Glossier finally started shipping to the UK. They're actually shipping not from the US, but from a UK warehouse so we don't have to pay loads for shipping or taxes. Great!
For a long time I wasn't particularly wowed by the brand. I liked the packaging and the reviews from bloggers who tried it but I didn't see anything that really interested me. So when I made a purchase on the very first day Glossier launched in the UK I even suprised myself. I think it had to do with a great website, an avalanche of reviews from the British bloggers and an affordable pricing. I was especially tempted by Glossier Phase 2 set where you can save some money by purchasing three items (Boy Brow, Stretch Concealer and G Generation lipstick) and you can also choose the colours you want.
I also got the Milky Jelly Cleanser. Probably because it was mentioned by everyone and their aunt. Seriously. I mostly blame Anna, Lily and Caroline.
Now that I have used these items for a few weeks I feel like I can give an honest review and not just first impressions.
Milky Jelly Cleanser
This is a very basic simple cleanser. It has a gel like consistency and a very light floral/botanical scent. No fragrance added. It does not foam, feels quite hydrating but it will not take your makeup off. Second cleanse only.
It kind of does what it says on the tin. Cleanser 'conditions' the skin as in after washing it off the skin feels more soft and plump. For super dry skins however I would stick with an oil cleanser. While this is kind of hydrating, it's not nourishing enough.
It's good. I'm not sure if I would repurchase it again but I will definitely use it up.
Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Propanediol, Isohexadecane, Poloxamer 184, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Xylitylglucoside, Betaine, Allantoin, Glycerin, Panthenol, Symphytum Officinale Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Anhydroxylitol, Polysorbate 80, Xylitol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Isopropyl Myristate, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide
Boy Brow
I had my doubts about this because I'm not really into brows. Or not into daily brow care/make up. They were never overplucked and I like their natural shape. They're just a tad light. So i got the colour blond. It is slightly darker than my natural colour and I like it. The formula feels a bit waxy but doesn't harden too much. Looks very natural. I kind of wish the brush was finer but that's just me being picky. I enjoy using it and have been using it almost every day since I bought it.
Stretch Concealer
I was curious to try this because I'm very much into concealer that can be used for under eye area and do not crease. I got it in colour medium since I've been on holidays and tanned a bit and it is a good match. If you're a match to Bourjois foundation in 52 vanilla or IT cosmetics CC cream in light, get the medium. If you're fairer, get light. The concealer has an interesting consistency of a balm and it leaves the skin quite dewy. It offers light coverage that is not the most long wearing, but it looks natural and you can always top it up. It will not cover spots or dark pigmentation. For that I would go for Nars concealers. But those can end up looking cakey, especially if the skin underneath is dry and cracked (as it often is with spots)
So yes, I like it. But I do like the Maybelline Age Rewind one for under eyes too. The Glossier one probably has more skin care benefits. Probably.
Generation G lipstick in Zip
I wanted an easy to wear red lipstick. I lost my Revlon lip butter, gave away Charlotte Tilbury's mini in So Marilyn and was left with limited edition MAC in Leading Lady Red. That one is a mother to put on and keep on the lips. It looks great and I love the colour but it's high maintenance.
Generation G in Zip is again exactly what it says on the tin. It is sheer but easily buildable, matte but rather comfortable on the lips. The narrow bullet makes the application super easy. Perfect.
All in all, I am very happy with my purchases and I will be making more. Probably not the skincare, but the effortless makeup is very much my cup of tea.
Oh, and the perfume is lovely too! Very fresh, light and... effortless.
For a long time I wasn't particularly wowed by the brand. I liked the packaging and the reviews from bloggers who tried it but I didn't see anything that really interested me. So when I made a purchase on the very first day Glossier launched in the UK I even suprised myself. I think it had to do with a great website, an avalanche of reviews from the British bloggers and an affordable pricing. I was especially tempted by Glossier Phase 2 set where you can save some money by purchasing three items (Boy Brow, Stretch Concealer and G Generation lipstick) and you can also choose the colours you want.
I also got the Milky Jelly Cleanser. Probably because it was mentioned by everyone and their aunt. Seriously. I mostly blame Anna, Lily and Caroline.
Now that I have used these items for a few weeks I feel like I can give an honest review and not just first impressions.
Milky Jelly Cleanser
This is a very basic simple cleanser. It has a gel like consistency and a very light floral/botanical scent. No fragrance added. It does not foam, feels quite hydrating but it will not take your makeup off. Second cleanse only.
It kind of does what it says on the tin. Cleanser 'conditions' the skin as in after washing it off the skin feels more soft and plump. For super dry skins however I would stick with an oil cleanser. While this is kind of hydrating, it's not nourishing enough.
It's good. I'm not sure if I would repurchase it again but I will definitely use it up.
Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Propanediol, Isohexadecane, Poloxamer 184, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Xylitylglucoside, Betaine, Allantoin, Glycerin, Panthenol, Symphytum Officinale Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Anhydroxylitol, Polysorbate 80, Xylitol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Isopropyl Myristate, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide
Boy Brow
I had my doubts about this because I'm not really into brows. Or not into daily brow care/make up. They were never overplucked and I like their natural shape. They're just a tad light. So i got the colour blond. It is slightly darker than my natural colour and I like it. The formula feels a bit waxy but doesn't harden too much. Looks very natural. I kind of wish the brush was finer but that's just me being picky. I enjoy using it and have been using it almost every day since I bought it.
Stretch Concealer
I was curious to try this because I'm very much into concealer that can be used for under eye area and do not crease. I got it in colour medium since I've been on holidays and tanned a bit and it is a good match. If you're a match to Bourjois foundation in 52 vanilla or IT cosmetics CC cream in light, get the medium. If you're fairer, get light. The concealer has an interesting consistency of a balm and it leaves the skin quite dewy. It offers light coverage that is not the most long wearing, but it looks natural and you can always top it up. It will not cover spots or dark pigmentation. For that I would go for Nars concealers. But those can end up looking cakey, especially if the skin underneath is dry and cracked (as it often is with spots)
So yes, I like it. But I do like the Maybelline Age Rewind one for under eyes too. The Glossier one probably has more skin care benefits. Probably.
Generation G lipstick in Zip
I wanted an easy to wear red lipstick. I lost my Revlon lip butter, gave away Charlotte Tilbury's mini in So Marilyn and was left with limited edition MAC in Leading Lady Red. That one is a mother to put on and keep on the lips. It looks great and I love the colour but it's high maintenance.
Generation G in Zip is again exactly what it says on the tin. It is sheer but easily buildable, matte but rather comfortable on the lips. The narrow bullet makes the application super easy. Perfect.
All in all, I am very happy with my purchases and I will be making more. Probably not the skincare, but the effortless makeup is very much my cup of tea.
Oh, and the perfume is lovely too! Very fresh, light and... effortless.
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| Image from indielee.com |
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...
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.
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?
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?
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| Alpha H vs Clinique |
Overall, I am very happy with this box. I knew I wanted to get it because I was particularly interested in Zelens Power D oil and Tata Harper Regenerating eye cream and I would have probably bought them at some point this year. Just these two items cost £195. The box also includes Indie Lee toner, Dr Dennis Gross peel pads (both brands I have heard of a lot and haven't tried). And Pixi + CH double cleanse, of course, which is a favourite of mine.
The only product that I had my doubts about was the January Labs lotion, purely because they call it a lotion. I, as an owner of a dry-ish and dehydrated skin, don't typically go for lotions. However, I LOVE the consistency and feel of January Labs Moisture Balancing Lotion. It is light, yet really hydrating and will be perfect for warmer summer days.
Another product I know I will love until the end is Tata Harper Regenerating Eye Cream. It's not only a texture that I like (creamy but not too heavy. sinks in fast and moisturises well) or the smell (reminds me of Dr Hauschka eye cream) but also the effect on my skin. I don't know how to describe it, but it just looks and feels better. Instantly. The pump is a bit annoying because it deposits way too much product, I only need like a third of a pump because a little goes a long way (thank God, because this is one pricey eye cream!).
Zelens Power D is a lightweight oil which sinks in fast and leaves the skin comfortable and nourished. Indie Lee CoQ10 Toner also has some calming and soothing properties. Can't say much about anti-ageing but my skin liked it. And it smells good!
The only thing I haven't tried is the Dr Dennis Gross acid pads because I currently have three different forms of acids on rotation (liquid, serum and mask. and not all at the same time!) and I need to finish some of them up.
I wish the box had included some kind of fancy SPF but that's just me being super picky. All in all, money well spent. I am probably sorted for most things skincare until autumn. Except SPF.
How is it the 8th of May already and it's STILL dark and cold outside. So NOT impressed with this spring. Apologies for a grainy picture yet again, I blame the weather, clearly.
I haven't bought anything much this month and that's because I forked out the big bucks for a 100ml of Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady. It is a gorgeous rose scent, quite dark and intoxicating and the staying power is superb. Try it if you get a chance!
Next, it is The Ordinary again with two overnight treatments: Advanced Retinoid 2% (full review is coming soon) and Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%. Both are super gentle but effective.
Pixi by Petra Multi Balm in Wild Rose is so easy to use and has been my blusher of choice for months. I just apply it straight from the stick and blend it out with a brush.
Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defense spray is an old favourite. Offers heat protection, doesn't weigh my hair down and smells GOOD.
And finally, style favourites: my 22k yellow gold earrings I bought in India and my monochrome leopard blouse from Primark. A true high and low mix here.
Anyone else excited about CH + Cult Beauty box? Fingers crossed I will manage to snap it up!
Apologies for a grainy image!
Sigh, after a month of use, I don't know what to say about this serum!
The Ordinary's "Buffet" is a multi-technology peptide serum that targets multiple signs of ageing at once.
The technologies are Matrixyl 3,000 peptide complex (with palmitoyl-pentapeptide 35), Matrixyl Synthe'6 peptide complex (with palmitoyl tripeptide-38), Syn-Ake peptide complex (with dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate), Relistase peptide complex (with acetylarginyltryptophyl diphenylglycine), Argirelox peptide complex (with acetyl hexapeptide-8, pentapeptide-18), Probiotic complex (with lactococcus lactis lysate), in a base of 11 skin-friendly amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes. The total concentration of these technologies in the formula by weight is 25.1%.
It is a gloopy liquid that is slightly milky in colour. 3 drops are typically enough for my entire face and it sinks in fairly quickly but the skin is left slightly sticky. I don't mind it much. It layers well with other serums and doesn't affect makeup. No smell. I haven't noticed any irritation or negative effects on my skin. However. It's not hydrating, even though it has got HA in its' ingredients list. I still have to use a hyaluronic serum on top of it. To be honest, I haven't noticed any effect on my skin at all. Now, I am only (ha!) 30 years old so you might say I don't have a mature skin. But I am a mother to a toddler and haven't slept properly for the past 3 years, I enjoy my chocolate and coffee and an occasional cocktail so the tone and condition of my skin is not the same as it was in my early twenties. I just wish I saw any kind of improvement. But alas, nothing.
I will continue using this serum as prevention is good enough for me and I will post an update if/when I see any results.
This is the most expensive serum (except for one vit C) in The Ordinary range and it's £12.70 for 30ml.
L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Low Shampoo: just got it last week, but I love it. Gentle, non foaming, hair feels super soft. I think I'm done with SLS for good.
Next sunglasses: self explanatory. Dior inspired.
Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser: This is an oldie but goodie. Gentle but effective, I like using this as a morning cleanse, the skin feels instantly brighter and soft, but not tight or dry.
Hydraluron: A staple in my routine. The best hyaluronic acid serum I've tried so far.
The Ordinary NMF. Good basic moisturizer. See review below.
Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow quad in The Sophisticate. I don't like palettes in general because I never use them up but this one has a nice selection of basic colours that are nearly matte. Great quality.
I, like many of us, typically assume that a really cheap product will not be great. The Ordinary moisturizer has proven me wrong. I actually really like it!
It comes out of a tube as a thick white cream but becomes runnier on the skin and sinks in quite quickly. Instantly, the skin is left feeling hydrated and comfortable. There's no leftover residue and my skin didn't look shiny, but it wasn't matte either, it looked plump and hydrated. Some moisturizers feel great but leave a residue on top of the skin that never quite sinks in.
If memory serves me right, this moisturizer is very similar to Ren Ultra Moisture Day Cream. Actually the sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) sits much higher on the ingredients list in the Ordinary NMF which means there is more of it than in the Ren Unltra Moisture.
No natural or added fragrance. Doesn't smell of anything. The packaging is simple but effective.
I found that I reached for this cream in the morning as it was perfect under makeup and I left richer face creams for the night time. I have read some reviews that the moisturizer made the spf and makeup roll off the skin during day time but I never found it to be the case.
I would like to hear about it more from people with combination or oily skins and see what they think, but if you believe that moisturizers should be quite simple and that most of active ingredients to treat skin concerns should come from serums, emulsions, essences and masks, this might be a moisturizer for you. And after all, the Ordinary NMF is not so simple: It contains 11 amino acids, phospholipids, alpha/beta/gamma fatty acids, triglycerides, sterols and sterol esters, glycerin, ceramide precursors, urea, saccharides, sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid.
The best bit? It costs £4.90. Not even a full fiver! You can put the money you save towards a fancier serum!
I have been using the Ordinary NMF + HA for a month now and I will update you on whether I will repurchase when it goes into my empties pile.
Not that many empties this month, this is due to my trip to India where I binned or gave away stuff so I wouldn't need to travel with it back home. But...
Emma Hardie Moringa cleansing balm 50ml. My favourite cleansing balm, nothing comes close, especially smell wise. Already repurchased.
Alpha H Essential Hydration Cream, 30ml. Nice and light, really hydrating, might repurchase for summer.
Garnier Skinactive Micellar Oil Infused Wipes. Again, these were useful in India. Took off makeup and dirt with ease, a bit too rough for my eye area. Very fragrant. I have another pack of these in storage so will not repurchase any time soon.
Ren Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream. Creamy and soothing but not too heavy.
Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes. I can't deal with this. Plenty left in the tube but I hate the smudging with passion. To the bin it goes!
I do enjoy a bit of Ren. They have way too many products (imo) but everything I've tried I liked! This little Vit C mask is no exception. I got this sample of 20ml in their radiance set (John Lewis was selling those half price a while ago, it was a no brainer impulse buy) and it has lasted me a good few months, however I have been using this only once, not three times a week as suggested. Imagine how long the full 75ml will last!
Ingredients:
Coconut alkanes, ascorbic acid, coco-caprylate/ caprate, silica, sodium cocoyl glutamate, mannitol, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) flower oil, yeast extract, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, boswellia carterii oil, boswellia serrata extract, azulene, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, glycogen, daucus carota sativa (carrot) root extract, daucus carota sativa (carrot) seed oil, beta-carotene, ascorbyl palmitate, limonene
Okay, so this is a 1 minute mask. After cleansing you apply it all over the face, dampen your fingers and massage for one minute. The water on your fingertips activates the vit C and after one minute you rinse your face clean.
The actual mask is bluish green and grainy. The grainy texture disappears in contact with water. It smells what I imagine vit C to smell, a bit lemony and a bit like iron...
The skin tingles and gets pink but calms down as soon as you rinse the face. My skin is a bit dry and it feels a bit tight so I usually rush to apply something hydrating straight afterwards.
This is great if you're looking for something instant for a dull and lacklustre skin, unless your skin is super dry and sensitive. I haven't noticed the mask having any longer term effect on the skin, but every little bit helps, eh?
Vit C is very much THE ingredient in skincare these days, the market is exploding! I am currently using Emma Hardie's Vit C moisturiser and would love to try Clinique's powder cleanser with pure vit C...
What do you think of this Vit C trend? Have you tried any products that you loved?
Okay, as soon as I read that rockstar of skincare Caroline Hirons was collaborating with Pixi to release a cleanser two things were absolutely clear to me: 1. I need it. 2. It will be awesome. And I was right. After all, I love Pixi skincare and I love Caroline.
Pixi + Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse is two cleansers in one round pot separated like Yin and Yang. The solid oil cleanser (with vitamin E, camelia and evening primrose oils) removes all the makeup, spf, dirt, grease, what have you, and the creamy cleanser (with vitamin C, peptide complex and Arginnie) gently cleanses the skin. The skin feels soft and nourished afterwards. I especially like using this cleanser whilst taking a bath. I slowly massage the oil cleanser over my face, emulsify with a bit of water and remove it with moist flannel, then I apply the creamy cleanser and leave it on my skin as a mask. Gorgeous.
I kind of wish this cleanser had a smell but I must be a minority and I do realise that they wanted to create a cleanser that even the most sensitive of skins could use.
The cost is pretty great too, £24 for a tub that lasts a long time. It's only 2x 50ml but you don't need much at all. Emma Hardie Moringa Balm (another of my favourites) costs £38 for the same 100ml.
Will I repurchase? Absolutely. It's out of stock in my local M&S. And M&S online too. How rude. I need to stash some away, in case it gets discontinued.
I kind of wish this cleanser had a smell but I must be a minority and I do realise that they wanted to create a cleanser that even the most sensitive of skins could use.
The cost is pretty great too, £24 for a tub that lasts a long time. It's only 2x 50ml but you don't need much at all. Emma Hardie Moringa Balm (another of my favourites) costs £38 for the same 100ml.
Will I repurchase? Absolutely. It's out of stock in my local M&S. And M&S online too. How rude. I need to stash some away, in case it gets discontinued.
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| photo from balanceme.co.uk |
Anyways, I've used this on and off all winter, however I was also using the previously reviewed EH and Clarins oils at the same time and I noticed I was reaching for them more than for this little roller ball bottle. It's probably because of the smell. It's similar to the Clarins Blue Orchid but more intense. It's that botanical/medicinal/herbal smell that is okay with me in general. However, if you've got a nicer smelling oil, you'd probably reach for that one. Also, I could've sworn one of the ingredients was sea buckthorn oil because it smells like it, but nope. Too bad. I love sea buckthorn.
Smell aside, it's a nice oil, especially if you're looking for something natural and budget friendly (£30 for 30ml). It would be a great for someone who's just entering the world of facial oils and has dull, dehydrated or mature skin. It sinks in easily (only 2 drops needed!) and has not irritated my skin.
By the way, Caroline Hirons advises to use this oil as a sort of topical spot treatment. Interesting.
P.S. I just noticed CH blog post was written in 2013. I am SO late to the party! Oops.
This is not a constant routine because I do change things up quite a bit, but I have been using the Balance Me Radiance Face Oil every day. Review coming soon.
Also pictured: Pixi + CH Double Cleanse, Ren Flash Hydro-boost emulsion, Emma Hardie Moisture Boost vit+C cream and Skyn Icelandic relief eye cream.
TGIF!
Go, grab one while you still can! M&S is one of my favourite places to go beauty shopping, they have a great selection of brands and with deals like this (£35 for the calendar when you spend £35 on home, beauty or clothing. It's worth £250!) I always seem to have a stash of Alpha H Liquid Gold - I never need to buy it :)
The contents are great, I have already opened all the boxes and now the calendar justs empty in our bedroom as a very early Christmas decoration.
Expect some reviews featuring the stuff that was inside. As soon as I get rid of this nasty cold that me and my daughter have been plagued with this week...
I may be slightly (or very) late to the party because both these oils have been released ages ago and there are numerous reviews online, however I thought it might be interesting to compare the two as they both promise similar effects but their ingredient list is rather different.
* I have used up the Emma Hardie Oil and trialled Clarins oil for 8 weeks before writing this comparison*
Emma Hardie Briliance Facial Oil, 30ml. is described as 'a light-weight, multi-active everyday facial oil complex, containing 9 essential oils of Palma Rose, Orange, Mint, Vanilla, Geranium, Camomile, Lemon, Rose and Lavender that help to condition, hydrate and smooth the skin's texture.
Also includes 5 plant oils, Grape Seed Oil, Apricot, Almond, Olive Oil and Sunflower Oil that contain Omega 3, to help restructure the skin and promote elasticity and moisturise. Also including theunique Camelina 'Gold of Pleasure' oil for its powerful anti-oxidant properties to protect the skin from free radicals.'
Ingredients: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Geraniol, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citronellol, Linalool, Bht, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citral, Farnesol.
Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil is 'a targeted treatment for dehydrated skin that tones, revitalises and restores radiance to moisture-depleted skin. Utilising the principles of aromatherapy and phytotherapy, the moisture care face oil combines plant extracts and essential oils to help balance the skin. Made from 100% pure plant extracts, this best-selling face oil contains extracts of Rosewood, Patchouli and Blue Orchid. Added Hazelnut Oil helps prevent moisture loss and the formation of fine lines. The rebalancing moisturiser for dry skin nourishes and revitalises dehydrated skin, and leaves it feeling satin soft. Suitable for dry or combination skin.'
Ingredients: Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Fragrance, Dendrobium Phalaenopsis (Blue Orchid) Flower Extract, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Coumarin, Eugenol
COMPARISON
Smell: EH oil wins hands down. Just read the ingredients list and try to smell them all at once. Not too floral, not too fruity and not perfumey, ut incredibly delicious. Although it is quite strong, it relaxed and calmed me down. Clarins oil smells like potent medicinal herbs. Not a problem for me,but could be for some.
Texture: Clarins oil is lighter and sinks in much faster. If your skin is really dry, it will drink it up leaving no residue on the skin. EH is described by some websites as lightweight oil. It's not. It's heavier than Clarins. Great for facial massages. It will sink in but it will take time. That's why I barely ever used it in the morning, Even one drop mixed in with daily moisturiser would leave me glowy while with Clarins I could easily use 2-3 without becoming a grease ball.
Effect on the skin: Both oils would be a lovely addition to ones daily routine. Clarins is probably easier to use because it's so light, I wouldn't say it hydrated my skin (hello, it's an oil!) but my skin felt more balanced, protected and softer than usual. With EH my skin felt more nourished, radiant and glowy. Both oils come in 30ml glass bottles with a pipette. Both last for a long time (6-8 months with almost daily use) and cost approximately the same (Clarins Blue Orchid £33, Emma Hardie £34)
More facial oil reviews and comparisons to come! What oil are you using right now? What review would you like to see next? Care to share? Leave a comment below.
Smell: EH oil wins hands down. Just read the ingredients list and try to smell them all at once. Not too floral, not too fruity and not perfumey, ut incredibly delicious. Although it is quite strong, it relaxed and calmed me down. Clarins oil smells like potent medicinal herbs. Not a problem for me,but could be for some.
Texture: Clarins oil is lighter and sinks in much faster. If your skin is really dry, it will drink it up leaving no residue on the skin. EH is described by some websites as lightweight oil. It's not. It's heavier than Clarins. Great for facial massages. It will sink in but it will take time. That's why I barely ever used it in the morning, Even one drop mixed in with daily moisturiser would leave me glowy while with Clarins I could easily use 2-3 without becoming a grease ball.
Effect on the skin: Both oils would be a lovely addition to ones daily routine. Clarins is probably easier to use because it's so light, I wouldn't say it hydrated my skin (hello, it's an oil!) but my skin felt more balanced, protected and softer than usual. With EH my skin felt more nourished, radiant and glowy. Both oils come in 30ml glass bottles with a pipette. Both last for a long time (6-8 months with almost daily use) and cost approximately the same (Clarins Blue Orchid £33, Emma Hardie £34)
More facial oil reviews and comparisons to come! What oil are you using right now? What review would you like to see next? Care to share? Leave a comment below.
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