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?

Products I Used Up | May 2017

May I continued to make headway with my mission to use up products I own but it's always sad to see Chanel in an empties post - and costly if I'm going to repurchase!

First is Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Twist & Spray travel set, the final bottle since recently appearing in my April favourites. A classic signature scent that I would typically repurchasing but for now I'll be enjoying my new Summer scents and other perfumes in my collection and I'll save the repurchase for later in the year when I hit Duty Free - now if there was ever a mission to declutter that perfume collection.

Once again another 'holy grail' and favourite product, Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder which due to broken packaging, not reaching for so often of late and it being the 'final dregs' I decided to say goodbye. I'm certain this will be a product I'll repurchase but for now I want to try and use and test alternative products I own before I do so. I'm not back at work and this was previously a handbag staple so I'm keen to see if it's absence becomes something I need to replace urgently.

Regular staples and repurchases come in the form of Sure Maximum Protection Deodorant* and an evening bubble bath. This month I'd tried Imperial Leather Relaxing Sleep Bubble Bath and unfortunately wasn't a fan. A strange gripe was that I found it 'dolloped' into the bath rather than poured out of the bottle. I don't know why this bothered me but it did. I also found it didn't create as many bubbles as I usually find with my Radox. For now I'm enjoying This Works Deep Sleep Bath Salts.

Two hand cream minis, L'Occitane Vitoria Regia and Liz Earle Orange Flower Hand Repair both of which were enjoyable but nothing I'm rushing to repurchase. I found the L'Occtane a thinner formula than Liz Earle but the latter was a perfect mini size for travel or in your handbag.

I always enjoy when I find make up appearing in my empties, and more so at the moment as I continue my declutter. With a brand new Clarins Bronzing Duo sitting untouched in my drawer it was madness I was clinging to this older version to avoid wasting.  I've spoke of the Clarins Bronzing Duo often and remembered how much I loved it back in March this year and it'll be nice to make a dent in a fresh one.

Another product that I dread to think how old it is (but I know my Mac lipstick collection moved from my parents to my flat over 7 years ago!) is Mac Cremesheen Lipstick in Hot Gossip. I'm quite impressed that I obviously loved this product enough to have almost used it up but somewhere along the line it had become too hot and was broke and in a right old state so I've added it to a pile of products I have to 'Back to Mac'. For fans of Syrup lipstick from Mac you might like this shade. It's lovely for this time of year.

Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Mascara is your typical product of it's type which I enjoyed using. I have since repurchased L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper which is not dissimilar although as a slightly smaller wand to work with. With Wet n Wild not readily available on the high street it's not something I'd need to hunt out but I might throw one into my basket when I'm next in the US.

The Portuguese toothpaste, Pasta Medicinal Couto was one I used for travel and in later weeks everyday to use up and it's not for me. If you're a fan of the traditional toothpastes that taste more like bicarbonate of soda them you may favour this. The tube was also a nightmare to squeeze from.

Peel of masks have been one of the latest trends and a source of great amusement of late and even my friend tagged me in one on Facebook but I'm pleased to say that Superdrug Black Seaweed Peel Off Mask* isn't one of the pain inducing ones. If you are one of those people who was a fan of painting your hands with glue to peel off then pick up one of these affordable masks from Superdrug at just 99p.

Containing Seaweed and Sea Buckthorn which will cleanse and detox the skin I didn't find this harsh at all and skin looked fresh and cleansed. I kept on for approx 15 mins and some of the thicker parts were still a little wet and had to be washed rather than peeled off but I appreciated that it was less messy than clay masks so can certainly see the appeal.

Skincare products used up recently including ALGENIST Genius Ultimate Anti-Ageing Cream* after using in Center Parcs and my previous years holidays. As I've said in previous features it's a mousse like texture which is step up from a thinner lotion but not as thick as heavier creams. It's a high end brand so perhaps a little more than I'd like to spend but never say never.

The Hero Project is a brand I only discovered last month and the Hyasoft Instant Moisture Boost* was my least favoured of the products. It's a gel like product, similar to Pixi's H20 Skindrink Hydration Gel which I prefer.

Dermalogica is a brand I feature regularly and their Intensive Eye Repair* is a great eye product I enjoyed using and as you will hear me talking often in my reviews of late I do feel that I have seen a significant improvement in my fine lines around my eyes and dark circles resulting in my concealers applying far better than ever without any creasing to speak of thanks to my under eyes being so hydrated.

It may be surprising that the only purchases I made from Sephora when I visited Las Vegas last year were from the Sephora mask range. I'm not yet fully on the sheet mask band wagon although we did enjoy one or two in St Lucia and I do appreciate them for ease.

The Sephora Collection Eye Mask, Pomegranate and Sleeping Mask are the ones I used prior to my first day back to work and both were pleasant to use. The pomegranate masks are to 'awaken and tone the skin' and reduce the signs of fatigue so it's something I picked as I was typically in the 'always tired' camp through lack of sleep.

I used some DHC eye masks during my trip to St Lucia and they were amazing, they are scheduled for review and whilst the Sephora versions were nice enough for their price they felt inferior to the DHC offering. They felt very thin yet evident on the skin and not quite the 'right fit'. As I say these are only niggles and wouldn't stop me using nor repurchasing but not quite a must have.

The Sleeping Mask was very interesting. It's size makes it great for travel and I was able to get two uses out of this capsule. It was somewhat like applying jelly to my face and I was particularly surprised how cooling it felt on the skin so I imagine it would be a lovely product in the current weather we're experiencing in the UK.

Another sad addition to my empties bag this month was What Skin Needs Hydrating Facial Serum* which is a saviour for tired, dehydrated or dry skin. I was introduced to the brand via PR and it's one I will repurchase in the future most certainly. You can read more about my usage here and I won't say much more because I just might have a little giveaway featuring this product very soon.

Maybe it's my age but I'm just not jumping on the full lip bandwagon so I was less inclined to be overly impressed with Transformulas Lip Volume* than others but I can't denying, whether that placebo effect or not as I added a swipe in the mornings by way of my skincare regime I did feel like my lips look plumper.

I used the This Works Energy Bank Skin Glow* as part of my Holiday Skincare Regime and continued using on my return. Interestingly it reminds me of my current serum from B. which I talked about in my New In Skincare post. This Works offers hydration but is a light formula so was perfect for the Carribean climate and would suit the current one in the UK right - the last thing I'm keen to do is pile too many oils and heavy serums onto my face. I'm also a fan of the pump dispensers. I'm currently experiencing a rage against pipettes which I find one a product gets halfway used they seem to stop picking up an product so instead I'm pouring onto my hand.

I am laughing to myself as a I have read the blurb on A-Derma Exomega Cleansing Oil* reading to link and have had the realisation that this cleansing oil is for the body not the skin which is how I was using it.  What is a shower product for eczema-prone skin I am able to tell you was amazing as a cleansing oil on my face so you could argue it does double duty. Perhaps not my smartest move and it'll teach me to read up about a product before I pile onto my face although it's a shame as I really enjoyed using this product.

Finally is a travel size of Colab Extreme Volume Dry Shampoo*  a product I will certain repurchase in it's mini form as I love to have a supply of this in my handbag of desk at work to give myself a little volume throughout the day. I have talked about Colab many times if you'd like to read more.

There ends my bumper post of empties throughout May; what products did you use up this month?

*this post contains press sample and / or affiliate links

My Current Everyday Beauty Favourites

There's a mixed bag of products in today's post but all ones that I've been using as part of my everyday routine. Some are perhaps not the most exciting and others might just pique your interest into wanting to know more.

We'll start in the bathroom with two from Soft & Gentle, a brand typically associated with antiperspirant. They have now expanded with the new intimate wash and care range. Starting with Soft & Gentle Daily Wash* which if you read the small print is 'ph balance for intimate skin' and 'gynaecologist approved'. In short Soft & Gentle Daily wash is a competitor to FemFresh. If the fact you're concerned that your intimate area but too embarrassed to pick up the recognisable FemFresh and have it sitting in your bathroom then Soft & Gentle's offering is certainly more discreet and looks like any old bottle of shower gel. The difference, unlike regular shower gel which has a PH balance sitting between 9 and 12, is that Soft & Gentle Gentle Daily Wash is PH balanced for the intimate area which sits around 4 - something to consider.

Next is a more familiar style of product although still new to the Soft & Gentle line up, their 2 in 1 Shower & Shave Mousse*. The difference? That PH balanced formula I referenced above is present in this mousse so it can be used in the bikini area. I haven't yet tested as such and have used in the traditional fashion for shaving and have no complaints. I have talked about this style of product in the past and do think 'is it necessary' when shower gel can do the job. Then I receive a can and realise how much easier shaving my legs is and a smoother finish.

John Frieda is a brand I've used often, long before I knew beauty blogging was such a thing. Interestingly despite regularly using the Brunette range once I'd 'gone blonde' I hadn't dabbled until now. Millie Mackintosh, she of Daily Mail tabloid fodder, was recently announced as the UK cretive collaborator for John Frieda. With that has come the release of the new John Frieda Sheer Blonde Honey Blonde Colour Illuminating Shampoo* (and a conditioner) available exclusively at Superdrug. Formulated with oatmeal and honey so that any golden tones are amplified, perfect for those with highlighted hair. Whilst there have been benefits to my blonde balayage and the dryness being one I do at times miss the shininess that I often took for granted as a brunette. No more thanks to the John Frieda shampoo which because it's formulated for those with colour treated hair there are no worries about colour stripping.

Toothpaste is not the sexiest of products but one I'm always keen to try as a smoker with a red wine habit. White Glo was originally developed for models and actors and is famous as one of the market leaders in Australia. Now available in the UK when I was asked if I wanted to try White Glo Professional Choice Whitening Toothpaste* I said yes - model figure no, but maybe theres an opportunity for model white teeth?

White Glo contains the same ingredient used by dentists in clinics, but if you've ever visited your dentist for teeth cleaning I can assure you that a tube of White Glo is much cheaper. The formulation will lighten any discolouration and yellowing of teeth from food, drink and yes, tobacco stains. I haven't used for such an extensive length of time that I can tell you I'm resembling Ross in that episode of Friends, you know the one I mean, but I can say that teeth do appear brighter and more noticeably so than other toothpastes I use.

I talked last week about how much I hated the taste of a toothpaste I used on holiday and was expecting similar from White Glo but I can happily say it was almost pleasant. There was that faint tang of bicarb but not overpoweringly so. This could be a definite keeper.

Anyone and everyone is having their lips done it seems and no fears of 'trout pout' seem to be slowing them down. If like me you're too scared to go under the needle then you might want to know more about Transformulas Lip Volume* 'a pain free alternative to cosmetic surgery and collagen'. I was skeptical at best about using this product and whilst I'm not going to tell you it takes you from Kylie circa 2011 to present day it will make a difference to your lips appearance.

I've been in a habit of slicking this on as part of my morning skincare regime and certainly feel that my lips look plumper. You can argue you'd expect that from the ingredients which enhance moisturisation of your lip but whatever it is, it works for me. Lipstick definitely has a better appearance when I apply after using Transformulas Lip Volume, especially those of the liquid variety. I have had a break from using due to putting it aside for photographing and missed its use but am now back to once again using on a daily basis, recommended time for use and full results after 30 days of treatment. At around £30 this is not the cheapest of products although comparable to a high end lipstick purchase and certainly cheaper than a cosmetic appointment. One particular point of note for me was that there is none of that 'tingling' often associated with products of it's type.

Finally I want to share two skincare heroes I've been using lately that are both ends of the price spectrum but very similar in type and results given. Starting with What Skin Needs Hydrating Facial Serum* a brand that was new to me and again from Australian shores like White Glo.

Honestly I wasn't a fan at first, it felt too greasy, or certainly oily when I first applied despite the serum claiming a 'non-greasy formula'. For once my laziness worked in my favour and 'too busy' to swap the serum out for another it was what I continued to reach for, instead finding ways to 'make it work' and as time went on collecting comments about how good my skin looked and admiring how much better make up was sitting on my skin.

What Skin Needs Hydrating Facial Serum is a blend of vitamins and plant extracts to give 'superior hydrating and skin cell renewal properties' offering treatment for; scarring and pigmentation, hydration and nourishment, skin balancing and skin cell renewal and it certainly gave me positive results. Typically I would have used this serum of an evening due to it's oily nature but with such great results by day I found that if I applied then made my commuter coffee and allowed it some time to sink in then I could apply moisturiser on top without any issues. If you have dry skin, and certainly as the colder weather sets in this could be a life saver.

From the affordable to the more costly and well known brand Dermalogica and their September release, Phyto Replenish Oil*. Priced at around the £60 mark this is for the skincare connoisseur and certainly the more sophisticated of the two products.

Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil* is a facial oil which will shield you against environmental stressors, smoothe lines whilst strengthen and restoring the skins natural protective barrier and all of that will ensure your skin looks healthy and locks in moisture for an all day glow.

If you have mature skin I'd direct you more to Dermalogica's offering which targets restoring your lipids, your natural protective oils, which take longer to recover in older age (just like hangovers) against the everyday stresses we are all familiar with.

I've used Phyto Replenish Oil less so than the aforementioned serum but it's been amazing to apply for days I'm at home and make up free and can still feel the moisture locked in whilst being a lighter formula. Tomorrow I'll be testing under make up so stay tuned. I'm not worried as Dermoalogica advise this is a multi-use product which you mix in with SPF and even primers. It's not one I'm ready to part with.

What 'not so exciting products' have you been enjoying recently?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links