Showing posts with label effective repurchase. Show all posts
Showing posts with label effective repurchase. Show all posts

Friday, 20 November 2015

Easy As Pai: A 1-2-3 Step Routine to Create That Perfect Balance

Minimal skincare routines really can be something of a luxury, especially when there's a range of simple, clean and super efficient products at your fingertips. Pai Skincare are formulated specifically with sensitive, intolerant and allergy-prone skin in mind. This means gentle and caring, but that does in no way means Pai skimp on their effectiveness. 
With a clean list of organic and naturally derived ingredients approved by The Soil Association and a conscientious cruelty-free Leaping Bunny certification to boot, alongside a wealth of sustainable ingredients and recyclable packaging, Pai Skincare really do put the conscience into beauty. 

The Pai Perfect Balance Range has been formulated for us combination, oily and blemish-prone lot. Intended to rebalance oil production, clear and calm skin, the Pai Perfect Balance Range is for those of us who are frequented with blackheads, congestion, shine and oversize pores, all while considering those sensitive skin types.

Step 01. Camellia & Rose Hydrating Cleanser

A calming and replenishing cleanser is the perfect way to kickstart any cleansing routine, and the Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser does it so masterfully. The almost cream-cum-lotion type cleanser manages to be rich and creamy while also lightweight and easily spreadable. 
This silky smooth cleanser positively glides across skin, leaving nothing but a smoother and softer complexion in its wake. Pai really meant what they said about looking out for sensitive skins, as this highly gentle cleanser is in no way harsh or stripping.

This nourishing little cleanser takes away any impurities, smooths the complexion, all while replenishing the skin. After clearing the skin, removing any make-up or dirt, skin is left fresh, clean and hydrated. The cleanser also comes with an Organic Muslin Face Cloth (2 pieces / £6.00), which adds a little bit of exfoliation to the routine, encourage circulation while helping to fully remove the product; this muslin cloth makes for the perfect complement.

Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser can be purchased from Pai for £28.00 / 100ML and includes a muslin cloth.

Step 02. Rice Plant & Rosemary Bioaffinity Tonic

Once cleansed and cleared, an instant hydration booster is the next port of call. The Rice Plant & Rosemary Bioaffinity Tonic is a spritz-based toner, which graciously sprays out of a pump-dispenser and delicately falls onto skin. There's an instantaneous surge of moisture which is readily absorbed.
This lightweight tonic is very soft, effortlessly falling onto skin. The effects are super refreshing, skin is revived and boosted. Helping to balance the skin at the optimum pH balance, this tonic managed to calm any disrupted skin, making for a healthier complexion.

This refreshing pick-me-up is the perfect way to deliver instant hydration that balances, calms and helps to control oil, capable of absorbing and moisturising instantly. While making for the perfect tonic for a simple routine, it can also double-up as a top-up toner to be used throughout the day.

Rice Plant & Rosemary Bioaffinity Tonic can be purchased from Pai for £30.00 / 50ML.

Step 03. Geranium & Thistle Rebalancing Day Cream

My all time favourite step: moisturising. The ultimate way to finish off any routine and help provide long lasting hydration, the Geranium & Thistle Rebalancing Day Cream manages to deliver hydration, calm redness and control oil. It really is the whole package.

This extremely light moisturiser absorbs straight in with little-to-no effort. My skin just feeds off this day cream, delivering a truly replenished sensation. Instantly, my skin is calmed. Any redness or irritation is reduced and balanced, I'm soothed and I'm clarified.
The Geranium & Thistle Rebalancing Day Cream creates almost the perfect canvas. The lightweight moisturiser just glides over skin and the absorption rate makes skin instantly mattified. There is no residue, no grease, no oil, no shine, only a perfectly flat and clear canvas making it far easier to follow up with any primers, foundations or powder.

Skin is fresh, matte, breathable and balanced. This moisturiser, really does deliver a controlled complexion alongside long-term hydration.

Geranium & Thistle Rebalancing Day Cream can be purchased from Pai for £34.00 / 50ML. 

This simple routine really is easy as Pai. All three products have a superb texture, silky, lightweight and absorbent. Followed with a delicate fresh scent - very much garden in spring bloom. 

Three easy steps that really do lead to calmer, balanced and controlled skin and it's all positively hassle-free. This minimal routine really is one to make my skin flourish.

I purchased all products featured here. The Geranium & Thistle Rebalancing Day Cream was free as part of a spend over £50.00 promotion. Keep your eyes peeled, as Pai very often host these promotions. 

Thursday, 15 October 2015

Cult Beauty Box by Caroline Hirons: My Thoughts (and they're all good!)

Caroline Hirons. If you haven't heard of her, what are you even still doing here? An expert in her field, Caroline knows a thing or two about your skin, and if you and you skin have yet to encounter her wisdom, believe me, you will both be ever grateful for it.

Caroline has recently started a joint venture with Cult Beauty to bring an expertly curated Beauty Box, filed with a collection of skin treats to help improve and nourish any complexion. Bearing in mind here, sweeping strokes for all folks, some products may be a hit for some and a miss for others. But you know what, every single thing in this box was an absolute hit for me.



This box of luxury goodies contains 6 full size and 2 trial size products, the thematic of which is to de-stress and offer glow and hydration to those complexions a little on the side of lacklustre. I know what you're thinking here, but Lucy, you're oily skinned! Well, yes I am. But there is a place here for every item to slot happily in my routine.

Totalling at a value of just a little over £170.00, this box retailed at £100.00 and contains the following:
Now that is quite the line-up of oversees, indie and cult beauty brands, a lot of which have been on my wishlist and watchlist for quite some time. What surprises me most (in the most pleasantest way possible), is a lot of these brands are natural and/or organic and every last one of these products stand to merit. 

RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream

Once upon a time, I assumed that solidified coconut cream was just solidified coconut cream. It didn't differ from brand-to-brand, or even coconut-to-coconut. Oh how very wrong I was. The RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream contains the most divine and luxurious coconut cream I have ever had the pleasure of gracing my face with. 

As it has been solidified into a cream - or what I would ascertain as a balm - this wonderful light coconut oil is easy enough to scoop up and apply directly to your skin. While there are multiple uses for coconut oil, I used this solely as a cleanser for removing make-up. Once heated by the warmth of your skin, this balms melts into a wonderfully thin and comforting oil. 

Make-up is no match for this oil. It expertly removes every last trace of make-up (yes, even that hard-to-remove stuff we use on our eyes) and it's safe and gentle enough to cause no irritation. I find my skin is left feeling nourished - none of that tight, irritating stuff here, thank you - and my eyes are not reddened or itchy. The sensation and effectiveness of this product is so indulgent my skin can't help but feel treated.

While coconut is one of my favourite fragrances and flavours, I may be a little bias here, but the scent of this oil is absolutely decadent. It's sweet, it's light, it's delicious. This is absolutely something I want to use on my skin when I want to pamper and treat. Effective, repurchase.

The RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream can be purchased from Cult Beauty for £12.50 / 70G.


Skyn ICELAND Pure Cloud Cleanser

This Skyn ICELAND Pure Cloud Cleanser is a clay-based cleanser that is incredibly gentle and cooling, helping to softly clear and calm skin. This cleanser always seems to remain cool, rousing skin with an instant hit of refreshment.

While clay-based, this cleanser is always wet, meaning it's perfectly easy to spread while the nice rich texture of the cleanser remains, allowing you to effectively massage the product, keeping your hands well-lubricated. I often use this product for several minutes, giving myself a full facial massage at the mercy of this gentle cleanser.

I supposed I'd refer to myself as an oil girl, meaning this is a cleanser I just wouldn't use for make-up removal. However, for a morning cleanse and a second cleanse, this product is ideal. My delicate skin is cooled, refreshed, cleared and soothed. As to be expected, it smells like clay, giving it a core natural and earthy scent. Effective, don't repurchase.

The Skyn ICELAND Pure Cloud Cleanser can be purchased from Cult Beauty for £22.50 / 5OZ.

Pixi Glow Tonic

The Pixi Glow Tonic has had so much traction, and it's all for good reason. Said to help tone, brighten and exfoliate skin, this 5% glycolic acid toner deserves its praise. But we run into a slight snag here, the active glycolic acid, doesn't really take much effect on my oily skin. That isn't to say this product isn't without its merit as I still used and adored it, but it doesn't offer me the same results as it would other skin types.

To understand more about what acids actually do and which acid is suitable for particular skin types, read Caroline Hiron's The Top 10: Acid Toners and Honesty: How To Tell Which Skincare Acid You Should Be Using

While it isn't necessarily applicable for my oily skin, the Pixi Glow Tonic is a non-astringent, gentle and refreshing acid toner that keeps skin revived and refined. This cult gem has rekindled my love for liquid and acidic toners once more. This tonic offers the ultimate hydration hit, giving my skin instant clarity and refinement.


Helping serums and moisturisers to penetrate deeper and absorb more effectively, this toner has helped to decongest and clear my skin in a completely gentle and non-irritating way, while keeping my skin fresh and hydrated. Effective, repurchase.
The Pixi Glow Tonic can be purchased from Cult Beauty for £18.00 / 250ML.

SkinOwl Eye+ Concentrate

I was one of those unfortunate people to receive one of the affected concentrates that had activated during transit. The hot LA weather had spoiled the active ingredients, turning them far more enzymatic that advisable. Meaning, you guessed it, horrible, horrible burning. But, I didn't let that sour my judgement. I got on the blower to both SkinOwl and Cult Beauty who sent me out a fresh jar straight away, and boy, how I love this little concentrate.

Gelatinous in texture, this ultra light and absorbent gel is the ultimate way to refresh the eye area. SkinOwl Eye+ Concentrate is instantly cooling, helps to balance any kind of discolouration and soothes any irritation. My eyes are instantly revitalised and brightened. My eyes are quite honestly looking bigger and brighter than ever before.

Having a gorgeously fresh cucumber scent (following suit on the age-old tradition of placing cucumbers on the eyes), this potent little gel has helped to smooth out rough, bumpy skin I had under my eyes. I'm talking completely smoothed out. I had, what I referred to as dragon scales under my eyes. It was a rough skin, that I just couldn't seem to shift. Well, I finally found my elixir.

I also suffer with dark circles; these are mostly self-inflicted due to my consistent failure to go to bed early. But now my eyes are brightened, my eyes look lively and awake. I have found what my eyes have been looking for. This jar will take up a permanent residence in my skincare routine. Essential.

The SkinOwl Eye+ Concentrate can be purchased from Cult Beauty for £36.00 / 0.8OZ.


REN Vita Mineral Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil

The REN Vita Mineral Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil falls into a unique cross-category of both serum and oil. This clever synergism of consistencies leads to a very rich and thick oil-like texture, providing an instant hit of hydration.

Due to its richness, this lends itself to more of an impermeable serum, meaning, my skin just can't absorb it, so I reserve it strictly for evening use. You can combine it with your moisturiser or use it as an outright serum. It is a little on the greasy side for me, but I really don't mind that when used in a PM routine.

The serum is very refreshing, instantaneously I can feel the revival of my skin. While it is a fairly warm oil, it effectively hydrates skin. In terms of glow and radiance, I've seen nothing of the sort. But I peg this more on my skin type, as I just cannot absorb it. Effective, don't repurchase.

The REN Vita Mineral Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil can be purchased from Cult Beauty for £25.00 / 30ML. 


Odacité Hydration Serum Concentrate Pomegranate + Rose Geranium

The Odacité Hydration Serum Concentrate Pomegranate + Rose Geranium is another one of those potent oil-serum type hybrids. This truly organic serum is made from nothing but essential oils and essential vitamins, helping to supply skin with all the nutrients it needs to keep well fed.


Being fairly thick, it doesn't absorb well with my skin type, therefore reserved only for PM use. This rich oil is very, very powerful, this is the ultimate skin treat that wraps my skin in a snug barrier of goodness. It's very warming and comforting, providing optimum hydration and protection. 

This little bottle (and we're talking very little and very expensive bottle here) contains a very small dose of the concentrate, as it's so powerful, you really don't need to apply very much at all. The rich texture is very fluid, allowing for a seamless application. The scent is rich and powerful, an all-natural botanical scent. Effective, don't repurchase.

The Odacité Hydration Serum Concentrate Pomegranate + Rose Geranium can be purchased from Cult Beauty for £33.00 / 5ML.


Alpha-H Essential Hydration Cream

This is one of the lightest moisturisers I've ever had my hands on. The Alpha-H Essential Hydration Cream is an ultra lightweight moisturiser that instantly absorbs into skin, providing a cooling and refreshing sensation. This gentle moisturiser disappears instantly, while effectively providing essential hydration and moisture without all the heaviness.

With a near cloud-like consistency, in essence, this moisturiser completely absorbs at first touch. It's light as air to touch and super gentle and lightweight on application. The silky smooth texture allows it to be applied effortlessly.

There is an instant cooling effect when applied. This product seems to remain perpetually cool, helping to amplify that hydration hit. This is one heck of a refreshing moisturiser. The cool, freshness of the product offers an instant revival. It's minty, it's cool, it's fresh, it is essential hydration for skin, for sure. Effective, don't repurchase.

The Alpha-H Essential Hydration Cream can be purchased from Cult Beauty for £35.00 / 50ML.


Pommade Divine Nature's Remedy Balm

The ages-old remedy of Pommade Divine Nature's Remedy Balm is one that has stood the test of time, and for very good reason, too. This golden-brown soft balm is an all-natural medicinal balm designed to cure and repair all manner of physical aliments. Said to cure dry skin, scrapes, cuts, bites, burns, you name it, this little wonder-balm can help soothe it. I used this primarily on eczema, chapped skin and as a therapeutic chest rub. Whatever takes your fancy really!

The gorgeous burnt woody scent of this product is enough alone to make you feel cured. It has an amazing warmness to it, it seems to very delicately heat up during application. The consistency is similar to a soft syrup, it's a super thick product that spreads gorgeously and helps to protect wherever it has been applied.
I used this product mostly for medicinal purposes. I have very sensitive skin and this is careful and gentle enough to be applied to the most delicate of places. I used it under my nose when suffering with a cold as my skin has become insufferably chapped from all the blowing into tissues. This worked a dream at healing the skin and the burnt smell was very welcome indeed. I also use this on cold evenings when I go for a late-night jog. I rub a little on my chest to stop the cold getting on my lungs. This is definitely a wonder-balm that is well-deserving of a place in my cabinet. Essential.

The Pommade Divine Nature's Remedy Balm can be purchased from Cult Beauty for £19.80 / 50ML.

This luxury box of treats has been an incredible investment, introducing me to a number of products that have no become solid staples in my routine.

Being the second of the two boxes released so far, and having heard confirmation that Caroline will be releasing a Christmas box, you'll have to keep an eye on the news for as an when these boxes are announced. You'll have to be quick, as these boxes get snapped up quick (and rightfully so).

Follow Caroline Hiron's blog or subscribe to the Cult Beauty mailing list to stay in the loop for the next box.

I purchased this box myself, meaning all opinions are rightfully my own.

Sunday, 20 September 2015

#MissoinEmpties Week 04: The Curtain Call

The #MissionEmpties Challenge is in its final week, and with it comes a whole new list of products I've managed to tick off my pledge list. On the round-up this week, we have a wonderful range of delicate and nurturing products, all of which keep sensitivity in mind.

You'll notice a sizeable amount of Bee Good products featured this week. That's because I picked up the Bee Good Bee Beautiful Gift Pack (£45.00) a few months ago, giving me the opportunity to try out (nearly) everything they have to offer, and boy, it did not disappoint.

So, for the final time, let's see what's graced my body this week, shall we?

I am terribly prone to cold sores, and, if you've ever had a cold sore, you'll know just how difficult it is to keep your lips hydrated without risking spreading the infection. Tea tree is a fantastic natural antiseptic, making it super useful to feature in a lip balm, as it helps to fight the cold sore infection while keeping the rest of the lips nourished and hydrated. This has to be my all time favourite product. It has a very balmy (clue is in the name) texture, that melts into a warm, nourishing oil. It has no greasiness or stickiness, just a smooth moisturising layer. There is a lovely inoffensive tea tree smell, making it the perfect partner when my lips are damaged or sore. Essential. 

I have a bit of a love affair with this cleanser (full review here). It has a lovely pillow-y texture that effectively clears the skin while helping retain optimum moisture levels. Don't get me started on the smell. This wonderful piece of cloud is scrumptious, hydrating, rich and refreshing. You can bet I'm bumping this thing up from Effective, repurchase to Essential.

As moisturisers go, this has to be the thinnest one I've used to date. This almost runny liquid easily glides and spreads over skin, absorbing instantaneously. Skin is left feeling light and fresh, allowing for that breathable skin sensation. It has a gorgeously sweet scent, that helps to make you feel, look and smell delicious. This moisturiser is perfect for helping any non-absorbing products to absorb. For example, with any particularly stubborn facial oils, when I apply a small amount of this on top, they sink into skin instantly. While I do love this, I think it is really rather too expensive, making it a tough purchase to justify. Effective, don't repurchase.

The 3-in-1 properties of this product include: cleansing, toning and refreshing, it can be used for any of the aforementioned. Similar to that of your typical micellar waters, it can be used to cleanse skin and remove make-up, or as a non-astringent replacement for a toner, or as a pick-me-up to help refresh throughout the day. I use this as a toner as it is very light and delicate, making it super suitable for sensitive skins. It offers an instant refreshing sensation that is cooling and nicely soothing; making skin feel fresh and clear. It's best for those more sensitive days, when skin is feeling a little delicate, but otherwise offering no real skin benefits. Effective, don't repurchase.

A considerable amount of bee-centric companies have their own gardener's hand cream, that is usually far more intensive than your average day-to-day one. This is no different. This supper intensive cream is fantastically hydrating, helping to keep hands protected. However, because it is super strength, I can only use it before bed, when I no longer plan to touch anything, as it leaves a white cast on hands, along with an almost sticky finish. The smell is pretty and fresh and my hands are left in very good care. Effective, don't repurchase.

This wonderful little oil helps to keep skin clear of blemishes while providing the utmost nourishment and hydration (full review here). This orange-green elixir can stain, so its important to fully blend in, allowing the oil to fully absorb and moisturise the skin. It's perfect for keeping blemishes at bay, and as it's completely non-astringent, it makes skin feel revitalised. Effective, repurchase.

This is one of those heavy duty moisturisers, when your skin requires something a little more powerful to protect and rehydrate. This is a balm that turns into a near grease-like texture on skin, and it will remain greasy, without absorbing. It has a bubbly consistency, that feels almost exfoliating. I find this perfect for helping to rehydrate and re-nourish after using a particularly strong face mask. It will help remove that tight, inflamed feeling, restoring my skin's balance. As always, it features that truly edible signature PureChimp banana smell. Effective, don't repurchase. 

As compliment to the PureChimp Super Face Cream (featured above), I use this facial oil to help nourish my skin when it is irritated, tight, inflamed or dehydrated. This oil is expertly nourishing, helping to restore, revitalise and care for my skin. I use this on both face and body, it will not absorb on the face, but it does absorb on the body, helping to soothe rashes and calm any inflammation. Effective, don't repurchase.

This little sachet appeared in the September edition of the LoveLula Beauty Box, I wanted to talk about it briefly as it inspired me to pick up the full size. This lovely orange-gold syrup has an uplifting and gorgeous mint fragrance. As it contains no sulphates, it doesn't actually foam, however, it still offers a thorough cleanse. My hair is left silky smooth and shiny. I honestly feel like I have advertisement-worthy hair. An absolute full purchase. Effective, repurchase.

This nutty and naturally fragranced conditioner is wonderfully conditioning and nourishing for my dry hair. My strays and fly-aways are contained, without this product being too heavy or making my hair lank/weighed down. This is the perfect conditioner to help lock-in moisture. Effective, don't repurchase.

Said to see you through a #QuarterLifeCrisis, this serum allegedly provides a pre-anti-ageing treatment (more on that in my full review here). This delicate little serum helps to improve skin condition by smoothing and redefine the skin, offering a more youthful appearance. Pores are made to appear reduced, and scarring and blemishes are diminished. While this doesn't delete dullness, it provides a much smoother complexion. Effective, repurchase.

Having spent a lifetime of holidays on Fistral Beach, Newquay, I am a big lover of ocean-fresh hair which can only be achieved by natural sea salt. While this product doesn't do much in the way of creating those beach waves, it does add a salty rough texture, which then can be styled as pleased. Applying the correct amount is key, use too much and your hair will become super try and matted, use too little and it won't take any effect. Effective, don't repurchase.

This is something I talked about a good while ago (full review here), and something I've completely changed my opinion on. I no longer like it. While it is aimed at combo skins (meaning it isn't really applicable to me), it doesn't nothing in the way of oil control. It is think and spreadable in consistency, but it doesn't exactly absorb. Nor does skin feel all that fresh, after a few hours of wearing I feel almost dirty. It's a fairly moose-cream type consistency that doesn't offer any hydration. Yet, it still features a wonderfully sweet smell, so there that is. Ineffective.

LUSH Imperiaus Facial Moisturiser £13.50 / 45G
This is a moisturiser I only use pre-exercise. As it has a light consistency, yet offers a heavy dose of hydration. This product is perfect for keeping skin moisturised while being in no-way suffocating. It's quite a refreshing product, lightweight enough to sweat through and still remain intact (full review here). Effective, don't repurchase.

I don't know what it is, clearly me and Andrea Garland don't see eye-to-eye as this is yet another product that I just can't stomach. It as been an agony to use this, and once again, the blames lies with the scent. Smelling like something in the way of used tea bag, this has a strong sharp and lingering scent. While said to help balance sebum production, this product does nothing of the sort. Instead, it makes me very oily, very quickly. It has a horrible heavy and thick consistency, that likes to sit atop of skin. While it's not all criticism, this moisturiser does effective balance my uneven skintone, helping to calm and reduce and redness. Avoid.

That's another 15 product empties, only 8 of which were on my initial pledge.Tune in tomorrow for the final tally. There will be many statistics. Don't all cheer at once!

To catch up on my initial pledge list and rule about the self-directed #MissionEmpties Challenge, please read the #MissionEmpties MASTER POST.

Saturday, 19 September 2015

The #QuarterLifeCrisis; Do I Really Want To Be Anti-Ageing In My Early Twenties?

I have a very critical, and occasionally cynical, part to my mind that refuses to see the world for black and white. Nothing is ever what it is advertised to us as. A few months back, when Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum hit the shop floors, my feed was flooded with claims that any age-fearing human in their mid-twenties needed to add pre-anti-ageing anti-ageing into their routines. Red flag; my natural scepticism kicked straight in.

This isn't to say this product doesn't work, but really, would we ever know otherwise?

It's brilliant, really. A market that never existed before, has now been created. The product created for that marked has positively unmeasurable results. How do I possibly ever quantify whether pre-anti-ageing products work? I don't. I just close my eyes, continue to fork over the £32.00 bi-monthly and hope for the best. 

Without any possible way to measure whether this product will take any visible effect on my skin, lets talk about the immediate changes, the effects I can see happening now. And you know what, contrary to my thought on this scheme, this serum does actually have some merit.
Taking 1-2 pumps of this light mauve-pink serum into my palms - which is more than spreadable enough to cover the entire face - its silky thick cream-like consistency, feels almost velvety on skin. There is an instant pore-blurring effect, combined with the pinkish tint, it makes for the perfect skin smoother.

My skin condition has significantly improved. I have a much smoother skin, with the depth of pores minimised and any scarring or permanent blemishes drastically reduced in visibility. My skin feels so wonderfully supple and delicate and the only way it could possibly described as, is... youthful. There it is. They did it.

While I can't vouch for the anti-ageing effects, the potential is there and the Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum does have immediate skin improving qualities. However, the claim to delete skin dullness and enhance skin's glow are weak at best. In fact, my skin feels almost a little duller when using this. But glow can be added through other products as skin smoothing effects like this are difficult to come by.

So, where do I stand on pre-anti-ageing? I don't. I don't stand anywhere on it. It is just too impossible to quantify the results. By the time I show signs of ageing, I have no measurable way to say whether the Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum suspended the ageing process, accelerated it, or did utterly nothing at all. Maybe I'll come back in 20 years with some answers for you.

But for now, the Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum is a delicate thick serum which helps to blur pores and smooth skin. It gives skin a youthful-esque delicacy, applied in a gorgeously velvety formula with a petite, fruity scent. Effective, repurchase.

As early-twenties anti-ageing goes, I'm still sceptical on you.

Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum is available from Origins for £32.00 for 30ML (full size). Alternatively, you can pick up the 15ML (miniature size) for £15.00. Which, if you by 2 of, actually works out cheaper for you. Go figure. 

Thursday, 17 September 2015

Moss Clear Resolution Balancing Facial Oil, For Clearer, Healthier Skin

Moss: Modern Organic Sacred Skincare are a luxury organic skincare brand specifically focused on providing natural solutions to acne, congested and blemish prone skin types. As my skin type is oily, I am regularly burdened with large, inflamed blemishes along my neck and jawline. Moss Clear Resolution Balancing Facial Oil has featured heavily around my jaw these past three months, and I've got to say, I am so glad we crossed paths.
I'd never even considered the possibility before, that blemish control products could be carried as an oil. Sign me up! Championing the ingredients list is Guava Seed Oil, which helps to supply a healthy dose of Vitamin C. Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Seed Oil helps to reduce inflammation and soothe fussy skin. Followed by Ginger, Jasmine and Rose to help heal and nourish.

This super little mixture has helped my jawline to feel wonderfully nourished and moisturised. Forgetting the blemish fighting powers for a moment, this little wonder-bottle has helped to nurture and regenerate my skin, transforming into a gorgeous, supple and clear neckline.

The concept of nurturing skin to help sooth and calm is very welcome indeed. The serum helps to carefully heal the skin, without any need for harsh or astringent chemicals. Instead, it very gently takes my face in both hands and coddles it back to good health. My neck blemishes have now been banished. I saw immediate effects in reducing redness and inflammation, followed by prevention of any further outbreaks. My jawline is now clear and blemish-free! 

This is a very thick oil, yet surprisingly manages to disappear seamlessly. The serum is quite warm and friendly to touch, it's a very welcome and pleasant product. It is somewhat orange-green in colour and can stain the skin if not blended carefully, so make sure to double-check - I have been caught out a few times by that. The scent is pleasantly powerful, somewhat earthy, yet in a way quite tart, but almost certainly therapeutic.

Miraculously, this little bottle seems to break the Bekenstein Limit. How it managed to last three months, I'm clueless, as I applied a several drops both morning and night, daily. I loved that instantaneous nourishment I felt upon applying this serum. I immediately felt hydrated and revitalised, a sensation which, to date, has gone unmatched.

The anti-inflammatory and blemish prevention abilities of the Moss Clear Resolution Balancing Facial Oil are absolute. By marring ingredients with both blemish control and nourishing properties, this oil manages to excel against other harsher treatments, a true testament to the power of nature. Effective, repurchase.

Moss Clear Resolution Balancing Facial Oil can be purchased from Moss for $65.00 / 20ML.

Unfortunately, Moss are only based in the US, meaning you'll have to fork out for international delivery costs ($22.00) and potentially face customs charges.

Thursday, 10 September 2015

Balm Balm Frankincense Light Facial Oil

Balm Balm are a brand I've been introduced to through subscribing to the LoveLula Monthly Beauty Box. Without this introduction, I'm not sure whether I would have ever even thought to try Balm Balm. Since my subscription - which I have been subscribed to since June - I have had the pleasure of trying the Balm Balm Fragrance Free Organic Face Balm (£6.99 / 30ML), the Balm Balm Tea Tree Organic Lip Balm (£3.50 / 7ML) and the Balm Balm Frankincense Light Facial Oil (£7.99 / 10ML). All of which, I have thoroughly enjoyed, the lip balm especially so. As my routine goes, this is a brand I want to feature heavily, as their products are wonderfully nourishing, minimal and perfectly effective.

As one of the oilier skin types, whenever I hear the words 'light facial oil', I swoon. The Balm Balm Frankincense Light Facial Oil is a super light, yet very moisturising, facial oil, which helps to maintain optimum hydration levels throughout the day. It's a relatively thin oil that quickly and fully absorbs into skin, leaving a soft, hydrated complexion. 

Frankincense Oil (INCI: Boswelia Neglecta Oil) is listed 5 out of the 6 essential oils found in this product. So, what properties have you got Frankincense that deserve to put your name on the bottle? Frankincense has incredible rejuvenate effects, helping to improve and revitalise skin's condition. It has helped to refresh my skin, give me a brighter and more balanced complexion, while supporting skin's hydration levels.
Due to this oil being lightweight and absorbent, I use this it as a day-time moisturiser. My skin is wonderfully nourished throughout the day and my complexion is even and aglow. By helping maintain hydration, my skin's oil production is significantly reduced. While I still need to use a primer to help support oil control, the Balm Balm Frankincense Light Facial Oil moisturising properties are not something to bat an eyelid at. 

This is wonderful for improving skin's condition. I do find my skin to be rejuvenated and revitalised, giving me much healthier skin and a brighter complexion. It has a faint yellowish tinge, which doesn't stain skin as it quickly sinks away. The smell is utterly divine. A very rich and deep scent, its aromatic properties helping to calm and relax.

The Balm Balm Frankincense Light Facial Oil expertly keeps skin hydrated, refreshed and balanced. This delicate little thing is easily absorbed and something that will definitely be featuring in my routine in future. Effective, repurchase.

Balm Balm Frankincense Light Facial Oil can be purchased from LoveLula for £7.99 / 10ML. Alternatively, a larger value size can be purchase for £13.50 / 30ML here.

Friday, 4 September 2015

Skin & Tonic London Brit Beatuy Oil; The Ultimate Way to Improve Skin Condition

Skin & Tonic London are a super clean, green, simple, ethical and British beauty brand with penchant for using organic ingredients sourced from local producers in the UK & France. Whenever I discover a new organic British brand, I just have to try it. Naturally, I picked up the Skin & Tonic London Brit Beauty Oil because I, myself, have a penchant for facial oils, and this product is absolutely no exception.

The Skin & Tonic London Brit Beauty Oil features omega rich oils which are distilled in the UK. The borage, thistle and chia seed oils are jam-packed with antioxidants and omegas 3 and 6, which all help to minimise fine lines, reduce the appearance of large pores and encourage cellular function (repair, regenerate). If there's one thing I can say about this oil, it has hugely improved the condition of my skin, and then some.
This is, what I would call, a fairly heavy oil - especially for my oily skin. Therefore, I reserve it only for evening use. While heavy, it still effectively absorbs into skin, allowing the oils to penetrate on a deeper level, improving skin quality from further within and showing much greater improvement. 

My complexion is plumper and healthier looking. My skin looks almost full, like it's finally had a good meal. My face is left very well hydrated and nourished, giving me this wonderful radiant and healthy glow. I'm softer and suppler when using this oil; my skin is in the best condition I've seen.

The oil itself is very refreshing, giving skin and instant hit of hydration, offering a reviving sensation when applied. It smells just lovely. Very fresh, somewhat earthy, and subtle, making this the perfect complement to an evening routine. It helps to calm my senses, and allows me to drift off into an undisturbed sleep.

While the pore reducing claims are yet to be seen, this oil is definitely on point when it comes to encouraging cellular renewal. For improving skin condition, the Skin & Tonic London Brit Beauty Oil is my go-to oil. My complexion is healthier and plumper, leaving my hydrated and nourished, with a truly radiant glow. Effective, repurchase.

Skin & Tonic London Brit Beauty Oil can by purchased from Skin & Tonic London for £28.00 / 30ML.

Sunday, 30 August 2015

#MissionEmpties Week 01: Getting the Ball Rolling

To mark the inauguration of the #MissionEmpties Challenge, I figured it important to reflect (and/or keep tabs) on the products I've emptied into digestible weekly chunks. Following it up with some unflattering photography of empty jars, pots, tubes, bottles and the like. Just how do you make used up product look good, especially the ones I hacked away at with scissors? You don't. 
In part, this first week has been a little easy. A lot of the products listed here were very much nearly finished up. I just had a few drops and a few uses of each left. This is all my own hoarder fault.

Lyonsleaf Beauty Balm £12.95 / 55ML
This little wonder product is an expert multi-tasker and I've put it to the test in every possible way. It's a thick, soft balm that melts into a lovely, silky oil when heated slightly. I primarily use it as a cleansing balm as it's very gentle and non-irritating on eyes, while effectively removing make-up. I also use it as a moisturiser, its thick balm-texture creates a barrier on the skin to retain moisture. Finally, I use it as a face mask when I need an extra boost of hydration. This product delivers, and it delivers out of the park. Essential.

I suffer with some insufferable frizz. My hair needs moisture from every angle it can get, the most effective of which being conditioner. This is such a nourishing conditioner, it provides my hair with all the essential moisture it needs without weighing it down or becoming lank. The orange scent is so very faint, but lovely all the same. Essential? You betcha! 
I reviewed this very recently here and decided to finish off the few remaining drops I've been coveting. Yes, I still think it's just divine. This oil is great for offering nourishment and moisture while controlling oil. It's extremely lightweight, so it effectively absorbs, while helping to maintain my skin's balance. Effective, repurchase.

Our Tiny Bees Über Balm £7.95 / 45G
Admittedly, a solid favourite of mine. I'm now on my 4th tin of this little delight, and my psoriasis has never been better. It's an all-natural balm made be our hard working bees. It sinks straight into sink, while supplying me with essential, long-lasting moisture. For years I have been using prescribed medications for my psoriasis, more of which were effective, but had a god-awful scent. The Über Balm smells of sweet, delicious honey. Truly scrumptious. Essential.
I fell in love with this product some time ago (full review here), and that love is still going strong. I received a trail version of the cleanser free with the Bee Good Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator (review here), and 30ML is the perfect size for travelling, and due to this being a thick, read cream, it lasts bloody ages. The scent it beautiful, and the results are great. I'm left really clean and fresh and very well moisturised. Hat's off, once more. Effective, repurchase.

Makuka Doctor Normalising Facial Oil £19.99 / 30ML
This is a facial oil that I didn't initially get along with (full review here), and still don't entirely get along with. It's truly wonderfully at oil control and balancing/normalising the overproduction of oil. Just a few drop in the evening will do the trick to see you through the following day. However, this thing smells something horrid. I can't get past that. The results are fantastic, sure, but I've really struggled to use this oil up. Effective, don't repurchase.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] £15.50 / 40ML
Perfect for reducing the signs of scarring, imperfections, blemishes: I'm on my second batch of this and it has yet to disappoint (full review here). It has a very light, spreadable texture, which doesn't entirely absorb, so I now reseve it for evening use. It has help reduce the appearance of raised marks I have on my forehead and cheeks. Effective, repurchase.

For the longest time, this was my go-to skin saviour for my psoriasis. But it just wasn't enough to see me through the entire day. While its primary use isn't actually to combat skin conditions, its ability to hydrate and moisturise was perfect for my dry skin. It quickly absorbs, so doesn't leave any transfer onto my clothes, and it smells so fresh and divine. Effective, don't repurchase. 

The Natural Deodorant Co. Clean Deodorant Balm £10.00 / 60ML
Featured here is only a 5ML sample I received this week as part of my order from the Peace & Beauty London Samples Mini Box for £5.00. This is now, very unsurprisingly, completely sold old. It's an all-natural deodorant wet balm, that is scooped up and massaged into your skin. It dries near instantly and has a powdery finish. It smells wonderfully fresh, while keeping my body wonderfully fresh all through the day. It is very super effective and I have already purchased the full size. Effective, repurchase. 

This is actually a 30ML trail version I received free with purchase of the Cleansing Vanity for Combination to Oily Skin value kit. I'm glad I didn't part real money with this because this thing stings. It stings hard. For a make-up remover specific to the eyes, I was expecting it to be very gentle and sensitivity-concious. Nope. It hurts. Instead, I used it to remove eyebrow make-up only, avoiding the actual eye area entirely. Avoid.

Given that, I didn't originally consider this product to be tops (full review here), I went back and purchased it anyway. Hello contrary! It is the fastest product I can find for reducing the appearance of blemishes. It tackles redness and inflammation like a boss, and definitely deserves some credit for that. However, the price tag makes me do an audible gulp every time I see it. I just cannot justify this purchase. Effective, don't repurchase.

I must admit that I am already starting to feel the withdrawal symptoms of my usual skincare routine. My skin has become very out of sync, so I have purchased Balm Balm Frankincense Hydrosol Soothing Facial Tonic (£7.99 / 30ML) and Botanicals Organic Hydrating Mist (£15.00 / 100ML) to help boost hydration and help rebalance my skin. 

Of the 11 products listed here, 9 are of the original pledge. Only 38 more to go...

To catch up on my initial pledge list and rules about the self-directed #MissionEmpties Challenge, read the #MissionEmpties MASTER POST.

Saturday, 22 August 2015

Bee Good Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator For A Gentler Way To Exfoliate

Bee Good. I love Bee Good. We know this; I find it just darling, and the Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator is no exception. This little number is one of the most gentlest and caring exfoliators I've used, perfect for my sensitive skin, on those days when I need to refresh without a heavy-duty polish.


There are just three little words that perfectly match the sensation, the scent and the effects of using this product: subtle, polite and nurturing. Polite? What a choice, right? But it's so courteous to sensitive skins, that I can't help but consider it to be the most well-mannered skincare I've encountered to date.

To exfoliate, the Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator uses finely milled lavender petals. These are super, super soft, so as you massage them into your skin, you'll feel nothing but the cushioned lavender roll across your face. You don't need to apply any pressure for the petals to get to work, just massage in circular motions a few times and your skin will instantly be brighter and clearer.

The petals are carried in a wonderfully rich and creamy formula, that begins thick and then starts to thin as you massage away, eventually turning into a milk when it comes to rinsing. I love how plump it feels. It is an insanely moisturising cream that prevents you from becoming dry or irritated. From the descriptions in the ingredients list, the responsibility seems to lie with the Camelina Oil (a flowering common flax), which helps to reduce moisture-loss while protecting and nourishing the skin. My face feels so lovely and supple after exfoliating, which really is something to cherish.

The thing with exfoliation is that it can leave you feeling polished or buffed. Yuck, okay, just yuck. As this is so, so very gentle, it manages to effectively slough off those dead skin sells without over-smoothing my skin. Meaning, I'm clean and renewed, without that shiny/gloss-like finish. This really is made with sensitivity in mind. So much, in fact, that I can use this daily with absolutely no skin qualms. It's so delicate and non-stripping, with the bonus moisturising benefits after use.

The Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator isn't going to work miracles, no, it's far too gentle for that. However, it very effectively cleans my skin, clears build-up and leaves me with a much brighter and radiant complexion after use. My skin is balanced and redness is reduced. But these effects are minor compared to some of the meaner and tougher products I've used.

From what I've found, the bigger the portion size I give myself of this product, the better. Sadly, this product only comes in a 50ML sized tube, meaning, I burn through it pretty fast. Come on, you guys. I'd like to see a minimum of 100ML, for the way in which I like to use it. As it thins fairly quickly, it's difficult to spread as far as you'd expect.

The product has a very subtle sweet and delicious scent that's actually quite comforting to smell. It has a warmness about it, absolutely in-offensive, but beautifully delicate like the rest of the product.

This little wonder is just charming. A delight for my sensitivity, leaving me clear and bright, without over-buffing. Brilliant for those days when I want to remove build-up, but don't want anything too strong to do the job. Scoring Effective, repurchase.

The Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator can be purchased from Bee Good for £10.50 / 50ML. 

Wednesday, 12 August 2015

The Lovely Ones: Trilogy Hydrating Mist Toner and Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

For those of you who read beauty blogs on the regular, these are two little gems that will not have slipped under your radar. Call it saturation, call it exposure, but after all the positive reviews of these things, I just had to try them for myself. Mission accomplished, right?
Trilogy are a natural skincare brand, sourcing the purest of natural plant oils and botanical extracts. They are big on natural beauty, big on animals and big on conservation. We certainly can't knock that. But, most favourably, they are big on rosehip. It's in, like, everything (well, nearly everything).

The Hydrating Mist Toner is a really gentle and hydrating way to tone and moisturise the skin. Follow this up with the Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, designed for dehydration and scarring, and you've got yourself the perfect duo for keeping your skin healthy and revitalised. 

Hydrating Mist Toner

Now that I've segued from traditional astringent toners to their far more kinder cousin mist toners, my skin has been happier, calmer and healthier. I've never looked back since and the Hydrating Mist Toner is certainly a product to keep in your quick-hydration-boost arsenal.

If there is one thing that can be said about this, and the clue is certainly in the name, this is very lovely and very hydrating. After cleansing, I instantly want some moisture on my face to protect me. This is the quickest way to deliver that. Spray, spray, spray, hey-presto! My skin can breathe and relax. It's definitely best as a quick pick-me-up. The kind of thing now, that I would use throughout the day, as opposed to in my real skincare routine. But that's not a bad thing, as it's definitely something to keep to hand.

When it first comes out of the bottle, it is (un)surprisingly wet, but it also (un)surprisingly dries very quickly. Ideally, I'd like to use this to help carry/distil my oil or moisturiser, but as it dries so quickly, there's little chance of that. This is why I think it's more of a through-the-day pick-me-up. As it dries quickly, you don't have to worry about moisturising your face, as you'll look pretty fresh afterwards.

While it says it's a 'mist', it's more than a little fast and fierce to come out. The product itself is really gentle, but it likes to fire out the nozzle in a way that took my by surprise. The toner will shoot straight onto your skin instead of falling quite gracefully like the BLOOM HYDRATE did (review here).

The scent is fresh and light and certainly very mild. It's not at all distinct or memorable, and that's fine. But it certainly detracts from this being an aromatic experience.

I won't knock this thing for it's ability to hydrate, it's certainly good at that. It's just a little weak everywhere else. The ferocity, the scent, the quick absorption rate. It caters more for a handbag than a cabinet essential.

The Trilogy Hydrating Mist Toner can be purchased from LoveLula for £17.50 / 100ML.

Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

Now this oil, this is the oil our faces have all been waiting for. While it's primary design is to combat dehydration and scarring, it's oh so much more than that. It's hydrating, nourishing, soothing, smoothing, calming, revitalising and a super-duper food for the skin.

The Certified Organic Rosehip Oil comes in a small glass bottle with a pipette. The pipette is actually the most functional one I've used to date. It hooks around slightly at the tip to help prevent and oil from coming loose and accidental spillage. Neat!

This is the first ever facial oil I've been able to use that I can wear for an entire day without needing any other cover (other than SPF, if I'm headed outside). That's right. I don't need to use a primer over this to control oil, I can go super au naturel and no need to worry in the slightest.

I'll only use 2-3 drops of this baby to cover my face. It spreads really quite well but absorbs really quite fast. But that's great, an oil that doesn't leave me oily and prevents further oil? It's the perfect restoration for my skin's moisture balance. While it comes out of the pipette all orangey, it doesn't stain the skin in the slightest.

This is absolutely essential nutrition for my face. My skin feels healthier and looks healthier after using it. I needn't worry about dehydration or oil control, I feel comfortable and fresh and I feel very, very nourished.

The Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil can be purchased from LoveLula for £16.50 / 20ML.

Wednesday, 22 July 2015

Anti-imperfections with La Roche-Posay Effeclar Duo (my hero!)

Continuing on with my venture into the ever delightful French skincare brand, La Roche-Posay and their Effeclar range (for the review of Effeclar A.I. please click here), I've been trying my hand at the Effeclar Duo, and I've got to say, it's every bit just as good.

For me this product fell into a confusing category of what stage in my routine do I even apply this? It's not quite as moisturising as a moisturiser - though it states it can be used as one, and it's not quite as rewarding as a serum, so it kind of falls in the middle.

To start, the product sells itself on getting to work in just one day. That's an awful big brag, right? Actually, it's got every right to brag. This product got to real work in just 2 days for me. Blackheads. That's where it spun its main magic. After 2 days, a really severe blackhead that has been troubling for a while, literally just fell out of my face. It pushed its way through the skin so that I could literally just pluck it delicately from my cheek. I know, I know, graphic, TMI. But it was gone and it was painless.

I only had 3 blackheads in total, but they were large and bothersome and far too stubborn to remove. Now I have zero blackheads. It took 18 days in total for the blackheads to naturally dislodge themselves with a little push and shove from Effeclar Duo

But it doesn't just stop there, oh no. Effeclar Duo labels itself as anti-imperfections. I wasn't entirely sure what that meant. But, I have several raised skin blemishes. Scars/warts/moles (gross, I know), that sort of thing. Though they aren't entirely visible to anyone except me, I've always been dreadfully self conscious of them. With each passing day I noticed these raised blemishes start to smooth out, then reduce in size, then eventually vanish entirely.

My skin has never been smoother, clearer or less blemished and it's all thanks to this one little magic tube.

But it isn't all rainbows and sunshine... It hardly ever is. This product has an extremely thick gloop-like texture. It's extremely greasy and leaves a film-like residue on the skin. It doesn't absorb and it is certainly very obviously. So you will have to prime. Sorry. I know, it's a big pitfall. But the results are so bloody worth it.

I went through two tubes of this stuff and used it AM + PM for 2-3 months. To the end of the three months, my skin kind of didn't really need the stuff any more. It's the sort of product I can pick up and apply as and when I need it. I am so grateful to how this product has changed my skin for the better and it will definitely be the first little product I call on when I'm in need of a skin saviour. It's essential, sure, but only as and when.

LA Roche-Posay Effeclar Duo can be purchased from Boots for £15.50 / 40ML.