Skincare Routine - AM

Bonjour!

It's been a while since I 'did' my skincare routine so without further ado here's the morning bunch I've been using over the last few months  ...

The products go from right to left ... because I didn't think and just photographed them that way ...!

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash - reviewed here. An old favourite that I've been using on and off for a few years now. Described as being suitable for normal/combination skin - I tend to turn to it in Summer as it's so refreshing and is ideal for a morning wash but doesn't dry my skin out.  I took a travel size on holiday this year and it was perfect for both myself and my daughter!

Alpha H Balancing Cleanser - another one I've used before and I've alternated it with the Balance Me Face Wash over the last few months.  This supersize came with a TSV from QVC so was excellent value for money - it gives a good cleanse and can be used am or pm but I've mainly been using it in the morning.   This particular tube is coming to an end now but it's one I'd definitely go for again as it's not thick or heavy but is more like a lotion in texture, it just slips over the skin as you massage in - I love the fact that it contains aloe vera and we all know how good for skin that is!

Alpha H Absolute Eye Complex - I reviewed this a good couple of years ago and always try to get hold of it in a kit or when it's on offer. I don't use it every morning but alternate with the Idealia Eyes below - it's great for pepping up extra-tired eyes as it feels so cooling and revitalising.  It contains ingredients to temporarily lift and tighten, detoxify and gently resurface and you can apply all over the eye area, top and bottom lid right up to the lash line.

Vichy Idealia Eyes - this was reviewed fairly recently here. Great product for helping with dark circles and dullness and certainly brightens up the eye area on a morning. I especially reach for it when I have my contacts in and my eyes are exposed in all their 'non-glory' to the whole world! We don't want to scare anyone do we!

Liz Earle Instant Boots Skin Tonic- needs no introduction or explanation even! One of my all time favourite toners for refreshing and moisturising that's actually nearly finished.  I do dip into other brands but I'm sure this will be a constant repurchase on and off for years to come!

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - I received this sample in a beauty box ages ago. I only use it every few days (as I use other types of exfoliants at different stages in the week) but I love it as it's so gentle and just gives a little bit of a polish without scratching or irritating the skin.

Nuxe Nuxellence Jeunesse Youth and Radiance Revealing Fluid - this was included in a Nuxe travel kit a while ago and I didn't really know what to expect - after all I'm slightly addicted to my Vichy Aqualia Thermal below!  It can be used am and/or pm but I stick to the morning as I'm addicted to facial oils of a night-time! It has a light but velvety texture, glides on and sinks in easily and does seem to deliver as my skin seems smoothed and brightened - I'm impressed. I tend to save it for when my skin is feeling a bit lacklustre and dull and then use for a few days on the go. It's a bit expensive at £47/50ml so I'll wait until there is a decent offer on to repurchase the full size. I'd be interested to see how it compares to the Vichy Idealia Life Serum which I've yet to try - so that could be a little experiment in the making!

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - I really don't feel the need to harp on about this one - I've done so many times before and reviewed it what seems like a lifetime ago - it's such a great product for a hit of cooling hydration over the summer months!  I've repurchased many times and already have another put away for a rainy day or should I say rainy summertime!

Olay Essentials Complete Care SPF30 Day Lotion - this was an impulse buy a few months ago - I don't always use a separate SPF (as I can't stand too many 'layers of stuff' on my face at times) so  this seemed like a good all rounder.  Have to say I'm really surprised - it's a good consistency, goes on and absorbs easily and keeps my skin feeling comfortable all day and doesn't break me out - of course I am using a couple of good serum based products up above and that obviously makes a difference!   I'm really not into spending a fortune on face cream and this does the job perfectly and was a complete bargain as it was something like under a fiver on offer. I have a feeling it may no longer be available now as I can't find it online but I have another stashed away for now!

So that's been my morning skincare routine over the Summer months. Have you used any of these products ...which is your favourite? 

Jen x

Escentual French Pharmacy Offer!

Bonjour!

I couldn't resist a teeny tiny order when I discovered that Escentual have up to a third off their French Pharmacy brands throughout October - see here.  I should have ordered earlier on in the month but you know how it is ... anyway ... there are still a couple of days left to grab something if it takes your fancy ...

I had to exercise some restraint (boo!!) .... so only ordered a few bits ...

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - an old favourite within a new package. I have one on the go at the moment (as always!) but couldn't resist getting another for a rainy day as I use it every morning - great product for dehydrated skin - full review here.

Vichy Idealia Eyes - Eye Contour Idealizer Care - can't wait to try this one. It's meant to reduce the look of dark circles, illuminate shadows and smooth the look of fine lines and skin texture. Bring it on!

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Xerand Hand Repair Cream - I've used this hand cream over the last few months and it's been ideal for my super-dry, sensitive hands so much so I've had to repurchase - especially as it's only £3.33 at the moment.

La Roche-Posay Hydreane Light Moisturising Cream - another product that I've repurchased after having used recently, day and night, especially as it's currently down from £12 to £8/40ml. It's light but hydrating and suits my skin down to a T!

So that's my extremely small Escentual haul.  I do have more in depth reviews coming up on the La-Roche Posay products so haven't harped on too much at this stage and will crack on with Vichy Idealia Eyes as soon as I've given it a good go!

Will you be making any last minute French Pharmacy orders from Escentual?

Jen x

September Empties ...!

Bonjour!

First empties post in a while here - they're not all strictly from September - some are from August and even now there a couple of products I've forgotten to include so they'll have to be tagged onto next month ... that'll teach me to not keep things all in one place!

Gatineau Floracil Eye Make-Up Remover - think this is actually an empty from the back end of July (whoops- told you I was behind!) -  gentle and effective, gets everything off (even waterproof mascara) without and need for rubbing or scrubbing. Have repurchased and am well into my new bottle!

Dove Refresh and Care Dry Shampoo - not going to waffle on too much as I have a whole 'dry shampoo thing' coming up but I do like this one and have already repurchased.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil - my second bottle empty and I'm now on my third!  I use this for my evening cleanse and find it especially comforting during the colder months - a firm favourite in my routine. Full review here.

Gatineau Firming Throat Gel  - ok stupidly I managed to hide the fact that this is actually the Gatineau Firming Throat Gel but I promise you it is! Another backdated empty from the start of August here. I'm now on my second tube (gifted from my mum!) and use every morning. Although I do like it's tightening effect, I'll probably have a hunt for something else after this finishes as it's a bit expensive!

Gatineau Radiance Enhancing Gommage - this, on the other hand is a product I probably would repurchase. I'm on my second tube and it's a large one so should last for a while. Love the fact that it smooths and brightens my tired old kite! Full review here.

Treacle Moon 'Her Mango Thoughts' Body Butter -  I do like a bit of 'Treacle Moon'!  This one feels like silk and smells like a load of lovely mangos. Will probably wait until it's on offer in my local Tesco to repurchase - cos that's how I roll!

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - another empty from August and another ongoing favourite!  I use every morning under moisturiser to keep my skin hydrated. Can't remember how many times I've repurchased this one now but am on my upteenth bottle! 

Maybelline Big Eyes Volum'Express Mascara - I've never really got on with Maybelline mascaras but was pleasantly surprised with this one - well with half of it anyway. Loved the big brush but couldn't do much with the small one -shame! Full review here.

So that's it as far as 'empties' go (for the moment!). Must try to keep on top of things in future otherwise it could really get out of hand!  

What products have you got through last month?

Jen x

April Empties!

Bonjour!

Ok so I know I say this every month but did we really get to the end of April last week? A few weeks from now and we'll be half way through the year and the kids will only have a few weeks of school term left ... can't get my head round it!

April Empties then ...

Nivea Stress Protect Anti-Perspirant  - I've used the dry stick version of this and found it really effective (I am usually stressed anyway so need something potent!) - however this spray didn't quite hit the spot and definitely didn't perform as well as the little dry stick - so I won't be repurchasing.

Q Radiance The Fine Fragrance Body Spray - love these Fine Fragrance sprays for my gym bag - smells of fresh flowers, always welcome after a sweaty gym session! This is the second time I've emptied one of these out - this one was half price in Sainsburys so I snapped it up. Will repurchase when it's on offer again.

Tesco Softening Body Lotion - I have both this Cocoa Butter and the Aloe Vera formula permanently in place in the bathroom.  They're both so easy to apply (no excess rubbing here!), super cheap and last for ages - brilliant for every day use. Have repurchased many times.

Percy and Reed Bodifying Cream -  a great styling product, you can apply exactly where you want it, doesn't gunk your hair up unless you use far too much. Granted I do chop and change my styling products a lot (I have a fair few to use) but I only need one good pump of this for my barnet and it's lasted ages. Full review from last year is here

Biotherm Aquasource Deep Serum - the lovely Biotherm lady in Boots very kindly gave me these samples to try. I must admit Biotherm products fascinate me, especially the serums - it's all that aquatic and deep sea stuff I reckon. This particular serum is light and silky, smells amazingly fresh and left my skin really soft and hydrated.  Would love to try a full size someday to check out the long term benefits - just need to decide which one to choose first!

Aveeno Skin Relief Shea Butter Moisturising Lotion - I know this is technically a body lotion but I always have one of these round the house and slap it on my hands or any eczema prone bits when they feel extra sore. I can afford to be liberal with this big size - will repurchase.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - my skin seems to like all the Vichy products I've tried so far and this is no exception. I use it every morning under moisturiser to keep my skin hydrated - the bottle has lasted from November until the start of April.  Have already re-purchased. Full review here.

Gatineau Defi-Lift Revolumising Lipcare - my favourite bedtime lippie treatment - helps with fine lines around the lip area as well as being soothing, hydrating and conditioning - a great all rounder. Love it and my mum has already supplied me with another to use every night! Review here.

And one more regular empty ...

... another bottle of my beloved cumin seeds, I'm obsessed with the stuff and would use it in practically everything if I could! Needless to say I have repurchased ...!

What products did you use up last month?

Jen x

2013 Favourites ...

Bonjour!

Can it really be a whole year since I did a round up of annual favourites - time flies when you're having 'blogging' fun! I've used quite a few worthwhile products last year but these are the ones that stand out for me ...

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray - a magazine freebie which has become a firm (not literally!) favourite for volume. I tend to save for special occasions and as soon as I finish my existing plethora of hair products I will repurchase. Review here.
Gatineau Radiance Gommage - this has become my favourite exfoliating product, brightening, smoothing yet gentle - review here.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil - I first used a travel size on holiday and liked it so much I decided to get the full size. Great cleanser, very effective - review here.
Vichy Aqualia Serum (review here), Vichy Idealia BB Cream (review here) and Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light (review here) - I know this must seem like a 'Vichy' tribute but these products really suit my skin, combination/sensitive/dehydrated with eczema prone areas, I'm on my 3rd serum and 2nd pot of cream and will repurchase the BB when it finishes.
Soap & Glory Super-Colour FabuLipstick in Naked Beige - my perfect nude,  it's so easy to wear. Review here.
Mally Evercolour Waterproof Eyeliners in Midnight and Black Violet - although I only reviewed this duo at the start of December I've been using them for months and love them to bits, remember the line 'Only the 'crumbliest, flakiest chocolate - tastes like chocolate never tasted before ...' - well substitute the words silkiest, creamiest, eyeliner and application in the appropriate places and you should get the picture! Review here. 
Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate - a product I've been using for the past few months - a proper plumper! My skin loves it a few times a week under moisturiser. Review will follow.

And lastly, a firm favourite I've gotten back into last year ...

Nice lemons! Yes, the humble yet mighty lemon - I drink a cup of hot boiled water with a few squeezes of lemon juice, first thing, most mornings and I think it really helps to keep skin clear as well as a multitude of other benefits. You get used to the early morning 'zing' (I'm not being rude here!) and I actually miss it when I don't have time to have my lemon water!

So those are my favourites from 2013 that I'm taking into 2014 - have you used any of them?

Jen x

October Empties...

Bonjour!

October come and gone, Bonfire Night is upon us and the Christmas countdown has well and truly begun....! Anyway the products I've finished up during the last month or so ...

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - my second bottle finished. I've waffled on many times about how much I like this serum for hydration so won't harp on too much but my full review is here.

L'Oreal Paris Vitalift Rejuvenating Cleansing Smoothing Toner - bought this on impulse from a local Boots store ages ago - I'd run out of Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic and needed something to tide me over - plus it was on offer at around £3 or something silly. It lasted a few months as I only used it in the mornings - not sure I noticed any 'rejuvenation' or 'smoothing' going on - it felt a bit drying at times when my excema had flared up - I'll not repurchase as I'm after the REN Clarifying Toner next.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil - loved this cleansing oil and will be repurchasing the full size as soon as I finish my current Emma Hardie Moringa Balm. If you read my full review here you'll see that I have another small size unopened - saving that for holiday next year - forward planning or what?

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash - another lovely product which I took on holiday and have just about finished - it's lasted ages. There will definitely be some customary 'tube-cutting' going on to get every last drop of product out! I'll probably use the money off voucher from my recent Balance Me Beauty Box here - to repurchase this. Full review of the Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash is here.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream - I didn't get round to doing a full review on this. I took the sample size on holiday and have been using it up recently at night.  It's meant to be soothing, brightening and lifting - I do find it soothing but can't say I noticed a huge amount of lifting - maybe I need something more potent at my age?  All in all though quite a nice little sample - I'd be happy to use this size again to take away - good job I have one in the above mentioned Balance Me Beauty Box?

Gatineau Melatogenine Advanced Anti-Ageing Eye Concentrate - I finished this back towards the end of August/start of September but kept forgetting to include it in my empties posts so thought I'd stick it in this one.  If you happened to read my evening skincare routine here you'll see that it's lasted me over a year and is aimed at the more mature eye to target wrinkles and fine lines. Loved using this - it felt like silk and I do think it helped with the old wrinkles. I'd re-purchase if/when it's on offer on QVC!

Emma Hardie AM/PM Moisturiser - another which I included in my nightly routine.  Although this is meant to combine the benefits of a serum and moisturiser in one, I had to use it over a serum to get the correct amount of hydration.  I was beginning to wonder if this would ever finish as it went on for absolutely ages!  I kept using the one pump at night for months and months and never seemed to get to the bottom of the container. Finally it finished a couple of weeks ago and already (sadly) my skin does not feel quite as nourished.  I wasn't sure whether I would repurchase this as it's quite expensive, around £38/50ml - however, it seems to be another of those premium products whereby, although the initial outlay is large - it pays for itself by it's performance and longevity so I'll be looking out for any offers!

So that's another lot of empties - can't believe it's Novembers'  next - scary! What products have you used up this month? Would you shell out for an expensive item if you knew it would last you ages?

Jen x

Holiday Skincare ...!

Bonjour!

As I may have mentioned we're 'Eurotunneling' into France this year so I can pack more goodies than usual - hurray for big car boots!  However ... when I'm on holiday I just want to faff about as little as possible so the simpler the routine the better...! Quite a few of this lot are magazine freebies or sample sizes from past beauty boxes which I need to use up...

1  Gatineau Floracil Eye Make-Up Remover - part of a recent QVC kit. Removes even the most stubborn of eye make-up so thought it would come in useful as I'm always mascara'd up - even on holiday!

2  Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash - a magazine freebie from yonks ago - got a real zesty and refreshing smell so good to use in the mornings.

3  DHC  Deep Cleansing Oil - I have a couple of these sample sizes from past beauty boxes. I reckon an oil cleanser will be pretty soothing and effective at getting shut of all the grime after a day in the sun.

4  Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - decanted into this travel size from my larger version.

5  Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - I wouldn't normally take a full size glass bottle but I know this will deliver on the hydration front am/pm. Full review here.

6  Neals Yard Rehydrating Rose Daily Moisture - from one of my very first Beauty Boxes last year and still not got stuck into it! I have used this a few times recently and it's light and hydrating and also doesn't upset any eczema which may crop up - so perfect for holiday.

7  Gatineau Defi-Lift Revolumising Lip Care - still a nightly favourite for lip plumping so it's in the bag! Full review here.

8  Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream - just taking the one for morning and evening use. This is another from a beauty box that need using - meant to be soothing, brightening and lifting.

So those are my holiday skincare picks this year.  Have you used any of the above products at home or abroad? Which are your favourites?

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

It's a Haul Thing!

Bonjour!

Picked up a few items over the last month or so .... been making use of the current offers .... as you do...!

3 for 2 at Superdrug - got the MUA Undress Me Too palette and Sleek Make-Up Blush in Flushed (the 3rd item was a lip gloss for my daughter). Used my No 7 money off voucher on the Instant Radiance Concealer (which I've used before) and then  buy one get one half price on the No 7 Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil in brown.

You'll see from my recent empties post here that I've finished my Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum. I wanted to re-purchase as I really like this product and  feel it's helped to keep my skin hydrated. Also wanted to try the Aqualia Thermal Light (normal/combination skin) as a day cream. But then the 3 for 2 offer had me in a quandary because although I don't need anything else - how can you walk away from the third item? After much deliberation went for Idealia BB Cream - Medium shade, it seems to have a whole host of benefits which I could do with at the moment!

Been meaning to get myself a good topcoat for ages - quick drying and longevity is exactly what I need so let's see how the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat does. Since I've recently had loads of colour/highlights in my hair I picked up the John Frieda Intense After-Colour Conditioner whilst it was on offer at Boots (think it had £2 off) and then John Frieda Shampoo and Conditioners were half price at Sainsburys that same week (the offer was still on when I called in Friday) so went for the Brilliant Brunette Multi-Tone Revealing Shampoo (which I've used and liked before) to go with it.

So that's my lot for a while - I think I need to stay away from Boots and Superdrug and ignore any vouchers but you only live once right? Maybe just the odd lippie or two wouldn't hurt and maybe a new bronzer for summer?

What have you hauled recently?

Jen x

May Empties and Favourites ... (finally!)

Bonjour!

It's been (and still is) a very busy week with family/work commitments - which has left no time for blogging and probably makes this one of the latest 'Empties/Favourites' posts of in the land?  I'll just get on with it shall I...?

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion - all finished and will be re-purchasing, great for reviving tired, sore eyes - included this in my 'Rescue Products' which you can read here.

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo and Conditioner (for Normal Hair) - I've been using this duo on and off for ages. Perfect if my scalp feels a bit stressed and flaky as I know it cleanses and conditions well but is super gentle. Had a bout of eczema on my neck recently and needed to use something I knew wouldn't sting when washing my hair in the shower ... needless to say I'll be repurchasing.

Aveeno Body Wash (for Dry and Sensitive Skin) - more of an 'empty' than a 'favourite', I've used it on and off. Has no smell and just cleanses gently, it's ok but I don't feel the same way about it as I do the Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion ...which I also included in my 'Rescue Products' so don't think I'll be repurchasing.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - sadly all gone, happily I've already gotten myself another - love this product. You can read me banging on about this lovely serum in my full review here.

L'Oreal Professional tecni.art Hot Style Constructor - (shopping my 'hair product stash' here ) -  I've had this for so long that the packaging has now changed!  It's a 'thermo-active spray for texture and hold' - provides heat protection (but not stickiness I might add!).  Works best for me to create that tousled 'I'm not trying too hard with my hair' look (famous last words) and  is ideal now I've  had loads of hair chopped off!  Just spray on damp or dry hair and do whatever you want really - can be used with hairdryer, straighteners and curling tongs so quite a useful multi-purpose product and one I would re-purchase (cost me £11.00 but I don't think that's too bad for a professional product?).

Revitalash Volumizing Primer - (got this ages ago in a kit from QVC).  I don't always use an eyelash primer but this works really well to give more oomph and volume to my lashes.  It's blue in colour, dries quickly so you can get on with your chosen mascara application and doesn't cause any clumping or flaking - good product.

Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara - an all-time favourite which has done it's stint. Great for volumising and defining lashes, no clumps and lasts all day. A good one to have on hand to sort out a 'bad lash day', used over the top of another mascara it sorts out any mascara clumpage - a great separator!


Oh ... and another favourite here ... which is literally being finished off by the hubby as I type this post!

Only the crumbliest, flakiest chocolate, tastes like chocolate never tasted before...all that and ice-cream - amazing!

Any of my favourites yours too?

Jen x

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - Review

Hope you've all had a good Bank Holiday - at least the weather behaved itself for once!

The Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum is something I broke my spend ban over a few months ago - (sorry!) I'd sort of slipped out of the habit of using a serum within my routine and was desperate for some extra hydration in the midst of the extended cold winter. According to Vichy the serum is meant to intensely hydrate and fortify sensitive skin, contains Thermal Spa Water and is enriched with hyaluronic acid ....  

The serum comes in a transparent glass bottle with a (very easy to use) pump. It has a light silky gel/lotion texture which glides on and is instantly refreshing, cooling and soothing on the skin. The fragrance is fresh but not overpowering.  It can be used day and/or night either on it's own (I imagine for very young or oily skins - obviously neither apply to me!) or under your usual moisturiser.

Initially I just used at night under my Emma Hardie night cream (I only need one pump of serum) and found that it alleviated that all too familiar 'tight'  feeling over the cheeks.  I then stopped to try out a different brand of skincare (as you do) and after a while started to see the difference in my skin, obviously a combination of things, the change in skincare, the continued cold weather and I was also ill with a heavy cold/cough at the time and basically my skin just looked and felt rubbish.

I therefore returned to my usual routine including the Vichy Aqualia Serum and my skin feels a lot better.  I'm not sure about the '24 hour continuous hydration' element - at the moment I'm having to use this both morning and evening as I feel my skin needs it.  I can tell if I've forgotten as I use a lot more moisturiser and the 'tight' feeling returns but it definitely helps with plumping my skin up and keeps it feeling comfortable for the day. (Obviously I realise I need to drink more water to help with the overall situation, something I'm particularly bad at when I'm not at work.)  I've used it over the eczema prone areas on my face which are still flaring up now and again and it hasn't irritated my skin further.  It seems to have been one of those occasions when you don't realise that something is of benefit to your skin until you stop using it?

At £17/30ml (which I don't think is a bad price) I'll most probably repurchase - it's a good product for me to keep within the old skin routine and would be particularly refreshing to use throughout the summer. I'd also like to try out some of the other products from the Vichy Aqualia Thermal range.

Do you suffer from de-hydrated skin? What products do you use to combat it?

Jen x