Wednesday 26 March 2014

No.7 Hydration Mask Review.

This one is for the ladies ;-) I'll keep it short and snappy, so I've trialled and tested the No.7 Beautiful Skin Hydration Mask for the past few weeks. I've seen and heard great reviews about it and at only €16.25 ( with a €6.50 Boots voucher for No.7 skin care) how could I go wrong?

The mask does exactly what it says in the name , it 'hydrates', it replenishes and nourishes the skin gently . The results were immediate, I noticed a great difference in my skin after the first use! I normally have very dry skin which can be irritated easily, the mask really locked in moisture to my skin and gave it a vitalised and glowing look. After a long week of work and wearing make-up it's exactly what your skin longs for. The mask itself is not heavy, sticky or stodgy but more so like a smooth, light cream that washes off with some hot water.

I use the mask at night, just a preference! For best results, cleanse your face, sweep generously over your skin and massage gently :-) It advises to leave the mask on for 3-10mins, I always leave it on for 10mins, just sit back and relax, let the mask do it's magic!! I wipe away with hot water and pat dry, I then continue with my night cream. I'm totally in love with this product and my skin is the better of it! I think it's definitely a must for every girls make up bag! Happy shopping :-)




What is life?!


Hil x

Thursday 13 March 2014

Top Two Tans

Everything is better with tan !

Firstly, preparation is vital to a gorgeous, even glow. Ensure good exfoliation and moisturising in the week running up to your tan application, BUT NOT the day of application. No perfumes, deodorants, body sprays or creams should be used prior to applying your tan, ideally you should apply 10 minutes after your shower.
Always apply an oil free moisturiser to areas such as elbows, knees, feet and hands - where tan is likely to stick.



bBold Self Tanning Lotion
Available: Lloyds Pharmacy and other pharmacies nationwide.
RRP: €19.99

I would consider myself as an experienced tanner and I have had my fair shares of tanning disasters, from orange tan to streaky legs and everything in between that can go wrong! Like everything, you learn and what I found was that liquid self-tan lotions work the best for my skin.
I picked up bBold self-tanning lotion on a whim when it was on offer in my local Llyods Pharmacy - €9.99 - I thought how could I go wrong for the price?!
There is a wide range available in the bBold family, creams, liquids and moose! As with all good tanning lotions there are different shades to match different skin tones and tanning preferences! I always choose medium-dark or dark in the liquid form as I like a dark colour and find liquid the easiest to use with the best coverage.
It is a lightweight formula with no stickiness which is essential for me as I hate waiting around for tan to dry! I can literally get dressed two minutes after it is applied. I find it is best used with a tanning mitt in a circular motion and it can be seen when applied to the skin which makes it easy to work with. It leaves no nasty chemical smell and uses completely natural ingredients, all which moisturise and nourish the skin, including aloe vera. The colour is bronzed and natural with a sheer finish and develops over 8 hours but is also great for a last minute rush! The colour fades as you shower but the most impressive feature is how evenly and smoothly it washes off after a couple of days! I was thrilled with this result as usually I am left with dark patches and a "scaley" finish to my skin which results in the dreaded "dirty tan" look, which is never good! I moisturise daily until I return to my natural colour ( and the process begins again!!)
The price is superb at €19.99 and better yet it is on offer quite a bit at €9.99 which is such a steal for the quality it ensures. As if the tan has not got a good enough review so far it is also an Irish company so it supports our own economy and is great for competitive companies as self-tanning lotions have a huge market in Ireland. Overall, it really is worth the buy to see for yourself, I swear by this tan and it has never let me down!

Hil x


Vita Liberata Extra Rich Tinted Self Tan Lotion (in dark)
Available: In Debenhams, House of Fraser, salons and Boots nationwide
RRP: €29.99

I am self confessed fake tan addict!!! I have experimented with many brands and forms of tan, often changing my favourite! As recently as last month I discovered my new favourite tan completely by accident. A Boots 3for2 offer sent me to the tanning aisle where I picked up a bottle of Vita Liberata Extra Rich Tinted Self Tan Lotion in 'dark'. I love a deep colour and this tan is a fabulous golden colour- no orange look! The consistency is between liquid and cream and goes on very easily. I like a tan that I can see as it is applied so that I know what I'm doing.
I use a mitt and pump the size of a €2 coin onto the mitt as I need it and use light, circular, sweeping motions until blended. Use sparingly on areas such as hands, feet, elbows and knees. This tan doesn't feel sticky and dries quickly, so you can dress shortly after application- just nothing too tight. Shower off the next morning with an oil free shower gel and  moisturise well afterwards.
As I like a deep colour I tend to apply two layers of this tan, once one layer is dry I repeat the application.
Alternatively, this can be used as an instant tan- just apply after your shower and leave to dry as you do your hair and makeup.
This Tan is designed to last longer than your average tan and is great for anyone who likes longevity in a fake tan.This brand has many variations of tan ranging from moose to liquids and the price varies accordingly. It is 80% organic and non-toxic , with headquarters based in Northern Ireland.
The main benefits of this tan are that there is no strong tan odour, a gorgeous colour, easy application and no patches. The only negative points are that it is quite expensive for regular use and I would not recommend it for anyone new to tanning lotions.

Fifi x



What is Life? :)

Fifi and Hil

xx

Wednesday 5 March 2014

Our Lives, Our Words, Newbie Bloggers

So here we are.....


Two best friends, Fiona and Hilary sharing our views, thoughts and interests.
Early Twenties, Irish, working, studying and trying to find our way in the world. We are not your average one trick pony when it comes to our blogging content.

Here is a quick overview of what we are about and our daily lives: 

With our devotion to beauty and although we are not in any way professionals, we live for the best buys in skincare, makeup, nails, hair and tanning products! Once we have you beautified, next on our list will be getting you dressed to impress with the classic, trendy and latest styles on a limited budget, what's not to love there? Confidence is the key to looking and feeling your best and here at Fifi&Hil, we are crazy about health and fitness, we will give you an insight into our new Crossfit obsession, our own daily struggles and advice on how we try to sustain a healthy lifestyle. As true foodies, we love trying new things and realise the importance of healthy eating and good food habits. However, we are fans of more than the occasional baked good and take-away :) We will regularly upload recipes and pictures of our culinary attempts. Self-confessed 'nosey-nellies', we enjoy keeping up to date with the latest celebrity gossip, entertainment and news. Music is the background noise to our lives- gigs, concerts, festivals and everything in between, with it playing such a huge role at Fifi&Hil, we have recently began to learn some instruments. Bear with us on our musical journey as we try to find our feet between sharps and flats!! 

If any of the above interests you, follow our blog and keep an eye out for our Instagram debut, coming soon !!!

What you see is what you get with Fifi&Hil, we promise an honest and sometimes shameful account of Our Lives, Our Words and Newbie Blogging!



What is Life? :)

Fifi & Hil

xx