Is volcanic ash the next big thing in skincare?

Good morning! And yes you heard that right!

Volcanic ash or Charcoal has been used in skincare products for many years, but now, there has been a sudden explosion *Pardon the pun* on the skincare scene.

Is it any good? Is it expensive? If so, are they're any dupes? Well, lets find out shall we?

First of all we have MAC's Mineralize volcanic ash exfoliator. This baby can be used as an exfoliating scrub, or as a lovely warm face mask. So what did I think?

When I used this product, I used it as a face scrub as using anything as a facemask usually tends to make me break out into awful spots.

It feels great when applied on the skin, the gorgeous sugar crystals get right to work when you give your face a good aul thorough scrub. I must admit it doesn't smell like the nicest daisy but it works miracles. 

When washing off I found it left my skin, super soft and insanely moisturised!

I must say,I was truly shocked, my skin usually breaks out if I try any new skincare products, but this made my skin baby soft with a healthy glow. The only set back is the price! This retails at a whopping 30EURO! 

So...Is there a dupe?

YES! And it's SO much more affordable! Introducing Boot's own brand - Teatree & Witch Hazel Charcoal facemask and facescrub 

This product I find smells nicer and works just as well, if not better!

These bad boys will save you a pretty penny and save your pretty face.

These deep cleansing gifts from god are to be seriously tested for yourselves.

At 5.50EURO each these gorgeous lifesavers should definitely be a staple in every girls skincare routine. Especially if you suffer from blackheads/acne.

These are currently on offer in boots for 3 for 2! so run down and get your lovely mitts on these two fabulous products!

The Parma Violet

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Essence Blush up! MAC dupe?

Essence seems to be everyone's favorite drugstore beauty collection! Their packaging, colours, new and bright ideas, dupes and more importantly, super cheap prices are to die for! Recently i feel as if i have been neglecting Essence slightly so I went on a trip to Penneys and bought these two gorgeous Blushes! 

I bought these insanely beautiful blushes in Penneys for only €4.39 each! Nothing to complain about there!

Because these blushes are Ombre blushes. this means you can get three different looks with the same blush!

Use the darker section for a more bold and dramatic look, or use the lighter section for a more natural look, or simply mix them both together! 

Pardon the picture quality (The blush on the right is more of a peachy tone)

When i picked these up, i knew instantly that I have saw them before somewhere!Then it dawned on me...

These pretty little things are Dupes for MAC's limited edition proenza schouler blushes! I was so excited that I bought both of them then and there! 

Compared to a bank breaking €31.00 each! you can buy BOTH of these Essence bad boys for a total of €8.78! That's less than a tenner for both!!AND seeming as these were only limited edition MAC blushes you don't have to pay ridiculous prices over Ebay for them! 

Here are the swatches, as you can see we have Pinky Flow on the left and Heat Wave on the right.

The first colour on both is the darkest of each. This colour, used alone, doesn't appeal to me much as I am too pale, this would suit medium to dark skin tones.

The lighter colour is then used next. I love these colours as they suit me much much more. And far more natural looking

The last colour on both, is mixed. Again I love this, I find this to look much more dewy and fresh.

Have you any Dupes or Essence buys you want to share? Want me to review a product? Simply comment below or main me at theparmavioletblog@gmail.com, thank you 

The Parma Violet