Skincare Routine - AM

Bonjour!

I've currently got myself a nice little routine going in the morning  - well it's suits me anyway - doesn't take up too much time and the products all seem to be working well together - which is always a good thing. I'll not waffle on too much about each product as I've either reviewed or will review...

Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel - I treated myself to/re-purchased this in the 'supersize' from QVC once it came back into stock, much better value for money buying the bigger version - should last for ages as you only need a little squeeze! It just seems to work for me as my morning cleanser and helps to keep my skin clear - you can read my full review here.

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - a repeat purchase - I think this is on most peoples' list of worthy toners. It's one I keep going back to time after time, great for it's refreshing, hydrating and soothing properties all in one sweep!

Elemis Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment - I received this in last year's Elemis TSV and have been using it every morning for the last couple of months. A lightweight liquid/serum which sinks in instantly and helps to keep the eye area hydrated. A full review to follow.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - another repurchase. Still loving this serum on a morning - really helps keep skin plumped up - I reckon people with oily skin could use just this alone but I like to layer it for extra hydration. Full review here.

Vichy Idéalia BB Cream - a recent discovery - I think of all the BBs I've used so far this is coming in as my all time favourite. I just don't want to use anything else on top of my serum at the moment as it's working so well and provides moisture and cover all in one go. Full review here.

So that's my little lot for the AM. Got one going for the PM too which I'll post about presently.

Are you currently using any of the above products? What's your current morning routine?


Jen x

Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel - Review

I've been slowly getting through some of the Elemis products I received in the QVC TSV from last April (yes I did say last April - ridiculous or what?).  My Pro-Collagen Marine Cream recently finished (review here) and the Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel was another of the gems from the collection.

Directly from the Elemis website ..."Skin protective organic Argan Oil, mattifying Rice Silk and purifying Rosemary Leaf are combined with powerful anti-pollution Moringa Peptides."

Although this can be used to remove make-up (and I did so on a few occasions with success) I preferred it as my morning cleanser as it's not meant to be used around the eyes. It has a pleasant but subtle soft/warm citrus aroma. You only need a small amount of the gel for a morning wash - I apply directly to my face (where else?) - it glides on without dragging and melts to a silky oil form - I then add water and it immediately transforms to a milky liquid.  I find it best to use this way as it emulsifies so quickly you could end up losing half of it down the sink if you're not careful! I rinse/buff off with my ever trusty muslin cloth. It leaves skin soft, clean and refreshed.

I finished the tube a couple of months ago (included it in my January favourites) and honestly my skin appeared to 'behave' whilst I was using it every morning. My pores looked smaller, skin felt clearer and I seemed to lose those hormonal (I think) spotty bumps that appear on my cheeks from time to time. Was it just co-incidence or is this really my perfect morning cleanser.  I'm now using another a.m. face wash from my stash am not sure I'm getting the same results.

I would love to re-purchase  Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel but it retails at around £21.00/125ml so not the cheapest.  I'm keeping an eye on the super size which is available from QVC - around £28.00/250ml so much better value - (on 'waitlist' at the moment as it's obviously very popular!).

Have you tried Elemis Cleansing Gel - have you found your Holy Grail cleanser yet?

Jen x

January Favourites and Empties ...

Morning!

So late with my faves and empties from last month ... as you'll see I'm using more products than I have time write about and just can't keep up with my reviews (have loads in draft just hanging around and waiting to be finished)  but as with most households there aren't enough hours in the day for general activities never mind blogging so I just have to cram it in 'as and when' ... anyway I'll just get on with it then shall I ...?

Percy and Reed Colour and Shine Collection - got the kit from QVC before Christmas - seriously loving this lot - full review coming up.

Bare Minerals Tinted Mineral Veil and Multi Tasking Concealer (Summer Bisque) - been using these a lot this past month particularly the Mineral Veil (which is almost finished) - great products - don't know how I've not reviewed them before but that's coming up too.

Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel - finished the tube the other week (loved it)- yet another review to complete.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream - loved this to bits - all finished now - you can see my full review here.

Treacle Moon 'That Vanilla Moment' Bath and Shower Gel -  finished (it's lasted for ages!) - I reckon anyone who's a vanilla fan should try this out - will be re-purchasing.

Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask - this has been one of my fave masks for years - brings the colour back to your face and makes skin look more alive. Don't need to buy another yet as I already have one waiting in the wings!

Dirty Works 'You Soft Touch' Hand Cream - really good little hand cream from Sainsburys - got it half price at £1.49 - great for everyday use - will re-purchase at some point.

So ... when my hubby was poorly a few weeks ago and couldn't drink, I opened a bottle of wine and just couldn't finish the thing by myself over the weekend (such a lightweight!) so ended up giving it to a neighbour. I realised then that boxes are the way forward! Sainsbury's own house wines taste perfectly fine (to me), don't break the bank and will stay drinkable for a few weeks once opened - what's not to love? Of course now hubby is better they don't last that long at all ...!

How do fit your blogging schedule in? What's your favourite wine - in a bottle or box?

Jen x