Mixing up your Cult Beauty Box

I've had quite a few comments/questions from people that purchased the current Cult Beauty Box about how to best mix/match the contents so please forgive a quick post addressed primarily to them. 

(Regular service and LOADS of exciting announcements coming. :) EEK)

AM Cleanse:

You can use either Pixi, Tata or MV Organics as your morning cleanse - all skin types, no issues.

If you want to you can exfoliate with OSKIA as well.  I would cleanse first then exfoliate, then acid. (Not with these DG pads - your normal 'acid' toners.)

Then you spritz with May. 

For sensitive/reddened/annoyed skins you will get the most benefit from using MV Organics for the AM cleanse until it subsides a little. Once you notice a difference you can add in Tata if you want to.

PM Cleansing:

This is where you can really go to town and mix it up.

Please note: these are suggestions - if you are using the products in a different way and it's working for you, that's brilliant. As always, do what works for you.

Dry skins:

• 1st Cleanse - Sonya Dakar on eyes if wearing heavy makeup, then Pixi or Tata
• 2nd Cleanse - Tata or MV Organics
• Exfoliate if you want to with OSKIA
• Pads - twice a week - alternate with your normal acids
• Spritz with May

Dehydrated skins:

For three days:

• Use Sonya on eyes if applicable, then double cleanse with Tata
• Pads - twice a week - otherwise alternate with your normal acids
• Spritz liberally - Jasmine Garden is massively hydrating and wonderful under your serums and moisturisers

On day four:

• Sonya if needed, then either Pixi or Tata for makeup/SPF removal
• Exfoliate with OSKIA
• Follow with one of the Dennis Gross pads
• Spritz with May
• Serum etc....

Continue using any of the products after day four.

Sensitive/Rosacea skins:

• 1st Cleanse - Sonya/Tata
• 2nd Cleanse - MV Organics
• Dennis Gross Pads twice a week are fine on sensitive skins. The products aren't heavily acidic, they're anti-ageing.
• Spritz liberally with Jasmine Garden - and keep it close by throughout the day

Once skin feels calmer, introduce Pixi as a 1st Cleanse on a rotating basis with the others.

Oily/Combination Skins:

All of the cleansers can be used in the ways above on oily/combination skins. The only exception is Pixi, if you have open, active acne, it will possibly be aggravated trying to remove with the cloths. You'll knock heads off and cause bleeding if you're too rough, same as with any oilier balm.
If you have spots that haven't come to a head or are past their 'angry' stage, you're good to go.


I hope that helps, but feel free to leave any comments below and I'll try and get back to you in a speedy fashion.


And as an aside, and in answer to your questions, yes Cult Beauty have their Goodie Bag promotion on at the moment and yes the Box is included in the promotion. The Goodie Bag is added automatically into your basket at checkout.

The Cult Beauty Box is available here: www.cultbeauty.co.uk/caroline-hirons 

The First Reveal - OSKIA Micro Exfoliating Balm

This Balm was first reviewed on here over 4 years ago - and I still love it. It was also in my very first Cult Beauty Box. It's a great alternative for someone that cannot/doesn't want to use acids. It exfoliates very gently using MSM and silica, not a microbead in sight.

The original review is here: www.carolinehirons.com/oskia-micro-exfoliating-balm-review  (my reviews have been beefed up somewhat since 2012!) :)

The OSKIA Micro Exfoliating Balm is normally £48.00 for 50ml and is the first item in the upcoming box.

Thanks OSKIA!

Sign up for the waitlist here: www.carolinehirons.com/the-cult-beauty-box-waitlist-is-open

Sneak Peek in to The Cult Beauty Box No.2

The second product in my Cult Beauty Box is OSKIA's Micro Exfoliating Balm - originally reviewed here.

I've been using this for a few years now and it's still one of my staples. Gentle, exfoliating, feels rich but washes clean away, just lovely to use.

The OSKIA Micro Exfoliating Balm is in the Box.

Full size.

Join the waiting list here: www.cultbeauty.co.uk/cult-beauty-box-caroline-hirons

Tomorrow: further details on the amount of products in the box and the price.

Exfoliating Cleansers and another (slightly ranty) video

Following on from yesterday's skin cleansers video, these products are better suited if you just want a little more 'oomph' from your daily cleansing routine. Equally good if you can't use/don't want to use acids (which unless you have a proper allergy WHY NOT?!).

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser - Rose clay, apricot seed powder and a plethora of gorgeous waxes make this a beautiful exfoliating cleanser without stripping or any harsh skin-damaging ingredients. This is my current first pick for either an AM cleanse or a fresh-as-a-daisy skin ready for retinols etc in the evening second cleanse. All skin types - extreme rosacea sufferers will need to avoid the cheeks.

Diptyque Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay - this can be used as a mask or a scrub depending on your mood. Marble powder (oo-er) and apricot kernel oil and trace minerals make this a luxurious way of polishing that boat.* Suitable for all skin types. Lovely for breakout-prone skins.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Polish - I realise I didn't talk about this AT ALL in the video. The mind - it is easily distracted. This one is gentle enough for daily use and is runnier than the others so you need very little. It's oatmeal and shea nut shell powder. Not slice-your-face-open-husks. :) All skin types.

Lush Angels on Bare Skin - this needs to be mixed with water to make a paste, which is then applied all over. Leaves the skin really smooth and soft. Exfoliating agents are ground almond powder and kaolin. Suitable for all skin types.

OSKIA Renaissance Mask - ok so this isn't actually a cleanser, but I once accidentally used it thinking it was something else (it was really early and really dark) and the results were bloody marvellous. Technically you apply this and leave it for up to 20 minutes. In my case you apply it, rub it like you're trying to get that genie out of the lamp, wash off and HeyPrestolookatthatfaceradiance! I'd apologise for abusing it so, but frankly I was so astounded I started trialing all sorts of products in the exact opposite way to the way they were recommended and it was a revelation. Contains MSM (obvs), lactic acid and a whole host of fruit acids. Bloody lovely.

Su-Man Exfoliating Facial Polish - literally contains coffee grains, very gentle but very effective. I can't think about Dragon's Blood without seeing fairy tales and nonsense so can we please just say 'plant extracts'? Su-Man is great ml for £ value compared to a lot of higher priced products. Caffeine is invigorating without over-stimulating.

Thank you for watching and reading and putting up with my rants and basically everything. *heart swells*


Links are all available in the description box on the video.

*check your cockney rhyming slang reference dictionary

Instagram Saturday

Mother's Day present from my babygirl. A defaced picture frame of us at her Christening.

Said 'Babygirl' loving the new One Direction fragrance 

Revisited this album from Everything but the Girl - sublime.

Hit pan on my favourite blusher. NARS Sin - simply the best blusher ever made.

I do love a bit of Ole.

THE most beautiful gift box from Tory Burch - if you're struggling to give a good gift - this is effortless. It's now holding the necklaces from my last Instagram catch-up. 

Clinique's new Lash Power mascara - water-resistance without the allergic reactions to waterPROOF.

OSKIA Restoration Oil - in testing now.

Peacocks delaying me on my way to work!

Trying to keep 4 kids full is never-ending. There was a time when our fridge was always empty. I never, ever take it for-granted.

I can't help feeling like my Nana (in the picture behind) is laughing at the craziness of my family - and joining in - wherever she is.

One of the best reviews on Amazon.

My new lovely blues.

THIS. Especially this week.

This. To keep me going through NEXT week.

Instagram catch-up

Raved about this moisturiser

Sold a lot of that moisturiser at this event

Ran out of this lushness. Every last drop.

A little light metal reading.

Cleansed with all 3 of these at the same time.  (One after the other!) Just for fun. :)

Used these a LOT

Captured something new (Shard) behind something very, very old (The Tower)

Drove past Stonehenge on the way home from Devon. Not a bad view...

Added these to the bathroom to make sure I never run out.

THIS! Always this!

Showed how FABULOUS you can look if you use Perricone's New Mask. You're welcome.

Shouted at Perricone for discontinuing this

*in Country heaven with the Dixie Chicks*

Trialled this new SPF from Dr Lens that is bloody amazing.

Had some statement necklace addiction issues

Stopped the cat eating Karl's doll

Celebrated 10 years of this wonder product

Met Zoe Newlove - who is lovely - go read her blog.

Behaved like schoolgirls with Ree at the launch of Viktor & Rolf's beautiful new fragrance #Bonbon - Yes we took a shameless selfie with them behind us.

Screamed like a girl (appropriately) when I saw this monogrammed bottle just pour moi! (Although it does mean I can't EVER use it!)

Cried 5 times waiting for Sheila at the airport - the Grandmother meeting her grandkids for the first time literally had all of us sobbing *cries thinking about it*

Took my Babygirl to the Tower. Didn't leave her there though. Also - I should really wear different clothes occasionally.

OSKIA Perfect Cleanser

I blogged recently about the amazing facial I had with Abigail James at the OSKIA Spa. It and she were amazing. Part of the joy was the quality of the products used during the facial - one of which was their Perfect Cleanser.

What's in it?

PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL*, GLYCERIN, SESAMUM INDICUM (SESAME) SEED OIL, DECYL OLEATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, GLYCERYL DIBEHENATE, TRIBEHENIN, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, GLYCERYL BEHENATE, HELLIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, COCO GLUCOSIDE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER*, AQUA (WATER), CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT, PARFUM (NATURAL FRAGRANCE), CITRONELLOL, GERANIOL, BENZYL ALCOHOL, METHYL SULPHONYL METHANE (MSM), ZINC GLYCINE, INULIN, ALPHA-GLUCAN OLIGOSACCHARIDE, ALEURITES MOLUCCANA (KUKUI) SEED OIL, ROSA CANINA (ROSE HIP) SEED OIL, TOCOPHEROL, DEHYDROACETIC ACID

 *ORGANICALLY CERTIFIED INGREDIENT

OSKIA's USP is MSM. (That's a lot of capitals - sorry) Methyl Sulphonyl Methane is a sulphur found in all living organisms and is crucial for collagen, elastin, cell renewal and crucially for me - it's anti-inflammatory. Really helpful when you have acne hormonal flare-ups.

This is a balm texture - but has the feel of a mild exfoliant, which is how I tend to use it. There is a video on their website showing how it emulsifies, but I never emulsify a cleansing balm. I prefer to apply on dry skin, massage myself to death and take straight off with a flannel. But that's just me.

What's good about it?

It squeezes easily out of the tube, meaning you don't have to stick your fingers in a pot - and a little goes a long way.
It lends itself perfectly to massage - for that reason I tend to use it either as a second cleanse once makeup is removed - or a primary cleanse on days that I am makeup free.
Contains zinc glycine that soothes irritation, aids redness and is antibacterial, omegas 3,6 and 9 for softness, elasticity and to increase lipid content (plump) and coconut as the cleansing agent.

What's bad about it?

It does contain shea butter - which can break out skins with a tendency to acne/blemishes. For that reason it's probably best used by a mature or dryer skin.
That's about it.

Verdict:

A lovely, hard working cleansing balm that will remove impurities, aid massage and not damage the acid mantle.
My preference is as a second cleanse. I wouldn't use to remove makeup.

Packaging - 3/5 - they could shrink wrap the tube and save on the big box
Texture - 5/5
Performance - 4/5
After effects on the skin - 5/5


OSKIA Perfect Cleanser is priced at £32.50 for 125ml and is available from www.oskiaskincare.com

*PR sample

OSKIA Signature Glow Facial & Skin Smoothing Massage Candle - Review

I didn't go into the beauty business expecting to be paid for reviewing and trialling facials and treatments. It just organically happened. In a really wonderful way. Sometimes it's not fun - when the therapist or the products just don't 'work', I cannot wait to get off the bed.

And sometimes you have a treatment with the perfect product, in the perfect spot, with the perfect pair of hands. Step forward OSKIA and Abigail James.

Set in Covent Garden, the OSKIA rooms are above yoga studios, which immediately sets the tone in a really calm, peaceful manner (removing your shoes to climb the stairs seems appropriate, not over the top).

Not me. Obvs.

What's good about it?

The OSKIA products lend themselves wonderfully to treatments and the routine is along these lines:

• Double cleanse with hot towels (amen)
• Exfoliate using the Micro Exfoliating Balm reviewed recently here 
• Hot oil massage (see below)
• Steam/extraction - if appropriate/requested
• Tissue massage
• Renaissance mask
• Exfoliate and massage arms and hands
• Finishing with sitting up, leaning forward and hot compresses and work on the back (you will groan at this point - not in a 50 Shades way - but you will groan - in a stress being pushed out of your body thank-you-very-much way)

The mixture of Abigail's experience and these glorious products is amazing. Abigail has been added to my list of 'great hands' and I'll be going back for more treatments. She's the kind of therapist, that as a therapist (me), makes you strive to keep learning and be a better therapist.

While all of the products used were beautiful - and I will be reviewing the ones that I haven't already in the near future, I need to take a minute to talk about this:

There is no run-of-the-mill massage oil used in this treatment - OSKIA's massage oil comes from freshly melted candle wax scented with Rose de Mai and is as close to perfection as you will get for massage. I have always warmed oils before using them during treatments - no point in putting them on cold - not tactile, not pleasurable and takes longer to really get the massage going. I smelt this on Abigail's hands as they hovered above my face and as soon as she made contact shouted 'WHAT is THAT??!!!' I think I made her jump. Poor love.

Ironically, given my known dislike of mineral oil - one of the best things during a facial is a bloody good oil under a paraffin wax mask. The heat seals in the oil and your skin is nothing short of remarkable afterwards when the mask is peeled away. Amanda Lacey does this brilliantly in her treatments.

This candle gives you the ability to do something similar - at home - in the comfort of your own surroundings. There is no paraffin here - hence its ability to be used as the massage element rather than the overall mask. Its a mixture of soybean, beeswax and coconut oils. It's also scented with Rose de Mai - swimming with happy Chantecaille memories for me.

Utter bliss.

What's bad about it?

It's not widely available in the UK. You need to come to London. Honestly, that's about it.

OSKIA Signature Glow Facial - 4/5 - purely for limited distribution reasons

Skin Smoothing Massage Candle - 5/5

More information about the OSKIA Boutique Beauty Rooms can be found here and Abigail James here.

More information about the amazing to-die-for candle can be found here. 

Disclosure:

I was a guest of OSKIA. A very grateful one.

No affiliate links.

April in the life of the blog.

(Yes I know its late) 

Behind the scenes of the What's in My Handbag? shoot.

Max's first time at Meat Liquor.

My lily addiction is out of control.

Dude.

One of my gorgeous nieces.

Max totally busted.

My kind of store. (No offence intended to the Irish. Including my own family. Obviously)

Enough said.

Loved this. As you can see.

About bloody time.

The other two ladies of the house.

Glad they're back on UK soil.

Quick visit to Monaco.

Loving this brand.

Got these out. Then put them away.

SO amazing.

Used a LOT.

At-home facial.

Great windows. Shame the clothes come in two sizes: foetus and five year old.

Anndddd Flannelgate in the Daily Mail. Amusing stuff.