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

My Verdict on Vichy - Liftactiv Serum 10 - Idealia Life Serum & Thermal Spa Water

If you are a regular visitor to my blog and read my product reviews you will know that I rarely test products over the twenty euro mark. The reason for this is very simple. I always budget myself when it comes to shopping for skincare and make-up. I try to find a more affordable option and If I'm not willing to spend money on a certain product I wouldn't expect my readers too either. 

Today I'm going to give you my verdict on three products from Vichy and tell you wether or not they are worth purchasing. 

Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10 for Eyes and Lashes 15ml €27.00

Suitable for sensitive skin and all skin types this product claims to give an instant illuminating and lifting effect to eyes and fortify lashes. It's innovative formula is paraben free, hypoallergenic and contains Vichy thermal spa water to sooth and fortify. To use you simply place a small drop to your fingertip, close your eyes and apply by gently patting onto your eye area from the inner to the outer corner of the eye. Lastly sweep any left over product on your fingertips to your eye lashes.

I found the Liftactive Serum light and refreshing on my eyes. I expected it to feel heavy or sticky but it wasn't. It instantly made my eyes feel lifted, just like it promised. I was so surprised to be honest with you. I was sceptical from the very beginning. I wasn't too fond of the price for just 15ml of product but you really only need a small drop and it lasted a good few weeks using it twice a day. I noticed a significant difference in dark under eye circles and was delighted to see my lashes appearing fuller and getting stronger. 

Vichy Idealia Life Serum 30ml €38.50

This is the first serum to ever make it into my daily skincare routine. It's designed to address dull grey complexion,  uneven skin tone, dark shadows, enlarged pores, oily and dry patches. Was Idealia Life Serum the solution to my tired dull looking skin or was it all too good to be true? 

I used this product every single morning until I could no longer draw any product from the top of the bottle and had to remove the pump to scrape what little product was left from it! Another pleasant surprise, I absolutely loved this product. After a few weeks I noticed a major reduction in fine lines on my forehead. I couldn't believe it. I even looked at older photos to make sure I wasn't just kidding myself into believing that one product could make such a difference in such a short amount of time. My pores also appeared reduced and I had a nice healthy glow to my skin. I loved how much Idealia Life Serum felt on my skin so much that I didn't even wan't to apply make-up afterwards.

Vichy Thermal Spa Water 150ml €9.99

Another product first to grace it's presence into my skincare regime. I had never tried a water spray before and to be honest thought it was a bit of an unnecessary product. The Vichy Thermal Spa Water can be used all over to boost hydration. Filtered through volcanic layers, Vichy Thermal Spa Water is naturally enriched with 15 mineral salts and 13 trace elements to calm skin and build up it's resistance. 

Although I did enjoy using this product during the summer months I didn't find myself reaching for it everyday. I found it great for providing instant relief from the heat, adding moisture to my dry skin. 

I would highly recommend the Liftactive serum 10 and Idelia Life Serum to anyone looking to improve dark under eye circles and dull, tired looking skin. I would gladly forget about my skincare budget and fork out for these products by Vichy. I loved using them everyday and seeing the results in my skin the longer I used them. As for the Thermal Spa Water, I think it is a good product and very affordable for the amount of product it contains. However it did not find a permanent place in my skincare regime. There's only so many products I can put on there ya'll! 

Let me know that you think of these products in the comments below. Maybe in the future I'll stop talking myself out of buying certain products just because of the price because I was really happy with the results.

Love,

Sarah

Travalo - A Must Have Product

Wish you could bring your favourite perfume with you on the go but can't because it's too bulky for your handbag? Well I can safely say we are onto a winner here with the Travalo. This product has been on the market for four years and I can understand why they have sold over ten million of these babies so far.

This is the Classic Excel Black Travalo with silver nozzel and black case and costs €14.99. It's nifty refill system allows you to bring your favourite perfume with you wherever you go and perfect for travelling abroad in your hand luggage. Also perfect for popping into your clutch for that night out on the town. You simply remove the spray nozzle from you fragrance bottle, place your Travalo on the stem and pump to fill. The atomizer has a tiny pressure sealed hole on the bottom. It takes seconds. It's tough, leak proof and comes in ten different colours.

It holds enough for sixty five sprays and the window on the side allows you to see how much you have left. An aluminium version with a dot pattern is also available in Boots and costs €17.99. 

If you decide to fill with a different fragrance just clean your Travalo by filling it with water from a travel spray bottle, you can buy them from most pharmacies. Spray the water out and you are good to go. If you're really minted you could just purchase a Travalo in a range of colours and have one for each fragrance. I'll just stick with this one for now!

Love,

Sarah

Elle MacPherson - Instant Nail Wraps Or Instant Nail Fail?!

I bought these Elle MacPherson Instant Nail Wraps in Argos a few months ago. They seem to be unavailable on their website now but you can purchase them from Elle MacPherson's website for a whopping £9.99. They are available in pink, gold and silver and the kit includes a nail file.

I've tried many different brands of nail wraps/stickers but no matter how hard I try to like them they never sit well with me. Their major selling point is that unlike using nail polish there is no drying, peeling, chipping, smudging or chemicals involved. This is all very true but there is no denying the fact the wraps I have applied for this review look god damn awful. I've tried time and time again to apply them leaving no creases and have failed. After removing the excess wrap with the file the tips look far from professional. There is best result tips involving a hair dryer but ain't nobody got time for that! The kit includes 48 wraps to suit all nail sizes including your toes. Ew!

The price annoys me slightly as I don't think they are worth that much in any way shape or form. But noting annoys me more than the one hundred percent photoshopped picture on her website showing what the nail wraps should look like on. The picture doesn't even show the correct nail design, just a plain pink nail!

"Perfect nails, minimum fuss" it says on the packaging. Sorry, just being honest here but I found them fussy and far from perfect! Now I sound like a right grumpy sod! 

If you have tried these or a similar brand before please let me know in the comments below how you got on. 

Love,

Sarah

My Afternoon Tea experience at Bellinter House

Bellinter House is an 18th century manor nestled in the countryside of Co Meath. Being only a stone throw away from where I grew up I'm surprised that I had not visited before and was delighted to have recently received a voucher for Afternoon Tea for two which gave me the perfect excuse to go check it out.

Not knowing what to expect I called the morning of my visit too see if I needed to book and was told I could just walk in which is nice if you're in a spur of the moment kinda mood! There was lots of parking outside and we fell in love with the romantic setting straight away. The outside of the house was surrounded by rose bushes and the staircase leading up the the reception was full of character and very inviting.

We went through reception, passed the library and drawing room which took us to the bar. The entire building was decorated with a mixture of old and new furniture. Very quirky, colourful and simply amazing. Friendly staff and a cosy atmosphere made Bellinter house a real home away from home experience for us. As the weather was good (believe it or not!) we decided to sit outside and I'm so glad we did as we had a lovely view of the back of the house and the surrounding countryside.

John had never been to afternoon tea before so it was exciting to see his reaction when the three tier cake stand of absolute goodness arrived. We had a selection of sandwiches made up of chicken and cheese, salmon and salad and plain salad. We moved swiftly onto the lemon scones. Can I just stop and say HOLY MARY MOTHER OF GOD! If you know me you will know that I am obsessed with lemon cake. These scones made my weekend folks, simply delicious! Yummy butter, cream and jam accompanied them also. I think John felt like it was a bit of a race or else he wanted everything for himself because before we knew it we had made it to heaven...I mean the top tier! Chocolate biscuit cake, mini strawberry meringues and a chocolate mouse filled cake with raspberry on top.  I got a cappuccino sprinkled with chocolate and John had a pot of tea.

Overall we really enjoyed our visit to Bellinter House and will be back again. Afternoon Tea for two costs just €25 which is a really great price for the service, atmosphere and of course yummy food.

Check out their website and see just how wonderful this place is. The drawing room has a vintage pool table which is great for the guys. Stable rooms perfect for a girlie getaway and bath house for luxury treatments. 

Love,

Sarah