L'Oreal Skin Perfection Micellar Solution

L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution £3.33 www.boots.com  

I picked up the L'Oreal Micellar Solution on my last spending spree in Boots (dangerous). I was getting fed up of making all my flannels dirty when cleansing my face (with Emma Hardie cleansing balm) so I have been using this solution to remove the majority of my face and eye makeup before using my normal cleanser. The brand claims this product 'dissolves make-up, unclogs pores, removes impurities and tones and smooths the skin'. I'm not sure about all of that but I find it is really effective in removing makeup, even on the eyes. I find it removes eye makeup (including waterproof) much more easily than Bioderma. This solution is much cheaper than Bioderma and much more accessible in the UK too.

 

The only negative is that I will probably run out of this product quite quickly. You only get 200ml compared to Bioderma where you get 500ml, but like I said it is much cheaper so I will more than likely buy in bulk next time. So it's not really an issue. If your looking for a dupe for Bioderma then I'd definitely recommend this product! Have you tried L'Oreal Micellar Solution? What are your thoughts?

 

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Elemental Herbology Moisture Milk Ultra-Light Facial Hydrator Review

 

   

 

I've been using Elemental Herbology Moisture Milk for a couple of months now. I use it in the morning after cleansing and toning. I wanted a light moisturiser which I could use in summer months before applying my makeup, one which wouldn't be too heavy for my skin and make it look oily. Elemental Herbology describe the product as '...ideal for those prone to break-outs and for use during the summer or in a humid environment', perfect for use in this current heat wave Britain seems to be having.

 

The thing I like most about this product is that it contains AHA's which help to gently exfoliate the skin. It's not as heavy as some other popular exfoliating products containing acids (Clarins exfoliating toner & Liquid Gold) which means it can be used on a daily basis without irritating the skin. This moisturiser also contains skin clearing & anti-bacterial properties (Acerola Cherry, Apple Serum, Green Tea, Tea Tree, Rosemary Oil & Aloe Vera) so it works well on congested skin.

 

What I dislike about the moisturiser is that it is called a 'moisture milk and hydrator', although the brand describes it as 'ultra-light' I don't feel it gives my skin hardly any hydration at all. I've been using the product as a morning serum and then applying a moisturiser on top which seems to work best for me. It seems to be too drying on my skin if used alone.

 

This is the first product I have purchased from this British brand, and I am very impressed, it seems to have helped keep my skin clear in this hot weather. The other thing I must point out is that the product contains no SPF and so it's vital to use one over the top because of the glycolic and lactic acid content.

 

Elemental Herbology Moisture Milk Ultra-Light Facial Hydrator costs £42 for 50ml.

   

Sampling: Skincare

 

 

I have quite a collection of mini skincare goodies in my stash, I usually dip into them when I'm feeling bored of my current routine or if my skin is starting to play up. After this weekend I've broke out on my cheeks and chin, unfortunately I blame the booze and lovely indian takeaway I had - in addition to the glasses of milk with chocolate digestives (I knew I would suffer after I had even one sip of that cows milk grrr) I just couldn't resist. The trusty Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm and Caudalie Beauty Elixir combination aren't quite working their magic at the moment so I've turned to my stash of samples in the hope of finding something new which will give my skin a kick up the arse. Above is just a selected few samples I have at the moment.

I find that good skincare can be so expensive that it's reasonable to want to try before you buy - the amount of money I've spent on products which do not work for my skin is ridiculous. I am never successful when asking for samples at beauty counters - I've never had a single brand ambassador give me samples unless I was buying something from their counter - ridiculous in my opinion. It's not like in the US where we can return products which don't work for us. So here are the alternative ways I get samples and save money in doing so.

 

1) Email skincare companies
For me this has been the best way to try out new products for my skin. Not all brands are generous enough to give out skincare advice or send out a bundle of samples in the post, but some are. The companies which have stood out to me as having excellent customer service are Aesop and Elemis. When I want to try a product I start off with emailing the company directly (contact details are found on their official website), I just say that I'm interested in trying their product(s) as I'm not sure if it/they would work for my skin. I ask if they wouldn't mind sending some sample and I also add that I don't mind paying. This is because I don't mind paying a small fee for a sample as it still saves money as opposed to buying the full sized product. When I emailed both Aesop and Elemis, I had a speedy reply from both asking me a few questions about my skin. Following this I then received a detailed email recommending the products which they think might suit my skin and stating that samples had been sent out in the post. Brilliant. Some (most) companies however do not offer this service and suggest asking for samples at beauty counters (hmmmmn).

 

2) Choosing samples with online orders
A great way to try new products from some of your favourite brands. Most brands offer to send out samples when you make an order from their official website, whereby they allow you to choose a few samples upon checkout. Ren are one of my favourite companies for this (I always choose mini masks as they are great for travelling), but I think the majority of companies will send/give samples when making a purchase.

 

3) Buying mini travel size products
Some brands offer the option to buy travel/mini sized products for a cheaper price which I think is really handy if you're unsure of purchasing the full size. Off the top of my head I've noticed Elemis, Aveda & Soap and Glory do this.
 

Other ways include;

4) Looking through magazines Often when brands are advertising a new product in a magazine they will sometimes include a small sachet sample inside.

5) 'Liking' beauty companies on Facebook Many companies will state on their Facebook wall when they are sending out samples. You just input your home address and email address and the product sample is sent out.

6) Beauty Boxes A great way to try new lotions and potions is to subscribe to a beauty box. I was subscribed to the FeelUnique beauty box which I thought was brilliant, but unfortunately they stopped selling them. I've never subscribed to any others so I couldn't give advice there but it's a good way to try out new things.

 

I find I do save money with my stash of samples, many a time I've tried a sample only to realise it's not good for my skin or that it's just not worth the money. If you have any more tips please leave me a comment. Do you have luck when asking for samples at beauty counters?

 

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque Review

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque - Amazon

 



This clay mask is rated highly by many US bloggers/reviewers which led me to try it out for myself. I bought it off Amazon (I can't remember the seller I bought it from or how much I paid as I've had it a while now), I don't think it is sold in the UK. As my skin is blemish prone and I suffer with bouts of acne now and again I need a good clay mask in my stash which will help to control my outbreaks. This is a cheaper alternative to other good clay masks including Origins Out of Trouble Mask and Ren Invisible Pores Mask.

 

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque is exactly how a face mask should be, bright green with a thick texture and one which prevents you talking/smiling/moving whilst it dries. I love the texture, I prefer a mask which is thick and applies smoothly on to the skin like this one. The directions say to leave the mask on to dry for 15 minutes. Within this time whilst the mask is drying it can make your skin feel really tight so you are unable to move your face without it cracking....I always find myself wanting to burst out laughing for no apparent reason whilst I have a mask like this on. I then use a warm damp flannel to remove the mask.

 

The mask claims to help 'dry up acne pimples. rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores' and to 'relax tired muscles and ease tension lines on the face and neck'. I'm not sure about the latter statement but the first has some truth in it. I found that after using the product inflammation is reduced, my face feels smoother and squeaky clean. I don't really get many blackheads so I can't comment on whether it will help to reduce them. I do find that when I use the mask I need to use a good moisturiser afterwards because it can be quite drying on the skin, I tend to use this mask when my face is feeling particularly oily or congested because I know this product will help to reduce inflammation and oiliness. The mask has a very strong minty smell, like toothpaste or chewing gum which is quite pleasant and is refreshing on the skin.

 

PROS

- Good value (it comes in a big tube)

- Reduces inflammation

- Helps to control oiliness

- Refreshing

- Makes your skin feel clean

 

CONS

- Drying on the skin & makes the skin feel quite 'tight'

 

INGREDIENTS: Water (Aqua), Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Sulfur, Chromium Oxide Greens (SI #77288), Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben

Skincare Woes

Since I was 12 i've had an ongoing battle with acne. Throughout secondary school it would really get me down, I felt that I was the only person who looked terrible without makeup on so i'd slather on layers of foundation which just looked caked on. I tried Chinese Herbal medicine, antibiotics from the doctor, several creams/lotions and nothing seemed to work or even help a small bit. Other people would say 'you'll grow out of it, it's just teenage spots' or  'you can't even see them' (blatant lies). Once I reached 18 the acne on my back and chest disappeared but I still had facial acne all over and it would be cystic acne, blackheads and whiteheads. I'd given up hope of being able to get lovely clear skin so i'd just try to cover it up by wearing thick foundation and fake tan...only making it worse by living the uni lifestyle (plenty of drink and takeaways). I wish I had took a photo of my skin so I could compare it what it looks like now, but there was no way i'd let a camera in my face as I was so self conscious at the time. I think growing up my acne really did affect my confidence, I was always quiet and did not like any attention on me. I didn't allow anybody to touch my face (at all) and still don't to some extent which is why i've never had my makeup done by someone else or had a facial. Although my skin is much clearer now (I only suffer with a few mild blemishes) I still have that fear of someone else touching my skin - in my mind I feel like any contact will result in a breakout.

 

My clearer skin came as a result of Roaccutane when I was 22 after trying various other prescriptive antibiotics / the pill. My dermatologist at the hospital prescibed me Roaccutane for 6 months. I'm not going to go into this drug because I really wouldn't want to recommend it to anyone, it's VERY strong with so many negative side affects and don't even mention the monthly blood tests. If you think it may be suitable for you, speak to your doctor or if you want to know more just send me a message on twitter @robynmm8.

 

The point of this post was to give some hints and tips about the things that work for me that help in preventing breakouts. My skin isn't totally clear so i'd happily accept any of your suggestions, especially in terms of products (moisturisers in particular)! I did a post about my dietary skincare saviours previously, you can have a read here.

The four things pictured above I feel are vital in helping to control my acne (along with fish oil tablets which I discussed in yesterdays post). I drink at least a litre of fizzy sparkling water a day (I should drink more I know) I now prefer it to still water as it helps to fill me up. I have replaced my morning coffee with a morning green tea (doesn't quite sound the same does it?), but I honestly prefer drinking this now as I think i've just got used to it. I like the green tea with lemon as it seems to help more with clearing my skin, I can definitely tell a difference in my skin when I drink alot of this. Clarins Gentle Exfoliator (review here) is what I use as my nightly toner which aids in helping congested parts of my skin. Lastly, Hydraluron prevents my skin drying out too much it gives some nourishment before I apply my moisturiser which I feel helps to control my blemishes. If I didn't do/use one of these four things my skin would definitely notice. Other things I do which help include;

 

Drinking less booze

 

Washing my pillow cases at least once a week

 

Using a clean fresh flannel every time I cleanse my face

 

I try to give my face a foundation free day once a week

 

Scouring Caroline Hirons blog regularly for hints and tips

 

Eating alot of salmon and taking fish oil supplements

 

Eating less dairy / sugar (so hypocritical as I sit here stuffing my face with chocolate hobnobs)

(naughty)

 

There a few things which I plan to do which I think might help further; including taking a probiotic every morning, buy a decent moisturiser (open for suggestions?), taking vitamin D tablets, microdermabrasion?!.... i'm not sure if they will do any good but if I try them i'll let you know. If you must cover your skin with foundation I find the best one in terms of coverage is Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation as it doesn't feel heavy but still covers every little blemish, other foundations i've tried just don't compare.

 

Do you have any tips for helping to control acne? I would love some more tried and tested product recommendations? 



Skincare Routine

I've finally found a skincare routine which my skin seems to agree with. My skin is the clearest it has been in years, and I put it down to these little beauties as well as doing a few other things (which I mentioned in this post - link). It isn't perfect and i'm still searching for a good night cream and mask to use alongside these products, but I would recommend each of these items if you have oily/combination blemish prone skin like me.

 

Bioderma Crealine H20 Micelle Solution - Everyone and their dog uses Bioderma so I wont go into it too much, I don't use this on a daily basis as my main cleanser takes off my makeup well enough. However I do use this on lazy days or days I'm wearing a lot of makeup as it cleans the face so easily and doesn't irritate the skin. I buy mine from this ebay seller - link.

 

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm - See my review here - link. My favourite cleanser removes every last trace of makeup, even waterproof mascara without any rubbing and tugging at the eyes. The product is so lovely, it feels nourishing and doesn't give the tight feeling you get after using alot of other cleansers. I apply a little balm on my face, let it sink in then use a damp flannel to remove the excess along with the makeup. I will double cleanse with this on the evening unless I haven't worn makeup in the day (usually only on sundays).

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner - See my review here - link. My favourite skincare item of the bunch is this. It has really helped to brighten my skin and reduce the blemishes. I do use this everyday although Clarins advise using it once or twice a week.

 

Hydraluron - This is the serum I use both morning and evening after my toner. I've been using it for about two months now and it definitely makes a difference to my skin. It makes my skin more hydrated and allows any moisturising products used afterwards to work their magic. I will do a proper review soon, but for now check out Caroline Hiron's rave review here.

 

Ren Matte T-zone Balancing Day Fluid - The moisturiser I am currently using both day and night (yes I know it's a day moisturiser)....I haven't found a night time moisturiser which isn't too heavy for my skin so i'm still on the hunt. This product is good for minimising oiliness in the T zone and gives a good base for applying makeup in the morning. Out of all my skincare products this is the only one which I might not repurchase, I like it but don't love it. I don't feel it is moisturising enough as it is too light for my skin. I need something with a bit more oomph which also mattifies oiliness. Any suggestions for either day or night time moisturisers?

 

Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil - See my review here - link. I use this about once or twice a week as I feel it is too heavy for my skin to use on a daily basis. Before I go to bed I rub about 5/6 drops of the oil in between my hands before smoothing onto my face. When I wake up my skin feels so soft and has absorbed the product leaving my skin more plump and glowing in the morning.

 

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I am very happy with my current skincare routine but need to find a good night moisturiser that I can use daily which is hydrating but won't break me out. I am also yet to find a mask which I find to be effective (either for clearing blemishes or hydration/radiance - FYI I have tested REN & Origins masks which I do use regularly but they don't wow me. Any suggestions?

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

 

 

Clarins is one of my favourite brands for skincare. Every one of their products I've tried I have loved. I have never used a toner in my daily routine before so thought I'd head to Clarins to make a purchase. The lady at the counter advised me that this toner was not for daily use but for use twice a week to brighten and exfoliate the skin. After recently running out of my Alpha-H Liquid Gold, I thought this may be a good match - something which would help to clear my skin as well dealing with dryness.

 

I decided to ignore the advice I was given and use the product every day, after all it does say 'gentle' exfoliator. I use after cleansing every night by swiping over my face with a cotton wool pad. The toner is a clear liquid which smells quite chemically - not spa like (which is what I expected) but don't let the no frills put you off, after a month of use every night my skin is much smoother and brighter! I wouldn't say this toner is an alternative to Liquid Gold because it is MUCH more gentle on the skin - my skin seems to love it.

 

Clarins claim that the brightening toner contains;

 

'Tamarind for gentle exfoliation - eliminates impurities and dead cells. Boosts the skin's natural exfoliation process. White nettle to refine enlarged pores - smoothes and refines skin texture with its astringent benefits...revives complexion radiance and increases the effectiveness of skin care applied afterwards'

 

This exfoliator contacts alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) which I feel has helped clear my skin and reduce my acne scars. After application my skin feels smooth and soft - flakiness disappears and it helps to even out my skintone. Although I use the toner every day, I wouldn't recommend this if you have sensitive skin, but for me daily use works well - I just need to ensure I wear a good sunscreen underneath my makeup.

 

This has become a staple in my routine, I will 100% repurchase. You can pick it up from Clarins for £25.

 

I've been thinking of booking myself a Clarins facial for my birthday but having never had a facial before i'm quite hesitant. Have you had a facial at Clarins before? Would you recommend?

Skincare Saviours - Diet

My skin hasn't been having the best time lately after a few months of overeating and drinking. I recently moved into my own place which meant I have been eating out alot and all the wrong things. A few housewarming gatherings have meant I have consumed a few too many bottles of wine too. Although I am happy with my current skincare routine (post to follow soon), no matter what creams/lotions I used I had many big/painful spots that didn't seem to budge. I decided to try to work on my diet to improve the appearance of my skin. For the last four weeks I've changed 3 things in my diet which I believe has done wonders for my acne.

1. Replaced cows milk with non dairy (Soya / Almond) milk: 

I've read many articles which connect milk and acne, something to do with the hormones in cow milk creating more oil....now I don't know if I fully believe this but thought it was worth a try. I don't drink much milk anyway but whenever I fancy a cup of tea/coffee/ bowl of cereal I've been using an alternative. Non dairy milk also has a longer shelf life too, which is useful. Both Soya and Almond milk have their own health benefits too;

SOYA MILK - Made up of plant protein and essential fatty acids.

ALMOND MILK - Full of calcium and vitamin E.

2. Drinking green tea:

I've begun to enjoy the taste of green tea. It took some getting used to because I love my English Breakfast Tea with milk and two sugars. I discovered this blend of green tea with lemon and love to drink a cup every morning. The health benefits to green tea are endless, in skincare terms; it is said to help to fight inflammation, rejuvinate skin cells and fight free radicals. I have at least one cup a day.

3. Fish Oil Capsules:

I started taking fish oil supplements after reading Caroline Hirons blog - link On her acne cheat sheet she recommends taking fish oil to improve the appearance of skin....so I did. I take between 1 to 3 capsules per day with a meal. If you struggle with swallowing tablets you may not enjoy taking fish supplements, look at the size of these bad boys below.

Within the last four weeks the appearance of my skin has improved dramatically, the only problem is I can't pin point exactly which thing is reducing my acne or whether it's a combination of all three. I've also been using a new exfoliating toner so it also may be something to do with that! I'm just going to stick with what I'm doing, my scaring has faded and my blemishes have significantly reduced. I'm not saying these three items will get rid of your acne but they've helped me, so maybe worth a try!

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm £27.20 - Feel Unique

I have been using this balm cleanser for about a month now and i'm starting to see positive results. My skin is oily/combination and prone to breakouts. In the past I have struggled to find a cleanser which will nourish my dry patches as well as helping to clear my acne prone skin. Foaming/gel cleansers tend to dry out my skin where as other balm cleansers leave an oily residue which tend to break me out. This cleanser however takes care of both the oily and dry patches of skin, it has since become one of my all time favourite cleansers.

I use the balm both morning and night, I double cleanse at night. I rub a small amount in between my fingers to heat up the product then massage into my face onto dry skin, I take time with the massage as I feel this really lets the balm sink into the skin. When removing makeup I also rub a little into both eyes (with no stinging whatsoever!). After the product is rubbed in I wet a flannel/face cloth with warm water and remove all traces of the cleansing balm off my face. Makeup is removed so easily, there is no tugging of the skin, it just slides off, including waterproof mascara.

This cleanser is especially good for use in the cold weather as I can really feel the nourishing effects without any tightness or dry patches. When my skin feels particularly dry or dehydrated I leave the product on my face for about 5-10 minutes before removing, in this way it works as a nourishing face mask. Once I have removed with a flannel there is no oily residue left over (unlike many other cleansing balms), my face feels thoroughly cleansed and soft. Definitely a HG product which I will repurchase.

Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil

I picked this 30ml sized product up at the Clarins counter at Selfridges for £29. The lady at the counter told me to use 5 - 6 drops each night instead of my normal moisturiser. I was hoping that using an oil on my face would give me a glow and put some much needed hydration into my skin. My skin type is blemish prone oily/combination, which is exactly what this oil is targeted towards.

 

The product is said to 'purify, balance and improve combination or oily skin', quite a vague description i'd say. The oil smells lovely and refreshing with essential oil qualities of rosemary and geranium. Once rubbed into the skin it gives a really fresh moisturising effect, doesn't feel too greasy. 

 

I have used this oil for a couple of months now and it's still going strong, I haven't even used a quarter of it yet. I found that using the oil every single night was too much for my skin and was causing congestion, just making my skin more spotty, so now I only use  the oil about twice a week when it is feeling quite dry. If your skin is oily/combination but not too blemish prone I would recommend thus product as I feel it does balance the oils on the skin. Have you tried this product? Do you have any other Clarins products you would recommend? I am dying to try the Beauty Flash Balm and any of their toners.

 

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Side note: I'm still getting to grips with the whole blogging thing, and have just worked out how to add the GFC, amateur! I have a measley 0 followers so i'm talking to myself really lol. Have a nice sunday if you happen to be reading this, i'm off to clean my room and read the rest of my book, 'Looking for Alaska - John Green' if you're interested.

 

xx