Just Landed: Aveeno Skin Relief with Cooling Menthol

I don't know about you but my skin quite dislikes winter. And transitional weather in general. I'm talkin' eczema, dry patches, sensitivity... the works. Since November '13 my skin has been acting a little cray. Just sporadic eczema patches, awkward sensitivity rashes. When I went on holiday recently? It actually took a turn for the worse; my chest was literally ablaze and it hurt. A lot...

Vichy Aqualia Thermal

I'm a right floozy when it comes to moisturizers. I tend to switch up what I'm using depending what my skin needs that day, and I very rarely go back to the same moisturiser, although it's happened a few times (Avene, La Roche Posay, Hydreane and Hydrance respectively,) but because I'm a floozy, I picked up a new day moisturiser from Escentual; Vichy Aqualia Thermal.

It claims to pack 48 hour hydration - well it's just as hydrating as my Avene Hydrance Optimale (Rich), but slightly thicker in consistancy, but not quite as much as La Roche Posay Hydreane (Rich) which I use as a night cream or for particularly pesty dry patches. This then, sits comfortably in the middle - packing all the hydration and right consistancy that is perfect for autumn and then onto winter. The scent is good too, just a slight whiff of something and then nothing - it goes away. I kind of hate it when day creams smell of anything for too long, is that just me? 

My verdict? I now have my perfect in between product - one that will do for autumn and onto winter (possibly paired with Hydreane, as mentioned) that doesn't aggravate my skin, packs a punch of hydration and sits well under make up. Score.

It is also worth mentioning that like Avene and La Roche Posay - Vichy also carry a light version of this which is more suitable for oily/combination/sensitive - so everyone is covered.

Have you tried the Vichy Aqualia Thermal range?

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!

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!

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!

Updated Skincare Routine

 Skincare extras; Boots cucumber eye remover gel, Tri-Peptox Scrub, Witch Blemish stick, Superdrug Natural High facial wash, simple wet wipes.

 Morning Routine; No7 Hot cloth cleanser, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Vichy eye roll on, Superdrug Simply Pure moisturiser.

Evening Routine; No7 Hot cloth cleanser, No7 toner, Boots Cold Cream, No7 night eye cream.

After what seemed like months of being in a rut, it seems I have found an-ideal-for-me-right-now skin care routine. Which is always great, you know?

I tend to stick to the same morning/evening routine but if something ain't working I'll switch it up with the extras to give me a little boost.

I'm on the look out for a good serum. I've tried the Caudalie, No7 and L'Oreal serums to date - all from different price ranges as you can see... But let me know if you have any recommendations. 

Have you got your ideal routine down pat?

Peace!

feel unique haul!

 I got the 30ml Caudalie Beauty Elixir, just to try out before I splurge £30ish big ones on a 'toner' -- so far I really like it, but I get the hype about the smell. Eurgh. It also came with free samples, one almost like a BB cream and a serum to use before moisturiser. All of these are floating my boat right now. :)

 I did have three of the lip butters from Revlon, but when my handbag got stolen I lost my 'Peach Parfait' to the thief. Boo. It was the perfect shade for my lips and added a subtle amount of shimmer, so I knew I had to get another nude toned butter... I decided to test out the L'Oreal Paris Caresse in 501 Nude Ingenue. It's perfect - and I adore it. It's a little browner (it seemed a tad pinker online,) than I thought but it is pale enough of on the brown side to still suit my pale skin tone.

I also picked up some Palmers Massage Lotion for stretch marks. I obviously have stretch marks from growing up, standard to most women. I however bought it with mild hopes it may help the scarring from my chicken pox and ease them away quicker. Time will tell. But I love this stuff for moisturiser anyway, it smells gorgeous!

Peace!

Empties #1

This Vaseline Cocoa Radiant is amazing! It left my skin feeling so soft and the smell was gorgeous! 

 My empties pile has been growing...

 Collection 2000, Super Size Mascara - I liked this for the length it gave but it left my lashes clumpy. For that reason I won't be repurchasing.

High Beam - This was a sample given to me, as you can tell by the dinky size! I love High Beam and have since purchased the larger bottle. God bless Benefit!

 Simply Pure, Superdrug - This moisturiser is amazing! It's paraben free, hypo-allergenic and has SPF 15 too. I will be repurchasing this beauty. Considering it was under £2 and provided an excellent base for make up...

Fix and Perfect Pro, Rimmel Primer - Amazing. It comes in just under £7 in most places, provides an excellent base for make up and leaves my skin feeling ready to battle the day! I have since bought two more of these and I am running out... 

MUA Primer - Its £4, it keeps my make up in place, the consistency feels weird, but it doesn't on your face once worked in. I have another one coming. I like it. Average, but it does the job well.

Illuminating Touch Concealer, Collection 2000 - This concealer was beautiful! I really must repurchase because it covered my dark circles/blemishes so well! You don't get much though and I was actually surprised it ran out so quickly!

I've literally just finished using this Dove Visible Effects body moisturiser, and while it does it's job beautifully the scent is a little over powering and almost feels slightly sticky as its soaking in. I would repurchase again, but the smell is just off putting - unless you hold your nose!

Peace!

August Favourites

 Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner (Colour Mate), Palmers Cocoa Butter for Stretch Marks, Hugo Boss Orange, Morrison's Omega 3, 6 & 9, Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain.

I haven't done a video in yonks, but I am still at that stage where I am worried about my pox marks. Silly, as most of them from my face have gone. But I digress...

I've used 3 bottles of the Aussie Colour Mate since my last vlogs on youtube. It really is beautiful and smells amazing. Can't get enough. I use it especially after I have had my hair dyed (no, not a natural red...) and it gives my hair some life after being battered by peroxide. :)

Strange to include the vitamins but this is an important way of life, getting all the good stuff. I've actually been remembering to take my multi-vits, omega and garlic tablets for a change and feel much better. Also having mildly cut out some crap in terms of eating habits has helped. Just need to kick my filthiest habit; smoking. Then I'm all set.

The Revlon lip stains are a given; they really are worth the hype!

Hugo Boss Orange - My favourite scent ever. It's my staple. 

One more thing; the Caudalie Serum was a freebie from feel unique because I purchased the Beauty Elixir. It is AMAZING! Pricey at about £36 but I can see it being an investment!

Peace!