This is my first official 9 to 5 job and also the longest I’ve ever had. Before this, I’d done one and two week internships or had part time roles which is completely different from working full-time. I've learnt a lot about myself and wanted to share 5 things with you I've discovered as a graduate:
01 // You’re still a newbie. Yes, to some degree you’ve been hired because of your experience and potential but don’t forget you’re still new to this. Despite knowing that this is my first proper rodeo, I still feel pressure to be the best and act as though I’m more advanced than I am. Which is great but it’s important to remember I’m still fresh out of university and I need to allow myself room to grow.
02 // Time management is bullsh*t. I think one of the hardest things I’ve had to learn is working and getting my work done between the set hours of 9 to 5:30. I’ve been told this is normal when you’re working. I've also been told that as a journalist, managing time is a regular challenge but you've got to work it out somehow.
03 // Make time for yourself. At university, we went from having all the time in the world to manage studies when we wanted and for extra curricular. As a newly working graduate, a big chunk of your day is spent working. One thing I’ve learnt is to make an effort to set aside time to work on myself and my wellbeing. I reserve Sundays as my "special" time to do whatever I want. It normally involves tidying my room, reading, watching Netflix and not really socialising.
05 // This is just the beginning. I have a habit of stating the glaringly obvious but this is just the beginning. We have our whole world in front of us and how exciting is it to think of all the possibilities where we could end up. The first job we get isn't going to be the last and we're going to switch paths all the time. As daunting as it is settling into working life and having all these responsibilities, it's truly exciting to think about the future.
What's something you've learnt as a graduate?
Love, Aoife xo
This is my first official 9 to 5 job and also the longest I’ve ever had. Before this, I’d done one and two week internships or had part time roles which is completely different from working full-time. I've learnt a lot about myself and wanted to share 5 things with you I've discovered as a graduate:
01 // You’re still a newbie. Yes, to some degree you’ve been hired because of your experience and potential but don’t forget you’re still new to this. Despite knowing that this is my first proper rodeo, I still feel pressure to be the best and act as though I’m more advanced than I am. Which is great but it’s important to remember I’m still fresh out of university and I need to allow myself room to grow.
02 // Time management is bullsh*t. I think one of the hardest things I’ve had to learn is working and getting my work done between the set hours of 9 to 5:30. I’ve been told this is normal when you’re working. I've also been told that as a journalist, managing time is a regular challenge but you've got to work it out somehow.
03 // Make time for yourself. At university, we went from having all the time in the world to manage studies when we wanted and for extra curricular. As a newly working graduate, a big chunk of your day is spent working. One thing I’ve learnt is to make an effort to set aside time to work on myself and my wellbeing. I reserve Sundays as my "special" time to do whatever I want. It normally involves tidying my room, reading, watching Netflix and not really socialising.
05 // This is just the beginning. I have a habit of stating the glaringly obvious but this is just the beginning. We have our whole world in front of us and how exciting is it to think of all the possibilities where we could end up. The first job we get isn't going to be the last and we're going to switch paths all the time. As daunting as it is settling into working life and having all these responsibilities, it's truly exciting to think about the future.
What's something you've learnt as a graduate?
Love, Aoife xo
It's my 100th post on Aoife Caitriona! To mark the occasion, I thought I'd do a Get To Know Me tag but in the style of Vogue's 73 questions. Enjoy x
01. What’s your usual Starbucks order?
An iced green tea peach lemonade in the summer and soya hot chocolate in the winter.
02. What does your workstation look like?
A mess. I don't know how it happens but there are notebook everywhere.
03. Favourite Food?
Any pasta dish.
04. Favourite Author?
That’s a tricky one but I’ll read anything by Sophie Kinsella and Jodie Ellen Malpas.
05. What do you think of open relationships?
It’s not for me but you go ahead.
06. Favourite guilty pleasure treat?
Buying a new book.
07. Favourite movie?
I have two- Notting Hill and Confessions of A Shopaholic.
08. Favourite book?
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella.
09. Twitter or Instagram?
10. Desktop or Laptop?
Laptop.
11. Best advice you’ve ever received?
No one cares. I used to be really self-conscious and someone told me that no one cares about the little things like how you eat, what you eat, how you dress etc.
12. What project are you working on right now?
My life.
13. Favourite colour?
Blush pink.
14. Why pink?
It’s a happy colour. It has positive energy and I love it.
15. Did you get good grades in school?
Yep, I did alright.
16. What's your dream job?
My dream job is to work for a fashion magazine. The ultimate goal? Editor :)
17. Do you play any sports?
I used to be on the Netball team until my friend told me I was rubbish and I should quit the team. Thinking back, I probably shouldn't have listened to her.
18. Do you have a degree?
I do, I graduated with first class honours in Journalism last Summer.
19. What's something you learnt about yourself at uni?
That I don't know much about life.
20. What’s your favourite kind of blogpost?
Something that's fun to read.
21. What do you collect?
Postcards or bags, if you ask my mum.
22. Describe yourself in three words
Passionate, fun and loyal.
23. What do you value most in a person?
Accountability. I think being self-aware of your actions and how that impacts others is a very valuable trait to have.
24. Who was the last person you DMed?
My friend.
25. What’s on top of your wish list right now?
A pair of Jimmy Choo's; they're a graduation present to myself.
26. What are you most grateful for this year?
Being alive.
27. Favourite place you’ve travelled?
Cote d'Azur in the middle of Summer. It was magical!
28. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this month?
My work gave everyone a week off so I've just used it as an excuse to do whatever I want.
29. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you today?
Publishing this blog post!
30. What’s the best thing ever?
The warmth.
31. Favourite Season?
Summer. Is there any other season?
32. Favourite Holiday?
The summer holidays.
33. What fictional character do you relate to the most?
Rebecca Brandon née Bloomwood.
34. Do you like surprises?
Only if they are good.
35. What’s the biggest surprise you’ve ever had?
I don’t think I’ve ever had one.
36. What surprise made you cry?
The surprise I gave my Mum.
37. What’s the best surprise you’ve given someone else?
I threw my Mum a surprise birthday party and invited all her friends, old and new. She didn’t suspect a thing.
38. Do you like muffins?
Doughnuts are better.
39. Do you cook often?
All the time; I love it.
40. What’s your favourite thing to cook?
I enjoy making a lot of tomato-based meals so pasta and chicken dishes.
41. What’s your favourite dessert?
CAKE!
42. What’s your least favourite food?
Fishy fish. I’d rather not taste the sea, please.
43. What's the last book you read?
Playing Nice by J.P Delaney.
44. What are you currently reading?
Essays in Love by Alain de Botton
45. What's your biggest weakness?
Not feeling good enough.
46. What's your biggest strength?
Getting on with things.
47. What has a guy said or done to impress you?
One guy took me to a restaurant on our first official date. It felt really special. Speaking to my friends, I get the feeling that doesn’t always happen
48. Best thing to do on a first date?
Something physical like crazy golf or bowling so the awkward silences aren't so awkward.
49. Worst thing to do on a first date?
Go somewhere too loud that you can't hear each other.
50. What’s the best pick up line?
I’m not sure there is a best one, but I’ll laugh at them.
51. What podcasts are you listening to at the moment?
The BOF podcast keeps me on top of the fashion industry and The Receipts.
52. Name three things that can always be found in your purse?
Keys, money and a random sanitary pad.
53. Favourite drink?
Iced green tea.
54. If you could play a character in a movie, who would it be?
It's not in a movie but I’d play Blair Waldorf.
55. Who’s on your current playlist?
Toni Braxton, Summer Walker, IAMDDB, Tinashe and Teyana Taylor.
56. What lipstick do you use?
Spanked by Fenty Beauty.
57. What foundation do you use?
Either a Tom Ford stick foundation or Estée Lauder Double Wear.
58. Blow dry or air dry
Air dry and use Bumble & Bumble styling creme.
59. If you had to wear one fashion brand for the rest of your life, who would you wear?
I love Dior.
60. Who is your fashion icon?
Dakota Johnson.
61. What is your go-to outfit?
Jeans, a cute top and either a pair of white trainers or heels.
62. What are you doing tomorrow?
I'm meeting up with a friend and going to a local market to buy baked goods.
63. Movie you laughed the hardest through?
It was either Bridesmaids or Girls Trip.
64. Movie that made you cry?
Remember Me.
65. If you could sing a duet with anybody, who would you choose?
My best friend.
66. What’s would your autobiography be called?
About a girl.
67. What’s your favourite animal?
Giraffe.
68. Favourite singer?
Does anyone have a favourite singer?
69. Person you’d like to have coffee with?
Dakota Johnson.
70. What country would you like to visit?
I'd love to visit Japan during blossom season.
71. What's something you can't live without?
My skincare.
72. Best way to decompress?
Chilling in my comfy clothes, watching a film or TV show with some good food
73. What's a song you listen to on repeat?
Peaches by Justin Beiber is on repeat all the time at the moment.
Love, Aoife xo
It's my 100th post on Aoife Caitriona! To mark the occasion, I thought I'd do a Get To Know Me tag but in the style of Vogue's 73 questions. Enjoy x
01. What’s your usual Starbucks order?
An iced green tea peach lemonade in the summer and soya hot chocolate in the winter.
02. What does your workstation look like?
A mess. I don't know how it happens but there are notebook everywhere.
03. Favourite Food?
Any pasta dish.
04. Favourite Author?
That’s a tricky one but I’ll read anything by Sophie Kinsella and Jodie Ellen Malpas.
05. What do you think of open relationships?
It’s not for me but you go ahead.
06. Favourite guilty pleasure treat?
Buying a new book.
07. Favourite movie?
I have two- Notting Hill and Confessions of A Shopaholic.
08. Favourite book?
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella.
09. Twitter or Instagram?
10. Desktop or Laptop?
Laptop.
11. Best advice you’ve ever received?
No one cares. I used to be really self-conscious and someone told me that no one cares about the little things like how you eat, what you eat, how you dress etc.
12. What project are you working on right now?
My life.
13. Favourite colour?
Blush pink.
14. Why pink?
It’s a happy colour. It has positive energy and I love it.
15. Did you get good grades in school?
Yep, I did alright.
16. What's your dream job?
My dream job is to work for a fashion magazine. The ultimate goal? Editor :)
17. Do you play any sports?
I used to be on the Netball team until my friend told me I was rubbish and I should quit the team. Thinking back, I probably shouldn't have listened to her.
18. Do you have a degree?
I do, I graduated with first class honours in Journalism last Summer.
19. What's something you learnt about yourself at uni?
That I don't know much about life.
20. What’s your favourite kind of blogpost?
Something that's fun to read.
21. What do you collect?
Postcards or bags, if you ask my mum.
22. Describe yourself in three words
Passionate, fun and loyal.
23. What do you value most in a person?
Accountability. I think being self-aware of your actions and how that impacts others is a very valuable trait to have.
24. Who was the last person you DMed?
My friend.
25. What’s on top of your wish list right now?
A pair of Jimmy Choo's; they're a graduation present to myself.
26. What are you most grateful for this year?
Being alive.
27. Favourite place you’ve travelled?
Cote d'Azur in the middle of Summer. It was magical!
28. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this month?
My work gave everyone a week off so I've just used it as an excuse to do whatever I want.
29. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you today?
Publishing this blog post!
30. What’s the best thing ever?
The warmth.
31. Favourite Season?
Summer. Is there any other season?
32. Favourite Holiday?
The summer holidays.
33. What fictional character do you relate to the most?
Rebecca Brandon née Bloomwood.
34. Do you like surprises?
Only if they are good.
35. What’s the biggest surprise you’ve ever had?
I don’t think I’ve ever had one.
36. What surprise made you cry?
The surprise I gave my Mum.
37. What’s the best surprise you’ve given someone else?
I threw my Mum a surprise birthday party and invited all her friends, old and new. She didn’t suspect a thing.
38. Do you like muffins?
Doughnuts are better.
39. Do you cook often?
All the time; I love it.
40. What’s your favourite thing to cook?
I enjoy making a lot of tomato-based meals so pasta and chicken dishes.
41. What’s your favourite dessert?
CAKE!
42. What’s your least favourite food?
Fishy fish. I’d rather not taste the sea, please.
43. What's the last book you read?
Playing Nice by J.P Delaney.
44. What are you currently reading?
Essays in Love by Alain de Botton
45. What's your biggest weakness?
Not feeling good enough.
46. What's your biggest strength?
Getting on with things.
47. What has a guy said or done to impress you?
One guy took me to a restaurant on our first official date. It felt really special. Speaking to my friends, I get the feeling that doesn’t always happen
48. Best thing to do on a first date?
Something physical like crazy golf or bowling so the awkward silences aren't so awkward.
49. Worst thing to do on a first date?
Go somewhere too loud that you can't hear each other.
50. What’s the best pick up line?
I’m not sure there is a best one, but I’ll laugh at them.
51. What podcasts are you listening to at the moment?
The BOF podcast keeps me on top of the fashion industry and The Receipts.
52. Name three things that can always be found in your purse?
Keys, money and a random sanitary pad.
53. Favourite drink?
Iced green tea.
54. If you could play a character in a movie, who would it be?
It's not in a movie but I’d play Blair Waldorf.
55. Who’s on your current playlist?
Toni Braxton, Summer Walker, IAMDDB, Tinashe and Teyana Taylor.
56. What lipstick do you use?
Spanked by Fenty Beauty.
57. What foundation do you use?
Either a Tom Ford stick foundation or Estée Lauder Double Wear.
58. Blow dry or air dry
Air dry and use Bumble & Bumble styling creme.
59. If you had to wear one fashion brand for the rest of your life, who would you wear?
I love Dior.
60. Who is your fashion icon?
Dakota Johnson.
61. What is your go-to outfit?
Jeans, a cute top and either a pair of white trainers or heels.
62. What are you doing tomorrow?
I'm meeting up with a friend and going to a local market to buy baked goods.
63. Movie you laughed the hardest through?
It was either Bridesmaids or Girls Trip.
64. Movie that made you cry?
Remember Me.
65. If you could sing a duet with anybody, who would you choose?
My best friend.
66. What’s would your autobiography be called?
About a girl.
67. What’s your favourite animal?
Giraffe.
68. Favourite singer?
Does anyone have a favourite singer?
69. Person you’d like to have coffee with?
Dakota Johnson.
70. What country would you like to visit?
I'd love to visit Japan during blossom season.
71. What's something you can't live without?
My skincare.
72. Best way to decompress?
Chilling in my comfy clothes, watching a film or TV show with some good food
73. What's a song you listen to on repeat?
Peaches by Justin Beiber is on repeat all the time at the moment.
Love, Aoife xo
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. Its rich descriptions took my breath away and is a truly an unforgettable read. No wonder it was one of the most popular books last Summer! It’s not the type of book that I’d usually pick up but it caught me off guard and I soon found myself hooked on every word.
What's it about?
The book tells the story of a young Kya Clark, the so-called ‘Marsh Girl’, living just outside of Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. The book is divided into two parts; the Marsh and the Swamp. The chapters alternate between 1952, where we meet a young Kya, and 1969, when the town discovers a local boy has been murdered and a trial ensues. The town suspects Kya but as the book flickers between the two, and as the years get closer, you get the feeling that Kya’s world and the town’s world are complete opposites.
My favourite thing...
One thing I love about Kya Clark is her independence and strength. I think those qualities made it easy for me to connect with her and by the end of the book, I felt like Kya’s number one cheerleader. She came from a childhood overshadowed by trauma and as the reader, you can’t help but sympathise for Kya. However, her resilience and utter contentment, makes her truly remarkable. She was dealt with a shit hand and made something spectacular out of it. I wish I had her courage!
Where the Crawdads Sing is a combination of a coming-of-age narrative and a murder mystery. If I’m honest, the murder mystery provided a thread through the novel but I found myself focusing more on Kya’s story. I loved how she developed as a character and blossomed into a remarkable young woman. Kya’s story was wrapped in eloquent and poetic descriptions of nature. Despite Kya’s bleak childhood, Owens pays close attention to the vibrant and sometimes muted colours of the marsh.
This book reminded me of when I was in secondary school reading books with heavily detailed descriptions. We were always taught to pay attention to the significance of the setting in relation to the characters and story. This book is almost solely centred around the marsh and the relationship between the nature and humans.
Final review...
Where the Crawdads Sing is a surprising but delightful read that will be at the top of my recommendations list for anyone looking to see the world from a different perspective. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s not the book I usually pick up but it was refreshing to read a story about something other than fame, fortune and the urban lifestyle.
Have you read it yet?
Love, Aoife xo
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. Its rich descriptions took my breath away and is a truly an unforgettable read. No wonder it was one of the most popular books last Summer! It’s not the type of book that I’d usually pick up but it caught me off guard and I soon found myself hooked on every word.
What's it about?
The book tells the story of a young Kya Clark, the so-called ‘Marsh Girl’, living just outside of Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. The book is divided into two parts; the Marsh and the Swamp. The chapters alternate between 1952, where we meet a young Kya, and 1969, when the town discovers a local boy has been murdered and a trial ensues. The town suspects Kya but as the book flickers between the two, and as the years get closer, you get the feeling that Kya’s world and the town’s world are complete opposites.
My favourite thing...
One thing I love about Kya Clark is her independence and strength. I think those qualities made it easy for me to connect with her and by the end of the book, I felt like Kya’s number one cheerleader. She came from a childhood overshadowed by trauma and as the reader, you can’t help but sympathise for Kya. However, her resilience and utter contentment, makes her truly remarkable. She was dealt with a shit hand and made something spectacular out of it. I wish I had her courage!
Where the Crawdads Sing is a combination of a coming-of-age narrative and a murder mystery. If I’m honest, the murder mystery provided a thread through the novel but I found myself focusing more on Kya’s story. I loved how she developed as a character and blossomed into a remarkable young woman. Kya’s story was wrapped in eloquent and poetic descriptions of nature. Despite Kya’s bleak childhood, Owens pays close attention to the vibrant and sometimes muted colours of the marsh.
This book reminded me of when I was in secondary school reading books with heavily detailed descriptions. We were always taught to pay attention to the significance of the setting in relation to the characters and story. This book is almost solely centred around the marsh and the relationship between the nature and humans.
Final review...
Where the Crawdads Sing is a surprising but delightful read that will be at the top of my recommendations list for anyone looking to see the world from a different perspective. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s not the book I usually pick up but it was refreshing to read a story about something other than fame, fortune and the urban lifestyle.
Have you read it yet?
Love, Aoife xo
There's a lot I could say about Liz Earle, all good things of course, but the Cleanse & Polish hot cloth cleanser is a classic. I'm now on my third bottle and I've gotten quite familar with it. I'll be upfront and say it's not a cleanser I use reguarly. But, I do enjoy treating my skin to it a couple of times a week, especially when it needs a little more love and there's not a lot of buildup on my face.
Let's jump into the review!
I mentioned earlier that Cleanse & Polish isn't my daily cleanser but it's perfect for when you want to treat your skin to some tlc. It's probably a mixture of the natural scents and how my skin feels after that makes it a relaxing experience.
Firstly, it smells amazing. It lists rosemary, chamomile, cocoa butter and eucalyptus essential oil as the highlighted ingredients. The scents of the eucalyptus oil and cocoa butter stand out to me and it makes washing your face a very relaxing experience. The cocoa butter, I'm sure, is responsible for how soft and smooth my skin feels after.
The hot cloth cleanser works by applying the cream to dry skin and gently massaging it to remove any dirt and makeup. Then you use a warm cloth to wipe it off. You can buy the cleanser with Liz Earle muslin cloths as part of a pack for £17. I have bought the packs before and then promply lost the cloths with all the rest I own. So, I think I'll just buy the cleanser separetly next time.
While I do love aspects to the cleanser, I don't always feel like I can massage it into my skin for too long before it starts to absorb the product. This is probably down to it being cream based and applying it to dry skin as opposed to one that lathers. I think I've just gotten used to following the #60secondrule with my other cleansers. Having said that, my skin does feel and look clean too. It suggests to use two/ three pumps but sometimes when I have a full face of makeup, I use a little more.
Occaisionally, Liz Earle comes out with limited edition versions of their products. Last year, I bought the limited edition cleanse & polish which used rose, I think. I ended up having a reaction to it which meant I broke out quite badly all over my forehead. So, I thing I'lll just stick to the original one.
So, would I recommend Cleanse & Polish? Yes! Not just for personal use but I also think it makes a great gift too. And it smells fabulous, what's not to love? Speaking of...I think I might use it now...
Have you ever tried Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish?
Love, Aoife xo
There's a lot I could say about Liz Earle, all good things of course, but the Cleanse & Polish hot cloth cleanser is a classic. I'm now on my third bottle and I've gotten quite familar with it. I'll be upfront and say it's not a cleanser I use reguarly. But, I do enjoy treating my skin to it a couple of times a week, especially when it needs a little more love and there's not a lot of buildup on my face.
Let's jump into the review!
I mentioned earlier that Cleanse & Polish isn't my daily cleanser but it's perfect for when you want to treat your skin to some tlc. It's probably a mixture of the natural scents and how my skin feels after that makes it a relaxing experience.
Firstly, it smells amazing. It lists rosemary, chamomile, cocoa butter and eucalyptus essential oil as the highlighted ingredients. The scents of the eucalyptus oil and cocoa butter stand out to me and it makes washing your face a very relaxing experience. The cocoa butter, I'm sure, is responsible for how soft and smooth my skin feels after.
The hot cloth cleanser works by applying the cream to dry skin and gently massaging it to remove any dirt and makeup. Then you use a warm cloth to wipe it off. You can buy the cleanser with Liz Earle muslin cloths as part of a pack for £17. I have bought the packs before and then promply lost the cloths with all the rest I own. So, I think I'll just buy the cleanser separetly next time.
While I do love aspects to the cleanser, I don't always feel like I can massage it into my skin for too long before it starts to absorb the product. This is probably down to it being cream based and applying it to dry skin as opposed to one that lathers. I think I've just gotten used to following the #60secondrule with my other cleansers. Having said that, my skin does feel and look clean too. It suggests to use two/ three pumps but sometimes when I have a full face of makeup, I use a little more.
Occaisionally, Liz Earle comes out with limited edition versions of their products. Last year, I bought the limited edition cleanse & polish which used rose, I think. I ended up having a reaction to it which meant I broke out quite badly all over my forehead. So, I thing I'lll just stick to the original one.
So, would I recommend Cleanse & Polish? Yes! Not just for personal use but I also think it makes a great gift too. And it smells fabulous, what's not to love? Speaking of...I think I might use it now...
Have you ever tried Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish?
Love, Aoife xo
My inner product junkie lives on another day and this time bringing you my thoughts on the ever popular South Korean brand Cosrx’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. Yep, I said it. It's snail secretion. I have used this product on and off for a couple of months which isn’t really long enough for a full blown review but a small one on first impressions will do.
Word on the street:
“Being 96% Snail Secretion Filtrate (Mucin), this essence helps the skin to lose less moisture while keeping the skin smooth and healthy.”
I love trying out hyped up products and this has been on my list for a while now. Snail Mucin is supposed to be really good because of its hydration properties. People have raved about Cosrx’s Snail Mucin serum for a while now and not just to use on your face, but on other parts of your body too! I’ve yet to experiment on anywhere other than my face but we’ll see.
Goodies in the mail:
I ordered my serum from YesStyle -well my friend ordered it for me- and it took a little while to arrive. As it would, coming from the other side of the world and all. It did take a little longer than I thought it would and by the time it arrived, I had almost forgotten about it.
I love the packaging of this serum! The bottle is clear, misted with a small label on the front. They were really going for a minimalist look when they designed the bottle. It doesn’t really list any of the other ingredients on it except from saying it has 96% of snail mucin. If you’re after the full list, it’s best to keep the box it came in.
Thoughts:
The first time I used the Snail Mucin Power Essence, I freaked out. I didn’t know what to expect but a gooey and stringy substance was not it. It made me cringe a little, to be honest. I don’t know what I expected but it felt and looked a lot like snail secretion. It was definitely an experience applying something so stringy, especially when you're used to seeing it on the garden shed. After a couple of days, I got over it and began to notice the differences in my skin.
As I mentioned earlier, hydration is a largely spoken about benefit of using snail mucin. After a week or so, I could tell there was a difference in the appearance and feel of my skin. It was only small but it was definitely there. I could see that my skin was a little plumper and it felt healthier too. I applied a couple of small pumps to damp skin and lightly patted it in.
One thing I will say is I did experience some under-the-skin spots around my chin. I wasn’t sure if this was caused by the snail mucin serum so I tested it again a month later and there’s definitely a connection. They weren’t inflamed and never came to the surface but it was annoying.
Would I recommend it?
I think the jury is still out on this one. I don’t this product is for me, personally. I've given it a go a couple of times but I'm not a fan of something that breaks me out. However, I’m really interested in trying out other products from their range.
Have you tried it?
Love, Aoife xo
P.S- You can find more of my beauty content, here.
My inner product junkie lives on another day and this time bringing you my thoughts on the ever popular South Korean brand Cosrx’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. Yep, I said it. It's snail secretion. I have used this product on and off for a couple of months which isn’t really long enough for a full blown review but a small one on first impressions will do.
Word on the street:
“Being 96% Snail Secretion Filtrate (Mucin), this essence helps the skin to lose less moisture while keeping the skin smooth and healthy.”
I love trying out hyped up products and this has been on my list for a while now. Snail Mucin is supposed to be really good because of its hydration properties. People have raved about Cosrx’s Snail Mucin serum for a while now and not just to use on your face, but on other parts of your body too! I’ve yet to experiment on anywhere other than my face but we’ll see.
Goodies in the mail:
I ordered my serum from YesStyle -well my friend ordered it for me- and it took a little while to arrive. As it would, coming from the other side of the world and all. It did take a little longer than I thought it would and by the time it arrived, I had almost forgotten about it.
I love the packaging of this serum! The bottle is clear, misted with a small label on the front. They were really going for a minimalist look when they designed the bottle. It doesn’t really list any of the other ingredients on it except from saying it has 96% of snail mucin. If you’re after the full list, it’s best to keep the box it came in.
Thoughts:
The first time I used the Snail Mucin Power Essence, I freaked out. I didn’t know what to expect but a gooey and stringy substance was not it. It made me cringe a little, to be honest. I don’t know what I expected but it felt and looked a lot like snail secretion. It was definitely an experience applying something so stringy, especially when you're used to seeing it on the garden shed. After a couple of days, I got over it and began to notice the differences in my skin.
As I mentioned earlier, hydration is a largely spoken about benefit of using snail mucin. After a week or so, I could tell there was a difference in the appearance and feel of my skin. It was only small but it was definitely there. I could see that my skin was a little plumper and it felt healthier too. I applied a couple of small pumps to damp skin and lightly patted it in.
One thing I will say is I did experience some under-the-skin spots around my chin. I wasn’t sure if this was caused by the snail mucin serum so I tested it again a month later and there’s definitely a connection. They weren’t inflamed and never came to the surface but it was annoying.
Would I recommend it?
I think the jury is still out on this one. I don’t this product is for me, personally. I've given it a go a couple of times but I'm not a fan of something that breaks me out. However, I’m really interested in trying out other products from their range.
Have you tried it?
Love, Aoife xo
P.S- You can find more of my beauty content, here.
Twitter is one of my favourite social media platforms. I could spend hours scrolling aimlessly through all the memes, videos and commentary that people post. It's also my go-to for skincare advice. Skincare Twitter is rich in tips, advice, and product recommendations on just about any skincare condition. Whether you're suffering from cystic acne, struggling with dry skin, wanting to improve hyperpigmentation; someone's got you covered. Once you've tapped in to it, you'll never look back.
One of things I love to see, are people sharing their journeys. It gives you so much hope that things will and can get better. That got a little deep there but when you have really bad acne it can be hard to envision what clear skin looks like. (P.S- here's my latest post on my acne journey.)
I follow accounts that specialise in acne-prone skin and who are always recommending great products to use. All the people who I follow are very interactive and are always answering people's questions. It's a big statement but I owe my clear skin to them and I'm so grateful for it. I mentioned them briefly in my previous post, What I wish I knew about treating acne.
Here are *some* of my favourite Skincare Twitter accounts to follow:
@LaBeautyologist- Nai is an esthetician based in LA and is the first ever esthi I followed on Twitter. She's known mostly for her #60SecondRule which encourged people to use their cleanser for longer to see better results. Her YouTube channel, The Golden RX, provides skincare advice and explains the science behind it.
@makeupforwoc- I love following Tiara! She specialises in inflamed skincare conditions which makes her a great follow when you're suffering with acne. She reguarly posts tips and tricks to help reduce inflammation such as, washing with lukewarm water, wearing SPF daily and the importance of a healthy moisture barrier. I am also a member of the #glazeddonutgang!
@alicialartey- Alicia is a biomed undergraduate and esthetician in training. She is the most interactive, in my opinon, and reguarly opens the floor to her followers on Twitter and Instagram to answer any skincare concerns/ questions you have. Not that the others don't but Alicia is more likely to respond. I've asked a couple of questions including which products I can use while on Differin.
@HannahEEnglish- If there's one thing Hannah specialises in, it's sunscreen. Sunscreen is a vital step in your skincare routine, her words not mine. She's not quite as interactive but she does interact with skincare conversations among those in the industry.
@topicals- Topicals launched last year with two standout products treating hyperpigmentation and repairing the skin's moisture barrier. Unfortunately, the US brand isn't available in the UK unless you want to pay extortionate import fees. However, they are well worth a follow on Twitter. They reguarly post education threads on various skincare conditions to explain why the skin reacts that how and some products to help. Lily from @caveofbeauty is in charge of the eduction threads, as the Head of Education, and she is another esthi well worth a follow.
Who do you enjoy following on Twitter, skincare or not?
Love, Aoife xo
Twitter is one of my favourite social media platforms. I could spend hours scrolling aimlessly through all the memes, videos and commentary that people post. It's also my go-to for skincare advice. Skincare Twitter is rich in tips, advice, and product recommendations on just about any skincare condition. Whether you're suffering from cystic acne, struggling with dry skin, wanting to improve hyperpigmentation; someone's got you covered. Once you've tapped in to it, you'll never look back.
One of things I love to see, are people sharing their journeys. It gives you so much hope that things will and can get better. That got a little deep there but when you have really bad acne it can be hard to envision what clear skin looks like. (P.S- here's my latest post on my acne journey.)
I follow accounts that specialise in acne-prone skin and who are always recommending great products to use. All the people who I follow are very interactive and are always answering people's questions. It's a big statement but I owe my clear skin to them and I'm so grateful for it. I mentioned them briefly in my previous post, What I wish I knew about treating acne.
Here are *some* of my favourite Skincare Twitter accounts to follow:
@LaBeautyologist- Nai is an esthetician based in LA and is the first ever esthi I followed on Twitter. She's known mostly for her #60SecondRule which encourged people to use their cleanser for longer to see better results. Her YouTube channel, The Golden RX, provides skincare advice and explains the science behind it.
@makeupforwoc- I love following Tiara! She specialises in inflamed skincare conditions which makes her a great follow when you're suffering with acne. She reguarly posts tips and tricks to help reduce inflammation such as, washing with lukewarm water, wearing SPF daily and the importance of a healthy moisture barrier. I am also a member of the #glazeddonutgang!
@alicialartey- Alicia is a biomed undergraduate and esthetician in training. She is the most interactive, in my opinon, and reguarly opens the floor to her followers on Twitter and Instagram to answer any skincare concerns/ questions you have. Not that the others don't but Alicia is more likely to respond. I've asked a couple of questions including which products I can use while on Differin.
@HannahEEnglish- If there's one thing Hannah specialises in, it's sunscreen. Sunscreen is a vital step in your skincare routine, her words not mine. She's not quite as interactive but she does interact with skincare conversations among those in the industry.
@topicals- Topicals launched last year with two standout products treating hyperpigmentation and repairing the skin's moisture barrier. Unfortunately, the US brand isn't available in the UK unless you want to pay extortionate import fees. However, they are well worth a follow on Twitter. They reguarly post education threads on various skincare conditions to explain why the skin reacts that how and some products to help. Lily from @caveofbeauty is in charge of the eduction threads, as the Head of Education, and she is another esthi well worth a follow.
Who do you enjoy following on Twitter, skincare or not?
Love, Aoife xo
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