Pregnancy / Bodycare

I went off beauty products straight away at the beginning of the pregnancy; mainly the different scents didn’t agree with my morning sickness but I also couldn’t stand the feeling of the products on my face :S

I still tried to keep up my routine to a minimum with cleansing in the mornings and nights - I must admit that I skipped few nights - but hopefully not much long-term damage has been done to my skin. I basically didn’t wear any make up at all – I just couldn’t cope with removing it at the end of the day.

I did was very consistent with moisturizing my enlarging body, tho. I used an oil every night after a shower on wet skin and then sealed up the hydration with a bump butter/cream... and I'm happy to report that I didn't end up with any stretch mark at all. Yay!!! :)

I chose products specific for pregnancy to try and avoid nasty ingredients and brands that I already trusted.

At about 20 weeks, I stepped up the bump routine to twice a day and used a moisturizer in the morning too.

Oil-wise, I tried the followings: 
My favourite was the Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil that felt like a proper oil; both Sanctuary Mum To Be Stretch Mark Oil and Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil felt too watery.
Although, the Weleda smells pretty herbaly and the Burt's Bees was the one that I tolerated the most with a hint of citrus.

For the Body Butters – 

I loved both the Sanctuary Mum To Be Collagen Boosting Body Butter and Burt’s Bees Belly Butter; they both sank into the skin quickly and the only difference is that the Sanctuary is quite heavily scented but it didn’t bother me. They also felt really refreshing on the skin which can be a relief, if you experience itchiness.

What bothered me instead was the smell of the Mum & Me Bump Stretch Mark Cream: I only tried a sample and then didn’t purchase for that reason.

I found the Palmer’s Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks pretty good too but too thick for the bottle and ended up throwing away half of the sample; real shame because it was a cheap alternative.

I didn't like the Palmer's Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks at all; wayyyy too thick, like a proper butter - just too greasy for my liking.

Have you tried any of these yourself? Which products do you swear by during pregnancy?

Empties / November 2013

Body Items:

Dove Shape Up Firming Body Cream: this body cream has a lovely fresh scent and absorbs easily into the skin... unfortunately didn't make any improvement to my skin whatsoever! With other products, I do see a change with constant use but used this one for nearly 2 months... and nothing. Shame 'cause it's also reasonably priced at about 5 quid.

Repurchase: nope.

Burt's Bees Beewax & Banana Hand Cream: this is the best cream for keeping your hands and cuticles in good conditions or in case of emergency. It's super thick so I only use it before bed but every night without fail. Love the banana scent and last ages.

Repurchase: yep.

No7 Revitalising Hand Saviour: I always use an hand scrub before painting my nails; this is quite pricey but very good (and with the Boots voucher you can save a few pounds). It's a quick and easy way to care for your hands, without wasting too much time or if you don't have time. It leaves the skin super-soft and nourished, thanks to almond and grapeseed oil, and it smells lovely too.

Repurchase: yes.

Face Items:

Botanics Cleansing Face Wipes All Bright: I was actually pleasantly surprised wit these wipes. The material is very soft - cotton-like - not abrasive and don't have any particular scent; they are properly soaked in remover and stayed wet until the last one. They did remove make-up quite well, even mascara, although I can't vouch for the waterproof part.

Repurchase: probably yes.

Clinique All About Eyes: what to add about this product? I haven't come across anybody which doesn't like it, honesty... definitely a winning product from Clinique and best seller.

One of my all time favourite eye cream, if not my favourite! I've been using it for years - on and off, simply because I like to test other products too but come back to this pot regularly. I love the texture, how it performs and perfect for sensitive or allergic-prone skin.

Repucharse: oh yes!

Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash: I fell in love with this product. The exfoliant particles are really fine and I feel it really refines the skin, every time I use it. It's lovely and gentle on the skin and scent-free.

Repurchase: yep... stay tuned for a Philosophy haul very soon ;)

***
Congrats to Carly from http://carlywatts.blogspot.co.uk/ for winning the Autumn Giveaway... your goodies are on the way, girl! :) xxx

Shopping / Boots

Boots is doing again their 3for2 offer and this time you can mix&match between body and face products... which makes me veeeery happy!! :)

Nivea Firming Body Oil: this is a new product which just came out. I'm a fan of Nivea Q10 line for many years and I'm fan of body oils so I had to try it.

I like using body oils just after a bath or shower on wet skin; recently, I have been using the Monu oil and I keep it in my bath and planning of keeping this new one in the shower, instead.

Being clumsy, I like that it has a plastic bottle but I'm not a fan of the screw top (too fiddling).

I have only used it twice but I love it - beautiful smell and will definitely re-buy once it's finished.

Biore' Deep Cleansing Pore Strips: I use these on my nose from time to time... they're kinda of ewww but it's kind of satisfying to see all the dirt coming out - sorry for the grossness! ;P

Simple Kind to Eyes Make-up Corrector Pen: I like my make up to be a bit messy, kinda of rock chick but it's good to have a back up in case you need a flawless work. I've been meaning to try this for some time but always holding off because of the price (I think nearly 5quid) so I picked it up now and it was free (because of the 3for2, of course).

Kleenex Facial Cloths Cotton Touch: I bought these to use with my make-up brushes more than on my face. I, sometimes, use a spray to quickly change colours on my brushes, in between proper washes, and I found that wiping them off with toilet paper it's just a mess; the paper breaks leaving all residues on the brittles. I'm hoping these will work better, being more resistant.

Real Techniques Powder Brush: yes, I caved in and got another RT brush. 

I have many blush brushes but only 1 kabuki for the face... so you see I REALLY needed this one. ;)

I already got the Core Collection (review here) so it was a natural step to buy this brand again.

It's super soft and it's the perfect size for a face brush (I like them huge and fluffy to applying setting powders). 

just to give you an idea of the size

Burt's Bees Beeswax & Banana Hand Cream:  I've been wanting to try this for so long!!! Unfortunately, it's a disappointment :(

It smells divine in the pot - proper banana that you want to eat it but then once rubbed into your hands, it transforms into a wax smell (not too pleasant). It's also very very thick and I can only use it before bedtime.

Lanolips Lemonaid: here is something which never disappoint, instead. :)

I'm a huge fan, love their original 101 version and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this too. Of course, at 10quid, it's not cheap and that's when Boots offers comes in handy. 

This is already my favourite: it has organic lemon oil to hydrate and naturally exfoliate plus a hint of shimmer. I bet it'll look great as a top coat on lipsticks... or also on its own. 

Lanolips Rose Balm Everyday for Dry Hands & Nails: have I mentioned I love Lanolips yet?? hehe

well, they also have a couple of hands creams... again not cheap but technically free.

I like it very much so... I find the smell very soothing, comforting and it absorbs beautifully. In fact in that sense, it's the best I have ever tried; if you can't stand hand creams because of the residue or greasiness they may leave, you definitely need to give this one a go.

Have you tried any of this products before?

How are you going to take advantage of the Boots' offer?

x 

Burt's Bees On Buyapowa

I just wanted to quickly share this offer:
I got the Burt's Bees Baby Bee Getting Started Kit for some friends that just had a wee girl last week.
I think it's also a great stocking filler for any new mum. Bargain. :)

Xx