Instant boost

The purchase of the Clarins Instant Light was what I call a binge spree: i.e. I had intended to buy something else, they didn't have it in stock and in disappointed needed something in replacement as I had so intended for the original. Unhealthy purchase, I know.

However, I'm not going to be full of regrets here. I had read a lot about this product on ghostparties and nouvelle daily, and was very intrigued to give it a test. My skin recently (as you will have read my complaints) has been looking seriously lack lustre: dull, a little grey and stuck in Winter. It really hasn't done a lot for my mood!

Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base (as its true title) is designed to target this need. I mix mine in with my bb cream to create a dewy boost. I was instantly impressed by the results; it definitely does the trick at enhancing your base.

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A new skin wonder

For many, many years now I have religiously used the Liz Earle hot cloth cleanse and polish. Morning and night I have been a loyal follower of this product, and it has worked wonders with my skin at times. However, since January my skin has been undergoing a bit of an annoying change. Small dry patches everywhere, sensitivity, hidden, under the skin blemishes on my forehead and just a horrible, dull complexion: this is just not what I'm used too. Whether it has been stress or weather related my skin has been calling out for saviour.

I do aaaaah-lot of beauty blog reading. Indeed, the first thing I do when I hit my laptop is click for my favourite blogs. So, with such productive reading and adapted knowledge I realised that there was a lot of hype (particularly from my favourite Vivianna Does Makeup )behind the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel. After thinking and thinking (and even more thinking) I realised it was time to hit cult beauty, be risky and purchase.

I'm used to a cream, thick substance cleanser, so the Oskia was a bit of big change when I pressed down on the pump. An orange-toned, slightly bitty balm comes out which is then applied onto dry skin and emulsifies into a balm. It has an oily texture and, massaged into the skin, generates a small amount of heat. After a wipe on a warm muslin cloth the difference was instantly recognisable. My skin had immediately gained a radiant complexion.

It has now been a week of using the cleansing gel and so far so good. My skin feels more radiant, plump and smooth, spots have gone and even more pores look more reduced. Although my dryness hasn't completely gone yet, they have dramatically reduced, so I don't look like such the scaly monster anymore!

Although expensive in price, my philosophy never changes with skincare: sometimes you have to invest to get some results. Good ingredients are not always cheap, but our skin, in drastic times, needs some tlc.

You can purchase the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing gel from Cult Beauty.

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Turning for Watermelon

As I have previously revealed, I have an intense love, almost verging on obsession, for blue nail varnish. Whether its navy blue, pastel blue or my favourite shade of duck egg blue I am automatically drawn to the love of my life shades. 

However, there is a particular shade of pink which will ALWAYS turn me from my alliance with blue. That is Essie's shade of watermelon.  A bright, vibrant pink that is not a shade of tacky Barbie pink. It's the perfect shade of a classy, ripe watermelon that always cheers up my mood.

London weather has been rather beautiful this week and so the shade of watermelon has graced my fingertips to get me in the mood for the spring and summer months. What are your nail varnishes that help you get in that Summer mood?

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February Favourites

I suppose the dream of clean, un-blemished skin couldn't last forever and so February punished me with some of the worst skin problems I've had in a long time. My skin was so dry and sensitive that everytime I put products on it seemed to hurt. Twice a week I applied the Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask, which I have definitely raved about before. This product works moisturising miracles for dry skin; applied before going to bed you wake up in the morning with guaranteed moisturise-ness. Oh, and  the smell is mmmmmahmazing.

After a lucky promo code I found on Nail's Inc facebook (yes 50% off code) I finally got round to purchasing the hero shade of Porchester Square. Although it may to some seem grey and boring I promise upon application it is one of those sophisticated/goes-with-anything-shades. I have also found that the gel effect means I don't needs a top coat and it definitely is more chip-free proof than other polishes.

As my last post revealed I have been luuuuving the Revlon lip balms in the more on trend orange tones. These will most definitely continue on to be other monthly favourites. Check out the full post here.

The beauty blogging world went crazy for the launch of the Hourglass blushers. Naturally, and after instagram persuasion, I had to buy one. I choose the shade dim infusion and have fallen in love with its natural, healthy pink finish. Hourglass are well known for their highlighters and their blushers incorporate a subtle successful highlight. Although a taaad overpriced (unfortunately, even more than my Nars creamy concealor) they are worth it if you are looking for a good, high end blusher.

I've also included in my favourites my little Emma Bridgewater candle. I was given this by my mum for Christmas but only started lighting it last month. This one has almond and vanilla tones and leaves a strong scent in the room which is just what I like.

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