Affordable Skincare Treats.

Now I like a bit of expensive skincare as much a the next girl, but sometimes you've just got to hand it to the affordable gems that are out there. Especially when they can give the big boys a run for their money.

If your budget can't quite stretch to the sometimes stratospheric prices of high end moisturiser, Organic Surge are definitely worth checking out. I've been road-testing their Blissful Daily Moisturiser* & the Overnight Sensation Night Cream* and I can safely say they do the job, and they do it well! I challenge you to find an organic cream under a tenner that does just as well as these beauties! 

Even after a good double cleanse (or when you want to do a quick eye make up change) I find having an oil based make up remover really handy to either shift those last bits or to remove make up quickly but gently. I used to religiously use a much more pricey version but since I discovered the Nivea Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover it has become a staple.  

Finally The Body Shop Nutriganics Drops of Youth Serum* is something that has subtly become a favourite, I kept finding myself reaching for it. At £22 it may be at the higher end of affordable but compared to your top end stuff, this is very purse friendly. Packed with good stuff for your skin and free in silicones & parabens it's a great one for those ingredient conscious girls. 

What are your purse friendly skincare favourites? 

xx

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator.

Since getting a bit more serious about my skincare this year, one step that didn't even factor in my routine has entered a star player. 

I'm talking 'toning'. The reason I've gone all air quotes with the term is the step itself has changed so much since the days of the C-T-M mantra. 

I'm talking acid toners. More specifically a toner with an chemical exfoliating property. I'd already introduced the hallowed Alpha H Liquid Gold into my routine once or twice a week but I wanted something more gentle with a similar property to fill in the gaps. 

Hello Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner. 

It basically does the same job as the Alpha H but on a much more gentle scale. It contains Glycolic, Tartic & Salicylic so will give you the chemical exfoliation without any need to reach for something more abrasive to scrub at your skin with. A quick word about the over cautious usage instructions: as very eloquently put by Caroline, you will always find brands like Clarins airing on the side of caution. Just be sensible and you'll be fine, I've been using it up to twice daily and I'm looking glowing, not burnt/shrivelled/affected! 

 RRP £25. 

xx

Newest Skin Additions.

It's a known fact that sadly, nothing excites me more than a bit of new skincare. I would actually happily trade in 99% of my make up and beauty paraphernalia for a good dose of skin wizardry. 

The latest bits to enter my routine are a cult favourite and an unexpected wonder. 

Alpha H Liquid Gold. 

It's been raved about constantly and has always caught my attention. I must admit when the first whisperings started a year or so ago it all sounded a bit faddy and dare I say it, like a cheap bottle of poppers you'd get from a 'herbal high' stall at a festival. Just putting it out there...

The reason for jumping on to the Liquid Gold train was the pressing need for a liquid exfoliant. Despite my skin looking acceptable, under closer inspection (read evil magnifying mirror) it looked congested, bumpy and red. I won't go too deep into the science but it's a glycolic acid based liquid exfoliant (we're not messing around here) that will lower the PH of your skin and plump and decongest your skin. Once or Twice a week is plenty. I've used it about four times now and it does tingle, but I like it. I love a good tingle. 

Alpha H Balancing Cleanser. 

My other gel cleanser ran out, this was in a deal with the Alpha H. I went for it. It's a lovely light cream cleanser that's perfect for getting a really clean feel after I've used a balm. I've been using this in the morning to give my skin a quick cleanse. It's lovely. 

Elemental Herbology Cell Food Serum. *

I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened the box, but it's knocked the socks off my current NUXE serum. Not only is it packed full of Green Tea, Co-Enzyme Q10, Aloe & Rose Damask, it smells amazing. So if none of that means anything to you, have a sniff and you'll be in love. The pipette application is a welcome novelty and feels very medicinal. More importantly, it feels soothing on the skin and definitely perks it up. If I apply this at night I wake up in the morning with a 'glow' that isn't usually there. It's a winner. 

Are you a skincare-holic too? 

xx

*sent for consideration

Skincare Additions/Re-Additions.

So, back story. My beloved Caudalie SOS Serum, Origins A Perfect World AND Vitazing pretty much bit the dust all within a week of eachother. It's the vicious skincare circle I always find myself in. 

Deciding to embrace my intrepid beauty blogger I took heed of Laura's advice, all in the name of research (forever fickle) and picked up the NUXE Serum Creme Fraiche de Beaute from the Escentual bargain french pharmacy sale. 

First impressions are more than favourable. I'm thoroughly throwing the product in at the deep. I'm currently battling with a post cold dehydrated mug, but it has stepped up to the plate, applies like a dream and leaves my skin feeling plump and hydrated. 

Now, re-additions. This must be my third or forth pot of A Perfect World from Origins, It's been a long term staple and no other cream seems to cut it like this one does. But, I'm currently foxed. Without getting too autistic about a cream, It feels slightly different and It's thrown me off. The pot definitely feels like it has a cheaper lid (too rain man for you yet?) but more importantly the cream itself feels thicker, smells slightly different and just seems, well, reformulated. I can't find anything to back this up and it may just be me. To be investigated. 

What are your skincare staples? 

xx

Hydraluron. Yes Please.

Before I begin, I'll acknowledge the obvious. This is a Grade A Hype Product...BUT as far as I'm concerned, its the real deal. 

I was really suffering with tight dry skin, especially on my forehead and cheeks and my beloved Caudalie SOS Serum bit the dust. So, being the diligent and sensible beauty fanatic I am I went straight for the queen of good and proper skincare advice, Caroline Hirons, much raved about recommendation and jumped on the Hironsluron bandwagon. 

Well, I trust Caroline for a reason. It's bloody brilliant. 

I was initially surprised to see that it was a far thinner, gel texture than I'd anticipated but it does exactly what it professes. The hyaluronic acid works its magic and literally sucks any moisture straight into your skin. A dose of Hydraluron literally turns most good moisturisers into a wonder treatment. I haven't had any tightness in my skin since I began to use this and it generally feels plumper and more hydrated. Winner. 

For a far more indepth and eloquent review, click here! 

Available from Boots. 

xx

Inside The Bathroom Cabinet.

Next to a woman's handbag, the contents of her bathroom cabinet are always telling. Here is a sneak peek into mine. Now, I'm only showing you the presentable shelf, it's really the only shelf that matters here.
 In many ways the contents of my bathroom cabinet are very similar to my handbag, slightly 'eclectic'. The other shelves contain a mixture of the obligatory smelly man things,  out of date suncream and paint tester pots. If I tell you I've been unwittingly carrying two cans of minestrone soup around in my handbag for the last few days, all should fall into place. If anything this post has shamed me into a sort out. 

In fact, this shelf is a major improvement on previous states. I've managed to slim it down to products that I actually use rather than things that look pretty but are largely redundant. 

Taking centre stage is my new love, the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm . Yes it's the choice of every blogger under the sun right now, but it's for a reason. This stuff is good. It cleanses without stripping and gently exfoliates without being abrasive when used with a flannel/muslin cloth. I've been mixing a little bit of the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant* in with it every other evening to just shift the slightly drier skin that the winter brings. You may have noticed the antithesis of the Emma Hardie Cleanser behind in the form of the Boots Botantics Microdermabrasion Polish. This is an abrasive mother. I use it probably once every two weeks if that. I tend to use a pea sized amount and just concentrate on the sides of my nose and forehead, I wouldn't dream of scrubbing away on any delicate areas with this stuff, you'd be red raw in no time. 

Colgate Max White One is quickly becoming my preferred toothpaste, it may all be psychological but I don't care. Whiter teeth will be mine! 

The other sneaky products hiding in the back are the Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser, my absolute stalwart if my skin is going mad. The N-Spa Melting Cleansing Gel is a top shout if you're on a budget, it working in a similar way to the Emma Hardie Balm Cleanser and is pretty well on the chemical nasties front to. If you want a similar affect but are watching the pennies, I'd suggest giving this a go. 

Finally, my little Clarisonic-a-like is still going strong, but is as elusive as ever. Keep an eye out in TK Maxx! 

What's lurking in your bathroom cabinet? 

Laura xx

Current Skincare Routine.

When it comes to skincare, I'm notoriously fickle. However, believe it or not, I think I've finally found a routine that not only works for me but has left me with no desire to chop and change.

Shall we begin? 

Morning. 

When it comes to my morning routine, I like to keep my skincare to a minimum. I cleanse with Simple Refreshing Facial Wash. It's not fancy or expensive, but it leaves me with fresh clean skin, what more could you ask for? I pop a 50p sized amount onto my Face Brush and cleanse for about 2 minutes, then rinse with cold water to get the blood flowing! 

I usually spritz my face with the Caudalie Beauty Elixir before applying a thin layer of Origins VitaZing, which I may or may not apply foundation over. 

Evening. 

In the evening, I like to spend more time on my skin as it gives products time to work overnight and I find taking time out to do my routine before I got to bed a good way to wind down. 

I've been using the NSpa Melting Cleansing Gel* for a few weeks now and it's become a firm favourite, It leaves my skin feeling super soft and moisturised but without leaving an oily residue. I then follow this up with a spritz of Monu Rosewood Reviving Mist* or Caudalie Beauty Elixir. I finish with my holy grail moisturiser Origins Perfect World Antioxidant Moisturiser with White Tea and then use the Nspa Eye & Lip Treatment.

Those Little Extras.

Although they don't feature in my daily routine, the following products play an essential part. 

If my skin is feeling a little thirsty, the NSpa Replenshing Moisture Mask* is a lifesaver, for the skin and the bank balance! 

I'm also a long time fan of both the Connock Wonderbalm* and Nourishing Hand Cream*. 

If I'm battling a breakout, Origins Super Spot Remover & Sudocrem* always give me a helping hand. 

Finally, the Caudalie SOS Serum is a wonderful addition to my skincare routine, but it's currently on order and my sample bit the dust, It really does make your skin feel amazing. 

What products do you rely on for beautiful skin? 

Laura xx

*Provided by PR for consideration. 

Battle the Breakout.

I have to admit, a combination of good genes and forgiving skin keep me relatively breakout free, but when I get the occasional spot, they seem to strike in pairs...or trios. 

So, it's time to talk spots... 

Firstly, I don't think there are any hard and fast rules when it comes to tackling breakouts. Your skin and how it reacts to different things is unique to you, so what I'm about to divulge is purely common sense with a little bit of what works for me thrown in. 

How do I battle a breakout? 

1. Sanitize!

I'm pretty diligent when it comes to keeping my tools clean, I always have a bottle of brush cleaner and a flannel or muslin cloth to hand for spot cleaning and try to deep clean once a week. But the first thing I do without fail if I notice a breakout that's about to surface is sanitize.  

I clean all of my foundation and concealing brushes straight away and then make sure I spot clean them every time I use them. 

Now, I realise this is what you are supposed to do, but in the real world, you don't always have time. I'm sure I'm not the only one who can fall behind on brush cleaning duties, do you? 

2. Be kind to your skin.

There seems to be a tendency to automatically try to attack a breakout, I've always found it much more effective to completely simplify my skincare routine and use very gentle, simple products. I always go back to Oilatum if I'm suffering badly as it is super gentle and doesn't irritate. I don't believe in using harsh anti-acne face wash or creams as it can just dry my skin out and leave it looking...crusty...digusting. 

3. Essential Tools. 

Origins Super Spot Remover & Sudocrem always come to my rescue if I need them. The little Origins bottle packs a punch if you can feel a blemish appearing, it will calm it down and accelerate its demise. However I don't tend to use this if a spot has already erupted, it tends to dry it out and that is never, ever a good luck. Instead I pop on a bit of Sudocrem before I go to bed and I really do think this works wonders overnight. 

Neither of these are miracle products, but they'll certainly fight your corner in the battle of the breakout. 

4. Leave it Alone! 

This may just be the hardest one to stick to, as it goes against every fibre in your body! But, trust me, if you leave it, it will leave without a trace. It is much less likely to scar too, always a bonus...

What do you do to battle the breakout? 

Laura xx

In A Perfect World.

For about a year now, Oilatum has been my best friend. It's a no nonsense, simple face cream that does what it says on the tin. 

Enter Origins, A Perfect World. 

I opened up a joyous box of Origins goodies on Christmas Day and found this moisturiser alongside the Super Spot Remover (I haven't had to try this yet- touch wood) and the Origins Ginger Essence Sensuous Skin Scent - to.die.for. 

Oilatum is fail-safe, moisturising, but doesn't exactly exude the pamper power that A Perfect World does. 

It has a gentle fresh fragrance that screams 'Origins' it's slightly herbal without being offensive. One of the main reasons I adore Origins so much is the ethos behind the brand, products formulated without parabens, mineral oil, petroleum, paraffin, synthetic fragrance or colour, animal ingredients and general nasties. 

The cream glides onto and sinks in to leave ridiculously soft skin, I've noticed an improvement in the general appearance of my skin. Whether it's the miracle cream or changing up my moisturiser, I still can't get enough of the stuff. 

At £32.00 a pop, it just can't compete with the bargain power of Oilatum, but I'm beginning to think it's worth the investment. 

I'm considering taking the plunge and ordering A Perfect World cleanser and possibly a cheeky VitaZing, what do you think? 

Laura xxx

Product of the Week: Sephora Waterproof Eye Make Up Remover.

On my recent trip across the channel, it would have been rude not to pop into Sephora. Despite not actually buying a huge amount, I had to pop this into my basket when I saw it. 

I recently ran out of my Clinique Take the Day Off Make Up Remover and this looked suspiciously similar. The ingredients also tell an incredibly similar story.  

Well the verdict is...It's just as good. It eradicates any trace of stubborn eye make up and does the job just fine! 

It was a tiny €3 for 50ml, unlike Clinique's £14.50 for 125ml. 

The only drawback? It's from Sephora... 

I had to plump for the 50ml bottle as I was only travelling with hand luggage, how I wish I'd picked up another bottle as it's not going to last long. 

J'adore! 

xx