Five Favourites

I really enjoyed doing the 'five favourites' post that I did a little while ago. It makes a nice change from being all "OMG MAKEUP YAY!" 

So, I hope you don't mind but I think I'll continue on with it, I know at one point or another I will do another beauty monthly favourites but you know, I'm digging this.

Empties #7

Today I bring you a trio of goodies that I have finished up; all of which have been superb...

Empties #6

I only have a few empties at the moment - all of the skincare variety and items that I've already repurchased, they are just great products to use...

Bedside Beauty

If I have one mantra before I go to bed, it's moisturise. I'm not the kind of gal to keep a plethora of beauty bumf around the bedside table - just the necessities that aid in the nightly ritual of injecting as much moisture as possible...

Botanics Radiant Youth Super Serum

Way back in the day, I used to use serum after moisturiser. I realize that's a huge skincare faux-pas but I was young(er) and quickly learnt the error of my ways. These days I cannot get enough of the stuff and my skin feels wrong if I miss out this step.

Empties #4

I'm not usually one for an empties post; I love doing a mini review once I'm done with a product but the whole keeping empty bottles around can get a little frustrating. Regardless I managed to keep a whole bag full of empties ready for today's two part post (yes, two parts) so without further ado...

Botanics Super Balm

I have many a pot and tubes claiming to provide deep nourishment whilst also soothing and providing a big old jolt of moisture to boot. Body moisturisers providing this checklist are surprisingly easy to come by for me - I'm particularly fond of the E45 range (the red tube for very dry skin,) and the Nivea almond oil range (which now includes the in shower body conditioner,) but I hadn't found the 'one' for particularly dry areas, like elbows, knees - a good all rounder.

Some did a good job with moisturising whilst some did good at soothing the skin (I have sensitive skin that is prone to eczema,) and some didn't seem to have any benefit what so ever...

Enter the Botanics 'Super' Balm; it's an all in one type of product - one of my favourite kinds, as you can use these types of products on the aforementioned dry areas, for nail cuticles, hands, lips and any other type of dry area (obviously that isn't open and broken,) and this particular one has a pleasingly simple scent. 

I find sometimes with the Botanics range (especially of the rose variety,) that the smell is so potent it flares up my redness, but this one is perfectly fine on that front too. It contains shea butter, sweet almond and argan oil which is obviously great on dry, dehydrated patches. It also contains the old favourite - rosehip, for some nourishment to help keep things supple and smooth. 

Bottom line then, would I recommend this? Yes, especially to fellow dry/sensitive skinned gals - and I will definitely be re-purchasing when mine runs out (it may be a dinky tub but it does last a long old time, I've had mine for two months now). It's a great product to keep beside your bedside for injecting last minute moisture and nourishment. 

Do you have a favourite 'super' balm?

Peace!

Botanics Ultra Calm Skin Relief Serum

Currently in my skincare rotation I have three serums on the go; two mentioned in this post and this little gem being the third. 

I've mentioned before but I'll say it again anyway, I have dry/sensitive skin throughout most of the year and I always have red cheeks - there is no exception, sometimes they (being the cheeks,) can have a good day and it doesn't make too much of an impact on me - some days it's horrendous and I have to go for a heavier coverage on those areas. 

Enter the serum; the Botanics Ultra Calm Skin Relief (mouthful, right?) and I must say I'm pretty impressed so far. I've been using this of a night time before my hydrating serum and it really does calm my face right down - and I've seen a vast improvement in the redness - I can even go to the supermarket with no make up on, which is a huge deal for me. Just popping out used to make me crack out the concealer but I really don't feel the need to if I'm just bumming around tescos. 

Currently Boots have on offer on the Botanics (selected) line - most items are half price including this serum so if you fancy giving this one a go and have sensitive skin, there is really no better time than now!

You can buy this serum at boots - for £7.99 usually but currently at £3.99.

Peace!

Botanics All Bright Night Cream

I've been using the Botanics All Bright Night Cream for the past 2-3 months now and thought I'd share my views on it.

It's a rich moisturiser so best for skin types like myself, dry/dehydrated - but I also have sensitive skin (thrown in just for good measure, right?) and this is perfectly fine for me, it doesn't induce a mad red face half hour after application (why does that happen?) and absorbs well. 

Obviously if you do have sensitive skin, always do a patch test just to be on the safe side. 

Being from the Botanics range, it's focus is on the 'power of plants' and in this case, the Hibiscus plant which is apparently 'natures brightness booster' which means they've used a mild exfoliant from the plant in order to brighten your skin (so in this case, go easy on the exfoliating toners if you do choose to use this,) - it also contains hyaluronic acid which is a moisture booster and it's also formulated without parabens. 

So does it work? - This really did help brighten my skin over the course of the night without anything (aka, environment damage,) interrupting it's thang. Would I purchase again? Yes, and I'd completely recommend it considering it is amazing for it's price range, under £5 and usually in the 3 for 2 offer that Boots often has running on skincare. 

Here's the technical bit (ingredients;) Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet almond) oil, Dimethicone, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) butter, Sodium polyacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan gum, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Caprylyl glycol, Parfum (Fragrance), Citric acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipropylene glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl acetate, Benzoic acid, Dehydroacetic acid.

What's your favourite night cream? Any recommendations?

Peace!

Cleanse, Tone, Moisturise. Repeat.

From left to right; Boots Botanics 100% Organic Rosewater Toning Mist, Palmers Daily Calming Facial Lotion, Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser.

The fact of the matter is; our skin is pretty damn important. I do think that you should prioritize sorting out your insides first, mind you - eating good, plenty of water; the usual kind of thing that your doctor, dermatologist and mama would tell you to do. 

There is this of course make up to make your skin look at its best, but what is the point when your putting Dior foundation on not that very nice skin? Your skincare should be providing an excellent base for make up, or should you be so lucky enough - your skin is clear enough that you don't even need any skin-make up at all.

Given that I am on a budget - I have been testing these products for a long time, since September 2012 at the latest - So I am gonna stick my two cents in. 

Or two pence. I am a brit lass, after all. Ready for ramble? CHECK!

The Toning mist by Botanics has long been a favourite on the blogospere, much like the Caudalie Beauty Elixir - however I have only used this as a toner, not on top of make up - because it is just a toning mist, let's get that out of the way. It's 100% organic, which means no nasty shit - which is always nice and the scent to me, is especially calming at night time. The boyfriend hates the smell of rose oil, like it seems most of my organic products contain, and says it smells of Turkish delight - and frequently asks me to apply it in another room... Can't win 'em all. This really is a great toner though and saves me using too much product like most pour-onto-cotton-pad/wool toners - and the fact it's cheap is also a huge factor - given this is a budget feature. 

The Palmers Daily Calming Lotion is one that I seriously cannot recommend enough! You only need a little bit of product as it is quite thick (I have dry sensitive skin, most of the time, FYI,) it smells freaking gorgeous (even my hamster has tried nibbling my chin thanks to the cocoa smell,) and what's more it's under £6. I have quite red cheeks, and I am contemplating seeing a dermatologist to see if it is rosacea, but for the mean time it really is calming my skin before I apply make up. Great base too. This also comes in an SPF version - which is always handy. 

I have tried many hot cloth cleansers (Liz Earle, No7 included,) - all have been satisfactory and just what I need for my dry skin. I found this Superdrug concoction to be a serious competitor. It's under £6 again, rich in vitamin E, BUAV approved (yay for animals!) and claims to defend the skin against environmental damage. Maybe those in London could give it a go? In any case, the scent is hugely subtle, it's gentle for my sensitive skin, rich and creamy for the dryness and comes with a handy-dandy muslin cloth. Huzzah. 

Since using these products my skin has had less breakouts, reduced redness, reduced in dry areas and really has me falling in lurvee. 

So really, if you're on a budget, give these a go!

Peace!