The empties #3

There comes a time once in a while when it's time for me to put all the empty bottles Ive been saving in a bag underneath my bed in the recycle bin. So before I take that trip downstairs I thought I would show and comment about what I've used up. This will therefore also be a post about a girl who used to work at Liz Earle and has now used up most of her stash - sad times.

People sometimes forget that Liz Earle does more than skincare. The Liz Earle Botanical Shine conditioner for dry or damaged hair was an absolute treat; my hair felt more nourished and looked healthy and shiny. I loved how creamy the formula was. This is definitely going on my repurchase list.

I had a wonderful time using the Sarah Chapman Intense Hydrating Booster . I would put it up there with some of the best skincare I have ever used. It is a very light-weight serum which gave my skin so much hydration making it looked nourished and plumper. I would love to purchase this again but the price tag brings a tear to my eye...

You must know by now that the Oskia Renaissance Gel Cleanser is one of my all time favourite cleansers. I will soon be re-purchasing my fourth bottles.

The Herbal Essences Clearly naked Shampoo is the cheapest thing in this post at a whopping price of £2.50. My hairdresser recommended that I only buy clear shampoos as my hair was getting very greasy and 'flat.' This has been a little gem and Im now on my second bottle.

Do I need to say anything else about the Colab sheer and invisible dry shampoo (empties are the London and New York scents). If you're a brunette gal then you need to try these.

I have recently written a post about my favourite moisturisers, in which the Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser has a big feature. Click here to read in detail about my love.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Limited Edition pink pepper and mint (no longer available)

I find the Lush The Comfortor shower gel so 'comforting' and uplifting. I really relied on this when i wasn't very well before Christmas. The smell is like a warming Riben/Vimto and it's pink and shimmery - amazing.

Max Factor Clump Defy Mascara is probably my favourite drug-store mascara. I love it, love it love. Again, I am now on my third tube of this.

The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof eye makeup remover - how many times have I raved about this? The best eye makeup remover ever.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Limited Edition Jasmine and osmanthus  (no longer available). I think this was my favourite of the limited edition scents. I really think Liz Earle should continue with some of their limited edition scents of the famous cleanser.

From now on I will always recommend the Liz Earle Orange Flower botanical body wash to anyone who suffers with dry/eczma prone skin. A lovely refreshing shower gel that contains no nasties and lots of vitamin E and essential oils to help nourish and moisturise the skin.

Read More

Monthly Favourites Update

It seems like a lifetime ago since I did a favourites post. The unglamorous third year life was not very exciting, I rarely changed my routine in terms of skincare and makeup, and being unemployed for a few months left me restrained from Space NK splurges. But there university life is no more and I now have a small part time job which means I can definitely have a splurge or two! Anyhow, there are no more excuses. So here are some of the things I have been loving for the past month…and a bit!

We all know I have been a loyal Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish fan for a very long time. Despite this affection however, the release of their limited edition fragranced cleansers didn't get me excited. I now realise what an idiot I was. The jasmine & osmanthus version is absolutely beautiful and is perfect for a nighttime cleanse due to its relaxing aroma. Exactly the same formula as the original, just with the lovely addition of some floral scents.

The bareMinerals Complexion Rescue has been on my face every day (almost) since I bought it. I am definitely a hoarder of lightweight bases but I think this may be my favourite lightweight base of them all.  No kidding. You can read my full review of it here.

Likewise the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion has not left my makeup bag. It gives my complexion such a radiating boost. I think the best way to describe this is healthy complexion is a box.

The Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial is a hero product in my skincare drawer. When you can't be bothered to do too much with your skin in the evening put this on and wake up feeling like you had a full pre-bed facial. Results from this product are instant and amazing, making it worth its slightly expensive price tag.

Last but certainly not least, I have loved using the Original Source Skin Quench. It was the smell that attracted me to this product - the lime and coconut one. It is so zingy and fresh. But it was the smell of the moisturiser that encouraged me to apply it everyday after showering and my skin really noticed the benefits of a good old moisturise! Goodbye dry elbows and knees.

What have been your recent favourites?

Read More

Superskin Serum

At 22 years old you may think that a serum post is a tad too far. I am assuming that you're thinking this as serums are known as the 'anti-aging product.' For too long now the beauty industry has been bombarded with ridiculous anti-aging claims, all of which have usually coincided with the launch of a new serum. I'm sorry to burst your dreams ladies but I don't think there is ever going to be a product that will actually take ten years off your life! In my opinion we need to change our thoughts towards serum. Whilst it is certainly a powerful product to help slow certain processes of anti-ageing it will also help against environmental factors (something we all need to think carefully about) and, if you're a dry skinned kinda gal it will seriously help improve the skin's moisture. *breeaaath out* rant over. 

With this new perspective in come one of my skincare favourites Liz Earle. After two years of research they have finally added a serum to their Superskin line: the Superskin Face Serum. From a marketing perspective their is a lot to love about their serum approach. Unlike other brands, Liz Earle are highlighting the power of their botanical ingredients; here it is a combination of persian silk tree, rhubarb root extract and pomegranate flower extract. These active ingredients help to firm, improve complexion and plump the skin. Can you think of any other brand that advertises the power of the ingredients first? Didn't think so.

When we then go to an ingredients point of view we can then understand how wonderfully, and naturally, active this serum is. I don't know about you but I would much rather apply rhubarb root to my face than a chemical ingredient which I can't even pronounce. 

Unlike other serums I've used, this comes out almost like a moisturiser - it is quite thick and cream like in texture and consistency. However, with the smooth and press technique it is quickly absorbed into the skin.

For the past three weeks I have incorporated the Superskin serum into my morning routine. The most notable difference has been the hydration of my skin; by 3pm it still feels moisturised! I used to wake up with slight redness but that has now disappeared. Moreover, I have noticed that after application my makeup feels much nicer to apply. So many positives. If you're on the hunt for a serum or have never tried one before then I would recommend choosing Liz Earle and their natural approach rather than a brand that pays a ridiculous amount for advertising. 

Read More

Lightweight bases

It is no surprise over on these pages that I am a lightweight/BB base, formula, lovin' gal! I can't get enough of them; I find them so simple, hydrating and dewy, a quality I am ALWAYS on the hunt for. After looking through my stash I thought I would show you my Top Four.

The Diorskin Nude BB Cream is a luxurious hero. It has a watery consistency, making it perfect for summer. For a BB cream it actually provides quite a good coverage, and I especially reach for this one if I want to look tanned!

The Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint is the latest addition to my collection and has quickly captured my heart! It is the most simple of the family; suitable for all skin types, SPF 15, and full of the all-powerful ingredient Vitamin E. This product should be, in my opinion, nicknamed the dew-enhancer.

I would probably class the Estee Lauder Double Wear All-Day Glow B-B as the best all-year-round cream. I take shade one and it is, literally, my skin shade in a tube! I love it in the colder months (pretty much 3/4 of the year in the UK) as it provides me with the perfect skin booster: glowing, even skin. With an spf 30 this is a firm favourite in my makeup bag.

Out of the lightweight gang, the BareMinerals Complexion Rescue is the first to fall - apologies for the drunk related puns! I think this is due to its 'gel' formula: a little goes a long way and it feels so hydrating on the skin. I have actually used this in the past month instead of my moisturiser, it is that hydrating!

Read More

Super Oils

After running out of my evening serum, and making a wise decision to not repurchase (and save some pennies!), I decided to pay more attention to my Oil collection.

The Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate is a trusted favourite in my skincare cabinet: hydrating, soothing and calming, it is a lovely oil. The lavender scent helps to aid relaxation.

The Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate is a new and wonderful discovery. It contains high, natural sources of vitamin E which really help to nourish and protect the skin whilst the neroli provides a wonderful, relaxing aroma - perfect for a great night sleep. Since using this I've found that my complexion has looked more even and brighter in the mornings, which has been a lovely surprise! I would also recommend ordering from their website - the service is incredible!

The Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial completely differs in texture to the other two. It is described as a serum-oil so it is almost glossy in consistency. The smell  is just divine: it really does feel like a spa when you apply this. Like Liz Earle, this contains Vitamin E and Omega Oils which really help to hydrate and plump the skin.

All of these oils have provided me with instant results.  I couldn't recommend them enough! There's just something extra lovely about evening skincare when we can afford a bit more time, relaxation and care in our routines.

Read More

Hydrating Toners

After experiencing five days of extraordinary heat in London I thought it was necessary to share with you one of my summer skin essentials: the hydrating toner. All of these have multiple purposes: They can be used after cleansing to hydrate and purify the skin, to help set makeup or for a top up in the afternoon to help 'revive' the skin. 

The Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic contains naturally active, botanical ingredients including a pure source of Vitamin E. These help to revitalise and refresh the skin. I find this 30ml bottle so handy to keep in my bag, ready for those vital 3pm spraying sessions. 

As you know from previous posts, the Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist is not only a luxurious item but one that I could rave about for hours. The first time I tested this product I had never experienced so many compliments about my skin! It looked noticeably healthy: glowing and dewy, just what I like. The only annoying thing about this product is the price. I am nearly on my last few sprays and I'm not sure if a toner is worth £46 (I know, I hang my head, and purse, in shame!).  Nevertheless, it does probably have the most instant results of the trio.

La Roche Posay Serozinc, however, is the most refreshing of them all, mainly due to its spritzing power. If you're on a budget then I would put my hands up and tell you that this is the one! Whilst it is 'targeted' for oily and blemish prone skin I would advise to ignore this. I would not put my own skin under this category but it has still helped my skin. This product is especially great if you're a city girl as it kills bacteria. 

Another tip, leave these in these fridge and you will have an extra cooling experience!

Read More

Evening Skincare Routine

Following up from my Morning skincare post (here) it is now time to share my current evening skin care routine. Whilst I love applying my makeup I will always say that my favourite time of the day is taking it all off before bed. Just like my morning skin routine, the evening has developed into a rather obsessive procedure. 

Firstly, it's step one of cleansing. If you are a regular reader then you will know that this has been The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil for a while.  This is a firm favourite in my skincare cupboard. When they say silky, they really do mean silky. It is such a soothing, gentle oil that quickly removes makeup. I don't think I would ever pay more for a cleansing oil as this does the job perfectly. Sometimes if I have waterproof eye makeup on then I will also go in with the Camomile Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover which, again, has a big thumbs up from me. It doesn't irritate my eyes, or leave them feeling oily, it just quickly does them job. 

I then cleanse my skin. PLEASE, note the difference between the oil cleanser to take off my make up and the cleanser to cleanse my skin. For this second step I use Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish - a trusty cleanser that I have been using for over six years now. I love its creamy texture; it never irritates my skin; and is really soothing after a long stressful day.

Now, this is then when the routine gets exciting. About three times a week, or every other day (if its a bad skin week) I go in with an AHA toner. As you will have read from a previous post, this is my preferred form of exfoliation. I find that it provides better results and is less irritating than an exfoliating scrub with beads. After a few seconds I then spray over a hydrating toner. My favourite one for the evening is the La Roche Posay Serozinc. It soothes my skin and ALWAYS solves my bad skin days. 

The rest is then simple. I moisturise, with the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream,  and then apply an oil over the top. In the past I have loved using the Origins Night-a-Mins moisturiser. I really do miss that from my current routine, as it is so rich and moisturising. However, applying the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Oil over the top has made me notice some encouraging results. I seem to have had this in my skincare stash for a while, but only ever used it occasionally. After a routine of application I have noticed in the morning that my skin looks plumper and my complexion much more even. Perhaps I shouldn't have dismissed it so much.

What are you holy-gail evening products?

Read More

Thanks Liz

After its 100th award this week I felt it was appropriate to share my love for Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. I think I will always be a loyal user of this product.

If you haven't heard how it works a cream based formula is applied to the face and then removed with a hot muslin cloth. Liz Earle is an advocate for natural ingredients and the cleanse and polish proves the wonders of a thorough cleanse! I can always rely on this product for clearing my skin, soothing my complexion and removing every ounce of makeup. Despite the craze of balms I never once wavered to the other side for my evening cleanse. Liz, I will always be truthful!

Read More