October Empties!

Bonjour!

How can it be Bonfire Night already?  I happened to casually point out to the girls at work that 'this time in a couple of months Christmas/New Year will be all over and done with' ... and was told to shut up!  Anyway ... on with last month's empties ...

L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise Everstrong No Sulphates Shampoo and Nourishing Intense Mask - I really like this range - I reviewed it back in March here and have used it on and off since then, in between other products. I still have some of the standard conditioner (always the case with conditioner!) but have finished up the shampoo and mask.  I like the way this makes my hair feel and will repurchase at some stage to dip in and out of whenever I feel the need to replenish and revitalise!

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash  - love this as a morning face wash - it's so zingy and refreshing! Leaves my skin soft with no dry or tight feeling, Full review here and I've already repurchased!

Gatineau Defilift 3D Eye Contour Cream - I do like this cream for a.m. use. Firming and tightening is important when you get to my age and I do feel like it does the job quite nicely, however, this bottle must have been a 'dud'! I've used quite a few Gatineau products and although quite pricey, they usually last for ages making them worthwhile.  This, however, has already run out after not long at all and it's not as if I've used loads as you only need a small amount - I think it must have been half full - big disappointment! 

Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel - another favourite cleanser that's had it's tube cut to scrape every last bit out!  Works well as a morning face wash but was also very effective as a refreshing and purifying evening cleanser.  I do switch to cleansing oil for winter nights but will repurchase to use come Spring/Summer.

Organic Surge Orange Flower Toner - I won this in a giveaway held by my young blogging buddy Sasha at Ramblings of a Beauty Bird.  A lovely hydrating toner suitable for sensitive skin with a subtle orange flower scent at a brilliant price of only £7.50/200ml.  I'm currently finishing off a travel size of the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic but will be repurchasing this one I'm sure!

Dr Jart V7 Turnover Booster - technically used up in September so should have been included in last month's empties - whoops! I really like this for use  during the warmer months as it's cooling and refreshing and revitalises the skin.  Review here.

Clarins Blue Orchid Oil Face Treatment Oil and Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate - a couple of little gems! Been using up these sample sizes under moisturiser at night.  Love my facial oils once the weather turns.  Full reviews are here and here. 

Mandara Spa Island Paradise Moisturising Shower Gel - trying to make a dent in my huge shower gel stash. This one is so refreshing with all those grapefruits and lemons!  I can see me repurchasing at some stage - I have soft spot for Mandara Spa!


Have you tried any of these products? What have you used up last month?

Jen x

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash - Review

Bonjour!

The Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash is a product I've dipped in and out of for a few years now as a troubleshooter ... it's not a make-up remover, but can be slotted into an existing routine morning and/or evening in-between cleansing and toning, or on it's own as a morning face wash.  It helps to get my skin back on track when it starts playing up and keep it on the straight and narrow!

Here's what Elemis have to say about it ...

"As we get older, our skins ability to rejuvenate our skin cells slows down. These dynamic formulations contain a trio of revolutionary enzymes that stimulate biological cell renewal to help decrease the appearance of fine lines, acne and uneven skin tone."  source

It's meant to slough away those dead skin cells and help with imperfections, spots, bumps, rough bits, and breakouts, leaving skin smoother and more refined and radiant.  You do have to remember to 'up the ante' with the SPF though as you're exposing all those new skin cells to the world - so I don't tend to use so much at the height of Summer or run-up to/during holiday (there's a little warning about this on the back of the bottle!).

I dug my Tri-Enzyme Wash out a few weeks ago when I returned from holiday,  although I had used some lovely products whilst away, I don't think I drank enough water, didn't eat a very healthy diet (does anybody when they're on holiday?) and definitely didn't get enough sleep (the bed was ridiculously uncomfortable and gave me back-ache!) - not painting a good picture am I?   My skin looked a bit dull, bumpy and uneven with a spot or two here and there!  I've been using since then every morning as a face wash - (once a day is enough for me as my skin can be prone to sensitivity).  It has a pleasant lotion like texture with delicate creamy scent, just mix with water, apply to one's kite and rinse or wipe off with a damp face cloth and proceed as normal.

After a week or so it had worked it's magic, I'm not saying my skin is perfect but it feels smoother, cleaner (I'm talking pores here!), more even, brighter and less bumpy.  I've used a few products from the Elemis Tri-Enzyme range over the years and this is the one I always come back to as it does what it says on the tin and works without stripping or burning my skin (sorry Liquid Gold!).

It comes in at around £29/200 ml (I have the mini size) which may seem expensive but it lasts for ages and I've usually picked up mine in some kit or other on QVC (old habits die hard!) so it's something which I'll continue to use for my dose of 'cell renewal' as and when!

Have you tried the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash or any similar products? Which is your favourite?

Jen x

Evening Skincare Routine ...

Bonjour!

So ... I recently did a morning skincare post the other week (which you can cast your eye over here) - following on with evening products ...

Gatineau Floracil Eye Make-Up Remover - great at removing stubborn (and waterproof) eye make-up but also very gentle and refreshing on the eye area. I've repurchased this supersize at £17 a couple of times. It may seem expensive but works out the same as you'd pay for a high street brand when you take it down to price per 100ml and lasts for months.

Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel - I decided to use this up for my evening make-up removal when I ran out of cleansing oil (have previously only used in the morning - review here).  Am happy to report that it has performed superbly! Lovely purifying cleanser - really good choice for the summer when you may want something a bit lighter but also effective and has kept my skin clear!  I've cut it open to scoop out every last drop - will repurchase for use on Summer evenings.

Organic Surge Orange Flower Toner - I use this toner morning and evening and am getting hooked. A great alternative to my usual Liz Earle Instant Boost (and cheaper too!). Will repurchase and also try out some other Organic Surge goodies whilst I'm at it!

Gatineau Melatogenine AOX Advanced Anti-Ageing Eye Concentrate -  I'm using a lifting formula from Gatineau in the morning but have decided to target the old wrinkles at night-time so have turned once again to this eye cream from Gatineau.  (Thanks to my mum for providing me with both as presents!) The Melatogenine range is aimed at those concerned with fine (and not so fine!) lines and is enriched with antioxidants and probiotics. I love the refined, silky texture, you need the tiniest amount and it does seem to help smooth those pesky wrinkly bits!

Dr Jart V7 Turnover Booster - this is a product I reviewed last year - see here.  I did replace it with a facial oil during the cold winter months but all things considered it's lasted for months! I tend to use several times a week now - really cooling and soothing and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and 'juicy'! One I'd repurchase for the Summertime.

Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil - a recent discovery - full review here. Took this tiny bottle away on holiday this year and used every night under moisturiser to combat de-hydration. Will re-purchase the full size.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light - still a firm favourite. One I tend to favour more so in the Summer because of the light texture -works really well over a serum or facial oil. Shame it only comes in the pot as I'd have loved to have taken this on holiday! Full review here.

Gatineau Firming Throat Gel - this is my second tube.  Up until 'not so long ago' all I did in respect of my neck/decolletage was to extend my usual moisturiser over the area. My mum reminded me that I needed to 'up the ante' on this area and provided me with a couple of tubes of this throat gel! Having not used anything specific before I can't compare ... but this definitely seems to firm up on those wrinkly/slackening bits - you can actually feel it tightening up around your throat - in a totally comfortable way!  I still continue with moisturising at night-time but apply a little of this (you need the size of a pea) over the neck/decolletage every morning.  I noticed a difference when I stopped using so will either repurchase - (it's a bit pricey but can be bought in a more affordable duo from QVC which works out at around £20 per tube) or be on the look out for something similar. Any suggestions for this area welcome!


So that's the current evening line-up. Are you using any of these products? What's you current routine?

Jen x

Skincare Routine of the Morning Variety!

Bonjour!

Been a while since I did a Skincare Routine post so here goes with the current morning line-up.  In an ideal world I would have snapped this pic together with rays of early morning sunshine streaming in but I took it in the evening and was losing the light ... as you can see ... the realities of blogging ...!

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash - still a firm favourite for my morning cleanse. The zingy aroma is a real treat on bleary-eyed mornings (I have a lot of those!) - the face wash cleans and softens skin gently with no tight-kite feeling! Full review here.

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash - this is a product I dip in and out of from time to time whenever I feel my skin needs 'that little bit of extra' - it can be used on it's own as a morning face wash or in addition to your existing cleanser - full review to follow.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - a super-fine exfoliating powder.  It can be used daily but I use every couple of days to gently polish away dead skin cells on the old kite without any of that scratchy stuff going on - love it!

Organic Surge Orange Flower Toner - I was lucky enough to win this in a giveaway held by my lovely young blogging buddy Sasha from Ramblings of a Beauty Bird. I didn't think anything would drag me away from my beloved Liz Earle Instant Boost and granted - you don't get the hit of the aroma that you do with Instant Boost but ... what a lovely hydrating product! It has a gentle orange flower scent - is suitable for sensitive skin, includes aloe vera (I love aloe vera), is free from the usual nasties and is a fantastic value for money at just £7.50/200ml - full details from Organic Surge here.

Gatineau DefiLift 3D Eye Contour Lift Cream - loving this in the morning. Gives a much welcome 'tightening effect' to my saggy/baggy eye area. Full review to follow.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - hooked on this one for hydration - think this is my third bottle. Full review here.

Olay Sensitive Day Fluid - something I picked up by chance in Boots as a 'back-up' moisturiser - it was literally a few pounds for this big bottle and works absolutely fine! I can slap on as much as I need over my serum, it absorbs easily, is light with no greasiness yet moisturises effectively. Bargain!

So that's my current routine ...evening to follow shortly.  Do you use any of these products?

Jen x

Boost My Radiance ...!!

Bonjour!

I am not a fan of Winter - and that's putting it mildly! Why we can't just hibernate like animals is beyond me - or at least half hibernate!  Despite using some lovely products, I need a helping hand at this time of year to help with rubbish skin days, we're talking lackslustre, dull, grey, yellow etc. Here's where this little lot comes in ...!

Vichy Idealia BB Cream - if you read my waffle you'll know I'm a big fan of this BB. It's perfect for 'not so much make-up' days and helps me to look more human - if you know what I mean! Full review here. 

Gatineau Radiance Enhancing Gommage - a non-granular, enzyme based exfoliant to brighten and smooth.  Great to use on a morning/pre night out to pep things up or before applying a favourite facial mask for a bit of a pamper. Full review here.

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm - this was a magazine freebie. It can be used as a primer, light moisturiser or flash balm.  It didn't work for me as a primer, my make up slid off my face after a couple of hours - shame - but it's lovely as a morning moisturiser - hydrating and brightening or for applying sparingly to your kite for a bit of radiance.

Gatineau Active Eclat Flash Radiance - I should have done a full review on this little beauty - love it. A lightweight serum which can be applied over moisturiser, mixed with foundation or patted gently over make-up. It's wakes your face up and gives you a glow. For me, personally. this has the edge over the Elemis Flash Balm (sorry Elemis!) and I use it every time I have a dull day (or a hangover!).

Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask - I've used this mask for years, it's so quick and easy. Just apply after a morning cleanse, leave on for 30 seconds - 2 minutes and rinse off.  It gives a healthy 'just been for a brisk walk' glow - a great quick fix and it smells good too!

Bare Minerals Clear Radiance - this was part of a QVC kit some time ago. Bare Minerals have various versions of 'Radiance' - this one is a soft flesh tone which can be used to highlight or give a subtle glow over the cheekbones. I like to sweep a small amount over a matte blusher to add a bit of luminosity now and again.

Bare Radiance in the pot below ...

and then swatched ...

So that's my current arsenal for adding a bit of radiance - always good to have a trick or two up your sleeve and the more the better don't you think?

What are your favourite brightening/radiance enhancing products?

Jen x

January Favourites/Empties ...

Bonjour!

So that's January over with for another year - I'm so looking forward to the lighter mornings and evenings  - how about you? A mixed bag of favourites and empties over the past month or so then ...

Kerastase Ciment Thermique - been using this since the middle of December and it's a firm favourite! Full review to follow.
L'Oreal Elvive Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo and Conditioner  - this duo is coming to an end now. I was pleasantly surprised with it's performance and have re-purchased. Full review here.
Mandara Spa Tropical Blooms Moisturising Shower Gel - just finished, gorgeous smelling product this one with a  heady floral scent - reminds me of high summer!
Bare Minerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara - all finished. It gives a good effect once on but is a bit of a smudger. Couldn't make my mind up about it - as you can see from my review here. 
Benefit They're Real Mascara - I'm giving up on this one.  A magazine freebie and something I've been trying on and off for a few months - but it's not to be.  It just doesn't 'do it' for me and I poke myself in the eye every time I try!
Elf Baked Blush in Rich Rose - been loving this for a touch of colour and radiance (both of which have so been needed!) - review here.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment - this finished about a week after my review here and I was gutted and am missing it already! I'm trying another eye cream out but will be re-purchasing as soon as I can snap up a good deal!
Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Concealer in Nude - used mainly for the under-eye area. You do have to be light handed otherwise it has a tendency to cake up but I would re-purchase as it's quite a good concealer for me.
The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector - one of my all time favourites - especially in Winter - it's hard to beat that's for sure. I've repurchased a few times and will continue to do so!

And last but not least ... why oh why does this have to be empty...

Toblerone has to be one of my all time favourite items of confectionery - the chunks are just the right size for a treat after dinner and because you can't (or shouldn't) really fit it all in your mouth at the same time then one is enough on a school night. I've been allowing myself two chunks at the weekends though - get me!  Yes I will be re-purchasing on a fairly regular basis!

What have your favourites been last month? Are you able to fit a whole chunk of Toblerone in your mouth cos I can't!?

Jen x

Elemis Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment - Review

Bonjour!

I received the Elemis Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment  in a  QVC kit ages ago (I don't know what I'd do without QVC at times!) ...

Comes in a little (rather serious looking don't you think?) grey bottle with a dropper/pipette ...!

A little info directly from the Elemis website here for you ...

"Super-active padina pavonica and blue flower linseed helps smooth and firm, targeting fine lines and wrinkles, for a more youthful appearance. A super-light formula that packs heavy-weight results!

A sophisticated amino acid complex of natural humectants which attracts moisture into the deeper layers of the skin. Combines exceptional moisturisation with added protection to support the fragile skin around the eyes, without overloading them."

source

Now we all know my eye area is getting on a bit (along with the rest of me!) and whilst it's difficult to turn back time in this department, anything which helps halt proceedings - so to speak - can only be a good thing. I'm not a fan of anything heavy around the eye area - it just introduces more problems into the equation. Stands to reason that a light serum which is absorbed almost instantly and keeps the skin around my eyes hydrated, whilst helping to ward off wrinkles and saggy bits (dang those blasted saggy bits!) would always have been a welcome addition to my skincare routine!

All you need is a drop lightly patted around the orbital bone - it's very concentrated and the dropper makes it both easy and economical to use.  I started using in the mornings last summer and am only just  finishing it off (both AM and PM during the last few months) - it's kept going for ages. It has a cooling, soothing and slight firming feel to it and my eye area feels comfortable and moisturised (yet not overloaded with product) - and stays that way all day with no puffiness.  I'm not going to be completely wrinkle free at my age but I do think that using a quality product such as this helps to keep to keep the situation under control and treat the area in a suitable way.  I'll let you know if things start to slide after I finish this little bottle ...!

It is pricey at £39.00/15ml but no more so than any other premium product I've looked at.  I do have other eye products to try out but want to repurchase this at some stage as I feel it works for me. Wise to wait for another QVC TSV or kit though as it can end up costing a fraction of the full price and actually there is an Elemis TSV due on 16 February ...!

Have you tried the Elemis Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment? What's your favourite eye product of the moment?

Jen x

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

February Favourites, Empties and Shopping My Stash!

Bonjour!

February faves and empties here ...

Mandara Spa Tropical Blooms Softening Body Cream - (from Sainsburys) - my favourite fragrance from this range - heady floral scented cream that moisturises well.  Takes a while to rub in so I only use it when I know I've a little more time - great on a night out because the fragrance lasts and lasts. (I already re-purchased a while ago as they are frequently on offer at Sainsburys).

Dove Indulgent (with Shea Butter) Nourishing Lotion - an everyday favourite - glides on, sinks in easily and leaves skin soft and smelling good man. I'll re-purchase when it's on offer again.

Olay Essentials Complete Care Day Lotion - recently empty. Meant to be suitable for normal/dry or combi skin. Bought this mainly for it's spf 30.  Not sure whether this is the day cream for me - it's thicker than any I've used before - seems to moisturise ok and make up stayed put with primer but felt somewhat greasy on my T-Zone - maybe better suited to a dryer skin.  I'm a bit on the fence so am trying a new day cream out.

Nivea Sunny Melon & Oil Shower Gel - now finished (the bottle is actually a golden colour so it stilll looks full but it's empty - shame!). Exactly as the name suggests - smells of warm melons in the summer sun (that sounds wrong!).  It has teeny tiny balls of oil which burst when showering and moisturise skin - like it and will re-purchase (again will wait until on offer).

Elemis Re-Hydrating Ginseng Toner - this was another from last year's Elemis TSV - lovely product - refreshing, hydrating and invigorating in the morning. This is the first toner I've used from Elemis and I'd like to re-purchase at some stage.

Percy & Reed Bodifying Cream and No Oil Oil (for fine hair) - yep they're here again! Another kit from QVC - it's a favourite alright - full review to follow.

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm Original -  needs no intro. I hadn't used Carmex before (despite being a bit of a lip-balm addict) and bought the pot and the tube when Claire from Another New Day mentioned it as one of her absolute favourites for winter lips. I'm  glad I did because it's now one of my favourites, it's like wearing a protective shield. Love it.

 Laura Geller Baby Cakes Baked Blush Palette - love Laura Geller 'baked' products - available from QVC (also have her famous Balance 'n' Brighten.)  I've heard Laura's baked blushes are comparable to MAC's Mineralised  blushes? This is what I believe is called 'Shopping my Stash?' - bought the palette last year when it was on offer on QVC - where else? (don't think it's available in the UK at the moment - shame). I tend to save it for nights' out but dug it out to use recently and glad I did. The Baby Cakes blush palette contains three colours with a subtle shimmer (not full on glitter!) and one matte. Each gives a gorgeous wash of colour and lift to my tired old cheeks. You only need a little of the product but can build up for a stronger look - great pigment and stays put all day or night!

Ahh - a firm favourite (but soon to be empty!) this month - was on offer at Tesco half price.  Tastes wonderful with those bits of chocolate and gooey bits!

What have been your favourites this month - have you tried Creme Egg Ice Cream yet?


Jen x