skin but is non greasy – it’s a super light weight gel. So to quench you skin’s thirst, use Clinique MoistureSurge.

Another seasonal favourite is the Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate. This is great as a night time indulgence – it locks in hydration like your life depends on it! But it also fantastic at healing any kind of pigmentation one might have. Oh, did I mention that is smells ahh-mazin! You can find it here at Liz Earle or Boots.

Clarins Men Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum is ideal for this time of the year; with getting up in the dark and what not. And wooh … let’s not forget all the parties and nights out that frequent this busy period. This eye serum will banish any dark circle and puffiness – so everyone will think you were tucked up in front of the fire. You can read all my thoughts on it here. And you can find it here.  

I know this may be a strange one to include in an Autumn/Winter essential but with the sun hibernating until next May, one has to take some action to fight off a ghostly pallor. My two favourites are the St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Lotion (at Boots & full review) and the St. Moriz Medium Tanning Lotion (here at Boots). I’m definitely not advocating to go all out but a light-handed hint-of-a-tint to have you looking you best at this hectic time. And both of these heavenly tanning lotion (cause there St) give the best natural tan ever.

This time of the year wouldn’t be complete with the quintessential transitional item ever – the scarf. Nothing says autumn/winter as eloquently than the scarf. It practical and stylish and adds immediate cosiness to any outfit. I’m particularly partial to any kind of a wine, maroon, burgundy scarf; like the one here.

ahh cosy slippers! Nothing beats coming home after a long hard day on your feet and ripping off your shoes and flinging those dreaded (and sweaty) socks across the room. And then slipping your aching feet into a warm soft lush pair of slippers.  My top tip is to leave your slippers in the hot press (airing cupboard) and they’ll be lovely and toasty when you arrive in the door.

The most notorious item associated with this time of the year is … the coat. I love to have a leather jacket in autumn – the weather can be so changeable and not gonna lie, they’re just plain cool! Pair it with the above mentioned scarf and bang instant autumn style. I love wearing a coat and my favourite is my ¾ length charcoal funnel neck coat. It’s super warm and stylish and I actually don’t know I lived without it. it so versatile - its great for being uber smart work and formal events (graduations, particularly at this time of the year) or pair it with a knitted jumper and some black jeans and you're ready to take on the world. 

My final Falling into Winter essential is a hot chocolate. Personally hot chocolate is dabomb.com; I really lust after the Starbucks hot chocolate.  But Starbucks is a distant luxury for me (it literally and hour and a half to the closest). I like to fill my Starbucks mug to the brim with warm creamy chocolatey goodness, with a roaring fire in the background while watching TV.

I nearly forgot an important staple – the Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm is ideal for autumn/winter as it super nourishing but in a non-sticky or greasy way. It stays put all day long. No bitter wind will turn my lips into sandpaper. You can find it here.

There you have my Falling into Winter basics. What are your staples for autumn/winter?

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

Now, although this is not the most manliest of products, it is still totally suitable for even the manliest of skin.

This product is not a moisturiser, it is a skin hydrator. Even the most oily of skin types can be dehydrated and lacking in water not oil (Who would have thought). Moisture Surge: Extended Thirst Relief, aims to replenish the water content in the surface of your skin, giving it an instant relieved feel, leaving it smooth and comfortable but not overloaded with grease.

Moisture Surge contains conditioning birch bark extract, lady’s thistle and green tea as well as calming caffeine, sucrose and aloe vera. And finally it’s allergy tested and fragrance free; meaning that it’s 100% suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

As an oily combination skin type, I really like this. Its super lightweight and hydrating; my skin drinks this in, I never knew my skin could be that thirsty! It leaves skin plumped, calmed and hydrated but without any sheen or residue on the skin. But be careful! This is a wet-gel texture; so use a tiny bit. I find that I can go a bit shiny in my T-zone if I go a tad heavy handed. *Top-Tip* if your skin is dehydrated it is more likely to block pores and cause blackhead and spots. After applying a tiny dollop of Moisture Surge, my skin's thirst is truly quenched! 

Finally this product is ideal for the summer months, when out and about in the heat, as the sun can dehydrate your skin. 

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief is available online here or at Boots.

*You can now get a travel-sized 15ml of the Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief for £5.00 here. It's great for trying it out, without buying the large size and most importantly its ideal for travelling.* 

Happy Father’s Day 2015 | Gift Guide

I know that I shouldn’t be saying this but I hate when Father’s Day approaches. I never know what to buy for him? It’s so difficult to find a gift that he will like. I think it exceptionally difficult to shop for men – What does he like?? Will he use it?? … All these questions swirl inside my head at just the mere thought of Father’s Day.

So this Father’s day I thought I’d share my own gift ideas with you. I’ve tried to keep it traditional but varied to cater for the most eclectic of fathers out there!

Gillette Fusion Proglide Razor with Flexball Technology and Shave Gel Set I think that you can’t beat the gift of an impeccably close shave. And also it’s a safe bet – most men shave! J The Gillette Fusion Flexball is one of the best razors out there. It responds to the contours of your face, so there's fewer whiskers missed. And above all there is no razor burn, score! Any Dad will be glad to receive this. You can find it here at Boots.

Clinique Great Skin For Him Gift Set this a great set for those that are already into skincare; but also to encourage skincare novices into reaping the benefits of a solid skincare regime. I think nothing says “I love” you more than a gift that will make the recipient look and feel better. (inside & out #emosh #yano J) You can catch it here at Boots or from Clinique.

Paco Rabanne 1 Million Cologne No Father’s Day would be complete without an aftershave. It is a staple and a safe bet. But will he like it? The 1 Million Cologne is an excellent gift; it is a warm and heady fragrance with excellent longevity (I could still smell it the next day!) It has rich aromatic notes of cardamom, mandarin, cinnamon, juniper berries, leather, tonka beans and patchouli. Make your Dad feel like a million dollars and grab him a bottle of Paco Rabanne 1 Million Cologne at Boots.

The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins is a really gripping thriller; the narrative is split between three women whose lives all interlink tragically. I think books are an excellent gift idea; they are personal to the recipient (if they are interested in it!) but it is a gift that he can come back to again and again. And each time that he does he will be reminded of you. You can lay your hands on a copy of The Girl On The Train here at Easons or you can find inspiration there also.

Socks! Haha! I know, a complete cop out but I bet socks are the one gift that is definitely going to be used. You can go conservative or full out novelty assault. I think these are a happy compromise, there is a sock for every day of the week! You can find them here at Debenhams. Or if you want something a little more affordable and fun then check out these Minion socks at Penney’s.

No Father’s Day would be complete without the card! The finishing flourish that seals the art of skilful present giving. You can go down the traditional cheese-y Hallmark moment road or you can head down the novelty card road. From personal experience the novelty card is always held onto for years to come and will always bring a smile (or snarl!) to his face.

So … here are some ideas to set you on your way. Will you be ready for the 21^st June? Remember to treasure your Dad, after all he means the world to you!

… Happy shopping! & good luck!

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MAN-UP It’s Summer! | ☀️ Summer Essentials ☀️

Today I thought I would compile my Summer-Must-Haves to guide you through a summer of fun. Here are my Summer Essentials that will have you prepared for anything this summer can (and probably will J ) throw at you! 

Sunglasses are a summer staple (actually obligatory if you ask me). My favourite are these Ray-Bans. They are on trend with the Wayfarer frames but I love the twist of the slimmer sides. I think these are a cool alternative to the standard Wayfarer. Why follow the herd! Make a statement with these Ray-Bans. They are perfect for all occasions: the matt black in so transitional from formal to festival. I think these are the most flattering sunglasses, no matter your face shape. And above all they are comfortable to wear. Check them out here.

You may think that GlamGlow ThirstyMud (you can read my full review here) is more of a winter essential but it's excellent during the warmer months. It rehydrates your skin but is non greasy way - so you won't be left like an oil slick. Hydration is so important during the summer, as the sun can have drying effects on your skin. This can exasperate both acne and dry skin conditions. Thus to be looking your best use GlamGlow ThirstyMud .

Úna Brennan Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Glow Boost Skin Serum is ideal for summer usage. It is a lightweight serum with a combination of Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and a skin lightening algae extract that replenishes and gives your skin a healthy glow and appearance. Ahhh … spot-on! Just what I need for summer. You can find it here.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +; what can I say it works! You can read all my thoughts on it here. In the humid heat of summer it keeps spots at bay and my skin clear. Yah! That = happy me J. Haha!

La Roche-Posay Serozinc is another summer necessity; it mattifies your skin – it really does banish shine! But also the Zinc Sulphate will help heal any blemishes and kill bacteria on the skins surface. You can grab a can here. And read my full review here.

Carmex Mint Moisturising Lip Balm  you can suffer from dry, chapped lips at any time of the year (the sun’s fault again). Not only does this balm heal dry, cracked lips, it also acts as a sunscreen with the added protection of SPF 15. Protect that pout!  You’ll find it here.

If you need that sun-kissed glow then I whole heartedly recommend the Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster. It gives you a subtle fool-proof sun-kissed glow. No oompa-loompa face for me! What’s not to like. You can get it here.

Vichy Ideal Soleil Mattifying Face Fluid SPF30. I like Vichy suncare – a lot! This SPF is a “dry touch” cream that has no greasy or white residue and sits well on my skin. A good, comprehensive SPF for oily combination skins. Grab yours here.

My signature summer scent is Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau Male .This an ultra-fresh blast of minty cool aromas; perfect to offset the heat of the summer. With notes of mint, artemisia, lavender and musk – a definite masculine summer scent. Get your hands on it here.

I just thought that I would mention that your skin can get more congested in the summer to the humid weather and extra sweating (depressing yano). Therefore I recommend using a clay-based mask at least once a week to detox your skin and purge your pores of all that grossness! My two favourites are the GlamGlow SuperMud (here) and the Sanctuary Sanctuary 5min Thermal Detox Mask (here); both of these masks will have you sorted in a jiffy! Leaving you to get on with your summer.

… And finally I’ll depart with some advice. If you exfoliate your skin regularly throughout the summer, you will achieve a better tan. Not a fake one, but a real tan! So if you’re looking to keep a good colour during the summer, make sure to exfoliate as this leads to a deeper and a more even tan. By exfoliating away the dead skin cell, you are revealing fresh skin cells that can tan more easily.  But exfoliating also deepens the colour of your tan and makes it last longer. My recommendations are the Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion (here) for your face and Sanctuary Body Scrub (here) for the body. However, don’t forget to use lashings of SPF! (see some great SPFs here) and don’t get burned.

There you have my Summer Essentials.

Enjoy your summer and make the most of it!

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OMG !?! it’s MINI-LICIOUS

I have recently received some samples and I thought I’d share my take on them. And I actually think I am becoming a bit obsessed with minis!

I think samples (minis!) are a great way of trying out a product; you can trial a product without investing in the full size and subsequently not liking it. Alternatively you can save your minis for when you travel ~ you can save precious space but also pack a small but mighty punch in the skincare department. Here are some of the minis I have got recently and a quick run-through of them.

Now this post may seem a bit heavy on the Clinique front but Clinique is definitely a mini-licious brand!

• Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream – I got this in a recent gift-with-purchase, I am undecided on this one; it’s a lovely gentle scrub but I personally prefer a more heavy duty scrub. But for everyday gently exfoliation it’s perfect.  
• Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief – actually features here twice; in the pink tub and the pink tube. I got the tub version in the gift-with-purchase and I actually bought the tube version afterwards! I love this skin hydrator.  It has a wet gel texture, so a little goes a long way. I actually prefer the tube version – it takes up less space and it easier to handle.
• Clinique All About Eyes – from the above mentioned gift-with-purchase. I love this eye cream/gel. A little goes a long long way, it spreads so easily and it’s cooling and refreshing *sighs * Exactly what you’re looking for in an eye cream.
• Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream – I haven’t used this yet, I don’t have wrinkles (ya! J) but it’s a think and a marvellous moisturising cream.
• Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Gel – a free sample from Clinique. I love this; it is a simple face wash that does its job impeccably but doesn’t strip your face and exacerbate blemishes.
• Kiehl’s Powerful Line Reducing Concentrate – I worship this, you can read my full review here. A powerful serum that packs a mighty zesty punch.
• Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions All-Over Treatment – I bought this mini from Clinique, I wanted to try it out. It’s a good acne-busting treatment and good to have in my travel arsenal.
• Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum – I bought this month’s InStyle simply to get my hands on this. I have wanted to try this for so long. This in a do-it-all serum that targets virtually every skin concern.

I also got numerous sachet samples from both Kiehl’s and Clinique, but I don’t want to bore you to death. These are extremely handy when travelling, as they literally take up no space.

Another mini I received was a small tube of the infamous Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. A cult classic, and for good reason. I’m partial to a bit of the old Cleanse and Polish, its cleansing capabilities are flawless for any skin type but it does so much more than simply cleanse your skin.

I was hearing rave review of the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray. Now I must admit I wanted to try it but I was somewhat skeptical of it claims. So guess what I did - I bought a mini of the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray with the Deep Sleep Balm from Boots at Christmas. And do you know what - it bloody well works. I don't know how to exactly describe its effects but you wake up in the morning (not feeling like P. Diddy but) feeling you had the most relaxing and peaceful nights sleep ever.

I just thought I'd mention that Boots has a 3 for 2 on all minis and travel sizes - on my recent visit I picked up a fairly large mini (88ml just over a quarter of the big one) of the OGX Argan Oil Shampoo. I wanted to try this because it been recommended by Caroline Hirons and Zoella. But I didn't want to spend €9.49 on a shampoo because I have an extremely sensitive scalp. So you can imagine my delight when I found another mini to add to minions!

… So there you have it. All my MINI-licious minis!

Do you think I’m a mini fanatic? If you want full reviews on any of them, then just let me know.

*all of the minis above were free with orders I made or I paid for the travel size and all opinion are most definitely my own!*

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Close Shave | My Shaving Routine

I don’t know about you but I have had enough of the “hipster beard”! For one thing, many don’t groom and maintain their beard correctly. But personally, you can’t beat the timeless classic … a clean shaven face.

Shaving is an important part of a man’s grooming regime and for most it’s a minefield of sensitive skin, razor burn and ingrown hairs … But fret not, I am sharing my Shaving Routine that will banishes all these snags and will leave you with the closest shave ever.

I start off my Shaving Routine by cleansing or exfoliating my face and neck. It depends on the day & my skin’s needs on which product I use. Here are my favourites:

Exfoliator: ~     Clinique for Men Face Scrub (for a thorough but gentle exfoliation) ~     Origins Never A Dull Moment (a gentle, light way to brighten your skin) ~     St Ives Blemish Fighting Face Scrub (if my skin is acting up L)

Cleanser: ~     Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser (for when my skin is behaving itself, leaves it balanced) ~     La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel (just a staple, enough said!)

Right … next I’ll apply my pre-shave oil, I’m currently really liking the King of Shaves AlphaOil. I find that applying a shave oil gives me more protection and it soften my facial hair for an easier shave, it also conditions my skin and help the razor glide for a more comfortable shave.

Next up is my shaving gel; my absolute favourite is the Nivea MenSensitive Cooling Shaving Gel. It provides a generous, soothing foam that helps cool any redness or burning that may arise from shaving.

But, my favourite part of my Shaving Routine is my razor … the Gillette Fusion ProGlide with FlexBall Technology. This razor is unequalled. You can have the best of shave oils and foams but the razor makes all the difference. It is the star of your whole grooming arsenal. The FlexBall provides the closest shave, and it doesn’t cause razor burn – you can hardly feel it against your face!

Finally to finish off my Shaving Routine, I apply a dallop of the Cliniquefor Men Post Shave Soother. An excellent after-shave soother that is jam-packed with aloe vera. I smooth this over my face and neck after shaving to take down redness, calm stinging and restore moisture. With no fragrance, oil or irritants, makes it suitable for even the most flare-prone skin.

I find that by following these steps, I get the best possible shave without any nicks or razor burn. My face is transformed into a clean shaven masterpiece and most importantly my skin is comfortable and calm.

Let me know what your shaving essentials are?

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MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

I recently went on a short trip to London and I thought I'd share my travel toiletry bag. I was only going for 3 days so I didn't bother to check a bag in... So I had to cram as much as I could into my 1 litre Ziploc bag. Not an easy task, I actually enjoy packing, I'm weird like that! So here's what I brought with me.

I placed my non-liquids in my Clinique travel bag that I received as a gift-with-purchase. In this I put my Gilette Fusion ProGlide Power with Flexball Technology razor and my Emma Hardie micro-fibre cloth and my toothbrush.

That was the short list; here is what I had in my Ziploc bag:

• Arm & Hammer toothpaste
• Lynx Dry Compressed Black
  
• Nivea Men Sensitive Shaving Gel
• Head & Shoulders Citrus Fresh Shampoo
• Original Source Lemon & Tea Tree Shower Gel
• Sample of Clinique for Men Post Shave Healer
  
• Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm decanted into a GoTubb
  
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] (of course)
• Origins Super Spot Remover
  
• Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion decanted in a GoToob
  
• Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II
  
• Indeed Labs Eyslix
  
• Sample of Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel
  
• Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm
• Travalo with Boss Orange
  

I know this is a long list, but I felt I was justified and I don't think it's too extortionate of a list, is it?! Here is my reasoning; I was concerned about the drying effect of flying on my skin. I'm not a dry skin type but dehydration can exacerbate blemish prone skin but on top of that all the bacteria and germs that are recirculated in that dreaded airplane air, uurgh. So I carried my trusted skincare products that I knew would hydrate, heal but also keep my skin clear and blemish free. Not asking a whole lot am I?

I brought the Emma Hardie cleansing balm, as this deeply cleanses my skin – removes all impurities and blackheads but also adds a bit of nourishment to my skin. I justified bringing Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II (the largest bottle) as I knew it would hydrate and heal my skin but it would also come to my aid if I got spotty L. I had just started using the Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion, a salicylic acid toner, as I wanted something to gently exfoliate my skin but would a help with blemishes, so this was a no-brainer. Effaclar Duo [+] and Origins Super Spot Remover are my trusted blemish fighting duo and the Super Spot is made for travel. The Reve de Miel lip balm is ideal for traveling as it super nourishing but in a non-sticky or greasy way. I never actually used the Clinique DDM Gel (while away!) but it was handy to have with me anyway. Oh, the Travalo is a handy way to carry your aftershave without bringing a heavy bottle. And Boss Orange in my opinion is a good option for both day and night, that can cover all occasions. The rest was just my ordinary hair & body care.

I know this may seem like a lot for a guy to take on a 3 day trip but I feel it is better to be prepared, as anything can crop up ( & probs will, knowing my luck) with your skin while traveling. And I feel that with the stress of traveling, running here and there, that your skin needs extra TLC while on the move. So here's what I brought with me, what would you carry with you on a mini-holiday?

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