Review: Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil

I am ridiculously happy I took Yu's advise and bought this. As you can see it's been well used, and I do use it pretty much every night. I honestly started to see and feel results with the first week of using it.  Not only does it help to fade red pigmentation, but it also helps to calm my skin if I do I have any any flare ups. I use this at night only, as although it does sink in pretty well, I do still find it a bit heavy under my make up in the morning. 

I probably started off using too many drops, as I felt like because it does sink in, I almost felt like it wasn't doing it's job. But even when I use it as Clarin's direct, which is on a face still damp from toner, using 3-4 drops (which I put onto my palm and then press them together) and then dab it onto your skin, the results are just as good. (If I have a particularly dry patch, I tend to use a teeny bit extra oil and rub it gently into that area.) The applicator is a pipette, so it's really easy to control how many drops you need.

I wake up in the morning with plump, healthy feeling skin. My skin tone looks more even, angry bits have calmed down and the texture of my skin feels smoother with pores looking tightened. This is actually miracle stuff. My mom borrowed some one night, and could't get over how much better it make her skin feel. 

What Clarins say: This best-selling oil contains extracts of Rosewood, Patchouli, and Blue Orchid to tone, revitalise and restore radiance to moisture-depleted skin. Hazelnut oil helps to prevent moisture loss and the formation of find lines.

I 110% recommend this to anyone (no matter what your skin issues are, or aren't!), there are three different choices so you can find one to suit your skin type.  If you're wary about committing, try asking for a little sample pot of the oil from your local counter. If you're unsure which one may be best for you, they are usually pretty happy to chat about the products and which options are best for your skin.

£29 for 30ml

Can't imagine not having this as part of my skincare routine, but I think I'm going to try and not use it every night, otherwise I'm going to go through the bottle far too quickly. The results are so addictive though!

Any other fans of the face oil? Or any other brand recommendations?

Nic xxx

...continue reading

Review: Clarins Daily Energizer Cream-Gel

If you're looking for a light day cream that sinks in quickly, smells fresh (a plant-like scent), and provides a good base for make up, then look no further! The last few weeks I have been looking forward to using this every morning, I used a probably about 3 pea sized blobs and then gently rub in. The gel/cream formulation means spreads really nicely, making a small amount go a lot way, while leaving your skin feeling fresh. I really wish I could get away with not wearing foundation, as this really does leave your skin looking healthy, but as I mentioned it is great under make up too. My skin feels hydrated, and the feelings uncomfortable feelings of tightness are no longer there. I've used this once or twice without the serum, and honestly, my skin is just as supple as when I use it with it. It really feels great, and I can't say my I've ever appreciated a moisturiser as much as this. My has also started to feel a lot smoother & definitely softer...it's loveeee. I will be repurchasing this when it runs out.

What Clarins say: 'combination of vitamin C, alchemilla and turmeric extracts : energizes skin and helps eliminate minor imperfections.'

I've read that tumeric is supposed to help with skin pigmentation, and I have to say that since using the combination of these three products, I've definitely noticed a reduction in my red marks. The night oil did make a difference before I started using the serum & this moisturiser, but the combination seems to be working a right treat!

(If redmarks/pigmentation is an issue for you, I would definitely recommend you read my review on the Face Treatment Oil which should be up soon.)

This range is specifically aimed at younger skins, it's non-oily with a matte, yet fresh, finish. I really love this line, and have got a deluxe sample of the cleansing melt, which is really lovely too.

£20 for 30ml

(They also do a full cream version, which would probably be better for drier skins, and those less prone to break outs.)

Do you have any recommendations from this line? I would love to try more out. 

Nic xxx

...continue reading

Review: Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum

The HydraQuench Intensive Serum is mixture of oil and solution/serum (not sure exactly what you call it) so it needs a good shake before you use it. I use two pumps in the morning only, as the Blue Orchid oil (review coming) is little heavy to wear under make up. This, on the other hand works great, it's super light, and sinks in quickly with no greasy residue at all (it can be used in the night time as well if you don't want to splash out for both.) I apply it in dabbing motions from the centre of my face outwards, and within a minute, it's sunk it, my skin feels smooth and soft, with a natural finish. 

The reason I picked this up was because, although my skin was nice and supple when I woke up, within a few hours of applying my foundation, my skin seemed to dry up again with dry patches popping up! I do wear Double Wear, which is generally quite drying, but I had problems when trying out different ones too.  Whether it's been a combination of the moisturiser & serum, or just the serum, my skin has definitely improved. My skin is more supple, feels nicer to touch, and dry patches are kept at bay.

What Clarins say: ' a bi-phase serum which restores vitality to very dehydrated skin, even in exteme climates.' It contains Omega 3, Inca Peanut oil, as well as hyaluronic acid and Katafray bark to restore natural hydration.

Just to let you know, they have recently changed the packaging and formulation of this serum, it's got a runnier consistency, but apparently apart from that the formula is similar. (This is what a sales assistant told me!) I was a little peeved as the new one came out a week after I bought this, and the original girl who helped me didn't mention it! I would have much rather waited a week to try the new one. But hey, never mind.

I have read some reviews saying it can cause breakouts, but I haven't experienced that at all. But for those that can have reactions to products (which I don't) they may need to keep that in mind.

£40 for 30ml (same for the new formula)

It probably was a bit excessive of me to splash out for this, but I do genuinely feel it's been making a difference, as it really gets down into the skin and keeps working all day. I haven't regretted it at all.


Any products you rely on for dehydrated skin? Tried this product yourself?
Let me know!

Nic xxx

...continue reading

LUSH Skincare Round-Up: Enzymion Moisturiser

Moisturiser is really a step any skin type shouldn't skip; it's important to remember there is a difference between dry and dehydrated skin, (oily skin can still be dehydrated). I would have described my skin as combination/oily over the last few years, but since stopping my pill, my skin seems to be more normal, but I suffer from dry patches, (mostly from blemishes drying out). My skin is, or rather, it can be very dehydrated, but I never want to risk overloading it with something too rich. I previously used Liz Earle Light Skin Repair moisturiser, which was lovely, but after two bottles,  I wanted to try something new, so Claire at LUSH recommended Enzymion.

I bought it because it's specially aimed at oily skins, and I loved the fact it contained fruit enzymes, (which supposedly work wonders for your skin). The papaya helps to remove dead skin cells, lemon contains natural skin bleaching capabilities, helping to fade marks,  as well as giving a matt finish, while the cocoa butter and avocado oil help to moisturise.

I really love Enzymion. It's light weight, smells great- really fresh- and sinks in quickly and really does provide a great base for make up. I find it can double as a night cream if you use two thin layers, instead of one, and in the morning I wake up with my skin feeling soft and plump like it should be, (if your skin generally doesn't feel like this you may be suffering from dehydration. ) I honestly couldn't comment on the the ability to fade marks, as my skin is till breaking out, I had fresh marks, but what I do notice is the overall appearance of my skin definitely doesn't seem as dull since I've been using this. One thing to watch out for is how much you use, I always overestimate and end up using too much; so start off with the smallest amount and gauge that way. As mentioned in my toner post, it works great when I apply it while the toner is still damp on my skin.

My only gripe is that it comes in a tub, and I really would have loved it in a bottle with a pump instead! I don't mind using tubs for eye creams, but I think for moisturiser it is more hygienic to have it in pump form, as obviously you're spreading the cream all over your face! What I do, is slightly tap some on the back of my hand and it apply it from there, rather than sticking my fingers into the tub itself. I also find it tends to get  a bit messy round the edges, especially when travelling (I purposely didn't clean the sides in the photos so you can see what I mean!). If you can overlook this issue, then this might just be the moisturiser for you!

Suitable for? I'd say combination to oily skin types, or for those just looking for something nice and light that sits well under make up. (Probably not for dry skins though.)

Price: £13.50/ 45 g (definitely on the pricer side for LUSH skin care products, but I honestly think it will last ages. I've been using mine for about 6 weeks (I forget exactly when I bought it) and I've still got half left.)

So, that rounds up my current three step LUSH program, they pretty much dominate my skincare routine; I also use Ocean Salt scrub (review coming soon) and Enchanted eye cream (review here). There's a few other non-LUSH cleansers that I use depending how I'm feeling, and a really basic Superdrug one I use in the morning, but to be honest, it's nothing special. I've really enjoyed this routine, and although I haven't notice a massive difference in my skin, there's been a slight improvement, but with things like skin care you need to be patient! So I'll be finishing everything off before I make a final judgment. 

Do you have any recommendations for me? Any skincare products you swear by?

Nic xxx

...continue reading

LUSH Skincare Round-up: Breath of Fresh Air Toner

Continuing my skincare routine, next up is my current toner,  Breath of Fresh Air*. (I recently finished up the Tea Tree toner from LUSH, which I review & compare in my empties post coming soon). I like to use a toner to thoroughly remove any last traces of make up before bed, and to refresh in the morning.  I chose this toner in particular, as it contains seawater which is supposed to help soften and hydrate, while the seaweed and aloe works on the surface of your skin to hydrate and lock in moisture. Dehydration is definitely a bit issue for me at the moment, and anything that claims to help it, I find hard to resist. 

 The thing I love about LUSH's range of, what they describe as, 'toner waters' is that they are all pure spring water with zero alcohol, and can also be used during the day to spritz all over the face to refresh, this one included.  I use it after powdering my make up, and various times during the day without it ruining my make up at all, great for a little wake up spray. I found it to be a godsend while I've been ill, no overwhelming scent and cooling to the skin.

I really like this as a no-fuss toner, it doesn't promise miracles, but I do find my skin overall is becoming less dehydrated (using the combination of Ultrabland and this). I use 3-4 sprays on a cottonwoold pad and gentle wipe over my face. I find it removes those last few traces of makeup which I usually miss along the hair line, without drying me out at all. My skin doesn't feel tight or uncomfortable at all. I like to apply my moisturiser while my skin is still damp, which means I end up using a little less of it and my skin feels lovely afterwards. 

Suitable for? I would say all skin types, but those with oily skin might enjoy the Tea Tree toner more, (look for review soon!)

Price: from £3.75/ 100ml

Available from LUSH stores and online.

Nic xxx

(*) given to me for consideration purposes, but that in no way influences my opinion. as usual this review is 100% honest.

...continue reading

LUSH Skincare Round-up: Ultrabland Cleanser

Hello! 
(please be warned this is a bit of long post, but I feel skin care needs to be discussed a bit more)

Those that have been reading for a while, will know that I've been suffering with my skin since the end of last year- things have definitely calmed down since coming off my pill, but I'm still not happy with it. I really wanted to keep things as simple as possible and of course I decided to turn to LUSH. I initially went in to pick up Ocean Salt scrub and a new moisturiser and while I was there I got chatting to the lovely sales assistant Claire, who reads blogs/youtube so we had a little natter about that, and I gave her my blog details. A week or so later she contacted me and asked if I would like to come in and try out some stuff to review. I obviously jumped at the chance, LUSH is one of my favourite places to shop and I love the whole ethos behind them- recycle, mostly vegan, keeping things as natural and fresh as possible.

Claire took me through the shop and asked me a lot of stuff about skin care, and what I'm looking for and gave me a couple items to complement the LUSH bits I'd bought a couple weeks before. I've now been using them for a good 3 weeks or so, and they deserve a review! I've decided to do these in separate posts, as I think skin care deserves a full and detailed review and I didn't want to turn it into an essay. (The remainder of the posts won't have such a long intro... sorry!)

ULTRABLAND(*)

This is a thick, very rich oil based cream cleanser which as you rub and it melts into your skin, it takes on more of an oil consistency. It's made primarily of almond oil and beeswax; so it really works well at getting every trace of make up off (including waterproof mascara).  Although it's not paraben free, it's a pretty simple cleanser with no unnecessary chemicals in, and LUSH claim it's perfect for rebalancing your skin- it also contains honey which has natural antiseptic properties and rose water to help reduce redness and calms skin. I  have enjoyed using it, but that might be because I'm quite used to using an oil cleanser, if you don't enjoy them, or have very oily skin you might not feel comfortable using Ultrabland (although its specially formulated to be suitable for ALL skin types). It also has a very weird smell, I personally don't think it's offensive but I can understand why some might not enjoy it, it's hard to describe though. You're better off going into the store and giving it a whiff yourself!

 I found it to actually be quite hydrating, and its really helped my drier patches. I'm sure this is down to the glycerol which is supposed to draw moisture up to the top layers of your skin, and reduce overdrying. It does need to be removed with a cloth, I used a muslin cloth, otherwise you will be left with the uncomfortable feeling of wax over your face after rinsing. Another thing I feel I should highlight, it doesn't quite feel like you've removed everything at first, but after a few more uses I came to the realisation that I think it's actually just the cleanser helping to rehydrate and balance, my skin was feeling softer and smoother. Dehydration be gone.

Suitable for? All skin types; it's designed especially to be super gentle yet effective for everyone. Those that don't enjoy removing with a cloth, or want something a little easier and quicker to use might not enjoy it as much. I used this only at night when removing my make up, it's a bit too heavy for morning use.

Price: from £6.45/ 45 grams. (Believe me, a little goes a long way!)

Available from LUSH stockists and online.

Nic xxx

(*) given to me for consideration purposes, but that in no way influences my opinion. as usual this review is 100% honest.

...continue reading

February Empties

I know I've been very quiet on the blogging front lately, but I haven't seemed to have much time and a few other things have grabbed my attention. We are moving house in a few weeks so I've spent a lot of time looking at furniture and things like that, so my blog has taken a back seat but hopefully I'll be back in action properly from next week. I've been saving for DSLR the last few months, and finally bought one earlier this week and am so excited for it to arrive so I can start taking some better quality photos.

Now onto my February empties,  I'm semi-disappointed I have no make up items used up, but I am feeling good about reducing my large stash of skin care items!

1. St Tropez Bronzing Mousse 120ml £20.49 here or here (on special)

This has always been a product my moms owned, and I've tried it at some point or other when I was younger, but never owned it myself.  (I remember once my friend and I used my mom's and pretended we had been to France for the weekend, we even called another friend with the tap running pretending we were on a ferry hahaaa. The things 13 year olds do for fun, cringe! ) Anyway, I do really love the colour it gave me, and it faded nicely, but I do think it's very pricey and it didn't last me very long.  I think it's time to declare myself a Xen-Tan girl and repurchase the dark lotion.

Repurchase? Probably not, although it gives a lovely natural colour, Xen-Tan definitely works out cheaper and smells better.

2. Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic 200ml £12.50 here

This is my second bottle and it's a product that I like using, but I don't think it does anything amazing for my skin. I always like to use a toner/tonic to make sure I remove the final traces of make up and this does work well at that. It's very gentle and does leave my skin feeling fresh, I love the fact it's alcohol free too. 

Repurchase? Probably at some point, but I'm hoping to try out another Lush toner first. 

3.Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser 50ml £18.50 here

This was perfect for me in the summer time, (this is my second tube) but during the winter it just hasn't been hydrating enough. I think I should perhaps have gone for the normal/dry version, maybe would have worked better for me. 

Repurchase? Not for the moment.

4.Garnier 2-1 Make-up Remover 200ml £2.99 here

Really love this oil/water remover, it works so well with waterproof mascaras. It leaves a bit of residue behind but it doesn't last for long at all. This is my second bottle and until I find something better I'll continue to repurchase!

Repurchase? Yes.

5. Carmex Lip Balm Original £2.69 here

Without a doubt, my HG lip balm. Nothing is as moisturising and nourishing as the original, and I've tried them all.  I bought a back up before this finished, I very rarely never have Carmex on me and it's something I will always see myself buying.

Repurchase? Without a doubt!

In other news, I'm heading to Professional Beauty on Sunday, as my mom exhibits there ever year and they've got a brand new stand and are releasing some new products so we're all very excited about that. So, if you're going give me a tweet, or come to the Calgel/Christian Eyebrow stand Q46 and say hi!  I'm also very excited as Yu is coming, we've been chatting since the summer via Twitter so will be lovely to meet her finally!

Thanks for reading and hi to all my lovely new followers! Feel free to comment and, as usual if you'd like a more in-depth review please ask.

Have a lovely weekend!

Nic xxx

...continue reading

Oh, Origins you have not disappointed me!

I really wanted to share a couple little gems from Origins I've really been enjoying the last few months.

I've been on a skincare frenzy lately, and although these aren't new additions to my regime, I've been using them for long enough to be impressed and to be able to review them properly, on the left we have the Clear Improvements face mask aimed to help unclog pores, and the on right Drink Up a mask for dehydrated skin.

Clear Improvements 100ml link

This mask contains charcoal, which supposedly helps to draw out impurities helping to declog pores, while the clay 'dissolves' impurities. The claims Origins make seem almost too good to be true, and to be honest, I tend to take all claims with a pinch of salt when I'm deciding what products to buy, and I guess like most others who read blogs, a blogger's opinion speaks volumes. 

I am really really impressed with this mask,  no spots don't disappear immediately, and all this 'drawing out' business isn't some instant reaction. But what I did find, was that it helps clear imperfections quicker,  my pores appeared to be reduced, my skin feels smoother, and I think the clay really helps with oil control without leaving my skin feeling uncomfortable tight. It also has a great calming effect, problem areas look less red and less inflamed.  I some times use these over night just on spots and always wake up to a noticeable difference in size and redness. On application it has a slightly cooling sensation, and you only need to apply a thing layer so the tube really will last you ages. I bought it back in June and apply it between 1-3 times a week depending how often my skin needs it.


The only negative is that this is one of those masks that drys really tight, and so you don't want to move for fear of cracking it, but after ten minutes  you can rinse it off, and as soon as you add water to it it softens and washes off easily.

Drink Up 100ml link

I tend to not use moisturiser in the mornings, unless my skin is absolutely crying out for it,  as I find on my combo/oily skin I often end up looking a little too shiny.  I moisturise at night, but nothing too heavy, and so this has been great when I need an extra boost, and can feel my skin needing something more. It's also a lot cheaper than buying some rich, heavy night cream. You apply a thin layer, and rub in slightly, it leaves you looking very sticky and slighty white, but after ten minutes you wipe any excess off. It has a really lovely apricot scent, which some might not like, I love it but my mom said it smells like 'cat's piss'. (I'm not really sure in what world cat's piss smells like apricots, but hey!)  My skin feels so lovely and supple afterwards, and not greasy in the slightest. Origins also does an intensive overnight version, for those that have more dry skin types, which I can imagine would be equally impressive.

Origins does advertise this as suitable for combo-dry skin types, but I've found it perfect for me on the oilier side of combo.

I would definitely recommend Clear Improvements with those with problem skin, or even just looking to reduce a bit of shine! I've really noticed the oil control lasts really well, and when I've forgotten to use the mask, my skin does get oilier. Drink Up is a lovely little treat when are you suffering from occasional dry patches, or when your skin just needs a bit of a moisture boost, this works great.

Thanks for reading, and please let me know what your favourite masks are. I'm always on the look out for something new to try.

Nic xxx

...continue reading

Review: Eye Creams

Hello! (especially to the my new followers :))

This post has been sitting in my drafts for nearly two weeks, essays and attempting to revise have taken over my life. But for the sake of my sanity I wanted to do some blogging and finish off this post, which consists of 4 mini reviews of the eye-creams I have in my collection.

(sorry this has come out a little grainy!)

LUSH Enchanted Eye Cream 45g £10.95 (here)

Comes with a pump dispenser, great for hygiene, but also works great for controlling how much product is dispensed. It's a white, almost lotion like, cream which when dabbed gently round the eye area feels very light and sinks in quickly. It doesn't really smell like much, but a sensitive nose might detect a very light lavender scent. It contains lavender and honey to smooth and refresh the under eye area.  It does claim to reduce fine lines, but I don't have any so I can't comment unfortunately.

I really love how quickly the cream is absorbed, with no stickiness at all. It means my concealer applies nicely, and the delicate skins remains moisturised.  I use these day and night. You also get a whole lot of product for a very reasonable price.

8/10

Origins GinZing 15ml £21 (here)

This product seems to make a bucket load of claims, but in reality all it's doing is 'reducing the look' of darkness, and puffiness. It does contain caffeine, which helps to stimulate and tightens the capillaries stopping fluid from gathering under the eye area making it puffy, although I personally didn't see any change! The unique thing about GinZing is that it has 'natural optical brighteners' which are supposed to give a brightened look to the undereye, I guess by reflecting light. It's quite a thick cream, which has a pink, almost shimmery, colour to it.

I didn't find it to be too moisturising, and around October I needed something a bit more, and so I went back to LUSH. But it seemed to be fine during the summer months. The 'brightening' effect is actually what I disliked the most, it sort of left a slight white-ish, and very greasy looking residue behind, which didn't sink it quickly at all. (You can see in the third photo it almost looks like a highlighter!)  I found myself getting very frustrated by it, teaches me for impulse buying! If I had tested it first, I wouldn't have bought a full size. It just seemed so many people raved about it, I thought I'd love it too. Also, for someone that needs to wear concealer, any brightening effect is really lost, as you're covering up those 'optic brighteners'. This might work well for someone who doesn't need to further cover up, the greasy residue does fade, but not quick enough for me when I'm waiting to conceal. I did try placing it on top, but it made a mess and pulled my make up around and ended up looking awful!

5/10

Clinique All About Eyes 15ml £23 (here)

I received a 7ml sample free when I bought some other skin care, and I've just about finished it. I've actually really enjoyed using it. It's a cream/gel mix, so it's really like and does sink in super quick. It can be used over the eyelights as well. It claims to diminish dark circles, puffiness and fine lines/

It makes a really good base for make up, sinking in quickly and makes your skin feel so soft. I've been really happy using it. However, I don't think it would be great for very dry under-eyes, and you'll probably need something a bit more moisturising. The price tag does put me off a bit, especially as right now my concern isn't really fine lines, but more about moisture. I've tended to use the LUSH in the evening before bed, and this in the mornings the last 2 months. As you can see I've finished it, and really enjoyed the velvety feel it left behind.

7/10

Clarins Eye Contour Gel 20ml £26.50 (here)

I know this isn't an eye cream, but I recently rediscovered it after it lost amongst my skin care stuff. I got it for Christmas last year, and it's a really nice refreshing, cooling blue gel that you apply along the contours of your eye, so not just underneath. Clarins have a video on their website which shows you how to apply to certain pressure point to help with drainage. It helps to drain toxins, helping minimises the look of puffiness and dark circles. You can also apply it over make up during the day as a bit of a pick me up, which I really liked, and it helped ease any cakeyness/dryness from my concealer and I will be popping it into my make up bag once lectures start again.

I've been using it the last 2/3 weeks, and found it sinks in pretty quickly, but again not create for moisturising. Often, I use it in conjunction with an eye cream, just directly under the eye. It's quite pricey, but you do get 5ml extra than you usually do with an eye cream. It's a nice little splurge if you want to treat yourself. They've changed the packing since I got mine, but I can't say if the formula is exactly the same. I've really enjoyed rediscovering this, and will definitely be using it more often. I am mostly impressed by the unique function that you can layer it on top of make up, and I can vouch for the fact it doesn't smear or drag your make up at all, just freshens things up, making it look like you just applied your make up. LOVE.

9/10
(not taking moisturising into considering!)

Round Up
Although I'm impressed by LUSH and it was the winner, especially in terms of price and moisturising capabilities, it's not quite holy grail material, as when I compare it to the Clinique, my concealer doesn't apply AS smoothly.  Clinique would probably be my favourite and go to cream during the summer, but right now I definitely need something more. I will happily continue to use my LUSH till it runs out (which might be a while) but I'm eager to try out something new when that that times. The Clarins I am super impressed with and can't wait to use it more as a 'refresher', and think I will more than likely repurchase it.  During long days I often notice my under-eyes starting to look a little dull and drier and it really gives that freshly applied look. I will most definitely NOT be rebuying GinZing, but as mentioned above would recommend for those who don't use under-eye concealer.

I've included links to the official brand websites so if you want further details, such as claims, ingredients etc you can have a look!

(My rating was based on overall effectiveness, moisturising effects, feel and how it worked with my concealor, and to some extent price. Remember, my under-eyes aren't overly dry!)

Would love to hear any recommendations!

Thanks for reading and good luck to anyone else doing exams/ assignments as well!

Nic xxx

...continue reading

Review: Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions

Over the last year, my skin has got progressively worse. I've never had perfect skin, but it's never been this bad, it's mostly the stubborn under the skin spots, which I've never had before! Considering I'm 21 this is beyond frustrating. So around mid- October I went to Clinique to have a chat and a mini-consultation. I ended walking away with the Cleansing Foam and Clarifying Lotion. ( I didn't get the moisturiser as I'd recently bought a new Liz Earle one.)

My Skin Type

Combination/ Oily. Prone to break outs. Undereyes/cheeks can get dry.

My routine (mid October- end November)

Liz Earle Cleanse+Polish to remove make up

Clinique Cleansing Foam

Clinique Clarifying Lotion

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser Light

Cleansing Foam £13.00 125ml

Comes with a pump dispenser and I tend to use 1-1/2 pumps to a wet face, morning and night. 

Not only is it supposed to remove dirt, but also help to unclog pores and helps with excess oil production. I also read that it helps reduce redness, while it calms the skin. It does feel quite cool on the skin, and it definitely does feel quite refreshed afterwards. My skin didn't feel tight at all, which is always a plus.

Clarifying Lotion £16.50 200ml

This is the product I was most excited about using, I've been reading a lot about 'exfoliting' lotions/liquids. They clear old dried up skin cells, which basically if they remain on the skin can get trapped in the pores when mixed with excess oil and cause a spot to form. (This is a very brief, untechinical explanation, and is my basic understanding. There's loads online if you want to understand spots and exfoliating lotions, which I would recommend reading.) It also contains a powder which settles at the bottom, so you need to shake it up before use. This is supposed to be oil absorbing to help reduce shine. The smell might put people off, it is quite a strong almost chemical smell.

My Results

Unfortunately, I didn't notice any improvement after 5/6 weeks concerning my break outs. However, I've been doing a bit of reading about my pill, and a lot of people have commented how their skin got progressively worse while they were on. So, I've just come off it and will see if it makes a difference. And I don't think it would be fair to judge blemish control, if there's another factor which I don't believe the product will help.

One major major plus for me is that I no longer have oily skin in the slightest, which I am super happy about. My foundation lasts so much longer on me, and I don't have to worry about blotting/ powdering at all. But, my skin also dried up, the instructions do warn to reduce usage if drying occurs, which I didn't. So maybe that's my fault! The over all texture of my skin has definitely improved though, the appearance of my pores reduced and my skin definitely feels a lot smoother. So, I was very impressed by that.

Would I rebuy?

I think I would rebuy the toner and use it once a day instead of twice a day. I feel like a need a something a little more hardcore than my Liz Earle tonic (which I do love), but does nothing to help my break outs. I'm unsure about the foam, if my break outs control even though I'm off my pill, I might try it once more so it would be a bit more of a fair test. I am definitely impressed with the results in terms of texture though.

It is definitely worth trying out, and I would recommend it to anyone suffering with break outs, or looking for something with good oil control. Clinique also offer a 4 week returns policy, if you don't see any improvement then you can return and get your money back. Which is great especially when you're investing quite a lot of my money.

My skin at the moment

At the beginning of December I decided to stop neglecting my Clarisonic, I've stopped using the foam cleanser, even though I have a bit left because the dryness was doing my head in. I'm impressed at how long the product has lasted me though. I'm still using the lotion a few times a week. Been off my pill for 2 weeks and starting to notice a difference. I bought myself some Philosophy and I will do a review after a few weeks use.

Thanks for reading :)
Nic xxx

 

...continue reading