Current Skincare Picks

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

It's taken me so long to actually write today's post that all three products I'm talking about today that they are almost ready for the empties pile, with one ready to be repurchased come payday.

Micellar Lotion's were a completely unknown product to me before they started being talked about across blogs. I never quite got into the Bioderma hype taking the view, that even with my sometimes lax skincare routine that I would either cleanse 'properly' or not at all. As time has moved on I have seen the value of a micellar water even if I still can't talk about them as the most exciting product in my routine. I use them to remove eye make up before going in with my cleansing balms, oils and/or creams as a little helping hand and to avoid smearing mascara across my flannel and therefore face.

I'm comfortable with a high street micellar water but I recently had the opportunity to try from from the french pharmacy brand, Embryolisse. I enjoy Embryolisse as a brand and have recently finished using the Lait-Creme Concentrate so I was keen to see whether a £15.99 Micellar Water could excite me more than others I've tried.

Whilst we're all becoming more knowledgeable and sophisticated about products we put on our skin I'm not fully convinced we're too worried about our micellar waters but I did notice a difference between Embryolisse Micellar Lotion and my more affordable options. Usually I would remove my eye make up and head straight into cleansing and applying my serums and moisturisers but during my 'testing phase' I would use to remove all my make up and try waiting around to see how my skin felt after using and it was certainly less drying and felt 'kinder' to my skin than cheaper brands I'd used.

If money were no object, my skin were more sensitive or I used micellar lotion in my routine as a more a cleanser then I would certainly repurchase Embryolisse Micellar Lotion but as I am simply using to remove eye make up or as part of a wider skincare regime I am happy to keep using the lower end products.

On a similar theme of budget versus high end products the time came for a new facial spritz or toner in my routine. I have always opted for Liz Earle Skin Tonic Spritz but again, it's a little more than I would like to spend on a product that feels more of a pampered step of my routine rather than providing significant help. I saw Mikhila feature the Botanics Organic Rosewater Toning Spritz and for between £5 and £8 depending on what offers Boots are running it was worth giving a try and I was so glad I did.

I was worried I would hate it's scent because I'm not a fan of 'rose' but this is anything but. The rose water smells to me spa like and I get a familiar feeling of luxury like I would from using Caudalie Beauty Elixir. I am currently eeking out the final couple of sprays before I repurchase. I've seen some criticism on the brand that the once affordable price point has been creeping up but I'm comfortable with their pricing and interested to explore more, perhaps next their cleansing balm - has anyone tried it?

Finally is a product I'm a big fan of and would never had known about but for a PR reaching out to me. I first tried the What Skin Needs Hydrating Facial Serum about a year ago and find its great for my skin when its suffering dryness from the elements - whether they are self inflicted hangovers or a change in temperatures.

This is a serum you're aware you're applying, its oil like in texture and will slowly sink into skin but it is just the trick to make my skin look plump and refreshed when I'm otherwise. At £12.99 it's got a great price point and I would imagine those with extremely dry skins, or dare I suggest as we start to look forward to the Autumn and Winter seasons this is a product worth having in your arsenal.

What skin products have you been using recently?

High Street Hot Cloth Cleansers

*this post contains affiliate links

Liz Earle's Hot Cloth Cleanser is one of those products that has a sense of nostalgia for me as being the first product I really acknowledge using as part of a 'proper' skincare regime. It wasn't the cheapest but it felt affordable and simple. Many share my feelings as it's one of the products, and indeed brands that it seems everyone, whether a skincare junkie or not has at least tried once and wh it is up there as a cult beauty product.

Of course make a revered product and the imitations will follow and Aldi has earned a reputation of late as being the Make Up Revolution of, well just about anything these days, including their Liz Earle 'inspired' Hot Cloth Cleanser.

As an Aldi fan and in addition with this blog I had to pick up a tube last year to try for myself and was amazed at how alike both products are. In fact at the time I said if you blinded tested me I wouldn't be able to differentiate between the two. Today's post though is not to speak of the Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser and it's comparison to Liz Earle but part empty and welcome to Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser.

As fellow Aldi shoppers will know you can't simply walking into store a pick up their hot cloth cleanser when the need arises as it's only available at various points throughout the years as a Special Buy and then you're part of the hoards fighting to pick up on release day and consider whether to stockpile. Whilst I do enjoy the Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser I'm trying to avoid stockpiling products and when you write a blog and there are many versions on the high street to try out and use as content then it's rather unnecessary to join the bunfight.

When the time came for a new hot cloth cleanser to enter my regime I decided to try out Superdrug's Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser. This is one that's both affordable and highly spoke of by many, not least Sali Hughes and Nadine Baggott so it was a worthy contender.

It's slightly more expensive than the Lacura's £3.99 cleanser at £4.99 but it's often available at either a reduced price or currently buy one get one half price (for the stockpilers!) and the biggest draw for myself that I can simply walk into a store and purchase rather than waiting for it's next release.

I use a hot cloth cleanser for either my morning regime or as a second cleanse of an evening and it performs as I would expect. In comparison to Lacura I prefer it's consistency. It feels thicker and creamier and there's a more luxurious aspect to it's use although I do like the Lacura scent for it's familiarity.

Both products perform in the same fashion, my skin feels clean, but not dry and when I use for make up removal all traces disappear. The main differences which will aid your choice are that Lacura has a strong scent and is slightly thinner in consistency to Superdrug's thicker with a more 'clean' scent.

Now if Liz Earle could re-release the Grapefruit & Patchouli hot cloth cleanser I'll be first in the queue to purchase.

Are you a hot cloth cleanser fan?

New In Beauty and Skincare - All Under £6

As I gathered together my recent beauty purchases I realised that they were for the most part under £6 which is rather fabulous - although of course when you add them all up it's not so budget friendly but we'll overlook that for now!

Continuing with my current obsession with Aldi I threw their Activ Roll On Deodorant into my basket on a recent shop having seen reviews where people spoke highly of it and for 59p I thought it was an experiment I could afford. Thus far I'm pretty impressed. Whilst I do love Sure Maximum Protection it isn't the cheapest of products and I'm sure half is lost gathering in the holes of the lid no matter how clean I try to keep it. Whilst I don't think Aldi's will replace regular use of Sure it'll mix things up and add to Sure's longevity.

Sticking with the Aldi products, those of you who are regular Aldi shoppers will be familiar with their Special Buys, products that are released on either a Thursday or Sunday 'until stocks last'. They do make reappearances and range from the sublime to the ridiculous and their beauty and skincare ranges often cause bulk buying and stock piling from fans.

I really didn't need to pick up Lacura Mineral Powder and Aldi really isn't helping my streamlining of my make up collection but I was swept up in the moment. Having enjoyed using my Bare Minerals Powder Foundation this summer I thought, with a trip to the hot and humid Orlando next month perhaps this could be another 'dupe' (is Aldi becoming the new Make Up Revolution I ask myself).

First impressions were the packaging isn't ideal for the product. The lid is too deep to allow the brush easily sweep up the product and so I found myself tipping powder into the lid and back into the 'sifter' side to apply. The brush is also dreadful. I had heard mentioned that it shed and as I applied I thought I was doing ok until I went for a closer look and found a near on beard appearing. I'm currently on the fence with whether to put away till next Summer or admit defeat and clear space in my make up collection.

I have been using the Caviar Night Cream from Aldi in between other products but I really don't enjoy it. Despite not being a fan of Lavendar I thought I'd give their new version a try and it's another thumbs up from. Likewise the eye cream whilst not a replacement for my favoured Kiehls Midnight Recovery Eye helps avoid using either too quickly and cause a dent in the bank balance when it's time to replace. The Aldi offerings are both priced at £3.99, the cost of which can easily be hidden in my weekly shop.

The mascara's were another product everyone was raving about in the forums so I again decided to get involved. I have tried a mascara from Aldi previously and wasn't too impressed but these both had different brushes, the fuller type I like and were screaming volume. For £2.49 again it was worth trying them out.

I have since tried both products and been most impressed on arriving to the office and proceeding with my usual check under the eyes in the lift to remove any transfer that there was none. This is unheard off.

I do find the brushes a little too big that I get a lot of product on my lids, more so with the XXL Extreme Version and yet on my lashes there isn't so much. It's nicely defined and really does lengthen them but at the weekend I applied to one eye and the other with my L'Oreal Lash Paradise and the latter was certainly more evident and volumised although if you don't like that heavy look then you may indeed prefer Aldi's offering.

I don't think I'd necessarily look to replace either of these or 'bulk buy' as many seem to do when they are re-released but they were both worth trying and are serving me well currently.

Finally I was holding off hitting publish on today's post as I waited to have sampled The Ordinary skincare items; as weeks have passed and I've still yet to dabble yet am loving the foundation I thought I'd hope that publishing my post would finally give me the kick I need to add them to my skincare regime.

 

Starting with The Ordinary Coverage Foundation which I am loving and it's my go to foundation of choice at present.  I wouldn't say it's the fullest coverage foundation I own but it balances the bridge between natural and full nicely for me. I do find that it suits me better when my skin is on the oiler side, if not gets better throughout the day as my natural oils escape so I'd be conscious if my skin type was the end of either.

 

The packaging is fantastic and for its size and how frequently I'm using I expected it to be one of those products you think is a great price until you're replacing so frequently you should've invested in more expensive products but it's still going strong.

 

The Retinol and Vitamin C products I picked up completely consumed by the blog coverage until panic set in about how to use, ensuring SPF is worn and being wary of the side effects of retinol usage but I think I've done sufficient research to start adding them to my routine.

 

What products have you been buying recently?

 

New In Beauty | October 2017

As I mentioned in Monday’s post whilst things have been quiet on these pages I have been behind the scenes putting some new and old products through their paces and two old favourites are Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser in Aloe Sooth* and The Breath Co Toothpaste. 

The former is the perfect for lazy girls like me those in a hurry who don’t enjoy the laborious process of applying body lotion but still want to feel the effects of using one. I can leap from the shower, running late for me train and still find time to literally ‘spray & go’. Whilst I can forgive a sticky body lotion if I have time on my hands or indeed am simply climbing into bed, when I’m pulling on a pair of tights I do not want a battle on my hands so I’m grateful that Vaseline Aloe Fresh is not sticky at all and does dry quickly without making skin feel drying. Again often spray bottles struggle when manipulated, or just simply upside down but again, I have no battles on my hands and whenever I use this bottle I question why I bother with anything else. 
Recently I decided it was wholly unnecessary to have numerous small tubes of toothpaste sitting in my travel sized stash so decided to use those I had up (leaving one to be used and replaced as needed). I wish I could not appear so sad to ‘miss’ a toothpaste but I did notice the absence of The Breath Co. Toothpaste which I have used and repurchased many times since I was first introduced to it. £9 is ridiculously extortionate and I always look out for it when it is on offer and at a reduced price because love can only go so far. 
I’m a big fan of citrus scents but sadly in the form of Aqua Citra Perfume* it wasn’t for me. This is not through fault of the perfume itself, I’m neither a fan of Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin as I prefer something a little more woody, musky and even manly. If you are fan of this type of scent then I’m sure will like this as did a friend who was able to benefit from my passing over this fragrance which has enjoyed wearing and smells delightful on her. 


As I’ve said when I’ve previously mentioned this is the least ‘toothpaste-y’ toothpaste I’ve used and not one that offends the taste of the first drink you have post brushing yet as a smoker I find it tackles all the things it needs to for my filthy habits. 

Superdrug Natural Radiant Glycolic Toner* has caused something of stir recently as it's been hailed as yet debated as impossible to be a dupe of the blogger favourite Pixi Glow Tonic. Obviously the biggest draw is the more affordable price tag (currently only £2.95 at Superdrug) but is it any good? 

I will not claim to be a skincare guru but thanks to my experiences with testing various products for my blog I do have some amateur knowledge and have found that glycolic acid is a saviour for me, especially as someone that can be slack with their skincare regime, particularly at times when I should be more diligent. 

Simply put glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliator that can be used on a daily basis depending on your skins tolerances and needs and will help any dullness to the skin for a more radiant appearance. I have dehydrated skin and throw in a hangover or two and my skin can become almost snakelike but the morning or even a day or two later a sweep of glycolic acid can start to repair the damage I have caused.

I find that 'at my age' and due to my skins tolerance I can and do prefer more hardy glycolics but that is not any way a critism for Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Toner which is a comfortable dose for daily use and still performs to a high standard. In fact, before I layer on serums and moisturisers using the glycolic toner immediately shows a positive change in my skin - and I'm all about immediate gratification. 

If you're new to glycolic toners and chemical exfoliation then this is a great way to test the waters for only a few pound. 

It was only yesterday a friend at work and I were commenting how we will push our beauty treatments to the extreme; hair should be cut in six weeks, oh I'll give it eight. Such was the case recently when my balagye was taking on a brassier colour and dry as a bone and I was debating on which hairdresser to visit. Luckily I received Lee Stafford Coco Loco Hair Oil* to help me push my hair to its limit.

Despite my balayge making my hair dryer I am still somewhat reluctant with oil so I ensure to concentrate on on the ends. Coco Loco Hair Oil is fabulous both for its size, scent and pump applicator. It isn't messy and I don't find myself wiping my hands after I've run it through my hair.

The old greasy haired brunette I once was still worries about using an oil in my hair but the difference it made to the appearance, sleek and shiny and almost like I just stepped out of a salon. Having since had my dye job refreshed I reach for the oil sporadically when I feel like things need an extra hand although I find the oil lighter enough I could reach for it ever day and not overload my hair. 

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

MONTHLY BEAUTY FAVOURITES | September 2017

It feels longer than the couple of months its been since I last hit publish on a blog post and despite the impromptu break I have still been photographing and testing products 'behind the scenes' so I have plenty to hit publish on over the coming weeks. A good place to start is always by sharing my recent favourites and the first is a welcome return to reading. 

During my redundancy period reading certainly fell to the wayside without a regular commute and any journeys I did make were typically spent on my phone scrolling through social media or indeed preparing for job interviews. As the commute is now once again part of my daily routine books are making a reappearance although it's been a slow start with a couple of books that I just couldn't find myself reaching for until I picked up Beauty by Louise Mensch who you may know as Louise Bagshawe. The story of Dina Kane and her rise to power, dragging herself up from poverty and battling old adversaries. This is simply chick lit with a darker edge, enough to keep me interested rather than a basic boy meets girl tale and the story of Dina making her way in the beauty industry was enjoyable and I was keen to keep turning the pages despite knowing how it was likely to end. As a read to remind me of the enjoyment reading brings me this was it and my only criticism was the somewhat eye rolling description of Dina being such beauty and therefore allowing her such success or opportunity which added less weight to the additional struggle and hard work she was shown as putting in to build her success. 

Along with reading I've slipped back into old skincare habits but a few gems from Aldi are helping me get back on track and the Lacura Caviar 3 Minute Mask is one that also works to combat my excuse of not having enough time. I don't particularly enjoy the process of face masks despite acknowledging the benefits. Clay masks are great for congested skin but so messy and sheet masks similarly so whilst requiring a stance to ensure the mask doesn't slip and so on the excuses continues. The Caviar range from Aldi has already made waves over the years for it's comparisons to the uber expensive and luxurious La Prairie range and whilst I can fully understand the realities of skincare product duping is not really possible in the same way make up can be I do find that I can get on very well with some budget alternatives. For £6.99 the Lacura Caviar 3 Minute Mask is formulated to remove dead skin cells with caviar extract to moisturise your skin. If I've been slack with my regime, perhaps from one too many late nights a quick boost from the mask does the trick and even if your skin is tip top then using this before nights out and applying layers of make up ensures that you're looking your best.

I was very excited to receive a bottle of Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Foundation* although you would think that for my years of blogging and the beauty products that have passed through my hands I would be less prone to making assumptions or judgements about products before I have so much as swatched on my hand, let alone tried on my skin. I presumed that this foundation would be heavy but it is anything but. As it's blurb will tell you on the website it is a 'youth promoting skincare and foundation in one' and Joan Collins is known for looking fabulous as a mature woman so clearly paid great attention to working on a foundation that fellow older ladies would enjoy. 

Containing hyaluronic acid to moisturise your skin and ensure that it aids the base in which you're applying the foundation I found the finish quite flawless and radiant as it suggests. I would refer to this as a medium coverage foundation but you could easily build it up should you require although I prefer the coverage it provides as often the heavier coverage I reach for the more suffocated my skin feels and makes my fine lines more evident. It is very similar in formula to Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Foundation.  

I must also give top marks to the Joan Collins Timeless Beauty website for assisting with the shade of foundation you will need. I was able to pick, nervously, the shade I thought would suit for me based on their recommendations and it was perfect for me. They give guidance on your undertones and the like rather than simple listing shade numbers or names - we all know how those shade names can vary brand to brand.

To prep my skin for the aforementioned foundation I have been loving GOSH Primer Plus+ Skin Adaptor* which is sold as a primer which will enhance any skin tone. Before I continue I did see this in action an event with GOSH and some of the women of colour commented that it was a little ashy so that's something to bear in mind although for my pink undertoned skin I have been able to work well with it. It's quite different to other primers I've used as it doesn't have that silicone feel to it when applied, nor does it feel fluid and hydrating as it's quite a dry formula. That said on the days when I lean towards oilier skin but it does even my skintone out and create a smoother appearing canvas for me to layer make up on. 

Finally has been to remove that wonderful foundation I've been using Elemis Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil. I had this travel sized bottle in my ready to go bag of travel minis but as I continue to work through my stash I decided to dig this out and try out and very pleased I have. It's a beautifully smelling thick cleansing oil which melts away make up without leaving my skin crying out for moisture. I don't wear particularly heavy make up and will remove the bulk of any eye make up with a micellar water before I use the cleansing oil as my first cleanse but I find there is no leftover dirt and it is all removed with this first cleanse. I've mentioned how I can be lax with my skincare regime but using this product gives me an extra incentive to head to the bathroom sink and kick things off.

What products have you been enjoying recently?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Products I Used Up | June 2017

No, it's not a typo these are last months empties and very soon you'll have this months and a flurry of empties posts since I found a whole bag filled with my 'beauty trash' of products I've yet photographed and shared with you. If in any doubt my mission to work through the products I have before repurchasing is going well.

First we step into the bathroom and finally I have finished my Champney's Citrus Blush Shower Mousse*. I say finally only because I feel like I have been using this product, admittedly off and on, for years! This is a product I would repurchase and it's perfect for this time of year and unlike any product I've used before. If you're bored of the usual gels, then I'd say give this a try for a more luxurious shower companion. 

When I first started using wash products for 'the intimate area' I thought it would be too much bother swapping between that and a regular shower gel but it's become something I don't even realise I'm doing now. Soft & Gentle Daily Wash* is less intrusive than the more well known offering Femfresh in large part because it's less 'obvious' in the bathroom. If you're a little shy about these matters then this is the product to use. I would repurchase, although it was Femfresh I did this month only because it was on offer and cheaper.

Another month, another stick of Sure Maximum Protection and this month a small mini that I have been carrying around in my handbag to ensure that I'm not 'that commuter' on the London Underground. I think we know the answer is a resounding yes to repurchasing.

As I had a spring clean of my bathroom I was amazed how much shampoo and conditioner I had in half used states so it's been my mission to ensure that they make there way to these posts. Last month it was TIGI S Factor that I finally said goodbye to. You can read my original review of the range to find out more but the only reason I wouldn't repurchase is the packaging - no one wants to fight with a shampoo morning when they just get out of bed.

I've moved onto salt sprays in recent weeks but prior to that I was using Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Texture Spray*. This is more subtle than a salt spray but still adds some texture and better suited to cooler weather if hair is already a little dry and brittle. You can read my review of the Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion range here. 

I've found that since returning to work I'm more active in applying hand cream once again and one I have used is Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate. This style of tube is one of my favorites as it's both small without lacking on product. I loved the scent of this as it was sweet and perfect for the Summer without being overpowering. 

The first three products that I used up last month you will note from my St Lucia Skincare regime and they are favourites. Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic is a long term favourite and I absolutely love it in the spritzer version. Again I'm trying to use the toners that still sit in my stash but I will certainly repurchase again in the future. Liz Earle Eyebright I'm not so sure about repurchasing. I do love it, it's fantastic when eyes are particularly suffering due to hayfever but it's a product I forget to reach for or think about it so it goes a little unloved. I think I'll see whether it's missed.

A product that is missed is the B. Effective Stubborn Make Up Remover*. I thought this was just a nice product and happily returned to the Garnier Micellar Water once it was used up but I'm not enjoying it so much and missing the former.  The B. Make Up Remover is a bi-phase solution and I find it gentler on my eyes which is what I use micellar waters and the like for. I'll definitely be repurchasing this again in the future.

Ren Glycolactic Mask I have little to say about unfortunately as I think it sat on my shelf too long and when I have attempted to use it the smell is a little off so into the bin it goes. Let me know if you've used before and whether it's something I need to seek out in the future.

Janjira Illuminating Day Cream* is a product from the stash sitting half used that needed to be used up. The packing for this product is sleek and lux and I like the pump dispenser to avoid product finding it's way under my nails. It's a nice light moisturiser to use in the warmer months when my skin is oiler and sits at a mid range price point of £24 I would think about repurchasing if there wasn't so many other offerings on the high street that I'm keen to try. Or more importantly a basket filled with moisturisers I need to use up first.

Finally is Perricone Md Blue Plasma Cleansing Treatment which I used as a second cleanse. This was an interesting product to use as my second cleanse as it's not one you use to wash off and it's somewhere between a liquid and gel that is nice to apply but I think I prefer my wash products and certainly those which aren't so expensive.

I was gutted when my travel sized Mac Fix+ came to an end and I had hoped to refill from my larger bottle but the cap has beaten me. For now I've got a couple of other fixing sprays I'd like to use first but I will be repurchasing soon as I love having this in my handbag to freshen up make up if I'm heading out after work.

As part of my declutter process I'm trying to be more diligent at discarding mascaras when they have been in use for some months and it's been a success. I don't wish to tempt fate but I've not had what was a sporadic but frequent eye infection since I've been adopting this tactic. Last months mascara empties were two from Chanel, the Le Volume Mascara and the L'Oreal Superstar. Interestingly I had the smaller travel sizes of the Chanel Le Volume and loved it but once I'd purchased full size I was less impressed and actually found it disappointing and with fall out. The L'Oreal Superstar Mascara I enjoyed and would repurchase but mindful of it's something of a faff applying the primer first and it's quite large and bulky packaging for a mascara.

Wet n Wild Illumi-Naughty Highlighting and Concealing Pen is a great concealer perfect for the better days when you've had a good nights sleep, or at least want to fake having had one. It's not a must have in that I would seek it out from a UK seller but if I come across it when I'm in the US later this year I'm sure I'll throw one into my basket.

Finally a perfume that I enjoyed but didn't love, YSL Black Opium. It's a strong heady scent with a slight sweetness so it's perfect for Summer evenings.

What products have you been using up recently?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Monthly Beauty Favourites | June & July 2017

It's extremely cliched at the end of each month to exclaim 'where did this month go' but really, where did July go? It was only as I was sitting last weekend thinking I really must sit down and hit publish on my June favourites when I realised that people were sharing their July favourites so in blogging terms I was definitely behind.

It then occurred to me that the month had moved so quickly that I hadn't even made my usual notes for the coming month of items that would appear the following month and it was still many of these being staples in my everyday routines.

Enough with the excuses and let's have a look at what products have made an impression of late, starting with Imperial Leather Banana Bath Cream. Yes Imperial Leather heard 'my' pleas and brought out the accompanying bath cream for my much loved shower gel. This makes a nice break from either the muskier or zesty scents I often find in my bath room and pairs wonderfully with the Coconut Shower Gel from Aldi if I want to have a little cocktail in the bathroom.

A frustrating hit in recent weeks has been the Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser, frustrating as it was only available for a limited time and I didn't have the foresight to stock up. I do hear it's back in November so take note if you're looking for an affordable Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish dupe. As I shared when I first tried out this cleanser it's indistinguishable to it's higher end counterpart. I enjoy a creamy cleanser for days when I'm disinterested or too tired in double cleansing and the like and I find them especially nice for a morning cleanse of a weekend when I'm preferring to go make up free.

I wasn't too keen on Urban Beauty United Brush* No 22 (the brand has had a redesign since so products are numbered differently) for make up application and then one evening when I wanted to apply a clay mask I reached for it rather than using my fingers - especially with stiletto nails - and found I much preferred the application method. Using the brush to apply face masks has seen me using less than I need and distribute far evenly. How do you apply your face masks?

Finishing the skincare favourites is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Face Mist*, a new release in the Anthelios line. SPF is really key to your skincare regime but I must confess outside of my holidays I tend to rely on the SPF in my skincare and make up items than applying a separate cream but the new Anthelios Face Mist has changed that. I apply a layer after my moisturiser and only particularly sunny days over make up whilst it's handy size makes it perfect to throw in your handbag for touch ups throughout the day.

Whilst I wouldn't rely on this in sunnier climes for days when I only see the light of day during my commute to work I find it works perfectly. I was skeptical at it's mist name but it really does apply as such and has a nice scent which makes it a pleasure to use and again, how it would sit on top of make up was of concern but it doesn't interfere at all. It's a product I will definitely repurchase and use, even for my trip to Florida later in the year, this will be ideal throughout the day to add more coverage.

Before I would even call myself a 'beauty blogger' I shared my purchase of the Bare Minerals Foundation and it's one I've repurchased often although not used so much in recent years. Again please don't judge me for how old these foundations might be but I recently rediscovered it as I was working my way through decluttering my make up collection and have been using it regularly as skin has been oiler due to the (occasional!) warmer days.

Whilst the Bare Minerals Original Foundation as a loose powder isn't ideal for travelling at home I find it quick and easy to use, and it's allowed me to play with some cream products and change up the way I do my make up which has been fun. Such is my enjoyment of late I have already used up one pot and have started on a second I had in my stash.

When I'm in a hurry in the morning, or just feeling generally lazy about my make up and want to apply and go it's the GOSH Contour'n Strobe Kit* in Light I've reached for. As I shared in my earlier review this palette pairs perfectly with a red lip, another of my lazy day saviours.

When I first received the Nip+Fab Make Up Mascara* I compared it to the YSL and it's certainly proved as much as since I have been using it has dried up in exactly the same way as that would - luckily this is a much cheaper product for repurchasing and it's finish would see me do so without worrying that it does dry out and clump very quickly.

I'm not sure if my final beauty favourite is strictly 'allowed' as I have only used once but I loved it so much I felt it only right to share. Mac Fly By Twilight foiled eyeshadow was part of the Faerie Whispers collection I picked up over a year ago and a few weekends ago as I got ready for a party was the first time I'd used it since buying it.

I tend to pick bronze and browns for my eye make up but I liked the change with some silver and this eyeshadow applied wonderfully. A spray of fix plus gave more pigment and sparkle but it was thick enough to not cause a bad finish on 'older eyelids'. It's definitely one I'll bringing out for party time in the future.

I'm going to end my favourites with something a little different and the website Foxella. It was mere days before I started my new job i saw a Tweet from Jane at BBB tagging Foxella, had a nosey as one does and then fell into a black hole of celebrity gossip and 'blind items'. In short Foxella is a celebrity gossip site that shares gossip about celebrities indirectly but adds the suggested celebrity the gossip refers to in it's post. As I can't bear to add views to the Daily Mail, even for their sidebar of shame, Foxella has filled that void so I can be sure to Keep Up With Khardashians and other such celebrities from the Z to A list. I follow them on Twitter and find it's the simplest way for me to keep 'informed' and will tell anyone who is a fan of such salacious gossip that this is the site to follow. Often I will print screen particularly 'interesting' gossip and sharing with friends creating shock, conversation or denial as we see fit. Predominantly it is American celebrities that feature and some I am not familiar with and will skip over but you find the odd British celebrity featured such as the Beckhams and One Direction members. One such hungover day I actually scrolled through the entries since I'd discovered Foxella and read every one - it was the perfect day. Judge me accordingly but I dare you to dip into the site and not become like me anticipating the next tidbit that appears in your Twitter feed. 

What have you been loving this month, or indeed the past two months?

*this post contains press sample and affiliate links

New In Skincare | June 2017

Call me a bad beauty blogger but despite my new found love for ALDI and recently discovering their eye cream I had not heard the hype around Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser which is being touted as a Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish dupe.

Luckily on my recent weekly shop I saw it on the shelves and for £3.99 it was mine; so first up it's significantly cheaper than Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish and I already consider that to be not too badly priced compared to other brands.

You'll find the packaging and many other similarities to Liz Earle from the colour palette to it's inclusion of a muslin cloth. Designed for 'all skin types' the Lacura Hot Cleanser states it 'gently cleanses and exfoliates to leave skin feeling soft and smooth' and with ingredients almost identical is 'skincare with cocoa butter and eucalyptus oil and extracts of chamomile, rosemary and white tea'.

I have to say I'd be hard pushed to identify which is which in a blind test and I'm thinking if there are any more left when I do my next food shop I need to stock up.

Other products I've been adding to my skincare regime in recent months include other high street offerings; B. Lifted Contouring Cream* and Optimum PhytoFreeze Ice Wine Eye Cream* both available from Superdrug.

I'm somewhat bemused by the name of the B. Lifted Contouring Cream*, contouring is so heavily focused on make up it was strange to see it as the name of a skincare product but it's premise is that it is 'like a yoga work out for your skin' as it delivers an instant tightening effect.

I can't say whether it's my contouring cream or dabbles with contouring of the cosmetic kind but I do feel like my face is perhaps looking 'slimmer' but that could be placebo in effect but I'm not finding any more lines on my face and don't find those I do have are any more evident.

Word of warning that is a strong scent I find from B. Lifted Contouring Cream* that may irritate or offend some. There is no smell from Optimum PhytoFreeze Ice Wine Eye Cream* and anything that helps to tighten the fine lines around my eyes I'm a fan of which is thanks to an ingredient called Vin-upLift based on premium Swiss Ice Wine produced from naturally frozen ripe grapes - so am I taking my love of wine too far?

There is a familiar metal applicator, the type I'm generally not a fan of and whilst for me I don't believe it allows for easy distribution and application of the product it has a lovely cooling effect to wake me up in the morning and soothe hayfever eyes.

Interestingly I've actually forgot to apply concealer under my eyes on one or two occasions this week and I don't feel like I've missed it. Of course the dark circles do peek through but they're certainly not as bad as they have been and this is from someone only a month back into work and having to wake to an alarm.

I could list all the various ingredients and what they do but it's somewhat unnecessary as I can simply tell you that using this cream has certainly perked up my eye area, again I'm not suggesting my fine lines have disappeared but they are certainly less noticeable and I find that it's very hydrating even after a day sitting at a computer.

As the Summer makes it's appearance you will have seen my dabbles with fake tan but I have always steered away from facial tanning until Solait Gradual Facial Tan* arrived at my door. I have tried this on a couple of occasions and it definitely adds colour to the face and gives the 'sunkissed' appearance come morning but it's not something I'm a big fan of.

I found this really drying and of an evening I'm more interesting in applying my various oils and serums as part of my nightly regime than waking up with a tanned face. As it contains glycerin I thought I'd try using in the mornings by way of a primer and allowing the colour to come through during the day and it didn't work too badly but it's just not a step I'm interested in. As I say with applying so many other products I'm removing every bit I apply so it's a little bit of pointless exercise but it's worth having in my stash if I'm in desperate need of some colour in my face.

What skincare products have you found on the high street recently?

*post contains press samples and affiliate links

Blemish Busting

You may remember last year there was much hype in the beauty community when NikkieTutorials hailed Nivea Post Shave Balm as an amazing budget make up primer. There followed many rave reviews for this product, typically found in men's bathrooms, which was somewhat baffling as it's price was simply comparative to other high street primers but us beauty bloggers do love a bandwagon.

When I stumbled across a bottle in my friends bathroom I asked if I could pinch it and test out 'for the blog' and put to the test this week. If you saw my Instagram post you will know I found it quite underwhelming and worse, it broke me out, which as someone who can usually throw most things at my skin and not experience any adverse effects the Nivea Post Shave Balm received a thumbs down from me.

Today's post is to share how I managed to tackle and get rid of my outbreak in a matter of days but a few additional comments on the Nivea Post Shave Balm as a primer. If you do not like scented products, especially those of a masculine ilk then you will not like this. I actually like the scent and found it dissipated very quickly although I know others comment it lasts longer than they would like.

I found it made my skin shiny and not in a 'healthy and dewy' manner. I could argue that the time of year was not great to put to the test but interestingly other testers say how much it would dry their skins out, something I wish I'd experienced as it certainly did not create any mattifyed effect on my skin. And oh my, my pores were never so clear for all to see. I even tried with my Lottie London Pore Eraser to see if that worked but I just found it pilled on the skin. And how did my make up fair on top of the Nivea Post Shave Balm? I've never seen my foundation separate to such a degree and so quickly as when I had used this. If it needs saying, this product is a no from me.

Moving onto the side effects and break outs that appeared. As I was currently in the midst of using a regular skincare regime and make up products, with the exception of my primer I could only place the blame at Nivea's door.

Thankfully two products that had been added to my regime were Good Things Stay Clear Purifying Cleanser*, ironically a product I only reviewed last week saying break outs were not something I had to worry about. Thankfully having this in my regime to cleanse my skin in the morning and evening allowed my skin to be treated gently when I was conscious of stripping back products and not overloading an already aggravated area. The second was La Roche Posay Serozinc*, another cult product but in this instance one that I can understand. Serozinc is part of the Effaclar which is designed to target oily, blemish prone skin which I needed to tackle. It's also a wonderful toner for oily skins, even those that are marginally so during the Summer and it works far better to mattify the skin.

Finally was Dermalogica Charcoal Masque* a product that was in the forefront of my mind as I am making it my mission to apply face masks more often, if only due to the ridiculous collection I have at my disposal.

Dermalogica Charcoal Masque, as with all masks of this nature, is to draw our excess oil and impurities and calm redness, all things my skin was in need of after experiencing the 'beauty blogger side effects' of testing out new products. Charcoal and clay masks can be found very cheaply and the Dermalogica offering is certainly not budget friendly but compared to other masks of it's nature it is a little more sophisticated and is one of the least messy masks of it's type I've used.

I'm pleased to say having these products in my routine during this break out changed my skins appearance in 24 hours and in 48 hours there was little evidence of any trouble.

What do you use when you have an unexpected break out?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Products I Used Up | April 2017

I have a mixed bag of empties from last month to share with you, including many that were a number of products all waiting to have their final dregs used up and had been hanging round longer than necessary. The first such products were the PRO:VOKE Liquid Blonde Colour Care Shampoo and Conditioner* which prevent any colour build up from those of us who like a little helping hand to have our hair looking sun kissed.

I hadn't reached for this duo for some time as I'd been testing other products but having left some time between appointments with my colourist as I waited for the start of my new job I was keen to ensure the blonde tones that were growing out were still looked after. I still have other products from the PRO:VOKE brand sitting in my bathroom but I will happily repurchase any of them when the time comes.

Radox has received so many mentions throughout the years on Florence and Mary, most often in these types of posts. Whether it's shower gel or bubble baths you will quite often find a bottle sitting in my bathroom in one for or another. My favourite is the 'For Men' (why?) Muscle Therapy Bath Soak, which despite my eye roll at it's name, I do indeed love for it's 'manly scent' a mix of peppercorns and ginseng. I feel that it holds it's own for filling my bathroom with any of it's high end competitors and for just £1 I will happily repurchase for many more years to come. That said stay tuned as I'm testing one or two other brands at bath time I'll be sharing with you in coming posts.

Another favourite is Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Hand Cream* which smells amazing and I can guarantee whenever I apply someone in close proximity will comment and ask 'what the lovely smell is'. This is a hand cream I will definitely repurchase, in fact I'd purchase any of the products from the Fleur de Figuier quite happily. This handy size is perfect for throwing in my handbag and adds another layer of fragrance if you're missing your perfume.

I decided to pack Champneys Heavenly Days Sleep Pillow Mist* for my holiday to St Lucia and on my return carried the habit of spritzing my pillows before bed until the bottle made it's way into my empties bag. More costly than the Ragdale Hall Pillow Spray I have repurchased many times I expected to continue as I was. In fact I've found that the Champney's Pillow Mist is perhaps worth the higher price tag as I've found myself missing it and the Ragdale Hall offering a little too overpowering and synthetic for my liking. It's currently buy one, get one half price so it seems like a good time to make the investment.

Moving onto skincare and the vials of KYPRIS' serums and oils I was sent to review back in February. As I said in my initial review depending on your needs and more importantly if you have the budget the various offerings were a pleasure to use. My favourite was the pictured Moonlight Catalyst and I found it complimented my skin.

The next two products, Sarah Chapman Skinesis Intense Hydrating Booster and Bobbi Brown Hydrating Gel Cream were as you can see only samples so I have no lengthy time period with which they were tested for review but I both found them enjoyable to use. Sarah Chapman is a brand I'm keen to explore more and I used the Hydration Booster during my flight to St Lucia and I'm happy that I look far more refreshed than I felt and that my skin benefited from it's use. Bobbi Brown is better known for her make up than skincare but I found this Gel Cream sample in my stash and decided to use post my holiday to ensure I didn't suffer from skin drying out as my tan faded. It's certainly lightweight on the skin and make up, as I would expect, sat nicely on top but I don't feel a need to buy full size, nor able to say don't because I only received a couple of uses from the small size.

Interestingly as I went back to some earlier posts featuring Radox and labelled them appropriately I saw that the YesTo Cucumber Facial Wipes* featured way back in 2014 and as I said then they were a perfect flight accompaniment which was indeed their purpose in 2017. Whilst I didn't wear any make up on my outbound flight by the time I was ready settle down for my a film and post-lunch snooze I wanted to freshen up and the YesTo wipes were perfect for that, and saved the day when my friend, jealous of my in-flight pamper routine was disappointed she had worn make up and I was able to say 'I have just the thing'. I know wipes aren't the best thing for our skin but they are 'allowed' on flights and whilst I wouldn't rely on them as part of my cleansing regime I will certainly ensure a stash is available for when needed in a pinch or on my next flight.

Two very sad additions to the empties bag were a vial of my Chanel Coco Mademoiselle perfume and L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, both having holy grail status. Spoiler alert the final vial from my Chanel travel set will also be making it's way into my empties next month and I will be using as an incentive to use up many of the other perfumes in my collection. Coco Mademoiselle was always my favourite perfume, and I'm sure it's one I'll continue to repurchase although I like to change with my moods these days rather than adopting the 'signature scent' approach. And on the note of Chanel, you'll see Suddenly, Lidl's interpretation of the scent which I don't think is too bad. Of course for about £4 you cannot expect much but I used to have it sitting on my desk at work to touch up perfume when I felt I needed a refresh for the journey home but rather not waste the 'real thing'. On the note of the Lidl scents I picked up the Chanel No 5 dupe for my mum recently as I was more impressed with that. I actually sprayed in the store on entering, carried on with my shopping and kept getting a whiff of 'my mum' that I had to buy for her to try.

Back to my favourite foundation, which despite a back up in situ and numerous other foundations to pick from I am still squeezing every last drop out of this tube. I wear the US version and find the coverage flawless and one that will last well for me throughout the day, even tested yesterday for my first day back to work.

Another old office favourite was the Maybelline Lips in Cherry. Purchased as it compliments my often worn red lips whilst allowing added moisture. This has been repurchased and is waiting for the appropriate moment to be added to my new office stash.

Final word goes to the pricey but fabulous By Terry Terrybly Growth Booster Mascara* which became a regular after it accompanied me to Center Parcs. The brush is big, thick and coats lashes that boosts volume that as I type this I want to hit buy now as I realise I'm missing it.

What products have you used up this month you wish you hadn't?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

New In | May 2017

Without sound cliched one of the great things about blogging is not so much the 'free stuff' (because nothing is ever 'free') but the introduction to brands that you may not have been aware of or discovered otherwise. This month one such product was YOPE Verbana Natural Liquid Soap*.

I hate the dry feeling after washing hands and I'm always reaching for my hand cream to relieve that feeling so a liquid hand soap isn't something that would typically excite me despite a bottle of 'something' always sitting by the kitchen and bathroom sinks but YOPE has impressed me.

Firstly I love the scent of Verbena, a citrus that makes it perfect for me to freshen hands after the task I hate most, washing up although it was how my hands feel after using. In fact after the first time I used it I was waylaid by my laptop before sitting on sofa where I would usually reach for my hand cream and as I was typing away I suddenly realised that I had indeed not felt the urgent need to rehydrate my hands.

Housed in a hefty 500ml pump bottle with cute imagery you'll find 90% of the ingredients are natural, free from parabens, silicones but does include Vitamin B5 and allantoin which will soothe irritation and makes it great for sensitive skins, or indeed those who find they're washing there hands often.

UK reality starts are giving Kylie Jenner a run for their money with the release of make up products, one of those being Chloe Ferry of Geordie Shore range. In addition to sunglasses and eyelashes is a range of Matte Lip Glosses and I was recently able to sample the By Chloe Ferry Matte Lip Gloss* in shade Rose. When I hear gloss I think of something sticky and what I would shy away from and I would argue this is more akin to a liquid lipstick but it doesn't feel as drying and far more comfortable to wear. The shade Rose is great and perfect for Summer. For me it's a little to on the bright and almost neon side for regular wear, I wish I was returning to Ibiza in the Summer as I could see this being a staple and it'll certainly make an appearance over weekends but not quite suitable for the office. I'm quite keen to hit purchase on the shade Rouge, you know I love my red lip products and having recently decided the Sephora Lip Creams are not something I can wear this would be a great alternative.

Last month a new skincare brand hit QVC, The Hero Project* and I was sent a couple of testers from them to try out, one in particular The Hero Project Glow Drops* I am loving and interestingly it was the product I was less keen to try, the other being The Hero Project Hyasoft Instant Moisture Boost*.

Starting with the Glow Drops which is your typical facial oil to brighten your complexion thanks to Vitamin C but I wasn't excited enough to swap it out for the current products in my rotation but it was their recommendation to apply before make up that made me take the plunge and since then there has been no going back. I applied on my skin after moisturising and was impressed with how my skin literally 'glowed' but not in that usual way other oils can. I was interested to see how my foundation would apply and sit on top of the Glow Drops and it complimented my favoured L'Oreal Infallible Matte Foundation wonderfully and if you're smarting the L'Oreal Pro-Glow Foundation has not yet reached the UK shores this is a great way to create for yourself. If you have dry or mature skin this is a great way to regain that glow and it's priced at £20 which makes it one of the most affordable products of it's time.

As I alluded to The Hero Project Hyasoft Instant Moisure Boost made less of an impact on me, although a small sample isn't always enough to give a full impression or review. It's similar in consistency to Pixi's H20 Skindrink Hydration Gel, which I favour although I've had more opportunity to put to the test and you will pay about £10 more so it will depend on your budget.

Finally is a repurchase of the L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper, a product I favour for quick and easy brows on a day to day basis. I find the brush is the right size for me to work with and it dispenses enough product to fill my brows without overloading them. I do find that this new product provides more colour and hold at it's early stage and as someone who plays with their eye brows do suffer some piling until it dries out a little but nonetheless it's a product that I appreciate the price and finish off when I'm not interested in using products to give a finer finish.

What new products have you been trying out this month? Do any of these spark your interest?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Vichy Idealia Night Time Routine

I love Vichy as a brand, especially the Idealia range designed to protect against the stresses of modern living. The newest product to this range is Vichy Idealia Peeling* a unique water-light formula with the power of a serum to refine pores, improve skin texture and smooth fine lines. The gentle peeling action, unlike similar products is suitable for even sensitive skin and acts to create long-term radiance and improve skin quality and leave it looking brighter.

An energising blend of antioxidant Blueberry Polyphenol and fermented Black Tea will work to restore your skins natural glow as you sleep. Simply apply to skin under a night cream will increase the efficacy of night creams and serums, by allowing for deeper penetration of active ingredients.

Even with my hardy skin I was apprehensive about using nightly but its certainly the least harsh toner of it's type and I do think they're doing their skin a disservice with the name 'peeling' as I think it would put people off.

At £30 for 100ml it's twice as much as the famous, and stronger Pixi Glow Tonic so I think depending on your skins needs and budget will steer you in the direction of the more suitable product. The Vichy Ideal Peeling does feel more luxurious in a heavy glass bottle and the scent is enjoyable and something I always look for in products that I use at night time. Despite nightly use I find a little goes a long way and it's lasting longer than would expect and is perhaps preferable to the pre-soaked pad options.

To keep things 'matchy matchy' I'm using Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep* which I've reviewed for you before. Again a great scent, luxe packaging and a light formula that feels less suffocating than some other heavier night creams. Whilst I appreciate I'm not a slave to an alarm at present I still find I have restless sleeping patterns that I need to hide in those job interviews.

Have you tried the Idealia range from Vichy?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

St Lucia Skincare Regime

Following on from my post on DHC Cleansers today I'm sharing some more products in my skincare line up from my trip to St Lucia last month. First up is an impressive high street favourite, B Stubborn Make Up Remover* which is a dual action formula and certainly reminds me of the Clarins version, in fact I prefer its formula and price. I'm not someone who wears heavy eye make up but still prefers to remove what I do wear, including mascara before cleansing properly and this works a treat. I don't even find there is any left over product needing removal when I follow with an oil cleanser or similar. As I tend to use this for eye make up removal, similar products can leave the eye area irritated but I do not find that with the B make up remover with it's Vitamin B5 and Cucumber Juice ingredients. As a contact lense wear I can find dual action formulas or oils will leave a greasy film on my eyes but that is not a danger with this product and currently half price at Superdrug at only £3.95 this is a bargain.

Next up are two old favourites from Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer and Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion . The latter is the perfect product if you're a hayfever season, and like me you're starting to find yourself reaching for the antihistamines to avoid scratching your eyes out. If you're the type to lay back and relax soaking a cotton pad with Eyebright and then taking five definitely treats suffering eyes, or in my case on holiday I used the formula to refresh eyes before a night out.

The instant boost skin tonic is one of my favourite products and I especially love it's Spritzer bottle as I find it more favourable to use. Thanks to a combination of Caribbean sun, air conditioning and salt spray from one to many boat trips a quick spray from the skin tonic ensured my skin was hydrated and radiant looking.

My serum step was met by This Works Energy Bank Skin Glow* which interestingly had been put on hold since my last Summer holiday. A a multi-tasking serum for lacklustre skin and notice a theme, adding hydration it was a light weight product that suited my vacations conditions. Applied in the mornings, or before heading out of an evening it's ingredients of Vitamin C and Red Algae Extract refine and brighten skin.

Having returned home to brighter, but cooler conditions than I was used to in St Lucia all these products remain in my skincare routine and work equally as well - the eyebright is certainly getting a lot of use thanks to the time of year.

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links