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!

Barry M Sequin Effect Nail Paint - SNP1

You know those sweets - the small (and sometimes huge) white chocolate disks with hundreds and thousands on them? Jazzles - I think. Well they are the one for me. My perfect penny sweet, well, not so much a penny any more but the point is... This polish reminded me of those, in a way.

On first impression (in the bottle) it looks promising, a milky white with red, blue, green and silver glitter pieces that made me excited (as much as you can get over a polish,) to try it. There was the whole Jazzles thing egging me on, too.

That's where the excitement stopped for me, I'm afraid. I applied this polish twice - the first time, pictured above, two coats of this stuff made my nails super thick so I was scared to do anything with them after that, plus it has that awful texture like concrete nail effect nails - if you like that texture, more power to you, but I cannot stick it. I'm a glossy/smooth girl through and through. 

So after that failed (they peeled off in the sun?) I tried another approach. I used just one coat of this stuff, then applied Essie's Waltz - a milky white polish over the top. It didn't work. The Barry M stuff seemed to suck it in to it's own formula - it still remained gritty.

However, despite it being a faff and hating the feel of them - if you do like concrete nails then you will love these. I really think two coats is too much - so it might do well just over a plain white so you're not left with uber thick nails. I so wanted it to work but just didn't anticipate the gritty texture.

You can buy the Barry M Sequin Nail Paints from here, and they retail for £3.99.

Have you tried this polish? Did you like it or hate it?

Peace!

Favourites & Constants

I'm picky most of the time. With food, with interior choices and of course with beauty products. If I find something that works for me, especially for my body - I'll stick to it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

Some of my constants that I couldn't be without, the top three that are always to hand are the E45 Intense Recovery Lotion - perfect for dry skin and sufferers of eczema alike this product is a god send. Although there is that unique E45 scent, I couldn't care less as it soon goes away, I always come back to this if my skin flares up. The Toni & Guy Sea Salt Spray is my best friend. I rarely style my hair in any way and just spritz this on for a tousled beachy look. Applied on damp hair over night whilst it's in a plait? Genius. Of course no one can be without Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. It's just that product. The scent is bloody awful, but it lasts ages and I couldn't do without it. When it runs out I'll pick up the scent-free concoction but I swear by this for dryness, impromptu lip scrubs (use a cotton bud and go crazy,) and even on nail cuticles. Truly a life saver.

Second to these, a tub of Carmex for pre-bed time soothing, Burts Bees Hand Salve for particularly bad cuticles or dry areas on the hands, a good hand cream - I either use any L'Occitane hand cream because they are just beaut, Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector during winter but at the moment it's Neal's Yard Bee Lovely hand cream. It smells incredible. My favourite shower gel is Creightons Vanilla and Macadamia Cocoon (available at Morrisons,) - it smells so so amazingly yummy and really hydrates and under £2 - who the hell am I to argue with that? I've just ordered a case of them. Oh yes, I'm in love... and for post shower/bath feet treats it has to be Soap and Glory Heel Genius. What's there to say? It's a classic, smells divine and really works. 

The new up-and-comers are Bioderma's Sensibio - I love, I adore. I purchased a bigger bottle. It gets rid of all make up before a thorough cleansing and honestly my skin is grateful. Lastly, Burts Bees Facial Cleanser - it feels partially like an oil, partially like a balm and has really gentle exfoliation to it too - perfect for mornings when you want a burst of orangey-goodness to wake you up.

What products can you really not do with out?

Peace!

Skincare | Vichy

Vichy Normaderm Nuit, Vichy Purete Thermale.

It's pretty much a well known fact; the French have skincare down. With brands like Vichy, Avene, Bioderma and Caudalie - how could the ever so chic French go wrong?

The two products I am mentioining today are from the brand Vichy. First up is the Normaderm Nuit - a product that is hugely beneficial to oily/problematic skin - but I have this beauty on stand by for when I get break outs, which tend to happen around the center of my face. The Mr even tried it out and it visible reduced some dark marks/spots, and usually he's a skeptic. He's been converted. It feels quite grainy when applied and definitely mattifys the skin - hence why I don't use it every night. It does what it says it's going to do on the tube - and that can be difficult to find these days.

Secondly, the toner Purete Thermale has two variations - Hydra Perfecting which is apparently better suited for normal to combination skin (I can't verify this, as it's not my skin type, sorry!) and Hydra Soothing - which is formulated for dry skin, and one of my favourite toners. Ever. It wipes away any remaining traces of make up that may have been left after cleansing (handy after a drinking session/night out,) and leaves skin feeling so so clean, and what's more there's no tightening sensation that I loathe - It makes me want to pile on double the amount of moisturiser. In comparison to other toners I've tried - it comes up top along with Caudalie's Beauty Elixir - but I prefer using that after applying make up now, to sort out any powdery issues.

I seriously recommend giving these two a go, because together they are so much better. :)

What's your favourite french skincare brand?

Peace!

Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner + Eyeshadow Sticks

Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner in Taupe and Bronze, Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Stick in Bulletproof Beige.

The Rimmel Scandaleyes range is nothing new to the blogosphere. The Kohl eyeliners have been raved and hyped up and so I caved. I bought the Nude eyeliner and fell in love upon immediate application. Less scary than a white eyeliner, the nude shade perfectly makes eyes look brighter and much more awake. So why not invest in a few more shades, I thought...

Of course by this time the Eyeshadow sticks have already come out and swatching one in Superdrug was my downfall. Although all of these are under a fiver so it won't break the bank. You'll just have to show some restraint and not buy all the range in one go. ;)

Creamy formulation, there is no drag to either of these products. They apply like a dream, and stay put more to the point. These swatches lasted through various amounts of washing up and stayed put, and that is saying something considering how vigorous I am with a scrubbing brush. 

I've stuck to the neutral shades as that's what I do best - but I wouldn't mind the purple shade 'Paranoid Purple' for the lower lashline. 

Have you tried this range yet? Thoughts?

Peace!

Face Masks | Double Threats

Super Facialist, Hydrate Moisture Mask by Una Brennan, Garnier 3 in 1 Wash/Scrub/Mask, Soap and Glory No Clogs Allowed.

So for the past few months I have been indulging, without fail, every Sunday on a little pampering. I usually do all of my work, get it out of the way, make dinner or if someone is spoiling me, then eat dinner - then the Sunday afternoon/evening pampering begins!

I want to talk about face masks today, let's call this part one. When I was younger, I use to slap one on my face (any old clay one, I figured, because my sister used them, so I should too,) and that was that - maybe only once a month. I was way more interested in going out with friends to be fussing around with myself. 

Now I'm older (but still young,) I know what my skin is about, most of the time. I have dry/sensitive skin, with the occasional spot - usually around the center of my face - so nose, chin and mouth. Sexy. Nothing perks up my skin more though, than the Double Threat - Two masks, with ultimately one goal - get rid of the weeks impurities and then inject much needed moisture.

Soap and Glory's No Clogs Allowed face mask is such an amazing mask/scrub treatment, and smells gorgeous. It has little beads that burst open whilst you're applying and then it heats up... Oh I do love a heating mask every now and then! You can either treat this as an intensive scrub, and simply wash it away once done, or leave it on for five minutes to use as a mask - it even comes with a sponge to help you get it all off. Tres handy! At £11, it's very reasonable - considering I use it once every two weeks so it goes a long way for me. Not to mention that Boots usually carry a 3 for 2 offer on Soap and Glory - so there's no reason to not stock up!

On the week I don't use the Soap and Glory mask, I'm using Garnier's 3 in 1 Face wash/scrub/mask - It really leaves skin tingling clean and really does a good job of purifying the skin. I usually use this after I've applied my hair mask/conditioner, plop it all over the bothersome areas - prance back into the shower (I don't have a bath, sob!) and focus on other areas whilst hair and face are being whipped back into submission! Obviously once done, wash it off in the shower and then move onto the big guns. This is £5.99 from Boots.

Once I'm all out of the shower, I'll then apply the Super Facialist Hydrate Moisture Mask - you only need this on for five minutes as opposed to some moisture masks which you leave on over night - so I take the time to apply whatever concoctions I wish on my body, then simply wash off, pat dry and done! I can't stress how it really leaves your skin feeling soft, and once you've used a cleansing mask - it really lets the moisture to soak in further. This actually smells of rose too - some products I find are labelled as rose and really smell awful. This smells divine, doesn't irritate my skin and does what it says it promises! Score. This retails for £8.99 from Boots - so it's a really affordable but luxe feeling product.

What face masks do you use to make you feel at your best?

Peace!

Review | Revlon Nearly Naked

Revlon Nearly Naked in Shell, available at Boots and Superdrug.

Another product making its rounds on the blogosphere at the moment is this light/medium coverage foundation - Nearly Naked by Revlon. It's been compared to that of Nars Sheer Glow and a few tinted moisturizers on the market, like Laura Mercier. 

Let's take a moment to congratulate Revlon for knocking out some corking products recently, yes? Okay! On with the review...

For me, Shell was the perfect shade - enough yellow pigments to tone down my redness - definitely a 'your skin, but better' product - it sinks in beautifully and doesn't leave me wanting to claw off my own face - which means it's already won with me.

I use the Real Techniques Expert Brush with this - and I have tried it with the buffing brush too - both give good coverage with this foundation but what I will say is that I still love using a sponge with my foundations - even if it's just after I've buffed it in with a brush. I think that's due to my pores rather than the brush/foundation I am using - I sometimes find any brush I use will sometimes miss product - so I just go over that missed area with a slightly damp beauty sponge.

The only gripe with this product is of course the lack of pump - I think that it's something that Revlon should of included - so people don't waste product. There is the feeling of it being a maybe a bit try-hard because of this - Nars doesn't come with a pump either... 

I find the best thing to do in this instance is to pour the tiniest amount out, work it all over my face and then see if I need any more in the 'red zone' - usually cheeks. Rather than going gung-ho and pouring way too much. If you can get over it, like I already have, about there being a lack of pump - I think most should get along swimmingly with this product.

Personally this is going to be a staple for spring - it's light enough for when the weather (eventually) warms up but still enough coverage to not make me paranoid about the perma-redness I face. 

Currently on offer in Boots and Superdrug. Superdrug have knocked £2 off making it only £6.99 and Boots have it for £8.99 but you can get the second Revlon product half price (maybe treat yourself to another lip stain or maybe even the powder product to go with this?)

Have you tried Nearly Naked? Thoughts please! :)

Peace!

Face | Blushers

 Rimmel Blusher in Smoked Oyster, Natural Collection Blusher in Peach Melba, Babara Daly Blusher in Peaches and Cream (Cream Blush.)

Carrying on from the Bases edit, concealers and foundations - now I'd like to move on to blushers. 

For me, blush is kind of I can either take it or leave it kind of product. If my skin is looking good, I'll use it, if not - I don't have to bother. My cheeks are always blushing/flushing - I have sensitive/dry skin and it's a pretty common problem for this skin type, or so I am told - so if I am having a pretty bad 'red' day - I'll forgo the blush because I will end up looking like a red/pink mess come the end of the day.

That being said my skin is being pretty well behaved more often than not these days, so these are my highstreet/drugstore picks.

First up is the Rimmel Mono Blusher in Smoked Oyster - this is my blush of choice during warmer months - usually of an evening if I am honest, when although I don't tan, this blush is more on the brownish side to give my skin a little 'I've been in the sun, but I've only got freckles to show for it!' kind of glow. If that makes any sense at all. It's an overall good blush, pigmented, easy to work with - the only issue is the packaging - my god, how long has Rimmel had their mono blushes in these? Revamp, please?

Secondly is the Barbara Daly Cream Blusher (otherwise known as Velvet Blusher, I believe,) in Peaches and Cream. I adore this, because paired with my Real Techniques stippling brush - it goes on like a dream. I love to use this all year round but it is particularly flattering in spring/summer - purely because of the coral tones of the product. I literally have no issues with this blusher and I recommend you go see when you do your weekly in Tesco. 

Lastly, a little gem hidden in Boots. Not too dissimilar to that of Macs Melba, is this lovely, under two frickin' pounds blusher. Natural Collection has long been a favourite since I was a young teen and let's be honest, I took their cheapness for granted because their quality is pretty insane - I adore their duo eyeshadows for staying power/pigmentation! The quality of this blusher - especially for the price range, is quite frankly a god send - it's the perfect blusher for year round use - that will suit most skin tones and let's be honest, won't exactly hurt the purse strings. I'm on my second pot now, which says a lot, given my redness issues...

So concludes my blushers edit from the highstreet/drugstores - all reasonably priced, all pretty solid contenders. 

What's your favourite blusher?

Peace!

Base | Foundations

Bourjois Health Mix in shade 51, Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect, in shade 71.

Now that I've covered my preferred concealers, lets hit up the foundations. I don't like high coverage foundations at all. It feels too claustrophobic to my skin and just has me generally itching for a cleanser. For that reason, my two choices are that of light and medium...

My preferred medium coverage is that of Bourjois Healthy Mix - it covers all hideous scarring from spots or chicken pox (they are taking ages to fade and it is highly probable that I'll always have some...) whilst looking natural and giving a dare I say it... healthy glow? My shade is 51, the palest of the lot - and the yellow undertones in this foundation reduces my ever red cheeks...

For a light, dewy coverage I choose Bourjois (again) 10 hour sleep effect. The scent is overpowering which is my only gripe with it, because the shade 71 (abricote) is so perfect for when the weather is slightly warmer, in spring say and during the grips of winter when I don't want to put too much product on my face, that I can put up with the scent. 

The only downer on Bourjois foundations is that of the shade range. It's perfect for fair (like myself,) to mediums, but after that, not much else. 

For the price however, the longevity of the products, the fact they are perfect for reducing my redness  due to the yellow pigments (probably my only issue with my skin and that isn't a bad thing... I don't suffer from breakouts...) means that these two foundations are my most treasured - from the high street/drugstores. 

What's your favourite foundation?

Peace! 

L'Oreal EverPure Shampoo and Conditioner

Image via google.

Okay, so I received some samples of this L'Oreal EverPure (hence a shameful Google image, apologies,) and gave a little test run and here's what I think.

I suppose it would be ideal to say what they are claiming (they being L'Oreal, of course,) which is...

• Vegan Friendly 
• Sulfate Free 
• Natural Botanicals 
• Protects Color From Fading 
• No Animal By Products 
• No Animal Testing

While this is all dandy, still check the ingredients. It's not 100% organic - even if it does contain some natural botanicals - it still does contain some nasties...

That being said I was intrigued purely to try a Sulfate Free shampoo/conditioner combo - this sounding perfect because I also have coloured hair.

I have found overall that my hair hasn't turned to grease which sometimes happens of day 2 of not washing my hair (Pantene conditioners are awful for this, so I use sparingly,) which is always nice because I hate having greasy hair, and don't really like using a lot of dry shampoo if I have to dash out into the world where people can see my hair...

It feels soft, but my hair is fine anyway (there is just lots of it,) smells quite nice and overall has been quite a pleasurable experience - my scalp has immediately seen less itch to it. 

As for holding my colour - I'm going to remain 'mum' on that until I have my hair dyed again, then I will start using these products again to see how long my colour stays bright.

I will say though that it has been extremely colourful in various kinds of light, not just direct sunlight - a bit more so than usual. :)

Peace!

Organic Surge

Softening Sugared Almond Shower Gel, Overnight Sensation Night Cream.

"Organic Surge channels the vibrancy and goodness of nature into our everyday lives. With products as individual as we are, natural formulas and charitable links, Organic Surge is dedicated to making life better wherever we can, starting with you." Via here.

I came across Organic Surge whilst on my searches for a new night cream. I've tried a few, Palmers being pretty good and, should I have not made this little purchase, then I probably would have re-purchased.

I bought the night cream. And this sugared almond shower gel. OH MY GAWD!

This shower gel smells so good! Think L'Occitane Shower oil, but better, in my honest opinion. I always think that shower/bath products should smell good (of course, different scents for different people, we all got different favourites, yo,) and also be fun. Does anyone else get that? I feel most of the time when I'm prepping my face, that sometimes it can feel like a bore? It's never a bore in the shower... But I digress.

It does what it says on the tube, cleansing and softening, double check! Great smelling, check! Reasonably priced, check! Not to mention it's organic. 100%, yo. 

That means no nasties. Huzzah!

The night cream could have me waxing lyrical. It feels more like a balm, and when applied the scent isn't overly strong (like the botanics toner, for instance,) and has my skin feeling super soft in the morning, not to mention redness has reduced in my cheeks - win win. 

So definitely have a gander at the Organic Surge website. Plus there's upto 60% off... need any more reasons?

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!