When it comes to skincare, I like to take care of my face, but not by splashing out this much. With the full size of this moisturiser retailing for around £40, I was so happy when my mum was gifted this luxury and deluxe sample at work, and she kindly gave it to me. I have little of this left, and I think I will miss it when it's gone.
I prefer to use this as a night cream, but it also isn't too heavy to wear in the day if my skin is feeling a little drier. It is a light consistency, which absorbs quickly, but is incredibly moisturising on my skin, and super soothing too. It claims to be 'anti-stress', but I'm not really sure how to manage this factor, but the 'soothing' claims are definitely true.
If I have any redness, or blemishes, (I used to have terrible redness round my nose and I haven't had it for ages, although I can't just say that is this moisturiser), I will apply this at night, and in the morning the redness is more pink, and any sore areas are soothed overnight.
I can't get over how much I love this moisturiser, and I will definitely be sad when I use the last sweep of it on my face. I am savouring the last few bits, but a little does go a long way with this.
I'm not sure how I feel about this kind of price tag. If I had millions the answer would change instantly, but otherwise, I'll give this a miss for now, despite how great it is.... *sighs*
I must say though, the inner blogger in me got very excited when I realised this could fit perfectly into the glass flower vase to photograph it...
After watching tons of videos, reading blog posts and buying new things, I have finally found a good skincare collection/routine which works for my skin, and it is time to give you a tour of my most-used products, gaining a place on the shelf.
Removers: I would never go a day (or night), without removing my makeup. The first of my favourites in the Nivea Daily Essentials Eye Makeup Remover, which I did a full review of here. This is my number one high street eye makeup remover, and you get get waterproof mascara off your lashes in a matter of one sweep. Then, for face makeup, is the L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution, which is a really nice, high street (apparent Bioderma dupe) makeup remover, without going anywhere near the wipes.
Cleansers: After realising foaming cleansers were one of the worst things I could be using (although I have one lingering in the bathroom which I need to finish), I have 3 main creamy cleansers which I use. The first is the No.7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm, which is a cream more than a balm. It claims to be for dry skin, but mine is combination and I haven't had any issues. The other I have is the Spa Find Renewed Radiance Energizing Cleanser* which is a huge bottle, and the cleanser itself is really lovely, and it also removes waterproof mascara, but it stings the eyes so I use this after removing makeup. I also have a Ren Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk Mini there, which is nice too.
Masks: I love the Una Brennan Tea Flower Pore Purifying Clay Mask, as you already know, and it works wonders for any blemished skin I may have, and instead of rambling, click here to read the full review. Another I have is the A'Kin Express Purifying Facial Masque* which I find also works really well for my blemishes. I use a mask twice a week, so I alternate between the two of these, one on Sunday, the other on Wednesday. I must say, I love the packaging of the A'kin one, and although the bottle is small, you don't need much.
Treatments: Almost halfway through the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo, this is something I probably can't live without anymore. I do notice difference, and I love how it can be used in many different ways; by itself, on problem areas, or all over the face under (or over) moisturiser. You can read my full review here. Then, I have the Spa Find Perfect Purity Dermabalance Spot Treatment*, which is incredible. It is what I describe as liquid clay in a bottle, and you take some on a cotton bud, and put it directly onto the blemish, and feel it tingle for a while, and then, go to bed and in the morning it will have improved the area dramatically, I swear by this nowadays.
Moisturiser: So, to start off with, I have the Dr Jart+ Most Moist Water Sure Gel which I use daily underneath my moisturiser, as it is basically Hydraluron in a little tub, designed to lock in the moisture from whatever day cream you put on top. It is incredible, and I may whimper at the price when this runs out (£26.00, but I found it in a clearance at £6.50...).
After that, we have the Lancome HydraZen Neurocalm Moisturiser which I love, but when this mini sample runs out, I will not be repurchasing, which is a shame, as it really soothes the skin overnight if you have any blemishes or redness, especially after using a mask. I also have the Ren Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream which apparently protects you from pollution, which is strangely cool?
Eye Creams and Gels: For a daytime eye gel, I use the Ren Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel, which is a really cooling eye gel which absorbs quickly to the under eye area, which is why I like using it in the mornings. For night time, I prefer a more creamy, hydrating offering, and in this case it is the Fade Out White Anti-Shadow Brightening Eye Cream* which is also really nice. It offers hydration whilst still fading darkness and puffiness a tiny bit overnight (trust me, my bags are genetic and they ain't going anywhere).
I am really pleased with my current skincare, and that is something I am prepared to spend a little more on, I'd say, higher end of the drugstore stuff, because as the skincare goddess Caroline Hirons says 'You only have one face, so why mess with it'...
