Over the past couple of months, I've been collecting a varied array of skincare empties. You guys know how fond I am of skincare lately and so I thought I'd share with you a bunch of skincare products that I would re-purchase again and a few I wouldn't...
PRODUCTS MENTIONED: MAKEUP REMOVERS - (Watch at 1.29)
- Garnier Micellar Water*
- Aldi Lacura Caviar Facial Cleansing Wipes
CLEANSERS - (Watch at 3.23)
- Una Brennan Vitamin C Brighten Cleansing Oil: Boots
- L'Oreal Pure Clay Detox Wash
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser*
- Nip + Fab Glycolic Cleansing Fix*
- Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish*
- Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser
TONERS - (Watch at 7.39)
- L'Oreal FIne Flowers Toner
- Superdrug Vitamin E Skincare Hydrating Mist
- Caudalie Beauty Elixir*
Happy Saturday guys, I hope you're all having a good one! Today I wanted to continue my Drugstore Skincare Series with a look at Five Skincare Dupes. Some of these are identical looking but others don't necessarily look the same, however they do perform in the same way, so here's my favourite five!
Now I'm already a big fan of the Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser, as it's such an iconic product that's been around for years and although this isn't too expensive, there is also plenty of drugstore dupes/versions now available. One of my favourite dupes for this, is the Soap & Glory The Ultimelt. This fundamentally does the same thing as it's a 'hot cloth cleanser', that cleanses and takes off make-up, it also comes with a muslin cloth too.
You may have already heard of numerous dupes for the cult Bioderma Micellar Water, however I wanted to share with you my personal drugstore favourite from Garnier. Essentially the Garnier Micellar Water performs in exactly the same way, except this is a much more affordable version that also comes in various sizes to suit your needs.
The Nip + Fab Glycolic FIX Pads are such wonderful dupes for the popular Alpha H Liquid Gold. The only difference is the Nip + Fab ones already come saturated on a pad and the Alpha H version requires a cotton pad to be saturated. Having used both, I actually prefer the Nip + Fab ones because they are so easy and convenient to use, plus they are half the price too!
Sunday Riley is a brand that I have heard so much hype about lately, especially when it comes to their facial oil collection. The only thing is most of these oils start from £70 upwards, which is a tiny bit pricey! Thankfully I've found a lovely dupe for the Flora oil in the form of the L'Oreal Extraordinary Facial Oil. This helps hydrate and brighten the skin just like SR Flora does, except it's a fraction of the price. If you want to know why I adore the L'Oreal oil so much, then be sure to check out the post here where I explain in more detail.
Ok so you may be sick of me going on about how fantastic the L'Oreal Pure Clay masks are, but I just wanted to give them one more mention as they really are such wonderful dupes for the Glamglow versions! All three of the clays perform in the same way and each targets a specific concern. Again I explain in more detail about each L'Oreal Mask here, regarding which dupe is which for the Glamglow ones and if you haven't already tried these then I definitely recommend you give them a go.
Although it makes me sad when I finish a product I've truly liked, it also gives me satisfaction knowing that I've finally got to the bottom and I can decide whether I would re-purchase that particular product again or not. So here's my round up from the last few months of what's hot and what's not!
PRODUCTS MENTIONED: 1. Soap & Glory Clean On Me Shower Gel Beauty Talk Podcast - Episode 9
It's that time again, where I discuss new favourites, hits, regrets and total miss's! As always, I only feature and talk about products I haven't shown you before and this time I have a wealth of beauty products to share with you, as well as a fair few make-up pieces that I give you my final thoughts on.
Products mentioned:
1. John Freida Beach Blonde Cool Dip Purifying Shampoo & Detangling Conditioner
2. Soap & Glory Total Drama Clean 5 in 1 Magnetizing Micellar Make Up Remover
3. Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser
4. Super Facialist by Una Brennan Vitamin C+ Brightener Cleansing Oil
5. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
6. Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Pads
7. La Roche-Posay 50+ Anthelios XL
8. Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser
9. Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate
10. Nivea Rich Nourishing Intensive Moisturiser for Dry to Very Dry Skin with Almond Oil
11. Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturise Nourishing for Dry Skin with Almond Oil
12. Gucci Rush Eau de Toilette
13. Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Fatigue Blur in Cool Rose
14. Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer
15. Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer
16. NYX Micro Brow Pencil
17. Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara
I love travelling to visit different places in the world, but the whole process of getting to your destination can be stressful at times, especially with strict carry on rules and limited baggage allowance. Having done a fair few long haul flights myself, I know as a women it's important to have all your essentials in one place, so you feel at home and comfortable on the flight. But as I mentioned above, carry on restrictions are not how they used to be and that means the liquid allowance allowed is only one small bag to fill with liquids, creams and aerosols etc. Luckily I've come up with my Top 10 must-haves that hopefully cover you from top to toe, whether your going on a long haul flight or just taking hand luggage only.
At the start of the year, I radically shook up my skincare routine by re-introducing some old favourites and new products to my everyday sequence, so I wanted to share with you my updated routine right from when I get up to what I use before bed.
AM - Cleanse, Tone & Moisturise
I tend to keep my morning routine simple, quick and efficient, as for me the most important thing in the daytime is protection. So for cleanser I use a basic cleanser to wake up my face and at the moment I'm using the Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser. For toner I spritz my face with one of my all time favourite tonics, the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer. Then finally I finish with my most important step, an SPF. I'm particularly fond of the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL SOF 50+ as it sinks in really well and doesn't leave that horrible white cast, that some SPF's tend to do.
PM - Cleanse, Treat & Moisturise
In the evening I focus more on cleansing, treating and moisturising, starting with removing my make-up using my favourite Make Up Eraser to get rid of all my make-up and daily grind. I then go in with my holy grail Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water and a large cotton pad, just to make sure my face is super clean before I cleanse.
Next onto the cleansing portion of my routine. I usually double cleanse of an evening if I have been wearing a full face of make-up that day, so without fail I always start with one of my newest finds, from Una Brennon, the Vitamin C+ Skin Renew Cleansing Oil. This is a pleasure to use, smells divine and a little goes a long way. For my 2nd cleanse, I go in with an old favourite, the Cleanse and Polish from Liz Earle. This has a beautiful buttery texture which helps make my skin feel pampered and refreshed. I also wipe away each cleanser with a damp muslin cloth too.
Just lately I've really been into Glycolic products, so once or twice a week I alternate between the Nip + Fab Glycolic Cleanser and Pads and the Pixi Glow Tonic. If I'm using the Nip + Fab Duo, I will swap out my cleanse and polish and replace it with the glycolic cleanser or if I do my normal cleansing routine I will follow with the Pixi Glow Tonic, swiped over the face with a cotton pad. And when I'm not using my Glycolic products, I exfoliate once a week with the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel.
I've also been obsessed with Charcoal Nose Pore Strips from T-Zone, which I have been using once every two weeks. These really do the trick at removing any blackheads I may have, but be warned these are a little painful to remove!
Well February defiantly went by quick, even with the extra day this year! But although February has been and gone, there was for sure some firm favourites for me this month. So here's my round up of everything I've been loving in February 2016.
Milani Baked Blush
Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink and Rose D'Oro
I've never really delved into the world of drugstore blushes, but just recently, they have been my only blush of choice, especially the Milani ones. I have been particularly loving Dolce Pink and Rose D'Oro form the Baked Blush range as these beautiful shades, give the most stunning glow to the cheeks and plus they last all day too.
MAC Lip Pencil Subculture, Tanya Burr Lip Gloss in Afternoon Tea & MAC Hue
The Perfect Lip Trio - MAC Subculture, Tanya Burr Afternoon Tea and MAC Hue
I recently re-kindled my love for nude lips and found the perfect trio while delving through my makeup collection. I've been over lining my lips with MAC Subculture, then applying MAC Hue all over the top, then to finish, I have been applying Tanya Burr Afternoon Tea in the centre of the lips.
Nivea Post Shave Balm
Nivea For Men Post Shave Balm
Thanks to Nikkie Tutorials, this has been my only face primer of choice for February. This genius product has glycerine in which helps your make-up stick and last all day. I've also found this works even better when using this in replace of a day moisturiser too.
Milani Bella Bronze
Maybelline Gel Liner in Brown
Milani Bella Eyes Bella Bronze and Maybelline Gel Liner in Brown
It's been all about the chocolate eye looks for me in February. I love brown eye products in particular as they make my green eyes pop more. My favourite combo has been Milani Bella Bronze, blended out all over the lid and under the eye and Maybelline Gel Liner in Brown on the lash and waterline.
Physicians Formula Bronze Booster
Physicians Formula Bronze Booster
Another firm favourite and recent discovery, is this drugstore bronzer from Physicians Formula. The reason why I've fallen in love with this is because, it looks natural, matte and non orange.
Revlon Colorstay
Revlon Colorstay Foundation
Because of the colder months, I've been opting for a more full coverage foundation and this old favourite from Revlon has been the best at helping my skin look flawless, even through the bad skin days!
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish
Another old favourite is this cleanser from Liz Earle. It really is amazing at soothing your skin, taking off make-up and leaving my skin with a beautiful glow every time I use it. I really don't know how I lived without this!
I love Summer time it's my favourite season, the sun is out, the evenings get lighter and I love having tanned skin, going to the beach, wearing bright Summer clothes and having BBQ's! So here are My Top 10 Nail & Beauty Essentials I can't live without throughout the Summer months!
What are some of yours?
1. Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream When it's hot outside, I hate wearing a heavy foundation, but still like something to cover up my imperfections and the Maybelline BB Cream is perfect I love this stuff as it has the right amount of coverage which feels light on the skin and has an added SPF of 15.
2. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Continuous Spray SPF 30
When it comes to protection I opt for a high factor to start with and I love this Hawaiian Tropic Spray as this has a fine mist which is less messy and sticky, I just find sprays much more convenient.
3. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh
I recently did a blog post review on this perfume, it's a gorgeous Summer scent as it's fresh and not too heavy and has a lovely floral accents to it which beautifully refreshing.
4. Barry M Gelly Nail Polish in Greenberry If you didn't know by now I am a sucker for Mint Green and this has been my favourite Mint polish ever since I got my hands on this Barry M colour, it is the perfect Neon Mint shade and looks amazing on toes!
5. Maybelline Megs Plush Mascara Waterproof
This is one of my favourite mascaras as it catches every lash, I call it the lash catcher and this it's great in waterproof for those pool and beach days.
6. Maybelline Baby Lips Balm Hydrate
My lips are always so dry in the Summer and so it's imporatant to always carry something to keep them hydrated when I'm out and about.
7. Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic
I always take the spritz version of this toner away with me on holiday, I have a mini one for my beach bag and it's perfect for refreshing the face throughout the day as it contains cooling Cucumber and Aloe Vera. http://uk.lizearle.com/cleanse-tone-moisturise/instant-boost-skin-tonic.html
8. H&M Vanilla Hand and Face Wet Wipes
Wet Wipes are a must in my beach bag as they are perfect for refreshing your hands and face and for wiping those sticky hands after applying sun cream and eating.
9. MAC Lipstick in Candy Yum Yum
This for me is the ultimate Summer lipstick, it's a perfect pop of neon pink for those Summer days and nights!
10. Victoria's Secret PINK Ready To Party Body Mist
I love any Victoria's Secret body mist for the beach, the scents smell amazing and are amazing for a refresh throughout the day and a great alternative to a heavy perfume.
So I know everyone always says how quick the months are going, but I seriously can't believe we are half way through 2014! My June favourites have been a bit sparse this month as I haven't really loved that many new or old products but I have a small selection for you, that I have really loved and of course a nail polish!
Happy July!
Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh
I'm not really a fan of floral scented perfumes, but this is beautiful, it's fresh and perfect for Spring and Summer, I love wearing this during the day, also the packaging is bright and fun and looks amazing on my vanity!
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish
I like to spend a little more when it comes to skincare and I have been a big fan of the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish for years now, I just love the creamy, buttery consistency and the beautiful aroma, I feel like I'm at a spa every day I use this.
St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Lotion
Although I love the sun, the safer option for me is fake tanning, I have tried everything and recently discovered the St Moriz line which I had heard a lot of good things about, mainly because of it's affordability and I have to say this is amazing, it goes on well and dries instantly, I will defiantly be stocking up on more of this line!
Models Own Sun Hat
My monthly favourites wouldn't be the same without a nail polish love and this month it defiantly has to go to Models Own Sun Hat from the polish for tans range, this is a beautiful crème light neon pink and is a perfect dupe for China Glaze Shocking Pink.
Revlon Lip Butter in Cupcake
I recently discovered my lip butters especially Cupcake, it's a beautiful bubble gum pink which gives a lovely sheer wash of colour and looks beautiful for the Summer.
