Wishlist | Skincare

I've only lately just got serious about my skin care and am in the midst of trying out different products and brands. There are so many products out there both high end and drug store so I thought I would show you all what skin care items I'm lusting after at the moment.

Philosophy Hope In A Jar Moisturizer - £10.00/£34.00

I've have recently tried other Philosophy products like their Purity Cleanser and absolutely love them. I've also heard so many good things about this moisturizer and tried it on the back of my hand and love the texture. It is pretty pricey so preferably would like to try out a sample before I splash the cash.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask - £22.00

I only own one other Origins product, there amazing Spot Remover and I absolutely love it. Again I've read so many good reviews for this product and I am still baffled and amazed at a mask you keep on overnight so am very intrigued to try it out.

Vichy Idealia Life Serum - £29.50

Vichy is a brand I've never tried and never even knew about before I started blogging. I've seen this new serum of there's everywhere and was intrigued to read up about it. It claims clinically proven efficacy on skin exposed to daily excesses: overstressed, pollution, uv overexposed, unbalanced diet which sounds exactly like what I need.

L'Oreal Revitalift Magic Blur Finishing Cream - £12.99

Oh L'Oreal, coming out with another genius product. L'Oreal is a brand I hold close to my heart through their makeup and their skin care. So when I tested this product out on my hand (I got shown to try it on the skin between your thumb and point finger) I was amazed by the results. This is definitely on my next shopping list!

Have you tried any of these products? Did you like them or were they disappointing?

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Review | Chanel Hydramax+ Active Sérum

Up until about a couple of years ago I never used a serum! I didn't know what it's use was and just thought it was one extra step in skincare that wasn't needed. Oh young naive me! Now after being obsessed with beauty items and learning so much new stuff I know that Serum is an important step in skin care and to fight against ageing.

In case your still unsure what a serum is and why we use it I thought I would quickly explain. A serum is a skin care product with high concentrations of certain active ingredients. These can be such things like Hyaluronic acid which helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and Vitamin C to help brighten the skin and help reduce high pigmentation and dark spots. The difference between a serum and a moisturizer is moisturizers are made to keep your skin hydrated by forming a protective barrier between your skin and the outside. Serums penetrate deeper into the skin to deliver the active ingredients.

I was lucky enough to receive this off my friend who won it in a raffle but usually it retails for £59 for 30ml from Boots. I know this is a lot and will probably stop me from repurchasing it as I know there are so many good drugstore serums but if you can afford this then I do really recommend purchasing this and giving it a go. If not then why not think about putting it on a birthday or Christmas list.

Anyway onto my little review. I have definitely noticed a difference since I started using this little beauty. Along with my moisturizer (I use the Super Facialist By Una Brennan Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Defence Daily Moisturiser) these make my skin so hydrated and soft ready for me to apply my makeup in the morning. It is suitable for all skin types and restores radiance and delivers intense hydration. I love the texture of this, it's a gel creme formula and doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky as it soaks into the skin quite quickly and doesn't leave a greasy film on the surface. The scent is lovely, fresh and clean.

The packaging like all Chanel products is very sleek and clean cut. The pump bottle is hygienic, means you don't waste any product inside and gives you the perfect amount for a single application. Through the translucent plastic, you can see how much is left, allowing you to stock up when you are running low which is always helpful. As it is plastic, the bottle isn't heavy and is perfect for travelling.

What do you think of Chanel skincare? Would you splash the cash?

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My Lazy & Quick Makeup Removing Routine

We all have those nights when we just are too tired to properly cleanse especially in my case when I've been up since 2.30am and just want to get my makeup off my face and get in my pjs.

I love my Elemis cleansing balm to death and wouldn't choose anything else right now but it's definitely not the quickest way of removing everything off my face. So my quick solution to this are these 2 beauty items. I only do this once a week, twice at a push.

First is the Garnier Fresh Essentials Eye Make Up Remover. I love this for a quick sweep and it removes all traces of eye makeup. I put some on a cotton pad hold over my eye for 5-10 seconds, swipe and my eye makeup is practically gone. Some slight rubbing may be required, it just depends on how much eye makeup you have on and the toughness of the mascara. It's available from Boots for the cheapo price of £3.15 and at the moment Boots has buy one get one free on selected Garnier items.

Then I take the rest off with the Garnier Fresh Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Lotion. I apply this on a couple of cotton pads and in circular motions go all over my face right up into my hairline and down my neck where I've blended my foundation. As this doesn't work as deep at the Elemis Cleansing Balm it takes a few cotton pads to remove everything but is still quicker. It's available from Boots for the same price as the eye makeup remover, just £3.15.

There are three different ranges in the Garnier skin care line. The green 'Fresh Essentials' range is for normal/combination skin which is what I use. There is also the 'Simple Essentials' range which is suitable for sensitive skin which is in the blue packaging and finally the 'Soft Essentials' range in the pink packaging and that is for dry skin.

If you want to know more about the Elemis Cleansing Balm then I wrote a post all about it here.

What do you use to remove your makeup?

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Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm Review

I'm not going to lie, when it comes to taking my makeup off I am lazy! Anything that involves more then a simple wipe away was far too much hard work for me until I got to try this little beauty out. I bought the Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner which I will have a review up of soon and as a result received a lovely free gift with a few different products in to try. One of those freebies being the new Cleansing Balm and also the new Illuminating Flash Balm. When you buy the full size which is available from the timetospa website for £39.50 you also get a cleansing cloth which was also included in the free gift.

My initial thought was that I wasn't going to get on with it, use it once and then chuck it in a drawer never to be seen or used again. Oh how I was wrong!! I am now fully converted and can't even think of removing my makeup with anything else. The directions state to scoop a small amount and massage the balm onto dry skin for approximately 5 minutes. Leave for a couple of minutes to dissolve makeup and grime then wet fingertips and continue to massage to turn the balm into a milky texture. Wet the cleansing cloth with warm water and wipe away. I've been recommended to double cleanse so I use a Garnier cream cleanser first then this and its amazing how you think you've removed all your makeup then actually seeing how much muck is still left on your face. I have seen a major difference in my skin from using this and the Elemis Lavender toner. I urge you all to at least try this out and see what you think. It's great for all skin types and doesn't leave a greasy film on your skin at all. Definitely a 10/10 product for me and a holy grail part of my skincare routine.

Have you tried this out yet?

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Green People Zap & Clear Serum Review

If you have been reading my blog for a while you know I struggle with my skin. Like I've said before I in no way feel I have the worst skin ever and I am aware there are others out there suffering from Acne but for me personally I'm not happy with my skin. I suffer constantly from breakouts, just when I get rid of one another 3 appear. So when I was contacted by Green People and offered to try out their new spot serum I couldn't say yes quick enough! I didn't know anything about Green People when I first heard from them so after a little bit of research online I was pleased to find out what they were all about. The company was set up by a mother, Charlotte Vøhtz after her daughter was suffering badly from eczema. She went on the search for natural based skin care products but was shocked to find most products that claimed to be 'natural' could contain up to 99.9% synthetic chemicals. She started making her own home made products and was so impressed with them she wanted to share her discoveries with others thus Green People were born.

Green People Zap & Clear Serum* 10ml £9.85 available here.

Firstly the packaging is nice and simple which is something I really love in a product. The next thing that caught my eye was 'organic'. It's always nice when you can find good products from natural sources. This product is 88% Organic Ingredients Certified. The product itself is a thin lightweight gel which has a light citrus scent to it. The key ingredients are Black Willow Bark which has powerful activity against bacteria associated with acne, Organic Aloe Vera which we all know helps to sooth and reduce redness, rosehip, chamomile and tea tree.  The directions tell you to dab gently on affected areas several times a day. I applied this in the morning and by lunch I noticed that the couple of spots I had weren't as red anymore and after a couple of days had dramatically reduced in size. The tube is small and light so perfect to throw in your bag or makeup bag to use on the go.

Overall I am happy with this product and would definitely repurchase it. I am aware that everyone's skin is different so this may not be best for everyone but you don't know until you try and to be honest it's not a bank breaking product to buy.

Have you tried Green People before?

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Kiehl's 5 Minute Consultation - My Experience

As I've probably blabbered on about before I work in Duty Free at Gatwick Airport and one upside to being a beauty blogger and a absolute nutter about makeup I get to work with some amazing consultants and amazing brands. I get to try the makeup out and really get to learn about the brands and their products.

Today I had a spare 10 minutes so the lovely lady on our Kiehl's counter Nicky asked me if I wanted to have a 5 minute consultation, of course I said yes! Now if you don't know about Kiehl's consultations they sit with you for 5 minutes to find out about your concerns and then at the end you get to take away 5 samples to try before you buy. Amazing...YES!

They ask you to fill out 6 quick questions so they can see what your concerns are and what will be the best 5 samples to give you to try to correct/help those concerns. They also do this paper test on your forehead and cheek to see how oily or dry your skin is. My outcome is I have a oily forehead and dry cheeks. My concerns were first signs of skin damage and lines and wrinkles. I know i'm only 23 this year but I have definitely noticed some fine lines and they say its best to start early with your anti ageing skincare routine. I also stated that I was unhappy with the texture of my skin and my uneven skin tone. They then ask you what are your eye concerns, mine being fine line and wrinkles again and hydration and comfort. And the last question being do you use a sun screen (I very embarrassingly had to say no I don't!) So what were my suggested samples...

 Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion | 125ml - £24 | 250ml - £34

A oil free, lightweight lotion which helps visibly reduce excess oil on the skins surface. It traps moisture to deeply condition the skin and restore it's moisture balance. Contains vitamin e which helps skin looking fresh all day. Paraben free, oil free and perfume free.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser | 150ml - £15

This is Kiehl's first oil free, quick lathering cleansing foam which thoroughly removes impurities and visibly reduces the excess oil on the skins surface. Enriched with Lemon Fruits Extracts, this non stripping, sulfate free formula leaves skin clean and refreshed without over-drying the skin.

  

Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate | 50ml - £49

This powerful little guy contains 10.5% Vitamin C. It helps reduce the appearance of marionette lines from the corners of the mouth, leading towards the chin. It also improves the appearance of crows feet lines and wrinkles as well as sub-orbital wrinkles in the eye area.

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense | 60ml - £31

This daily ultra light formula intensely moisturizes the skin and utilizes a high level of sun filters Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XI to provide the skin with effective UVA and UVB broad-spectrum sunscreen protection. It also helps against the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles.

Kiehl's Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream | 30ml - £23.50
This beautifying BB cream is available in three shades; Light, Medium and Dark. It claims to instantly perfect and visibly corrects the appearance of skin tone irregularities with daily use. It also has a SPF 50.

I am so excited to try these products out and maybe if I like them purchase the full size. I fully recommend going to a Kiehl's counter and getting a 5 minute consultation! Go check out the Kiehls site to find your nearest store/counter and also to see what products they offer.

Have you tried Kiehl's before? What are your thoughts on the brand?

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Skincare Review - Skinetica

Skinetica Anti-Blemish Skin Treatment*

Recently I've been suffering with my skin and blemishes and if you've read a couple of my past posts I've mentioned my problems in them. I've had a influx of blemishes, when I feel like I'm getting rid of one another one will pop up to say hello. I had tried multiple of potions and lotions before being contacted by the lovely people over at Skinetica and asked if I wanted to try out their Anti-Blemish Skin Treatment.

I'm not going to pretend like I understand all the science behind this product and what's in it which helps reduce the blemishes etc but if you do want to read more into it there's a heap load of info over on their FAQ page. 

I've been using this for about two and a half weeks and although I have seen a slight difference in my skin I'm not sure if I'm won over. Don't get me wrong I have thoroughly enjoyed using this product and am convinced it works but I'll tell you where my faults lie with it.

When I started using it I used it all over my face as I was suffering from blemishes all over and after a week I noticed a difference on my smaller less visible blemishes. But for bigger, more inflamed blemishes I didn't really see much of a change.

So I would definitely recommend this product to anyone suffering from minor blemishes and will continue to use this but I think for my bigger bad boys I will continue to use my Origins Spot Remover (I wrote a blog post here on my review of it.)

I can't guarantee that this will help you with your blemishes but it's definitely worth giving it a shot, especially since you can request a sample size on their site.

A full size 100ml bottle is available for £9.99 and that includes postage and packaging so from a price point of view it's definitely a bargain.

It can be purchased from their website.

Have you tried this out yet?

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Biotherm SKIN.ERGETIC Range

Biotherm SKIN.ERGETIC Anti Fatigue Day Cream - £30*

Biotherm SKIN.ERGETIC Anti Fatigue Night Cream - £30*

Biotherm SKIN.ERGETIC Concentrate Samples - Full Size £35*

I was contacted by the lovely girls from my Biotherm counter in my local Boots and asked if there were any products I would like to try out and review for them. Obviously I said yes as I have tried samples of Biotherm skincare before and loved it.

I chose to try the SKIN.ERGETIC range which is anti-fatigue concentrate and cream which helps to reduce the appearance and visible signs of fatigue and stress so that the skin will look and feel radiant.

There are three products available in this range with five fruit and vegetable extracts which are beneficial to your skin. This range is free of parabens, mineral oils and synthetic colorant.

SKIN.ERGETIC Concentrate - 50ml - £35*

The three main ingredients in this concentrate are- Broccoli, Soy Protein & Botanical cells from Apples. This stuff smells amazing and feels amazing when applied to the skin.

Biotherm have created this concentrate so that we are 100% sure it's fresh from the second we want to use it. The concentrate contains extracts of broccoli that have been freeze dried to a powder so that you mix the powder into the formula before it is ready to be used. This ensures that the concentrate will work to its full potential from the moment you start using it. It lasts for 3 months for the concentrate to work at it's potential  and you can even write the date you mixed and activated the formula on the bottle in the space provided.

SKIN.ERGETIC Day Cream - 50ml - £30*

SKIN.ERGETIC Night Cream - 50ml - £30*

The day cream is available in two formulas. A cream gel for normal/combination skin types and a rich cream for dry skin types. The ingredients in the day cream are- Botanicals cells from apples and soy protein, Lycopene from tomatoes, Polyphenols from grapes and pomegranates and Neohesperidins from Seville oranges. I have never tried a cream which not only feels amazing on my skin but omg the smell is to die for. It's one of those products that smells so good you want to physically eat it (even though I know it wouldn't taste good!). Applying this cream leaves your skin feeling plumped with moisture, features appearing rested and it's been tested on sensitive skin.

The night cream is only available in the one formula for all skin types. It created with five tea and seed extracts. The three main ingredients are extracts of tea and ruscus and a lipid extract from buckwheat wax. I never used to be one to use a night cream and thought it never really mattered but after using this for a couple of weeks, I definitely kick myself for not using a night cream sooner. Just like the day cream and concentrate this feels and smells amazing but the scent doesn't linger on the skin after applied which is something I always look for in creams/serums. Results upon waking is the skin appears more radiant and the facial features appear rested and smoother and I can definitely say this is true. Again it has been tested on sensitive skin.

After using all three of these products for a couple of weeks I can definitely see and feel a difference in my skin. I used to get quite dry skin on my cheeks and my t-zone and chin was more on the oily side but my skin feels so balanced and even since using these products and would definitely recommend you lot to at least try these products. See if you can get a sample from a counter to try these amazing products.

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Benefit Skincare

Another Benefit addiction coming my way I feel. I have yet to purchase any full sizes of the skincare but can say just by the samples that I LOVE it! I'm always looking for new skincare as my skin likes to change so often from dry to combination to oily I just can't keep up with it.

Triple Performing Facial Emulsion SPF15 PA++ - £19.50

When I first saw this I thought to myself what the hell is a face emulsion?? If I'm correct I believe it's a lighter option of a face cream. Most dry skin sufferers prefer a thicker cream as they feel it's doing more than the lighter option of a emulsion. As I suffer from majority dry combination, my T-Zone suffers from a tad of oil so I shall be using this on just that. It hydrates, protects and comforts the skin with a oil free, lightweight formula.

Refined Finish Facial Polish - £17.50

I love how Benefit haven't gone for the common usual names like exfoliator instead they call it a face polish, it makes the product stand out for me. This is to be used 1-2 times a week after cleansing to brighten the complexion. It exfoliates to purify the skin and help minimize the appearance of pores to reveal your skins natural radiance. I haven't got round to trying this yet but can't wait as I love the feeling after exfoliating.

Total Moisture Facial Cream - £26.50

This is by far my most favourite product from their skincare range so far. A moisturizer is the one product I find hardest to find one to suit me perfectly. And since my skin is always changing this adds to the hunt of the perfect moisturizer. But since using Benefit's total moisture my skins condition has improved quite significally. It provides concentrated and long term hydration for a refreshed complexion.

It's Potent! Eye Cream - £23.50

Now I deserve a slap on the hand as when it comes to eye creams I've never really bothered with them. But I now am definitely seeing the side effects of not using one. I've noticed I am getting bigger bags (this could also have to do with starting work at 5am!) and I'm getting dark circles now. I'm definitely going to try this out and see if it makes a difference. It's Potent helps fade dark circles and helps smooth fine lines for brighter younger looking eyes.

All items available in full size from the Benefit site here.

Have you tried Benefit's skincare yet? What are your thoughts on it?

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P.S I've made 100 posts!!

July Favourites

Well here we are beginning of August, past half way through the year. Where is time going?? I feel like 2012 has flown by already. Sorry I've been away the past couple of days had a hectic week with my best friends wedding and my other best friends baby shower. But I'm back with a quick little post on my July favourites.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

What can I say about this foundation that you probably haven't all heard already. Well I love it. I have been searching for months for the perfect foundation and failed. Everything from MAC to Benefit, nothing suited my skin. Until I found this little beauty. For £9 a bottle I don't think it's too shabby and it does exactly what it says on the tin, it brightens my skin and makes me look awake. Just what I need for my skin when I start work at 5AM!!

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

I looked high and low for this stuff months ago when it was big in the beauty blog world but failed miserably until this month when I found out my local Asda actually sell the range so I picked up the gentle skin cleanser to try out. OMG I love this stuff. It has helped my skin so much with it's dryness problems. Cannot recommend this stuff more to anyone suffering with dry skin!

MUA Heaven & Earth Palette

I have used this palette everyday for my eyeshadow throughout July. In my job as strange as it sounds I work around makeup so I feel I have to at least look like I can do my own makeup before advising others with theirs. So as I have to be up at 2.30AM I like something easy and simple for my makeup (as usually I'm half asleep when applying it) and this is perfect. I sometimes use 2 colours but most commonly just use 1 all over the lid.

 

Color Club 'Eiffel Tower Power'

This has been my staple colour for my nails this month. It's a simple pale pink/nude colour. Only downside to it is you need about 5/6 coats to make it a completely solid colour. But if your looking for a pink/nude then I purchased this from ebay from Beautyzone2007 for a lovely cheap price of £3 (including p&p) They are a lovely seller and very fast delivery considering it comes from the US. They also sell O.P.I, China Glaze & Essie plus loads more.

London 2012 Olympic Games

Obviously I couldn't do a July favourites without putting in the obvious. I have been glued to the olympic games since the opening ceremony. Something about these events that make me very patriotic so I love sitting there shouting at my tv cheering on Team GB. From diving to rowing, swimming to the gymnastics I love watching it all. Can't wait for Tom Daley to appear back on my tv as I have a little crush on him and also for the Athletics to start.

Instagram App

If you've read previous posts your see that I love Instagram. Doesn't everyone though? Ha There's something strangely fun about posting pictures of my life and looking at other peoples pictures and their lives. If you want to follow me there's a widget to the right on my blog and also a link below!

What have you been enjoying in July??

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