La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+

Hey guys

You've probably heard loads about this product and read countless reviews but I have to say it's for good reason. I've heard a lot of good things about French pharmacy and if this product is anything to go by, I'll definitely be trying out other products.

I was sent this product to try after replying to a tweet from Escentual describing the exact kind of skin that I had. The aim of this product is that it helps to clear up your skin and I have to say it really has! It has a gel-cream texture and helps to unclog pores, correct the appearance of imperfections. It also helps to control shine, which if you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll know all about my problems with oily skin! 

I have been using this product for just over a month now and I haven't had a breakout since which is remarkable considering how stressed I have been lately. When 1 or 2 spots decide they want to surface, putting this cream on them makes them disappear within the next day. 

As I have quite oily skin, I can get away with using this as a moisturiser on it's own, before using my primer. It can be used both morning and night but I only use it in the morning. 

The RRP of this is £15.50 in Boots but if you order from Escentual during March you can get 1/3 off!*

There is a money back guarantee if you see no difference after 6 weeks so you don't really have anything to lose!

Although it's a lot more than I would usually pay for essentially a moisturiser, I would highly recommend this product to anyone especially those prone to blemishes. My skin is really benefiting from this product and hopefully I'll be able to see the marks on my face also fade!

Have you tried this product? What did you think of it? Do let me know!

Thanks for reading!

*This offer just happened to be on during the time of my post. The aim of this post was to review this product not promote their offer.

Soap & Glory- No Clogs Allowed

Hey guys

As you may or may not know, my stand out product of 2013 was Soap & Glory's 2-in-1 facial peel. Ashamedly, this was the only Soap & Glory product I had tried but I said to myself I would try more in 2014.

Boots sent me a voucher for extra points when buying a Soap and Glory product. It's like they read my blog and wanted to help me out! So of course I took this opportunity and after much pondering on which ONE item to select I finally decided on 'No Clogs Allowed'. This product is for oily/combination skin and as a girl who is constantly battling with oily skin it sounded exactly like what I needed.

 

Soap & Glory describe it as a super self heating deep pore detox mask and I would have to agree with them. It contains 1-MINUTE HOT PORECLEAR™ TECHNOLOGY which is a fast-acting, smoothing and polishing blend of micropumice, salicylic acid and hot clay, which activates with water contact. As this is the first self heating mask I've tried that worked, I found it such a a weird sensation. You put the product on and then wet your hands and scrub it until you feel it get hot and turn blue. After 5 minutes, remove it with a wet cloth. I use this once a week, normally on a Sunday night, so that I'm starting the week with a well cleansed face.

I really feel that my face is well cleansed after using this product especially as when I use my toner afterwards it slightly stings (I like to take it as the mask doing it's job properly, giving the deep cleanse that I need). When I wake up, my face still feels greatly cleansed and grease free. it has definitely helped prevent breakouts and blemishes. RRP is £11.50 from Boots but at the time I bought this, Boots were offering 1/3 off any Soap and Glory product as they tend to always be when I buy their products.  I would highly recommend this for those with oilier skin as those with dry skin may find it dries out their face.

Have you tried this product? What did you think of it? Any other Soap & Glory recommendations? Do comment below and let me know! 

Thanks for reading!

#2014bloggerchallenge- My battle with oily skin (skincare routine)

Hey guys

Today's #2014bloggerchallenge is all about skincare. If you've read any of my previous posts you might know that I'm also taking part in #theskinproject which involves the many various aspects of having a good skincare regime so if you're interested check my posts out here.

Having a good skincare routine is a great thing to have. 99% of the time I'm good with my routine but like everybody else I have those days when I feel lazy. All I do is use a face wipe and go to bed.

Going to bed with make up on or not having removed it properly is one of the biggest mistakes to make and I make sure I never do. Not only will you regret it in the morning but you're left with make up stains all over your pillow which isn't pretty.

I thought, I'd use this post to talk about my general skincare routine.

If you have read any of my other skincare posts you would know that I have super oily skin. I am always complaining about it.
I don't want to think about how much money I have spent looking for products help me combat shine and over production of oil.

However, I am in a state where I'm quite happy. It may be due to the colder months, but my face remains shine free for a lot longer than it used it.

Every day, I was my face with Body Shop's tea tree oil facial wash and use the tea tree toner. I've found that tea tree products are great for oily and blemish prone skin. I recommend any of the products from Body Shop's tea tree range. I've tried them all and they're great!

I then use an oil balancing moisturiser from Simple. As I've said in a previous post, it's tempting not to moisturise when your face makes excess oil but not moisturising is a big mistake. It's just about finding one that doesn't leave your face greasy but still giving it adequate moisture.

Before putting on any make up I use MAC's Skin Base Visage and Loose Translucent Powder from their Prep + Prime range. These two products have been absolute lifesavers and I'm so happy I finally gave into buying MAC products.

At nightime, I wash my face using Garnier's Pure Active Fruit Energy Daily Energising Gel Wash.

I use Nivea's 2 in 1 cleanser and toner and then moisturise with Garnier's Moisture Match for oily/combination skin. I originally bought that with intentions of using it in the morning but it didn't provide a matte finish so I changed to using it at night.

 Face masks are probably my favourite aspect of skincare. I just recently blogged about them so instead of repeating myself you can find out more here

The main thing I do when looking for skin products is to make sure they're for oily skin and help to keep the face matte but at the same time, won't dry out my skin.

For now, my skin is in a good place but I'm still looking for the ultimate way to remain shine-free. If you know of any recommendations of how to combat oily skin I'd love to know.

Thanks for reading and if you're taking part in this challenge I would love to read your posts so leave your links below!!!

#theskinproject- face masks and treatments

Hey guys

This week's topic is all about face masks and treatments!

I think face masks are one of the best things we can use to help our skin. A lot of them provide deep cleansing and when used regularly can help to prevent breakouts.

Before using any face mask it's important to know what type of skin you have be it oily, combination, sensitive or dry. Each face mask won't suit everybody so it's important to know so you avoid over hydrating your skin, or drying it out.

I like to use face masks as a way of relaxing. I also run to them when I've been a bit slack and my face is beginning to suffer...

I recently talked about my favourite face mask of all time. It actually was my stand out product of 2013.

 

This is a face mask by Soap and Glory. Ashamedly, this is the only Soap and Glory product I've used but I plan to change that this year. Hopefully they won't disappoint as they've set some high standards now.

Anyway, I definitely recommend this for people with oily skin like me. it doesn't cost much either. It costs £10 but is always on offer in boots so might as well stock up on it while you can!

It contains everything a girl needs to help keep the face healthy and shiny! It also contains anti-aging features which is great news for some of you but if I'm totally honest it isn't something big on my list right now but I've heard it's good to start young so maybe I should look into it... But that's for another post.

As I have recently, written about this, I don't want to go on too much as I'll be repeating myself but if you want to find out more you can can read all about it here.

Other face masks I have used and also would recommend include 

Image from thebodyshop.co.uk

and 

Image from boots.com

Masks with superfruit extracts and tea tree oil are very good for blemish prone/oily skin.

Which face masks do you use? Can any of them beat my favourite? Do let me know!

If you would like to know more about face masks, I've included some links at the bottom that explain more and give some recommendations.

http://shine.yahoo.com/fashion/types-and-uses-of-facial-masks-159655.html

http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcyis/the-truth-about-face-masks

Thanks for reading!!

Stand out product of 2013

Hey guys!

2013 is very nearly over so I thought I'd share with you my ultimate stand out product of the year.

I've bought a lot of stuff this year and I've had a lot of disappointment but this produce makes up for them. My stand out product has got to be Soap and Glory's 2 in 1 facial peel.

This was my first and only Soap and Glory product I've bought (shocking I know) but this is the best face mask I've ever used and I recommend especially to those with oily skin like me.

Every time I use this product I'm amazed at how clean and refreshed my face feels.

My skin feels totally cleansed and soft.

Can be used as a quick cleanse or kept on longer for a more deep cleanse. I like face masks to be used for a deep cleanse so I keep it on for a minimum of 15 minutes (although that's the maximum recommendation).

I love to use it before a special event to help minimise the appearance of pores and keep my skin as shine-free for as long as possible.

I'll definitely be buying more Soap and Glory products in 2014!

Thanks for reading! 

Any thoughts on this product? Any soap and Glory recommendations?

What has been your standout product of 2013? 

I'd love to know!

x x

#theskinproject- toning

Hey guys 

I know I'm a little late joining but when I read a few of the skin project posts going about I had to see if I could join in.

I emailed the lovely Lianne (you can find her blog here) and she let me join in mid-way!

Skincare is something I've been trying to get into. In my teenage years (I'm now 21), all I was trying to do was get rid of my spots and make sure they don't come back. After achieving that I kind of slacked on continuing to look after my skin. However, I now know the importance of having a good skincare regime so I thought this project would make me do a little bit of research and also allow me to gain some great tips from fellow bloggers also taking part in the project.

This week's project is all about toning.

I must admit I haven't always used a toner. It's only something I've used properly and consistently for about a year.

I had heard different opinions about how you don't need to tone or how it's a waste of time

I decided to find out for myself what toning really was all about which led me to find out that using a toner helps to reduce appearance of pores.

This is a good thing for me to hear as I have greatly oily skin so anything to help shrink pores is a bonus for me.

I currently use the tea tree toner from Body Shop and I think it's great and doesn't cost too much either (£5.00) especially as Body shop always have great offers. It's clinically proven to produce clearer looking skin and to be honest I must admit it's true. I've definitely noticed a difference since I've started using this product. It helps to remove impurities and if used regularly can help reduce breakouts.
I use it in conjunction with the tea tree oil facial wash which I think definitely helps (they compliment each other) but I missed the post on cleansers so I'll have to rave about that in another post.
I use the toner every morning after I've had my shower. It has to be shaken well, then put some on a cotton pad and wipe over the face. I put more focus on where gets most oily.

Image from thebodyshop.co.uk

I've previously used the seaweed toner from Body Shop which is quite good as well but I just prefer the tea tree toner as it helps to keep my face shine-free leaving my face more matte and is great for blemished prone skin.

Before going to bed, after I have washed my face I use Nivea's 2 in 1 cleanser and toner.

Image from boots.com

It helps to remove that little bit of make-up or dirt off my face. I use this as I find it quite moisturising and because I have oily skin I worry that I may not be hydrating my face enough as I run from adding too much moisture. However this doesn't leave my face greasy but I worry it doesn't help keep my face shine-free which is why I use it before going to bed.
I put some into my hands and rub on my face. I then remove it using a cotton pad.

Do any of you guys use a toner? If so, which one? If not, why not? I'd love to know!
Have you used this one and what was your experience with it?

Also, if you're taking part in this project let me know! I'd love to read your posts!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me on twitter and bloglovin!

x x

Boots haul

Hey guys

After what seemed like a lifetime spending ban I finally went shopping!!! I went a bit crazy so I'll spread my purchases over a few blogs.

This first one is on what I recently bought from Boots.

My first item is a face mask from 'Good things'. I was actually looking for another mask but this one caught my eye because of the shine control and blemish control it claimed to have. These are 2 of my main issues as I have super oily skin. I've only used the mask a few times so far and at the moment I'm liking it. It has quite a bit of menthol so when it's first out on it can be quite uncomfortable but when it's washed off it leaves my skin feeling smooth, soft and grease free. I'll see how it goes. I've got quite a high bar set, thanks to soap any glory's facial peel.

Boots had buy one get one half price so I thought I'd find 2 items I really liked. I bought four... *facepalm*.

I decided my lips were in need of a treat so I bought 2 lipglosses and 2 lip butters.

I had forgotten how much I loved lipglosses. I used to associate them with when I was younger and now that I'm older (uni student) I should be wearing lipsticks. But if I'm totally honest, I'm not the biggest lipstick fan. Don't get me wrong, I think lipsticks are great but I feel that I tend to find lipglosses that suit me more easily than I do lipsticks. (Maybe it's  just all in my head). They also keep the lips well moisturised and barely need topping up.

Well I got a L'oreal shine lipgloss and a revlon lipgloss.

The L'oreal lipgloss is in a purple shade and the Revlon is a dark red shade. I love these shades as I feel they're quite appropriate for the autumn season were in. Not too bright but still enough colour especially with the darker clothes worn in this season.

I also got 2 of the Revlon lip butters. I bought a red colour and a pink colour. I can definitely see myself going to get a few more. They keep the lips well hydrated (important as it starts to get colder) whilst giving the lips great colour. I was impressed at how long the colour remained. I'm more inclined to use these on nights out or dinners rather than everyday use as the shades I bought are quite bright (for me personally) to use everyday. Maybe if I get some darker shades they'll be used for everyday use.

All in all a pleasant (not to my bank account) trip to boots.

Unlike my trip to Clinique but that's another topic for another post.

Apologies for the picture quality. I don't have the best camera and it doesn't bring out how great the shades are but I hope you've enjoyed this post.

Thanks for reading and leave your comments below- I love to read and reply them and follow me on bloglovin', twitter and add me on google+!

Have a great day!

x x

Skincare tag

Hey guys

So I've read quite a few skincare tags and even though technically I haven't been tagged and since I'm looking for things to blog about I thought I would jump on the bandwagon. Enjoy :D

Describe your skincare routine in 5 words
easy, refreshing, gentle, regular, modifiable

  What's your skin type?
Oily-like major, which I find so annoying, yet to find products that allow

me to remain shine-free for majority of the day. I guess one benefit

is that my skin remains young (or so I've been told...)

  What's your favourite skincare product?
At the moment it would have to be Soap and Glory's 2-in-1 facial pore purifying mask and peel

It's the best mask I've used so far, leaving my skin feel clean and not greasy

Top blemish zapper

I haven't used one that I'm happy with. I am currently using the Freederm 

one which I'm notimpressed with so am more

than happy for people's opinions. Now that I'm more regular with 

my skincare routine, breakouts are less common 

but when I do get spots (because unfortunately I still do)

 it would be nice to have one that works

Face wipes yay or nay? 

I use face wipes when I get home just to remove the make up I have but 

before I go to bed I wash my face properly as I don't think face

wipes remove all the make up properly, especially

eye make up
  Toner yay or nay? 
I do use a toner but I'm yet to find one I'm 100% happy with so I'm welcome to suggestions

  High end skincare or high end make up?
I think I'm more inclined to buy high end make up because I find make-up more exciting

but it is important to have good skincare but I feel many of the drugstore products are more than great if

not better at times 
  What's the most unusual skincare product you've tried? 
I actually tend not to use unusual products on my face because I'm quite scared about how

my face will react to it. If I had to answer, I would say a self-heating mask I used once, which did feel 

weird on my face but I didn't like it as I didn't

feel that my face was cleansed enough afterwards

You're in a French pharmacy and can only pick one item - what is it? 
I recently saw an advert on Lancome's skin pigmentation corrector and I 

would love to try it out as I would love to get

an even skin tone. Would definitely result in less foundation use
Tell us your top skincare tip

Drink as much water as possible. It's a tip I try to follow as much as possible

because when I do, I definitely see great results in my skin

I hope you've enjoyed reading my skincare tag. Let me know what you think and any suggestions especially on how to deal with extremely oily skin and how to keep my face shine-free all day. I'm more than happy to check out your skincare tags so just comment below and I'll give them a read :)

Follow me on twitter @nailartiste123 and I'll follow back!

Thanks x x