♯dontjudgechallenge

Hey Guys, 

Today's post is for the guys and the girls and I want some interaction and thoughts about this as it's about something that has taken the social media by storm. For those of you who don't know what The "don't judge challenge" is it was originally intended for individuals to share their insecurities on social media whether it be showing what they look like without make up or parts of themselves they clarify as a 'flaw.' 

This is a topic area which is really close to me, if you have read my first ever post you will know I have never been fully confident about my own looks for various reasons, one of those being bullied from a young age. This is something I have slowly overcome with my age, and realised that everyone has insecurities. Make up has helped me grow my confidence and I am not ashamed to admit that I feel more confident when I am made up. Recently I have gained more confidence wearing less make up, and even not wearing any during certain occasions. 

The Don't Judge Challenge, just like any other social media craze, eventually turned into something nasty. People drawing  fake freckles and monobrows and then revealing themselves with a full face of make up shortly after. This to me is quite the opposite of don't judge, as they contrast going from 'ugly' to what they classify as 'beautiful.' 

Left: No make up (just good lighting)
Right: Give me confidence 

We see beauty in different ways in the media, the growth of 'plus size' models (some of whom are actually smaller than the average UK woman) as well as seeing more multi cultural models across media and in fashion. However, it seems no matter how much we argue that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes those sad people who will pick up on others insecurities and use it as a social media craze still exist. 

As a response to this challenge, Jan Bonito (who some of you will know as the guy who recreates himself using make up to morph into various celebrities) posted a video using ♯goodenoughchallenge showing himself removing all make up and that everyone has their own beauty. Blogger My Pale Skin also created an eye opening video showing all of the comments she received when she revealed herself without make-up, the video is titled 'You Look Disgusting'. If you have not seen this video yet (I posted it on my Facebook page this week) take five minutes of your time to watch it here  I promise you it is an eye opener to those who think beauty bloggers in particular are perfect, and don't have their own insecurities. 

On a day to day basis I see so many hurtful comments to bloggers and celebrity pages, particularly when they have chosen to share a part of themselves which may not have been easy for them to do. In the past I also worried about posting particular pictures, or even creating a youtube video as I felt it would bring back the same criticism as I received in the past years, however it is something I am now strongly considering as tutorials are something I regularly get asked about. 

What are your thoughts on the Don't Judge Challenge?

Get The Glow

Hey guys, 

Its been a while since I did a post, but I had a few products I really wanted to put to the test before I blogged about them. 
I have had problems with my skin for some time, I often (triggered mainly by stress) get psoriasis on my scalp and skin. I have also had acne in the past, so my skin seems rather dull when I don’t have any make up on. The products I am posting about today were used to try and get rid of this dullness and to get a "glow" read on to find out if I had any success….

Herbal Soaps

Those of you who follow me on instagram (if you don’t then get following now... @kokobeautyuk) may have seen I tried two herbal soaps; black soap and shea butter soap. I bought both of these from @pure_herbal (instagram page) and completely replaced my usual cleanser with these for a few weeks each. 

The black soap was used for three weeks. The results allowed my marks to fade, and my skin to clear from blemishes, however post application of the soap my face never really felt fully soft and clean like it did with my cleanser, my skin also felt a little dry however I do have dry combination skin and this soap is not reccomended for dry skin. This is great for interim use when you might be having breakouts, but I would not reccomend relying solely on this, so don’t chuck out your cleanser just yet! 

The second product was the shea butter soap. This soap felt a bit sticky to apply to my face, and I felt it was quite hard to rub into my skin. If I am honest, I did not see an amazing difference using this, and I had to stop the use of the product after two weeks as my psorisis flaired up to the worst it has been. 

So these products didn’t quite live up to the expectation I had hoped, but for the value it was not a heavy price to pay. I continued my search for good products whilst out on my trip to the U.S recently.

Clarisonic

For month’s I have researched into the Clarisonic, and whilst in Lord and Taylor (5th Avenue, oh how I miss you) it seemed like the perfect time to get some in depth face to face knowledge on the product at the Clarisonic stand. I have read review after review praising this brand, and I have wanted it for some time but never wanted to give in to the price tag (they range from £100-220). I eventually ‘ummed’ and ‘ahhed’ and I gave in (thank god I have a credit card with me). 

The purchase I made is the newly launched Clarisonic Smart Profile which can be used on the face and body through the use of different attatchments. Unfortunately, I am not sure this version is out in the UK yet, so you girls may just have to wait… although the Clarisonic Plus is very similar and a close second choice to the one I would have bought. The reason I chose this is because I often get breakouts on my shoulders and back, so I thought this might be a good investment for me. The new version also comes with a pedi brush attachment which is also a bonus. I did pay a hefty price tag of $280 (ouch), but I do not regret it one bit. 

The lovely lady in Lord and Taylor gave me a few attatchments for free which was a bonus, as well as cleansers. I personally don’t see the fascination with the cleanser if I am honest, I feel the one I use already (Clarins Cottonseed Cream Cleanser) paired with my Clarisonic does a better job so don’t feel obliged to give in. 

I am currently using an attachment for deep cleansing, which I started off using twice a day. I have read many bloggers say they broke out in the beginning and I dreaded this but my breakout was very minimal. The breakout usually is all the dirt and oils trapped under your skin surfacing to the top. I now use the Clarisonic it once a day if I have worn makeup, sometimes I don’t even feel the need to use it on the days I haven't  worn make up as my skin still feels soft from the previous day. I also use the body brush twice a week on my shoulders and back, which has really helped control my breakouts and make my skin soft.

I did a comparison of how much makeup is left on my skin after removing makeup with a wipe, cleansing and toning vs the same routine with use of the Clarisonic to show the effectiveness it has of removing makeup: 

As you can see there is literally nothing left on my skin in the second picture.

Results of my skin without make-up after a month
As you can still I still have a few scars, but overall
my skin has a nice healthy glow. Note no filters were
used to take this photo, it was taken in natural light. 

I have been using the Clarisnoic daily for a month now, and I can not believe how many people have complimented me on my skin, a lot of comments to say I look glowing (I promise its for no other reason). I have found myself wear a lot less make up, as my products sink into my skin better and also blend better than they did prior to the use of this tool. My skin feels super soft and silky to touch, and I have also gained the confidence to go into the gym without tinted moisturiser anymore, and stay bare skinned(I am usually really conscice of my skin). 

I still cannot believe how great my skin looks in the morning, and when I take my make up off in the evening. I will not stop repeating this when I say, this is honestly one of the best beauty investments I have made. I am not saying go out and buy one now and you have to, I know many don’t have a fascination or need, however I can’t stress that although not a NEED once you try this you won’t look back. I can’t tell you if it work’s for everyone, it probably doesn’t but it really, REALLY worked for me. I am sold on the hype of the product, and wonder why it took me so long to give in. 

Overall this is my favourite beauty buy so far. So if you are contemplating, I hope you sway towards getting one; I promise you won’t regret it. I know there are many brands who do similar and cheaper products, however what I liked about Clarisonic is their confidence in their product and customer service (30 day money back guarantee), the range of heads available so you can change dependent on skin type or even share with your sibling/parent if you buy different attatchments. Some of the other brands also have bristles which turn, this in effect can be harsh on the skin, the Clarisonic pulses but does not turn. Finally I love that it is gentle enough on my skin to be used daily. 

Have you used any products that have lived up to their expectations? If so what were they? 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Nailed It

Happy Sunday Readers, 

I have had a chance this weekend to finally put together a blog post on something I get asked about regularly. Those of you who follow me on twitter, instagram, or know me personally will know my obsession for my nails. I have a wide collection of nail varnishes and for years I searched for the perfect formula which is reasonably priced, comes in a varied range of colours and dries at a fast pace. Today I will review my favourite budget, and mid range nail varnishes and give you my thoughts on them. 

Collection 2000 (now Collection Cosmetics) - Prices range from £1.99 

This is one of the brands I have picked up in suspicion of how low the prices are. The range of colours is great, as well as the drying time and finished look. However, they chip very easily- I guess you get what you pay for from this particular brand. 

Rimmel: Prices range from £2.99- £4.49

My collection originally started with Rimmel nail varnishes, but I admit I was let down on the 1 minute drying colours, which definitely take longer than a minute. I do however love the I <3 lasting finish range as it chips less easily than other rimmel nail varnishes, however it does take slightly longer to dry and the colour range is limited.

Barry M- Prices range from £1.99-£3.99 

This has to be my favourite budget nail colour, these can last up to a week and come in the largest range of colours and textures I have seen as a high street brand. I love how smooth and even the formula is and I can always find the shade I’m after. These come at the small price of £2.99 per bottle and are usually on 3 for 2 or 3 for £5 in both Boots or Superdrug.

Models Own Pro- £8 (2 for £8 at Boots at the time)

I came across these on offer, and I love the shades, finish and drying time. I do however find them really hard to come by and have had difficulty finding them ever since. I have also tried the models own range but I have to say I was not much of a fan, although they come in a fantastic range of colours. I have no link for this particular product at this time. 

OPI-£11 This is the nail range I have been most disappointed in, considering they specialise in nails and are selected for use in salons. I have had my nails done by OPI in a salon before and they have always come out lovely but when buying them myself I have been very disappointed. For £11.50 for a bottle I feel the colours are slightly opaque and watered down, I need 3 coats to make the most of the colour.

Orly-£5

I came across Orly in a salon and I was really attracted to the bright colour and application and decided to buy it to top up my nail colour, I did find however when used myself it chipped very easily which was slightly disappointing.

China Glaze- £4.95- £6
 For bright colours this is the go to brand, great range of bright and neon colours, good application however a slightly longer drying time I found. This particular brand is great when looking for summer nail shades.

Essie- £8
On to what I believe is the royal treatment for nails, if you know me you will know I swear by essie. My collection has grown immensely over the past year and until proved otherwise I will continue to buy these as my first option. The finish of these is glossy and very professional, drying time is quick and a great range of colours. What I love about essie is that nails look salon fresh even without the use of a top coat and can last a week if you’re not prone to washing up a lot (unlike me). I cannot praise essie enough, I believe there’s only one or two shades I am not 100% satisfied with however there are always new colours released to update your nails as well as your wardrobe over the seasons. At £8 a bottle although not cheap, definitely worth the amount.

To Top It Off - Seche Vite Topcoat £5-8 

My favourite top coat so far is by Seche Vite, which I came across on Amazon. The formula dries quickly and gives a salon finish shine and it is such a bargain. The only downside is its only available online in the UK. 

For this particular review I felt I should add I have never invested in very high end nail colours, such as dior or chanel. The reason for this is I believe in sticking to brands which specialise in particular products, and for nails I have always felt the above brands do this best.

My nails always need to be immaculate as I believe anybody who takes care of their hands and nails (including males) reflect they are looking after the rest of themselves. I also think painting my nails helps me to reflect my mood.

Do you change a part of your look to reflect your mood? 

K xx 

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Pucker Up!

Hey Guys, 

Those of you following my Facebook page, twitter or Instagram will know I recently went to the IMATS in London. It was obviously heaven on earth for me- the make up, and discounted prices, I will definitely be making another trip in store next year! The talking point at the IMATS was the huge queue going through the whole venue. But what were hundreds of make up enthusiasts queueing for? Was it worth the hour and a half wait...?

The queue was for NYX and in my opinion it was definitely worth the wait, the brand always does great products with a professional finish and this post will show you exactly what I mean.

I first discovered NYX least year at the pro beauty exhibition and I have been addicted ever since. My favourite brow palette was my first ever purchase, and I now double it up as a smokey eye shadow kit for an everyday look. At £9 (IMATS price- £13.50 online)it was a bargain. 

My new addition this time around are the lip creams. The finish and feel of these is better than anything similar that I have tried so far, both drugstore and high end make up brands. I bought four shades in two completely different finishes to test and I will definitely be adding to this.. 

The shades I bought are: 

Spice Xtreme Lip Cream (bright red- shine finish)

Candy Land Xtreme Lip Cream (baby pink- shine finish)

Buttery Nude Xtreme Lip Cream (peachy/nude- shine finish)

Milan Milan Soft Matte Lip Cream (baby pink- matte finish)

These ranged from about £3.50-£5.5-0 at IMATS and are available online for £5.50 (matte lip cream) and £7.50 (extreme lip cream). 

Top- Milan Milan
Middle- Spice
Bottom-Buttery Nude

My favourite is the nude, as I have found it difficult to find a nude which I feel suits me, this is perfect especially paired with NYX lipstick in Indian Pink (oh how well that fits!). My only regret is I didnt buy more shades in a matte finish, as at the time I was in a debate about whether I would like them. I actually love the Milan Milan I purchased in matte, and I think I will venture into more matte shades following on from my experience.

They feel really good and comfortable on my lips, and not sticky or drying which I find some super shiny or matte finishes can do. I can get away with wearing them for about 4-5 hours before needing to reapply which is amazing. 

All in all my favourite purchase of the day and I look forward to adding to my NYX collection, this really is a pro brand at a budget price! 

What are your favourite NYX products? 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Straight To The Point

Hi Guys,

I know it’s been a while (again) but I have decided to only blog about items I feel are worth writing about, rather than posting for the sake of a “once a week” post. So this time I have come across something which has made me want to blog literally the next day.

About 10 years ago I got my first pair of GHD’s (still going strong- touch wood). Although they were a lot of money, they were the best around at the time. As technology has moved on many stylers released have caught up with GHD. To be honest I am disappointed that for their price tag they have not come up with anything new or exciting except a range of colours. For a much lower price other brands are coming up with something just as good, sometimes better. I have said it before but I will say it again- it’s not always the brand and you don’t always get what you pay for so do your research before splashing out.

The Remington Pearl Straighteners and Heat mat
£36 from Amazon

These are the Remington Pearl Straighteners. My cousin who lives abroad wanted some new straighteners;  she’s not very high maintenance and asked not to spend too much so I did some research and came across these. They arrived last week, and yesterday I tested them to see if they hold to their gleaming reviews.

The digital display and control settings panel

The Pearl comes with a heat mat which you can also store the straighteners in, the tool itself is a lovely pearl white design with a temperature control setting on the side.  They can go up to 235 degrees (if you are worried it won't be hot enough for your own hair). 

I washed and blow-dried my hair as normal and then used these. I was in a rush, but they heated up quickly with a bleep to let me know they are warm.

I am so used to my GHD’s that it felt slightly weird not to have to grip so tight (these pretty much glide through). I only had to go over my hair once and the results were great. Considering a day out and about in British weather my hair remained straight until evening.

The Results
Please note I never wear my hair dead straight,
I curve in the bottom. 

It is now the next day, I have slept on my hair, and it’s still straight. I rarely get these results even with my GHD’s or a salon blow dry. I have not even had to retouch my hair this morning, even after tying it up to go for a shower and taking it back down.

I am so amazed that I think I will invest in a pair myself; they seem great to take travelling as they adapt internationally and the price tag makes it worth the risk of anything happening to them. If something is to go wrong they also come with a 5 Year guarantee which is a bonus. I have not yet tried them to curl or in another country, but I may do a short follow up post after my holiday and let you all know how I get along with them.

As much as I Iove my GHD’s for been loyal to taming my hair through the years I think that innovation has moved on and in order to keep up they may need to come up with something new, or possibly lower their prices to meet with competitors. My next venture will be the Remington Pearl wand. 

Do you always get what you pay for, or are you paying for the brand? 

K xx

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Big Hair Don't Care

Hi Folks, 

This is a bit of a last minute and different post to my usual. It is to follow up from a picture I posted on my Instagram which I received lots of positive comments asking about my hair. 

I have naturally really fine and flat hair. I try to avoid backcombing as I fear it will further damage and thin my hair. I have to admit it has taken me a really long time to come up with the perfect formula on how to get some bounce and volume so I will share a few tips and key products with all of you out there wanting to get that big hair effortless look.  

Key Products and Tools

In order to achieve volume without back combing I have tried and tested many products and different brushes and hair tools. These are my top tools and products which I use to achieve volume. 

Babyliss Big Hair: £35-£60 

This is my top hot tool for achieving volume and as great an investment as my GHD’s. The Babyliss Big hair is a rotating hot brush which gives an effortless blowdry look. I believe the price has recently increased, I struck lucky and got it for £35 in Currys (on offer) so you may want to shop around online to find it at a good price. I have added the amazon link above so you know what you are looking for. 

Head Jog Ionic 80 Ceramic Blowdry Brush - £4.95

I have used many round barrel blowdry brushes, and this is my favourite. Head Jog do a number of different sized brushes. I bought the 80, but this is solely because it was the largest I could find at the suppliers. This gives a really sleek and volumised finish when paired with my Babyliss pro hair dryer which I set on the hottest setting to achieve the best result. Although any hairdryer will create the same effect this is my favourite as the varied settings give a really good finish. 




Tigi Catwalk Root Boost- £11.95






This is my favourite product to add some volume to my hair. The smallest amount really gives your style some oomph and its also handy as a hair mousse when your having a lazy day and don’t have much time to style your natural hair. it tames waves and curls so your 5 minutes of hair styling before work looks like a 50 minute job. Unfortunately the version I usually use has now been discontinued but I have put a link to the new "Your Highness" version which is just as good above.



What are your favourite volumising tools and products? 


Step by Step: 

The Final Result

1. Wash and condition hair as normal.
2. Towel dry and add a form of heat protection as a number of hot tools will be used to create this style. I don’t use a specific heat protector but at the moment my favourite is the Lee Stafford range as the products promote healthy hair growth. 
3. Rough dry hair so its 70% dry (it should not be dripping but still slightly damp to touch). 
4. Apply a palm sized amount of Tigi Catwalk into the roots of hair. 
5. Section hair and use the Babyliss Big hair on the lowest setting to style in the desired way (rotate inwards to flick hair towards face, rotate outwards to flick away from the face). The reason for keeping to the the lowest is so it can be followed up with use of a hairdryer, the lowest setting will style but not set the hair . I personally like to curl all my sections in slightly and flick out the front sections. 
6. Go Over the hair one final time with Head Jog blow dry brush and hair dryer. Concentrate the hairdryer for a few seconds at the root with the brush rolled under the hair and follow down from root to tip. 
7. Use a finishing product at your discretion if you feel it needs it. My hair is usually smooth and bouncy following the hair drying stage so I don’t add anything. 

Some might find it slightly odd the order I work in, but after trial and error I find this is what has worked best. It is a time consuming process sometimes, but after practice it can be done within 20 minutes and saves the use of excessive backcombing and straightening. This is perfect for winter, and the next day your hair should remain just as bouncy. Some practice might be needed to get the use of the Babyliss Big Hair rotations right, but once you get the knack its very easy to use. 

I may follow up with a youtube tutorial soon, still playing with the idea. For now good luck, give it a go and post any questions or results you might have for others to see. 

K xx 

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others. 

Las Vegas Sephora Picks

Hi Guys,

Another break on the posts but I have finally had a chance to properly test some of my goodies, which I picked up on my trip to Las Vegas in the summer. All of the below products are from what has to be my fave cosmetics store; Sephora. I have to say a massive thank you to the assistant who helped me at the store and really guided me to pick up some good items.

I specifically asked if I could have a few “American favourites” as I wanted to try a wider range of products to my usual collection. 

Bite Lipstick in Coral- No more expensive than my normal Mac or Bobbi Brown favourites, and I LOVE the pigment, colour range and the texture. The colour staying power is incredible and it was totally worth the money I spent, I will definitely be reinvesting in a more varied range of colours from Bite. The shade I went for is named "Coral" although I find it is more of a fuscia pink than coral. 

Bite Lipstick- $24  (£15.80) 

Lashes with the use of Sephora Outrageous Volume Mascara

Sephora Outrageous Volume Mascara- I have always been lucky enough to be blessed with long curly lashes and therefore I admit I am slightly lazy on the mascara hunt. but OH MY this has to be the best mascara I have ever picked up. For me the results imitate a false lash look and really volumise and intensify my lashes. The only downfall was the mascara wasn’t available in a waterproof version, as I have really sensitive eyes which tend to water a lot. The massive plus side is this was one of my steals at $15 which works out to around £9.54- bargain! 

Sephora Outrageous Volume Mascara- $15 (£9.54)

Kat Von D Palette in Poetica- I needed a new more colourful palette for my pro kit as I already own the Urban Decay Naked for my more neutral colours. The assistant in the store suggested the Kat Von D palettes. I did a colour swatch on my hand and found the intensity and pigments to be strong and easy to blend, just what I like. The palette is based on purple and orange tones, and has some pearl and glittery shadows included. I have used this on a few clients as well as myself and I love the results to vamp up a smokey eye. I love this palette as it includes varied shades rather than 8 shades in the same spectrum. 

Kat Von D Shadows, Poetica- $36 (£22.31)

Overall I love all of the above additions to both my personal collection and pro kit. I will surely be reordering online soon, or grabbing some on my next holiday to keep me going. I also wondered if any of you have been in a similar dilemma: 

Do you have any overseas favourites you would like to see in UK stores? 

Please feel free to post any skin care tips, products or comments you may have which could benefit others.