The Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask Review

I haven't blogged about a Body Shop product in a while, and these pictures were sitting on my hard drive, calling out to me. So I whipped out the face mask and gave it another whirl, just to refresh my memory before writing about it and my immediate reaction was 'ooh seaweed bits' and 'this is brilliant for oily/combination skin'. It's a thick, clay like mask, which I love as you can slather on a thin layer and let the clay/seaweed do its thing, whilst enjoying the smell, which has seaside written all over it. Nothing like the smell of seaweed whilst you're in the bath to make you miss Summer holiday trips to the coast. This mask does apply to the skin quite thickly, so I do it in sections, otherwise I end up using too much product... and I'm not a massive fan of wasting good quality clay/seaweed goodness. 

I apply this to cleansed skin (I double cleanse with an oil and then a hot cloth cleanser) and then leave for ten minutes, whilst either soaking in the bath or going about my business (blogging, shaping my nails etc) and then take it off by rinsing a muslin cloth under warm water, and laying that on my face for 20 seconds or so to loosen the mask, before taking it off as gently as possible. Once its all off, I splash my face two or three times with warm water, before rinsing everything off with two or three splashes of cold water, just to close my pores. Then I go about my nightly skincare routine, and bam! you're sorted for the night, with skin that's going to be clarified and feeling fresh. Whilst the mask is on, it's totally normal to get that tingly feeling, but if it feels like it's burning, take it off immediately. Thats's the same with any product you use. If it hurts, take it off as quickly as humanly possible. If you have sensitive skin, this may not be the product for you, as it's quite strong with its Bladderwrack Seaweed and clay - I totally recommend trying it on a small area of your skin before applying to your entire face. Better safe than sorry, right? Anyway, back to the product. I'd forgotten how much I really, really like it. It's got that wonderful seaweed, fresh smell to it, and it leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft, ready to absorb all of my oils and serums, which I think is a perfect base for your evening skincare. It says to use once or twice a week, and I'd definitely suggest that for those who have a lot of oil on their skin, as it aids with oil control as well as refining pores, which for me is brilliant as the pore/oil situation on my nose is terrible. 

It can also be used just on only the t-zone, if you find yourself with an oily/combination nose, chin and forehead but sensitive skin on your cheeks. I think it's all about finding what works for you, and using it all over does the job for me, but I think I'll be using this on my t-zone as well, just as a pick me up, trying to get rid of all the excess oil, and all that. I might even use this on my boyfriends skin, as he's prone to blemishes and oily skin. Watch this space for a selfie with two terrifying looking people, complete with green faces and an unimpressed look from him. The Body Shop's Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask is £13, and available here from their website. 

Bourjois' 'Desk to Dancefloor' Competition Winnings

I love retweeting things on Twitter. Articles, pictures, competitions - you name it, and I was so incredibly lucky that one of my retweets was one of the winning ones from Bourjois' 'Desk to Dancefloor' Competition. It totally made me day, and I couldn't believe that I'd won such gorgeous products so close to Christmas - this is totally sorting me out for my Christmas Party next week. The first thing that struck me as soon as I opened the parcel was 'Wow, that's a lot of glitter' and it really is. It's completely gorgeous, and a perfect festive addition, as you can never have too much sparkle. It's from Topshop and it can still be purchased here, so no need to fret if you instantly fell in love but didn't think it was available. It is. Hooray! Sadly, yours won't be accompanied by some Bourjois goodies, but mine was, so let's talk about these little beauties. 

Rouge Edition Velvet in Ole Flamingo! is a colour I already own, but it's so gorgeous, having two isn't that greedy, right? It's a pop of such raspberry pink, making it a perfect addition to live up a look when a classic red just won't do. Then we have three products I do have (yay) and let's start with the one that most excites me. The Smoky Stories Quad Eyeshadow Palette in Upside brown, which is gorgeous looking and I can tell it's going to me my look for the night of my Christmas party next week. A smoky brown quad has always excited me, but this is just the thing of dreams. Look out for a party look coming up on the blog soon, this will surely feature in it. Then we have the 1 Seconde Volume Mascara in Ultra Black, which looks gorgeous because hello, the brush looks epic. Sadly, it's not waterproof, but I will nonetheless, have a good ol' play with it. Last, but not least, is the Delice de Poudre or their Golden Bronzing Powder, which looks like a shimmering brick of golden goodness, undoubtedly going to be used to define my décolletage whilst I'm rocking my night away in a strapless, navy chiffon creation. All in all, I am impressed and very excited. Keep an eye out for more on these beauties, and a party look I'll be wearing for my Christmas Party. 

Giving the gift of French Skincare

I know there are numerous gift guides out there, and whilst they're all amazing (who else has a wish list as long as their arm?), I wanted to do something a little different on OKK today, and instead, pick some French Skincare favourites, just in case anyone wanted to do a little beauty hamper for a mum/sibling/relative/friend who deserves some fabulous things from across the pond, this Christmas. Most of these purchases were made in Paris, but that doesn't mean that you have to leg it all the way over there, you can simply browse some fabulous sites that make ordering some top notch skincare, super easy. My favourite is Escentual (here), who are not only quick at delivering, but are offering some majorly lovely money off codes right now. You can also browse on FeelUnique (here), Space.NK. (here), Cult Beauty (here), Boots (here) and good ol' Marks & Spencer (here) for all your French skincare needs - don't be afraid to shop around for the best deals, as although it's Christmas, saving a little bit is always what we want, right? 

My picks are what I use, basically on a daily basis, and will readily admit to loving - so if you know someone who has oily skin, why not introduce them to La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo + and Serozinc, which not only help to soothe my skin, but also reduce blemishes and combat redness. What's not to love, right? Remaining with the oily skin type, there's also Bioderma Sebium, which is regular Bioderma, but especially for oily/combination skin, and is what I reach for basically every night. 

Moving on from skin types is Caudalie's Beauty Elixir, a cult product loved by the beauty community and myself alike; spritzing this over you skin, when wearing makeup or not, is very refreshing - like you've been given a new lease of life, despite the fact that you've been on your feet all day, and your foundation is looking a bit worse for wear. Another spray that I use to set my makeup, as well as tone the skin is Vichy's Eau Thermale, which is perfect even for the most sensitive skin type - can be used over makeup, or on bare skin, it's a do-it-all kinda product, and I love those types of things. Makes life so easy. Next up are four moisturising products, and I love them all so much, I simply had to put them into this little gift guide; first of all is Nuxe's Huile Prodigieuse, another product that seems to do it all. A dry oil that can be applied to facial skin, your hair, your body and my personal favourite way of using it - scattering a few drops into a warm bath, to moisturise and soften the skin as you soak - this is a must have for me, and something anyone would love, regardless of gender. Plus, it smells amazing. Total win-win. A fellow Nuxe product, is Reve de Miel, a lip balm I cannot say enough good things about. It's a little pot of gold, skincare wise, as when you get those horribly chapped lips that no thing or person can solve, this is where you go. Smother it on the lips and watch it heal and moisturise. Another must have. 

The last two products are two moisturisers I seem to carry about with me whenever I go away for a few days, as not only are they easy and simple to use, but are brilliant at what they do, despite what's happening. La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast, which I hold in very high regard, as it's the only thing that seems to heal the skin on my face. Anyone remember that time a horrible eye cream gave me a massive blister under my eye? Well, this little beauty sorted it right out, and healed me in no time. Wonder product. Last, but not least, is Embryolisse's Lait-Crème Concentré, which I talked about yesterday in this post, and I loooove. It feels so luxurious and moisturising, an essential for dry skin types, and even an essential for oily skin, as long as you don't use too much and overload the skin. 

I hope you enjoyed this little post, as who wouldn't love a little basket full of lovely products? I think it shows not only some serious thought, but gives them the opportunity to try something that they may not have picked up for themselves, and I think that's what Christmas is wonderful for :)

Boots Haul featuring L'oreal, Botanics and Revlon

 

 

Who doesn't love a good Boots haul, right? I certainly do, and I know a looooot of bloggers, and beauty worshippers that do too, so let's just get right to it! Say hello to some of my newest purchases; L'Oreal's La Palette Nude in Rose (£14.99, here) and Lumi Magique Concealer (£8.49, here), Revlon's Bold Laquer by Grow Luscious Mascara (£9.99, here) and last but not least, Botanics Organic Rosewater toning Spritz (£4.99, here). All four were somewhat well thought out purchases, but I have to say, some are far more impressive than others. Take this fabulous palette for example. Look at it. Just look. It's gorgeous. A fabulous range of rose inspired colours, with a bit of shimmery glitter thrown in for good measure. This is basically what I'm reaching for each morning, when getting ready for work, as you can do something really subtle and clean, or deep and smoky - to be honest, both options are gorgeous and so easy to achieve with colours that blend really well. It's a very subtle palette, something you can happily wear in the day without fearing that your eye makeup looks 'too much'. This is a total thumbs up from me, and I can't wait to post a full review for you.

 

 

 

Below, we have another offering from L'Oreal, and it's their Lumi Magique Concealer, which I'm not going to lie... I don't really like all that much. I much prefer my Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer, as I think it just does so much more for me. This L'Oreal one illuminates, yes, but does little to cover my under eye bags, or prevent my mascara from smudging - it just doesn't do much for me compared to my old favourite, which I definitely think I'll be going back to. It might just be my oily/combination skin and my dark circles, but I don't think this even conceals anything well - for me, it's an illuminator, nothing more. Which is sad, because some big bloggers have raved about it - I think it just shows that not everything suits everyone, and you should definitely swatch/try before buying. 

My newest mascara addition is Revlon's Bold Laquer by Grow Luscious, which I really do like, as it's quite a dry formula, which I prefer, as I find it holds the curl more for me. Waterproof is the only thing that goes on my lashes and holds them upright in any way, shape or form - normal doesn't work for me, which is why all those amazing mascara's from Benefit etc do me no good, and are passed on to friends who have much better lashes than me. But back to this mascara. It's got a huge brush, which I love, as I just feel it packs on the product and holds the curl (which is painstakingly produced by my beloved Shu Uemura eyelash curler) - which is basically all I want in a mascara. Another thumbs up from me!

Lastly, we have a refreshing little spritz from Botanics, their Organic Rosewater Toning water, which I use in my double toning sequence, as the second spritz (after my Serozinc) and you wipe it away with a cotton pad, leaving the skin refreshed, ready for all the lotions and potions you use. For £4.99, I think it's a soothing and soft addition to my skincare routine, and I think anything with Rose in it, is always a benefit to the skin, as it soothes redness and skin inflammations. I'll be talking more about it, as well as the Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist* (here), because I'm developing a massive Rose obsession. It just smells so good! What's a girl to do? I'll be posting in depth reviews about a few of these products, but not the Lumi Magique Concealer... unless you want me to compare it to the Collection Illuminating Concealer, which in my eyes, is so much better. Let me know if you fancy reading that review, and if there are any little hauls you made yourselves; what did you get? Anything that's really excited you?

 

 

 

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

Say it with me, ahhhh Embryolisse. It's that French brand that I hadn't heard of, before it was mentioned in a Pixiwoo video, and suddenly it was everywhere. However, it wasn't something that I picked up until I went to Paris in June, and I'll admit, it was an impulse - tossed into my basket when trying to barge my way through the hoards of people in City Pharma. I didn't give it that much thought when I bought it - hence why it's the smaller tube, and I regret that now. I wish, really wish that I'd purchased the bigger tube. But lessons learnt, yes?

They say Lait-Crème Concentré (£13, here) can be used to remove makeup, as well as a primer... I haven't used it for those things, as I have numerous products that need to be used up, and too small a tube of this to waste, but I do that know that Amy from srslylou (here) did a post covering all the different ways she used it, so definitely go check that out. I however, just used it as a good ol' moisturiser, and although I had been told that it'd be 'too much' or 'too greasy' for my skin, which is oily/combination, I can see why their concerns were justified. This is an amazing moisturiser, and for dry skin, I suggest you try it if you're in the market for a new product, but for oily/combination skin, I think you should try it, bearing in mind that it will cause shine and may not be suitable. All moisturisers tend to make my skin shine through makeup, which of course, I tend to notice more than others - what other people may think of as 'healthy' and 'natural' just looks greasy and horrible to me - even though I do set my foundation with powder.

This is creamy and hydrating enough to only apply a thin layer to the skin before leaving it to sink in, and then boom, my skin is looking good for the rest of the day. No dry patches or clinging foundation, just a shiny t-zone, but there's not much I can do about that. It keeps my makeup looking healthy and for me, that's what it's all about when I'm in work or out with friends. I want to look alive and fresh for as long as possible. With a freshly cleansed face, and after applying my numerous creams in the morning, on this goes (only a pea sized amount) buffed into the skin before leaving it to sink in for a minute or two. I think it needs that setting time before my makeup goes on, otherwise it doesn't look right for me - and I like to cover the bags under my eyes, not just move product around on my skin. My main tips for using this fabulous product is use it sparingly, as you can always add on more if you need it and leave it settle into the skin before applying makeup on top, or better yet, use a primer in-between for increased staying power if you suffer from oily skin like myself. 

My Instagram Month of November.

November is coming to a close... I cannot believe it's almost December, and with December comes Christmas. With Christmas comes crazy retail times, and those are always fun. Some people have that wonderful Christmas spirit... others, just don't. Misery, thy name is horrid retail shopper who shouts at Sales Assistants because they don't have the size onesie that they want. It's happened to me, so yeah, it happens. You also have those lovely people, who make you say, and say Merry Christmas with the most wonderful smile that you can't help but wish, I mean really wish, that have they have a lovely Christmas as well. But let's talk about November.

It's been a good month. Rather long, but still lovely. The days are getting darker and colder, but I am remaining optimistic in the sense that we are all one day closer, each day, to it getting warmer again. It's hard to see, but we're getting there. I feel like I've really gotten into my groove, blogging wise, this month - my photography has been going well, and even though I've become a bit annoyed with some bloggers (its been over my twitter), I think it's the case of removing anything irritating or negative from my life, and instead, focus on all the good things.

A few Instagram accounts that I've been loving this month belong to; vinnie_the_dachshund (here) who is basically the most adorable sausage dog that I have ever seen... I mean, look at his little coats! Next up is tescoliving (here) and there are about three regrams to prove that I've seriously been loving their cosy, homely photographs - it's given me a case of serious heart shaped eyes on more than one occasion. I've also been making a few trips to TKMaxx and Homesense (have you seen those huuuge bears?) as well as to Cardiff to see my other half, who I'll call... Mr Okk for the purpose of blogging, unless he wants to acquaint himself with my lovely readers (we'll have to see about that). November has also been home to a month of firsts; my first red cup from Starbucks, my first Christmas Ornament, my first dive into Jurlique skincare and my first copy of Net a Porter magazine, which I am quite in love with. It's been a month of present buying and endlessly scrolling through tumblr, posting things to my account that really say something to me... or something that makes me chuckle. Either one. You can check out my account, ohkalukalay (here), what're your accounts? And who/what have you been loving this month?

How's your November been, now that the month is coming to a close? Preparing for your monthly favourites?

Maybelline Colour Drama Velvet Lip Pencils

From top to bottom: Berry Much, Minimalist, In love with Pink, Nude Perfection, Fab Orange and Light it up.

These are a big thing. Like NARS dupe, big. That's what the word on the street is... or, the word on blogs anyway, that's basically the same thing, right? There's something so creamy and long lasting about these, and dare I say it, compared to my NARS velvet pencils these glide onto the lips, whereas the NARS do tend to somewhat pull at the lips. The price difference is also a factor in whether or not to try these out, as they come in at less than a fiver at £4.99 (here), so 2 for £10, or 3 for 2 is where you want to grab these, preferably 3 for 2, because that;s always amazing. God bless Boots and Superdrug for those deals. The formulas are divine. Creamy and long-lasting, non dragging on the lip when applied and the pigmentation is insane. From the image above, I think you can tell which pencil I bought first... and used a lot of. That would be Nude Perfection, which is, much like its name suggests, perfection. It's that gorgeous nude that you can wear with anything; you can layer over a nude lipliner to extend its staying power, or just slick it on - either way, it's basically my go to for a done-up face without looking too done-up, y'know?

Then we have the brights. Say hello (looking at the image below) to Light it Up, a fab bright glossy red that lights up your face, giving you a classic look with a twist. Then we have Fab Orange which I adore layered over Bourjois' Peach Club - the staying power is insane, seven hours without touching up and eating in between (that's gonna need a post all on its own) - it's such a bright orange, a colour I'd usually steer away from, but adventure is out there, and it's this lipstick. Skipping Nude Perfection, next up is In love with Pink, which may be the pinkest lipstick I own... and the one I find the scariest to wear, because me and pink... it's never really been a thing. Pink frightens me, because I don't think it looks good on me, but this colour is coercing me, slowly. It's a slightly blueish pink, which I think teamed with black liner and lots of lashes looks gorgeous. In addition, we have Minimalist, a soft, nude pink - more just bitten lips than Nude Perfection, and although it's a cute colour, my lips are a bit too dark for it, so I think it looks a bit strange on me. I think I definitely need more of a play around with it. And lastly, is Berry Much, perhaps the pencil I was most excited about, because berry in Winter is always a yes for me. It's a blackberry stained kinda berry, that looks so gorgeous pressed lightly onto the lips as a stain, or slicked on for a full pow! of colour.

All in all, these are fabulous, and definitely worth a swatch if you're thinking of investing in a NARS pencil, but aren't sure what to expect. Fab Orange is totally a Red Square dupe, whilst Red Essential (a colour I'm yet to purchase but have swatched) is so Cruella from NARS, and I loooove my Cruella pencil. That'll be a dupe post, ready and waiting for when I purchase Red Essential. Have you spotted any of these on the high street? What's your take on them? Do you think they're NARS dupes?