I Left the House and I Liked It

This week, the incomparable Pixiwoo sisters, Nic and Sam, from Real Techniques are touring around the UK, promoting their brush line and meeting their devoted fans. If you haven't been to a meet up, you are missing out. They are the loveliest, most genuine women I have met in a long time.

I had the pleasure of attending their meet and greet at Superdrug Marble Arch this week and was pleasantly surprised to find that they, and their Real Techniques Brand Manager, Stacey DeGarmo, remembered me from last year's meet.

Last Year

Last Year

This year, I ventured a little further and popped into a few delicious beauty outlets for the very first time ever. First, I went into Liberty of London (oh, so pretty), but I didn't stay long. I just bought 1 thing!

REN Cleansing Milk - Repurchase

Then it was time to discover the joys of Pixi; the sweetest looking shop where again, I bought 1 thing!
Yay for me and my self-control!

Pixi Glow Tonic - Recommended by Caroline Hirons

With that little adventure out of the way (it had to be done, because I have no idea when I'll be in the neighbourhood again), I got to my final destination. An hour early. I was first in the queue. And it got long; really long.

Behind the Scenes - Setting up

Beautiful Brushes

Sam and Nic arrived and we had a little chat and had some hugs. We didn't natter for too long because of that really long queue.

It was really nice and I am glad I went. They even signed my shiny new brush (I bought a Stippling Brush, so I got this one as a present. I like presents).

I May Never Use This

Of course, we took pictures again.

Last Year

This Year

Thank you Ladies for a great day out for me! It was so very nice to see you again.

This is my Real Techniques brush collection – small, but growing.

So Purdy

It was a good day. I like those.

Dry Eyes are Like Global Warming

The other day, I went to my Tesco and had my eyes tested. To my surprise, the optometrist told me I had dry eyes. Well, no, it wasn't that much of a surprise. My mother had told me that her and her mom have something called Sjögren’s Syndrome, which is an autoimmune thing that causes dry eyes, among other things.

When she told me and described the symptoms I was like ahhh, that's why my eyes get itchy, burny and tired and feel sandy and stuff.

It is also the reason that when I am trying very hard to get my eye makeup to look half decent, my eyes betray me and start watering all over the place.

Such fun!

So, dry eyes - super watery deluge flood.

I have booked a GP appointment for a diagnosis.

I will keep you posted. If you like.

I think I will go cut some cucumber slices and put them on my eyes right now.

Bye.

My Skin Setup is a Mess so Back to the Drawing Board Again

Recently, I decided to buy more skin stuff. This was not a good idea. There is nothing wrong with the skin stuff I bought, although some of it leaves me feeling a little on the sticky side. The problem is I now have too much stuff. I tried to do the whole working wardrobe thing, as per Caroline Hirons' instructions, but I am, I fear, not that type of girl. I like things simple, and this has just overwhelmed me. Granted, I am currently in a state of mind where overwhelmed is my wheelhouse and happens at the drop of a hat, but still.

It's ridiculous really. All I bought was some Bioderma serum (I love that stuff) and moisturiser (I decided to use the rich one instead of the light- I prefer the light), some Body Shop moisturiser, serum and face spray (they were on 3for2), and those Clearasil toner pad things - those make my face feel greasy.

So, in theory, I still have a rather minimal stash. I mean, I literally have now got two of stuff instead of one. It's not such a big deal! So why all the drama in my head that seems to find drama in everything right now?

I think I simply got a bit over excited and tried too much too quickly and didn't get the result I hoped for (Plus it's been so boiling hot and humid; I'm not surprised my face felt yucky).

I still want to get some Pixi Glow Tonic, but that will have to wait. I've been going a bit mental with the shopping and the spending lately and it is not good.

The point is, I'm off the waggon again. Next step is to take a deep breath and just start simple again. Basic routine in the morning; something a bit more nourishing at night. My skin feels a bit worn out, and while it is tempting to throw the stash at it, that will not help. I need to just take it easy and be patient.

I also bought a Sanctuary face mask. I tried it once already. It's not miraculous, but it is nice. So I may do that for a little pick-me-up this weekend.

This taking care of yourself lark is quite hard.