Beauty Blog

Makeup | Skincare | Lifestyle ♥

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Nikita by Niki was founded in 2014 by Niki Mahon. I remember following Niki on social media when she was modelling and have watched her business grow rapidly since then. She has managed to remain so humble even from all her success and at such a young age too! She is a true inspiration. And for those of you who don’t know, Nikita by Niki is an online store selling beautiful statement jewellery and also homeware now!

I recently received some gorgeous statement earrings in the style PERSIA from her. I was super impressed with the beautiful packaging. It is so evident that Niki is passionate about her business, the detail in her packaging and products is amazing and for me, that makes a huge difference. She even added chocolate! (Bonus!)

PERSIA Statement Earrings

These earrings are a perfect statement to ANY outfit. They can be worn casually or to dress up a plain outfit or go full glam! They are just so versatile.

Although these earrings are advertised like I have shown above, I’d like to show you all 4 ways to wear them! Who would have thought you’d get a 4 in 1 earrings?! This just makes me love them even more.

Top Left: Worn with the stud and larger piece together.

Top Right: Worn with the stud facing downwards and the larger piece at the back of the ear (as shown on the website).

Bottom Left: Worn with the stud on its own.

Bottom Right: Worn with the stud facing upwards and the larger piece at the back one the ear.

I absolutely love how these earrings look on and they're really comfortable to wear! Niki has a variety of simple and statement pieces on her website to suit everyones style.

Wearing them like this with both pieces at the front makes it look like one large stud earring as opposed to two pieces.

Click on the link below to have a look or purchase these: https://www.nikitabyniki.com/collections/earrings/products/persia-statement-earrings?variant=42730392842

I’d also like to show you all some other pieces I have my eyes on! I’ve included some beautiful homeware pieces too, those who love homeware will be obsessed with these.

HAVANA Statement Earrings

ALEXIA Statement Choker 

LEILANI Statement Choker

ALCIRA Rhinestone Leather Cord Choker

Small Geometric Hoop Earring

Clear Quartz Crystal Agate Coasters Gilded Edge

Rose Quartz Crystal Agate Coasters - Copper Gilded Edge

I hope you all enjoyed reading my blog and browsing through the website ♥.

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Not a beauty question but can you suggest where can I get a nice perfume tray from? xx

TKMaxx! They have reallllly pretty ones :)

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Your favourite blusher , highlighter and contour

FaveBlusher: Nars orgasm/Milani luminoso Highlight: Sleek cleopatras kissContour: Makeup Revolution powder contour palette/ Sleek cream contour palette

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Hi. I was wondering what your favourite drugstore foundation was&also could you please tell me the shades you get them in? Thank you sm & if you are fasting, I hope it is going well for you! <33 Xx

Hi :). My fave drugstore foundation has to be the maybelline fit me foundation! Such a good price and it's really flawless. I wear the shade 220 and darken it slightly with my contour/bronzer. The shade after is 250 which is okay too but slightly orange for me and I have yellow undertones. Aww thank ❤ hope ramadhan is going well for you too 😘🌹 xx

[khadeza-s]

Finally, my most requested post is live! I didn't want to release it until I was completely happy with all the products I was using so I could comfortably recommend them to you all. This will be a lengthy post but I’ve included lots of images so you don't get too bored just reading. Grab yourself some snacks as you might be here awhile!

Please bear in mind that everyones skin is different, something that works well for me, may not work well for you. You have to experiment with different products to find the right one for YOUR skin. Anything I refer to is specific to my experience and my skin. All products are linked - just click on the product names :).

Feel free to ask me any questions regarding products or anything else! Enjoy ♥.

DAYTIME SKINCARE ROUTINE

All of the above products are part of my current morning skincare routine, I rotate them around every other week but I like to remain quite consistent with certain products to give my skin time to get use to them. It also allows the product to be effective. I find changing products around too often can make skin worse and you’re less likely to learn what suits your skin type. If you don't have a skincare routine and you're looking for one, I highly recommend trying one or two products at a time (one cleanser, one exfoliator, one toner etc). This way you're more likely to find one that suits you, and if something is causing you to breakout it’ll be SO much easier to notice which product it was and stop using it.

A “typical” morning skincare routine may consist of: Cleanser Exfoliator Toner Eye Cream Serum/Oil Moisturiser SPF

You dont HAVE to follow this routine, everyone has their own style of routine and some people may feel this is too much or like me you may not have time for all of this everyday!

CLEANSERS

NIP+FAB - Glycolic Cleansing Fix

I LOVE the NIP+FAB products so much and I’ve written a whole post on them here. I use this cleanser for those mornings when I still have traces of makeup on my face or when I have more time go through skincare steps (weekends mostly or my days off). This also helps fade away blemishes and really cleans the face well.

GARNIER - Pure Active 3 in 1

This product was purchased purely on recommendation (@mary.s.khan)! Maryam has the most beautiful skin and she said she had been using this for years. I was quite skeptical as I’m not keen on 3in1 products as I find they don't work well in all that they claim however this has surprised me and I find its so convenient for those morning where my skin needs that extra step that I just don't have time for! This is a wash, scrub and mask! Pretty impressive, huh! The only thing that I dislike about this is the smell, its not terrible but its not appealing either. It works really well and leaves skin feeling super soft and refreshed.

EXFOLIATORS

Clean&Clear - Skin Brightening Daily Facial Scrub

I have been using this product for the longest time! I always take a break from it after about 6 months of continuous use and then return to using it again. The reason I do this is because I feel if you use a product for too long it just stops being as effective as your skin gets use to it. Its such a gentle scrub so for me its more like a face wash than a scrub/exfoliator which is why its perfect for everyday use. I honestly don't have much time in the morning to complete a longggg skincare routine but I use this as much as I can and it makes me feel super awake and refreshed. I noticed it really did brighten my face over time, blemishes faded away and my skin looked so much more clear. The is one of my all time favourites and its so affordable. I will do a separate review on this if you’d like me to, let me know!

NIP+FAB - Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

These are great, especially if you're on the go or don't have much time in the morning. I usually use these after cleansing my face with the clean and clear mentioned above. Then while getting dressed or rushing around I use one of these cleansing pads! It will gently exfoliate your skin and contains glycolic acid which is great for those of you with pigmentation, uneven skin tone or acne prone skin.

TONER

La Roche-Posay - Serozinc

Ive been wanting to try a new toner for ages and I saw this used by a lot of bloggers and mentioned on Instagram stories too. But then I saw it on Kaushal’s Insta live (@kaushalbeauty) and she spoke about how amazing it is. I HAD to purchase it, she is one of the sweetest most beautiful bloggers/youtubers, literally my favourite. Im so glad I got this, it sprays on perfectly with a generous amount but not drowning my face. It also dries really quickly too so you don't have to wait ages before applying the next product. Another lovely instagrammer (@zbeauty158) mentioned how she had gone through several bottles and had purchased backups after trying this because she loved it so much! Ive been using this for weeks now and would highly recommend this! OR empty rose water into a spray bottle to use as a toner!

EYECREAM

The Soapery - Organic, Unrefined, Raw Shea Butter

So since Sophia (@phosbeauty) mentioned Shea butter I had been thinking of purchasing it. She did a whole Instagram story on it! And I'm pretty sure most people that follow her purchased this! She can convince you to buy anything. Obviously I had to purchase this..I have been also been using Shea Butter as an eye cream since Rehma (@rehmabeauty) mentioned it! Go check out her Instagram and her blog too where she mentions using Shea butter! It doesn't smell very nice as its raw :( it did put me off however I use the smallest amount for my under eyes as its SO moisturising. My concealer glides on like a dream after applying this first! It melts so easily as soon as you work it into your skin. If you have any small sample pots or old eye cream pots you can use these to fill up with shea butter like I have here!

MOISTURISERS

Lacura - Caviar Illumination Day Cream

I have a separate post on this moisturiser here, but I have been using this for months now and absolutely love it! So many of you purchased this after I recommended it on my Insta, I hope you all love the cream as much as I do!

Charlotte Tilbury - Charlottes Magic Cream

I have so many of these as my bestie works at CT and theyre honestly briliant. I do feel the full size pots are very over priced but you are getting what youre paying for. HOWEVER, there are just as great products in stores that cost way less. Lacura for example, is very luxurious without the hefty price tag and works just as well!

SPF

GARNIER - Ambre Solaire Face and Body Lotion

Im not going to lie, im really bad with SPF! I know you skincare addicts are probably thinking OMG WHAT and you most likely want to tell me off! BUT i know, and its SO SO important to wear SPF. ESPECIALLY if you're using acids in your skincare routine but you should be wearing SPF regardless! I get really lazy and think if my moisturiser and foundation have SPF i can skip this step (oops). When I DO wear SPF I change them around, I have one from no7 and a few from other brands. This is the one Im currently using from Garnier. It sits really nicely on the skin and makeup applies well on top too without it looking a weird colour.

B. Confident - Hyaluronic Acid Spritz

Ive been spraying this on my face before makeup and some days after makeup. I havent been using this religiously everyday as I was a little wary at first in case it broke me out! I have very sensitive skin but so far it has been OK. It is a little drying for the skin if used a lot but for the girls with oily skin this is great for you! The girls with dry skin, I wouldn't recommend this for you at all. It really does make your highlighter pop when sprayed on top! However I think I prefer the NYX setting sprays.

You’ll notice I haven't included a serum for my morning skincare, I honestly just don’t have time on a normal day to day basis as I’m ALWAYS in a rush! When I have time I use the serum which is included in my nighttime skincare routine below.

NIGHTTIME SKINCARE ROUTINE

I spend more time on my skincare routine at night as Im not in a rush like I am in the mornings! Cleansing your skin at night is very important. Your skin will repair overnight whilst youre sleeping so these steps are JUST as important as your morning skincare. Everyones nighttime routine differs but mine typically consists of:

Cleanser (pre cleanse/cleanse) Exfoliator (acid) Toner Eye Cream Serum Moisturiser/Oil

CLEANSERS

Pre-Cleanse

Garnier - Micellar Water (Oil-infused Cleansing Water)

Micellar water is great for removing makeup, especially eye makeup. Eyeliner can be very stubborn and I find this works perfectly using cotton pads. I remove my eye makeup first and then the rest of my makeup on my face too. I then go in with wipes.

Simple - Cleansing Wipes

These are amazing! They are slightly more expensive then your standard wipes but my skin absolutely loves these. I use one wipe all over my face after micellar water and this removes any makeup I may have missed. These wipes are also great if you have breakouts. Simple is such a great brand for sensitive skin!

Cleanse

Lush - Ultraband Facial Cleanser

You definitely need to be double cleansing if you have been wearing SPF and makeup all day. Just micellar water/wipes aren't enough and once you start double cleansing you'll notice why! I love Lush products and this cleanser has been amazing. It leaves my skin baby soft and so moisturised. Sometimes I don't want to apply anything on my face after using this as it feels so so soft! This product is so creamy and melts into the skin, after applying it all over my face I wipe away the cleanser with a damp face cloth. Ill be writing a separate review on this cleanser! Let me know if you've tried this.

EXFOLIATOR

NIP+FAB - Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

I use these pads twice a week maximum as they're VERY strong. But I feel like they're really effective for my skin. Full post on this here.

TONER

Ayumi - Rose Facial Toner enriched with Glycerin

You can get this without the glycerin in too as just rose water which is great as a toner aswell. I have been using this for quite some time and I love how it leaves my skin feeling so plump and moisturised. The glycerin works as a humectant which is why it attracts more moisture onto the skin. So if you have dry skin this is great for you. Its also great for acne, wrinkles and fine lines.

EYECREAM

The Soapery - Organic, Unrefined, Raw Shea Butter

Same as my morning skincare routine, I also use this at night! LOVE Shea Butter ♥.

SERUM

NIP+FAB - Dragons Blood Fix Plumping Serum

One of my favourite serums, it will leave your skin feeling so plump! Review here.

MOISTURISER

Lacura - Caviar Illumination Night Cream

You can read my thoughts on this here. I am still loving this cream, its nearly finished now :(.

OILS

Ayumi - Almond Oil & Castor Oil

For the days my skin feels really dry or the days when I've had heavy makeup on from a photoshoot, I drench my skin in almond oil! And OMG, it feels and looks amazingggg in the morning. Try it, you'll love it! I also use castor oil at night on my eyebrows and eyelashes to help them grow and I've seen a big difference. You have to be patient! I made my brows way too thin once and used castor oil every night and they grew back so much quicker than I expected! I don't feel like it helps with thickness but it definitely helped with length. Almond oil is also great for your under eyes if you suffer from dark circles, but again, you need PATIENCE. It won't happen over night.

Hope you all enjoyed reading about my skincare routines! I was going to add the masks I have been using but its already so lengthy so that will have to be a separate post!

For everyone that managed to get this far, THANK YOU for reading ♥.

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[khadeza-s]

Recommend products for congested bumps and whiteheads please . Also could you do a skincare routine please x

Try using some face masks, the no7 pore vacuum one that I've reviewed on here is really good and there are other peel off ones that are similar that can help with bumps/whiteheads. Make sure you remove your makeup properly and cleanse your face. And regularly wash makeup brushes too. I have a post coming up for my skincare routine! Just taking awhile! Sorry xxx

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I have those under the skin bumps on my cheek and all over my chin. It's really getting me down and I hate going out. I was wondering how do you get rid of them? Thank you xx

Aww babe, don't let it get you down! Everyone gets spots but it's not a big deal. They'll go away :). It might be a product you're using which your skin isn't agreeing with. Stop using whatever you're currently using and see if it makes any difference. I had under the skin bumps on my forehead recently, I used a Peter Thomas Roth mask (Irish moor mud) and the nip and fab glycolic scrub twice a week. I also washed all my brushes and makeup sponges again as not washing these often can also cause spots! And thankfully it cleared up! So try those and hopefully yours will clear up too but honestly don't let it get your down, you should always feel beautiful regardless ❤

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I'm sooo proud of how far you've come, your blog is soooo good, and I love how you swatch and review on the regular, I lovvvveeee reading it xxxxx

I love you 💖. Thank you so much 😘, love your reviews and the pictures 😍. Can't wait to read your next blog post xxx

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I purchased the creams from Aldi after seeing your Insta story! Can't wait to start using them ❤ thank you! I didn't even know about them before.

You're welcome 😘

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Can you please recommend a good eye cream? thank you x

If it's for moisturising the under eyes then the kiehls avocado eye cream is really good. I use almond oil and Vaseline some days which work really well too :). You don't always have to use fancy products. Almond oil works great to moisturise and help reduce darkness overtime. I've heard shea butter is also great but still need to try this! Hope one of them works for you x

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Who would pay over over £300 for a moisturiser? dAYMMM. I will definitely be trying the Aldi one out 😬

It's so affordable and a great product 😘

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I have been using the Lacura day cream for a few weeks now and I love it! Haven't tried the night cream but I will now after reading your review 😘

Aww glad you do 😊

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NEED CAVIAR CREAMS IN MY LIFE!!!!

You do!

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Wow, the creams contain caviar but they're so affordable, I'm really impressed!

Yeah, they're so good :). Definitely try them out xx

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ALDI’S LUXURY ANTI AGEING SKIN CARE RANGE WITH CAVIAR.

Many of you may have heard about Aldi’s skin care range which looks suspiciously similar to the La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, however the hefty price tag is most definitely the biggest difference. Lacura caviar cream retails at £6.99 and the La Prairie retails at over £313! HUGE difference in price however the products are meant to be VERY similar! Obviously after hearing about this I had to try them out, Im a big fan of anti ageing products as I strongly believe its better to prevent than treat. 

The Lacura Caviar is a luxurious lifting and firming cream with anti-ageing properties. The products contain caviar extract, which is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. And most importantly caviar is very well known for being a powerful anti-ageing active ingredient in luxury skincare products.

Personally I really like the packaging, the jars carry a good weight and look expensive. They both have screw top lids and come with peel off foil wrappers to protect the creams - this is also included in the La Prairie ones!

Day Cream:

The day cream contains SPF 15 and costs £6.99 for a 50ml jar. For a luxurious anti ageing moisturiser, the price is super affordable. Although the product is thick it has a very light texture and easily melts into the skin. It is very moisturising. I wear this under my foundation and my makeup applies beautifully on top without any issues. I love that it contains SPF as I don't like applying several products on my face and this saves applying a separate SPF onto my skin. Suitable for normal to dry skin.

My thoughts: After using this for a few months now I absolutely love it ♥. I don't have much time in the morning for fancy skincare but this is perfect. I reach for this everyday and use this after cleansing my face and then apply my makeup on top. It isn't oily like some creams can be and its the perfect base for my foundation. I highly recommend this for men and women. A small amount goes a long way. Because of the consistency you only need a small amount and the jar will last ages but it is so affordable to keep repurchasing. My skin also feels tighter after using this product which is a great sign as tired skin can start to sag and become loose with age and you don't have to be ‘old’ to start seeing signs of ageing. Other factors like stress and over working can cause this too. Always look after your skin. The biggest secret for amazing skin will always be drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep. But these always seem to be ignored or forgotten about.

Night Cream:

The night cream is lighter in consistency and allows the skin to breathe. This jar looks pretty much identical to the la prairie range but again retails at £6.99 for a 50ml jar. It feels very hydrating and contains snow algae extract, which helps to reduce visible signs of ageing.  Suitable for normal to dry skin. It can be worn after your normal night time routine or on its own before bed. Everyone has a different skin care routine but no one knows your skin better than you.

My thoughts: I’ve used this cream at least 4/5 nights a week as some nights I change up my routine and use face masks or almond/coconut oil overnight. However I do really like this product and reach for it every chance I get. I’ve not really used night creams before this and if you're looking for a night cream to try, definitely try this out! The cream smells lovely and refreshing, it actually makes me feel so relaxed and sleepy. It leaves the skin feeling super moisturised and soft when you wake up in the morning. I have sensitive skin and it has been great with no irritation or problems.

I feel like these products are so underrated and I was quite surprised when a lot of you messaged me on instagram saying you hadn't seen them or heard of them! Im so overwhelmed by the number of you who have gone out to purchase this upon my recommendation and I hope you love them as much as i do ♥

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You're soo beautiful xx

Thank you so much ♥