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The Toiletries Cabinet Exposed…

At first I thought this was a good idea but given how much work was actually involved pulling every toiletry out of the bathroom, turns out it wasn’t the brightest idea I ever had!

Having said that, I’m a curious cat and sometimes I’d love nothing more than to open up  someone’s bathroom cabinet to see what lies beneath.

So for that reason, my toiletry stash has been totally exposed to you all and I’m about to show you every single product I love and why I love to use them.

First things first we’ll start with my very long list of skincare. I’m a Clarins whore and even though it looks as if I have shares in the company, after years of trials and tribulations with various other brands, Clarins  just works for me and so my collection has expanded bit by bit over the years.

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I have been using the Cleansing Milk with Alpine Herbs and the Toning Lotion with Camomile for years now and I don’t think I’ll ever cheat on them. There’s other cleansers I use to aid waterproof makeup removal but I’ll discuss them a little further on.

The Alpine Milk contains ingredients such as St. John’s Wort, Sweet Almond, Marshmallow, Linden and Alpine Herbs which all work simultaneously to cleanse and remove makeup and impurities while preserving the skin’s hydrolipidic film. It leaves skin looking clear, pure and luminous. It’s priced at €21 and you can buy online from Boots here: http://bit.ly/1U16vkG

The toning lotion contains ingredients such as  Linden, Camomille and Alpine Herbs and it removes all traces of Cleansing Milk. It stimulates and refreshes the skin while respecting its natural pH and moisture level. This too is priced at €21 and you can buy online from Boots here: http://bit.ly/1U16OvE

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I usually always apply a serum and at the moment my favourite one is Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum. The serum reduces early signs of wrinkles and skin appears younger-looking after use.  Skin is more toned, is incredibly soft to touch and has a healthy, radiant glow. Apply this serum morning or evening, before your usual day or night moisturiser. A 30ml tube of Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum  will set you back €57 and you can buy online from Debenhams here: http://bit.ly/1fA4poU

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Next up are my moisturisers. I use all Clarins (surprise, surprise) and depending on what time of the day it is and what kind of condition my skin is in, I do switch it up a bit.

Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correction Cream is an  ideal solution for premature loss of tone linked to a busy lifestyle. It improves the skin’s support structure and hydrates it.  Early signs of wrinkles are reduced and skin is left feeling soft, smooth and fresh. Thanks to an anti-free radical active ingredient, skin is protected against premature ageing. Multi-Active Day is priced at €55 and you can buy online from Boots here: http://bit.ly/1V2OLT3

Sometimes however, when my skin is particularly de-hydrated I use the Hydra Quench Cream. Similarly to Multi-Active, this is a light, fresh-textured cream but provides a more balanced, long-lasting release of hydration to the skin. Hydra Quench is priced at €45 and you can buy online from Boots here: http://bit.ly/1PtHnwl

At night, I use the Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream. This moisturiser helps to boost the cellular renewal cycle during the night that has been disrupted by daytime stress. Skin is smooth, toned and luminous when you wake up. Multi-Active Night is priced at €59.50 and you can buy online from Boots here: http://bit.ly/1EdxZMT

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I also LOVE to use this Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil for Dehydrated Skin when my skin could do with an extra boost. It contains extracts of Rosewood, Patchouli and Blue Orchid to tone, revitalise and restore radiance to moisture-depleted skin. Hazelnut Oil also helps prevent moisture loss and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. If I was particularly dry before using this oil, moisture would be fully restored in my skin for up to a week after use. A 30ml bottle will set you back €39.50 and you can buy online from Boots here: http://bit.ly/1JtO15A

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Next moving on to facial exfoliators, there’s a few different ones that I use. My ultimate all-time favourite is The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion which is a weekly home-spa exfoliation. The exfoliating micro particles made from crushed garnet stones remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion. At the moment The Body Shop don’t facilitate online shopping but you can find your nearest store online here: http://bit.ly/1JJFVYl

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Between weekly uses of the Microdermabrasion scrub, there’s a couple of others I switch between. If I feel like my skin is a little dull and I want to restore its radiance I use the Vitamin C Facial Cleansing Polish. This is a  daily radiance-revealing facial wash which cleanses and exfoliates at the same time.

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I also use the Clarins Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream when dull, lifeless skin isn’t my main concern. This is a rich creamy formula with two different types of microbeads, one exfoliates and the other purifies. Dead skin cells and impurities are lifted and pores are tightened. The Gentle Refiner also contains Mimosa Tenuiflora extract known for its soothing benefits and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. It’s priced at €31 and you can buy online from Boots here: http://bit.ly/1PtLUyE

There are also other makeup removers I use especially when I have a full face of makeup on, waterproof eyeliners, heavy duty eyeshadows and lip stains. Regular gentle cream cleansers sometimes just don’t cut it and I love to use oil based removers when all else fails.

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My all-time favourite oil cleanser has to be Make Up For Ever Extreme Cleanser. This instantly removes impurities and all types of make up, including waterproof products. It’s rich in regenerative active ingredients and leaves the skin feeling soft, moisturised and fresh with no feeling of tightness. I couldn’t find it online on https://www.makeupforever.ie but it could just be out of stock right now. Keep an eye on the website, Make Up For Ever offer nationwide delivery.

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When I use Extreme Cleanser, I like to tone the skin after use using Cool Lotion from Make Up For Ever. Cool Lotion is a soothing, alcohol-free lotion that prepares the skin for day or night time skin treatments.  It neutralises the drying effects of calcium contained in water and leaves skin feeling soft without any tightness. It also purifies and refreshes the skin without effecting its PH levels. Cool Lotion is great for sensitive skin types.

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I also love to use Bioderma Sensibio H20 which is a recently new product I added to my collection and I LOVE it! Not sure if you’re familiar with Bioderma? But if not you might find this interesting – one bottle of Sensibio H2O is sold around the world every 5 seconds. Makes you think what rock have you been living under doesn’t it? Sensibio H20 is the 1st and only dermatological micellar water perfectly compatible with the skin. Its fatty acid esters and the constituent elements of micelles are similar to the phospholipids of the skin cell membranes 
and naturally help rebuild the skin’s hydrolipidic film.  In english, it has a fragrance-free formula, is alcohol-free, paraben-free and hypoallergenic meaning it’s more than suitable for sensitive skin types.  You can purchase a bottle of Bioderma Sensibio H20 for €25.92 from farmaline  by clicking on this link http://bit.ly/1UaFo1b

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I mainly switch between 2 different face masks, the first of which is the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Boosting 5-Minute Facial. When used weekly, it helps support the skins elasticity and minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Step 1:  The Self-Foaming Mask is a self-foaming, detoxifying mask with chemical and enzymatic exfoliators that dissolve surface skin clogging impurities. Step 2: The Replenishing Serum features a deeply replenishing, targeted complex of ceramides 1, 3 and 6 plus soothing agents to calm dry skin and help support the skins own natural ceramides. This is quite expensive priced at €84 but it is worth the splurge if you can afford to treat yourself. As it’s only recommend to be used once weekly, you’ll actually get a really long-time out of it as well! You can shop online from Debenhams here http://bit.ly/1IcbrqH

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Another favourite of mine is The Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask. This has been a permanent fixture in my bathroom for many years since I was a young teen. It’s the only face mask I’ve ever used that actually extracts black heads. As the clay mask dries, you can see the oily secretions being extracted from the blackheads as they appear as little dark spots. This revitalising clay mask cleanses skin, controls excess oil and draws out impurities. As previously mentioned, The Body Shop don’t facilitate only shopping just yet but to find your nearest store you can head to the website by clicking on this link http://bit.ly/1JJFVYl

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I never seem to change my bubble bath…. It’s always been Dove.  This is partly because I suffered very badly with eczema as a child and I wasn’t able to use anything other than Dove on my skin and Baby Shampoo on my hair. I tried out other bubble baths over the years and sometimes it’s just not worth it if I suffer a reaction. Better to stick with what you know as they say. A 500ml bottle is priced at just €2.99 and you can purchase online from Boots here: http://bit.ly/1LuIBGL

Obsessed with Body Scrubs and usually swap between The Body Shop and Victoria’s Secret. I run out of The Body Shop ones really quickly and I am constantly replenishing them. My mom bought me a brand new Mango scrub over the weekend but until I finish these two off I won’t be opening it.

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This Passion Struck Smoothing Body Scrub is from Victoria’s Secret and is one of my favourites. The scented scrub polishes the skin while dressing it in a sultry blend of Fuji apple and vanilla orchid. To use: lather on wet skin focusing on rough spots, then rinse off for an all-over glow. You can buy online from Victoria’s Secret here http://bit.ly/1MKIHf1

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I also have a Victoria’s Secret PINK 2-in-1 Wash & Scrub in ‘Total Flirt’ on the go and I LOVE this because it smells exactly like Roy of the Rovers bars! This foaming scrub contains gentle, skin-polishing microbeads and a healthy combination of vitamins E and C that nourish your skin as you cleanse. Skin smells fresh with the scent of apple blossom and freesia. You can buy online from Victoria’s Secret here http://bit.ly/1NRwWlw

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In terms of body nourishment and moisturisation, I’m a fan of oils at the moment. Body Oils are an essential part of retaining the skins natural beauty and differ to traditional moisturisers as they contain no water so it’s instantly absorbed into the skin, leaving it smooth, supple and radiant unlike traditional water based moisturisers

I have this Tan Organic Moisturising Dry Oil on the go at the moment and I love it! Not only is it an amazing moisturiser, it can also be used as an after-sun, non-greasy cuticle oil and hair treatment oil. It’s made with a unique blend of Argan Oil, Borage Seed Oil, Aloe Vera, Orange Peel Oil, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba seed oil, Rosehip Fruit Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Hempseed Oil and Olive Oil. It’s priced at €24.99 and you can buy online from Tan Organic here http://bit.ly/1UaMxib

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This is the other oil I use, the Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil. It’s a little bit pricer at €46 but it really is worth every penny. It’s an incredibly fine, quickly absorbed oil and leaves skin satin soft, supple and toned. It firms and tones tissue and prevents skin slackening by improving the skins elasticity. This also helps to prevent the appearance of stretch marks and helps to prevent dehydration. It’s also fragranced with essential oils such Rosemary, Geranium and Mint and smells DIVINE! You can purchase online from Debenhams here http://bit.ly/1JgOpk7

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Not sure if you can buy this in Ireland as I buy it in Spain but I absolutely LOVE the smell of Johnson’s Baby Cologne! Either way I think we should start an online petition to bring this product to Ireland because lets face it, everyone likes to smell like newborn babies!

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Everyone loves a good hand and nail cream and this is the one I swear by! Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream. Quite simply, it’s a moisturising cream which protects against chapping and irritation, provides long-lasting comfort and also strengthens nails. I love it because it has a non-greasy formula and almost instantly absorbs into the skin. It’s €21 to purchase and you can buy online from Boots here http://bit.ly/1JgQWL7

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Everyone needs to have a tube of Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream in their bathroom if they don’t already. I use this for EVERYTHING! Sore lips, spots, dry damaged nails, areas of irritation… it’s just a wonder cream! Priced at €33, you can buy online from Boots here http://bit.ly/1IcoXdL

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It’s always good to have a bottle of Johnson’s baby shampoo handy in the bathroom! I wash all my makeup brushes and powder puffs with this and I have done so for years. Their No More Tears formula rinses quickly and easily and is as mild as pure water. It’s soap free, hypo-allergenic, and dermatologist tested. A 500ml bottle will cost you €3.99 and you can purchase online from Boots here http://bit.ly/1Nz0nfa

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My favourite leave-in conditioning spray is the Revlon Equave Hydro Nutritive Detangling Conditioner. I use this after every shower, after a full shampoo and conditioning. I have REALLY knotty hair and after use, I can just glide my hairbrush very easily through all the tangles. It’s a light two-phase formula that instantly detangles the hair and leaves it moisturised, soft and shiny. It also repairs the capillary structure of dry/damaged hair. The upper phase cares for and protects the external part of the hair. The lower phase revitalises, hydrates and nourishes.  You can purchase a 500ml bottle for €25.40  at http://www.thehairandbeautycompany.ie by clicking here http://bit.ly/1V78LUt

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When I’m on my joliers though, this is the leave-in conditioner I use. Loreal Elvive Colour Protect Conditioning Spray. This one leaves my hair slightly greasy compared to the Revlon one which is why I don’t use it at home, but the reason I love it and use it on holidays is because it has a UV filter and is enriched with a light reflecting system. I’m bleach blonde but darker haired people will know what I’m talking about because their colours are prone to fading in hot climates. By using this after every swim/shower fading and damage from UV exposure will decrease greatly. It’s €5.09 and you can buy online from Boots here http://bit.ly/1Jtvx0w

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Every once in a while, I also use overnight treatments in my hair. Argan Secret Miracle 10 contains high concentrations of natural ingredients including Argan Oil, sunflower seed oil and hemp oil, all of which are extremely lightweight and incredibly nourishing.  It also contains Manuka Honey which seals in moisture and mends split ends whilst increasing the overall shine. Named MIRACLE 10 due to its 10 significant benefits:

  •  Improves Shine
  • Strengthens damaged hair
  • Smooths unruly hair
  • Moisturises all hair types
  • Protects from the Sun and wind
  • Detangles
  • Prevents split ends
  • Seals in your hair colour
  • Eliminates Frizz
  • Stops your hair burning when using irons

This is priced at €17.99 and you can purchase online from http://www.sallyexpress.com here http://bit.ly/1MRbiB2

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I also like to use this Osmo Berber Oil Hair Treatment with Argan Oil. This Berber Oil treatment helps restore dry/damaged hair to pristine condition. It has a unique blend of Argan Oil, a powerful antioxidant rich in Vitamin E and linoleum acid and it provides intense nourishment.  This one costs €24.99 and you can purchase it from http://www.sallyexpress.com here http://bit.ly/1NGAAkq

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I prefer full-body spray tans over everything but when I have to apply tan myself, one of the tans I love to use is Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan. I fully reviewed this tan over a 2-3 week period for Beaut.ie and if you missed it you can catch up here http://bit.ly/1IcvYeB

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I also love their new NKD SKN range and similarly, I reviewed this tan too over a couple of weeks period. Find out everything you need to know on NKD SKN here http://bit.ly/1V7dHc6

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I don’t know about you guys but when I apply body tan to my face, it turns out weird and kind of patchy. For this reason, I use a separate tan specifically designed for face and décolleté.  Clarins Liquid Bronze is my favourite in this instance. The formula is as refreshing as water and is only delicately fragranced. Liquid Bronze can be applied with a cotton pad allowing even the fairest of skin tones to achieve a natural-looking, radiant glow.  For a darker, more intense tan, simply add another coat. It leaves skin soft, moisturised and protected against free radicals. Clarins Liquid Bronze will set you back €26 and you can buy online from Boots here http://bit.ly/1NRHEbX

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I don’t use instant tan all of the time, mainly when I’m going on a night out after having already applied developer tan but when I do, I use Sally Hanson Airbrush Legs. I just feel like it adds extra bit of colour, evens out any patches and skin appears flawless and airbrushed. It also covers freckles, veins and imperfections brilliantly and stays put until it’s washed off with warm soapy water. Airbrush legs is on special offer in Boots at the moment for €9.06. You can shop here http://bit.ly/1KhvFW5

I’ve seen some of you going crazy about a new Cocoa Brown glitter oil which will be launching soon… The great thing is there’s already lots of alternatives like this on the market.  Here are a couple of my favourites for really polishing off that sun-kissed tan.

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I love the Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil from The Body Shop. It’s a lightweight, tan enhancing oil that gives your skin a beautiful hint of shimmer. It’s also non-greasy and easily absorbed.

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The NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil for Face, Body & Hair is another one of my favourites but this one is a little pricer at €41.40. 95.2% of the ingredients in this Shimmering Dry Oil are of natural origin. With its unique concentration of 6 Precious Oils (Borage, St. John’s Wort, Sweet Almond, Camellia, Hazelnet Hazelnut and Macadamia) and Vitamin E, this easily-absorbed, multi-use Shimmering Dry Oil will leave your skin and hair soft and silky. Its iridescent gold particles illuminate all skin types and all hair types with a subtle golden shimmer. You can buy this one online at http://www.mccabespharmacy.com here http://bit.ly/1WQeFv1

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And last but not least, the Victoria’s Secret Rockin’ Body Leg Shine. This portable bronzing stick glides effortlessly over skin for a sleek, all-over-body bronze. Light-reflecting mica and sheer bronze tint create a radiant look and the easy-to-apply gel-based formula blends easily and dries quickly.

So there you have it! Everything I like to use and why I like to use them. Is there anything that you will instantly be purchasing after reading? x