Beauty Formulas Apricot Peel Off Facial Mask Review

My younger sister originally bought the cucumber face mask by Beauty Formulas for my mum for mothers day. I was drawn to the Apricot one simply because it is a peel off one and is meant to clear pores. That and the cheap price!

At $6NZD [100ml], it is meant to clear clogged pores of dirt and impurities for a deep down cleansing, and restore the skins radiance and glow. I have a problems with getting blackheads around my nose so I have been tempted for a while now to try out a face mask, in the hopes that it will help clear out the pores in my nose. It is meant for all skin types, I 

have combination skin myself.

The tube was very easy to use and the product smells reasonably strong of artificial apricots, but when on my face I think the smell wasn't noticeable at all. I applied a reasonably thick layer all over my face. It is clear and quite sticky when you apply it but does spread easily. I found that when it starts to dry my face felt quite pinched and wasn't too comfortable, you do kind of get used to it though. 

Here is a photo of the face mask on. Not much to see, just a shiny face.

The bottle suggested leaving it on my 20-30 minutes, I left it on for about 40. It was a bit hard grasping the edges of the mask to peel it off, that could be because I have quite short nail, but once you has the edge it peeled off reasonably easily. It was a little sore to peel off round the sides of my face but apart from that painless. 

Once it was off I rinsed my face with cold water to close the open pores on my face and my skin was left feeling really soft. The blackheads on my nose were not completely gone but definitely reduced.

Overall I am pretty happy with this product. For a product of this price it has worked really well. The only major down fall for me would be the slight pain peeling it off around the sides of my face, but that was very minimal.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

With mothers day fast approaching I'm sure you're all desperately raking your brains for gift ideas. I know I'm always in a mad rampage through the shops if I don't plan early.

To help you out I have come up with a list of possible gift ideas. 

The first three ideas are homemade gifts that cost little to nothing.

1. Homemade Face Mask

Everyone loves a face mask and making your own is a more affordable way of spoiling your mother. 

Below is a recipe for a face mask that hydrates your skin and evens skin tones. It has been generously donated to me by my friend Hanna; and has been tried and tested by her as well.

Just mix together roughly 1Tbs of yogurt or sour cream, a spoonful of honey and juice from about a 1/4 of a lemon in a bowl. 

It's a bit of a guessing process so you can just add extra quantities of the ingredients until it is your desired consistency. Then put it in a pretty pot and tie it up with a ribbon.

2. Cleaning Tokens

This one is for the younger audience and does sound a little silly, but I remember when I was younger and had no money asking my mum what she wanted for mothers day. She would always say for me that I could do cleaning for her. So one year I made her a card with with five tokens on it entitling her to an hour worth of cleaning each. She seemed to like it! This can also be changed to cooking or other household chores.

3. Photo/Drawing

This is another one my mother asked me for when I was younger. However it is also good for older audiences as well as younger ones. If you are a bit of an arty person then make your mum a drawing, painting or photograph. Frame it nicely and there you have another affordable gift.

The next three ideas are gifts that you can purchase for an affordable price.

1. Scented Candle

A scented candle is a really cute gift that anyone can appreciate. You could buy any brand you like but here is one that I have and really love: 

Mor Little Luxuries, Lychee Flower Petit Candle.

This is one of the cheaper candles of the brand and comes in four other scents: Marshmallow, Belladonna, Snow Gardenia and Blood Orange.

It smells absolutely delicious! You can buy it online for $14.95AUD. They come in really cute little coloured porcelain cups with a gold trim and would be a perfect gift for your mother.

2. Moisturizer

There are plenty of lower end body lotions that are affordable but are still really nice.

Once of my preferences is the 

St Ives Naturally Soothing Oatmeal and Shear Butter Body Lotion

I use it on my legs after I shower and it is really moisturizing and smell delicious! It comes in a massive bottle [621ml] for only $13.49NZD. 

3. Chocolates

This is one you can use either to bulk up a present or as a gift in itself. You could buy some just plain Cadburys favourites or go for something slightly more expensive. Maybe if she's from overseas you could get some yummy treats that she enjoyed from home, online.

The final three gift ideas are more pricey ideas for those of you who have a little more cash to spend.





1. Perfume
Perfumes are not cheap, but every mum loves them! My mum's favourite it "Cinema by YSL". This can be a tricky one because you never know what your mums preference is, I suggest finding a way to subtly ask.









2. Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize
A face washing set is something every girl loves. I suggest the Clinique 3-step set. I have this one myself and I love it. I also happen to know that it is a favourite of my mums. 





3. Spa
Finally, there  is always the classic. Treat your mum to a day out at a beauty spa. Massage, facial, pedicure, manicure, the whole deal!


So that is my advice, I hope it helps you out and you end up finding the perfect gift you your mum xx

Day Out with Cinnamon

Cinnamon pulling a face for the camera at the cafe

The past two weeks I have been fully packed with work, so to treat myself I decided to go shopping with Cinnamon.

When I left for the bus stop it was only gently spitting, didn't think I would need to many layers to keep me warm. Boy was I wrong. Shortly into my walk it starts pouring down. I don't mean just rain, I mean strong winds, thunder, hail. The streets were flooding!

By the time I got on the bus I was literally dripping, my mascara was running down my face and I did not look too flash. 

I was planning on doing a post on what I wore, but needless to say I was not feeling to pretty for photos.

We sat down at the cafe and I got a lovely warm Chai Latte and then I bought couple of things.

The first thing I bought was this really cute, white peplum top from Dotti for $39.99NZD. I think peplum tops really suit curvier women because they accentuate the waist. 

I really like this top, it is quite thick and can get quite hot so would be good to wear in colder weather.

The last two things I got were from equip. 

Some really cute mini bow hair clips in silver, gold and white, on sale for $9.74NZD

And a pack of nine hypoallergenic earrings, also on sale for $9.74NZD.