Dream Dots For Spots - Over Night Spot Treatment

Dream Dots is a relatively new product to hit the Irish market and has been backed by Miss World 2003 winner Rosanna Davison and many popular Irish bloggers. I was offered the chance to try Dream Dots out for review myself and snapped up the chance as I do occasionally suffer from break outs around the time of important events or if I haven't been eating healthy my skin tends to suffer and break outs ensue!  

When I shared a picture of the product over on my instagram with the caption "You know you're a blogger when you're waiting for a spot so you can test out @DreamDotsHQ" I received a comment from Michelle who is one of my followers. She said "Ugh pass them over some of us don't need to wait". Her comment got me thinking about how products work on different people with different skin types. We all know some people suffer from spots far more than others so I sent her a packet of Dream dots to review and she graciously accepted the challenge of trying out Dream Dots with me so we could compare how we got on. 

Dream dots are overnight treatment patches for spots. Twenty four dots cost €14.95 and forty eight cost €24.95 over on their website. The patch contains a gel forming agent within an adhesive compound which when applied to your spot overnight creates a moist healing environment which enhances healing by reducing redness, pain and inflammation. 

How do they work?

After cleansing your face apply the patch making sure the area you want to apply it is dry. Simply remove the patch from the backing paper and attach the centre of the Dream Dot to the area of spotsville. Press down for a few seconds and then leave on overnight. 

My Experience

I found the instructions very easy to read and follow. Very straight forward, pop on patch and wait for spot to heal. I really liked how the patch became almost invisible when placed onto my skin. I know nobody apart from my partner is going to see me at night but he's seen me trial out many a strange product and I'm happy to report that he never even noticed the patches on my skin when I was wearing them. 

The next morning I went straight to the mirror to peel off the patch and reveal the results. As I peeled off the patch it also removed the white head of the spot which had not been there when I applied the patch. I went and cleaned my face and applied my usual morning skincare products and went about my day. Even though I had read the instructions and it did say use over 3-4 days I was somehow magically expecting the spot to be gone. Too good to be true, I know! I tried it again on the second night and the same thing happened again with the white-head being removed with the patch. I was beginning to get a little worried about scarring as I usually leave my spots alone. I never pop them for fear of scarring and also it's just disgusting! 

After the third night I noticed my spot had calmed down considerably and by the fifth day it had healed with no scarring. My spots can sometimes last over a week so I was happy to see them gone in a shorter amount of time but I was expecting much faster results with Dream Dots. I have to say I did experience less painful spots when using the patches. The didn't feel as sore during the day as they usually do. 

Michelle's Experience

Well I gave them a good use, went through the whole box! I wanted to be sure that I gave them a proper chance. During the first few nights I used Dream Dots I didn't have particularly bad spots. They are really easy to use and the packaging and instructions are very clear. I have to say they are good in the sense that they're not really obvious on your face, you'd barely notice them! Having them on was quite good as it stopped me scratching or touching my face, and spots, especially in my sleep.

The first few days I have to say I saw absolutely no change or benefit. I was consistent and put them in the same place every time. But for the sake if the review I kept using them just to see. So then a new couple of spots inevitably arrived and it did help to bring them out (sorry if that's a bit disgusting!) but that's as far as it went... Overnight they came to a head and then that just meant the next day you had a manky and much more obvious spot! So that was not good.

The one thing that has really put me off is the mark. They are only the size of one circle of bubble wrap but whatever is in the adhesive it leaves a mark on your skin for DAYS! I can't even cover it with makeup! It's like the mark you'd have after a plaster. Didn't bother me too much really but it was said to me so they must be obvious. I have fairly average skin, wouldn't get too many spots and it's definitely not sensitive, so I was quite surprised to be left with the little circle mark. All in all I have to admit I was a little disappointed with the results but the idea is a great one. Maybe if they had some tea tree or something else that heals spots in them it'd be more effective... But for now I think I'll stick with the sudocrem!

Overall thoughts

I seem to have had more luck with Dream Dots than Michelle even if seeing results took longer than I had hoped. I think this is a good product for people who suffer from spots occasionally and need an emergency fix to reduce redness before a big event. Michelle said she had a problem with the patch leaving behind a sticky mark from the adhesive where as I was left with no mark. Another example how products effect people differently. If you work it out with a box of twenty four patches then you're really only looking at treating around seven spots if you wear them over a number of nights so again useful for someone who only suffers from acne occasional but more expensive if you have more problematic skin like Michelle.

Dream Dots are worth trying out but do so with an open mind. Also remember that you must treat skin problems from within by drinking lots of water and eating the right foods.

Let me know what you think in the comments below, I would love to hear what you think about Dream Dots.

Love,

Sarah

Bubble White - Whitens, Brightens and Cleans Nails in Minutes

Bubble white claims to get your nails looking whiter and brighter in just five minutes. Looking at the ingredients it doesn't look like job baking soda and a bit of water couldn't sort out. In saying that you don't see people making their own home beauty remedies everyday otherwise there wouldn't be millions spent on beauty products every year so I thought I would try this out for review. 

It's very simple to use. You simply pour the contents into a container of warm water and leave your fingers to soaks for five minutes. Wash your hands after and you are done. You can use it on your toe nails too. It contains menthol which leaves a minty waft in the air while you are sitting, waiting to blind yourself with your new whiter nails. 

Well not so much. This product did have my nails looking and feeling cleaner but not a huge difference with making them looking whiter and brighter. It is a good soak for your cuticles to keep them moisturised but again noting soaking your nails in water alone wouldn't sort out. 

I picked it up in Sally's for less than €3 and enjoyed trying it. Not too disappointed with the results but will stick to home made remedies.

Before picture taken with Canon and after taken with iphone, sorry for difference in lighting. Bad blogger!

Love,

Sarah

The Body Shop Luxury Advent Calender - The Best of The Body Shop Christmas 2013

Ding Dong..If I wasn't already excited enough about Christmas you should have seen my face when I seen The Body Shop Christmas advent calender in their Grafton street store in Dublin this week. I was invited along to see their new Christmas Ginger, Cranberry and Vanilla collections but the advent calender stole the show for me on the night.

With twenty four amazing products for €99 (Contents worth €126.30) I just could not contain my excitement. The packaging, the Gingerbread house, all the little doors and the shear size of it. Oh momma!

If you want to know what's behind each door keep reading on, otherwise tell me in the comments below how excited you would be to have this in your possession in the comments below!!

This Advent Calender contains:

Almond Hand & Nail Cream 30ml

Vitamin E Moisture Cream 15ml

Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask 6ml

Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream 15ml

White Musk Smooth Satin Body Lotion 60ml

Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Lotion 60ml

Lip & cheek Stain: 02 Bronze Glimmer 8ml

Born Lippy Raspberry Lip Balm 10ml

Coconut Shower Cream 60ml

Mango Body Whip 60ml

Moringa Body Milk 60ml

Shea Body Butter 50ml

Chocomania Soap 25g

Cranberry Joy Soap 25g

Ginger Sparkle Soap 25g

Honeymania Lip Balm 10ml

Satsuma Body Puree 60ml

Moringa Shower Gel 60ml

Born Lippy Strawberry Lip Balm 10ml

Strawberry Shower Gel 60ml

Shea Shower Cream 60ml

Shea Lip Butter 10ml

Bath Lily White

Eyeshadow Brush

Isn't she a beaut! Probably the best advent calender I have seen in a long time! The advent Calender is also available in stores in the UK for £55 (contents worth £80). It might be worth mentioning too that there is also three version available. This is the Luxury edition, there is also a Deluxe edition which comes in a green box and an Ultimate version which comes in a gold box and cost more but unfortunately (for greedy people like me) they are not available in Ireland (Thank god says my bank balance!).

Love, 

Sarah

Blank Canvas Cosmetics Supports Breast Cancer Research

I've just uploaded a new video on my channel. Some of you may have seen the picture I uploaded onto twitter during the week of my Sigma F80 Kabuki brush that sadly is no more! I went on-line looking for a replacement and this is what I have found. I was please to also see that a percentage of each sale of the BCC buffer brush is going to Breast Cancer Research and up until the 23rd of October you can save 30% off your order because BCC are celebrating their birthday. Find out more in the video link below.

Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XEb1u-jmCY&feature=c4-overview&list=UU33PJanBSN4WfosXHVkA9_A

30% off all Blank Canvas orders until the 23rd of October

Raise money for Breast Cancer Research

Love,

Sarah

Review of the Hair Flair Curlformers and Softhood

Today I'm excited to tell you about Hair Flair Curlformers, curling spirals that claim to result in perfect curls everytime and Hair Flair Deluxe Softhood which is a hair dryer attachment.

Firstly I tried out the Curlformers styling kit. There are a number of different size curling spirals available online. I tested out the 24 extra-wide and long hair curling spirals for barrel curls.You get two different coloured spirals in the styling kit. Each colour go a different direction so you achieve a more natural overal finished result. Just like if you where to curl your hair with a wand or a pair of hair straighteners you would alternate directions.

I found them very easy to apply to my hair. It's really very simple, taking only four steps and the kit comes with easy to read instructions. It took me about 10 minutes to section my hair and apply all the curling spirals.

 The Extra-wide and long hair curling spiral kit which includes two hooks for application cost €60.95. The kit comes in a PVA holdall bag which is handy for storage and if you want to take them on your travels.

There are two different methods you could use after applying your curling spirals. Leave them to dry naturally or apply heat.

Applying heat
Hair Flair sell a Deluxe softhood hair dryer attachment for €15.50 which can be placed over your head and attached to your own hair dryer. On a low heat your curls could be ready to rock and roll in minutes. I found the softhood very easy to use. There's a drawstring on the side so it can fit all head shapes and sizes! It also has a chin strap to keep the softhood securely in place. My own hair dryer nozzle fitted onto the tube perfectly. After five minutes I removed the hood and allowed my hair to cool down before I removed the curling spirals.

Natural drying
There are two different natural drying processes! The first would be if you were to apply the spirals in the morning and go about your business (indoors!!) until you hair was dry. The other is to apply at night and sleep in them! Now the first one sounds way more appealing but I tried these out for the first time at night and decided to give sleeping in them a go. The aren't uncomfortable to wear in your hair for a long period of time and I did a test to see how well they would hold up. Yes, I hoped around my house like a bunny rabbit and they didn't budge! Sleeping in them was fine it just took a few minutes for me to place them on my pillow in such a way that the back of my head was flat and not rest on any spirals.

I definitely would recommend purchasing the softhood along with the curlformers as it would save on time. It also comes with a handy little carry bag which you can fold your softhood up and place into.

I really liked the curls I achieved in my hair from using the Hair Flair curlformers. I think curlformers would be a great option for anyone who has trouble curling their hair using curling wands or hair straighteners. I also used very little hair spray and my curls lasted all day.

As far as price is concerned I think you are getting a great product for your money. It's not like a pair of hair straighteners that could break at any given time, curling spirals will last forever as that never lose their shape, they just spring back into position. There are different versions of curling spirals on Ebay and I have tried them before. They aren't as good quality and they didn't come in carry bags, just a cheap flimsy box that arrived from China broken. I'm very happy with the quality and packaging of these Hair Flair products. From the comments on instagram and twitter you gals really liked how the curls turned out too.

I hope you enjoyed reading about how I got on, let me know what you think of Curlformers in the comments below. 

Love,

Sarah

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Expert Last Lip Color by NYC - Review & Swatches

From Left to Right

438 Candy Rush, 411 Snow cone, 443 Purple Crush, 405 Blue rose, 404 Air kiss

From Left to Right

440 Creamy Caramel, 418 Sugar plum, 402 Red flame, 441 Traffic jam, 432 Red Rapture

I'm a bit slow off the mark with these beauties ladies. I have been meaning to review them for quite some time. Bare with me over the next few weeks as I play catch up to the reviews I've been meaning to do but have not been able to get around to doing them until now. 

Today I have the NYC Expert Last Lipstick collection. They cost a very affordable "in your face" expensive brands....€2.49 and come in a range of shades. I have swatches above of ten out of fifteen shades in the collection and I'd love to know which ones are your favourite in the comments below.

I have to say I am loving Blue rose, Air kiss and Red rapture. These are the colours I usually gravitate towards when buying lippy products for myself. They glide on nicely and feel creamy upon application. No matte drying sensation with these beauties. I'm not too fond of the sheer shades such as Candy rush, Snow cone and Sugar plum. They are just too sheer for me. They might be more suited for teens or someone who is looking for just a smidge of colour.

The darker shades have great staining power which I like as it means less time re-applying and more time smiling! They claim to last up to 5-6 hours and with the right application you will get this from the darker shades. 

I often get asked what certain products smell like, what are ya like aye! Well I can't quite put my finger on the scent but they do smell nice and not the usual smell you would associate with make-up at such a low price. Well worth the buy in my opinion. 

Love,

Sarah

Garnier - Pure Active Exfo-Brusher Wash Review

Hello Lovlies,

I went into Boots just over a month ago looking for a gentle exfoliant for my face and I wanted to try something new. I have spot prone skin, especially on my forehead and I've tried a number of lotions and potions but have yet to find one to help clear the pesky feckers up. I came across this Garnier Pure Active Exfo-Brusher Wash €10.69 and was curious to see how the brusher head would work. It claims to remove dead skin cells and fade marks by unclogging impurities from pores and visibly reduces sebum levels. Sebum is produced by the body and clogs the pores of your skin, this causes acne.

There are easy to follow instructions on the packaging on how to use the brusher head.  After wetting your face you open the brusher head by turning it 180 degrees. Holding it upside down you squeeze the bottle to release the product inside. You then close the brusher head by turning it again and then proceed to apply it to your face in circular motions. Simply rinse your face afterwards and you're done. 

The concentrated formula contains 2% purifying salicylic acid, an effective antibacterial ingredient which helps to clear pores and protect against spots before they have a chance to invade! It also contains herbasoothe which is known for its caring and soothing properties. 

The bristles themselves, scary they may look but there is no discomfort when applied to my skin at all. 

I've been using the Exfo-Brusher wash in the evenings after I have removed my make-up and sometimes in the morning while in the shower. I have noticed a visible different in my forehead as the spots I could not shift before have dramatically decreased and some have gone altogether. The only downside to using this product is that for the first two weeks I experienced the acne purge!! I broke out in places I normally wouldn't break out like on my nose and the side of my cheeks. I'm putting this down to the product and its extreme pore de-clogging actions. After a full month of using it my skin has settled down and I am loving it. I can happily say that I will re-purchase this product without a shadow of a doubt. 

I'd love to know what you use to keep your acne at bay. Let me know in the comments below.

Love,

Sarah

Tangro - Keep Sheets Tan Free

Source

I came across Tangro back in November last year on my hunt for Irish businesses for the Love Irish, Buy Irish series here on the aul blog! Based in Kerry, Tangro produce what is essentially a onesie you put on after you have applied your false tan. It does what is says on the packaging and keeps your sheets tan free. It's called a protective tanning jumpsuit, comes in pink and black and currently costs €14.99 with free postage and packaging (Was €24.99).

Iv'e been using mine since December to apply my Cocoa Brown tan and it has worked a treat. I apply my tan, pop on my Tangro and proceed to saunter around the house getting some house work done! Afterwards I just pop it into the wash basket to be cleaned for the next use. It was designed in mind for leave on overnight tans so you wouldn't destroy your bed clothes. I don't use any tans like that because the cocoa brown tan can be applied and washed off after 3 hours but I can imagine it being very useful to have so you don't stain your pyjamas or your bed clothes.

It comes in two sizes, small/medium to fit sizes 6-12 and medium/large to fit sizes 14-20. I was a little nervous before it arrived because I am a size 16-18 depending on the item of clothing itself and I was worried that it might be a little snug on me. I was pleasantly surprised when I put it on for the first time. It had plenty of room and good stretch. I also fell in love with the SUPER soft and cosy cotton material! I got mine in black just encase you are wondering!

Would you use the Tangro? If you love your false tan I would highly recommend getting this product while it's so affordable. For more information check out their website at www.tangro.ie and follow them on their Facebook page.

Warning: Product may cause sniggering and pointing from other members of your household!

Love,

Sarah

PIXY LOVE

Hi lovelies, I hope you are all well.

It's that time of year again, dun dun duuuuun! Valentines day is fast approaching! I know many of you dread this public holiday, some anticipate how their loved ones will shower them with affection and others panic because they have no idea what to get the person they love. And then there are the singletons which just get annoyed at the thought of Valentines day.

Lets forget about all that for now! How about you treat yourself this year and show YOU how much you love yourself...it's not selfish, honest! 

Pixy have you sorted this year for pampering with a lovely selection of soaps, lotions and potions. 

First up is the Sensual Bath Oil €9.99 for 100ml. This Bath oil contains sweet almond oil and waterlilly fragrance so it will have your skin feeling and smelling great. I love that it contains just a touch of glitter, every bath should! A little goes a long way, just shake it up and pour two teaspoons in with your bath. The packaging is lovely, I know I'll be re-using it for something else as soon as it's empty. 

Next up is the Honeysuckle Soap €5.95 for 60g. It's so pretty it's almost wrong to use it! That's what treating yourself is all about, doing/using something you wouldn't normally have the time or chance to. This soap is such a treat. It also contains nourishing ingredients to keep your skin feeling and looking great. Cocoa butter and Macadamia oil are two of my favourite ingredients when it comes to showing my skin how much I care for it!

Both the Sensual bath oil and the Honeysuckle soap are suitable for all skin types and are perfect if you suffer from dry skin. You can check out the rest of their Valentines beauty gifts and gifts sets on their website HERE. I have my eyes on the Lime body scrub hearts, they look so cute and sound great for the quick showers.

How do you feel about Valentines day? Am I putting my foot in it for asking! I do enjoy when brands go out of their way to bring us something new and fun. Thank you Pixy!

Lots of Love,

Sarah

Sigma Dry'n Shape Review

What make-up brushes do you use? What's your favourite make-up brush? These are the questions I hear all the time at blogger meet-ups or from chatting to other bloggers on-line. I have way too many make-up brushes and I love them all, there I said it! I'm no make-up artist so it is a bit ridiculous that I have an unnecessary amount of brushes. I have my favourites and I have ones I regret buying and I can safely say I will not be buying another make-up brush for a very long time. The conversation of how I clean my brushes and what do I use usually follows after and I have to admit I use to love washing my brushes, I'm no Monica Geller but I found the process almost therapeutic.

When my collection grew my enthusiasm for washing my brushes quickly faded! Instead of washing my brushes regularly I worked my way through each brush before washing them all and taking over each surface of the bathroom. I had my eye on the Sigma Dry'n Shape for over a year now and I was over the moon when I got my paws on one at Christmas from my boyfriend. I have a feeling he wasn't fond sharing the bathroom with a tonne of make-up brushes!

The Dry'n Shape system holds twelve brushes and is like a brush roll that folds over and fastens using snap buttons which makes it just about perfect for travelling and is also made from synthetic material making it easy to wipe clean. It was designed by Sigma as the name says to dry and shape your brushes but in a lot less time that it would normally take if you where to just lay them out to dry on a towel.

Sigma are trying to patent the material that holds the bristles of your brushes while they dry. The fabric applies pressure to the bristles to remove water from every fibre allowing it to evaporate during the drying process and amazingly has your brushes dry in four to six hours.

I'm not going to go over the top and say that this product has changed my life but It has certainly changed the way I look after my brushes and has encouraged me to wash them regularly and sometimes even straight after I have applied my make-up. 

I have been using it for over a month now to dry various brands of brushes. It is excellent for prolonging the shape of my brushes and has encouraged me to clean my brushes more often. As a result of them being dry so quickly, I find it very convenient that I can apply my make-up in the morning and after washing them and leaving them in the Dry'n Shape I can use them again in the evening.

I only have two negatives to say about this product. This isn't a big issue but for larger brushes like the Sigma F80 or the bdellium tools 957 drying time for those particular brushes is about 6-8 hours because they are so thick it takes longer for the inner bristles to dry. My second comment about the Dry'n Shape is that smaller compartments for the likes of blending brushes could do with being a little smaller as I find the brushes do not sit as snug as the larger ones. 

With the negatives out of the way I just want to say I love this product. I have heard of a few people in Europe having problems with customs when ordering from the American Sigma website so I want to take the time to let you know there is a website in Europe that stock Sigma and you can get the Dry'n Shape on their website too. I was not paid or sponsored by any company or brand to tell you this I just think it's really great and I will be getting another Dry'n Shape as soon as I can afford it! 

Is the Dry'n Shape something you would consider using? If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask me in the comments below.

Click on the links below to check out the Sigma Dry'n Shape

Sigma

Kosmetics4less.de

Love,

Sarah

My Dry'n Shape proudly sitting on my shelf doing what it does best!