Hydrating Perfection with YON-KA

Hey Ladies,

Well we've come to the end of YON-KA month here on the blog, and I'm more than a little upset to say goodbye. It's been a lot of fun sharing some of my favourite products with you, but not to worry, it's not the end of YON-KA, I'll still keep you up to date with new discoveries, and loving the brand as much as I do, I'm pretty sure there will be plenty more to come. Today's post is all about the Hydra No. 1 range.

I have chosen two of my favourite products from the range, first up is the Hydra No. 1 Long Lasting Hydration Booster. One of the huge pluses with this particular product is that it works on all skin types, dry, oily, or dehydrated skin. The main ingredients are hyaluronic and imperata cylindrica for intense moisture and it also contains Vitamins A,C and E. Like all YON-KA products the scent is beautiful. This really has been a rescue remedy for my skin lately, with the weather not knowing what it's doing my skin seems to be doing the same. It's totally non greasy and absorbs quickly without leaving any residue. My skin feels, plump, hydrated and replenished. It really is a must have for all skin types that need a little extra boost!

The YON-KA Hydra No. 1 Fluide has become an essential part of my routine lately. My skin has become somewhat oily in the last few weeks and honestly I could not have survived without this. It's non-oily formula is quickly absorbed and incredibly beneficial for boosting my skins hydration levels throughout the day, leaving it without that shiny look we tend to dread so much. Since using this my skin feels soft and supple and gives it that much needed appearance of plumper skin with a matte complexion. It also makes the perfect base for applying foundation on these hot, humid and clammy days.

I think the Hydra No. 1 range is such a fantastic option for all skin types. The Hydra programme acts on every layer of the epidermis due to its effective active ingredients. It's two forms of Hyaluronic acid, the first one with high molecule weight works on the surface as a protective shield and the second one, fragmented, acts as an intracellular messenger between the various layers of the epidermis as an anti-ageing and hydration booster. So not only are you keeping your skin hydrated but you're also looking after the anti-ageing side of things, and lets face it ladies, there's nothing wrong with that!

That's it for now ladies,

I hope you enjoyed!

What are your thoughts on the Hydra No. 1 range?

As always, let me know below

Until next time

xoxo

Aundrea

A Trip to Hollywood with Waxperts at The White Orchid

Hey Ladies,

I hope you are all well. Today's post is all about the waxing. Waxperts waxing to be specific! Not too long ago I spoke to the lovely Trish at Waxperts about taking the plunge and trying something I have always been curious about... Bikini waxing. I had a look at the list... yes there is a list of ways to get your mary waxed! (mary is code for lady parts) and rang to book an appointment with Janice, waxer extraordinaire and all round fabulous owner of The White Orchid in Walkinstown, who Trish had highly recommended for the wax. I have to say, having your first phone conversation with someone you've never met about potentially going hairless kitty down there was interesting to say the least. So I booked in with Janice for Saturday just gone to get my few bits done (no pun intended).

The night before I dared to go bare, I met a few of the girls for our little blogger meetup where we got to chatting about waxing, the general consensus was that I was mad for choosing to get this done. After a few cocktails (ok, a lot of cocktails) I started to voice my concerns about having someone spending so much time around my hoo-ha area. Being a bigger girl, one of my concerns was mainly... well embarrassment. I had all these horrible images of having to pull all the extra layers back and then taking my poor beautician out to dinner to apologise for having to deal with that, or at the very least buy her some flowers and promise to call... Due to the fact himself was at the meetup sitting there with his head in his hands listening to me rant about my nether regions, when one of the girls asked what I was getting done down there I proceeded to tell her I was thinking of a heart shape.... dyed red... with a chandelier at the top, and a miniature bottle of Chanel No. 5 for that classy effect. He didn't seem altogether too impressed with my ideas. I have no idea why....

So before I knew it Saturday had arrived and we made the journey to The White Orchid in Walkinstown. When I say we, I mean my partner joined me, he was far more excited than I was. Once there Janice showed me into the room where I would spend the next few hours. We decided on the Hollywood wax, which meant going totally bare WHICH by the way includes having the hair removed from your bum. All I could think of was Fr. Ted and his bum fluff... Not the most pleasant topic of conversation and also not something I had thought to deal with. Not that I was going around with a big hairy arse on me but you know... out of sight out of mind and all that.

We began with the bikini area and Janice said that she would begin like a normal bikini was and if the pain was too much she could just clean the general look of the area up. We began to chat about our kids, perfume, makeup etc... and I couldn't believe how easy things were going Janice explained that with Waxperts she first applies soothing oil to the area, the wax itself is heated at a very low temperature and is so thick that the wax only removes the hair and  doesn't take 20 layers of skin with it. Once the area has been waxed she then applied a second treatment oil, leaving me with no feelings of pain or even minor discomfort. Pretty amazing right? I think the most awkward part physically was getting my bum waxed... So there I was lying back on the bed with me wares on show to the world, hugging my legs to my stomach while Janice went to work on that end... the worst part about it was all I could think of was Oh God, I really hope I don't fart with the fright when she does that first strip! It's ok... we're all friends here! We can talk about these things... Cant we?!

Once we were all done, I couldn't believe how easy everything had been, I had been worrying about nothing! Well, apart from the farting thing, that was a genuine fear... Sorry Janice! Everything went so smoothly that I honestly would not hesitate to get the treatment done again. I cannot recommend Waxperts and Janice at The White Orchid enough. She made me feel totally at ease, like I was talking to a friend... a lovely friend who waxes your mary. I am really delighted with the results, and himself didn't have any complaints either!

So, that's it for now ladies

I hope you enjoyed!

Have you tried Waxperts?

Or have you had bikini waxes done before?

What are your thoughts?

As always let me know below.

Until next time

xoxo

Aundrea

You can follow on Twitter:

@Waxperts

@Thewhiteorchid2

Or you can all to make an appointment with Janice:

01 4569079

Body Essentials with YON-KA

Hey Ladies,

I hope you are all well and enjoying the lovely weather! As part of YON-KA Month, I thought it might be fun to take a look at some body care. It's something that is often neglected, and really there is no excuse, all it takes is an extra few minutes before bed to ensure that you lock some much needed moisture into the skin. Especially in this unusual spell of prolonged hot weather it is essential we look after our skin and make sure it is in tip top condition during bare arm season...

The Hydrating Regenerating Milk has been an absolute god send the past few weeks. I found that with all the time I have been spending outside in the good weather my skin has become dry and  sorely in need of some serious hydration. It wasn't for lack of products that I wasn't using a body cream, it was more finding the right one. The last thing any of us want in this heat is to be walking around half naked doing the 'drying dance' while we wait for creams to sink in. The thing I adore about this Hydrating Regenerating Milk is that it sinks in with lightning speed. It's light weight non greasy formula is just a dream to work with, the glycerin provides cooling hydration while ginseng and grape seed oils increase the skins elasticity and even out the skin tone, the sweet almond oil also helps repair any cell damage whilst soothing any irritation. So, you can see why I am so taken with it!

Above is just a picture to give you an idea of the beautiful sheen the Hydrating Regenerating Body Milk gives to the skin once the product has absorbed. I am truly in love with this body cream, it has given me everything I could ever want from a body moisturiser. It smells heavenly, it's not greasy, it absorbs quickly, hydrates and gives a gorgeous sheen to the skin, whilst ensuring that its soft and supple. In my books it is nothing short of a miracle product. I will definitely be repurchasing this... sooner rather than later, which really speaks volumes coming from someone who has never finished a body product in her life!

That's it for now ladies,

I hope you enjoyed!

What are your thoughts on body creams?

Tell me some of your favourites!

Have I tempted you with this beauty from YON-KA?

As always, let me know below!

Until next time

xoxo

Aundrea

Superb Cleansing with YON-KA

Hey ladies,

I hope you are all well, this is my second post as part of YON-KA Month here on my blog. This week is all about cleansing. Cleansing is such a vital part of the skincare routine, but all too often it is neglected. The amount of friends and family that have told me they cleanse with wipes or, not at all is scary! Honestly if I didn't cleanse my face daily, I would feel like my skin isn't clean... Not a good feeling! YON-KA have such an amazing range of cleansers for all skin types that there really is no excuse not to indulge and make it part of your daily routine!

I'm going to start with the YON-KA  Cleansing Milk. I just adore this, I fell in love a few months ago, and honestly, this is just perfection for me. The Cleansing Milk itself contains plant based agents to remove makeup, borneol for purifying and vegetable glycerin to hydrate and soften. As with all YON-KA products the scent is just incredible, it's just like giving yourself a mini facial every night. I find that a little of the product goes a long, long way and I always double cleanse! My face is left feeling clean, hydrated and supple after using. I think this is the perfect option for no fuss cleansing and it really is just fantastic for pampering your skin at the end of a long day!

The YON-KA Creme Cleanser is perfect for those with dry, damaged or sensitive skin, which lets face it ladies, is a problem we all have to face at one time or another! The creamy emulsion formula gently removes makeup and cleanses the skin. The blend of YON-KA's quintessence essential oils of lavender, rosemary, cypress, thyme and geranium, make using this at night time such a pleasure. Sometimes if I haven't been wearing makeup, I tend to apply a thick layer of this, lay back and relax for 5-10 mins just enjoying the aroma of the oils. It really is a luxury product!

My final thoughts on YON-KA Cleansers? It's love, but then, why wouldn't it be? YON-KA are a brand I just cant get enough of! Everything I try is pure perfection, I honestly believe they can do no wrong! I really hope you're enjoying this series of posts. It's the first time I have ever felt such an adoration and affinity to a brand that I have felt it deserved it's own month! Hopefully you will find a gem or two of your own during YON-KA month here on my blog, I know I certainly have! Keep reading ladies, who knows... you might discover your next Holy Grail product!

That's it for now,

I hope you enjoyed!

What are your thoughts on the above YON-KA Cleansers?

Have I tempted you?!

As always, let me know below!

Until next time

xoxo

Aundrea

YON-KA Month - Exquisite Hand Maintenance

Hey Ladies,

I hope you're all well, today is the start of something very special here on my blog; YON-KA Month! Every Friday this month I will be doing one post dedicated to this amazing brand. At the end of the month there will be a giveaway of something very special from the brand, something I know you will just love! This week its all about keeping your hands in the best possible condition!

The YON-KA Guarana Scrub is the perfect product to do what we so often neglect or forget to do, exfoliate our hands. Now for the most part we all exfoliate our face and body but more often than not our hands are left out. Exfoliation of the hands ensures that the dead skin is removed, and the circulation in the hands is improved all the while giving the skin an invigorating, much needed polish! The Guarana Scrub can also be used on the face, with its cocktail of amazing ingredients including guarana, brown rice, and plant extracts.All this ensures that the skin is left silky smooth, refined and primed for that much needed next step!

The YON-KA Nutri-Protect Comforting Hand Cream is an absolute must when it comes to maintaining those elegant hands! This hand cream is bursting with YON-KA's signature Phyto-Aromatic care, containing grape seed oil, Shea butter, Vitamins B5, A, C & E and an amazing blend of essential oils such as mandarin, magnolia and sweet orange it really provides a massive amount of much needed hydration for tired, dry and damaged hands! This smells absolutely incredible, and it leaves the hands feeling completely nourished!

I think this duo is absolute perfection when it comes to, what really is exquisite hand maintenance. The scrub combined with the hydration of the hand cream leaves your hands feeling soft, supple and above all pampered. The scent combined with the nourishment the duo provides really makes looking after your hands a treat rather than chore. It's something we often neglect to do, when it should be a vital part of our daily routine. So if you're going to do it, why not do it in indulgent phyto-aromatic style?!

That's it for now ladies,

I hope you enjoyed the first instalment of YON-KA Month!

What are your thoughts on hand maintenance?

Do you look after them?

Has this tempted you to start?

As always, let me know below!

Until next time

xoxo

Aundrea

The Style Club - Heaven for Hair

Hey Ladies,

I hope you're all well! Today's post is something a little different. For the longest time I have been in denial about my hair. It's been through the mill with me over the past year. I have had a huge amount of hair loss due to my fabulous old lady disease of Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have tried my best to look after it but at the same time, I think I was so down about it, that I kind of gave up to a certain extent. I did very little with it besides the usual maintenance and then just tied it up. I was fed up and over it, until I heard some great things The Style Club.  The best thing about being part of this little world we call the blog sphere is that good or bad news travels fast and I was hearing great things about The Style Club. Friends and fellow bloggers were telling me to book in... So I did, and here is how I got on!

On a sunny Friday afternoon I made the journey to The Style Club in North Earl Street, I was greeted by the lovely Sarah who told my stylist would be the amazingly talented Erica. I sat down for my consultation with Erica and laid all my hair woe's out on the table... We decided on a balayage, with a restyle and their famous pop colour treatment to give my hair a fab shine,

Erica set to work on my mountain of hair (for someone who has lost so much, there's a lot of it), she first put the all over colour in and covered up those pesky greys, and then moved on to lift those few lighter strands. It took a while but once that was done, I had a bit of a wait ahead of me while the dye's worked their magic.Believe it or not, this was the most fun part, the thing I have come to love is that your stylist constantly checks in with you for chats and updates. I wasn't left sitting there wondering when Id be ready for the basin!

Once we washed out the dye, Erica put the clear pop colour treatment in. The Pop Colour Treatment smells incredible! I chilled at the basin for about 15 minutes having a chair massage, I so need one for my bathroom!  Once that was done I went straight for my restyle and curly blowdry... The entire session took about 2 and a half hours, but it was so relaxing that I barely noticed the time passing, and having a great stylist to keep me company really helped!

I'm going to show you some pictures of how it all turned out!

My final thoughts on my Style Club experience? I'm in love! Erica did a fantastic job, so much so that when she was finished, I almost cried! My hair has never looked so good. From the moment I entered to the time I left I felt so welcome and looked after that I know for certain I will never go anywhere else to get my hair done. The Style Club North Earl Street is such an incredible place, the staff are fantastic and it really made my experience in there an unforgettable one. A huge thank you to Erica and Sarah for making my trip to the Style Club so special!

That's it for now ladies,

I hope you enjoyed!

Have you been to the Style Club?

Have I tempted you to maybe book in and treat yourself?

Let me know below!

Until next time

xoxo

Aundrea

Pixy - My Must Have Products

Hey Ladies,

I hope you are all well. My post today is all about the Pixy! Pixy have fast become one of my favourite brands for affordable, little luxury treatments for bath and body. Pixy is such an incredible representation of what Irish brands have to offer. I have often described Pixy as Ireland's answer to Lush but really, the more I try and the more it has become clear to me that Pixy is so much more than that. Handmade cosmetics at super affordable prices that are beautifully packaged and do exactly what they claim to do!. But more than that, Pixy really has the feel of real luxury products at an incredible price. Today I am going to share with you my 'Must Have' Pixy Products! 

First up are the incredible range of Bath Salts. I have tried three of the different scents on offer. The Muscle Soothing Salts, The Relaxing Lavender Salts, and The Floral Bath Salts. These fantastic range of bath salts are housed in a lovely glass container which give them that 'luxury' feel. They are only €9.95, which I think is an absolute bargain! The individual salts each smell amazing and leave you feeling totally pampered and relaxed. I would get between 8-10 baths from each container and honestly I really think that these are a little piece of heaven to have waiting at the end of a hard day. Plus once they are finished, you can wash out the containers and use them to store your makeup brushes, cotton pads or q-tips!



The Moisturising Shower Mousse is a really gem in the Pixy family, This mousse is again housed in a lovely glass container and this seems to be the never ending product! I have used this countless times over the past few months and it really lasts! You dip your pouffe into the mousse and wash away! You only need the tiniest amount of product, because a little really does go a long way with this, it comes in so many scents, but I have to say the lime sorbet is my favourite, it's so zingy and fresh, perfect for the summer months!

This next product is one that I think no girl should be without: The Glowing Body Butter. This, is a little tub of heaven! It smells absolutely incredible. It contains cocoa and Shea butter, with vitamin E and coconut. It's Jasmine fragrance just totally envelops you and really feels so fantastic on the skin. If I could get Pixy to create a huge drum of this to jump into... it would be heaven (it's also on my 'thing to do when I win the lotto list!) It's just perfection ladies, you need this in you life!

The Moisturising Lime Body Scrub Cubes, are a must have for any false tan wearers! These cubes not only smell incredible but they are fantastic at cleansing and purifying the skin. One of these little cubes will exfoliate your entire body, and leave it feeling soft and supple. I am in love with these, they're perfect and also totally non abrasive! They come in a pack of 6, and are €4.99, and absolute bargain in my eyes!

Last but by no means least is the amazing Softening Body Oil.This is just amazing, I use this after a bath on any areas of rough skin and it works a treat. It is scented with Jasmine and Magnolia which together make the most beautiful scent and it really is such a pleasure to pamper yourself with this little treat!

Pixy can be purchased online at www.pixy,ie, with free delivery on orders over €10, so you have no excuse not to treat yourself today!

That's it for now ladies,

I hope you enjoyed!

Are you a Pixy fan?

What are you tempted by?

Tell me what your favourite products are!

Let me know below

Until next time

xoxo

Aundrea