Out Of Trouble Mask Pods £5

Origins is a brand I see often featured in blog posts and reviews but I have never tried anything from them, seeing their face masks as a popular purchase I decided to start my journey with Origins with their Out Of Trouble face mask. 

Out Of Trouble is aimed at skin just like mine, oily, prone to blocked pores and breakouts, helping to absorb excess oiled slough off debris from pores. I decided to purchase their pack of four pods rather than fork out £23 for the full size product and not like it, at only £1.25 per treatment it's not only effective but incredibly affordable.

The mask is incredibly thick and luxurious feeling, it has a creamy yet almost mousse like texture to it which smooths over skin well and despite being thick doesn't dry uncomfortably like a regular clay mask. The product has an invigorating scent to it, you can almost smell how good it is for your skin!

After use my skin felt extremely clean and almost tingly, my current breakout felt more comfortable and a couple of smaller spots shrunk away overnight. I will certainly go on to buy the 100ml tube, I can see this as a regular treatment to keep my skin in check.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel Reveiw

Nip + Fab Overnight Glycolic Purifying Gel £14.95

I was really excited to see this new product from Nip + Fab launch, aimed at dull and oily skin helping to clear breakouts as well as reduce fine lines, revealing a more radiant and clear complexion. The perfect all-in-one product right?

The gel contains Salicylic Acid to help unclog pores and combat blackheads and reduce the size of existing spots. I have noticed in the last week I have been using the gel the pores on my cheeks seem less prominent and the dreaded blackheads on my nose don't seem as big. Another ingredient, one I've never heard of is Niacinamide, an anti-inflamatory which helps reduce production of sebum which causes pores to enlarge, ultimately reducing acne from forming on the skin. Of course we have the star ingredient, Glycol Acid which is the secret to reducing fine lines and wrinkles and help leave skin looking more firm and radiant. 

I really love the effect this product has on my skin, in the morning my skin feels firmer and pores appear tighter. The only down side to this product is application, i've not quite mastered this yet. The instructions for application merely state to smooth over skin after cleansing, I've tried applying before my moisturiser and after but the product seems to ball up and I end up with lots of dried bits of gel to rub off my face! 

Once I've mastered application this will be my favourite overnight treatment, for a mere £15 the results are fantastic. 

Keeping Skin Clear | Yes To Tomatoes Cleanser

Yes To Tomatoes Daily Clarifying Cleanser £6.99

You know when you discover a product so good that you want to tell everyone about it yet keep it a secret at the same time? This is that product! Yes To is a brand that I've found a little hit and miss in the past, this cleanser is a straight up hit in my routine. 

Yes To Tomatoes Clarifying Cleanser is 98% natural which already gains points from me, it's SLS and Paraben free and also cruelty free. This cleanser helps to maintain your skins PH level, remove excess oils and impurities and keep skin clear. The cleanser is kinda runny meaning you have to be quick getting it to your face after squeezing on to your fingers, I prefer applying a small amount to my konjac sponge and massage into my skin. The cleanser has that clean smell to it, if you know what I'm talking about? 

My skin definitely looks brighter since using this cleanser, it's refreshing to find a product aimed at problem skin that isn't full of alcohol and other skin damaging products. If like me you suffer from oily, blemish-prone skin I really recommend this one.

My Top 4 Masks For Problem Skin

Unless you're one of those absolutely blessed people (which I envy/hate for it) who rarely get spots then we're all from time-to-time going to experience congested skin leading to an outbreak. I only ever get the occasional hormonal break-out on my chin and jawline (thanks to PCOS) but I do struggle from quite oily skin which I have to keep in check, so here's the once-a-week treatments I use to keep congested skin at bay.

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask £15.75

This is my favourite mask for helping to balance my skin and regulate oiliness. I tend to smooth this over my t-zone only as I don't suffer from oiliness all over my face and my skin really feels as though all the excess oils and impurities have been drawn out, leaving my skin smooth and mattified. This mask isn't advised to be used on sensitive skin so I don't tend to use this on a breakout.

Yes To Tomatoes Clearing Face Mask £11.99

Over the last couple of years this mask is the one I've reached for when I'm having a particularly troublesome breakout as it does an amazing job of getting those nasty inflamed spots down. As well as treating existing spots it help balance skin and absorb excess sebum, leaving skin feeling deeply cleansed and calmer.

Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Anti Blemish Clay Mask £9.99

This one is fairly new to my collection but I can say after only three or four uses that it works, for me at least. As its name indicates it contains spot fighting Salicylic Acid to help clear out congested pores and Dead Sea Mud to absorb oil. I used this mask over the weekend as I had a corker of a spot on my chin and the next morning after using this mask it had shrunken in size quite considerably. The only thing I don't like about this mask is the scent, to me it smells quite overwhelmingly of burnt plastic, this will have to be the price to pay for something that works so efficiently.

Quick Fix Facials Exfoliating Scrub Mask £4.99

This little gem has quickly become my favourite mask. Aimed to treat stubborn blackheads and blocked pores and balance skin. Its recommended to massage the mask into skin to exfoliate and then leave it for 5-10 minutes before removing but I have found the best results doing the opposite. I leave the mask for 10 minutes and then with damp fingertips spend a couple of minutes massaging the scrub into my skin and then remove with a damp muslin cloth and all I can say is wow! My skin feels super clean, smooth and rid of any excess oil. You'll get 10+ masks from each 100ml tube, at less than 49p per mask and incredible results this is one I am sure to repurchase.

Yes To Tomatoes Clearing Face Mask Review

I seem to be on a roll with my posts on skincare this week, it's refreshing to talk about the basics instead of makeup I must admit. Today I'll be talking to you about this fabulous face mask from the quirky brand Yes To, Yes To Tomatoes Clearing Face Mask rrp £11.99. 

When I'm having a break out I like to alternate between this mask and Liz Earle's Deep Cleansing Mask as both have the outstanding ability to clear my skin. Yes To Tomatoes Clearing Face Mask is a total deep pore treatment that refines, purifies and moisturises your skin. The creamy clay mask is filled with anti-oxidants and powerful oil absorbers, perfect for oily skin like mine. 

I really love the freshness of this mask, it smells like baby wipes or talc, it just smells clean and fresh. Although this mask does an amazing job of treating any existing spots and really clears any oiliness on my skin it doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped or dry, it feels comfortable and extremely clean.

If you suffer from oily, combination skin like I do and are looking for a skin treat then I couldn't recommend this one enough!

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask Review

If like me you have some seriously combination skin you'll know it's a constant battle to keep it under check and those blemishes at bay, today I'm reviewing a product which helps me do just that.

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask  (prices from £6) is a concentrated clay mask that specifically targets oily and combination skin and helps to draw out impurities and restore balance. When ever I suffer a break out this is one of the masks that I reach for as it does an amazing job of getting down any redness and leaves my skin feeling more comfortable.

This mask is not advised for use on sensitive skin due to some of the ingredients. The main ingredients include green clay, rose-scented geranium and (the most prominent scent) manuka honey. The only let down for this mask is the formula, it's a lot more liquid than I have experienced with any other clay mask which means you can move it around your face quite easily, I have found the best way to apply it is with a brush. The sponges that come with the mask are great for effectively removing the mask and exfoliating it at the same time and really gives the whole process a spa feel to it.

La Roche-Posay 4 Week Trial Results and Product Reviews

With suffering from acne prone skin (primarily on my chin and jawline thanks to PCOS) and hearing loads of rave reviews on La Roche-Posay's products I decided to give their range a shot and after 4 weeks of use I feel confident in giving a review on what I have tried.

Purifying Foaming Gel For Oily Sensitive Skin rrp £11 200ml 

A foaming gel cleanser that's tested on blemish prone skin and is designed to gently purify skin and eliminate impurities and excess oil. You can't knock the amount of product that you get for your money and the cleanser itself is nice, it foams well and leaves skin feeling clean and not at all tight as some cleansers for oily skin do.

Effaclar Clarifying Lotion rp £11 200ml

Another product in their range designed for blemish prone skin and comes highly recommended by thousands of dermatologists to help reduce excess oil levels and unblock pores. I like the cooling effect of this toner after cleansing and it does leave my skin feeling squeaky clean without drying it out and again the amount of product you get for your money is undeniably good value.

Physiological Ultra-Fine Cleansing Scrub rrp £10 50ml 

I have a bit of a soft spot for exfoliators and with this one promising effective results with its soap-free and alcohol-free formula I couldn't resist adding it to my routine. Firstly this scrub smells lovely, kind of a mix between baby wipes and a floral smell which is a pleasure to use however it doesn't do much on the exfoliating front. It's more like a cleanser with a few exfoliating beads in it which leaves you feeling like you need to use more. For the mere 50ml for the price and the amount you need to use I wouldn't purchase again, I have exfoliators in my bathroom cabinet that deliver better results for half the price.

Effaclar A.I Targeted Breakout Corrector rrp £9.50 15ml

Suffering from at times large cyst type spots on my jawline I like to apply something intensive to said spot before bed to try and get some of the inflammation down by morning and La Roche-Posay's appealed to me as it claimed to be wearable under make-up and intensely purge imperfections. Let me start by saying however little of this product you use you will not be able to apply make-up over the top, it has a bitty texture to it when it's dried that makes it totally obvious you have something under your make-up. I tried using it only at night after cleansing and toning and it does nothing for getting down spots. If you suffer from large spots like I do then I highly recommend Clinique's Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel to get angry spots down without drying them out.

Effaclar Duo Ant-Blemish Cream rrp £15.50 40ml

I love the texture of this cream, it feels smooth to apply, however my skin does not like this product. This cream promises to unblock pores, fight off shine and fight against the appearance of marks and scars and I can honestly say my skin texture has got worse after a month of using it. It's recommended you apply to the whole face morning and night but I had to stop wearing it in the day as it was stripping my skin of moisture and left me with dry patches, something I've never experienced before with having oily skin.

I know when it comes to a new skincare routine you have to be patient to see the results you want but after a month of using this range my skin is getting worse and I'm having the worst break-outs I've had all year...when I get spots on my forehead you know there is something seriously wrong. 

I had high hopes for these products but they just don't work for me. Do you use La Roche-Posay products? What are your experiences with them?

A Drugstore Glycolic Peel To Rival A Premium Brand...

Ever since I purchased Dr LeWinn's Skin Renewal Overnight Exfoliator rrp £36 a few months ago and rapidly saw the results of an overnight Glycolic Peel my eyes make a b-line for any products containing that magical ingredient when ever I'm in Superdrug or Boots or even browsing online and I think I may have found my biggest ever drugstore dupe ever!

Superdrug's Naturally Radiant line is something I've admittedly overlooked every time I've shopped there but when out with my sister last week she picked up her regular moisturiser and sat next to it was their own Glycolic Overnight Peel rrp £5.99 which I scooped up for a mere £2.98. When I got home and compared my Dr LeWinn's to Superdrug's I was astounded to find they both contain (give or take a couple of ingredients) the same stuff!

So what is an Overnight Glycolic Peel? It's designed to give skin a smoother texture and a more even tone, helping to battle wrinkles and fade acne scars over time. You simply smooth the product onto skin after cleansing in the evening and apply your regular serum/moisturiser over the top. Both products promise to deliver the same results and after using both of them a few days apart I really couldn't tell any difference between the two, they both gave the same fabulous results.

With the two both containing the same key ingredients- Sugar Cane and Sugar Maple to gently exfoliate and resurface skin and Orange and Lemon extract to exfoliate and purify skin this hughstreet dupe really rivals Dr Lewinn's premium version. Superdrug's Naturally Radiant version has a few ingredients (Kiwi and Mulberry to brighten skin) that Dr LeWinn's doesn't contain and visa versa (Witch Hazel to clarify skin and Vitamin A to rejuvenate) but essentially these two products contain the same refining Glycolic Acid and Fruit acids.

So if you're looking for a completely purse-friendly Glycolic Peel I would definitely recommend Superdug's own brand. I know I won't be paying £36 next time round!

Konjac Face Sponge

Last week whilst browsing some blog posts I discovered a new product (maybe not new to the world but certainly new to me!) that has revolutionised my skincare routine, the Konjac Sponge. So if like me you'd never heard of it before here's what this wonderful little sponge is all about- 

The Konjac Sponge is natures answer to skin cleansing, developed by the Japanese who have harnessed the power and benefits of the Konjac plant for centuries. The sponge is made from 100% natural vegetable fibre from vegetable roots and once you're done with it you can compost it with your household waste! The sponge is made with the purest Konjac and mineral rich extracts, detoxifying skin, exfoliating and deeply cleansing for a radiant complexion.

There are a few variations to chose from, as I have blemish prone skin I decided to go for the Konjac & Bamboo Charcoal sponge, it contains ingredients to help banish blackheads and absorb excess oils and toxins. I really expected the sponge to be rough, more like an exfoliator but once submerged into warm water it has the softest feel to it. The sponge is just the right size to sit in the plan of your hand making using it so much easier. 

You can either use the sponge alone or with you favourite cleanser. I use my Konjac sponge in the morning after cleansing to remove the last traces of my cleanser and wake up my complexion. Although this sponge feels as soft as butter it does an impressive job of exfoliating and leaving your skin baby soft! As well as deep cleansing and refining pores you can use it to exfoliate even the delicate eye area and you can use it to remove water based makeup.

The key to getting the best results from this fantastic sponge is the care of the sponge itself. You need to keep in mind this sponge is made from natural fibres so you can't wring it out like a cloth, you need to gently squeeze it between palms to get rid of excess water and hang up to dry in an airy spot to dry after use. With proper use the sponge can last for 2-3 months and at only £7.99 for such a revolutionary product  it's worth every penny.

Trial-sized Tuesday's - Lush Full Of Grace Serum

On my last trip to my (not-so) local Lush one of the sales assistants recommended Full Of Grace when I mentioned one of my skin concerns was dullness. Full Of Grace is a facial serum that comes in a solid form, you gently heat between palms to melt the product and then apply to your face.

This skin-feeding serum contains a blend of oils and Portebello Mushrooms which condition and protect the skin and Calamine powder to soothe delicate skin. I was a little apprehensive to try it as it looked oily and with my skin being oily it doesn't need any more help in that respect, but the sales assistant assured me she uses it every night and has oily skin herself. I have to say I really enjoyed using Full Of Grace, despite finding the initial concept of warming something in my hands before using it was a little weird the serum itself is lovely and did a good job of hydrating my skin without leaving a greasy film as I had expected.

Would I purchase it? Maybe. For hygiene reasons I really do prefer something from a bottle or jar and for speed and ease of use something that can be applied directly to skin (without warming). 

Body Shop Skincare Picks

My relationship with Body Shop is still relatively new, aside from a few Christmas sets I've been gifted in the past, it's only been in the last 6 months that I've really started delving into the brand and it's products. Some products I've purchased have just been ok, but the three items I'm going to talk to you about now are incredible!

Shea Beautifying Oil rrp £9

I have the oddest skin ever, my face is oily/combination but my body has dry skin. I like to go for rich moisturisers or oils in the winter as my skin gets a little drier, being a lover of the Shea scent I thought I'd give it a shot...and it's divine! You only need to apply a few drops to each arm and leg, it absorbs quickly and leaves your skin beautifully soft! You can use this oil on your hair and face too, I haven't tried it on those areas yet but I love it for post shower moisturising.

Tea Tree Night Lotion rrp £9

This antibacterial gel-cream is designed to be applied at night to replenish moisture but keep skin matte at the same time. As well as moisturising and preventing break-outs it works on clearing your existing acne scars. I only get spots on my chin and jawline so I only apply to that area before bed and after around 4 weeks of use I can really see the difference! The acne scars on my jawline have faded quite significantly, so this is a product I will definitely continue using.

Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil rrp £13

What first attracted me to this product was the claim of 'eight hours sleep for your skin'...who doesn't want to look more rested in the morning? Whilst traditionally products containing Vitamin E are aimed at dry skin, this serum-in-oil works wonderfully with my oily/combination skin. I was really sceptical about the the claims of recharged and refreshed skin but it actually works! My skin looks, without sounding all la la, it looks glowy! Although it's an oil its incredibly fast absorbing and doesn't leave my skin like an oil slick and hour later!

What are your favourite Body Shop products?

October's You Beauty Discovery Box

October's You Beauty Discovery shortlist 'Handbag Hero's' is a selection of products aimed to aid quick-fixes for hair, nails, skin and also includes some lovely make-up items.

My two product selections this month were probably the two hottest items on the shortlist, with YBD recently changing their site so that selections could only be made from 7am on the 1st of the month, I knew I had to be quick to get them! So here were my choices...

Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick  in Rosepout. You weren't able to select which colour you'd receive but fortunately I received the extremely wearable shade Rosepout, a satin finish neutral pink/brown. 

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. I've loved pretty much every one of Murad's products that I've tried so far so I was very excited to see a generous 30ml sample in this month's shortlist. This cleanser contains Salicylic, Lactic and Glycolic acid to help dissolve dead skin and leave skin smooth and clear...I can see me loving this product!

As a couple of little extra's there was a sachet sample of Cowshed's Perfecting Night Serum and a bottle of Gold Collagen liquid ant-aging supplement. I'm extremely happy with this month's box, not only was it a great list of products to try but the value for money is incredible being as the box itself is only £6.95 and the lipstick alone costs £18.50!

September's Pink Parcel - Contents And Review

You may have caught my post last month on my first Pink Parcel and it's contents. In case you didn't catch my post and don't know what Pink Parcel have to offer here's a little info on the fab subscription service tailored to your monthly cycle.

Pink Parcel is a monthly subscription service for your monthly! You can choose your brand, type and absorbency of either tampons or towels and they are conveniently delivered to your door a few days before your period with some lovely little extra's to cheer you up!

My weapon of choice is Tampax Compact. As I did last month I received an ample amount of (5x) Tampax Light, (7x) Tampax Regular, (7x) Tampax Super and (7x) Tampax Super-Plus to see me through. 

There was an issue with Pink Parcel's supplier this month which meant subscribers received their extra goodies a few days late. I did email their customer services about the missing items and they were quick to reply and just lovely. The wait for my extra goodies was well worth it as there were some fantastic items! 

• Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Mascara £21 rrp
• Garnier 5 Second Blur  £9.99 rrp
• Witch Redness Relief Moisturiser (product discontinued from high st stores)
• Doisy & Dam Goji & Orange Dark Chocolate 40g
• Tea Pigs Chai Tea x 1 bag

If you like the look of Pink Parcel your first month is only £5.95 and every subsequent month is £9.95, not only convenient and a joy to receive but an absolute bargain! 

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster

I've been using this product for around 3 weeks now, long enough in my opinion to give a review. Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster is a self tanner but in a concentrated form meaning you can add it to your usual serum or moisturiser with no nasty streaks or an orange result. 

The concept is simple, you add the desired amount of drops (3 are recommended) to your usual serum or moisturiser, mix in your hand and apply as usual. Once you reach your desired level of tan you can either continue using daily with just a drop in your usual moisturiser or serum or just apply every few days. This is still a tanning product so be sure to wash your hands afterwards.

This product is absolutely incredible! How no-one came up with the idea before is beyond me, the concept is a simple one yet it has vastly improved my complexion. I regularly use tanning products on my body but I avoid at all costs using them on my face as most tend to clog my pores leading to (more!) spots, this has evened out my face and decollate to the same colour as my body with no nasty streaks. What I really love about this product is that you are in control of the development of the tan. If 3 drops didn't give you the depth of colour you were looking for the night before then you can simply add more the next night. 

If you regularly read my blog you will know I have oily skin and suffer from hormonal breakouts. I haven't found my skin has been any more oily or any more prone to spots than usual, intact it's pretty traceless apart from the glowing results you get the following day. Not only does my skin look more tanned but it looks healthier, skin tone more even and it makes my acne scars less apparent.

This product will forever (as long as it's available) be in my skincare routine.

Trial-Sized Tuesday - Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

Ok, so blackhead's are gross, nobody wants them adorning their face and I'm yet to find a miracle product to cure them completely but pore strips really do work! Is it just me or does anyone else find it weirdly satisfying when you pull off that strip and see just how much junk has been pulled out of your pores?  Randomly I received a sample of Biore Ultra Deep Cleansing pore strips in my ASOS order over the weekend so I thought I would give it a go last night. I do occasionally use pore strips on my nose, usually just Superdrug's own brand (Tea Tree) ones as I thought they were all pretty much the same...but I must say Biore's managed to clear more out of my pores than my usual brand. Biore have brought out a reinvented pore strip, the Ultra Deep Cleansing strips, designed to remove twice as much dirt and oil from your clogged up pores. Having not tried their predecessor I can't make a comparison between the two but I can say this strip lived up to its description. The strips contain Witch Hazel and Tea tree to help get rid of the build up leading to blackheads and with continual use are reputed to reduce the size of pores...always a bonus! I was so impressed (and kinda grossed out) with the amount that these strips lifted from my pores that I purchased a box from Boots today, along with a combo pack they do of nose and face strips. Jodie xoxo

First Ever Lush Haul!

When ever I have an outbreak I always feel sorry for myself and reach out for some new skincare products or fandangled bit of makeup that promises to ease all my woes (in terms of being a consumer I'm the beauty industries dream!). After reading loads and loads of positive comments on Lush products via several social media platforms I decided to have a mini Lush haul. My nearest Lush shop is about 30 miles away so I ordered via their website (which is very engaging and easy to navigate might I add) and here's what I purchased...

Coalface

After reading some fantastic reviews from fellow acne sufferers I decided to purchase Coalface, a gentle soap with antiseptic rosewood, sandalwood and absorbent charcoal. I would never have considered using a 'soap' on my face as they can be quite astringent but this is lovely to use. Coalface foams up really well and contains pieces of charcoal to gently exfoliate whilst you're cleansing. What I really love about this cleanser is the smell! You can really smell the liquorice root extract, when I open the bathroom door the room is filled with the gorgeous scent. I can't comment on it's abilities to shift my spots just yet as I've been using it for just under a week and I'm at that time in the month where I'm getting them pop up everywhere (damn hormones!).

Mask of Magnaminty

Another product with tons of great reviews is Mask of Magnaminty. I was a little unsure of the difference between this and the Self-preserving Mask of Magnaminty so I purchased both. This multi-purpose mask can be used anywhere on the body, packed with ingredients to clean, calm and clear the skin. I absolutely love the feeling the peppermint oil gives your skin, I've been keeping mine in the fridge and it's so cool and refreshing on the face. I also love the fact that this mask doubles up as an exfoliator when you're ready to take it off, just wet hands and buff the product into your skin before washing off.

Grease Lightning

The final product in my skin clearing spree from Lush was Grease Lightning an antibacterial spot treatment gel. As I've had a quite nasty breakout I'm finding applying Clinique's Anti-Blemish Solutions gel to my face quite frequently is drying my skin a little, so I thought I's try a natural alternative. This spot clearing gel is infused with antiseptic Rosemary, Thyme and Tea Tree as well as Anti-oxidant rich grape juice and Witch Hazel for an anti-inflammatory. I've applied this to a couple of spots before they've come to a head and they've gone back down after a couple days they're completely gone! 

I'm really pleased with my first ever Lush purchases and I'm looking forward to seeing the results of using them in a couple of weeks.

Jodie

xoxo

Trial-sized Tuesday - REN T-Zone Balancing Day Fluid

So, as I mentioned in a post the other day my stash of samples is becoming uncontrollable and rather than having a cull (which is very much needed!) I though I'd do a post each week, testing out one sample and giving my initial opinion on the product. As I said before I'm well aware that using a product once is not enough to warrant going out and blowing £80 on a moisturizer, yet I can pretty much tell with most products how much I'll enjoy using it from that first initial application.  

For 'Trial-Sized Tuesday' I sampled a little tube of REN T-Zone Balancing Day Fluid that I received with and order a few months ago. Why I haven't tried it before is beyond me, it's designed with oily, combination skin in mind. 

I applied this light day cream after cleansing and toning yesterday morning. It left my skin feeling refreshed and lightly hydrated, it did slightly mattify my skin but not enough to affect my make-up (I have tried some mattifying creams and when you apply foundation over the top you can end up with a weird clumpy peeling effect...gross!).

For people who have a reaction to products containing Lavender this cream may not be for you, the Lavender is the most overwhelming ingredient I could smell when applying, I personally love skincare products that contain herbal scents. This day cream promises to be antibacterial and protect against free-radicals and combat the signs of premature ageing.

Although I've only used this product the once it would be something I would quite happily introduce in to my daily skincare routine to witness the long term benefits.



Jodie xoxo

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer - SC2

My quest for the perfect concealer has taken me to Secret Camouflage by Laura Mercier. Anyone that reads my blog will know that I live in the back of beyond, so I rely heavily on online reviews and swatches to make my purchases as the nearest department store that sells high-end products is over 50 miles away! After much deliberation I decided to purchase Secret Camouflage in shade SC2...I couldn't have got it any more right!

I didn't purchase this concealer with the intention of using on my dark circles, I bought it solely for imperfections on my face. Secret Camouflage's unique two shade system was designed to match all skin tones, one to match the skins depth of colour and the other to match the skins undertone. I wear MAC's Studio Fix Fluid in shade NC15 and I find the perfect mixture of Secret Camouflage is two parts of the lighter side and one part the more peach one. 

The texture is quite hard and waxy, I scrape a little of each and mix on the back of my hand, allowing the concealer to soften as it warms. This concealer is very highly pigmented so you only need very little to cover any imperfections. Even in this hot weather the concealer has lasted a good 8 hours without the need to reapply. Be more cautious if you have dry skin, the concealer can cling a little to dry patches, a good moisturising will be needed before use.

All-in-all I really can't find any fault with Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage, the pans are of a very generous size which means it will last for ages and I really like the practical packaging with the mirror on the inside. Being able to customise your shade is a huge benefit at this time of the year when we're all tanning and changing up our bases. Huge thumbs up from me!

Jodie

xoxo

Dr Lewinn's Skin Renewal Overnight Exfoliator

I introduced Dr Lewinn's Overnight Exfoliator rrp £36 into my skincare routine a couple of weeks ago, I wanted to give it a proper trial before I was able to say...that I absolutely love it!

Products that promise a celebrity like glow with little effort always catch my eye and this one does not disappoint! Dr Lewinn's Overnight Exfoliator is a non-abrasive exfoliator designed to improve clarity, tone and the texture of your skin whilst you sleep. 

I cleanse and tone as normal and then apply a liberal amount before applying my night serum...when I wake up my skin is a smooth as a babies bum! This smoothness has probably got something to do with all of the naturally derived ingredients it has in it, extracts of Sugar Cane and Sugar Maple to gently exfoliate skin, Orange and Lemon Fruit extract to resurface and purify, Witch Hazel to clarify and tone and Vitamin A to rejuvenate. Not only does it sound good enough to eat it truly makes skin glow!

With Regular use it's been reported that it can help fade sun spots and pigmentation, effective on ingrown hairs and has even reduced the appearance of acne scars. Oil free, gentle and yet effective it is suitable for all skin types. Not the cheapest exfoliator I own but definitely the easiest and effective!

Jodie xoxo

The Essential Mini-Break Beauty Kit - Premae's Festival Glower Set

Hello beauties, today I have the pleasure of reviewing the must have beauty kit for the approaching festival season from Premae. Anyone that reads my blog will know that I have a real affinity for Premae skincare and well, just the company themselves. Not only do they create luxury, allergy-free products they also provide excellent customer service, you really feel as though getting some beauty products from a pal and not buying from a big impersonal company.

The Festival Glower Set is an exciting new kit designed and compiled with the festival season in mind. This travel-friendly kit contains everything you need to keep you feeling and looking your best, whether you have a short break booked or you just need some handbag sized essentials to carry with you. Inside the set you will find 9 beauty essentials to keep you feeling fresh and looking groomed...

5ml Premae Balance Rescue Face Wash - Delicate yet thorough for blemish-free skin.

100ml Premae Balance Rescue Face Tonique - Revitalising, pore tightening and make-up refreshing.

5ml Premae Harmony Serum - SPF8 - The essential product to prep and prime your skin.

5ml Premae Harmony Creme Balm - SPF8 - Mattifying 15 hr moisturiser.

5ml Lab Definitive Eye Creme - Soothes and refreshes tired eyes whilst priming for eye make-up.

2-in-1 Compact hairbrush and mirror to keep hair and make-up in check whilst space-saving.

A floral nail file to keep those talons neat and tidy.

Tweezers to keep those brows as groomed as you are.

All of the above are housed it a practical yet cute PVC wash bag (styles may vary) small enough to squeeze into that overpacked backpack or weekend bag. The Festival Glower Kit truly offers everything you need to keep you blemish-free, feeling fresh and looking your best this summer. Worth over £35 but offered at the incredibly affordable price of £21 don't hesitate in purchasing THE essential from-home beauty kit. 

Jodie

xo