Ziaja skincare - *Review*

Hello everyone, hope everyone is keeping on top of their skincare regime, I know I am, thanks to this absolute savior duo!

I received these two beauties at a blogger event in Dublin earlier in September. I'm always quite skeptical when trying new skincare products as the majority of them make my skin break out or effect it quite badly, as I suffer from Rosacea, So I decided to give them a whirl.

Natural Olive Micellar Water - This bottle is Paraben, colourant and fragrance free and its also Hypo-allergenic which is JUST what I need! Its key ingredients are glycerin , olive oil and pro-vitamin B5 which shocked me! And no alcohol too!
This water is used not only to remove makeup to also to add moisture to your skin, due to the added ingredient of Olive oil, this will soften your skin and soothe any irritations you may have. This can be used on the most sensitive of skin and I will definitely be re-purchasing this!
Score: 9/10

Natural Olive Cream - Another astounding find! Moisturiser is the one thing that always makes my skin flare up, so I took a real chance with this, and I found that it has been working wonders on my skin. This cream frightened me a tad because the texture is so rich and creamy, that's usually a bad sign for anyone who suffers with Rosacea, but as I applied it, it felt heavenly,you only need the tiniest dot and it gets to work straight away. Again because of the added olive oil, this cream softens skin, prevents dehydration and makes skin baby smooth. I would definitely recommend this if you have dry skin or suffer from Rosacea .
Score: 10/10

You can check out they're full olive oil collection here, with everything from skincare to hair care, there is something for everyone in their natural olive range.

If you suffer with Rosacea and would like to find more products to help, please get in touch!!

The Parma Violet

The truth about lip balms

Are you damaging your skin and your health?

Lipbalms drive me insane! I hate nothing more than seeing someone with chapped lips applying some god awful plastic based 'lipbalm' Or overhearing someone say ''has anyone got any Vaseline?'' So i'm here to tell you the truth about lip balms! No matter how hydrating they may make your lips feel!  So here we go...

Whatever you do, please, for the love of god, stay away from Vaseline!

Vaseline use special tactics in order for you to buy these little pots of hell. For example 'Vaseline with Cocoa Butter'. They colour the tin to coordinate with the new nourishing ingredient, so your brain is mainly focused on 'Cocoa butter' rather than 'petroleum jelly'.

 We all know Cocoa butter is super moisturizing and nourishing. But what about the Petroleum Jelly?  Well believe it or not petroleum comes from the same place as gasoline..that should say something..not very Eco friendly . 

Vaseline actually dries your skin up like there is no tomorrow! These greasy substance sits on top of your skin and traps your bodies toxins underneath! Ew! I don't care how cheap these crap tins are. stay away!

Next we have Carmex!

For years this has been the 'go to' lip product! Its cooling and soothing sensation leaves people wanting more..So is this really doing anything for your lips! NO, would be the answer to that question.

The ingredients in Carmex include Phenol, Camphor and Menthol! When you apply it gives the illusion of soothing, but in reality it quickly dries up and needs to be reapplied!Thats because this product contains OL (alcohol) Which dries up everything! So stay away from this lip damaging product. ESPECIALLY when lips are chapped

There are no words for how much I hate these.

You're basically rubbing toxic plastic on your lips. ANY kind of pound shop, dealz, pound-world,euroshop store lipbalms,will be in this catagory too. They are all the same! They contain a whole heap of Alcohol and other substances that dry out your skin immensely. Sure they might look cute, taste great and smell amazing, but that is ALL they're worth. These will make your lips, dry,chapped and sore after continuous use. Stay away from these god awful creations.

So here are some Eco friendly,skin friendly and purse friendly alternatives!

Burts Bees-Beeswax balm

Lush-Honey Trap Balm

Eos-Passion fruit Balm

Nivea- Lip Butter 

If you have any questions or queries simply comment below or mail me on theparmavioletblog@gmail.com , thank you

The Parma Violet

Transform your skin

Transform your skin for Summer!

Before I start off can I just say thanks to everyone for following, I just started up my own twitter page for my blog if anybody is interested  Click here to view my brand new twitter page!

Want your skin to look flawless and dewy this summer? Well I've got a few handy tips up my sleeve with affordable products that will transform your skin in the blink of an eye! Here is a few of my transforming favourites!

 I've always had problems with my facial skin, it has always been spotty, red and bumpy and extremely sensitive! I recently got diagnosed with Rosacea (A common facial skin problem causing spots, red harsh skin and itchiness) So to combat this i am taking medication, but of course, that alone won't work. So after searching high and low for the best skincare products for those with sensitive skin I have finally found some desirable products which are gentle on your skin as well as your pocket.

1. Boots Essentials Moisturising Cream (Fragrance free) - This moisturiser is one of the most nourishing and beautiful I have ever come across, absolutely perfect for all skin types. For those with dry skin, do make sure to put a decent amount on and massage smoothly in to your skin. 3.75EURO
2. Avene Thermal Spring Water Facial Serum - Serum, believe it or not, is one of the most important parts of a skincare routine. This Avene serum is perfect for those with a slight red tinge to their skin, it has a cooling action that takes the redness right down while replenishing your skin!Perfect for all skin types!Aldi do 3 diferent types of facial serum for half the price of any others, all three which are suited to ones own person skintype! Avene Serum 25.00EURO
3. NUXE All Purpose Dry Oil - This stuff is magic in a bottle! It can literally be used anywhere on the body. Hair,Nails,Skin you name it! Not to mention the heavenly exotic smell, but how it works is amazing! Just a tiny drop of this makes skin youthful and vibrant looking. Oils are becoming more and more popular in the beauty spectrum because they restore all the oils lacking or lost. Prefect buy, I would truly recommend this to anyone!it's a bit pricey but will last a lifetime! 35.00EURO
4. Simple Oil Balancing Facial Scrub - I dont think theres a bad word to say about this product really.This is aimed for those with sensitive skin, Simple is my go to skincare line! Its perfect and fragrance free! This scrub is powerful enough to remove dead skin and deeply clean skin and pores, while gentle enough to keep skin feeling smooth and soft. 5.29EURO
5. Bio Oil - Now, the reason why I have bio oil here, is because believe it or not Bio Oil is a better anti aging oil than anything else, AND it reduces the look of scaring from spots,chicken poc marks, skin discolouration etc. This is a dream product for anti aging and so reducing them unsightly scars. 10.99EURO
6. LUSH BB Seaweed Facial Mask - This is my favourite skincare product of all time. This gorgeous pot of heaven reduces redness,removes spots, tightens pores AND rejuvenates skin leaving it looking young,fresh dewy and simply healthy! Just pop this tub in the fridge, and use 2-3 times a week! If youre looking for an overnight transformation, then look no further.
7. L'Oreal Youth Code Pore Vanisher - This tube, is full of magic and wonder! This (Which is a Dupe of Benefits Porefessional'') Is a life saver, this tube has TRIPLE the amount of a tube of Porefessional by benefit and in my opinion works just as well! I like using this after I do my skin care treatment to take the shine off of my face and to reduce the image of my pores.  25.00EURO

Now on to lips!!

People always seem to forget lip products!! Lip products are just as important as all the rest. Theres no use having gorgeously,smooth,radiant skin without having the lips to match! So here are my two products that i Swear by

1. Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub - This is a godsend, this little put will set you back around 7EURO, but last's a fairly long time. This is also free of any alcohol or anything else that would dry up your skin, and its Vegan!!How does it work? Well simply scoop some of this fantastic smelling scrub onto your finger and scrub your lips,be quite forceful as this bad boy takes off all the dead skin and flakes. Now...before you eat the whole tub...stop.
2. Nivea Lip Butter n Raspberry Rose - This luscious pot of joy smells out of this world and tastes just as good, but works even better! This butter has no petrolium or anything else that could dry up lips. enriched with oils and the wings on an angel, this stuff works wonders for your lips leaving them feeling silky and ....buttery 3.75EURO

Have you any beauty products you cannot live without? Want be to review a product? Simple comment below for mail me on theparmavioletblog@gmail.com, thank you!

The Parma Violet 

My April Favorites

IT'S SUMMER!!!

I know everyone seems to say it but it feels like it was only Christmas yesterday! This year seems to be running away with itself!! Seeming as it is already May, I might aswel show you all my favorite products from April!

WetNWild Lip Liner in Plumberry

WetNWild Varnish in Wet Cement

WetNWild Varnish in Private Viewing 

Rose&Co HandCream in Suggared Violet

For ages and ages I have been meaning to try Wet N Wilds Megalast nail varnishes but it had always slipped my mind as I am not too into Nails. So I grabbed these two gorgeously nude shades 'Wet Cement' and 'Private Viewing'. These were 2.99EUR each in Dunnes Stores and they're beautiful! I applied two coats and boom they were done! Although they dry fairly slow, the end result is gorgeous!

Excuse the shabby job!

These neutral colours are perfect for the run up to Summer! Fresh,clean and sophisticated looking! Love these varnishes!

As for the Plumberry lip-liner, it is a gorgeous deep plum colour but im afraid it lacks staying power! But at only 1.99EUR who can say no!

This hand cream..I cant imagine anything more perfect! 

Infused with Sweet Almond Oil,Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter this baby will keep your hands feeling silky smooth all day long! With NO petroleum in this little jar of happiness this product wont dry out your skin! I adore the packaging! Its cute and girly with a 1950's vibe from it! Not forgetting how AMAZING this pot smells! It smells JUST like parma violets, I cannot get enough of it! Its only downfall is that for this tiny tub its 6.50EUR in Avoca! But if you're looking to treat yourself, do pick some up :)

These Mugs and Plates from Dunnes are probably the cutest things I have ever seen!

Apparently these cuties have gone down a euro or two since I got these! these sweet enough to eat plates are perfect for holding your bobbi pins,slides,rings,earrings etc! Such a lovely piece for anyone's bedroom/vanity!  

As I have posted before I have very sensitive skin and Rosacea therefor alot of creams and facial wash's make me breakout and make my skin very red! I Recently discovered Boots own brand Facial care! I bought the facial wash and the Moisturising Cream , both are hypoallergenic and are fragrance free  which is just what I need! And also they're bargains at 2.29EUR each!

WISHLIST!

 Floral summer dress 40.00EUR from Dunnes Stores
I need this 50's style schoolgirl dress in my life ASAP!
But seeming as im saving for a Holiday to Portugal next week the dreams of owning this dress are slowly dying!

And I just want everything here from Dunnes!

These gorgeous french styled,girly storage cases range from 10-20 EURO

These candles and cases are sure to transform any room into a fresh and girly french boudoir 

Do you have any products that have changed your April? If so comment below or email me on nadinestephens1990@gmail.com

The Parma Violet

Beauty @ Dealz

Yes, you read that correctly, beauty at Dealz!

Not only is Dealz beauty range extremely easy on the pocket, it is also FULL of amazing brand name finds! 

I know that alot of people are ''anti Dealz'' and would immediately steer clear of Dealz for good quality beauty products, well I am here to prove you ''Anti Dealz'' people wrong and to show all you bargain hunters what you need to get your mitts on asap!

First up is HAIRCARE!

 First up is my most recent Dealz haircare finds(Above) 

As I have fine,wavy and frizzy hair I am ALWAYS on the look out for products that will thicken my hair and ease that frizz! So if you too are on a budget and find hair products too costly! Then you have found your answer! 

• MARK HILL DE-FRIZZ SPRAY-I picked up this de-frizzing spray the other day and for only 1.49 it is absolutely perfect for you gym goers! Instantly eases frizz but it does tend to make your hair seem greasy if you use too much.I find this perfect for my gym bag when I don't have room for my hair straightener, its a great quick fix for frizzy hair and definitely worth picking up
• PANTENE PRO-V INSTANT NOURISHING SPRAY FOR FINE HAIR-This bottle of amazing smelling joy seemed to fly off the shelves so i was lucky enough to pick this little baby up! Simply shake the bottle ( to mix the fluids) and spray onto damp hair then style as usual. My hair seemed extremely shiney after only one use! Looking healthy and lightweight feeling! And seemed thicker!I haven't been able to stop using this and I will definitely be picking it up again
• LEE STAFFORD LOW FAT CASHMERE CUSHION-One of my ALL TIME favourite hair products! When i picked this up on offer in Dealz for 4.00EUR I was so excited to try it! The first thing you notice about this product is that beautiful unmistakable smell that all Lee Stafford products have. It is simply captivating and the smell stays on your hair all day! You use this Jelly on your hair after washing! simply rub between your hands and brush through your hair then style as usual! And the effects are immediate! Your hair becomes noticeably thicker and feels insanely soft! i would urge everyone with thin and lifeless hair to run out and buy this product ASAP!

Handy quick fixes!

• PANTENE PRO-V NATURE FUSION-Use a walnut sized about of this on freshly washed and towel dried hair, run in through with your fingertips and style.Again, another hair product that smells divine! Hair appears smoother with a high gloss shine but most of all this product makes hair feel cashmere soft! this is quite simply my favourite Dealz buy!
• GOT2B PLAY IT STRAIGHT STRAIGHTENING BLOW DRY KIT- Does exactly what it says on the tin! I find this product does keep hair straight but doesnt battle that terrible frizz problem! But If you're just looking for your hair to stay straight for up to 10 days then this really is the product for you! But mainly  a GREAT quality product for 1.49EUR
• AUSSIE MIRACLE MOIST SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER-Again, the smell..you cannot beat the smell of the 'Aussie' hair care range! Anyone else's hair extremely damaged by straighteners/hair dye? Well this is the shampoo/conditioner for you!Insanely moisturising, with a lasting smell leaving the hair looking very healthy! Again perfect for you gym bunnies! We all know that big bottles of Aussie can set you back a pretty penny but at 1.49EUR there really is no complaining
• HERBAL ESSENCES SEDUCTIVELY STRAIGHT HAIR MASK POT-I couldn't believe when I saw this for 1.49! I didn't even have to think about buying this, i ran straight to the till! I adore Herbal Essences hair masks, they're insanely moisturising (which is what  i need for my hair) but can be fairly pricey! I found that this product didn't make my hair straighter AT ALL but it DID make it look alot healthier and gorgeously shiny. Definitely worth the price!
• MIRACLE STYLE ARGAN OIL TREATMENT/HAIR THICKENER SPRAY- Seriously..If you take any advice from me, I hope you take this.Never ever..ever waste your time with these products.Theyre utterly useless and dry out your hair until it looks and feels like straw! So whatever you do, avoid these products, do not waste your money! Especially if you have dry/damaged hair

STORAGE AND BEAUTY

I picked this little really cute, practical and girly storage basket up in the home section in Dealz and I'm so glad I did because its perfect for all your beauty essentials!

As you're probably aware, I adore parma violets! Their smell, their taste, the way they look, their powder, EVERYTHING. So I genuinely nearly lost the plot in the middle of Dealz in excitement when I spotted this bath set! BUT it let me down greatly! The Parma Violets moisturising lotion smells NOTHING like parma violets! BUT the Fizzers lotion and Fruity pops bath salts smell EXACTLY like the sweets!

(Wouldn't advise use on sensitive skin)

Now, i am genuinely a lazy bum, so I adore quick fixes for anything, and that is why I LOVE Dealz for their false nails! Not only are they gorgeous with pretty prints! But they're indestructible! The only letdown is they're press on nails, but nothing some great nail glue/super glue can't fix!! These are my favourite ones, a girly, floral print with a vintage feel! I painted over them lightly with a glitter nail varnish to finish!

• PEARL DROPS DAILY PROWHITE POLISH-Dealz are currently doing ALL Pearl Drop toothpaste/toothpolish/tooth pens for 1.49 which is amazing! I've been using this toothpolish for a week now and i can already notice a difference, amazing find! Especially if you're a smoker (which i am not) 
• ALLURA FALSE EYELASHES (2 PAIR)-It may be because I don't wear false eyelashes often at all, but I am in love with these lashes! The glue again is a huge let down but once you have a good eyelash glue at home, then these are perfect! Dramatic looking eyelashes without looking cheap!
• OSIRIS CC CREAM- If you suffer from facial redness (Rosacea) then this is an ok colour corrector.In order to use this cream, you will have to exfoliate your skin and moisturise..ALOT, before using this cream, but otherwise, its good for a quick,cheap fix
• LOVEHEARTS TIN- Originally filled with love heart sweets, but I now use this tin for jewelry and nik naks

Have you found any beauty products in Dealz that are worth mentioning? Have you tried any of the products I've mentioned? Do you want me to review any products from Dealz? If so let me know by commenting below or by mailing me on nadinestephens1990@gmail.com :)

The Parma Violet

Simply red? A cheap and cheerful way to combat unwanted facial redness **ROSACEA**

SIMPLY RED?

Red blotchy,itchy,dry,spotty skin? Redness seems to be a popular skin problem for women of all ages, and it seems no makeup is good enough to cover the dreaded,stubborn red glow, and whenever you do get your hands on a foundation that seems thick enough, your skin just dries up! The search seems never ending..

BUT NEVER FEAR! THE PARMA VIOLET IS HERE!

Having suffered with Rosacea for over 2 years now (Red,itchy,blotchy,dry,spotty skin) I have been searching the streets of Dublin trying to find cheap, affordable and most importantly GOOD quality makeup suited for those who are in the same boat as me.I have recently been prescribed Tetralysal tablets by my doctor to help combat my red skin, alas it doesn't totally cure it so I still have to find anti-red makeup! These are my favourite skincare + makeup findings to date! 

First and foremost skincare routine!

My all time favourite skincare range, hands down, is 'Simple' . Its kind enough for delicate/sensitive skin yet strong enough to remove all makeup,dirt,oil etc. It doesn't make my skin flare up like others, its also super hydrating so it doesn't leave you with dry patches showing through your foundation for the whole day!

CLEANSE.TONE.MOISTURISE EVERYDAY!

Another favourite of mine is boots own brand of tea tree&witch hazel skin care! This range would be suitable for those prone to acne/spots. I find this range amazing for when my face flares up, although I would NEVER use it on the dry areas of my face as it would dry them up even more! Boots usually does a 3 for 2 offer on these products which is extremely handy! And they have EVERYTHING! from toners, to back spray!(acne on your back) they even have facial strips and body wash..simply amazing quality and price! 

These are my favourite red fighters!

• 'Catrice Prime and Fine Anti-Red Base Primer' (green tube) I adore this product, not only does it take away the redness with OR WITHOUT makeup, it also a primer! With its green tint you notice the difference the second you put it on! It also has illuminating ingredients that makes you skin look healthy and youthful! It gives you a noticeably softer complexion and makes pores appear smaller I got this for 4.95EUR in Penneys/Primark and its PERFECT for everyday use
• 'WetnWild Coverall concealer wheel' Not only is this product cheap and cheerful its also EXTREMELY effective! The concealer wheel includes: A Green base to apply before makeup, this takes away any unwanted redness while smoothing out the skin, A pink base to be placed on top of any dark circles under the eyes, making the eyes seem brighter and not as sunken, the wheel also includes a highlighter,can be used before or after makeup application, the highlighter gives your cheeks that dewy,healthy glow, also makes your cheek bones appear higher and more defined, the wheel includes a nude concealer that in my opinion isn't very good , and is far too dark for my skin tone, however this product is amazing and I wouldn't wear makeup without applying this first!(4.95EUR-DunnesStores)
• 'Avene Thermal Water Spray' I adore this product as I said on my first ever blog post, but I really cannot stress enough how perfect this item is, perfect for redskin,heat rash,itchiness,burns,bites,dry skin. It can even be used as a makeup setting spray! Perfect for carrying in your handbag during the hot summer (4.00EUR Boots)
• 'Maybelline's Baby Skin Pore Eraser' I have written about this product before and I simply love it, Its got everything you'd need in a primer.makes skin silky smooth, visibly neutralises pores, giving the look of soft skin structure, BUT Its also amazing for those dry patches of red on your face. Makeup sits beautifully with little to no imperfections. (10.00 EUR-Dunnes Stores)
•  Guerlain Météorites pearls-Teint Rose' My most loved and adored product of all time, I don't even know where to begin with this little pot of happiness! These French 'Meteorites' pots come in an array of different coloured pearls suited to ones skin tone. I opted for the 'Teint Rose' as this one illuminates the face making your skin look radiant and eliminates redness. Their ''Stardust technology'' is found in each pearl. Each shade of pot has its own specific correcting purpose.I bought this in Disney World Florida in 2006 and I still have it to this day as I use it sparingly and was quite expensive. This usually retails at around $60.00 in the US. So it should be around 45-55 EURO here!And to make this product even better..IT SMELLS LIKE PARMA VIOLETS!! Every girl should have this in her makeup collection, you'll never turn back!And it lasts a lifetime! Its certainly an investment! **THIS POT SUITED FOR PALE SKIN TONES**

Do you have any anti-red products that I havent listed here that you find you cant live without? And if so let me know by commenting below. I hope this post has been somewhat helpful:)

TheParmaViolet