My Favourite Exfoliating Toners

Skincare is one of the hardest areas I find to review on Florence and Mary. I am lucky in that I have ‘good skin’ and aside from the minor complaints that come with age and my smoking habit I’m lucky that the products that come through my door work well for me. When you have ‘good skin’ you can often wonder if the product is really working or is it just good genes at play and beyond user experience, textures and packaging niggles that put together ones opinion, it is often that, my opinion and experience I can share with you. That is why I love acid toning because you ‘feel’ the product working. This might be another of those aspects that fools one into believing a product is doing its bit but nonetheless if there’s one product I tend to throw my money behind its acid toners, specifically acid toning pads.

What is acid toning? Well it’s certainly something that I hadn’t come across until I started blogging and I think it’s safe to say Caroline Hirons has brought it to the forefront with most of us using acids in our daily skincare regimes. In short we no longer need harsh abrasive products to exfoliate the skin and instead can use liquids, that contain acids to resurface the skin. And we can use many of these products daily which helps our pricey serums penetrate the skin and go to work under far better conditions working to improve the texture of our skin.

It’s far better to hear ‘exfoliating toners’ than ‘acid toner’ as a layman as exfoliating is a familiar term and whilst acid is too, it’s more of a negative connotation than to benefit skin. That said the world of blogging has broadened our horizons and we’re becoming more knowledge about ‘acids’, simply an ingredient in our skincare products which will make various improvements whether it’s Glycolic for resurfacing or Salicylic for acne. Essentially benefits you will see from exfoliating toners include brightening the complexion, reducing the appearance of pores and tackling pigmentation.

My favourite method of using an exfoliating toner is the pre-soaked pads I’m sharing with you today. It keeps things simple, no worries when I run out of cotton wool, second guessing how much to use or how long a bottle of liquid will last. I also love exfoliating toner as whilst I like to do this as part of my everyday regime regularly readers know that I can be a little slack, especially after a night out. These toning pads are fantastic for instant quick fixes when I have abandoned my lotions and potions for a day or two and when they really earn their points.

Before I dive in and share my thoughts on the individual products a couple of points of note. As I’ve mentioned my skin is normal, good and not sensitive at all, if you have any specific complaints make sure you pay attention to the different strengths available and patch test. I will cleanse using a flannel and the product I reach for will depend on what I’m looking for on that occasion. Sometimes I need a more aggressive exfoliation, others it’s just keeping on top of things. I reach for a hydrating toner following their application, at the moment the Pixi Hydrating Mist mentioned in this post. Make sure you apply SPF when using acid toners, and for this reason I tend to leave them behind when travelling. Whilst I use SPF regularly and certainly on holiday I’m nervous of causing any unnecessary irritation.

First up we have Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Pads which are the affordable option at £12.50 for 60 pads. I even managed to pick these up in Superdrug on offer so keep eyes peeled. Nip+Fab claim these are ‘radiance boosting pads’ and contain glycolic acid to resurface and with hazel to help tone. I find these suit my everyday needs as they don’t pack as much of a punch as my other offerings. If you’re looking for entry level acid toning or suffer from sensitive skin these might be a good place to start. I feel like I want a little more so I’m keen to try the extreme version next.

You can doubt whether acid toning came to the forefront of our minds due to Caroline Hirons but PixiGlow Tonic certainly made waves when Caroline mentioned it on her blog. I too jumped on the hype and was able to order the old style pump bottle from their London store. I don’t know if you can blame my early knowledge of skincare or the faulty pump dispenser but I wasn’t particularly wowed on first use and it actually went off before I was able to use and pass judgement properly. Now I have the Pixi Glow Peel Pads* in my arsenal which are making far more of an impression. Containing 20% Glycolic Acid compared to just under 3% in the aforementioned Nip+Fab version this tick my boxes for packing more of a punch. I can still use these daily without any concerns although at a higher price point, £24 for 60 pads, I like to adopt an every other day approach. I still only get a slight tingle with these but enough of one that I feel it’s going to work.

Really I shouldn’t feature Clearasil Superfruits Refreshing Pads as they are no longer available, but they are worth noting because they are amazing! Caroline once again mentioned these and at the time they were available for a few pounds and their limited availability sucked me in. These are the exfoliating pads I reach for when I’ve been ill, had the hangover that makes me want to abandon ever drinking again, in short when my skin is in a right old mess. Those days when skin looks dull, feels rough to touch this affordable option works a treat. I do find the pads can be a little rough and these are the harsher option but I can literally feel my skin tingly as they go to work and I love it. Clearasil Rapid Action Pads are available but if the mumblings I’ve heard so far are anything to go by they do not match up.

And finally, and what I think were my first purchase is the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads. This match Pixi in price, well they’re a little cheaper at £22 but let’s not split hairs. These first made waves in the US and it was there I picked up one of the smaller sizes to test out at home. These are another entry level and I pit them with Nip+Fab in strength. I can easily use these regularly without any worries and a slight tingle but if I was picking based on price and punch then Pixi pip the post for me.

Far more exciting is that I’ve managed to get my hands on L’Oreals Revitalift Bright Reveal Peel Pads which are not available in the UK (thank you friends in the US!) and I’m looking forward to putting them to test over the coming weeks. I shall report back.

Are you a fan of acid toning? Share your favourite products in the comments.

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Skincare Empties | July 2015

Some may have noticed that things became a little quiet and haphazard on Florence and Mary the past two weeks. Unfortunately I have been unwell with flu which completely wiped me out and left me unable to do anything blog related, I couldn't even muster the energy for a Tweet. Thankfully I'm now feeling fighting fit so it's time for some catching up to do, starting with some skincare empties.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

I raved about the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads in both my May Favourites and my holiday skincare regime posts. I really enjoyed using these pads and found them quick and easy to use whilst actually feeling their effects working as well as seeing it. I was keen to repurchase immediately after noticing that the stack of pre-soaked pads were dwindling but decided to give the Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Pads a try when they were on offer. I plan to do a comparison post of the two shortly so I won't go into too much detail but thus far the Nip+Fab pads are falling a little short.

Decleor Aromessence Neroli Oil Serum

I have no idea where this Decleor serum came from or why I decided to throw a small size into my routine, maybe during my travels. I do know that I enjoyed using it. Decleor products remind me of old school, traditional beauty. When I was into beauty and skincare in simple terms and before I entered into the whole beauty blogging arena. The scent of this serum takes me back to mini breaks with friends where we treated ourselves to pricey facials and there was something very comforting about using this as part of my evening regime. It's a thick oil with a heavy scent that will not be too everyones tastes but as mentioned for me it put me right into relaxation mode which is just what I want of an evening. It was certainly oily but not unpleasantly so and felt like it was going to work on my skin and was a lifesaver when skin was particularly dehydrated or dull. I would definitely look to repurchase in full size despite it's hefty price tag. 

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Serum*

I love Vichy serums but I appear to go through them like water. Maybe not so surprising since Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Serum is of a watery nature due to Vichy Thermal Spa Water in this product and said to keep continuously hydrated.

My skin is often dehydrated due to smoking, my lack of water intake (why are 8 glasses of wine easier to drink that 8 glasses of water?) and various other elements but I found that this serum would battle against these well and skin would look as if I was living a completely clean healthy lifestyle. 

I'm currently trying another similar hydrating serum so I'm keep to see how it fares against Vichy a brand I can always rely on. 

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+*

Another serum in my stash and one that is New Zealands best seller. As oils and serums go this was another that I preferred for nighttime as I preferred allowing it too sink into the skin and go to work whereas mornings are more of a rushed affair. My skins appearance in the morning was definitely brighter. You can read more in my review here. 

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil

A dry skin saviour and a handy size for travel it's a perfect night time treat. A light oil that offers hydration and makes skin looks brighter come morning. I'd definitely repurchase this in a full size for my Winter skincare regime or when skin needs some extra attention. Definitely worth trying if you have dry skin. You may enjoy my other post on Facial Oil Favourites. 

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Cleansing balms are pretty much a staple in blogger skincare regimes but I must confess my experiences are limited and I've yet to feel it necessary to explore them in great detail. My mum loves Elemis and when I spotted the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm in her cupboard I asked to give it a try. I would argue this is very familar balm texture and it wasn't exactly pleasant to use. There was quite a waxy scent to the balm and I didn't enjoy the process of scooping from the tub and applying on to my skin. I also feel like I'm tugging at my skin rather than massaging due to it's thick texture. These little niggles aside it was a good product and certainly ensured any make up was removed from skin and there was no dryness to speak of after it's use and skin enjoyed the effects of using it. Whilst I wouldn't necessarily repurchase where I to see it on offer and/or needed a cleansing balm in my routine I wouldn't be against reusing.

A-Derma Rheaclam Soothing Eye Contour*

I can't get excited about eye creams despite my eyes being my 'problem area' with dark circles and the fine lines associated with being the wrong side of 30. Of course I use them regularly and I don't see them getting worse so it stands to reason the creams I'm using are doing their work. 

Hydrating Rhealba Oat seedling extract makes this the perfect eye cream for mornings, especially after my much mentioned late nights. 

StriVectin SD Eye Concentrate*

As mentioned in my holiday skincare regime this eye cream is never ending. I long became bored of using it but stubbornness and intrigue at how long it would actually last meant I kept using it. If you're looking for an eye cream that is cost effective this is the one. Finances aside this is a product that stakes its claims on results rather than fancy packaging. Scientific in its investigations with a no no-nonsense approach this is an eye cream that works for me. Tackling eye wrinkles (check!) and crows feet it's a great formula for use day or night. 

Ole Henriksen Grease Relief Cleansing Cloths

Ole Henriksen Cleaning Cloths are something of a blogging favourite. Despite jumping on the bandwagon I've not been overally impressed. Despite lazy attitudes to skincare in the past I've never been one for facial wipes. Yes they've had and still can have a place for late nights or short breaks but I'd rather go in with a simple facial wash that takes little more than time than using a wipe with better results.

So back to Ole Henriksen and the Grease Relief Cleansing Cloths. I picked this pack with botanical AHAs and Eucalptus to exfoliate, clarify and refine pores (in addition to the popular Clean Truth version) thinking they would be ideal for those aforementioned evenings when I didn't want to go into a full regime. Unfortunately the cloths are harsh due to their textured material and just too bumpy that I really felt like I was stripping my skin. Lack of enjoyment at using them meant they have actually dried up before I was able to use the pack in it's entirety.  

What skincare favourites have you used up recently?

*PR Sample

May 2015 Beauty Favourites

This months favourites are very much those I discovered, rediscovered or just enjoyed whilst on holiday in Dubai.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid
Despite appearing in my 2014 Foundation Favourites post I haven't used Chanel Les Beiges for some time. Anticipating the Dubai heat I thought there would be evenings I'd prefer this than Make Up Forevers HD Foundation so took it away with me. As expected I ended up casting aside the heavier coverage and it was this I wore every evening. This was the perfect base for my lightly toasted skin which was in the best condition it has been for some time. As such I am forgoing all other base products and packing this for my next trip to Ibiza.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder
My holy grail product was bound to appear in a favourites post sooner or later and it really proved it's worth in the heat of Dubai. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder is always in my handbag and will always accompany me on nights out but its more as a back up and lipstick touch ups. Despite everyone telling me that the air conditioning would protect from the heat that wasn't always the case. With a camera at every opportunity and Ben's love of the flash I need regular powder applications to try and battle the shine.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick, 01 Le Rouge*
It's well documented how much I love a red lipstick and I certainly have a new favourite from the YSL Rouge Pur Couture Range. Part of a World Duty Free Limited Edition set I couldn't be more impressed with the formula of these lipsticks. As I mentioned in my previous posts the formula is deliciously creamy and long lasting.

Benefit The POREfessional Primer
Once again I reference the excessive heat in Dubai as a reason that primer was a must have during my trip. The combination of Benefit's POREfessional and Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder ensured that at the end of the evening my make up wasn't sitting down my face. Whilst I know not everyone loves the silicone formula of this primer I have no issue with it and it feels like it's creating the base for my make up to be applied to. Once again this is a must have for me on my next trip and throughout Summer that I'll be picked up a replacement in Duty Free as my current tube is nearing the end of it's life.

Tom Ford Lipstick, Flamingo
I purchased the appropriately named Flamingo lipstick from Tom Ford when I was in LA and it's been a constant in my make up arsenal ever since. It's pretty much the closest I get to a nude lip. Of course it isn't a nude lip at all, it's very much pink but a soft enough pink that it goes with anything yet bright enough that I feel like I have something on my lips. Due to the clothing choices I made on my holidays I had to steer away from my regular reds more often than usual and as such it was Flamingo that came to my aid.

Caudalie Divine Legs
I have had Caudalie Divine Legs for years and it has remained untouched. Another of those 'the beauty blogger made me do it' purchases I was alway petrified of it. For some reason I decided to take it on holiday despite it's un-travel-friendly glass bottle thinking that with some colour on my usually pasty pins I would be a little braver. I'm not very good with tanning products or even this style of tint and always worry about streaks and then seem to rub the product to such a degree it disappears from sight. The first time I used it I panicked and was not a fan but as I'd deemed it worthy of space in my luggage and I persevered and found I rather enjoyed the additional sheen and colour it added to my legs (and arms). I applied with a mitt to avoid messing with my hands and do find this darker than I thought although I was very pale before so it's one to be cautious with. Once again I liked it so much that I will take it to Ibiza to ensure I get maximum usage.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
The First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads received a glowing review in my holiday skincare post and for that reason they of course could not be omitted from this months favourites. Back from my holidays I had decided to use other products and save these to take away with me again being so travel friendly and my skin has not thanked me for it. They are currently being pulled from my half packed suitcase to rectify the situation.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluid*
I intended to publish a blog post on La Roche-Posay's Anthelios range during my holiday but unfortunately too many cocktails and lazy days on the beach allowed my schedule to go awry. I still intend to publish that post but in advance I thought I'd share the love in particular for the Ultra-Light Fluid. I actually arrived in Dubai armed with all manner of La Roche-Posays Anthelios skincare range which we all shared between us. As I've said my skin was in great condition and that might not have been the case had I been doing what many women do and using the SPF's for the body on their face or even worse forgoing it at all. It speaks highly of the Anthelios range that I didn't suffer any break outs from this light weight formula.

So that's this months favourites, hopefully you will find some of these useful for any forthcoming holidays you may have coming up. Spot anything you think you need?

Holiday Skincare Regime

When heading off on holiday as a beauty blogger trying to streamline ones skincare can be something of a challenge. Whilst I have evenings at home when I reach for nothing more than micellar water or, shock horror a face wipe (yes it happens) I'm not prepared to go armed with only those tools when I travel. I also find that on holiday often with a sumptious bathroom to enjoy I pay more attention to my skin than ever. It looks like it paid off the past week as the girls I holidayed with all commented on how good my skin looked during the time we were away.

Here's a peek into what made it into my made it to Dubai with me.

Garnier Skin Naturals Micellar Cleansing Water
We all know by now how much I love the Garnier Micellar Water and the cute travel size appeared in my recent holiday essentials haul. I like to use this as a first cleanse, particularly using it remove eye make up as I hate nothing more than seeing my mascara on a flannel. It was perfect to freshen up in the mornings, again particularly in the eye area, if I was rushing down to breakfast before going through my normal morning regime. I also took along the Garnier Micellar Wipes for particularly lazy days but as expected I used them more for freshening up rather than as part of a routine.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Cleanser
I used to use Philosophy's Purity Cleanser years ago after watching a QVC demo. Seeing it melt away make up impressed me way before I knew anything significant about skincare and it's benefits. I'd picked up this 90ml size from Sephora last year and it had been sitting waiting for the perfect travel opportunity, Dubai being it. I really enjoyed using this cleanser. All make up literally disappeared from my face when I used it. It's sold as an 'all in one' product and whilst I wouldn't use as just one step it certainly goes someway to tick all the boxes as skin was left hydrated after use with no dryness at all.

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash
The Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash was a freebie with a magazine a few months back and the ideal product for my morning cleanse. Unfortunately whilst the product itself was fautless I wasn't a fan of the scent. It was too musky for me and didn't make for a pleasant experience. The results, brightening and illuminating from moringa and rice bran oils were certainly evident and as such I will happily continue to use it up.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
Bloggers and YouTubers have raved about the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads for months and after picking these up last year I finally got around to using them on my holiday. And I loved them. Having used what I suspect was a long expired bottle of Pixi Glow Tonic my return to acid toning was welcomed. I felt the tingle and loved the tingle. I do like to use a product that I can 'feel' working. Finally I understood the raves about acid toning, a step I did 'because' rather than understood. I'll certainly be using this and repurchasing when the time comes.

Soveral Floral Rain Hydrating Facial Mist*
A handy size of Soveral's Floral Rain Hydrating Facial Mist sounded just the thing for my travels and the perfect second step in my toning stage. Unfortunately this was a product I didn't enjoy due to the scent. As it's name would suggest it was very floral - time to state the obvious clearly. Orange blossom and my dreaded red roses were not not for me. Scent aside as a hydrating mist this was pleasant and I'm currently trying to finish the final couple of squirts before reusing the bottle for my next trip in June!

StriVectin SD Eye Concentrate*
This should be named the eye cream that never ends. I feel like that I've been using this tube forever and had hoped that it would empty during my trip but alas it has returned home from me. StriVectin is a brand that looks quite clinical in its packaging and fits their claim of 'Bold science. No nonsense results. That’s smart beauty for smart women. That’s StriVectin'.

StriVectin SD Eye Concentrate is an award winning eye cream that targets under eye wrinkles and cross feet which I would state are my only real concerns as I have cross over to the wrong side of 30. I can simply say that despite my 'age' I think I'm tackling the eye area particularly well and I must give thanks to StriVectin for that.

ESPA Optimal Skin ProSerum
I probably would have actually forgone a serum whilst away if it had not been for this itty bitty sample size I'd received with my Tatler Magazine subscription. Even handier is I have the full size of this serum so will be able to fill up for my trip to Ibiza next month. This is a pricey serum, very much like an oil which I liked to use of an evening. Many natural ingredients encourage brightening and evening of skin tone, enhance elasticity, firm and protect against premature ageing all things I won't say no to. I stuck to apply this of an evening and happily woke with fresh skin.

L'Occitane Angelica Hydra Vital Cream
This was the second of two moisturisers I used on holiday, the other being The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Day Cream which will appear in my Holiday Empties post on Monday. The L'Occitane Angelica Hydra Vital Cream was my least favourite. It was a funny texture, more balm than cream and felt a bit strange to apply. Again as a disclaimer I must state this has possibly been hanging around longer than it should have. That said it was odd but not unpleasant just not the usual moisturiser I am used to.

As mentioned I'm heading off on another holiday in three weeks time so I'm looking forward to putting together another stash of skincare for that trip based on my loves and likes of this one.

What skincare do you pack for your holidays?

*PR Sample

US Skincare Haul

Philosophy Purity Cleanser link
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion link
Facial Radiance Pads link



I was quite well behave with skincare purchases whilst in the US back in September and only these three made it home with me. I have two baskets filled with products at home so decided to just pick up one or two things I'd like to try.

Philosophy Purity Cleanser was one of the first 'proper' cleansers I used back in the day. I can remember babysitting for my cousins and watching a QVC demonstration where it melted away red lipstick which I favoured even back then and immediately purchased. It has been forgotton for some time until I spotted the small travel size in Sephora's dangerous aisles at the check outs and it found it's way into my basket.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin was found somewhere in blogland/pinterest as a dupe for Philosophy's Hope in a Jar. I can't vouch for that claim at the moment as I have never tried Hope in a Jar although handily I found a pot in TK Maxx recently (post coming soon) so I should be able to do a comparison for you.

Finally are First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Pads which were doing the rounds of YouTube and the like recently. With my Pixi Glow Tonic nearer it's end I thought these handy pads would be a worthy addition to my skincare stash.

Have you tried any of these products or anything in particular you have an interest in?