Fave 5 Clarins products

I still remember the first time I tried a Clarins product many moons ago; ahhhhh, it was in the infancy of my beauty addiction and I still get nostalgic thinking about it, because it wasn't only the first time I tried Clarins, it was also my very first premium beauty product EVER - a momentous occasion! After a scare with an eye infection potentially caused by a cheapy mascara I decided to invest in a mascara that was both dermatologically and ophthamologically tested and that was the beginning of my wonderful friendship with Clarins. The brand was founded in 1954 and has ever since the start had a very clear emphasis on pure and clean plant based products, many of them traditional medicinal plants combined with a strong eco- and fair trade responsible ethics, which you today can enjoy in local spas all over the world, a real treat! I haven't yet been so lucky to go to one of the spas but today I've got 5 of my favorite Clarins products that I simply can't be without to recreate that spa feeling at home.

First up among my Clarins favorites is the Liquid Bronze Self Tanning (£19) that I also reviewed in another post in mid April but this product is so excellent that it definitely deserves another mention. I'm far from an expert at self tanning so any products that I go for and even end up using repeatedly, simply has to be fool proof and the Liquid Bronze is just that. The consistency is a colorless, thin lotion that you apply by wiping a cotton pad with the product over your face as many times as you like to get the shade you're after. When it comes to self tan products for me this is a one of a kind - it dries very quickly on the skin, it has a soft and subtle scent - far from the burned biscuit smell that we all know, and it doesn't transfer onto clothes, another one of my pet peeves. It feels cooling and light on the skin and after you've applied it, the skin feels moisturised and nourished and a few hrs later you'll have a gorgeous bronzed glow and most importantly the color is perfectly EVEN and streak free. The shade will last 3-4 days before you need to top it up, which I think is fairly good but even if it had been less than that I wouldn't have mind since it's so easy to apply and get a great results - a real gem of sun in a bottle!

In this world, there are hand creams and then there are HAND CREAMS - the princess products that make you feel invincible and gorgeous, and the Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment (£18.90) definitely falls into that category. Let me just acknowledge straight away that there are fore sure more budget friendly and perfectly good hand creams out there, but this pampering moisturising cream with extracts of Sesame, Japanese Mulberry and Myrrh which all soften and protect the skin is worth every single tiny penny. The formula is luxurious and creamy without being oily and it absorbs straight into the skin without leaving any greasiness, making even very rough areas of your hands as soft as a peach, at the same time as it nourishes and strengthens the nails and cuticles. It has an addictive invigorating and subtle whipped citrus scent that lingers for a while which always lifts my mood and makes me feel refreshed. Ever since I first tried this amazing treatment a few years ago, it's been a staple item in my overstocked bathroom cabinet, and I still keep buying it in great value duo packs at the duty free, a testament to how good the cream is from someone who can't even commit to the same color of nail polish for a whole week!

One thing that Clarins does REALLY well is facial oils. Regardless of what your individual needs are, Clarins has a wonderful, luxurious oil to meet them and at one point or another I have been lucky enough to try them all. As my skin tends to be dehydrated or dry, the oil that suits me the best is the incredible Santal Face Treatment Oil (£32). It comes in a lovely glass bottle with a pipette, which is so handy to make it easier to get just the right amount of oil that you need. The Santal Oil is very rich and heavy and as much as I love it I wouldn't wear it during the way since it definitely leaves a bit of a shine on the skin, but for night time it's a wonderful treatment either replacing a serum or mixing a couple of drops with a mask for a really intense over night hydration boost, and in the morning your skin is plump and smooth. It's a very luxurious oil with an amazing warm and slightly oriental scent of aromatic cardamom, and it has such a soothing effect on me that I always bring it with me when I fly, to make me feel relaxed and settled. I adore this oil and since you only need so little of it, it'll last you a very long time so look at it as a long term investment.

I'm the first to admit that micellar solutions are so handy for cleansing your skin especially when you're in a hurry, or too tired to do a full cleansing routine but at the same time there are very few micellar solutions that will give me that incredibly clean sensation that you get from using a separate cleanser, followed up by a toner and my absolute favorite toner is the Clarins Toning Lotion for Dry/Normal Skin (£17.10) It's an alcohol free gentle lotion that is perfect for finishing of a deep cleanse, ensuring all cleanser is removed without leaving the skin feeling stripped of moisture or with dry patches. It contains ingredients that are all frequently used in products for sensitive skin since they eliminate itchiness and redness; camomille, linden and alpine herbs, and it has a wonderful ever so slightly green, peppery scent that feels very refreshing and luxurious on the skin. Using a toner might seem old fashioned to some, but for me it definitely works and you won't get a better or more comforting one than this!

As you may know I'm a big fan of using night creams and last among my fave 5 today is the Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream (£44) a great, intense cream for those who are not too keen on the very rich, thick consistency that a lot of night creams usually have. Although it is thicker than moisturisers for day wear, the formula is surprisingly light and it has an amazing fresh herbal scent to it. It's packed with ingredients to help the cells renew and repair over night - the best time for intense treatments, e.g. kiwi, Imudilin, carob extracts and shea butter, well known for it's softening qualities. Gently massage a pea sized drop of this night cream all over your face and in the morning you'll wake up to soft, radiant and restored skin. As I have dry skin I must admit that I feel as if I have to use quite a lot of product to get good coverage and a sense of deep hydration, however my beauty therapist keeps telling me that you can actually apply too much, and in doing so clog up the pores and a small amount of this contains enough nutrients to comfort and replenish the skin. That's my list of current Clarins favorites, and if you haven't tried any of the wonderful products from Clarins range yet I would highly recommend that you give at least one or two of these a go, and I'm sure that like me you'll form a very long lasting friendship with this fabulous brand!

Golden skin days

It's that lovely time of year when many of us stow away our winter clothes and take out the spring and summer items that have been hybernating over winter. As nice as that is, it means that I can no longer hide away my very winter pale, in fact almost blue toned skin under layers of clothes and cosy jumpers, but since it's not quite warm enough yet to don a bikini and catch some sun rays there's only one thing for it - self tanning, something I never do and just thinking about it makes me pale even more with dread. I am a complete dummy when it comes to self tanning and the few times I've dabbled with it I've more often than not ended up looking like an orange zebra. For me to get a streak free, golden glowing natural looking color I need fool proof products and I think I have at long last finally found them.

When it comes to self tanning for the face Clarins has a great selection of products and it was with high expectations that I decided to try the Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning for face and decolleté (£19) since the tag line reads "A dream come true for novices or those with fair skin". It's an ultra light, almost water like colorless lotion that comes in a plastic bottle and you apply it by applying a little bit onto a cotton pad and then quickly wipe the cotton pad all over your face. The lotion feels cool and refreshing on the skin, and with ingredients like Aloe Vera and Vitamin E you also add moisture and nourishment for a lovely soft skin and unlike most self tanning products it has a lovely fresh and delicate feminine scent that reminds me of Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely. The lotion dries immediately without making the skin feel oily or sticky and there's no transfer onto clothes or bedding, so if you apply this in the morning you can go straight ahead and do your makeup on top of it and over the next few hours you'll see the color appearing. I prefer to apply the lotion in the evening, having exfoliated and moisturised and when I wake up in the morning and look in the mirror I have a nice natural and radiant glow. You can apply as many coats as you like for a deeper color, but personally I think that one coat is more than enough for a subtle but noticeable tan. On me the color lasts about 4 days before it's time to it up again which is pretty long lasting, although of course that will depend on how often you wash your face etc. This is a wonderful, easy to use product that gives a nice glow and I can see myself becoming a bit of a tanorexic - it's THAT good.

Especially in the summer I like to enhance whatever little color I have by using a bronzer, and one of my favorites is the cheap as chips MUA Bronzer (£1) in shade 1. It's a nice and light powder bronzer with a very subtle gold shimmer which looks beautiful when the sun catches it. What I like about this shade is that it's a muted natural color without any orange that makes it perfect for sculpting of the cheekbones and to add glow to the areas of your face that the sun would naturally hit, using the Real Techniques Retractable Bronzer Brush (£13.99). What first attracted me to this brush was the fact that it's retractable and as such I thought it would be perfect to have in the hand bag, but what I didn't realise was how big it would be. The packaging is quite chunky and for some reason I thought it would come with a twist up function, but it doesn't - instead there is a retractable metallic sleeve to help gather the hairs before putting the cap back on. Not quite what I would call retractable brush, but aside from that it's a generous, wide and soft brush which is still firm enough for a smooth and even product application. This works amazing if you want to add bronzer all over your face for a nice glow but if it's precision sculpting or just the hollows of your cheek that you are working on, for me this brush is almost too big and it could even double up as a powder brush.

A self tanning gem that I discovered last year when Him Indoors unexpectedly brought it home (probably His subtle way of telling me that I'm ridiculously pale...) is Caudalie's Divine Legs (£26). It's a wonderful nourishing moisturising lotion with a luxurious, silky texture that gives an instant tan that you can easily wash off with water. The formula is tinted and it comes in a generous glass bottle with a practical pump. Because the lotion is tinted, you can see where you've already applied it, making it very easy to get a streak free finish and it dries instantly. I think Divine Legs gives the best results if you've done a body scrub and used another oil free moisturiser before applying it, for a lovely even golden tan that has a lovely glow to it. I used to be a self tan skeptic but with lovely, sweet smelling and easy to use products like these at hand, I am ready to swap the era of pale winter complexion for golden skin days.

5 Skin care travel essentials

For someone who hates flying I seem to spend an awful lot of time on airplanes and now it's time to hit the road, or shall I say airwaves again as I'm off to visit my family for a few days. When it comes to traveling, I like to keep it simple so that I have as few things as possible to log around and of course I also like to keep some free space in the suitcase for any things I might possibly - read very probably, pick up while I'm away. When I visit my family I quite cheekily use whatever hair care and body care products are around since it's only for a few days, but one thing I won't compromise on is my skincare and by now I've got my travel skin care routine down to a t. The magic word behind the routine is multi purpose, one product with several uses which means that I, the self confessed beauty junky only need a measly 5 skin care items when I'm away on a short trip.    

When I'm away for a few days I won't take an exfoliator with me, so it's even more important for me to have a great cleanser with me, and my preferred choice is the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution (£4.50). Normally I would only use a micellar solution as part of my morning routine, but when I travel it's so practical to get an eye makeup remover, cleanser and toner in one - what a space and time saver! It's a very mild but effective alcohol free cleanser that removes every single trace of makeup from your eyes and face, even stubborn water proof makeup. To get rid of all my makeup I'll use perhaps 2 cotton pads, and that's enough to make the skin feeling clinically clean and soft without any dehydration at all. Although this original micellar solution is no longer the hottest thing in Blogiverse, I still think it's the best one and I always make sure that I have one in this handy travel size.

I may not bring an exfoliator with me, but I always make sure that I have a generous amount of Origins Drink Up Intensive (£22) Overnight Mask with me. It contains seaweed which is well known for nourishing the skin and to help it retain moisture and it makes the skin feel brand new - overnight it makes your skin hydrated, soft and smooth. This is a life saver when you're traveling since you can use it not only as a mask or an intense night cream, but you can use it to target specific areas that have caught a bit too much sun, and even as a fabulously rich and creamy pre-moisturising treatment. It's an incredible product, worth every penny and I can't get enough of the gorgeous scent of whipped cream and orange.

Another fabulous travel product is the Clarins Face Treatment Oil Santal (£32) for dry/extra dry skin. Like all the Clarins treatment oils it's a very luxurious and rich oil based on 100% pure plant extracts and this is perfect to hydrate, calm and decongest the skin and you'll quickly see a noticeable difference with your skin appearing plump, smooth and soft as a peach. I like to use this before applying moisturiser since it doesn't cause any shininess, or as a rich nightcream. I also keep a tiny bottle of this in my hand luggage and when I feel uncomfortable with turbulence etc, which I inevitably do - the curse of being a nervous flyer, I warm up a tiny drop of the oil between the palms of my hands and breathe it in. It may sound a little bit crazy, but the gorgeous warm spicy and slightly sweet cardamom scent that reminds me of newly baked buns, helps me relax - whatever works right?

Flying, too much sun, insufficient sleep, air conditioning - it can all dehydrate the skin so my favorite travel moisturiser is the Estée Lauder Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Creme (£35). The formula is like a wonderful velvety soft gel that boosts the skin with intense moisture and then helps to retain that level of hydration throughout the day. It's lovely and light and absorbs straight away into the skin making your skin feel invigorated and refreshed. What I like most about Hydrationist is that my skin still feels lovely and smooth in the evening after using it, and it's just that kind of moisture that you need when you're stuck on an airplane for a good few hrs.

The last out of my 5 skin care travel essentials is the lovely and refreshing Dermalogica Total Eye Care (£37) which is great for hydrating, strengthening and smoothing the under eye area. The consistency is light and fluffy without any oiliness at all and it feels lovely and light weight on the skin. I never manage to get any sleep when I fly, so I usually land tired and with big dark circles under my eyes, and this is when this eye cream comes so handy. Total Eye Care has a subtle nude color and it contains light reflecting particles so when you apply it, it'll reduce the appearance of dark circles and make the eye area look so bright and fresh with a subtle radiance, to the extent that you won't even need an under eye concealer.

There you have it - 5 multi purpose skin saviors for traveling, and I'm even so conscious of space that I put the bigger products in travel sized bottles and pots... I must be getting old... What are your must have products for traveling?

Hands on

When I feel tired, stressed or a bit yucky in general there's one thing that is always guaranteed to boost my mood - washing my hands with a lovely smelling soap and then applying a fresh, luxurious hand cream. It's incredible how taking a few minutes of indulgence, massaging in a sweet smelling rich lotion into your hands and cuticles will instantly invigorate and refresh you, almost as if you'd just had a nice long shower... well, almost... That's why I have a hand cream in more or less every hand bag, together with my pocket gel for that instant pick me up wherever I am, and today I thought I would do a comparison of some popular hand creams in different price ranges.

So let's have a look at today's contestants in order of price, starting with the most inexpensive which is the Garnier Body 7 Days Mango Hand Milk (£1.99). There are four different hand creams in this Garnier range, all addressing different needs and this product targets dry and coarse hands. It's an intensely moisturising cream with mango oil that adds nourishment to keep hands protected and the product claims to keep the skin hydrated even after a hand wash - so in theory if you keep using this you should always be one step ahead of dehydration. This hand cream has a lovely fresh, fruity and slightly aquatic scent, like most of Garnier's products and it sinks quickly into the skin. The only thing I'm not too keen on is the texture which has a slippery silicone feel to it, a bit like a cheap primer but that's probably the protecting ingredients and it also means that a little goes a long way. It's a lovely effective and budget friendly hand cream and you do get a generous 100 ml for next to nothing.

The Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream (£5) is a cream that is often mentioned in blogiverse as great for dry or chapped hands and it has a loyal loving following. It contains shea butter, macadamia oil, marshmallow, fennel and lotus flower extracts which almost sounds like an exotic salad, and it certainly smells as yummy and delicious as one with a very fruity, light mix of berries and citrus, musk and vanilla - a typical delectable Soap & Glory scent. When I've used this cream I can't help but smelling my hands, it's just that yummy. The texture of this cream is much more to my liking since it's very silky and creamy and it  makes your hands super soft without leaving any oily residue. Again you get quite a lot for your money, 125 ml and with the very reasonable price, you can afford to be as generous as you like when you apply it.

Next up is Caudalie's Hand and Nail Cream in Pink Grapefruit (£5.70) which with its 30 ml has a considerably less amount of product than the others, although the smaller packaging also means that it's more handy to carry with you in your handbag. For me this hand cream raises the bar significantly in terms of quality and it's most noticeable in the texture. In addition to traditional Caudalie ingredients from grapes and vine, including Vinolevure - a vine extract that protects and strengthens the skins immuno system and helps it to retain moisture, it also contains shea butter. The formula is beautifully light weight with a slight shimmer and it instantly blends into the hands when you apply it, making them velvety soft. I really love the original Caudalie hand cream scent of fresh, warm orange peels, but this is another incredibly delicate, soft and invigorating aroma from mixing citrus fruits with sparkling mint. It's a wonderful, glamorous hand cream and a real treat. 

The last hand cream, and also the one at the top of the price range is an old favorite of mine - the amazing Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream (£20 for 100 ml). It's a great moisturising  cream with extracts of Sesame, Japanese Mulberry and Myrrh. that softens and protects the skin, but it also nourishes and strengthens your nails and cuticles. It has a luxuriously creamy and smooth consistency and to say that it makes your hands soft and supple is the understatement of the year, there's just no dryness that this cream won't fix and then of course we have the beautiful refreshing creamy citrus scent that makes every application a pleasure. In comparison with the other creams it is a fairly expensive hand cream, but it also makes your feel fabulous and who doesn't want that on one of those days when you've had a wardrobe malfunction, your hair has a life of its own and things aren't generally going your way.

Most of the time it's fairly easy for me to pick a favorite among the products that I have tested, but in this case I can honestly say that all four of these hand creams are of great quality and the difference between them (except for the price) is really down to the small details. But it's based on those small details that ultimately my favorite is Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream.

Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream has just the right creamy but light consistency, it treats your hands as well as your nails and an amazing scent to top it all off. I usually buy this in duo pacs every time I'm at an airport to make sure that I have a steady supply of it and I have repurchased it four or five times already. I absolutely adore this cream and although this is my personal favorite it's great to know that you can get hand creams in any price range that don't compromise on quality - how handy is that?

Winter skincare

As much as I like to experiment and try new products, by now I think I have figured out what my skin needs and when it needs it, so I have a fairly clear view of what types of products I need to have in my skin care kit even though I might change brands. Except for the occasional hormonal break out, I have normal to combination skin and my biggest challenge all year around is battling dehydration. As if it's not enough with the horrible weather we've had lately; storms, rain and the cold, I sit in front of a computer all day long, enjoying the benefits of central heating which sounds cushy and cosy, but it all takes a toll on the skin. So in the winter time this means I have to bring out the big skin care guns and use products that are gentle on the skin and that cleanse and exfoliate without stripping it back, but that also give deep hydration and nourishment to keep my skin supple and smooth. This winter these are the hero products that have helped to maintain my skin.

Like most of us I don't have much time to get ready in the morning, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I prioritise a couple of minutes of more sleep over a time consuming morning routine, so using a micellar water works perfectly for me. The Gatineau Gentle Cleansing Micellar Water (£19) is a very gentle solution that cleanses, moisturises and soothes at the same time. It's suitable even for very sensitive skin, so I know that it won't cause any irritation or make my skin feel tight. Just like Bioderma this product makes your skin feel as clean as if you had done a proper deep cleanse, and all that after a quick sweep with a cotton pad - perfect!

This micellar water also works to remove eye- and face makeup (including waterproof) so I've been using it in the evenings as to take off my eye makeup before using my Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser (£15). Micellar waters are great when you need a quick fix but for me there's no replacing a great cleansing product in the evenings to make sure the skin is nice and clean before applying all the night products. You may remember that I've mentioned this cleanser before - it has the most wonderful light and fluffy, cloud like consistency and it kind of "pops" on your skin. It contains grape extracts, sage and camomile that soothes and purifies the skin, and it's so gentle that you can definitely use it twice a day if you so choose, and the refreshing cucumber scent is a lovely pick me up after a long day.

Call me old school, but I like to use a toner after I've used a cleanser to make sure that there's no product at all left on my skin and Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile (£18) works beautifully together with the Caudalie cleanser, and it helps to rebalance and stimulate the skin's moisture level. It's has a zesty sligthly peppery invigorating scent and a little tip if you don't want to buy an expensive facial spray is to pour some of this in a spray bottle and you can use this throughout the day instead and you'll get almost the same effect.

As you can tell, all these products are about gentle every day cleansing, but at the same time it's essential to get rid of dead skin cells to make room for new ones to push up from underneath, so a few times a week I exfoliate using Origins Modern Friction (£33) - "Natures Gentle Dermabrasion" (in the photo I show a limited edition packaging but it's the same formula as the original). What I like the most about this is the consistency, which is very fine and granular since it uses rice starch as the exfoliating ingredient and although it's gentle, you can feel that it definitely gets the job done. I prefer to use this on damp skin to get a lovely creamy foaming consistency but you can use it on dry skin as well. I find that it gives amazing radiance without any redness or irritation, and since it also has a great aromatic spa scent, this ticks all the boxes for me.

The perfect partner to Modern Friction is the well known, super hyped Origins Drink Up Intensive (£22) Overnight Mask. It contains seaweed that helps not only to repair the skin but also to retain moisture. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely 100% yes. For me this is THE Holy Grail product, that makes your skin look plump, supple, nourished and hydrated. I'll use this at least 3-4 times a week either after my exfoliator, or as a double intense night cream - applying one coat immediately after I've removed my makeup for the evening, and then another coat a few hrs later just before I go to bed, and I have even used this as a pre-moisturising treatment. It is FANTASTIC and the beautiful creamy orange peel candy scent just makes it even more lovely to use and the price for 100ml is more than reasonable. If you haven't tried Drink Up Intensive yet, it should definitely go on your list of products to try this year - you won't regret it!

 

I like to use serums and oils as part of my skin routine and during the winter there's nothing like Clarins Santal Face Treatment Oil (£30) for a mega boost of moisture. It's a fairly heavy oil, intended for dry or extra dry skin based on 100% pure plant extracts that soothe, tone, hydrate and decongest the skin. You only need a tiny drop to massage all over your skin or just a specific area that needs some TLC before applying moisturiser, and fortunately it comes with a pipette so it's easy to get exactly the right amount. It is a rich oil, but as long as you only use a tiny amount there's no need to worry about shininess during the day, and it immediately makes the skin look smooth, plump and it feels soft as velvet. Last but not least I have to mention the scent because I absolutely adore it. It's a warm, aromatic and slightly sweet cardamom scent, almost like something from a bakery it's so comforting and relaxing - and if this was a perfume I'd wear it every single day.

For the delicate eye area I've used Kiehl's Avocado Eye Treatment (£33) which is rich in ingredients to protect and nourish the skin and that builds up moisture. If feels heavy on the skin when you first apply it but it absorbs very quickly, almost turning liquidy and it doesn't leave any shininess at all. The eye area feels protected, bright and soft and you can also use this as a masque both around the eye area and the lip contour,applying a thicker layer and then just letting it absorb naturally for 15-20 mins.

After the eye cream I apply the Gatineau Melatogenine Aox Probiotic Advanced Rejuvenating Cream (£76.25) - now that's a mouthful... It's a very luxurious, rich anti-ageing cream which is more for mature skin, and although I fortunately don't have any real issues with that yet, there's nothing wrong with starting well in advance to try and prevent wrinkles and sagging, or at least delay the inevitable as long as possible. It adds an intense boost of moisture and in the evening when I remove the day's makeup my skin still feels hydrated and nourished which is exactly what I want from a moisturiser. Another reason why I love this cream so much is because of the instant radiance that it gives, and my slightly blue tinted skin tone in winter all of a sudden looks glowy, rested and fresh without having to use any fake tan.

For night time I've turned to an old friend, the Decléor Aromessence Iris Night Balm (£34.50) which I've used during the last few winters and it's amazing for restoring skin that has been battered by the cold and wind. In the jar the balm has a very firm texture but as soon as you rub it between your fingertips, the essential oils heat up and as soon you apply, it just melts into the skin, making it feel very nourished and protected. The skins does feel a little bit sticky from the oils, although that is gradually absorbed into the skin and when you wake up in the morning the skin looks stimulated, rested and refreshed - a great intensive treatment.

The last two products I've used regularly, at least a few times a day starting with the wonderful Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment (£20) which a great moisturiser and softener for both hands and nails and it's almost like it forms a protective soft glove over your hands and it definitely helps to nourish and maintain the cuticles too. The finishing touch of my skin routine, morning and evening as always has been the Caudalie Beauty Elixir (£9.20 - currently on amazing sale from Escentual). This is the limited edition design by L'Wren Scott, but it's exactly the same formula and scent as the original Caudalie. I love this facial mist and find that not only does it help to boost moisture levels and add radiance but the lovely aromatic scent is so energising and perfect to carry with you in your hand bag for a little spritz every now and then to freshen up your skin and makeup.

My skin has actually been behaving quite well this winter (touch wood) and I'm convinced it's not just because the products are suitable for my skin type, but I think it's also down to finding a regular routine and then sticking with for a reasonable amount of time to give the products an actual chance to do their magic. What products have you used this winter and is there something you recommend that I try?

Beauty in a flash with Clarins

I don't know if this is just me, but I have a set of products - skincare, makeup and perfumes, that I only wear every now and then, and when I do bring them out it really is a special occasion. These products are special for all kinds of reasons - maybe it's an end of line product, the price (let's be honest I don't think anyone would wear their most expensive mascara or perfume to the gym right?) or memories linked to them, but when you wear them you feel Special, a bit like a princess. Does this sound familiar to you?

One of my Special products is the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, because of the amazing effect it has on my skin. I first came across it in a You Tube video on primers by the amazing Lisa Eldridge, but the Beauty Flash Balm is so much more than a primer and I would go as far as to say that it should be a staple item in every beauty wardrobe for those times when you want to feel more Special than usual.

 

The Beauty Flash Balm contains olive extract which is rich in anti-oxidants and witch hazel which in addition to being a well known acne fighter reduces puffiness, helps to tighten pores, refreshes skin and it locks in moisture. It also has algae extracts, bisabolol and rice starch to revitalise, soften and purify the skin. These ingredients create a real Cinderella cream that immediately tightens your features and makes your skin look as if you've slept for 15 hrs. The balm has a lovely slightly peachy color that adds a very faint hint of shimmer to the skin, which glows through your makeup giving an incredible lovely radiant finish.

Most Clarins products have a gentle and fresh scent of different ingredients, however the Beauty Flash Balm surprisingly has a much stronger, old school (almost granny like) perfumed scent to it - but luckily that scent doesn't remain on your skin for very long. When you wear this under your makeup you only need very little product, and I would recommend that you use no more than the size of a grain of rice - after all this is not a moisturiser as such. The balm feels very cooling and relaxing on the skin when you first apply it, and it instantly forms a thin protective layer on your skin, acting as a primer to help your makeup stay in place for longer. As with many of the Clarins products there's a "correct way" of applying the balm, you don't just massage it into your skin. Instead you have to apply it with a few gentle strokes in the same direction, or press it into your skin with your palms to get the silicone to create or activate that firming feeling on your skin. When you've applied the balm, the skin will feel velvety smooth, invigorated and protected and you can move on to foundation straight away without needing to let the balm settle on your skin. 

There have been days when my skin has felt as if it needed a mega boost of radiance, so I have put on quite a thick layer of the balm all over my face and left it on for 10 mins, like a drink up mask before wiping it off. It's worked quite well and made the skin look plump and instantly radiant, however my skin has felt slightly sensitive afterwards, so I don't do this very often and personally I prefer the sensation of the balm working on your skin, and the glow throughout the day or evening under your makeup.

According to Clarins you can use the Beauty Flash Balm as part of your daily routine, either in the morning or the evening, but I definitely wouldn't do that. I have a theory that your skin gets used to products, just like any other muscle gets used to certain exercises and since I really want that Cinderella effect every time I use the balm, I'm a bit selective of when I use it which probably also helps that feeling of "something special". So I save it for special occasions, or if I have a really important day ahead and I want to feel confident and the best I can. The only downside of this product for me is the scent - it's not at all what you would expect from Clarins and if for some reason there really is a need for such a strong scent, I wish it was more modern in its style. Otherwise it's a wonderful smoothing, illuminating and firming product and since the effect last so long, there's no need to hurry home before midnight - before you turn into a pumpkin!

October empties

I don't think anyone will be surprised when I say that I like to shop - particularly beauty products. To get some brand new interesting things you've never tried before is so exciting. But having your bathroom cabinet full of lovely stuff that's not used is rather pointless, so I'm trying to be really good and to finish up products that are half full before I move on to my brand new toys. I've even been so organised that I've put all the stuff that needs to be used up at the front of the cabinet, and made a little list for me to track my progress. Talk about taking your beauty seriously!

The first empty of October is a dry shampoo. As most of you will know by now, I think dry shampoo is a girls' second best friend, and absolutely perfect for a quick on the go freshen up of your hair. I am a big user of the Batiste products and the Dry Shampoo XXL Volume not only refreshes and gives texture it also give a lot of volume, which for me is perfect e.g. after a gym session or if you're going out somewhere straight after work. Like all of the Batiste products it comes with a smell which is distinct for this particular bottle - it smells intensely of red berries, sweet floral and has almost a salty liquorice after smell. I have to say though that for me it is a little bit too strongly perfumed, and not one of my favourites which is a shame since I like the volumising effect, but I probably won't repurchase because of the artificial scent. 

Next product is the Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray which is supposed to help your make up set and to stay on for longer by regulating the temperature of the skin, keeping it looking lovely and matte, without having to do any touch ups. I had never used this before and it took a little bit of getting used to, and to figure out how get it to work for me. I didn't think that it came with very good instructions, so I tried a couple of different approaches until I found what seemed to work best. I actually spray it on both after having put on my foundation, but before using powder and also when I've finished doing all my makeup. The spray function is quite good and gives a fine mist, and I use about 3-4 spritzes for every application. It definitely helps to keep your make up in place, however on me it doesn't work nearly as long as it claims (up to 16 hrs), in reality it's more like 5-6 hrs before I need to fix any shine. It's a good product and but before I repurchase it, I'd first like to try the All Nighter version to see how that measures up. 

I have also finished my KIKO Skin trainer. You may remember that I did a trial, during which I would only use this particular serum to see if it would live up to the miraculous results that it promised within 30 days. After the 30 days I did notice that the skin felt very firm and taut, which is exactly what was promised, but for me the sense of hydration wasn't as good as I would like it to be. It's a good, affordable serum that does firm your skin, but if you have tendencies towards dry or dehydrated skin, I would definitely recommend that you use intense hydration masks and a rich moisturiser to boost moisture levels. I do have other serums that I'm using at the moment and I'm not sure I would repurchase this, simply because of the tightness that I started to experience at the end of the 30 days. If KIKO releases a new version of the Skin Trainer to up moisture, I would definitely try it out.

It was a sad, sad day when I finished my Jo Malone Redcurrant & Cream Cologne. This was part of the limited edition collection called Sugar & Spice which was released earlier this Spring. It was a gorgeous collection with cake and dessert inspired fragrances and this was my favourite out of the five scents. To me it captures British summer perfectly with it's mix of tangy piquant red currants, juicy sun kissed strawberries, sweet crushed raspberries, lots of light, fluffy whipped cream and a subtle touch of warm musk that really rounds the scent off, preventing the berries from completely taking over. It was a delicious scent and even though I have enjoyed wearing it, I doubt that I will get it again since it's now only available on eBay at extortionate prices. Redcurrant & Cream, I will miss you!

Let's move from indulgent, unique fragrances to a complete makeup steal on the high street - the MUA Bronzer in Shade 01. MUA offers a number of products for £1, which is almost embarrassingly cheap, but despite the low cost the bronzer is actually a great product. It's one of my favourite bronzing products because not only does it give a lovely natural, golden shade with a very subtle shimmer, it's also light and pleasant to wear. The bronzer lasts for a good chunk of the day and works really well for scultping too. In fact, I like this so much that I feel like throwing in another £ coin every time I buy it, it almost seems rude for it to be that cheap. If you only wear bronzer occasionally and you don't want to go for the more costly options, I highly recommend the MUA bronzer.

The last product among the October empties is the Clarins Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser with Peach. It's very similar to a micellar water, i.e. it will remove eye make up and cleanse your face at the same time. I will never use only cleansing waters of this type (not even Bioderma) since I feel that I need, and enjoy a thorough cleanse of my face every evening, but it's a wonderful and gentle option as part of my morning routine, to get rid of any impurities from over night. What I particularly like with this Clarins product is the refreshing sunny scent of peach that lingers on my skin, setting me up nicely for the day and how soft it makes my skin feel. I do have a few other cleansing waters that I need to use up, but I will definitely be getting this again at some point soon.

I feel quite pleased that I have managed to take off six items from the list of products to finish up this month. It took a lot of focus and determination, let me tell you. Besides, you have to use it all up to make space for all the stuff that's on my other list - the one of things to get!

Sleep in a jar? Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream

After I finished my Estée Lauder Resilience Lift Face Cream which was nice and rich - perfect for night use I had the fun task of trying to find another night cream. I had always been curious about the Clarins Multi-Active collection which claims to correct the appearance of early lines and wrinkles and neutralise harmful effects of fatigue, and in the end I bought the Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream which is intended for dry skin.

I've noticed that the latest trend in skin care seems to be products that claim to give you the same benefits as a good nights sleep would. So similar to the new and updated Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair, the Multi-Active night cream is like 8 hrs sleep in a jar to help renew and repair the skin through boosting the cellular renewal and help skin to recover sleep debt. This should combat the appearance of early wrinkles and your skin should look refreshed, smooth and toned in the morning.

Now I don't know about you, but I LOVE my sleep, and I desperately need it to function properly otherwise I walk around like a zombie, which Him Indoors will gladly confirm for you. But even if I most of the time do get my beauty sleep, I still want to benefit from these new miracle creams too - perhaps it will even double the effect! Apparently the key ingredients to boost cellular renewal and repair any damage are kiwi extracts, Imudilin (an amino acid molecule) and carob extracts . To help restoring softness there's also shea butter - this old classic ingredient to help sooth and comfort the skin.

The texture of the cream isn't as thick as you might expect from some night creams, but it has a pleasant density to it, thicker than a lotion and you do need to massage it in gently for it to be absorbed by the skin. It smells fresh, natural and a little bit herbal and it doesn't make your skin greasy or sticky which is really nice. Waking up in the morning my skin has felt refreshed, smooth and supple and it has looked radiant and rested too. Although I do feel as if I need to use quite a lot of it to give my skin a good coverage and to get that comforting feeling from the cream. I would imagine that if I had used the multi-active serum and the day cream as well, that the effect from the creams would probably reinforce each other and be even longer lasting, and at some point I might try doing just that with a product range.

I have enjoyed using the night cream, but I'm not completely certain that I will repurchase it when it's done. Both my skin and I am craving something really rich and hydrating and since it'll definitely be colder and harsher weather by the time this cream is finished, I'll probably go for something a bit heavier. Do you have a favourite night cream that you would recommend?

September empties

It feels as if it was just yesterday that I wrote the empties post for August - where does the time go? Today I have quite a good mix for you with a little bit of everything and you may recognize some of them from previous posts.

One of the first products I finished this month is my staple Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel from Clarins. I have repurchased this so many times because of its very gentle but effective cleansing abilities and it leaves no dry areas at all. I should mention that it is a foaming gel since there's a lot of discussion about whether you should use this on your skin or not, although it is soap free and the foaming comes from Soapwort which is a natural alternative to soap. I love how refreshed and pepped up my skin feels after I've used it. This is partly because of the lightness of the gel and partly because of the amazing, zesty fresh citrusy scent - what a way to start the day or to wash away the day that's been and I will definitely repurchase this again. 

It might seem strange to some people, but I actually light candles all year around since I'm scent-dependent, and I try to capture the time of year in the scents that I use and surround myself with. One of the candles I've used this summer has been Lily-Flame's Sweet Pea, mentioned in one of my very first blog posts. All of the Lily Flame candles are so pretty to look with their tiny marshmallows on the top, and every time I light a candle the first time I feel so guilty for ruining it - but it has to be done to get to the goodies! Sweet pea is a very tender, ladylike and classic, pure scent that's been perfect for the hot summer evenings we've had. I wouldn't say that it smells exactly like the flower because it has less of the floral and is a more crisp and pure scent - very elegant and delicate. If you haven't tried any of the candles from this range I really recommend them. There are so many amazing scents to choose from and they all smell very authentic. Another thing I love about them is that they burn really really well in the tin - from side to side without creating a big horrible crater in the middle, so you do get full value out of these. Since I have just stacked up on candles you can expect to see some of them mentioned in the next few months. 

Staying with the scent of summer, I'm sad to say that I've finished my Moschino Pink Bouquet EdT. It contains scents from exotic pineapple, warm juicy peach, cooling citrus fruits, seductive womanly jasmine and spicy woods - which together forms a light, sparkling, fresh and lively scent that isn't in the least syrupy or sugary. Pink Bouquet has suited me perfectly and I got so many compliments wearing it, so even though I have A LOT of beautiful perfumes left, I will definitely get another one at some point after I've finished a few others (I can hear Him Indoors sighing with relief).

In my Green edition I mentioned the Kérastase Bain Force Architecte Reconstructing Shampoo so I'm not going to go into a lot of detail, but this is a higher end shampoo specifically for damaged and dry hair. It reconstructs your hair to improve its resistance and leaves it shiny and feeling much stronger. It is a pricier product but if you need an intensive treatment, I would highly recommend it since it's worked beautifully on my hair.

A while back I got two products out of the Estée Lauder Resilience Lift range; the Eye cream that I'm still using (and I think I'll still be using in 5 months time since you need so little of it), and the Resilience Lift Face and Neck Creme which I've now finished. The cream is supposed to help tighten the facial contours, using a light-responsive enzyme, minerals and mimosa extract to help boost your skin's collagen production. The formula is lovely and thick, and it quickly melts into your skin as you gently massage it in, leaving your skin feeling very moisturized and nourished. I've only used this as a night cream, but every morning my skin has looked radiant, fresh and plump and it feels as if it's been nourished throughout the night, preparing the skin nicely for the morning routine. I really enjoyed this creme and I will definitely consider getting it again.

The last item in this month's empties is also a skin care product - the Gatineau Melatogenine AOX Probiotics Youth Activating Beauty Serum (now say that quickly 10 times in a row - I DARE you). This is another item which is packed with antioxidants and pro-biotics to help boost the skins immune system and the effect is that it should help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. I love using serums and have tried many different brands and this is slightly different than many of the others I've tried. It's slightly thinner and more runny in its texture, although it absorbs easily and also gives that lovely feeling of deep and long lasting moisturizing and I would highly recommend it if you don't like the sensation of thicker, richer serums. I can't really comment on the wrinkle reducing effects but your skin does feel very smooth, supple and bright.

Which products did you finish this month and will you be repurchasing any of them?

August empties

I usually have several products on the go at the same time for different needs, moods etc but this month I've tried to be disciplined and finish some of them, before throwing myself at a new unopened one.... oooh there's nothing like opening a brand new product!

The first empty this month is a cheeky chappy from Avon - The Naturals Kids Mango Crazy Hair Tamer. Since I have long hair that always has a mind of its own after getting wet, this is perfect to help comb out all the kinks. It's a gentle and non sticky formula with a super fresh apple/mango scent. I know it's for kids, but it's a cheap and cheerful favourite of mine that really makes detangling less painful and my hair smooth, sleek and shiny.

Another old favourite that I finished is Clarins Hand and Nail Treament Cream which I have used on and off for years. It's a very rich and luxurious cream that contains sesame oil and Japanese mulberry to soften and protect the skin and I love massaging it into my hands, cuticles and elbows - completely random I know, but it works a treat! The cream has a subtle fresh and clean cotton scent with a small hint of orange or citrus. I adore this hand cream and it's a good thing I bought a duo pack the last time, so I don't need to be without for a little while.

I got a small pot of Cherry Body Butter from Body Shop a while back in their sales - Body Shop Bargain post, and although I wasn't completely sold on the scent at the time I really enjoyed using it. It didn't have that sweet, earthy cherry scent that I was hoping for but the amazing qualities of the body butter make up for it. It doesn't really matter which of Body Shops' tempting scents you go for - the formula is the same with its thick, buttery consistency that quickly absorbs and still leaves your skin feeling deeply moisturised. The body butters definitely are great value for money!

At the beginning of the month I finished my Estée Lauder Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Creme which unlike many products does exactly what it says on the beautiful pot. It's a gorgeous velvety, silky cream that melts into your skin with a very gentle, subtle scent. When you apply it, you'll feel a noticeable difference immediately. It's like a mega boost in hydration and not only that - it continues to last throughout the whole day. Since I started to use Hydrationist I no longer carry with me a small moisturiser during the day for dry areas - a spritz of Caudalie Beauty Elixir is enough to keep my skin going. Apparently this is because the formula encourages the skins natural ability to retain moisture which fights the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I LOVE this cream and will definitely get another one at some point.

A couple of times a week I use a mask of one sort or another either to hydrate, nourish, deep cleanse - whatever my skin needs most that particular day. It had been a while since I had used a Fresh Face Mask so I got the Lush Oatifix for dry skin which is supposed to moisture the skin leaving it soft, nourished and brightened. The mask contains bananas, oatmeal, ground almonds and is scented with a little bit of vanilla and to me that all sounds like the shopping list for a really yummy dessert! In the pot it looks fairly creamy and easy to work with, but when you apply to your face it falls into a million pieces. Unless you are lying down for 5-10 mins while the mask is doing its thing, there is no way that it will stay on your face. I liked the polishing feel of it, but the fact that it wouldn't stay on was enough for me to not want to buy it again. I have almost all of the product left, which says a lot about how I feel about this mask. It pains me to say it because I've always loved every Lush product I've tried, but this one definitely didn't work for me. I haven't given up on the fresh masks though, so if you have recommendations on another one with hydrating qualities, please leave a comment below!

A mascara that I have been using a lot the past few months is L'Oréals False Lash Telescopic Mascara in Magnetic Black. The formula is lovely and fluid which makes it easy to work with (not dry like some mascaras) and it's specially made to build intensity and to elongate the lashes. It comes with a long, very thin and flexible brush that easily reaches even the shortest lashes, close to the corner of your eye and I also find that it kind of curls the lashes as you're working with it. I'm so happy with this mascara that I've repurchased it several times and can highly recommend it to create long defined lashes.

L'Oréal False Lash Telescopic Mascara brush

Lastly, if you read my Body Shop Bargain post, you may remember that I was so excited about a Jasmin & White Frangipani candle, which smells absolutely amazing with a very genuine Jasmine scent. Now maybe I've been unlucky because not only did the glass break almost straight away, but it's also one of those candles that just burn straight down into the tumbler and creates a big crater, with lots of wax on the sides that doesn't burn - what a waste! I will try another Body Shop candle in a different scent to check if this was a dud, who knows - the others might be brilliant.

Have you finished a product this month you can't live without? Leave me a comment and let know what you'll be buying again as soon as you hit the shops!

My evening routine

After a long day and before snuggling down to relax I get changed and get my skin ready for the night. It does take a few minutes, but it's a routine that I like and that for me really marks the end of the day - I'm done, I'm home and now it's down time. When I'm really tired it's tempting to want to ignore the whole evening routine, and just to go to bed with make up on (and don't try and deny it - we've all done that!), but with the help of a cleansing solution it'll take less than a minute to cleanse and moisturize to keep those wrinkles at bay! Cleansing solutions are definitely a great option, but for me they don't completely replace a separate cleanser and toner, which is what I prefer to use most evenings.

I start with soaking some cotton pads in Gatineau Floracil Gentle Cleansing Lotion for Eyes which is a super gentle non-oily cleansing lotion that is incredibly effective in removing all eye makeup, including waterproof products, and then I leave them for a few seconds on the eyelids. There's no need for pulling or rubbing, and the lotion also soothes the eye area while it cleanses. It is a pricey product, but considering that you only need very little, it lasts a long time and since it looks after that delicate eye area as well, I like to look at it as an investment - to prevent further cost in 15 years time, if you know what I mean.

I'll follow that with my Clarins Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel. It's a light and gentle foaming gel that cleanses the skin, removing any make up but without drying out my skin. I have used this product for about a year and for me it's perfect to use in the shower, it really brightens the skin and I love its fresh and zesty orange fragrance. It's definitely my favourite Clarins cleanser and it's great value for money (£12).

When I've rinsed off the cleansing gel with some warm water I use Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile. I really like to use a toner to get rid of every bit of cleanser or any stubborn makeup, and because it makes the skin feel that extra clean and fresh. This lotion is again a very gentle and alcohol free product and with the Camomile, well known for it's anti inflammatory qualities, this helps to soften and soothe any irritation. By the way, if you are interested in any of these products, and you are based in the UK - hurry up and go to Clarins on line store since they have some fantastic summer offers on at the moment, with great goodie bags for purchases over £60 (offer expires 18/8)!

So that's the preparation done and now the last bit - moisturisers. If I'm using an oil or a serum, I'll apply that at this point before I get to the eye cream. At the moment I have the Estée Lauder Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Eye Creme which I've talked about in detail in another post. I like to use products that feel as if they are actually doing something, and for the eye area in particular I like creamy textures that moisturise and nourish without any clogging - this eye cream does all of those things. The skin feels so smooth and refreshed and the eye area looks bright and radiant. When I wrote the other post on this eye cream I estimated that I would get a good 3-4 months use out of it, and more than one month down the line I have barely made a dent in the cream. That's how little you need, and my new estimate is that it'll probably still be on my bathroom shelf 6 months from now!

Last but not least is the Decléor Aromessence Angélique Night Balm. Night time is perfect for oils and serums that have a thicker consistency that will leave your skin a bit shiny and oily, but since you're asleep anyway - who cares when it does wonders for your skin? The Angélique balm is suitable for dry skin types in particular and consists of essential oils and 100% natural, preservative-free ingredients. Before you apply it you should rub a little balm between your palms or fingertips to heat it up, to make it easier for it to melt into your skin. As you heat up the balm you'll sense the amazing aromatic essential oils which I find really relaxing. The balm is supposed to soothe dry skin, reduce fine lines and stimulate "the nutritive exhange process" - I guess that means that we'll all wake up looking GORGEOUS! All jokes aside, I use this night balm all year around, but especially in the wintertime as an intense treatment to rebalance and smooth my skin, and I know that in the morning I'll have soft and supple skin.

To finish off I'll spray some on some nice perfume before making a cup of tea or a very naughty hot chocolate. That and reading a few clicks on the kindle will send me off to the land of nod, and a good nights sleep. Zzzzzleep well!

Face Off - The cleansing waters

Cleansing waters and micellar solutions are the hottest thing since hair straighteners, and have gone from being a beauty bloggers cult item, to something we can easily find in Superdrug or Boots. They come in all prices and are available for all skin types.

Products from this new generation of cleansers all have in common that they are soap free and gentle on the skin, so would suit the most sensitive among us. You use them just like a toner - soak a cotton pad in the solution and you're ready to get rid of make up or to cleanse your face in the morning, just with a simple sweep. I've matched a couple of products against each other and here are my thoughts on them.

In the first corner we have an old friend of mine - Clarins Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser with Peach Essential Water. While I'm very familiar with one, the others were new to me and I was really looking forward to trying them. This goes in particular for the product in the second corner - beauty bloggers no 1 favourite Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution. In the third corner we have L'Oréal's dupe for Bioderma, L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution and the last contender is Decleor Aroma Cleanse Soothing Micellar Water, another brand that I know well - although not this particular product.

So lets get ready to cleanse!

I have been using Clarins Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser with Peach Essential Water for about 4 months now, and I mainly use it as part of my morning routine, although I have also used it on evenings when I was too tired to do a proper cleanse, and it does a good job. It is very gentle on the skin, and the yummy peach smell helps to make your skin feel refreshed. However because it is so gentle I'm not sure how effective it would be on days when you wear full makeup with heavier foundation, blush, bronzer, highlighter - hmmm, I'm sceptical. When I first got the cleanser I didn't read the instructions properly so I thought I could use it both for eye and face makeup, but it really stung my eyes and since then I always use a separate eye make up remover before using this product, so while it may be fresh, gentle and lovely smelling, an all-in-one cleanser it is not.

I was so excited to try the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution since I've heard so much about it. Expectations were sky high and I was prepared to be underwhelmed. This is an alcohol-free, super mild cleanser that removes both face and eye makeup in one sweep and you don't need a lot either. It smells of absolutely nothing, actually less than nothing - it's the strangest sensation, it's as if it's in a fragrance vacuum. The complete lack of smell adds to the clinically clean feeling you're left with after you've used it. Now I can be funny about products that have been super hyped, and thought to myself that I wouldn't be seduced that easily, but I completely get it. Bioderma is absolutely amazing!

Let's move on to L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution which is often called a dupe for Bioderma. Considering I was so impressed with Bioderma, this product had a lot to live up to and since I'd never used any of L'Oréal's cleansing products previously, I wasn't sure what to expect. Similar to Bioderma this is an all-in-one product, so it removes both face and eye makeup without stinging your eyes, and it also tones and soothes the skin. It's very effective and makes your skin feel thoroughly cleansed. I can see why fans of Bioderma may find this a good substitute, and it's excellent value for money - all in all a very positive surprise!

The last contender is Decleor Acoma Cleanse Soothing Micellar Water. I always seem to have one or two Décleor products as part of my routine mainly because I love the concept of Aromessence. This micellar water also contains essentials oil - camomile, neroli, lavendar and majoram and essential waters from rose, sweet clover and mallow. The only scent that you really pick up on though is the very subtle one of roses. This is supposed to remove both face and eye make up but I would not recommend that. I don't have either sensitive eyes or skin, but when I used it on my eyes it really stung and my eyes kept on watering, for the next 10 mins or so. That unfortunately was the deciding factor for me - I really wanted to like this but I won't be repurchasing, when there are so many other fantastic options to choose from. 

So - after 4 intense but clean rounds we have a winner. It's not a knock out, but it's a win on points. And for me the winner is.....

 

It has everything you could want - it removes both face and eye makeup equally effectively but gently, and leaves your skin feeling amazingly clean without any dry patches or irritation. I also like the fact that it comes in so many different sizes so you can have a small one in the gym bag or carry on luggage, big one in the bathroom etc. But what nudged it ahead of the runner up - L'Oréal, was that I really disliked the L'Oréal 3 in 1 packaging. When you flick open the cap and if the bottle isn't upright or it's new and very full, the solution goes everywhere since there's no nozzle or anything to prevent that from happening.

I will definitely re-purchase Bioderma and for me it's the champion of light weight cleansing!

I want to finish by recommending that you check out Female Blogger RT, which is a network to help female bloggers to grow their audience and if you're a new blogger like myself, networks like these are amazing! 

My morning routine

It's so important to get your day off to a good start. I hate mornings so for me a good start would ideally mean that I could sleep to 10 every day, but since that's not going to happen anytime soon - a nice cup of coffee and a good skin routine that doesn't take forever, will have to do. The products below are great for normal to dry skin.

In the mornings I'm a bit lazy and have enough with focusing on breathing so I usually only use a cleansing water, and for a while now Clarins Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser with Peach Essential Water, has been my go to product. Super easy and fast - a cotton pad with the cleansing water and 2 secs later you're done. Voilà, a fresh base to start the day with. Perfect!

Then moving quickly on to lightly pat on a very small amount of Estée Lauder's Perfectionist serum, which works super fast with it's firming qualities. At least that's what I tell myself, and early in the morning I really need all the positivity I can get. All jokes aside this repair serum is fantastic with just the right consistency, creamy enough but not leaving any oily film or sheen, making it great for day wear.

After that it's an even smaller amount of Estée Lauder's Resilience Lift Eye Creme, to freshen up the eye area and set if up for make up, and this really works for my skin making it nice and plump. I follow on with Estée Lauder's Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Cream - another super product with mega moisturising qualities that seem to work its balancing magic just as well in winter as in summer time. It's a velvety, almost gel like texture, despite being a cream that boosts the skin all day long. And need I say it... of course it smells soooo fresh.

I finish with a couple of sprays of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir for more radiance - an often mentioned product amongst beauty bloggers and vloggers. I find the aromatic smell energizing and have also discovered that He indoors steals a spritz from it every now and then - the cheek!

Some Clarins Hand and Nail Cream to soften and protect the paws for whatever tasks lay ahead, and I'm good to get on with the day. 

Clarins Santal Face Treatment Oil

I am a huge fan and follower of French skincare and while it's both easy to get hold of on this side of the Channel, and not to mention far too easy to pronounce - Clarins is an amazing brand that just keeps on producing premium quality natural products. My current skin care regime already contains a lot of Clarins, but I'm always open to introducing new pretty jars with magic potions to my cupboards.

One such magic potion is the Santal Face Treatment Oil for dry skin. Since I've spent a fair bit of time in the sun the past few months, this addition has been perfect to use in the evening a few times a week to replenish moisture and help smooth out any irritation. The oil is made from 100% pure plant extract but I would not recommend using it in the day time since it's fairly heavy on the skin.

Being slightly obsessed with scents I have to at least try and describe what's going on in this product since it's like nothing else I've ever tried. Imagine taking a handful of warm cardamom pods and then crushing and grounding them with mortar and pestle - that aromatic, exotic and soothing scent is what fills the air. It's like passing a bakery early in the morning and the smells from the newly baked bread heat you up from the inside - it is truly amazing!


A few months ago I went on a long haul flight equipped with a small bottle of this in my hand bag, and I'm convinced the oil helped me relax. Until stress free travel using teleports is invented, this will be a trusted companion both for travel and my skin.

July Empties

Yes - I know that there are a lot of posts on Empties out there, but I really like to read them and the more the merrier, right?!

I have to confess that I tend to use up a product even though I may not love it, or for that matter even like it very much and my first contribution to this classic beauty blog category contains a few examples of exactly this.

For the first time in history for me I have finished a shampoo before the conditioner. Usually it's the other way around, but I think it's because I've started to use hair masques and other treatments more often than before. I have long hair that tends to get dry with damaged ends, so I always look for a moisturising shampoo - enter TRESemmé Vitamin E Moisture Rich Shampoo. I got the shampoo and conditioner a while back and I finally finished the shampoo. It claims to "boost moisture, resiliency and strength for soft, shiny, healthy-looking hair.". I didn't find much of that though - it cleaned my hair, smelled fresh but that was about it. It's an OK shampoo but it didn't rock my world and I'm not in a hurry to get the same one. Saying this, I have other TRESemmé products that I love in the styling range and I also find the Split Remedy Leave-In treatment great.

I've also tried the VO5 Hot Oil Give Me Moisture treatment since I really liked the idea of applying it to my hair and leaving it for 1 min before shampooing. Sounded easy enough and should also help strengthening the hair. It definitely made my hair soft and shiny, but unfortunately I haven't noticed any significant improvement in strength, so despite the appealing price I don't think I'll go back to this one.  

If I've started with products that underwhelmed me I'll finish strong with some staple items starting with the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. This is without a doubt the best mask for dehydrated skin I have ever used, and even if your skin isn't dehydrated, it's a nice treatment every week to maintain plumpness. It almost has a cinderella effect and you can really see the difference after just a few uses. I've used the mask after Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract, and they're a great combination. I use the exfoliating cleanser a few times a week to get rid of any dry skin, but I know it's supposed to be gentle enough to use daily. It doesn't feel as abrasive as many other products, but it still does a super job with the deep cleaning.

Going back to hair products - I finished my beloved Bumble & Bumble Mending Complex. After styling, or even during the day when my hair's felt a bit dry, I've smoothed a few drops through the ends and it just make my hair feel deeply moisturised, shiny and the smell is amazing! Admittedly the bottle is only 125ml and comes at a fairly steep price - £25.50, but it does last a very long time and I will definitely be repurchasing.

Last but not least is the Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey candle, that's been scenting the bedroom for a few months. This is my favourite Jo Malone fragrance and the first one I ever got a few years ago now, and it certainly didn't disappoint as a candle. It is a luxury item, but I do plan to get another one, when my English Pear & Freesia is no more.