Sun Damage Saviours - Murad Environmental Shield

I know I've already shared my views on most of this range before, but the Environmental Shield has done wonders over the warmer months to prevent and reverse the effects of sun damage. It was only this year that I took a close look at my skin and learnt the difference between sun spots (which originate at the surface) and acne scarring which occurs on a much deeper level. These products contain a stable form of potent Vitamin C to perk up the complexion and defend against free radicals. These items come in a starter kit complete with an eye cream, which you can now get for £29.50. 

The Essential-C Cleanser is a firm favourite of mine and I always break it out during the summer as a quick morning cleanse. The orange beads contain antioxidants to perk up the complexion and is completely non-drying despite having to work the gel into a foam. It has been a godsend for my dehydrated skin and is excellent for getting rid of pollutants and city grime as a second cleanse.

Despite its anti-aging properties (have you read my thoughts on that yet?) I am finding it pretty hard to find fault with the Advanced Active Radiance Serum. I use it every morning in conjunction with the cleanser and my skin has become brighter within 3 months of use. A lot of dark spots have been cleared because of this serum! It uses AHA's to refine the skin and imparts an effective hit of Vitamin C to help correct any sun damage. I tend to use AHA's during my night-time routine, so this only gets used once daily to avoid overloading my skin. It is mighty expensive (the full price is £100) but it has been so effective that I might just cave. BeautyBay are selling it for £60 here. 

Lastly, if you do use exfoliating acids or want to protect against sun damage, a high performance SPF is a must. Especially in summer. I was originally using another Murad oil free formulated SPF15 from the Pore refiner range, but then again I didn't want to undo all the good things that happened to my face. So as spring turned to summer, I made the switch to the Essential C- Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and never looked back. It protects against UVA and UVB rays and still manages to be non-greasy and natural looking i.e. no white cast for those with darker skins. I have fallen for it, it has a rich texture and my purse is weeping as I will have to replace it shortly. It is £57 here.

I know that the range is pricey, but there is a difference between falling for hyped products and investing in your skin. These starter kits are a great entry point into the brand and if you have to get one item from the range I would suggest the serum, which as also been spotted in TK Maxx in recent months. If you have any experiences or solutions for sun damage, I would love to hear them.

Candice xx

The Perfect Pair: Toners

It is fair to say that I am a complete skincare junkie, so I am having a bit of a quiet patch on the blog while I test out a few skincare bits. I rarely ever get an instant result after using something new; the gratification always comes as a bit of a surprise but with these two the difference was clear after around two weeks.

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator and Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

Chemical exfoliators have become ever popular and the one I've been using for the last few months is the Clarins Exfoliating Toner. Containing glycolic and salicylic acid, this product is gentle enough to use around the eyes yet effective enough to slough away dead skin cells and improve the texture of your skin. It has helped enormously with fading away stubborn scars and cystic spots over time. For someone who is scared of overdoing it, this has become a permanent addition to my daily routine.

To balance the skin's pH, a liberal spritz of the Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist soon follows. It is, in my opinion, highly fragranced yet not as drying as other spray toners can be. I adore the heady rose scent and the inclusion of marshmallow and aloe helps to calm the skin. It also comes in handy when I need a pick-me-up during the day or my makeup needs a bit of a refresh with a sponge. Despite containing alcohol, this spray is hydrating and delivers a cooling effect to irritated skin.

These toners work wonderfully together, as I find my skin to be a lot smoother with this combination. I did enjoy using the Antipodes Resurrection Toner, but since I bought it my skin type has become drier and these options are a much better fit for me.

What toner combination do you use?

The Best of Murad

Do you remember this post when I bought two Murad skincare sets? Well, four months later, I present to you the gems of the haul and why they deserve a place in your skincare stash. To be fair, the opportunity hasn't been there to test out the Environmental Shield broad spectrum SPF and the foaming cleanser from the Pore Perfection kit was nothing special. I believe that the Vitalic products from the Pore Perfecting range are being rebranded as Pore Reform as I can't find them anywhere. I will keep an eye out for them as these picks have wormed their way into my skincare routine since the beginning of 2014.

Murad Essential-C Cleanser

Ok, this isn't really a surprise as I've sung the praises of this cleanser before. But for me, this has actually limited any oiliness and sun damage on my face during the hot summer months. I got this free with a magazine a few years ago and I've repurchased it every summer since. The Vitamin C is bound in a special complex so it doesn't become inactive as quickly as other vitamin C products. It helps to brighten the skin and protects it from any environmental damage.

Murad Energising Pomegranate Moisturiser (since rebranded as Pore Reform Balancing Moisturiser)

I was really not expecting to like this as it is suited for normal/combination skins, but this has worked wonders for me and it's a shame that it's so hard to find now! This oil free formulation is full of antioxidants and active ingredients to brighten and hydrate the skin. It also doubles as a broad spectrum SPF so it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Murad Advanced Active Radiance Serum

Again based on a stable complex of Vitamin C, this contains AHA's that refine and tighten the skin's surface. Although I'm quite young for skin tightening, I know that dehydrated skin is more prone to wrinkles over time. With the added benefits of aiding cell regeneration and reducing environmental damage, this serum is a great start to exploring the world of anti-ageing skincare.

Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask

My main complaint is that there were only 2 sachets available in the the set - again, I cannot see this stocked anywhere. This gel mask uses chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin cells and leave behind plump, glowing skin. I did feel a tingling sensation with this, so it may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin. I will say that this mask tends to bring any impurities to the surface, and left my face feeling polished and glowing.

Needless to say, this was great value for money as I only parted with £14! I'll keep you posted on any more skincare gems that I find.

Coming Up Roses

Over the last few months, my skin has improved significantly to the point that persistent acne scars are fading and less foundation is necessary to hide any imperfections. The main cause is using products with rosehip oil, as it is known to help even out imperfections whilst soothing irritated skin. I've also gravitated towards the more natural offerings available, and this particular combination has done wonders for my dehydrated skin.

Melvita Milky Cleansing Oil - £20 at Feelunique

After a skin consultation at the Melvita store in Covent Garden last summer, I've been using this to combat my dehydrated skin. Now, my skin is left feeling plump and moisturised after cleansing, and it makes it so much easier to remove a full face of makeup in the evenings! I use 2 pumps and give myself a little face massage similar to this swimming motion before and after adding water. I have also noticed after using this that my skin is much brighter and I've stopped getting dry patches on my face. Ultimately, this is a real game changer for those with dry/dehydrated skin.

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil - from £14.85 at Feelunique 

A firm favourite during the winter months, this is pure rosehip seed oil which acts to improve the appearance of scars, stretchmarks and wrinkles. This is an all-rounder and has faded many stubborn acne scars over time, whilst giving the skin a little moisture boost. I like to use it as part of my evening routine in place of a heavy night cream, as it absorbs quickly into the skin and helps to clear any congested areas overnight. 

Are there any other rose products that I should try next? 

  

TK Maxx Bargains #2

Why hello there! Yes, my prolonged absence on this blog is mostly down to the painful transition of jobless graduate with little to spare for new things. Learning not to jump on every beauty bandwagon led me to treat myself on a few goodies after Xmas, some were old favourites but all of them were bargains from TK Maxx.

This wasn't exactly a necessary purchase, but considering how much something similar would usually cost, needless to say I pounced on it for £7. There was also an Environmental Shield one where I picked up my beloved Essential C-Cleanser, but I was too excited to use it and destroyed the box. Sorry Not sorry.  

There were a few O.P.I sets around, but the So So Skullicious was one of the most affordable ones afailable. I won't lie to you, the yellow shade Candlelight was promptly given to one of my friends but A-Rose from the Dead has become a firm favourite as a wearable midtone pink. Mourning Glory is a close second more suited to the winter months, but it's my first black nail polish where I actually like the formula.

I have more posts in store, but just have to find a routine. You can't help but feel that you can't start a beauty blog on a budget these days, but then again, it is more reason to be part of a blogging community when you don't have the funds to try everything out. If all else fails... TK Maxx?

Till next time,

Candice

Peachy Tones

After the lacklustre weather we've been having lately it does seem a bit premature to be rocking summery makeup in the rain, but I have been swayed by these peachy offerings this month.

Ok, I admit that the mask is peach- scented and the lipstick is more of a burnt coral, but still they are part of the same family. These were mostly treats for finishing my degree and I've been pretty pleased with them all.

 I have got at least two face masks on the go, but something compelled me to buy the Origins Drink Up Intensive as the high dose of hydration seemed appealing. It has become necessary if my skin is looking flat or dry, and applying a thin layer once a week leaves my skin glowing, plump and velvety in the morning. The Nails inc. shade You're a Peach was a freebie from Instyle in May (or April?) and managed to give a suitable alternative to a nude nail whilst still being work friendly. I have never really veered towards peachy tones on my nails before; but was complemented on the shade many times and it doesn't clash with my warm toned skin (something that orange nails tend to do!). Here's a swatch.

My stubby dinosaur claws fingers, everybody ;-) But you can see how this shade can suit many skin tones without looking too stark. The polish lasts around 4 days on me with Sally Hanson Double Duty Base and Top Coat. The lipstick I picked up is Vegas Volt by MAC. I feel somewhat late to the party reviewing this, but as this is my first bold MAC lipstick this is truly a showstopper. Ravishing looked slightly corpse-like on me, so Vegas Volt is a perfect substitute for deeper skintones due to the amplified finish. I like to mix things up by lightly dabbing on the lips for a peachy daytime look or applying directly from the tube for a neon orange effect at night. 

   
Most of these have been on heavy rotation throughout May and June, so this could serve as a monthly favourites of sorts. But generally I am in a bit of a make up rut as I want to be more bright and summery, but the clouds have other ideas... here's to a bit more sun!

Forgotten Favourites #3

Well, I did say I would post more often.  Here are a few things I have rediscovered over the last few weeks. A few were buried in favour of other alternatives, others have become more necessary as the days get warmer, but there were definite moments when I wondered how I forgot about these gems...

Nars Sheer Glow in Tahoe- £30.50

This foundation has sat unloved for quite some time, as its medium to full coverage became unnecessary when my skin got better this year. After snubbing it for YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat in the winter, I crawled back when the colour match seemed more summer appropriate. I will say, that using the Real Techniques Stippling brush has made the world of difference as I can get that dewy glow whilst using less product - and it sits better on my skin compared to using a buffing brush.


Avene Hydrance Optimale Moisturiser with SPF 20 - £14.50

I have used this consistently last summer, but during the winter I used cleansers and moisturisers that sought to block environmental damage, like the Murad Essential C Cleanser and Ren Hydracalm Day Cream. Obviously as the sun started to make an appearance, I shopped around for alternative Spfs and had a nightmarish consultation where I walked out white as a sheet! Needless to say, if it ain't broke, why fix it? Having to wash my face in a public toilet is not a good look. This Avene moisturiser delivers on the spf protection without the chalk face or scrimping on the hydration. It caters to those with dehydrated skin, so for under £15 it's a steal. Get thee to Boots!

Elasta QP Olive Oil and Mango Butter Moisturiser - £3.99

For the last 2 or 3 months I had been exclusively using oils on my hair. Even though they are natural and moisturising, you can overdo it. I found over time that between washes applying oil became less effective and the buildup makes the hair less manageable. Enter Elasta QP. This sherbert-smelling moisturiser leaves hair managable and non-greasy. It works with curls instead of weighing them down and is useful in moisturising the scalp.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo - £13

I know I previously spoke of this product here, but it's not actually finished, surprisingly! I think at that time I was slathering it over my face instead of pinpointing the areas that need it most. This won't necessarily banish a spot overnight, but after a breakout there is still a significant difference as the blemishes reduce in size. This helped a lot during my stressful phase, but I wouldn't recommend it for sensitive skins at all.

Hope you enjoyed this, as I am just getting back in the swing of things. Over and out.

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion Review

I have always been picky about using skincare with natural ingredients but I haven't really shared much about body lotion yet. Mainly this is down to me suffering with eczema during the winter, but this product has pretty much cleared that up. I've been using more body creams to prep my skin for summer, but judging from today's flutter of snow it's not too late to start now!

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion has been an absolute godsend during the dry months, as its active ingredients help to keep skin hydrated and the fragrance free formula doesn't irritate my skin. It is a thick cream which easily absorbs into the skin and leaves no residue. Unlike other products, its 24 hour claim is accurate, no dry patches were to be found and my skin did improve after 2 weeks. After using this regularly for a week, I stopped experiencing any flare-ups or dry patches so this really helped me during the winter.

I hope this helps, as I did struggle a bit to find lotions that were fairly inexpensive but didn't irritate the skin. At the moment, the whole Aveeno range is on offer at Boots and you can get this lotion for just over a fiver! Are there any other ranges you'd recommend for sensitive skin?

Sea Bath Inspired Brightening Facial

You may not know this, but I am originally from Caribbean descent. When I was six I vividly remember visiting my mother's hometown, eagerly sniffing the fresh air and looking across the coast towards the Caribbean Sea. Well, on a few occasions we trundled off to the beach for an old fashioned Sea Bath, which basically meant swimming (or playing as I couldn't quite swim yet) in the natural salty seawater.

One of the benefits was that sea salt is very good for the skin, as well as seaweed and citrus fruits which help to brighten the skin and help fade blemishes. This has since resulted in my sister going through mountains of salt and lemon slices trying to emulate this, but for those strapped for time (or lazy like me) here's my take on it:

Step 1: Cleanser
For this a cream or balm cleanser would be best. One product that I tend to forget about is the No. 7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser, but this is incredibly nourishing and makes your skin glow after using it. It comes with a muslin cloth, but I tend to use it with a flannel to help open the pores. Unfortunately I chucked out the box months ago and I can't find an ingredients list- but the thick formula does remove makeup effortlessly and is a good buy (especially with a Boots £5 off voucher).

Step 2: Salt Exfoliant
You could literally go all natural by scooping some salt into a container with some lemon juice. But I tend to use Ocean Salt Facial Scrub from Lush instead as it contains organic lime in vodka, avocado butter, coconut oil and seaweed in addition to the expected sea salt. For those with sensitive skin, this can be very abrasive, so I would encourage those to go into Lush and do a spot test before buying.
I tend to apply this like a mask around my face, so that a thick layer sits on the skin when dried.

  This lets the natural oils sink in whilst the salt detoxifies the skin. After 5 minutes splash water on your face and gently make small circular motions as the Ocean Salt dissolves off your face. I did cover my undereye area with the salt but have no intention to exfoliate there- I've found that rinsing it off after 5 minutes significantly reduces my dark circles.

Step 3: Facial Mask
Clay masks can come in handy for congested skin - I use the Origins Clear Improvement Mask as it helps to clear pores and makes them appear smaller. I got this before Christmas and have used it regularly as the charcoal mask really tightens and has helped with blackheads (sorry).

Extras

Technically, you can resume your normal skincare routine after this, but to keep with the theme, I used The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner followed by REN Hydra-calm Global Protection Day Cream. The Seaweed Toner actually feels quite soothing after the mask, otherwise I'm not really a fan. It's formulated for oily blemish-prone skin which I don't have, but it still does the job.

I've spoken about the REN Hydra-calm Global Protection Day Cream before, but this is in their sensitive range and I love this moisuriser to bits. It's a very hydrating balm and only a pea sized amount is needed for the whole face. To be honest, I have been saving this for certain occasions as this is a sample size and the 50ml bottle costs £27. This cream does contain anti-oxidants to combat UV damage and Omega 3 and 7 to act as anti-inflammatory ingredients. This shows that REN is a natural brand with quality ingredients, so you do get what you pay for.

If anyone is near a tropical location, do go for a dip in the sea as seasalt also aids circulation and boasts other health benefits. Other things to look out for are natural sulphur springs as they also improve the skin, but just reading this and sitting in my cold bedroom makes me long for summer.

Any family rituals you'd like to share?

In Sickness and In Health

I have been a bit all over the place this month, mostly because I've been ill throughout most of November and it's hard to talk confidently about beauty when you look like shit. So these are the wonder products that have helped to make me look human on the rare occasions when I'd leave the house. The packaging is dented and slightly grubby in these photos, but on the bright side at least you know that they are well loved.

Weleda Skin Food - £7

Okay, the one pictured is the 30ml and the one I've linked to is twice the size, but I have no doubt you'd find a use for this during the winter months. This is like a thick salve as it helps to sooth any dry areas and cracked shin, such as elbows and knees. This may be a bit gross, but I tend to get really noticeable black marks on my nose where I've been wiping away, to the extent that someone asked me if i had intentionally burned it! This has come to the rescue as my skin just drinks it up. It doesn't have the oily residue left by other moisturisers, as Weleda is a natural brand and I will be looking to buy more from them in the future. Using this near the beginning of the month has reduced any discolouration around my nose and helps to deal with any skin irritations brought up from the cold.

L'Occitane Dry Skin Shea Butter Hand Cream - £8

This was a fairly new acquisition as I've never really used hand cream regularly, but as the weather got colder I picked this up as there was so much buzz around it - and frankly it was getting a bit embarrassing pulling out my mini REN Rose Otto Lotion whilst on the Tube. This has a luxurious feel to is as the thrick formula is instantly hydrating, leaving your hands moisturised for a few hours. Definitely one for the times when you need a quick pick-me-up as the smell is divine.

Bath and Bodyworks Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel in Linen

Unfortunately, I'm not sure if you can get this scent anymore, as Bath and Bodyworks are located in the US and Canada. I can only link here where they sell a few seasonal Favourites, including Warm Vanilla Sugar which I also own and love. Back to Linen, this is such a clean, homey scent and is good when you're rushing around on public transport or maybe after blowing your nose. The gel also contains Tahitian Palm Milk so it's not as drying as other alcohol based hand gels are. So if you're within reach of a Bath and Bodyworks store, give this a sniff as it's a clean favourite (sorry) from me.

 

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm - £10

Yup, everyone raves about this, but for good reason. At first, I was skeptical and only got the £5 stick version, which needs warming up and breaking into before it can be on par with the tub version. I lost the chapstick, and I couln't go one week without cracking and getting the 15ml tub. The formula is extra nourishing and smells of milk and honey. Horrible cracked lips, begone! I was at the stage of the cold where Carmex is as useful as water, but the Nuxe lipbalm is longlasting and also helps to get rid of any dead skin. It may not be best under lipstick, but the heavy luxe packaging and thick hydrating texture more than makes up for it.

Benefit Sun Beam - £18.50

On sick days, your skin tends to look a bit dull and lifeless and this highlighter tends to be the solution when I don't want to look like I tried too hard. Yes, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Topaz is still my favourite, maybe I'll do a side by side comparison someday. The thing is, the shade Topaz is too dark and bronzey for winter and Sun Beam offers a good compromise. I tend to use it on the tops of cheeks and over my dark circles, so the light reflective particles can give my face a subtle lift whilst hiding the lack of sleep and pale skin.

So those are my necessities for many sick days this month! Just so you know, I have changed my URL from ohsofrivolous.blogspot.com to makeuptobreakupblog.blogspot.com, just because there's no point having your own personal space on the web if it doesn't represent who you are. I hope to show more of my personality on here and I'm genuinely excited about the next post! Take care xxx

Portable Skincare 2: Eyecreams

Hello guys! Here's installment number two of my travel skincare routine. I haven't managed to finish even one eyecream yet, so unfortunately the Strivectin set remains untouched. Some may wonder why it is effectively necessary to have three of these on rotation. Some call it obsessive, but I call it a working skincare wardrobe.

L-R: Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream, Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus, REN Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel

Just for reference, these are all past magazine samples, but some have been quite generous in terms of size and I will be looking to repurchase at least one of these when these are finished.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream -  £20 full size

If I had to pick only one, this would be the main contender. The Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream is good for night time as its creamy formula sinks in effortlessly and only a small amount is needed. This gets an outing if my eyes are tired, irritated or just needs a pick me up. Having used this since June, my dark circles have significantly reduced but the fine lines still haven't shifted (apart from a laughter line above my nose which has been smoothed). The 7ml Glamour sample is still going strong, but I fully intend to purchase the full size afterwards because it's just THAT good.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus - £39.50 full size

This is my go to for smoothing wrinkles despite it being officially marketed as a face serum. Apart from the aforementioned laughter line at the top of my nose I only have wrinkles under my eyes, so those are the only areas I can use this. After application, fine lines appear softened, but in terms of long-term use, the lines under my eyes haven't faded at all. It contains the wonder ingredient of the month, hyaluronic acid, and claims to tighten pores, help reverse UV damage and fade dark spots, so it is a good multi-tasker to have in my travel kit. But all this aside, with no permanent results this is quite average as its gel-like consistency doesn't sink well into the skin. The formula also contains a retinol compound which makes the formula drying and potentially irritable to those with sensitive skins. I'll report back when I try the Strivectin, but this only serves as a temporary measure.

REN Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel - £20 full size     

A tingly treatment for puffy eyes, this REN eye gel is perfect for reducing any eyebags in the morning. It gives a cooling sensation when applied and is very effective in smoothing the area around the eye also. This gel can be hydrating when the right amount is used, as the formula absorbs well into the skin. The radiant part of the product is down to REN's natural ingredients which also in this case contains hyaluronic acid. This also helps to reduce the appearance of dark rings around my eyes if I apply it where the tops of my cheekbone meets the beginning of my eye socket. Not a lot is needed and this 3ml sample has been used every morning for at least 4 months. The full size packaging has a pump and the only gripe I have of repurcasing is that many have complained of wasting too much product.   


So that's all my travel picks, I wouldn't recommend the Clinique one but I just feel the need to use it up rather that throw it away. Please remmber that everyone's skin is different and my bad experiences shouldn't put you off something you already love. Next post in the series is face creams and moisturisers, so let me know if any favourites in the series so far have made the cut!

Portable Skincare 1: Cleansers

Since moving home, I have gotten into a routine of packing an overnight bag and staying with the bf twice a month. This is where I tend to dig out my samples and firm favourites in an attempt to save space. Most of it (along with my toothbrush) fits into this little Nick Lowe case which was originally part of the Blemish Starter Pack, a steal for a fiver at TK Maxx (More on bargains at TK Maxx at a later post).  Can you recognise any gems in there?

This four- part series will go through what I take with me on a regular basis, as well as some space-saving tips to cram in extras for any skin issues that can crop up. As the title suggests, the first will be on cleansers - yes, plural. Being stressed out, living in an unfamiliar environment, or any changes in diet can cause the skin's condition to change and like a good boy scout, you should always be prepared!

If you've read my first empties post, the L'Occitane Angelica Oil Cleanser will come as no surprise. It brightens the skin whilst having a healing effect on any irritated areas or blemishes. I sometimes get weird skin reactions when travelling and this helps significantly to calm them down. The peppermint and bark oils give it an inoffensive earthy scent which I really like and as the Travel size is highly reduced at £4 online, I will probably order another bottle before they all disappear.

The Murad Essential C-Cleanser is another gel based cleanser based on brightening the skin, but has more citric oils in the formula and works best on oily skin. I got this as a freebie in Marie Claire's September issue when my skin was less dry. It worked a treat for hydrating the skin and giving it a glow without leaving it feeling greasy. In the colder months however, it does tend to strip my skin of moisture (think grapefruit juice dry), so I gravitate more towards the L'Occitane one. It is also more expensive at £36 for 200ml, and as you need a big blob of product for your face, it will probably run out fairly quickly. If you missed out in September, you can get 45ml of product for £10 on Murad's website if you fancy giving it a go and if it happens to be in stock.

Next up will be my choice of eyecreams - again plural. However this may change as I've managed to get hold of some Strivectin SD Eye Concentrate at a reasonable price. Having heard Ruth from A Model Recommends constantly sing its praises I want to see if it'll do anything to help with the lines under my eyes.  Can you guess where I got it from?     

I'm not dead... I promise!

Well, I've been a bad blogger, haven't I? Sorry I haven't posted, it's been a mixture of not physically being able to submit anything through Blogger, moving back home and being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of beauty products I've accumulated!! I only have one face after all.

Update 1: I got my hair did! Considering that I've never been a fan of the poker straight look, I have been known to avoid the hairdressers for fear of being burned. But this time, I came out with a short bob and curled it loosely to give that messy tousled look.It probably didn't help that I'd been out in the wind and rain before I took this, it looks like I've been pulled through a hedge...

Update 2: My new makeup routine consists of mixing Revlon Colorstay in toast with YSL's Le Teint Touche Eclat, which seems to have solved the problem of using them individually. On its own, Colorstay gives full coverage,is very matte and this particular shade made my complexion look muddy. On the flipside, YSL's latest offering is very sheer and gives a dewy finish which doesn't last long on my skin. The shade B60 is my closest match despite it being too light for me (it leans more yellow than my skintone) so this compromise gives a more natural semi-matte finish. On my lips is MAC Syrup lipstick, which has become my new go-to nude.

EDIT: I forgot to mention what brush I used for my base as applying the Revlon Colorstay can be a bit tricky and it dries quickly on the face! I apply my foundation with the Real Techniques Stippling Brush as the duofibres allow you to work quickly whilst stippling the product onto your skin. Everyone's been raving about these brushes so I don't think another glowing review is necessarily needed, but before I bought this, I would use a standard foundarion brush and end up using too much product. The Stippling brush gives an even lightweight application without compromising on the coverage.

Update 3: There is SO much I forgot I had! After moving back into a box room, I've had to move everything into storage and it hasn't been easy. A vast amount of it is skincare from different parts of my skin journey, and makeup that I've tried, thought was so-so and cannot bring myself to throw it out. I'm trying to phase out buying so much by just using what I have, but the lack of funds hasn't stopped me compiling a list as long as my arm! Things forgotten include the Revlon Colourstay, SEVERAL nail polishes and my favourite perfume of all time Flight of Fancy by Anna Sui.

I was reminded by another favourite over at The Sunday Girl blog where the mere mention of the Bath and Bodyworks hand sanitisers made my start looking for my own collection. I have 3: Linen, Warm Vanilla Sugar and Fresh Lemon. I'll show you the Lemon one as it's the least battered of them all.

I love these as they're very dinky and handbag friendly without the horrible alcohol scent! Considering I went to America a year or two ago, it's a wonder I have any left at all...

Update 4: After umming and ahhing I decided to visit the BeautyMart at Harvey Nichols to eye up the skincare section and hoard lots of Bioderma. Unfortunately for me, they were sold out of the big bottles, so had to resort to getting the tiny one to test it out... so far so good. I was fairly restrained despite them having Weleda, Balance Me and other organic goodies in stock. As aforementioned I have more than enough skincare (but of course that doesn't stop me wanting to try more, sigh) so I only walked out with Bioderma and yet another polish. FYI, the samples you get are amazing, mine included an oil cleanser.

Whilst in there, I was complemented on my nails, do you like? The green polish is Going Incognito by Essie (pre-diffusion line) and the glittery one is a very pared down Edinburgh Gate by Nails Inc. This glitter polish is so chunky it can be passed off as a sequin mani if you layer it enough, but the combination of silver, green and red particles make it very versatile.

I have a few things planned, such as my Nails Inc Polish Collection, what's in my make-up bag and other fun stuff. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to see.

Empties #1

This should become a regular thing, as I started taking my skincare more seriously around April/May and am trying to finish the half-finished items I own before investing in any more. If you go back to my first post, I have had hyperpigmentation issues and major scarring, which has massively reduced since I began a proper regimen. My skincare overhaul included using natural products whilst avoiding things with sulphates and parabens, a feat which French brands always manage to excel at without breaking the bank. Many of these things have seriously helped to even out my complexion and prevent acne. Another post is coming on what I currently use, but these are my empties over the last few months.

Vichy Normaderm Solution Micellaire for Acne-Prone Skin -£10.50
After all the buzz over micellar waters I popped into Boots and gave this a whirl. At the time of purchase, I was wearing full coverage foundations and this made it effortless to remove. As the solution is essentially oil suspended in water, I was surprised to find it mattifying with no extra residue. Unfortunately I did find it a touch too drying around the eyes, especially when removing mascara. I am looking to purchase some bottles from other brands to see how they compare, but the Vichy range definitely deserves more attention.

L'Occitane Cleansing Gel with Organic Angelica Water and Essential Oil - £4 Travel Size
Before this, I would often be using whatever cleanser that was lurking in the family bathroom (often Simple or Neutragena Grapefruit Face wash)  without paying attention to parabens, silicones or any other nasties. This travel size bottle came free with the June issue of Glamour and having lasted 5months, I have since picked up another. L'Occitane is a well-known natural brand and this my first foray into their vast skincare range. This has really made a difference to my skin - it's now brighter and surprisingly less dry.  The essential oils in this cleanser help to maintain moisture in the skin, whilst the peppermint oil helps to ward off any breakouts.


La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo - £13
Keeping with the French skincare theme, I got this after my skin reacted badly to another product. Perfect for those with oily skin that suffer from breakouts, this is sold as a moisturiser, but could easily double up as a primer as there silicones present in the formula. Personally, I found it more effective to use it on areas prone to breakouts (such as the chin) as it can be too drying.

La Roche Posay Effaclar A.I - £9.19
This formula is more creamy and is meant to target minimal blemishes and imperfections. Effaclar A.I. is more of a corrector for any scarring left after a breakout. For me, it worked best with a hydrating moisturiser underneath as the scars healed faster. I prefer this formula to Effaclar Duo, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

Korres Pomegranate Cleansing Mask - £7 (£5.76 in old packaging from Amazon)
I bought this on a whim on Amazon, as I usually steer clear of clay masks because of the smell. But this one has a slight pomegranate scent and the clay helps to remove impurities. I put it on twice a week after exfoliating and the result is clearer skin, and the appearance of tighter pores. The only thing stopping me from repurchasing is the Origins minis currently on sale for a similar price point. I have yet to try any of their masks so I am curious, but I cannot recommend Korres enough as they are paraben, suphate and sls free.

Garnier CleanDetox Detoxifying Exfoliation Wash - £5.49
This was bought a long long time ago, and despite containing parabens, this is one of my favourite exfoliators. Containing green mint and Vitamin E, it is an invigorating scrub meant to purge the skin of any impurities. It can be a bit abrasive, so it would be best to use on wet skin. The directions on the tube say to use 'a hazelnut size blob', but I'd use much less! A little goes a long way with this one.

Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment - £12
This product has been hyped up to the heavens! Some have used it twice on a spot and it disappeared within a day. I wanted to like this product so much, and despite having good results in terms of combating spots, I wouldn't repurchase this. It stings on application, and since I stopped using it, I have had less scarring on my face. I felt that I had to persevere with it as I didn't get instant results; and I suspect my skin had gotten used to it before the bottle was used up. To conclude this mini-review, don't write it off, it just didn't work for me.

REN Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream - £27 full size
Despite having the smallest of samples, this was the gift that just kept giving as I've been using it on and off for roughly 6 months. It contains an SPF and kept my skin hydrated whilst using the smallest amount. There is just one bad point and that was the texture. I can't put my finger on it, but despite it being a cream, the consistency was... slightly on the greasy side. Saying that, I am in the midst of trying the version for sensitive skins and I prefer it a lot more, the formula seems much creamier without leaving any residue on the face. I'll keep you posted.

So there are my empties over the last few months. Do you own any of the products above? Let me know if there are any similar products you recommend or if you've had a similar reaction