Products I Used Up on holiday

A bonus empties post for this month thanks to my recent trip to Dubai with plenty to talk about so let's dive straight in.

Radox Invigorate Shower Gel*
A bottle of Radox shower gel often accompanies me on holiday especially when I am travelling with friends or family as it's a great sharer. Ben and I happily worked our way through the lemon and rosemary scent particularly as we needed as much 'invigorating' as possible due to being in ultra relaxation mode whilst away. It wasn't quite full when we left the UK but there was plenty for over the ten day period in addition to another shower gel I was using (more on that coming up soon).

Bumble & Bumble Surf Shampoo & Conditioner
I threw this sachets of the Bumble & Bumble Surf Shampoo & Conditioner (along with my surf spray) on a whim thinking they'd be ideal for days I wanted to let hair dry naturally and add a bit of texture. I completely fell back in love with the Surf range which I hadn't used over Winter and will definitely be stocking up for my trip to Ibiza in 3 weeks.

The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Cream*
This was a great holiday moisturiser, light, hydrating and contained SPF. You can see the rest of my holiday skincare regime in last weeks post or follow the link for my review of The Body Shop Aloe Range.

Clayspray Aloeveratherapy - White Clay and Aloe Vera*
Just because I was on holiday I didn't want to abandon my weekly face masks so poor Ben had to endure my walking out the bathroom with various versions on my face. I threw a Clayspray sachet into my make up bag as it was the perfect travel companion. I'm going to publish a more formal review soon of the Clayspray range but I can say I enjoyed this mask, feeling cool on application and quickly tighten (so Ben had a few moments of silence from my jabbering). The White Clay and Aloe Vera mask was to comfort and soften reactive skin which was just what I needed.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray*
Battling the excessive heat of Dubai a make up setting spray was essential to ensure my make up didn't slip off my face throughout the evening. A great combo with Chanel Les Beiges and I will certainly be repurchasing.

Korres Milk Proteins 3 in 1 Cleanser, Toner & Eye Make Up Remover
I'd had little opportunity to use such a small sample of Korres 3 in 1 Cleanser but my outbound flight was the perfect opportunity. As I was flying overnight I arrived at the airport with a face full of make up that I wanted to remove when I settled down to try and get some sleep. The Korres all in once cleanser contains lactose and amino acids to nourish the skin and add a hydrating film which is a necessity in the recycled air of a planes cabin. It quickly removed make up to provide the base for all my facial spritz applied throughout the flight.

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Hand Cream*
It was a no brainer that the Fleur de Figuier hand cream would join me on holiday along with the Fleur de Figuier Perfume. I can't bear dry hands and never more so than flying and I spent much of the flight and week away reapplying this cream so much so that it made it's way to the empties pile. Will I repurchase - most certainly.

Clinque Bottom Lash Mascara
This was one of my first 'the beauty blogger made me do it' purchases and something I don't use often but essential for nights out. By day I tend to leave my bottom lashes au natural but at night it adds a little something extra I like. I fully intended to repurchase this at World Duty Free on my way home but completely forgot so it will be added to the Ibiza Duty Free wish list in a couple of weeks. Lastly - how have the drugstores not duped this yet?

Palmers Foot Magic Scrub*
Days spent in flip-flops and nights in heels I didn't want to abandon my Palmers Pedicures whilst on holiday so took along this gritty foot scrub to treat my feet. It was great to apply in the shower and keep my feet tip top whilst away and I will definitely repurchase as I liked the harsher scrub for my feet than the body versions have.

Bath & Body Works Island Margarita Santizing Hand Gel
Previously this hand gel was kept on my desk at work and I threw into my hand luggage for the flight. The scent of this is amazing and frequently on using at work someone would comment on 'you smell nice' - not bad for something to fight germs. Whilst I did visit a Bath & BodyWorks at Dubai Mall I was completely overwhelmed and decided to wait for a haul when I hopefully visit Rose at the end of the year.

Clarins Moisturiser with SPF
I forgot to note exactly what product this was but remember receiving as a sample during a Sephora visit last year and being told it was a great SPF. Such a small tube I thought it was perfect to use quickly during my trip. As an SPF it worked great and I can report that this in addition to all the other facial SPFs I used created a great tan on my face with no obvious damage. As for the formula of this cream it was thin and certainly of the 'watery' variety but none the less was absorbed into the skin effectively.

Superdrug Cotton Wool Oval Pads
I wouldn't usually throw my empty packs of Cotton Wool Pads into my empties post but as this are different from my usual Boots version I thought I'd offer comment. I picked these up during a Superdrug visit and I'm sure there was a usual 3 for 2 offer of similar so I had been using at home prior to my holiday also. On first use I wasn't too happy, they seemed to become wetter and soggier than their Boots counterparts but as I became used to them I was able to make things work - and avoid being  so heavy handed with my toners and the like. Their texture was also more wiry than I was used to which was also another plus against, that said they did perform their function adequately. Would I choose these over the Boots Cotton Pads? No but if I was in Superdrug and needed cotton wool pads I would happily pick these up.

Palmers Dark Chocolate & Cherry Tinted Lip Balm*
I picked the Palmers Tinted Lip Balm for my hand luggage as it's tint would add a little colour to my make up free face during the flight and likewise on the beach if I felt my lips getting a little dry. Unfortunately it was a casualty of the Dubai heat and managed to break, melt into the lid during my stay.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Mosituring Boosting Masks*
I no longer fly without having one of the Hydraluron Sheet Masks in my case to apply at the other end to combat the cabin air. Whilst I don't find any benefits from using Hydraluron serum on a regular basis due to other products in my regime the masks are something I rely upon to give that extra boost the skin needs. If you have any long haul flights on the cards I'd highly recommend you pick some of these up.

So there you have a rather extensive holiday empties post. It's quite fun to have had a holiday three weeks prior to my next as I have a great idea for what I do and don't need to take along with me. Anything you spot that you always use up on holiday?

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Beauty Mini's | When do you use yours?

Clearly I have had little to worry about lately as my stash of minis and testers from magazines and the like have been growing and I'm undecided what to do with them. Due to a few trips away over the past couple of months I've turned to this collection but often I don't want to take a foundation or perfume sample that I've not experienced before in case I don't like it.

The same goes for the testers of skincare etc, do I really want to head away for a weekend and use a cleanser that could break me out or have an adverse reaction? Then there's the issue of how long will that sample last, do I need to take a moisturiser packet for each day or will one cover the two nights? As you can see this is in the spirit of #firstworldproblems.

As such I've decided to combine both, if you saw my Brighton Empties I instagrammed here I was adequately covered and took testers along with me but for other products, certainly foundation is better tested during a working day and I always prefer to wear a perfume and see how it settles on me, lasts throughout the day and the like.

For this post I'll be talking about a few products I've tried lately so think of this as a review and empties post all in one.

Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Invisible Skin Fusion Foundation link
Luckily being neither too pale nor too dark I can often get away with trying a lot of foundation samples that I come across in magazines. They also make it easier to see straight away what shade I would be whether going one up or down.

This is a long line of brands coming out with 'second skin' foundation and claims to leave your complexion as 'radiant as silk'. The shade was perhaps a little dark for me but it did give good coverage although clung to one or two dry patches and I found it oxidising throughout the day. Whilst a nice foundation it's not one I was eager to purchase in full size but did happily get a couple of wears out of this sachet.

Clinque Beyond Perfecting 2-in-1 Foundation and Concealer link
I was pleased to find a sachet of this new foundation release from Clinque and enjoyed using it. Despite being lightweight it again felt too heavy on my skin and also clung to the dry patches by end of a working day. Coverage was good and it did work well enough to cover any slight blemishes I had.

Benefit Big Easy link
One of Benefits new releases last Summer I was able to pick up a few sample tubes during my Sephora shopping trips. I had ups and downs with the formula which you'll read about in this post but making an effort to 'use what I have' and knowing this wasn't top of my love list I thought I'd give it a go on weekends when I was only popping out to the supermarket and the like. This isn't a product I have a desire to purchase in full size as I find the coverage too light for even me as someone who doesn't like anything too heavy.

Sublime De Chanel Infinite Length and Curl Mascara link
I wasn't wowed by this mascara on using it which is a surprise as when I was using I thought it was the Volume version which I had previously used and loved in mini size and have my eye on for next months Duty Free purchasing. I suspected it could be due to it's age and maybe thats why I was unimpressed but on preparing this post I realise it's because it was a completely different mascara all together! Did it lengthen lashes, certainly but was there much of a curl or anything to make me go wow? No.

Next up we get to the perfume samples which I won't go into too much detail about as standard beauty blogger statement 'I can't describe fragrances'. Those I've tried this month have been; Guerlain La Petite Robe Eau Fraiche* which I loved. It's a light fragrance perfect for Summer and something I would've expected to turn my nose up too. I am thinking of buying this for my Summer scent this year.

Lacoste Touch of Pink* was something I liked but not overwhelmed at. As a scent it felt too fruity for me to wear as a fragrance and something more suited to the younger audience. Thierry Mugler Angel has long been a favourite of friends and something I'd never tried myself. I liked this more than I expected as for every friend who loves it there's someone else who hates it. I'm on the fence whether this is something I'd like to purchase for myself.

Final two are the so named Jimmy Choo* and Liz Earles Botanical Essence No.1. Sorry Liz but I did not like Botanical Essence it was just too garden like for me. Jimmy Choo I was a bit blah about it. At each whiff I'd get a different type of scent, none of which I liked.

So I'm using up my beauty testers, what do you do with yours?

*PR Samples

August Empties

It's that time again when I dive into my empties bag and share with you the products I've used up this month. Some products I will have mentioned before so I will link up to the previous post to keep things short. Let's dive in.

Radox Passion Splash Shower Gel* link
Despite Mango Madness being my favourite scent last month it's Passion Splash that I finished first! There are multiple posts on Radox throughout this here blog so you'll know I'm a fan. I love their shower gels and find they work just as well for leg shaving duties whilst I abandon the L'Occitane Almond Oil due to fake tanning.

OSMO Deep Moisturising Shampoo* link
You can find the full review for this shampoo here but in short I'm a fan. The only downside is not being able to pick up this product in local stores and I'm not really one for ordering beauty online.

Clinque 7 Day Scrub link
If you read my review here you'll know whilst I had use for the 7 Day Scrub it wasn't something I'd rush to repurchase. That said my evening skincare regime has been shocking recently and I really feel a good scrub is in order.

Soap & Glory Calm One link
Sad to say that I wasn't a fan of this bubble bath from Soap & Glory. I didn't find there was any scent to speak of which is important to me when I'm having a soak in the bath and surprising for a Soap & Glory product.

Sure Maximum Protection link
Another product I've mentioned on numerous occasions and reviewed in full here. Safe to say this will be perpetually emptied and repurchased.

Clinque High Impact Lipstick in Rosette link
I received this lipstick as part of a bonus time gift and really enjoyed using and the colour and thanks to it's petite size is the first lipstick I've used up in some time. I used the lipgloss (in Kissyfit) sporadically with and without the lipstick but if it came to repurchasing it would be Rosette I would choose.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer -  link
Unfortunately it looks, or rather smells like the use by date of this product is up. This has been a concealer I've enjoyed using for my under eye area but last week I noticed there was a unpleasant smell so it was time to add it to the empties pile. Not having used this product in it's entirety due to a small number of other concealers in rotation has further cemented my view that it's time to pair back the make up stash to ensure minimal wastage.

Barry M Cor Balmy Tinted Lip Balm link
I'm on the fence about this product even more so as I threw this into the empties photography having brought home from work as I wasn't enjoying using it but applying as I type this paragraph I'm reluctant to get rid. It is certainly moisturising and the shade Jam Jar is rather pigmented for a lip balm, even a tinted one. For work it was ideal to bridge the gap between lipstick reapplication but I found it a little messy and wasn't reaching for it enough. I think I'll keep it on my coffee table for another week or two yet and see how it fairs.

Sleek Brow Stylist Pencil in Medium link
There was instant panic when I wound up this eyebrow pencil to realise that I had finished it as it was completely unexpected despite it being on of my favourites over the month. I'm having something of a brow moment lately and found this eyebrow pencil from Sleek a great product for those not too lazy days when I use something like BROWdrama from Maybelline but ones that I haven't got the time or inclination to pay complete attention with the thinner Brow Wiz from Anastasia (which I'm also having a reignited love affair with). I have since repurchased as you will see in a forthcoming post and comforted to have it back in my make up bag.

Murad Skin Perfecting Primer link
I mentioned this primer from Murad in my round of those in my collection here and took to using this on a regular basis as such a small bottle I thought I would get through it quite quickly. As I mentioned in the previous post this was a nice product to provide a base for any foundations and the like but with a very light coverage to even things out.

Nina Ricci La Tentation de Nina Eau de Toilette
Mum brought my this perfume created with Laduree for my birthday earlier in the year and whilst I was swept up in the cute bottle (apparently based on the tale of a girl who has bitten an apple and succumbed to the ultimate temptation, doesn't that sound familiar!) and loveliness of macaron's. Unfortunately if I'm honest whilst I didn't dislike the smell it was a little too sweet for my usual tastes  and not something I would repurchase. In an effort to use it throughout the Summer I think I bored myself of it even more although my niece and friends were fans of this fragrance so don't let my more heavier taste put you off.

Palmers Eventone Dark Spot Corrector* link
I don't have much issue with dark spots that I need correcting but those I have definitely saw improvement from using the Eventone Dark Spot Corrector from Palmers. The packaging of this product is great in that it has a pump which dispenses just enough of the light gel like fluid for us on the skin. The only downside to this product is the heavily artificial fragrance which I didn't enjoy at all and was the only reason I'd not repurchase. If only their skincare had that lovely cocoa butter scent.

L'Oreal Age Perfect Refreshing Toner link
I'm as equally in love with this toner - which you would have first seen in my Morning Skincare Regime post here - as I am Liz Earle's Skin Tonic and have since repurchased both so I can split between my morning and evening regimes. Definitely one to try even though it pains me it's for 'mature skin'!

Well it doesn't look like I kept that as short and sweet as I'd initially intended but you will have had plenty to read about a varied selection of products. Don't forget to link me up to your empties post, I'd love to read them.

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Products I Used Up | April 2014 - Part Two

Bad Brides, Rebecca Chance link

A book isn't typically featured in an Empties post but as I read and disposed of this book on my holiday I thought it was worth a mention. I love Rebecca Chance's books and I read Killer Queens in Vegas last year. They are easy reads (I think I managed this in three days), usually in sumptuous luxury locations and lighthearted - just what one needs on holiday.

Apricot Foot Mask link

I picked up these rather odd feet masks from Forever 21 in San Francisco. With aching feet and spotting these on the counter it was one of those moments marketers work for! I'm glad they were only a couple of dollars as they were vile to use/wear. You are basically given two foot socks which if you'll excuse me for being crude reminded me of wearing condoms on the feet. My feet didn't feel particularly soothed after wearing more like sweaty and they were not easily walked on. Certainly an experiment that went awry. 

White Cloud Cotton Rounds link

I ran out of cotton rounds (I love that is what they're called in America - aren't I easily pleased) on holiday and picked up these from White Cloud in an ABC store (they are every fifth shop in Waikiki). They were satisfactory for my time away although very fluffy and thin so they'd soak up a lot of product. I'm happy to return to my Boots favourites.

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin link

Another Jo Malone sample but you'll know from April Empties Part 1 that I wasn't a fan of this scent - I think I actually used this as a room fragrance. 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo[+]* link

Another holy grail product that I refused to travel without, especially if not to TMI it would be that time of the month whilst away and I didn't want my blemish free skin to slip. I had actually repurchased this before going away so was happy to return to a new tube to use.

Clinque Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector link 

I hate the dark circles under my eyes hence this purchase from Clinque. On it's initial purchase I wasn't particularly impressed and found the silver tip a bit of a faff and preferred using fingers. It was discarded and only recently returned to when I found my mind had been changed and I was enjoying using it, especially in the mornings as it had some light coverage that working alongside with my current skincare meant I was even happier make up free than usual. I have a few other eye products I'm testing at the moment so despite being tempted in duty free I resisted but maybe next time Clinque offer a bonus time I will give it a try.

We're nearly there with April Empties, you can read part one here and part three here.

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April Empties Part Two

Bad Brides, Rebecca Chance link

A book isn't typically featured in an Empties post but as I read and disposed of this book on my holiday I thought it was worth a mention. I love Rebecca Chance's books and I read Killer Queens in Vegas last year. They are easy reads (I think I managed this in three days), usually in sumptuous luxury locations and lighthearted - just what one needs on holiday.

Apricot Foot Mask link

I picked up these rather odd feet masks from Forever 21 in San Francisco. With aching feet and spotting these on the counter it was one of those moments marketers work for! I'm glad they were only a couple of dollars as they were vile to use/wear. You are basically given two foot socks which if you'll excuse me for being crude reminded me of wearing condoms on the feet. My feet didn't feel particularly soothed after wearing more like sweaty and they were not easily walked on. Certainly an experiment that went awry. 

White Cloud Cotton Rounds link

I ran out of cotton rounds (I love that is what they're called in America - aren't I easily pleased) on holiday and picked up these from White Cloud in an ABC store (they are every fifth shop in Waikiki). They were satisfactory for my time away although very fluffy and thin so they'd soak up a lot of product. I'm happy to return to my Boots favourites.

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin link

Another Jo Malone sample but you'll know from April Empties Part 1 that I wasn't a fan of this scent - I think I actually used this as a room fragrance. 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo[+]* link

Another holy grail product that I refused to travel without, especially if not to TMI it would be that time of the month whilst away and I didn't want my blemish free skin to slip. I had actually repurchased this before going away so was happy to return to a new tube to use.

Clinque Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector link 

I hate the dark circles under my eyes hence this purchase from Clinque. On it's initial purchase I wasn't particularly impressed and found the silver tip a bit of a faff and preferred using fingers. It was discarded and only recently returned to when I found my mind had been changed and I was enjoying using it, especially in the mornings as it had some light coverage that working alongside with my current skincare meant I was even happier make up free than usual. I have a few other eye products I'm testing at the moment so despite being tempted in duty free I resisted but maybe next time Clinque offer a bonus time I will give it a try.

We're nearly there with April Empties, you can read part one here and part three here.

*PR Sample

Clinque 7 day scrub cream review

Clinque 7 Day Scrub Cream link

Now I have chemical exfoliants in my skin regime there doesn't seem much use for the traditional exfoliators but I received the 7 Day Scrub from Clinque as part of a bonus time gift so I thought it was worth trying out.

Clinque claims the fine grains in this cream base are suitable for all skin types, will give clearer, brighter skin, clear pores etc etc. I'm quite indifferent about this product as my resilient skin didn't take an issue to the product but neither did I find it gave me any better results than what I'm already using on a daily basis.

One particular bugbear is that it claims to leave no residue on the skin after rinsing but I find the small beads are leftover and I'm wiping them off with a cotton pad after use although it's definitely less harsh than other offerings.

I have found it more useful on my neck where I suffer from a few ingrowing hairs and this product has helped in that department rather than using all over the face.

Of course with all Clinque products you'll find no scent to bother you so if that's something you look for in a product this will get a thumbs up. I've also seen a few reviews that say it can be used on lips which is next on my list to try.

Is this something I'll repurchase, probably not but if I find it enough gift with purchase I could certainly find a use for it.

Are you a chemical or manual exfoliating fan? Let me know your favourite products in the comments.

Clinque Deep Comfort Body Butter Review

I received Clinque Deep Comfort Body Butter as a Christmas gift last year and I'm ashamed to say it's sat hidden at the back of my bathroom shelf until now. Returning from holiday and ready to start a new body product I opted for the body butter thinking a heavier cream was needed for the colder weather.

My first impression was bemusement that this product, to me at least really does feel like butter, creamy butter but butter nonetheless - it even has the lemon shade we are familiar with. Thankfully there is not the greasy feeling you experience with butter of an edible kind.

Moving on from the food comparisons Clinque's Body Butter is a lovely product to use and makes my skin feel soft and hydrated after applying, especially in those dry spots such as the knees and elbows and sinks into the skin without leaving residue so I can easily pop clothes on after application.

The only negatives I can find and these are personal ones are firstly it's lack of fragrance. We all know Clinque are famous for leaving out the typical irritants from fragrancing their products but when applying body lotions in a luxurious manner I want a scent, especially when applying of an evening. Of course if you want to avoid fragrances this body butter is definitely for you and certainly not a deal breaker for me. The other is I find it can take some time for me to apply. Lotions which are thinner in consistency are easily distributed over the body but I find this butter needs constant dipping and applying to cover all the areas. For example I'll need to dip into the tub 4 times to do my calves alone, front and back of each leg and so on. Not that this should be a problem as this is a large 200ml tub so will certainly last some time.

Do you have any thoughts on body versus lotions?

My Everyday Face

Whilst I may have aspirations to look uber glamourous at work when it comes down to it I'd prefer that extra five minutes in bed - yes I love the snooze button. I also find that as I spend most of my day darting in and out of meetings I've yet to find a look that remains the same with little more than a touch of lipstick between meetings - until now.

A combination of products I'd been sent to review and those I've brought or were at my disposal have helped me create the perfect low maintenance look that suits me on a day to day basis.

I start with Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint* in Bare 01. This was my first foray into Liz Earle's make up range and I was a bit concerned about the shade as it looked too pale in the tube but applied to the face it works like a dream and is the right light coverage I prefer. I disguise any blemishes and my hated under eye circles with Bobbi Brown's Creamy Concealer in Sand and follow this with a dusting of Chanel Les Beiges No 30 all over the face. I'm so glad I finally gave in and purchased this product. Such a finely milled light powder that really does give that sheer glow to the skin.

A pop of colour on my cheeks is provided by Chanel's Creme Blush in Affinite applied with Real Techniques Due-Fibre Contour Brush. When I first went to buy this the sales assistant told me it wasn't right for me, I'm glad I disagreed.

Brows are filled in using either my Anastasia Brow Wiz or Mac Omega depending on my mood, which also depends on whether I sweep some Omega across my lid.

My love affair with mascara's continues in the form of Barry M's Lash Vegas*. By the end of the day I need to neither touch up or remove any black smudges under my eyes which is a major plus in my book. I can also finally understand the people who claim they cannot live without mascara as it changes the look of your eyes without needing to apply eye shadow.

Finally I hide my lack of sleep with Rimmel's Wake Me Up concealer and reach for one of my lipsticks, in this case Rosette by Clinque.

What I love about this look is if I'm heading out of an evening it's usually only necessary to add some more Les Beiges, maybe some blush and usually I'll go for a red lipstick (tonight it's Chanel Amant). I'm finding this low maintenance look really works for me right now.

Below you can see the before and after looks. I must stress that the after has not been photoshopped despite my hair being a different colour! I actually took the before picture in the morning and the after once I'd done the above touch ups when the evening light was coming through my window so it has shown up the colour in my hair better.

I'd love to know if you've tried any of these products or what you use in your minimal everyday make up or even if you think this is still too high maintenance. 

*PR Sample

#theSOproject // Week 1 Skincare

It stands to reason that the first post in the #SOproject is skincare as it is literally the starting point. If you don't look after your skin you will pay the price and without prepping the skin no amount of fancy make up tricks will work to their full potential. That said and despite my collection of skincare goods above it is only the last couple of months I have really started paying attention to my skincare and that is in large part from reading Caroline Hirons blog and my subsequent skincare consultation with her which you can read about here.

Halfway through writing my post I found it was getting to long as there is so much to learn about double cleansing and so on and each step is a blog post in itself. I found myself constantly referring back to Caroline's blog posts and advising you read her cheat sheets on the various steps that it made sense to start again and simply say read Caroline's blog.

I hope no one finds that cheating but part of sharing wisdom is to share the resources you use and defer to those that really know. I wish I'd had such a blog to read years ago so I didn't rely on removing my make up after a night out but rubbing my face into the pillow!

Having done my reading here is my regime and some products I use

Eye Make Up Remover

Despite Caroline saying you don't need to have an extra step in removing your eye make up with something other than your cleanser I like to do so. I've suffered a number of eye infections over the past year and like to remove the eye make up in the first instance and also prefer that than seeing a wash of black on my cleansing flannel. Remover of the moment is L'Oreal's offering, Liz Earle's eyebright is washed over my eyes in the mornings to help wake me up when all I want to do is hit the snooze button and the one I stay away from, Clinque - that one stung dreadfully.

Cleansers

I've never been good at a full cleansing regime and here I am with an array of products and double cleansing! Micellar waters are for my lazy days and I always ensure I have one by my bedside with some cotton wool pads so I have no excuse when I'm too lazy to walk to the bathroom! My Rodial cleansing balm is absolutely luxurious and a dream to use (and a bargain price if you saw yesterdays post here)

Toner

Toning has long changed from being the forgotten step, an afterthought to simply remove last traces of your make up. I was even told at Kiehls when I started taking my skincare seriously that I didn't even need to use toner - read about that here. As well as double cleansing I'm double toning, an exfoliating toner; Pixi Glow Tonic and one for Hydrating, Nude Purify Toning Water. Another favourite for hydrating is Liz Earles Skin Tonic and I've recently been swapping out Cadaulie Beauty Elixr.

Moisturiser

This month I was going to treat myself to Origins Ginzeng moisturiser but having gathered my stash for this photo I don't really think I can justify it. I am still playing around with moisturisers trying to find one I like. Currently I'm swapping between the L'Occitane Ultra Rich face cream and Clinque's Youth Surge which the latter of I'm not too keen on. I am very happy with my night time treatment of Kiehls Midnight Recover Concentrate. This smells divine and is the prefect step of an evening. I'm not a fan of oils as can't bear my skin feeling greasy but this one is just the right balance. Pricey this may be but I'm using it nightly since April and I'm not even half way through the bottle as you only need a small drop so initial outlay is costly but on a price per use basis it's very fair.

Serums and Eye Creams

Serums etc are an area I'm still looking into. Ultimately there are no wonder treatments and at 34 I've left things a little late and am extremely lucky to show too many signs of ageing. I've been using the Balance Me Facial Expression* filler for some weeks now and much prefer it to Kiehls Line-Reducing Concentrate which I had such promise for. Bare Minerals Multi-Wrinkle* is a product I've yet to try so stay tuned for a review on that.

Hydraluron is a blogger staple new to my arsenal. It's not the nicest product to use as it's quite tacky on the skin but if it locks in the moisture I will continue using. Clinques Even Better Eyes is another new product so I can't comment on that too much as yet.

Masks

And finally my two masks of choice at the moment. Clarin's HydraQuench Cream-Mask which I use as an overnight treatment or now I've finished my GlamGlow Mud mask (read a review here) it's the turn of Origins Charcoal mask of which a review will come soon.

I hope this post wasn't too long for you and if you've stuck it out and you're still reading; thank you! I'd love to hear any of your skincare recommendations and if you try any of the products I've mentioned I'd love to know your thoughts.

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