Wonderful You | Fashion and Style Blog: Skincare

Showing posts with label Skincare. Show all posts

Wednesday, 12 March 2014

Courthouse Clinics Skincare Review & GIVEAWAY!

I’m quite excited about today’s post, for two reasons. Firstly, you may have read my blog relating to my acne issues, and how Courthouse Clinics and I were working together to kick it’s sorry butt? (If not, you can see that ). I mentioned in that post that I would be writing up a separate review on the specific products they’d recommended I use, so today that’s what I’m going to do.

I’ve never before been SO uber excited to share beauty products with you, they have seriously changed my life and for that reason alone Courthouse will be my BFF.

Vitage Revitalising Daily Cleanse: RRP £24

This is the softest, silkiest cleanser I’ve ever used – it’s super gentle so is great for sensitive skin, but boy does it do it’s job. I use it as a makeup remover on an evening (and follow with a second cleanser from Courthouse that I’ll be reviewing at a later date), I just need one pump (yay for pump applicators!) to remove an entire face of makeup and apply to damp (not wet) hands and a dry face. It’s quite thick, so a little goes a long way and it literally melts away makeup, even those stubborn mascara’s. It’s an anti-ageing cleanser so it works to soothe and hydrate the skin with a mix of antioxidant vitamins, which in turn equals supple, soft and radiant skin. But the very best bit is that it manages to control my excess oil – I’ll usually try a cleanser and for the first month or two I’m super impressed, but after that my skin goes back to misbehaving. I’ve been using this since the end of last year (still on the same bottle FYI) and my skin is absolutely loving it. And for £24, it’s a certainly a keeper guys.

PRIORI AHA Perfection Gel: RRP £29

This little bottle is a complete life saver. With adult acne we need active ingredients in our skincare to help maintain breakouts, that’s where AHA’s come in (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) which help to improve the overall condition of our skin. The Perfection Gel contains 16% LCA complex and 1% Salicylic Acid which helps to unblock pores, giving a more even skin tone. There are no oils, fragrance, colourants or parabens in this product and it even works to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. I use it in the morning after my cleanser, just concentrating on the areas that need it: my T-zone. It has helped improve my complexion a tremendous amount – and because my pores aren’t as blocked I’m not experiencing half as many breakouts. It’s bloody perfect.

PRIORI AHA Barrier Repair Complex: RRP £41

At a slightly higher price, this baby is certainly more of an investment, but it’s definitely one worth making. A moisturiser/serum is essential to a skincare routine and this one is my absolute favourite in the world EVER.

Why is it my favourite you say? Because it’s the only one I’ve ever found that works to actually improve the skins condition long-term. Whether it be from the sun, spots, drinking or smoking our skin is constantly fighting against nasties and this product works to repair that damage over time. It’s jammed packed full with anti-oxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids that work to rebalance problematic skin – whether it be oily, sensitive, dehydrated or combination. I use this in the evening and when I wake my skin is perfectly calm – something I could’ve only dreamt of in the past.

PRIORI AHA Daily Defence SPF30

SPF, I’ve learned, is essential to our daily routine. And no, I’m not talking about rubbing suncream on our faces before we leave the house – we need an actual SPF, specifically made for our face, and not just a foundation that includes it *slaps wrists*. This one is lightweight and contains 3% LCA Complex (a unique blend of pH-balanced lactic compound (Lactic acid + sodium lactate) that delivers optimal anti-aging results) to ensure our skin is intensely moisturised whilst providing UVB and UVA active ingredients to protect from sun damage (even when the clouds are out ;)). I use this every morning as a moisturiser, under my foundation – it absorbs in to the skin almost instantly and isn’t at all greasy, it’s actually the perfect base pre-makeup, I haven’t been reaching for a primer half as much these days.

FYI. None of the above products have a fragrance to them, they are all very neutral in scent, which just goes to show you don’t need a bunch of flowers in your skincare to make it lovely.

I cannot explain to you how much these products combined have changed my skin and my life. It may sound hugely dramatic but if you suffer with your skin, in any form, you will understand where I’m coming from.

My skin isn’t oily anymore, yup – my makeup stays in place all day and actually looks nice rather than clumpy after an hour’s wear. It’s amazing what a simple consultation can achieve and that even after months of use my skin is still loving all the products.

Now the second bit that I’m excited about. Courthouse have been lovely enough to offer you guys the chance to win 4 products tailored to your skin needs. I know, they’re pretty lovely aren’t they?

There are a lot of reviews about skincare out there, but I hope you guys can believe when I say that these are so, so incredible.

I’m going to be running this giveaway for a week and will host it through Rafflecopter, to make it nice and fair :) – N.B. you must like Court House’s if you want to win (I’ll be checking ;))

A winner will then be picked at random and contacted via email by the gorgeous Laura where you’ll then discuss your skincare needs and after consulting a CHC skin specialist she will recommend products that will be right for your skin and issue instructions for use.

Towards the end of April I will also be posting my ‘post treatment’ blog post, including before and after pictures of how my skin has changed and progressed since starting my skin peels. I’m really looking forward to sharing that with you guys, but in the meantime, have a look below and we’ll see if we can get you some lovely new skin!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, 8 January 2014

Antipodes | Skincare for Oily & Blemished Prone Skin

It’s no secret that Antipodes and I have a serious love affair (on my part anyway). They are my go-to for skincare products and towards the latter part of 2013 I hopped on to their website and discovered their ‘Skin Condition & Concern’ page – in a nutshell they have 8 different sections which cater for various skin-types; be it anti-ageing, dehydrated, blemished or sensitive they’ve got it covered. Under each section are Antipodes skincare recommendations for that particular skin type, amazing right? So you don’t have to fanny about searching the description boxes to see if the products are going to be suitable for your skin, you simply select your skin type and all the right products are available at the click of a button, for you to purchase.

My skin type, oily and blemished includes a lovely little selection of products and that’s what I’m going to be chatting to you about today. So, shall we get started?

Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser RRP £24.99*

This lightly scented gel cleanser is perfect to wake me up first thing in the morning. Packed with Manuka honey and Vinanza Grape – the ultimate source of antibacterial and antioxidant properties, it helps to balance oil production and give a healthy glow. Feeling amazing on the skin, it lathers beautifully and leaves my face fresh, smooth and most importantly – oil free. It definitely zaps up all the excess and I can’t quite believe how fantastically it brightens my complexion, gone are the days of dull, grey skin with this beauty.

Aura Manuka Honey Mask RRP £21.99*

Ah, the famous Manuka Honey Mask. I’m quite sure you’ve all read a gazillion and one reviews on this, so naturally, here’s another one. Manuka honey is famous for it’s healing powers and this mask is absolutely spot on for blemished skin (excuse the pun). With a super gloopy, honey like consistency it’s definitely different to anything I’ve ever tried before, but a kind of different I LOVE. Combining a purifying mask & a hydrating mask in one product is not only massively impressive but it also makes it hugely desirable – it manages to reduce the redness of new blemishes, shrinks them in size and at the same time intensely moisturises. I think I’ve said enough.

Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone Correcting Serum RRP: £41.99*

Scarring is something I suffer with, badly. Not only am I fortunate enough to have spots all the time, the old ones like my face so much that they figure they’ll stay put as lovely red marks on my face, forever. I’m quite sure there isn’t one singular beauty serum that can rid scarring completely (I’ve tried a lot), but this one has helped more than any other to date. This serum is packed with ingredients I have never heard of, but whatever they do, they seem to work. Vinanza Performance Plus makes an appearance to help melanin production that causes discoloration in the skin and Vinanza Oxifend (what now?) that helps to fight off oxidative stress on the skin (basically an imbalance in the skin that stops it from healing itself) therefore reducing redness. It’s definitely helped to clear up scarring and unlike other serums, I’m able to apply it in the morning without my skin feeling greasy – albeit I have to leave it a few minutes before applying moisturiser.

I've also had my eyes on the Visible Change Skin Perfecting Moisturiser from Wentworth Clinics that's a little more affordable at £29.99. It's made up of 100% natural ingredients and works to lighten and brighten skin naturally while replacing vital nutrients. Hopefully helping to reduce the appearance of age spots, even out the skin tone and improve any sun damage. It states that it's best used over a 8 week period, morning and night as this is the given time inhibit the production of Melanin (which causes dark spots) - which is a considerably shorter time frame than some I've used. I'm intrigued to say the least!

Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream RRP £25.99*

Together with manuka flower and avocado oil, macadamia and jojoba this moisturiser helps to lock in moisture and balance oiliness, as well as harnessing the same healing properties that the other products include. It plumps the skin, leaves it smooth and has a beautiful light scent of sweet almond. It sinks in to the skin and makes for the perfect base for make-up primers. One of the loveliest moisturisers I’ve ever used.

Used together or singularly within your existing skincare routine there are some real gems within this range. Have you spotted anything you like the look of? Or are you too an avid fan of Antipodes like me?

N.B. If you'd like to purchase any of the above, the Antipodes website has the option to change the currency from NZ to United Kingdom at the very top of the web page :)

Sunday, 1 September 2013

The Skin Series Issue #2 | Face Masks and Exfoliators

Exfoliating and using face masks are one of the most important parts of your skincare routine. At one point I was under the illusion that just using one cleanser, mask and moisturiser would clear up all my skin worries - wrong. And I know that some people can fear using too many products on your skin will cause breakouts - wrong. If you have the right balance and the right ingredients you're on to a winner.

First up I'll be chatting about the exfoliating treatments I use and secondly my two favourite masks. Of course, what's right for me may not be right for you and this post is based on MY skin-type. Oily/Combination.

Algenist Triple-Action Micropolish & Peel: RRP £58.50

Now, for an exfoliator I can see the price already putting you off. Who wants to spend nearly £60 on any skincare I hear you say - well I can tell you I never thought that would be me. But when you're suffering with your skin, it's amazing how important skincare becomes. For example you'd probably spend £60 on a bag or a new pair of shoes, yes? So why not on your FACE? One of the most important things! This micropolish peel is honestly one of the best investments I've ever made, with Alguronic and Glycolic acid working together to generate dermal cell renewal - removing the top layer of cells to reveal healthier, smoother skin underneath and the pumpkin, pomegranate and micropolish crystals removing larger and smaller dull cells to leave a radiant finish the ingredients are matches made in heaven. Using this once a month isn't going to do a thing - consitency is key. I use this at least twice a week. Applying a thin layer all over my face, rubbing in circular gentle motions for a few minutes, then leaving it to set for a further 5-10 minutes. When washed off my skin instantly feels smooth and super clean. I have really sensitive skin and haven't found it to cause any redness, drying or irritation. It's super gentle but 100% does what it says on the tin. My scarring is clearing itself up and it heals overnight redness so spots that are under the surface aren't so painful.

Dr Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask RRP: £59 c/o Harrods

This product is ultimate luxury, although it's price tag is heavy there is no denying this exfoliant is up there with the best. It's unlike any exfoliator I've ever used before - it's bright orange, with a gloopy consistency and doesn't contain any beads. To be honest, it doesn't sound much of an exfoliator at all, but once you've used it there's no going back. With Azelaic, glycolic and lactic acid it's certainly strong and not for the faint hearted. As you know, my skin is is sensitive but if you are SUPER sensitive I would certainly suggest applying a dab on to the back of your neck or wrist before whacking a face full of it on. Surprisingly my skin has lapped this baby up and I haven't experienced any discomfort from using it. Like any other exfoliator, you apply a small amount to your entire face and rub for a few minutes. I then leave it on for about 10 minutes as it is more like a mask than a quick rub down. It stings and tingles but it's nothing unbearable. Once I've washed it off my skin feels smoother than a baby's bum and I can already notice the reduced size of my pores - it's also a key player in balancing out both oiliness and dry skin. I alternate between this and the Algenist so use it aprroximately 2 times a week. Even though it's pricey I'll definitely be re-purchasing it, it's not only helped improve my complexion but it's also helped prevent breakouts which is a winner in my book.

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator RRP: £14

Liz Earle is one of my favourites, I found when using all of her products and nothing else my skin wasn't at all happy, but sharing the love with other brands and throwing in her heavenly animal friendly products once or twice a week makes a huge difference to my regularly un-happy skin.

If you're looking for an affordable exfoliator that shows almost immediate effects then STOP, you've found it.

This product is so gentle but effective - aimed at congested, flaky skin it contains jojoba beads to gently buff away dead skin cells and cocoa butter and sweet almond oil to keep the skin hydrated. As it's so gentle I use this daily when my skin needs it, rather than on a weekly basis. For example, if I'm feeling run down or it's that time of the month, I'll use this morning and night for a few days and any dry patches or flaky skin are banished. I've re-purchased this 4 times...so that's saying something, right?

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask RRP: £14.50

First up on the masks is another Liz Earle product - the Deep Cleansing Mask. With ingredients such as Manuka honey, rose scented geranium, green clay and propolis you can imagine how heavenly this smells. Whilst the scent is quite strong, it's not overpowering and as with the majority of Liz's range they feel and smell almost medicinal - something I find to be beautiful in skincare, it makes you feel that it's really giving your skin what it needs. I've been using this mask for a few years now and know I'll be using it for years to come. It's a very thick but almost runny consistency (a little messy, some might say) but boy does it work. It's meant to regulate oiliness in the skin (winner) and when used once a week certainly does that, along with helping to reduce redness, clear up patchiness and leave your skin feeling super smooth for it's hugely reasonable price tag, it's a bit of a no brainer.

REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask RRP: £18

It's a little pricier than the Liz Earle mask, but I still think it's a mask that's affordable and definitely worth the £18. It's a thick clay that's formed to draw out any impurities in the skin whilst reducing the size of pores and blackheads. I bloody love this mask, not only is the packaging a beauty lovers dream (pump applicator and kept contained in a little bag to see when you're running low) it also contains lavender oil which is something I always look for in products as it's so soothing for spot prone skin. I use face masks twice a week, so when I've used my Liz Earle on a Sunday night I'll turn to my REN mask on a Wednesday. It dries in the most peculiar way, showing off all your blackheads, pores and patches but you can really see a difference in your overall appearance once you've added this to your routine. Of course, you're not going to wave goodbye to your blackheads overnight using this, but it will definitely help you on your way.

I hope you guys found this helpful, again I want to reiterate that using these products *together* helps keep my skin healthy and regulated, none of them are miracle workers on their own and if I'm honest I don't think that product even exists...do a bit of research in to what your skin needs and what will help it recover from whatever downfalls you feel it may have. There's a routine for everyone and sticking to it is the key element :)

Next up on the list will be serums and oils! Keep your eyes peeled...

Much love, xxx

Thursday, 25 July 2013

The Skin Series Issue #1 | Cleansers for Oily & Blemish Prone Skin

When it comes to problematic skin I think we can safely say I’ve got it down. After recent chats with my good friend Zoe (zoenewlove.com) I’ve discovered a few new important bits of information about my skin and how I should be looking after it – honestly this woman is some sort of god and is certainly worth investing in if you’re looking for a skin consultation.

So – remember me raving about Cetaphil my absolute life saver of a product? Yes, it was fantastic and my spots were pretty much non-existent and my oil was hugely controlled but after stumbling across a worrying review I quickly realised that there is absolutely no ‘goodness' in it whatsoever. I won’t go in to detail here, so read that review if you’re wanting to understand it more, but basically I am hugely changing up my skincare, get yourself ready for a few posts relating to this.

SKINTYPE: Oily t-zone and chin, normal cheeks, blemish prone, scarring prone.

The 'Skin Series' will feature my must have products for controlling the above. And first up on the ‘can you fix megan’s face’ podium is cleansers! I’m not one for saying something works until I’ve used it for a good couple of weeks. I find that after months and months of use my skin becomes immune, but after a week or two I will know if it’s right for me.

After lengthily chats with Zoe and reading the amazing cheat sheet from Caroline Hirons routine section it became apparent that just one cleanser isn't going to do the job of controlling my skin all on it's own. No no, it is in need of much much more - so I have invested in some serious skin care and currently have 3 different 'types' of cleanser on the go.

AM cleansers:
In the mornings I like to use a cleanser that is acid based, perhaps that isn't the best way but as obviously this makes skin more sensitive to UV rays but long as your skin is protected from the sun that's the main thing! These are my current go-to's...

Environ B-Active Sebuwash c/o Beauty Times Therapies

Environ's Sebuwash is my first ever gel cleanser so I don't have much to compare it to however, it's already a winner in my book. Containing salicylic acid and tea tree oil it helps to remove skin cells from the upper layer of the skin and work as an anti-inflammatory to help towards a clearer more controlled complexion. This is a foaming facial wash but it's so gentle there's no frothing or annoyance. I wet my face and apply a pea sized amount to my hands, rubbing together quickly before applying all over my face and neck. It leaves the skin feeling fresh and completely oil free and with little fragrance it's not overpowering. My skin is quite sensitive but I don't feel like this dries it out whatsoever. Winner winner chicken dinner!

Jurlique Purifying Foaming Cleanser

This baby is just filled to the brim with goodness. Again, it’s a foaming cleanser and I’d say this one is a little more frothy. I dampen my hands before applying this to a dry face, this helps to keep the foaming to a minimum. It's definitely my favourite of the two acid cleansers – containing lactic acid (an AHA) to help brighten the skin, witch hazel to rebalance oiliness and rose extract to soften it’s an absolute dream. It’s approaching a higher end product with a retail of £27.50 but it’s been drummed in to me that skincare is an investment and if your skin is something you’re constantly battling this is a product for your shopping list. One pump does the job which means the 200ml will last a while and with the clear bottle you can clearly see when you’re running low. Plus pump applicators are always best – can you tell I love this product?

Since introducing both these acid based cleansers to my daily routine I’ve seen a huge improvement in my acne scarring. Marks that have been on my face for nearly 9 months are starting to fade which to me is so amazing and definitely something worth investing in.

PM Cleansers:

This is when my skin calls for some juicyness, and by that I mean oil. But first of all Micellar water...

Etat Pur Micellar Cleansing Water

Bioderma was my first introduction to micellar water and I still can’t fault it however, I don’t live in France and I don’t always want to spend over the odds for a product that, let’s face it, doesn’t last all that long. You can imagine my excitement when I discovered Etat Pur, with a price tag of £6.40 – jees I might even buy two in one go ;). I use this cleansing water every couple of days to remove my make-up and treat it as my first cleanse. It’s so delicate on the eye area and melts away make-up like a dream. It doesn’t contain soap either, so there’s no dry skin here ladies!

Nude Perfect Cleansing Oil

I’m not going to babble on about my Nude cleanser too much as I went in to a huge amount of detail in this , so if you fancy a read hop on over there. Right, so oil plays a huge part in rebalancing your skin and yes oily people I’m looking at you too! There’s no sulphates or mineral oils in this just beautiful ingredients such as sunflower seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, soy bean and jojoba, so the blend won’t strip the skin – it will simply remove (even the stubborn-est) makeup and deeply clean. I use this once or twice a week, instead of my Etat Pur to remove all my make-up, again as my first cleanse of the evening. I find 2 – 3 pumps does the trick on to dry skin and splashed with a little water turns to a milky consistency ready for washing off.

Shu Uenmura Classic High Performance Balancing Oil

The Shu Uemura works in exactly the same way to Nude and is my alternative oil cleanser to switch up my skincare, so basically I just switch between the two - although I have to say I am feeling a lot of love for this bad boy, it may just be my new favourite. It’s super soothing on the skin – it almost feels like honey and with depsea water and licorice root derivative it helps to keep nasties away from the skin barrier and also, as with nude, supports collagen production. So both products are brilliant for anti-ageing purposes. I only need one pump of this as it seems to go a lot further in terms of coverage than the Nude. Again, it is applied to a dry face (with dry hands) and quickly melts away makeup and dirt for a squeaky clean finish.

Since using both the oil cleansers I've started to see an improvement in my oil control. Usually my face is dripping by lunchtime - these products combined are definitely helping to keep my face intact a little longer and not to mention making my face feel like a babies bum.

To round up...

AM:

In the morning I will use either the Sebuwash or Jurlique cleansers

PM:

I will remove my makeup with one of the three following cleansers: Etat Micellar Water, Nude or Shu Uemura.
I then use Jurlique for a second, more thorough, evening cleanse.

So ladies (and gents) if I managed to hold your attention ;) that concludes my current cleansing routine! It may seem a bit OTT, but I have to admit that spending money on skin care isn't something to be sniffed at and if you suffer with oily, blemished prone skin then this routine may just work for you too.

Next up you in the Skin Series you can expect posts about toners, moisturisers, serums and masks. I hope you enjoyed this (massive) post and found it helpful - I'd also be really interested to know what works for you!

NOTE: I am not a specialist in skincare, so please don't take this post as gospel - it's just what works for me!

Wednesday, 8 May 2013

The Body Shop | Nutriganics Drops of Youth

Nutriganics Drops of Youth c/o The Body Shop

You know how much I love The Body Shop, their body butters and make-up are some of the staples in my beauty regime and have been for years - so here I am again sharing yet another gem. Their Nutriganics range is designed to fight the first signs of ageing..and this review feels quite fitting following on from the weekly #bbloggers chat on Sunday (which focused on the best and worst beauty advice) – one of my best tips was to start using anti-ageing products before your skin actually starts to age. The hint is in the title...you want to be fighting to keep your skin youthful, not waiting until it has aged to try and reverse it!

The Nutriganics Drops of Youth is a refreshing natural serum promising to enhance the surface skin condition, smooth and ultimately leave your skin looking healthier and brighter. The glass packaging is beautiful and the pipette is also glass which goes above and beyond the £22 price tag.

I’ve been using this every day and every other night for the past month or so, popping 2-3 drops of the serum in to the palm of my hand and gently massaging in to my skin in upwards motions. The serum itself is quite thick but it applies like a dream and sinks in almost instantly, I did find on first application that it felt quite sticky but I think perhaps my skin was just getting used to it as after a couple of uses my skin was lapping it up! It’s the perfect product to have as a ‘wake me up’ boost in the morning, I apply it after cleansing and just before popping my moisturiser on and my skin hasn’t looked as radiant in forever. It also doesn't have a scent, which I absolutely love.

I think having such bad skin over the past 2 years I’d got a bit sucked in to getting rid of my spots as opposed to giving my skin what it needed – a bit of hydration and moisture.

So far I'm really impressed with the results, my skin feels healthier and it's also contributing to reduce my scarring as well as it feeling plumper and refreshed.

Have you tried anything from the Nutriganics range? I'm quite keen on trying the Smoothing Mask next!

Friday, 8 February 2013

Elemis Fresh Skin Range | Wonderful You Review

Hello my lovelies :) Hope you're all well, and excited for the weekend? I'm still feeling very poorly, but I'm off to the X-Factor tour tomorrow night. Bear with me whilst I compose myself at the fact JAMES ARTHUR will be serenading me - major effin' boy crush right there. What is it with a boy that can sing, eh?

Asides from my eagerness for tomorrow the reason for this post is because I was recently contacted by the wonderful people of Elemis. This brand is one that I see as more 'high-end' and luxurious, so I was eager to try some of their skincare range out...

Peachy Perfect - Gentle Face Wash: £12.00 1ooml

First things first, I just love the packaging – subtle and pretty, something that looks nice on your bathroom shelf but isn’t screaming look at me I’m the most outrageous packaging you’ve ever seen.

Secondly foaming facial washes are one of my favourite’s - I don’t get along with balm or cream cleansers, something about them makes my skin flare up. Now, I already have a firm favourite facial wash, that helps me control my breakouts (post coming soon) which I use in the evening before bed, but I’ve been using this Peachy Perfect facial wash each morning. It’s subtle peach scent and light consistency is very refreshing and definitely helps to wake me up (in another life, I am a sloth). It lathers really well, so you don’t need to use too much product in one hit and the pump applicator makes that even easier.

For £12.00 it’s up there with the affordable skincare products and being Elemis, the price is pleasantly surprising. My skin type is combination/oily and it definitely helps to control my oil breakouts midday, as well as keep my skin hydrated and not too tight. If you have sensitive skin, this may be a touch too harsh for you although it doesn’t leave mine gasping for moisturiser.

Tired Eyes - Soothing Eye Rescue £15.00 15ml

I think you all probably know by now but I am a true believer in a jolly good eye cream. You must must must make the effort to look after your little eyes; after all they’re one of the first to show signs of ageing…crow feet and all that. I love that this is a 15ml product; it means I can pop it in my handbag and carry it around with me for on the go refreshers. Now on first application of this I was a little bit dubious, it’s a gel so obviously has a different effect to a cream but I did find this quite sticky whilst it was drying/soaking into my skin. Luckily I don’t suffer with puffy eyes (which this promises to combat) however, it definitely cooled and hydrated my eyes which is definitely something I look for in on-the-move products.

Softly Softly - Daily Moisturiser: £20 50ml
Again, loving the pump applicator. On first application I instantly thought of Liz Earle's moisturiser. It had a very similar scent and the consistency is quite heavy. My skin is quite problematic, and I'm not sure that this moisturiser is right for my skin type. I am prone to breakouts, with a very oily t-zone. This product takes quite a long time to sink into the skin - I'd have to say that I would probably only use this as a night time moisturiser in winter, when my skin is exceptionally dry. On a positive note, my skin definitely looks brighter when wearing this which is always a plus :)

Magical Moisture - Quenching Face Mask & Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask: £15 3x sachets of each 7ml

First up the Quenching Face Mask...now my face doesn't really need 'quenching' it's already pretty drenched in oil (how gross does that sound), so I knew that trying this out would cause a breakout on my skin type. It was a very light mask, more like a really really heavy moisturiser, so if you're suffering with terribly dry skin and want something to bring some hydration back I think this could work quite well. I must admit though, I'd probably prefer a heavier moisturiser to apply before bed. After washing it off my skin did feel very smooth, but being oily and spot prone my face wasn't very happy the next day.

The Deep Clean Purifying Mask on the other hand was right up my street. As with most clay masks you leave it on for approx 10 minutes, or until it's dry. It was instantly cooling which was lovely, and after washing it off my skin felt squeaky clean - literally it felt like it had ripped the rubbish-ness right out. Definitely a keeper.

Overall, I feel like I've discovered some really yummy, affordable products to add to my skincare routine - even if I wasn't blow away by it all!

What do you think - have you tried anything from the Elemis Fresh Skin Range?

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