Beauty: My everyday skincare

My skincare routine doesn't change very often although every now and then I'll find a new product to throw in there. At the moment my skin is pretty good apart from a few hormonal breakouts that pop up around that time of the month, so I thought I would share with you what I use to keep my skin looking and feeling great.

No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm - £9.50, available here

I always like to take my makeup off with some form of hot cloth cleanser. When I ran out of my last Superdrug one, I decided to have a look at No7 as I had one of those £5 off vouchers that they do every so often and found this one which is recommended for dry/very dry skin. I've found that I prefer this over the Superdrug one, it takes my make up off so easily and has a lovely but subtle scent to it. It doesn't say to take it off with a hot cloth but I've found that this works best for me.

Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Cleanser* - £9.00, available here

When I've been wearing makeup, I always make sure to double cleanse just so I know that I've got all of the makeup and grime off my face. This cleanser from Eucerin is gentle and doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped like some others that I've tried.

Mask of Magnaminty - £5.25, available here

I mentioned this mask in a recent Lush post, it's an old favourite and I've been using it for years. I like to use it a couple of times a week on my face and occasionally my back, just to draw out any nasties and keep spots at bay. It also helps to reduce redness if I've got any current breakouts and the peppermint in it is really refreshing. When I repurchased this a couple of weeks ago, I accidentally bought the Self-Preserving version which I don't like as much as the original but it still does a good job.

Ocean Salt* - £7.25, available here

I received this pot of Ocean Salt at a blogger event back in March although I was planning on purchasing it while I was there anyway after using a sample. I like to use this exfoliator twice a week while I'm in the bath. It really helps to shift any dead skin cells that are clogging up my pores  without being too abrasive and leaves my face feeling really smooth. I'm almost out of this so I'll be repurchasing as soon as payday rolls around.

Tea Tree Water - £3.95, available here

This is another old favourite that I've been using for years. The tea tree water in this toner makes it really refreshing, I like to spray it on my face first thing in the morning to perk my skin up and I also use it after cleansing. It's especially good when I'm suffering from a breakout as it really soothes the skin and reduces redness. I've also found that it's great as a quick refresher during the day and you can spray it on over your makeup.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]* - £15.50, available here

I've been using the original version of Effaclar Duo for a couple of years now and I wouldn't be without it. It helps to keep blackheads at bay and it's also stopped me from having any nasty (non-hormonal) breakouts. I was sent this version to try out which does all the same things as the original one but also helps to correct any imperfections, so helps to fade scars from previous breakouts. I don't really have much scarring but I have found that the red marks that I do have have faded a lot quicker. I'm not sure if I would pick this up again over the original version as it's a little pricier but it's definitely worth it if you have scarring. You can see the post that I wrote on the original version here.

Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum* - £17.00, available here

I apply this serum every night before my moisturiser and I find that it does exactly what it says on the bottle - it really soothes my skin and also helps to keep it hydrated. I was previously using hydraluron but I found that didn't live up to the hype whereas this serum is seriously underrated and does such a good job. It's the first thing that I've tried from Avene and I'll definitely be looking into purchasing some more of their products while I'm in France.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ - £29.50, available here

I bought this just after Christmas when my skin had a mini freak out and was so dry. I really didn't know what I was looking for and ended up buying the first moisturiser that I came across at the Clinique counter. Luckily for me, I didn't waste almost thirty quid and it actually helped my dry skin and has continued to keep my face moisturised since. As you can see, I've used about an eighth of the bottle since I bought it so it's definitely worth the higher price tag. 

La Roche-Posay Affaclar A.I. - £10.50, available here

This is my second tube of Effaclar A.I., I repurchased it just after Christmas thinking that my original one had ran out, however it lasted me until last week when I finally had to get this one out. This is a targeted breakout corrector, so I apply it on any blemishes before bed and during the day if I don't have anywhere to  go. It leaves a white residue so it's not one that you can use underneath makeup. This is the best spot treatment that I've ever used, it helps to reduce those big angry under the skin spots overnight and for any smaller ones, it makes them basically disappear. This is a product that I never want to be without now I've tried it. You can see the post I wrote on this here.

Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm - £9.50, available here

I purchased this while I was in Paris last year as it had been hyped up so much. I didn't want to get it in England as I couldn't understand why anyone would want to spend almost a tenner on a lip balm,  but I didn't mind spending the £6 odd that it was in a French pharmacy. I can definitely see why this has so much hype surrounding it. It's the best lip balm I have ever used! I use it just before bed and my lips always feel amazing in the morning. You can see the post I wrote on this here.

At the moment there's 1/3 off all French skincare over at Escentual, make sure you place an order before the end of June!

Beauty: Lush favourites

I've been a big fan of Lush since I first discovered the Covent Garden store at the age of 16. Since then, I've always made sure I have a good stash of Lush products whether they be skincare, soaps, haircare or fragrance. Even when I was at uni and didn't have much money, I'd still make a cheeky Lush purchase when I visited Southampton. I recently repurchased three of my favourite products so I thought I'd share them with you.

Mask of Magnaminty - £5.25, available here
This mask is brilliant for declogging the pores and keeping spots at bay. As well as using it on my face, I also like to use it on my chest and back every so often to keep away the dreaded bacne. It's not a subject that a lot of people like talking about but I'm sure we've all encountered it and this mask is a god send when you have a spotty back! Unlike Lush's other masks, this one is self-preserving so you don't need to keep it in the fridge and it will last a good couple of months. I use this a couple of times a week when I want to give my skin a good old pamper.

Vanilla Dee-Lite* - £12.75, available here
Lush aren't really known for their body lotions, in fact this is the only one I've ever tried from them. It's nothing special really, it moisturises well and sinks in to the skin fairly quickly but the one thing that draws me to this lotion again and again is the scent. Vanilla Dee-Lite is scented with Lush's Vanillary fragrance which as you can imagine smells like vanilla. The scent lingers for hours after you've applied the lotion and it's great to layer with the Vanillary perfume as well. I've had three bottles of this stuff and I don't think I will ever get sick of it.

Tea Tree Water - £3.95, available here
I first bought this toner around five years ago, just before I went to uni. As it contains tea tree, it's amazing for acne prone and blemished skin as it really helps to soothe any break outs. It's also really refreshing and I love that it comes in a spray bottle, so you can just spritz it on when you need a little pick me up. I tend to use this after I've cleansed and first thing in the morning just to wake me up a bit.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil* - £21.50 per 200ml, available here

"Water-soluble Deep Cleansing Oil contains a rich blend of skin-loving vitamin E and hydrating olive oil. It helps unclog pores by clearing impurities and make-up, leaving your face a grime-free zone. Rinses away to help leave skin fresh and clean. Olive oil and vitamin E fight free radicals."

I received this product in my goody bag from the Birmingham meet up in January. At first, I dismissed it as I've never really liked the idea of putting oils onto my blemish prone skin, however this is such a perfect size for travelling so I've been throwing it into my suitcase and using it each time I go away.

The first time I used it, I wasn't keen and didn't think it was worth all the hype it's got but I soon realised that I wasn't using nearly enough of the product and I also made the mistake of using it with cotton pads. To use, I squeeze out around a teaspoon's worth of the oil and massage it onto a dry face, paying the most attention to my eyes. I then take either a warm damp muslin cloth or a flannel and use that to wipe away my make up and the excess oil. This works like a dream and just melts away all of my make up in seconds, especially Benefit's They're Real mascara which is otherwise a pain in the arse to remove. It doesn't dry out my face like cleansers usually do and it leaves it feeling really clean.

I always double cleanse with another cleanser, just to make sure I've got rid of all of the dirt and oil on my face, but when I haven't had another cleanser to hand, I have just used this oil and my face has been fine. The smell isn't great but it doesn't linger on the skin afterwards, especially if I use another cleanser as well. I'd definitely recommend it and when this sample runs out, I'll be looking to repurchase it or maybe trying a similar product.

What do you think about oil cleansers? Which one is your favourite?

What's in my travel wash bag?

I'm off on my holibobs today so I thought I'd share with you what I consider to be wash bag essentials. I'm not going far, I'm only going down to the Isle of Wight and then spending a night in Winchester with some friends, so this is just enough for 4 nights/5 days.

Travelling is a great chance to try out and use up those travel sized items you have lying around from PR samples, goody bags and magazine freebies. As you can see, I've got quite a few travel sized products which I've put in this mesh bag from Muji. Other things I haven't photographed individually include razors, cotton pads, deodorant and soap.

Percy & Reed Colour and Shine shampoo* - I've had this shampoo lying around in my box of samples for a while as I'm quite happy with the shampoo I'm currently using but it's a great size for me to take away. As it's for coloured hair, that's also a bonus as I dye my hair and want to keep the colour from fading as much as possible.

Lush American Cream conditioner - This conditioner is one of my all time favourite Lush products. As well as doing a fantastic job of keeping my hair soft and shiny and in great condition, it also smells amazing! The scent lingers in my hair until I next wash it and I can't help but sniff my hair all the time after I've used this!

Macadamia Oil* - I usually use a serum from Umberto Giannini but this little bottle is a third of the size and to be honest, works a lot better than the serum does! I only need a few drops and I apply it to towel dried hair before I blow dry it. This helps to keep my split ends smoothed down and keeps my hair frizz free.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil* -Usually I'd use my Superdrug Hot Cloth Cleanser to remove my make up, but again, this deep cleansing oil is less than a third of the size so it's so much more convenient! It melts away my make up and leaves my face feeling super clean.

Green People Fruit Scrub* - I actually haven't used this product yet but it's an organic facial exfoliator with marshmallow, mandarin, bergamot and apricot seed powder and it smells divine. I can't wait to use it and I'll definitely be reviewing it!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - I've already reviewed this here but it's a product that I cannot live without. This little tube is the reason why my face is no longer a dry, spotty mess and I use it every day morning and evening.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. - Another one that I've already reviewed over here and again, I can't live without it. When I get any blemishes I pop a tiny bit of this cream on before bed and in the morning they're visibly reduced!

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream* - I've had this sample for ages now but I've only recently started to use it as I'm not getting any younger and I'm starting to worry about wrinkles. It's quite thick for an eye cream but it sinks in quickly and really helps to brighten up my eye area.

The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit body butter - This is one of the smaller (50ml) tubs and it's in my all time favourite Body Shop scent. I adore anything that's pink grapefruit scented and this body butter is so moisturising. After living in Hampshire for 3 years, I know that the water down there really dries my skin out so it's essential that I take a good body moisturiser. I love how the scent stays on my skin all day as well.

Elemis Tranquil Touch body wash* - This is another product that I haven't used yet but I've been wanting to try Elemis products for a while now as I've heard so many good things about the company. It smells great and I will make sure I review it when I get back!

What do you take in you travel wash bag? Have you tried any of these products?

Etat Pur Micellar Cleansing Water

Etat Pur Micellar Cleansing Water - £6.40* available here

I've been wanting to try a micellar water since the Bioderma craze hit the blogosphere last year, however it hasn't been readily available in the UK until recently. Luckily for me, I received a bottle of this Etat Pur Micellar Cleansing Water in my goody bag from the AX Paris event a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't wait to try it!

This works in the same way as the more expensive micellar waters do. All you need to do is squirt a bit onto a cotton pad and hold it to your make up for a few seconds before wiping it away. I've found that I need a couple of cotton pads to do my whole face but it removes my make up like a dream, even stubborn mascara! I've been using this on the nights when I get home from work late and can't be bothered messing around with a hot cloth cleanser. It's a lot easier than using face wipes and also a lot better for your skin. After using the micellar water, there's no need to use a seperate cleanser although if I have a few blemishes I do like to use another cleanser on top, just for a proper deep clean.

Overall, I really like this product and I think it's definitely something that I'd repurchase. It has a slight scent to it but it isn't overpowering and is quite refreshing. It's a great price and a great alternative to Bioderma.

Have you tried any micellar waters? Which is your favourite?

Neal's Yard Rehydrating Rose Daily Moisture

Rehydrating Rose Daily Moisture - £23.75/100ml available here

"Softens and replenishes NORMAL and DEHYDRATED skin. Hydrating 'Hundred petalled' rose extract and damask rose oil soften, smooth and help restore skin's natural radiance in a light, easily absorbed, antioxidant-rich lotion."

I got this moisturiser in a Glossybox last year and it's been sitting in my drawer unused while I finished up my other skincare. During the summer, I don't usually use a moisturiser in the morning, just at night after cleansing and toning. However, during the colder months, my skin needs a bit of extra moisture as it has a tendency to get tight and dry on my cheeks, forehead and around my nose. 

I apply this every morning after I've washed my face and the lightweight formula sinks in almost straight away, meaning I can apply my foundation soon after. It acts as a great base for my make up and I've found that my foundation lasts a lot longer since I started to use this moisturiser in the mornings and my skin feels hydrated throughout the day and I've not had any horrid dry patches like I usually would. There's also a gorgeous fresh rose scent which isn't too overpowering but is enough to lift my mood in the morning.

Once I've finished this tube, I will definitely be looking to purchase the full size bottle and I'm now also interested in trying more Neal's Yard products. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector £9.19 - available here

I chose this while I was in Boots picking up the Effaclar Duo. At the time, it was on offer at two for £15 and I wasn't sure what else to get having not seen many reviews on other La Roche-Posay products. I'll do anything to get rid of my horrible breakouts and I liked the sound of a 'targeted breakout corrector' so I chose this.

At first, I wasn't entirely sure how to use it as the instructions inside the box weren't too clear! I wasn't sure if I should use both the Effaclar Duo and the Effaclar A.I. at the same time but I soon worked out a routine whereby I apply the Effaclar Duo as a moisturiser morning and evening and then I apply the Effaclar A.I. just before I go to sleep at night if I'm having a particularly bad breakout. I find that it leaves a white residue on my face so it's not ideal for use during the day or under any make up.

After using this for a few weeks now, I must say that I'm really impressed and so pleased that I picked it up. I find that it really makes a difference to my skin overnight. If I have a big spot lurking under the surface, I apply this over the top at night and come morning, it's reduced in size dramatically and the redness has gone! I'm still working on getting a clear face but this product has worked wonders so far and along with the Effaclar Duo, it's helped to improve my skin so much that I no longer feel like I have to wear a heavy coverage foundation and instead wear my Bourjois Healthy Mix instead of Estee Lauder Double Wear. The only gripe I have is with the packaging, it takes a lot of squeezing to get the product out and I'm worried that the tube is going to wear out at one of the creases and explode everywhere!

Have you tried any skincare from La Roche-Posay? What would you recommend?

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - £13, available here

After seeing all of the hype over this product on the blogosphere, I decided to give it a go and headed to Boots when it was on offer for two for £15. I also purchased the Effaclar A.I. which I'll be reviewing at a later date. I've really been suffering with my skin lately, especially on my chin. I've been using this as a moisturiser morning and night for the past couple of weeks and I've already noticed a difference! The cream is very thin and a little goes a long way, it also sinks in really quick and is a great base for make up. Since I've been using it, I've had no further break outs on my face (apart from the chin, but that's a whole other story) and I've found that the pores on my cheeks and around my nose are looking a lot smaller. My skin tone is also looking a lot more even, meaning I've been ditching the Double Wear and going for a lighter coverage foundation instead! I will definitely be repurchasing this when it runs out, but after two weeks use, the tube is still almost full.

Have you tried this? What did you think?

Soap & Glory Wish Upon A Jar

Wish Upon a Jar - £15 available here

"Our unique formula contains a potent mix of shea butter, tetrapeptides, antioxidants and oxygen boosters to help boost moisture levels, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, brighten tired skin and hide flaws."

Wish Upon a Jar is a product that I've been wanting to try for ages. I even featured it in a wishlist post last March. However, I wasn't willing to pay £15 for something that might not work, so I waited until it was on offer in Boots at £10 before I bought it. The idea of this cream is to use it morning and night for 21 days, then stop using it for three months. You're supposed to use it once a season. I waited until I'd used it for the full 21 days before I wrote this review.

The cream is thick and feels so luxurious. It has a subtle chocolate orange scent and is packed with tiny particle of glitter. The glitter isn't enough to turn you into a disco ball but it does help to give you a glow. I didn't even notice the glitter for a couple of days! As I used this under my make up, my foundation covered it up anyway. I found that the cream takes a little longer than my normal moisturiser to sink in, so I had to get up a bit earlier every morning to apply it. 

I started to notice a difference after only a few days use. My dry skin immediately felt a lot more hydrated and I noticed that my face wasn't feeling really tight straight after cleansing like it usually would. It didn't do anything to my blemishes, as I suspect that they're all hormonal but my pores appeared to be smaller and less noticable. The one downside was that towards the end of the 21 days, I started to get a lot of under the skin bumps which I'd never had  before. They disappeared after I finished using the cream as well, so I think that might be something to do with the shea butter. 

I will use this again in three months, I loved how hydrated it made my skin feel and how it also gave me a glow. However, I will be still be on the lookout for something to banish my blemishes and scars!

My skincare secret: Nixoderm

Nixoderm - £2.89 available here

I'm not the sort of person who will just buy a product before reading a lot about it, however a few months ago I was suffering from a horrible breakout that just wouldn't go away and I'd tried everything to get rid of it. I then heard about Nixoderm from a friend and decided I had nothing to lose so I headed over to eBay and got myself a tin.

Nixoderm is  not a product that is widely available in the UK. It's produced in Nigeria and can be found throughout Asia. It's a white almost paste like cream that comes in a tin much like Vaseline. The main ingredients include Benzoic Acid (6%), Titanium Dioxide (10%), Salicylic Acid (2.5%) and Precipitated Sulpher (4.6%) all of which are great for treating acne and other skin ailments as stated on the tin.

The cream has a very strong smell of sulpher which isn't to everyone's taste, however, as I put this on just before I go to bed, it doesn't bother me too much. I use this at night and apply it liberally to any blemishes I may have before going to sleep. I've found that this brings cystic pimples to a head in 1-2 days and normal whiteheads to a head overnight. It's best not to use it every night, I usually go for 3 nights and then give my face a break until I need it again as it can be quite drying. I also find that it stings for a minute or two when it's first applied but that soon disappears and it feels very cooling on the skin. The sting just makes it feel like it's working to be honest! You can only really apply this if you're not leaving the house as it just sits on top of the skin until you wash it off.

I don't know how I lived without this product before! For less than £3 it's definitely worth picking up if you have blemish prone skin like me.