Once in a lifetime ! Islands that will have to be explored again #Maldives

MALDIVES

Amazing Views

Island Sunset

                      

                                                                    

The connection between mainland and the Island

Hey Everyone,

So I am aiming to be much more active in 2017 so as to keep you as up to date as possible when it comes to all of the carry on that I am part of, aiming at beauty and skincare with a hint of lifestyle and travel. I began this blog near the end of 2016 and so far have found the entire experience enthralling. I have spoken to and made friends with so many amazing and genuinely kind people from all over the world it really is fantastic. Today's post is of my travel adventures to all that is the +Maldives, such a beautiful and awe inspiring place where time ceases to exist.

          The island we travelled to was +Meedhupparu Adaaran which is an all inclusive destination resort. The island has beach villas dotted throughout the beaches and tropical trees which just adds to the fantasy that is the get away. To walk around the island it took 20 minutes in total to do a full lap and the entire walk was filled with the sounds of a relaxation CD with birds singing and waves lapping onto the bright white sand (which never heated up to the point of melting your soles, as it reflects the rays unlike darker sands such as those found around Ireland and Europe). To get to the island begins the idea of isolation from the madness of daily routine as a seaplane transports from the capital Malé to the island a total of 45 breath taking minutes. The water is crystal clear with reflections of brightly coloured fish dancing through it. The water is warm just like a bath and filled with coral where it is advised to bring snorkeling gear to spend a piece of each day in exploring all that the islands reefs have to offer from starfish to a rainbowed array of fish to turtles and clams which may contain the pearls of beauty that resemble the island (unknown because these are just to look at never to touch the best way to appreciate nature).

          This trip was as much benefit for the mind and body as it was for the soul, as the sun and the heat did wonders for the mood and allowed you to relax that little bit more also there was a spa within the brush of the island delicately placed with treatment rooms that opened upon a waterfall effect feature wall that ran the length of the spa with a pond at the base where carp congregate to produce the full paradise effect. I would be lying if I said I didn't visit it a couple of times during my stay, and the products were from the spa but they also specialised in +Elemis. The staff in the spa were so pleasant and each of the girls were from Bali which added to the experience of the traditional Balinese massages I got while there. I must say from the facials ad treatments I got personally and the ones my family got using +Elemis I am a firm believer in all that these amazing products can do (if you see a spa or beauticians offering an Elemis anything book yourself in!!! #lovelovelove) I must say almost a month on return and I am still reaping the benefits of all the treatments and prolonging them with the products I purchased while I was there. {I will be back to this amazing place}

          Just a quick tip when travelling I always find that airports are the Best places to discover new beauty and skincare products and also test some products before you buy. I highly recommend going to the shops and applying the testers so travel without makeup if possible ladies. I find it is the ultimate test applying a serum or moisturiser before boarding a plane as it goes through a rigorous test due to humidity and recycled air on the plane to know that when you land if it has helped your skin in anyway. If I find it has done a treat on my return flights I will purchase these products to take home with me and adore. I find this also works for hand lotions and fragrances to fully give it a try before you buy.

          As you can see in the pictures I find that waiting time is not wasting time 😉  I carry a few beauty products with me whenever I am travelling some of them such as +L'Occitane en Provence +Pestle And Mortar, also a hydrating spritz any that suits such as +La Roche-Posay UKI thermal water and my gold collagen eye patches which can be seen below. I used my gold collagen eye patches while siting waiting to board our connecting flight when going on long haul there is no reason to look like you have travelled long haul 😚. I never mind if people look and stare or ask questions as I will always tell them what I'm using and where to get it but also if I feel and look great that's my aim and no one will prevent me from reaching that goal. Love yourself Love your skin because when you glow you win 🌟. 

*to add I have been speaking with a few beauty companies 🙊 {La Rochelle Paris}shhh and received some amazing products to try from cleansers to salves and I have a very exciting skin collaboration with a beautician (more to follow)* 

I will post very soon and as always keep you in the loop ! Don't forget to catch me on   +Instagram {skincaredunnethat} and +Snapchat (skinbydunne).

🍀From Ireland with Love🍀

Skincare, Dunne that!

(Jamie)

One of a few spa days in pics 

Spa life 💓

Treatment Rooms BLISS😍

Some of the amazing water villas 

The pool leading onto the beach and sea 

The jetty walk so amazing 

Travel care, waste no time 

Some travel essentials 

Happy Saturday,

Giving the week that's in it I would like to wish gratitude to everyone of you that come and read my blog and follow me on social media too. I am grateful for the comments and friendships and the love sent from you to me and I hope you feel it back. Happy Thanksgiving to all my American followers and to everyone else in the world I hope you had a great week

I really hope everyone is having a great week so far and looking forward to the weekend and not struggling to hard to get there! SO what have I been up to since the last post, firstly I had an amazing weekend away babysitting a niece and nephew down in Spanish Point in County Clare in one of the cosy Armada cottages (so cute and the views of the sea and the Atlantic waves from the kitchen were amazing !! Like always I had my bag of tricks on hand (which I will go into in detail in a bit) this came in handy for the cold and windy weather that was there. We took a venture to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and got to see the sun setting (just awe-inspiring) some pics of that below, unfortunately we did not get to do the full walk as it was far too cold and windy for the smaller ones so we opted to take the few pics and head for hot chocolates and marshmallows (I think the adults enjoyed more than the kids). I must say I am going back next year as it cannot be denied of its beauty but also it should become a list topper for many peoples bucket lists. It reassures you of how amazing everything in the world is and also the full walk wouldn't do too bad for the heart health either (saying this I have yet to do it, no judgements please ha ha).https://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/

       

All joking aside (I say lightly as humour is what keeps the world turning), I have also been indulging myself once again (unlike me I know) but it's for you to know about products I swear the tremendous enjoyment and luxury I feel from it is all but a secondary outcome. I have been working on my face game with the mercury dropping, So I have added a few creams and lotions and potions to my never ending bag of goodies and tricks (much like that of Mary Poppins). I have included once again my @glamglow thirst mud to really penetrate the layers of the skin with blissful moisture and the cocooning scent of coconuts transport you to an island that has a temperature of at least 26 degrees Celsius. I apply this mask at the moment about once to twice a week at night to make sure the skin gets the full soakage of goodness it has to offer. Also morning and night routine requires my fave a gentle and light exfoliation from @Dr. Haushka in the form of cleansing cream with ground almonds to smooth the skin and help regenerate. The key with this mask is to gently massage in a wave motion over neck and face avoiding of course the delicate eye area and allowing to soak of a couple of seconds before rinsing (You will thank me). {Check out the site its packed with great tips and products https://www.drh.ie/}. A toner while some people may find them unnecessary if cleansing is done properly I find that they give that extra little something that makes me feel better on the inside and gives my face a little kiss. I go between @Lidl silk and lotus flower and @Dr. Haushkas clarifying toner while both are amazing the price differs dramatically Lidl comes in at €1.59 where as Dr. Haushka is a bit pricier at €27.45 both are divine but it depends on how much you are willing to splurge. A new favourite I added to the bag was a day oil, It is the first I have tried but MY GOD is it amazing it is again from @Dr.Haushka for €30.45 but I must say you will get a long I mean long time from this bottle so it is worth the bang for buck just a few drops goes a long way. Its smell is amazing sweet and refreshing but once on the skin it melts in to lock in moisture which plumps the skin up and really gives a radiant glow on the coldest of days, don't forget to moisturise first then add your facial oil to lock it all in (If you were to make one purchase I would point in the direction of this skin hugger as it is a treat).

Moving onto the Infamous bag that I carry at all times !! It consists of all and everything that anyone may need male or female beauty related. As a staple I have a selection of face masks for any occasion and all skin types including peel, sheet and cream face packs. I also always carry at least two cleansers one oil based (Trilogy) and the other with a mild exfoliation using ground almonds (Dr.Haushka). I also carry a light Quince day (Dr.Haushka) cream  and a heavier Rose day cream (Dr.Haushka)for when its colder and my skin need that little bit more. I have two toners one pump to use with cotton pads (Lidl) and a spray one for when  in a rush both as amazing as each other (Dr.Haushka). I also have a bottle of face mist (coconut) which smells and feels divine especially on dull days as a pick me up for skin and spirits but also to cool on hotter days. I have a pack of simple face wipes too as they may be needed and they are gentle and quick on the go too. I have a selection of lip balms and hand creams also as well as a bottle of Aloe Vera gel and a full shaving set from face oil (Clarins) to burn relief (Kiehl's) and muslin face cloth. I carry a small bottle of coconut oil to for when my skin needs a good lift or I feel like treating my hair as it has a multitude of uses. Of course I cannot forget the amazing skin helpers serums I have a selection of three; in order (1) Hyaluronic with vitamin C, (2) pure Hyaluronic serum (3) Green skin booster ((1)Oz Naturals, (2)Pestle and Mortar and (3) Lab series for men). Needless to say I think I have all areas covered in case of a beauty emergency or a last minute indulgence session (I don't half love myself). 

I also signed up t the subscription box madness that is and I must admit I am in Heaven !! (who knew life could be made that little bit better). I will do a post around them later this week I chose the @Birchbox subscription which is so handy and no commitment needed. I will show pics and details of what I got I each box and how I found them in the next post too. 

https://www.instagram.com/skincaredunnethat/

🍀   From Ireland with love  🍀

 Skincare, Dunne that!

(Jamie)

Birchbox makes every month a little happier, here is why;

Hello Hello,

I must say all of my best laid plans had to be up-heaved the last few weeks as a result of training and interviews :O so a hectic time was had (I say frazzled and in need of some much needed TLC and beautifying). Any of you beautiful followers on +Snapchat  and +Instagram (links to my accounts below stop by it can be entertaining at times at the least it is informative)  will have been lucky to catch glimpses of me coffee drenched or attempting to give beauty first aid to myself, playing catch up to get rid of blemishes and erase the tired look while de-puffing the entire face and de-pandafying (it is becoming an official word watch this space 😉) my poor eyes. (How you ask) I used lots of cold collagen eye masks and face masks, along with soothing face masks from +Dr.Hauschka  while getting my clothes ready for work and constant spritzing of moisturizing face mist in an attempt to keep up with the Jones. All very worth it as I had a very nice break away just after Christmas Day to the Maldives which I will be doing an individual blog post on as it was amazing. The blog post will detail what I used travelling to and from the Islands, what I tested while at the Airports what I used on the Island and when I got home how I stayed radiant.

That being said as I promised I would tell you about the my embarking into the world of the +Birchbox. To say I am loving it is an understatement, it is one of those things especially when you are beauty product mad that when it gets delivered each month it gives a little excited butterfly feeling of what new products there will be to try. I love the idea that you are not tied into a specific durational contract if you want to cancel after a month that is perfectly fine or if you would like to carry on month after month they will just take the money from your account no hassle. This alone made life easy, but also the customer care staff were at hand and happy to answer any and all of my queries around payments and cancellations (which I won't be doing anytime soon). 

          The groundwork is as follows go online to www.birchbox.com and you can browse but if you want just select Men/Women and click the subscription tab this will ask to sign up a few details roughly two minutes but worth it and no commitment unless you want to purchase a subscription (HIGHLIGHT can cancel after the first month if you wish to do so). Once the e-mail is confirmed you are free to browse as they sell full sized products of all of their samples and offer a selection of subscription options. I began my subscription in September and was just testing the water a bit with the intention to cancel after the first month but here we are in January and I am officially hooked.I went for the women's +Birchbox  as I found that you luck ladies get a lot more skin care goodies that appeal to me to try and let you all know about. There are also a few items of makeup but my sister has decided that it is a good idea if I give them to her as I would be wasting them otherwise (so it's a double gift some for me and some for my sister). 

          Each box for the Women £13 including post & packaging which is around €16 per month depending on the exchange rate each month. each box contains between 5 and 6 items ranging from serums to lip sticks to makeup brushes and body butters and a range of other lovely little skin beauties. Also each box contains at least one full size product which makes it all the more worthwhile. The booklets with each box are fab as they give details on each product as well as hints and tips for skincare or make up application in relation to what products are within the box. Another helpful hint is there is a price per full size of each product also displayed beside their description in the booklet so you know what to expect to pay if you wish to repurchase. 

         On a final note: I love receiving the monthly boxes they have a dual purpose also. Each box is designed beautifully and looks cute so once you have taken out your products you can reuse the boxes as they are designed like mini drawers. I find they are god to use to store face masks or they could be handy for brushes or lip liners or in an office handy for pens, pencils or stacks of post its. I would highly recommend you try +Birchbox  even for one month I assure you it will not be a waste. As for me I am going to look into purchasing both the women's and Men's boxes and see how it goes for me (as always I will keep you amazing people posted of my experience). For the new year I encourage to always put your best face forward and show the world what you are made of <3

Can't wait to tell you all about my travels and what I got up to and how I cared for my skin along the way. 

Chat to you soon !!

🍀 From Ireland with love 🍀

Skincare Dunne that!

https://www.instagram.com/skincaredunnethat

(Jamie) 

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

SNEAK PEEK 

😉

Sorry I have been missing ! But I have kept my routine and have lots to tell you!!

Hey guys,

Apologies ! I have been off the blogging radar the past few weeks I was not literally missing just in the sense of not on here with family visits and work, but I am back and over the few weeks I received a few products to test and reviewed a few also. I also attended an event by L'occitane <3 and had quite a lot of fun all of which I will fill you in on. Where to start ?! 

  ***            ***               ***

OK. So I have managed to go shopping again TK Maxx and Pennys (Primark) including my local health stores and pharmacies to get my hands on creams lotions and potions galore.

My favourites from Pennys have been; * The P.S nose pore strips in the green and white packet amazing results!! I wash my face and steam before using and leave them on until fully dry leaving my pores clean and clear then  just rinse residual product from nose at €1.50 I'm sorry but you cannot just eave them on the shelf. Also I have tried and tested the long overdue the P.S Love to Glow face mask famed and related to the big brand of GlamGlow While they may share a few similar ingredients and glow in the name that is where I would leave it, this does not mean that it wasn't a fabulous mask but for €3.50 compared to €56 there is a big difference in the quality and it is "you get what you pay for". That being said the P.S love to Glow mask I applied with a brush and left on for 15 minutes before heading out for my best friends graduation meal, everyone being all done up I wanted to put my best skin forward and this mask definitely did help it gave a little pick me up and brought down any redness I had on my face while at the same time softening and also gave a glow which I received numerous complements when out to dinner with friends and strangers at this meal. Would I buy this product again most defiantly for price and results, have I recommended this product yes and I will continue to last but not least is it exactly like GlamGlow no and it should not be expected but it stands on its own to give fabulous results for price paid. 

  ***            ***               ***

My next fun time I had was with the lovely people from L'occitane en Provence {in association with Irish Country Magazine} for the launch of their new moisturiser and serum "Divine Harmony" which smells and feels beautiful to the skin and reviews look amazing. The evening was lovely as I attended with one of my work girlfriends who is a lover of L'occitane too, we enjoyed testers and fresh lemonade as well as chatting with the staff for tips and hints and the new Advent Calendar down to €56 from €100 and all of the goodies inside well worth it (which is why it is on my wish list now along with the serum!!). The ladies I dealt with were the manager Kerry and staff Shannon in the Dundrum Town Centre store, they were really lovely and so helpful with our questions and experience. The golden treat had to be the goodie bags we got sent home with (so lovely) and the hand massages (divine a full sensory experience). Overall it was an indulgent event enjoyed by moi and beautiful purchases made too. 

  ***            ***               ***

What a week

Hey everyone,

So this week has been very fun and eventful! I have started a snapchat account > skinbydunne < if you want to follow my adventures on a daily basis. It gives another insight into the world of beauty and skincare through my eyes but also other little snippets of my many adventures ! I also took an "accidental" trip to TK Maxx where I also made a few "accidental" skincare purchases (no regrets). I managed to grab some Korean goodies of Hell-pore clean up mask by @elizavecca which was a really fun peel off mask to get deep into pores and get your face ready for a further indulgent mask. I would highly recommend to take the time to steam your face before using for five minutes to allow the pores to open up and the mask to get in deep and clean those pesky pores (large at times in my case). I would recommend this but if your pores are bad i would say a second go later in the week may be beneficial, but still worth a go!
                                                        ***              ***              ***

I also bought two aromatherapy rollers, both by Tisserand and both AMAZING one for sleeping "sweet dreams" and one to help with difficulties especially colds, flues or sinuses "menthol breathe" each uniquely divine and encapsulating (fancy way of saying it hugged me) in their own way.  The final buy not by choice I had to be stopped unfortunately but it was a good buy, there has been a lot of buzz around  bee venom face masks and when I saw it I had to have it bargain ! €8.99 from @Lanocréme. As expected and informed by a friend it is a tingling face delight and it was just that ! it was creamy and the smell was indulging, fresh and light to the touch and went on like silk. I did a patch test to ensure no reaction as stated NOT* for individuals with a bee allergy or sensitive skin. I have sensitive skin but did not cause a problem, however it definitely caused a stinging effect not painful or extremely uncomfortable but an experience none the less (not for those sensitive to pins and needles effect). After 15 minutes I cleansed with warm water and instantly the sensation left but my skin was left super smooth and glowing {find images of all items below <3 }. Overall my new products were well worth the buy and I would wish each and everyone of you as much fun as I had with them, highly entertaining highly indulging.
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My weekend has been overall relaxing using viviscals new range of hair treatments which were nourishing and hopefully after the week of use will go by all reviews as to benefiting my hair game (this i will keep everyone informed of). And a reading update Irelands new beauty trending magazine is out and defo worth a read! MAGPIE €3.90 in most shops around the country now, first edition > first thoughts "fab-u-lous" . I was also lucky to have chatted with many people over Instagram about beauty and self care, so many nice people from all over the world. I am really enjoying engaging with so many of you and offering advice where I can on beauty where I can. I am looking forward to the week coming for the new things that I have yet to try and inform you all about. My aim = no pain and enjoy every minute ! My wish = to share all my new info and tips and tricks from the week. If any one has recommendations for my blog or thoughts on what products I should try and review for you please let me know :) catch me here, snapchat, or instagram.

                                                *CHAT TO YOU ALL NEXT WEEK*


                                           https://www.instagram.com/skincaredunnethat/


                                                      🍀   From Ireland with love  🍀

                                                               Skincare, Dunne that!

                                                                         (Jamie)

Stop by say hi !

Magpie! new new new 

A snap from a hike 

The drying process 

My beauty buys !

After mask, After glow  

Welcome to Skincare, Dunne that!

Hey,

So I have contemplated this for a little while and decided to give it a go, so welcome to the first of hopefully many insightful, interactive and informative posts by moi. I personally own a million and one personal care products (slight exaggeration !) but none the less I own a lot of them and I am constantly buying and trying new products on a weekly basis. I own and buy everything indulging from head to toe for both the men and women, depending on how I personally found they worked. As a result of allowing the inner indulgence of myself I thought it selfish not to share it with the wider world.

          For the last few years I have been the one in the group that would always have a hint or tip on hand for an array of skin issues from the inside out and the outside in. I am now known as the bag man as I work long shifts and carry bags of lotions and potions to have my skin looked after to the very best for what ever a day or shift may throw at me. I have also become the person to call for advice on any products to do with personal care including information on any new products which  may be coming out and giving samples of my newly bought products. 

          I am an avid lover of the self and how to feel and look our best for the general day to day and events but mainly to love ourselves in our most exposing organ that is the skin. My hope is to be able to give each and every person that visits my blog advice and tips on the skin from anything I have read or researched (so you hopefully won't have to) to recommendations of the newest products to try out there to best look after our skin. With that said stay tuned for the future posts, I hope each and everyone of you enjoy. 

                                                       

                                            https://www.instagram.com/skincaredunnethat/


                                                      🍀   From Ireland with love  🍀

                                                               Skincare, Dunne that!

                                                                         (Jamie)

#GlamGlowYouthMud

One of the first photos

Garnier new love sheet mask pic 💚