Body Exfoliation | Scrub Away for Gorgeous Skin


Body exfoliation is not limited to scrubs. There are a number of things you can do to achieve smoother and softer skin. Using a combination of these methods will leave your skin looking brighter and looking great for whatever you decide to put on.

The following are items that are always in rotation in my cupboards and which help me exfoliate my skin. I also tend to get a lot of in grown hairs and regular exfoliation helps to get rid of them. Something to keep in mind is that exfoliation also helps the blood circulation in the body.

I like a good grainy scrub to use once or twice a week whilst I am in the shower. At the moment I have The Body Shop’s Early Harvest Raspberry Scrub and the Wild Argan Oil one, both of which are from the new range at The Body Shop. Last month during a Bloggers Event at The Body Shop I also got to view all the products in the Wild Argan Oil range, which you can see below. The scrubs are fine and not too harsh on the skin. Moreover they leave the skin soft and hydrated.


When I want a bit more of a deeper exfoliation I like to use a Body Brush. The one I have is also from The Body Shop and can be used both on dry skin and on wet. Body brushing is mostly done on dry skin and it gives a deeper exfoliation, but still keeping it from being too aggressive. The easy to grip handle and the round brush allows for a good hold and easy maneuvering of the brush around the curves of the body. For an extra boost you can apply a scrub onto the brush and massage on damp skin. However do not do this too often in case your skin gets too sensitive.

Lastly I have been loving exfoliating gloves. This is a recent discovery for me but one which I have been wanting to try for ages. Exfoliating gloves are great if you are feeling particularly lazy. Just pop in the shower, put on your gloves, pour out some shower gel and wash off as you would any other day. The texture of the gloves does all the work for you and it works just as well as any other method I have mentioned.

What is your preferred method of exfoliation?

Check out The Body Shop on Facebook for a look at more products.

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. All items were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.


First Impression | Yves Rocher Purifying Shampoo

Yves Rocher Purifying Shampoo

Last week I tried out the Yves Rocher Purifying Shampoo for the first time and this is my first impression review.

First things first, the Yves Rocher Purifying Shampoo has a very distinct scent. The shampoo itself is made with botanical extracts of nettle and it does have a scent that reminds me of plants. Having said that, it is not an unpleasant scent at all and it is not over-powering in a way that you can smell it all the time. The scent is very clean and fresh and I did not mind it at all.

The Yves Rocher Purifying Shampoo is aimed for oily hair and you get 300ml of product. My hair tends to get oily at the roots and dry at the ends, so I would not use this shampoo every time I wash my hair, but do enjoy using a purifying shampoo once a week or more if my hair is particularly oily. A trick I learnt recently is to apply the purifying shampoo on the hair whist it is dry. So before actually wetting the hair apply a dollop of shampoo to the roots of the hair to get rid of the oil. Massage in, then rinse and shampoo again if needed. Once the hair is wet you cannot get rid of the oil, thus doing so on dry hair actually targets the oiliness.

The shampoo’s consistency is more like a liquid gel rather than your standard creamy shampoo, which is typical with purifying shampoos. The bottle is quite handy and easy to get as much product as you like without having to hold the cap in one hand and pour with the other. Moreover, this shampoo is Silicone, Paraben and Colorant Free, so no nasties! The product is marked to be good for 6 months, which just goes to show how natural the Yves Rocher products are and how little preservatives are used.

All in all, I really enjoyed using the Yves Rocher Purifying Shampoo and it currently has its place in my shower rack where I will be using it weekly.

Yves Rocher Stores can be found at:
11, Bisazza street, SLIEMA   (Next to Sorbino and Ice watch)
219, Merchants street, VALLETTA   (Next to Pumpkins Patch and in front of Caruana or the Electro store)
76, Antoine de Paule square, PAOLA (Next to Gauda)

Find Yves Rocher on Google Maps, Facebook or Twitter.


Do you use a Purifying Shampoo? What do you think of this one?

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. Products mentioned are PR samples. All opinions are my own.

Beauty Launches Roundup #1

As we get into Autumn here is a look at the beauty launches that have been going on lately. This is the first post in this series of Beauty Launches Round-up were I take a look at what is being launched in the beauty industry and give you links to where you can read up more about them and get yourself the latest releases.


Starting off with a beauty launch that I am very excited about. Zoella has launched her first beauty range called, Zoella Beauty. The range features a Body Lotion, a Shower Cream/Bath Soak, a mini candle, a Bath Fizzer, a Body Mist and two makeup bags/pencil cases. The design and colours used in this range reflect Zoe’s personality of girlishness, fun and cuteness. The range is available on feelunique.com and in Superdrug, if you live in the UK. For a closer look at all the products, Zoe herself blogged about it here.


Next, Sigma Beauty have launched a new collection called, the Color Pop Collection. The range is part of the new sub-brand called Sigma Girl that is targeted towards the younger generation and makeup beginners. The Color Pop Collection features three sets, that each include two eye-shadows, a shimmer dust, a highlighter and a lip gloss. Also available is a cute mini brush set that has the E25 blending brush, the E55 eye-shading brush and the F40 Contour brush. You can see the full release of the collection here and you can get them on the Sigma Beauty website.


Sigma are also launching their new 3DHD Collection. The 3DHD Kabuki was are uniquely designed for all areas of the face to apply liquid, cream and powder products uniformly on every curve, crease and angle; while the 3DHD Precision brush was uniquely designed for smaller areas of the face. You can be on the lookout for this brand new release on the Sigma Beauty website.



A fun new collection, also recently launched comes from MAC. Many of us find it hard to keep track of all the collections that MAC comes out with. However, except from the Simpsons Collection, which I found quite gorgeous, the new MAC Rocky Horror Picture Show Collection. This collection has been launched at the beginning of October and features quite a long list of products. The 21-piece collection includes lipstick, eye-shadow, eyeliner, nail polish and blush, priced from $14 to $44. You can have a look at the products on XSparkage here or have a look on the MAC website.


Next is the Nars Holiday 2014 Color Collection, which is set to be released as of November 1, 2014. The collection features a thrilling seductive design that architectural designer Chris Kabatsi’s digitally-rendered to create a Nebula print into a dynamic yet delicate depiction. The intricate web of black gloss grips the signature soft-touch packaging in a modern take on lace. You can take a look at the products and the gorgeous packaging here, on the blog Beauty in the Geek.


Lastly, is a release that I have been waiting on for a few months now. Sam and Nic from Pixiwoo have released their latest collection for Real Techniques called, Nic’s Picks. This limited edition set, featuring 3 exclusive brushes specially designed to create the perfect finish. Each brush has a beautiful silver handle with the Real Techniques logo and brush name printed in the classic Real Techniques colours. You can get them on feelunique.com and you can have a closer look at all the brushes and what their intended use is here.

That concludes the end of this first Beauty Round-up. I hope you added some things to your wishlist, I sure have (Zoella Beauty Eyes Beauty Bag and Real Techniques brushes here I come)! If you do end up getting any of the featured items do let me know by using the #CosmeticAffairRoundup.

Check me out on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, where I post daily!



REVIEW | Self Tanning vs Gradual Tanning


Whenever you are faced with a difficult decision, I always find it best to list the good and bad things of each respective choice, then you have a clear view of what you are getting yourself into. When it comes to tanning, I think it best to avoid the first choice, which is sun-bathing, but otherwise I love having some self-tanning or using a gradual tanner to get some colour into my otherwise pale skin.


Both methods for tanning have their good and bad, in my opinion, and what better way to choose which one is better suited for you, than for me to give you an overview of what are my likes and dislikes for each method. I know that Summer is now officially over but here in Malta, the weather is still very much not done with being warm. Moreover, whenever I am in the mood for putting on a dress I feel that giving your legs that even tone and warm glow can make a whole lot of difference.

Starting off with gradual tanning, I am currently loving two products. The Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion and the Palmer’s Natural Bronze Body Lotion. Gradual tanning is great because you can apply the lotion directly with your hands and the product will not stain your hands. 

Moreover, the product is more forgiving since the colour build-up does not occur as rapidly as with self-tanning products. Unfortunately if you hate the ‘biscuit’ smell that goes with tanning, gradual tanning is not free from it. However, I will say that the Palmer’s one has a lesser scent due to having a mixture of Cocoa Butter to it.

I find that the gradual tanning is more forgiving as well if you are in a hurry and just want a hint of colour on your legs. You can apply as you would any other lotion and you’re good to go. I have not had any problem with staining on my clothes. Obviously, since the tanning is not so concentrate the effect will last less than self-tanning would, but the tan doesn’t get as patchy either.

On the other hand, I find that self-tanning can still get a bit messy, but gives a more long-lasting effect. I love using the St. Moriz products and I have both the mousse and the lotion. Both products need to be applied with a self-tanning mitt, that is unless you want to have oompa loompa hands. The scent is strong and yes it does smell like biscuits.

If you have problem with dry skin, make sure to apply a good body lotion to the affected areas, otherwise you will end up with darker patches. To make sure that the tan is even, scrub and exfoliate your skin properly before applying the tanning lotion. Since my skin is prone to being dry, I exfoliate and moisturise before tanning, otherwise it will be one patchy mess.

If your tan starts getting patchy, again scrubbing and exfoliating is your best friend! Whether you are going to tan again or your just want to get rid of the fake tan, exfoliation is key. For more tips and my favourite products for exfoliating, check back soon on A Cosmetic Affair, a post is in the making.

Which do you prefer? Self-tanning or Gradual Tanning?


REVIEW | PUPA Milano Lasting Color Gel in Delicate Crimson

Pupa Lasting Color Gel 018

This week on my nails I am wearing the Pupa Milano Lasting Color Gel in 018, Delicate Crimson. Although I have tried other makeup products from Pupa, this was my first time using one of their nail polishes and I was pleasantly surprised.
The application is smooth and you are able to get thin, even layers in one swipe. The colour itself is a gorgeous bright pink that has a sheeny finish even before applying the top coat. I only did two coats of this shade and the colour comes through even after just one coat.

This range from Pupa are called the Glass Effect Nail Polishes and the formula aims to give your nails a gel-effect finish that dries to a shiny, glass-like formula, that looks super glossy. The application brush is flat and wide for an easier application in just one swipe and drying time is fast and hassle free.

For the Pupa Nail Polishes you get only 5ml of product, but I must say that I do enjoy the packaging and the quality is definitely impressive.

What do you think about this gorgeous pink? What other shades do you recommend I try next?



The Yves Rocher Beauty Spa | An Introduction

Yves Rocher Beauty Spa


Although the Yves Rocher stores have been in Malta for only about a year, they have also recently opened up one of their Beauty Spas in the Paola outlet. If you have not heard about Yves Rocher yet here is the skinny on the brand…


“Yves Rocher is the originator and lead of the brand. Celebrating more than 50 years of beauty, Yves Rocher researchers are constantly studying the adaptability and life mechanisms of botanicals. All of their products are botanical and guaranteed to be safe and effective.”

If you have been round this parts before you may know that I really enjoy the brand and have in fact reviewed some of my all favourite products here. Therefore when Yves Rocher contacted me to visit their Beauty Spa and try out one of their facials I was over the moon.

The Yves Rocher Beauty Spa is part of their store in Paola and offers a vast range of services and facials that are sure to accommodate the needs of everyone. They offer facials to relax, purify, soothe or boost your skin. For the body they have a number of massages that can last up to an hour and they also offer makeup application and waxing treatments. 

black vanilla tea


Here is a little about how my experience at the spa went. As soon as I stepped in the Beauty Spa I was offered a warm drink – I went for the Black Vanilla, a favourite of mine. The atmosphere is very relaxing and even though I had been a bit nervous about this experience I soon loosened up and sipped my tea whilst reading some of the magazines that were at my disposal.

Soothing Facial


Since my skin is very sensitive and tends to break out I went for the Sooth Treatment that lasts 1 hour 15 minutes and in which they use products with botanical Sophorin to get rid of the redness and calm the skin. One thing which I was very impressed about is that the products used for the treatments are not the same ones that are sold in the store. They are the professional version and are exclusive to the Yves Rocher Beauty Spa’s. The beauty therapist that was carrying out my facial explained to me how she had been trained by other therapists from abroad to perform the facial. So whichever Yves Rocher Beauty Spa you go to around the world, you will be receiving the same service and the same products will be used on you.

Yves Rocher Facial


Another thing I really liked was that some of the products are in sachets, and that for each treatment a whole sachet is used on just one person, thus ensuring that the properties of the product are used most effectively and in a very hygienic way as well. 


Now to be honest, I have always been a bit sceptical about facials. Only had one in my life and was not that impressed. But there are no words to describe the wonderful feeling of bliss and relaxation that you are left with after the treatment is done. Moreover my skin felt refreshed, clean and clear.

If you are feeling in desperate need of a pamper, just head on to the Yves Rocher Beauty Spa or check them out on Facebook or Twitter!
Yves Rocher Stores can be found at:
11, Bisazza street, SLIEMA   (Next to Sorbino and Ice watch)
219, Merchants street, VALLETTA   (Next to Pumpkins Patch and in front of Caruana or the Electro store)
76, Antoine de Paule square, PAOLA (Next to Gauda)

Find them on Google Maps here.

TAG | My Makeup Story

A few months back I saw Judy from itsjudytime do the My Makeup Story Tag and I have been wanting to do it ever since. Here is my version and I have added a photo of some of my favourite makeup products as well 🙂

1. How old were you when you started wearing makeup?

I have always loved makeup and I remember each year for carnival I would have my mum do a full face of makeup on me since that was the only time I was allowed to wear proper makeup. However by the age of ten I remember starting to do my own makeup, just a bit of concealer, some blush, eye shadow, mascara and lipstick, but only on the weekends.

2. How did you get into makeup?

As I have said, I have always loved makeup, even though my mum never really wore much of it. As I started growing up my skin started breaking out a lot and makeup helped me feel more confident and beautiful even though my skin was rebelling so much.

3. What are some of your favourite brands?

Rimmel, Bourjois, Sleek, Maybelline, NYX, Essence and Catrice, are just a few of my favourite makeup brands.
4. What does makeup mean to you?

Makeup to me means confidence and how I choose to show myself to others. It helps me feel more at ease and lets me express myself differently everyday depending on my mood.

5. If you could only wear 4 products on your face, what would they be?

Hmmmm, I find this question quite difficult to answer but they would definitely be foundation (or some kind of base), mascara because I am all about enhancing the eyes, bronzer, to help shape and give colour to my face, and a coloured lip balm, to give a pop of colour and keep my lips hydrated at the same time.

6. What is your favourite thing about makeup?

I feel like makeup lets you express yourself and help you come up with a different identity for yourself every time. It can help you look professional or elegant, cute or bold, delicate or fierce.

7. What do you think about drugstore makeup vs high-end makeup?

I have only tried a couple of high-end brands and I love how they perform. However, I find that more and more drugstore brands have risen in quality that the price point of higher-end brands is not justified for me. In comparison, some higher-end brands have disappointed me whilst drugstore brands have surprised me.

8. What is one tip of advice you can give a beginner?

“Start with less. You can add to it but not take it away.” This is a tip I sometimes forget to follow myself if I am being impatient or in a hurry with my makeup. When you are applying products start with less and build the look up. Do not just slather it on but layer it to add it up until you get the final look you are going for.

9. What is one makeup trend you never understood?

There are a number that I feel I can never understand, but one which I will never ever try is the dark lip liner and lighter lips. It just looks like you drew a mustache all over your lips to me. #toeachhisown

10. What do you think about the beauty community on YouTube?

I have been watching beauty videos on YouTube for years now and I have seen how much the videos have changed over the years, in a good way. I love discovering new products, learning different techniques I had no idea existed and discovering new people that love makeup as much as me.

That is the end of my makeup story so far but I would also like to tag some people to do it as well.


Elaine from Blabber Beauty
Lyndsey from Splashes of Looks
Caroline from Diva Inside


Please check out these lovely ladies and post your tag post down below if you want to do your makeup story too!