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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