What is it: Hydrating toner.
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Natto Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Panthenol, Arginine, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Lysine HCL, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Copper Tripeptide-1
This toner has saved my face from a total dehydration at the end of the summer. I then was suffering from congestion and breakouts (thanks Clinique Moisture Surge!) so I've upped my exfoliation game and my skin felt more dehydrated and sensitive. It felt tight and dry even after a gentle balm cleansing, so as soon as I was done with cleanse/acid I was drenching my skin with this toner. While the texture is thicker like an essence, it would sink in immediately with no residue and my skin wouldn't feel tight anymore. I could take my time with following steps of my skincare routine.
I've tried both scented and unscented versions and I can't tell the difference, the smell was so mild. However if you're very sensitive to essential oils, go for the unscented version, it's just as good and hydrating.
Hydrating toners and Korean skincare in general are new to me and I am really enjoying them. Dehydration is one of my main concerns, so layering gentle and lightweight products seems like the way to go.
I am currently trialling Cosrx Galactomyces toner which is less hydrating but I am interested in fermented skincare and if I see any effect on my skin. If not, I will definitely return to this beauty.
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I like something light and hydrating, not sticky and with mild or no fragrance. And CeraVe is it. The ingredient list also looks decent, first few are: Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol. Then follows dimethicone, a type of silicone, which I really don't mind on the body (I'm suspecting this ingredient in Clinique Moisture Surge is making my face break out).
However, I find it slightly annoying that sodium hylauronate is at the end of the list, meaning that the hyaluronic acid is there only so that the brand can claim it being there. How will such a small amount affect your skin is anyones' guess.
Overall, nice lightweight lotion, that sinks in quickly, leaving the skin hydrated and happy. Not sticky, not perfumed, love the packaging with the pump. £9.00 in the UK, but Boots recently did a promotional deal where it was 20-30% off so wait for it and stock up. That's what I've done.
Ingredients:
Aqua/Water/Eau, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Lauryl Laurate, Jojoba Esters, Cetyl Alcohol, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Powder, Carbomer, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium Dehydroacetate, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Trehalose, Tamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide, Tocopherol, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Linalool, Citronellol, Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Caramel, Geraniol, Populus Nigra Bark/Bud/Leaf/Twig Extract, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Extract.
It promises to adjust to your skin needs, to provide continuous hydration, to protect against environmental toxins. A variety of plant oils and extracts offers anti-oxidants, hydration and energy to the skin.
What I liked: Elemis Maximum Moisture Day Cream is one of those rather runny creams that are packed with hydration. Once applied the skin looks instantly plumped and 'juicy'. Glowy without feeling greasy. And it stays that way throughout the day. It's excellent under makeup. This reminds me a bit of January Labs Moisture Balancing Lotion, just with more oomph. And sadly with more fragrance :(
What I didn't like: Firstly, the fragrance. While very nice indeed, it is far too strong. And neither I nor my skin are particularly sensitive to smell/fragrance. Secondly, the packaging. The product comes out almost too easily out of the tube, almost always more than I needed. Also, once I thought the product was finished, I cut the tube in half and there was at least seven more applications there. The pump is always a way to go. This is a £40 moisturiser! Thirdly, the moisturiser separated in the tube. Not terribly and a good shake would always sort it out. But on a few occasions I did have clear oil coming out and the cream. Didn't particularly bother me, but it may bother some.
All in all, it's a nice moisturiser, especially for warmer weather, dehydrated skins and if you can get an offer (lookfantastic is excellent).
This has got to be my favourite serum at the moment! Argireline Solution 10% by the Ordinary is a lightweight peptide serum that is supposed to target dynamic wrinkles. The website advises to apply this on forehead and around eyes, I typically apply this liberally and all over, AM and PM.
Usually I don't like serums that are too watery. For example, I didn't like NIOD's MMHC serum, because it would sink in faster than water and my skin would not feel comforted by it, it felt a bit tight.
This being a peptide serum, I also expected it to be slightly sticky, just like The Buffet. It is not. Argeriline is super lightweight and water-like, sinks in quickly, but feels hydrating and plumping.
I see a noticeable difference with the fine lines under my eyes that started appearing this winter when I was super dry. It layers well with other serums and creams, and sits well under makeup. It's pleasant to use.
I'm looking at this online now and it says that it is not available for shipment in my area due to EU regulations. What?! How was I able to purchase it last time then? And more importantly, why?! I only have a third of it left!
Go, grab it if you can!
20/01 EDIT: Argireline Solution 10% is back in stock and available to purchase in EU.
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.
What it does: I found it easiest to apply this CC cream with my fingers (yet to try it with a beauty blender). It offers a dewy medium to full coverage, protects from the sun and is feels rich and hydrating. I find that I need to powder and/or use blotting sheets after a few hours. It would probably last longer with a primer but that's just too much faff for me. It is not really long wearing but easy to reapply and blend and that's okay with me. It is not for oily skin or those who enjoy a matte finish. Feels hydrating. Upon application the cream may seem ashy but it quickly adjusts to the skin colour. This is probably due to the physical sunscreen.
Is it worth it: For me, yes. I enjoy a dewy finish, the skin benefits. The sunscreen is great too. I apply it right under my eyes and most days I don't need a concealer. It doesn't crease (if applied lightly). This would be perfect for mature and dry skins.
It Cosmetics CC cream is £30.00 for 32ml and is available at selfridges.com
I've been meaning to write a review on this for ages (or a few months at least).
What it is: Zelens Power D is a super lightweight oil or oil based serum that sinks into the skin very quickly. It is full of goodness: peptides, lipids, hialuronic acid, omega 3 and 6.To read more about the ingredients, the science behind them and what they do for the skin visit zelens.com
What it does: For me personally, it sinks in either instantly or very quickly (I have dry to normal, dehydrated skin). It gives a nice healthy glow, instantly plumps up the skin. Power D is meant to fortify and thicken the skin making it less susceptable to outside aggressors. For day time you can mix it in with your moisturiser, for night time I found that I preferred to put this oil straight on my cleansed skin and then add a moisturiser on the top if needed. It is also lovely on top of The Ordinary's Advanced Retinoid 2% or after a stronger acid peel. I found this to be great for spots, it would make them less irritated and red and I found them to heal faster too.
Is it worth it: Zelens is a holy grail brand among skincare addicts and it is so for a reason. The product is very expensive, but the quality is there, it delivers results. This oil will last me about 6 months because I don't use it every day.
If you have skin that is or gets in any way compromised, for example, is irritable, dry, red, flaking, itchy, tight and/or ageing... this would be an amazing product to try. If you have the cash.
Zelens Power D is £110 for 30ml and is available on zelens.com , cultbeauty.co.uk , beautybay.com , selfridges.com (pumpkin not included).
I think when most people hear the word retinol or retinoid, they either don't know what that is or they immediately think "major extreme harsh anti-ageing skin treatment". It's true with the prescription creams. However, there seems to be trend happening at the moment where major skincare brands are looking into making the vitamin A products as mild and non-irritating as possible while still delivering the results.
Human psychology is a funny thing though. I had a friend saying that she didn't like the Ordinary because she felt that it didn't do anything. I kind of felt the same thing about The Ordinary's The Buffet serum because there was no immediate effect. So how do we know that it works? With harsh retinoid products we see peeling and irritation and then the skin seems really great which is exciting and obviously we see the reaction which means it's working. With gentle retinoids there is no reaction, the skin looks alright all the time.
That's how I felt when I started using The Ordinary retinoid serum. I would use it every other night, avoiding using acids at the same time and would apply calming face oil afterwards. And it was alright, the serum was of pleasant milky consistency and my skin felt comfortable and slightly glowy right after the application. No irritation, redness or peeling at all.
I decided to use this serum every night for a week just to see if I notice any difference. And actually, I did. My skin is dryish-dehydrated but also prone to congestion, so I tend to use acids a lot to help with it. In the week of my retinoid use, I avoided using acids which usually help me with congestion. Still, I would always wake up with a smooth skin and by the end of the week I that my skin texture changed slightly and got smoother. I had zero spots the whole week. This is not atypical but I do get a spot from time to time.
Anti-ageing properties? Probably there are some. Try it for yourself with no fear and see. It's only £8.00. No cream will help deep wrinkles but continuous use may help to prevent some. Make sure to wear sunscreen!
All in all, I enjoyed using The Ordinary's Advanced 2% Retinoid and will continue using it. Seeing as this is the first retinoid product I have used, I will be interested to try some others and compare. But I will be sticking to the gentle ones.
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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 |
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.
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.
Rosie for Autograph Lip Glossy is Marks and Spencers take on the crayon style lip product, a trend that seems to have avalanched. Clinique Chubby Sticks, Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils, Chanel Le Rouge Crayons, Hourglass Lip Stylos, Revlon Colorburst Balms... And those are just the ones I could remember.
M&S have in this case decided to opt for a very sheer lip gloss type product: 'A jelly soft lip gloss with a cushiony feel, gives lips brilliant colour with a smooth, water shine finish.'
So it's a lip product that looks like a lip gloss when applied, has texture of a lipstick and is presented as a lip crayon, whatever that is.
I got the colour Supermodel Smile and I like it. It's a pinky mauvey nude with some silver sparkle. I don't want to use term glitter because I always imagine large pieces of glitter and it's not the case here.
It feels like a lip balm, perhaps slightly stickier however still comfortable and hydrating. Lips look glossy. The staying power is also of a lip balm so one needs to reapply quite often but since it's such a sheer colour the mirror is not really neccesary.
All in all, it is a nice product even if slightly overpriced (£12.50). It is trying and I guess succeeding to look luxe in rose gold and large packaging, but do keep in mind that there's only 2,5g of product, so it's the size of a smallish lipstick. Will I repurchase? Probably not.
M&S have in this case decided to opt for a very sheer lip gloss type product: 'A jelly soft lip gloss with a cushiony feel, gives lips brilliant colour with a smooth, water shine finish.'
So it's a lip product that looks like a lip gloss when applied, has texture of a lipstick and is presented as a lip crayon, whatever that is.
I got the colour Supermodel Smile and I like it. It's a pinky mauvey nude with some silver sparkle. I don't want to use term glitter because I always imagine large pieces of glitter and it's not the case here.
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