Skincare Empties June 2015

I have ploughed through my skincare products lately and a random mascara thrown in for good measure. You know how these posts work so let's get to it. 

Soap & Glory Peaches & Clean Cleanser
Repackaged and renamed Peaches & Clean Cream Cleanser this is a product I enjoyed using. It was my regular morning cleanse and the pump bottle was perfect. I would definitely repurchase for it's peachy scent.

Sleek I'm Conditional Mascara*
Promoting strong, long and healthy lashes I'm Conditional formula aids growth. The thick double bristle brush gave some amazing length and I was disappointed that the mascara went off before I had a chance to use in its entirety.

L'Occitane Angelica Hydra Vital Cream
I took this pot to Dubai with me but really didn't enjoy using it. I did persevere but it's balmy texture was not enjoyable to use as a moisturising step and I found the scent too waxy.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo[+]
Another one of those products that is always cropping up in these posts. You can read the Effaclar Duo Review here or take my word for it that this is a must have for those who suffer from frequent blemishes or the odd one or two.

Proactiv Skincare Regime*
You can read my full review on the Proactiv Skincare Regime in this post. In short I was a fan of the regime although it's nothing something I would repurchase long term as 'at my age' I require a few more hardier products in my routine.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish
An oldie but a goodie. Whenever I travel I can always rely on Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish and this tube making it's way into empties shows it's had some love during recent trips. I will certainly repurchase for future trips.

Dr Organic Snail Gel Facial Serum*
Would you use 'snail gel' on your face? Well I did. A whole bottle of it and loved it. You can read my review of Dr Organics Snail Gel Facial Serum for a full rundown but let me tell you this is one of the nicest smelling serums I have used. 

Soveral Floral Rain Hydrating Face Mist*
If you have already read my Holiday Skin Regime you will know that I was not a fan of Soveral Hydrating Mist. It was quite simply 'too floral' for me. This would not be a scent I would've repurchased for myself but frangrance aside it was a nice product to use.

Prai 24k Gold Wrinkle Repair Souffle*
This product is definitely a case of packaging over product. Very attractive it may be but I was disappointed to see how little product was inside such a large tub. Furthermore despite it's 'innovative algae active' I didn't find this cream any better than other more affordable options. It's also heavily fragranced and felt like quite an 'old lady' product. On the other hand I don't think I necessarily look any more wrinkled since using it so it's not all bad.

What skincare products have you been finishing lately?

*PR Sample

Proactiv+ Introductory Core Kit Review

Proactiv+ Introductory Core Kit*

When I was offered the opportunity to try the Proactiv skincare range I said yes immediately. Like many I have seen the adverts and was intrigued. The older more wiser part of me knew that this was obviously a brand that uses a heavy celebrity presence for their marketing and it wouldn't actually make me look like Nicole Scherzinger, but it wouldn't hurt to try would it?

Of course I didn't end up looking like Nicole but I did enjoy using the products and as they will be appearing in my June Skincare Empties post later this week I thought it was time to post my review. As I began formulating my review my concern was there is a very mixed opinion of Proactiv on the web with the likes of Caroline Hirons refusing to feature on her blog and should I? Much is discussed about their business practices, namely that when you buy their Introductory Kit you are enrolled in a program that seems difficult to get out of. 

As I received my kit directly from Proactiv I am not tied to any contracts with them so I cannot speak about that service and I will trust that anyone who is keen to tie themselves up into any program will do the necessary research. Today I will talk about the products only and my thoughts on them. 

The Proactiv regime and introductory kit is a three step system and designed for oily, blemish prone skin. Essentially this a system designed for people, younger than me or certainly those with more skin concerns than I. I will say immediately that whilst I enjoyed the simplicity of this regime its certainly not enough for me nor the right ingredients I should be using on an ongoing basis for my skin concerns. I missed using a serum and I never thought I'd say that I missed the luxury of my multiple product regimes. I should also state that I did continue using an eye cream whilst following the three step system.

Step 1 is the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator* to 'cleanse and smooth' the skin. Containing exfoliating beads, glycolic and salicylic acid you will gain a 'deep cleanse'. Did this clean the skin yes. Do I think if you have serious skin concerns and wear a lot of make up this would be sufficient, probably not. But I think this would be great for the guys or minimal make up wearers. 

I was concerned about this daily exfoliation but must say my skin did look fresh and brighter nor were there any dryness which I experienced with the La Roche Posay Effaclar Cleanser in their three step regime. 

It's also interesting to note that the exfoliating bead contents did remind me of an ESPA cleanser I was using on holiday recently. 

Step 2 is the Pore Targeting Treatment which is a thick gel as opposed to what would traditionally be your toner step. Slightly stick on application but not unpleasantly so this is their 'powerhouse' product, I guess what I would liken to the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo. The formula or their 'Smart Target Technology' helps the salicylic acid to penetrate pores. 

Step 3 is the final step of your routine in the form of the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator. Again more salicylic acid appears in this product and it claims to leave skin smooth, supple, even-toned, bright and radiant. I fully expected to experience dryness after a day or two, or certainly a week or two of using these products but skin remained in good condition and I was pleased with the results. 

As discussed all products worked for me as advised. I didn't experience any new blemishes during use, nor did any new ones appear. Would I sign up for this regime? No but that is mainly due to my not being the target audience, nor someone with blemish prone skin. Can I see it's appeal for younger people, certainly and especially if you are suffering from the conditions discussed. 

Whilst I can't speak with authority on the terms of the enrolment program Proactiv offer I can see its benefits for ensuring products are delivered as required and you have a simple regime to follow. Can you find products on the high street containing the products mentioned? Yes but again if you're looking for ease and simplicity this may be the way forward. 

Of course this is a well marketed brand with buzz words and ingredients that they know will tackle the concerns for many a younger person but in my experience it did work and I can't argue that the products are true to their claims. 

Have you had any experience with Proactiv?

*PR Sample