Indie Lee CoQ 10 Toner. Review.

Image from indielee.com

I don't know about you guys, but I haven't used a proper toner toner in years. Except for a little sample sized Dr Hauschka toner that I was sent this year. For ages it's been all about acid toners and not much else. And it still is, however I think that there's definitely a place in the market (and in my routine) for this toner as you can easily layer it over an acid.

In fact, using this over an acid is perfect, because most acids do irritate and leave the skin reddish and tingling and this toner not only soothes and calms but also hydrates and works against ageing. It's kind of a simpler version of Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel (review of that one coming soon).

Indie Lee CoQ 10 is full of goodness: CoQ10 (antioxidant which protects the skin from environmental damage and helps with collagen and elastin production), aloe vera, chamomile and cucumber sooth, calm and stabilise skin's ph levels and hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin. And it smells sooo good!

Negatives? I don't like using a cotton pad with it, I feel like a lot of the product gets wasted. In fact, when we were having a heatwave here in the UK I started just pouring some of the toner into my palm and patting it on my face like you would with an essence. Imagine this toner with a really fine spray? *daydreams*

Will I repurchase? Yes. Eventually. Next, I want to try Darphan Intral Toner and compare it to Indie Lee. I also have Indie Lee's Brightening and Rosehip cleansers on my (ever expanding) wish list...

Charlotte Tilbury Penelope Pink vs Bitch Perfect

Am I the only one who can wear nude-y lipsticks only when I have a bit of tan on? It may have a lot to do with my colouring. I am light skinned, but not the fairest of them all. And I tan really easily.
Anyways, with the summer truly here I've found myself reaching for these two lippies most days. They're creamy, moisturising and pigmented.

'Bitch Perfect' (God, this has GOT to be the best lippie name ever!) is described as peach-toned nude creamy lipstick and 'Penelope Pink' is nude lipstick with pink undertones, according to charlottetilbury.com.

Let's take a look at the swatch:

Can you guess which one is which? 

Actually, the left one is Bitch Perfect and the right one is Penelope Pink. I see no peachiness in Bitch Perfect and no pink undertones in Penelope Pink... Is it just me? I wondered whether the little labels on my mini lipstick got mixed up, but I don't think so because I checked at the CT counter and the colours were the same. 

What's up with that CT?

In any case, I love them both. If you're in any doubt which lipstick to choose, go to the counter and check them out because the look really depends on your natural lip colour. If you can't get to the counter you could get the mini lipstick charms (set of 3) online for just £29.00.

Thoughts on SPFs. Part 1.

I am on a constant search for the perfect sunscreen and I keep trying new ones. Here's what I've found so far:

Ultrasun SPF30 Face Anti-Ageing Sun Protection for Very Sensitive Skin (18.99 for 50ml)

Description: Advanced all-in-one skin care and sun protection. A product that is raved about by make up artists the world over. Providing sun protection and moisturisation in one mattifying product. So versatile that you can use it as a primer base to your make up. Airless pump dispenser to prevent product deterioration and contamination. Incorporating the very latest skin care research and advances, Face 30 delivers very high, all day protection (UVA 98% Australian Standard and UVB SPF 30) with just one application. It is free from oils, emulsifiers and perfume reducing the risk of allergy and making it especially suitable for sensitive skins. Like all Ultrasun products, it is non-greasy, water-resistant and easy to use. (superdrug.com)

My description: A white cream that smells strongly of alcohol when applied but the smell doesn't linger. The alcohol is second in the ingredients list. I was worried about the alcohol level in this, but it this didn't seem to have any negative effect on my skin. It sinks in quickly into the skin (probably due to the alcohol), doesn't leave a white cast. While it doesn't feel greasy on application, my skin quickly becomes shiny when I use this. I very doubt it is moisturising enough to use as a moisturiser and it does nothing as a primer, even though it claims to be "A beautiful product that is a sun screen, moisturiser and primer rolled into one". Sure you can use it under make-up, but how is it a primer? All day protection? I very much doubt it.

Pixi Sun Mist SPF30 (£18 for 80ml)

Description: An innovative way to wear sunscreen, {Pixi}’s Sun Mist is the ultimate finishing touch to your morning-time beauty routine. A sheer, featherweight spritz, this can be sprayed under or over make up (it won't disturb your handiwork) to provide sustained, broad-spectrum protection from the damaging effects of UV rays. 

My description: While I love some of Pixi products, this is not one of them. First of all, the spray is not fine enough, I ended up with some droplets on my clothes. When spraying, keep this away from anything leather! Second, this made my skin SO shiny. I like dewy. I'm not a matte skin fan. But this made me look AND feel so greasy. It is better under the makeup, but then, why would I use a spray spf under make-up? The whole point is to easily top up your SPF during the day with a spritz. This doesn't work. It's great for my body, leaves a nice sheen. 

Clinique Sheer City Block SPF25 and Clinique Super City Block SPF40.

These two are my favourites so far. They're both slightly tinted, not enough to cover the blemishes, but enough to even out and colour correct the skin tone. This plus a concealer is enough coverage for me, especially during summer. I find that if I use the Clinique Super City Block SPF40 without a moisturiser underneath, the tint turns darker and orange on my skin, but it is perfect with a light moisturiser like January Labs' Moisture Balancing Lotion. It also doesn't get greasy. It is oil free and although it feels rather rich upon application, it sinks in fast leaving the skin looking dewy, definitely not matte. 

Alpha H Protection Plus Daily SPF50+

This is also tinted, but much darker than the Clinique ones and I am not even sure if I ever will get so tan for this to suit my skintone. Feels really hydrating but my skin gets shiny very quickly with this. Too dark and greasy? Not an attractive look. This may look great on someone with olive skintone and REALLY dry and parched skin that never gets shiny or sweaty in hot weather? 

Alpha H vs Clinique