The New Additions

Hello lovelies!!  It was my first day back in the office today-it was a bit of a shock to the system when the alarm went off at 6.45am! I had a bit of a comedy gold moment this morning, I was all dressed up in a new dress and new shoes for my first day back and as I was in the kitchen packing up my lunch I turned to leave and managed to somehow kick the cats bowl up in the air which I had freshly filled with tuna flavoured Sheba and their food went everywhere!!!  It was all down the fridge door and down the cupboard doors and all over the floor-and on my new shoes!!!  Had to laugh at it.....

Back to beauty-here's the current new additions to my regime.

Zelens Radiance Luminous Facial Cleanser-bought from Space NK £40, 125ml

I bought this after seeing Anna from VDM rave about it in one of her vlogs but after using if for 3 weeks I am just not sure about it at all and I know I wouldn't repurchase.  I have been using this cleanser as my morning cleanser-applying it to dry skin and then (trying) to wash off in the shower.  The texture is really strange, it's a gel cream that quite frankly looks like erm sperm (I did ask on twitter if it was acceptable to describe it as sperm-like, no one said no!).

If I apply 2 pumps (which is a pretty standard amount of cleanser) it completely sinks into my skin-I can't see anything at all to wash off which feels really strange (I have combination/oily skin btw) and if I use 3 pumps which seems excessive given the price of this cleanser in the first place, it does sit on my skin but disappears as I massage it in.  I have never used a cleanser which does that.  And that makes me fearful to use it to remove make up.  If it sinks into my skin and completely disappears how will it remove the make up off my skin??  My skin doesn't feel particularly cleansed after using it and I just don't feel like it's worth the money.  It's cool on the skin when you apply it and comfortable to use but that's the only positives I can say really.   Key ingredients are Aloe Vera (which is cheap as chips) and Camellia Oil.  I will use it as I am not having any adverse reaction to it but I wouldn't repurchase.

MD Formulations facial cleanser-bought from Look Fantastic on offer at 25% off making it £18.75 for 250ml

Now this is a cleanser I would (and already have) repurchase.  Highly recommend by Rebecca at Be Beautiful I had to try it as I have loved almost everything she has recommended.  If you like skincare, Rebecca has the best recommendations.

This cleanser comes in a massive 250ml size which will last ages-I have already been using this about 4 weeks (I know this is a 'new additions post' but I prefer to test skincare out if possible before giving an opinion) and I use it as my second evening cleanse after my 'make up removing' first cleanse.  This is another gel cream that I apply to dry skin and massage in until it turns white before rinsing and then going over my face with a flannel to ensure there is no product left on my skin.  This cleanser is good at removing make up as well, my skin feels properly clean after using it.

The reason I like this cleanser is it contains a glycolic compound to chemically exfoliate the skin (there are no grains in this cleanser) and reveal smoother, brighter, clearer skin.  Glycolic acid is an AHA and I have spoken about them on my blog before but glycolic acid is a fruit acid which has proven to be the most effective AHA at penetrating the skin to help remove wrinkles and deliver clear, glowing and healthy looking skin.  I use this cleanser daily and sometimes feel a slight stinging when I use it-that's the AHA working.  It's still on offer at Look Fantastic at the price I paid above.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Serum-bought from the US (NYC pharmacy) for about $42

A really strange product that I should hate but I love!

You can't buy this in the UK, I bought mine when I was in the US in March after reading a glowing review from Tiffany at Will Work For Makeup.  Tiffany's was one of the first beauty blogs I ever read and I have been hooked ever since!

I pretty much echo what Tiffany says about the product; it's a very light, non oily serum that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any stickiness behind.  I have been using mine every other night after my double tone, pressing about 3 drops from the enclosed pipette over my skin before gently massaging it in.

Again this contains 2 AHA's-a glycolic compound and LHA and states it refines pores, smooths wrinkles and boosts radiance.

I've found that this serum in particular seems to stop upcoming spots in their tracks and has been good for fading acne scars.  My skin also feels so soft after using it.  All good huh?

But (and sadly it's a big but) the second largest ingredient in this serum is alcohol which just doesn't seem right in a serum or from a brand with years of scientific research behind it like LRP.  But the reviews I have seen online have been mainly positive (including people saying it does wonders on whiteheads) but the Paula's Choice website hates this product and really slate it because of the alcohol content.  I can understand why but I have seen then the benefit of using this product.  Would you try it?

Clinique Bottom Lash mascara-bought from Nordstrom for $10-but available worldwide

How how how have I lived without this??  I resisted buying it for the longest time, thinking it was a gimmick and a waste of money.  Before buying this I rarely actually put mascara on my bottom lashes because I was so rubbish at applying it without it smudging everywhere.

This has literally converted me-I absolutely love it.  It has the tiniest brush that gets to all the little lashes.  The brush has just the right amount of product to coat the lashes without clumping and it does not smudge or flake at all, all day.  I have found it seems to just frame my eyes and make them look more awake.  I can't rave about it enough.  Buy, buy, buy!!

Marc Jacobs Face II brush-bought from Sephora in Dubai for approx £30

This is a large, angled foundation brush which is densely packed but super soft and applies liquid foundation brilliantly.  But not only that, you can use it for blusher, powder, contouring, bronzer etc- it's a real multi-tasker.  It's synthetic bristles wash really well and I haven't had one hair shed from it.  Only available in the US and Dubai, if you visit either I recommend checking it out.  I love this one so much I went back and purchased another brush from the range to try.

Pretty much four hits and one miss in my recent new additions.  Have you tried any of these products?  I would love to hear your thoughts.

The New Additions

Last week was so bizarre-like some magic make up fairy came along and emptied out all of my products!  I finished up 2 face masks, a foundation, a foundation primer, my morning serum, my morning cleanser and my 'first' evening cleanser.  Epic empties post at the end of this month!!

Here's a few things that I have pulled out of my stash to replace them with.

Perricone MD Blue Plasma and Cold Plasma

I have started using these two skincare items in the morning after cleansing.  I remember getting quite a hard sell on these from a representative from the company who was in Space NK when I was there in London and picking up these two, but by the time I dug them out a couple of days ago I couldn't for the life of me remember how to use them!  My biggest bugbear about skincare is when there is not clear instructions on how to use it.  Like for example, do you apply it to wet or dry skin, how long do you leave it one for and what order should I use it in with my other skincare?  I have to admit, I have found the Perricone MD website to be the best and clearest website to guide you through their products.  There is also a brilliant question and answer section on every product which is so helpful.  I am confident I am using both of these in the correct way.

These products are very expensive so I am expecting miracles!  The Blue Plasma is recommended to be used once a day only and the Cold Plasma can be used twice a day but I am using it just in the morning.

The Blue Plasma is applied first, after cleansing and toning.  Blue Plasma is a non acidic daily peel, designed to provide the benefits of a facial peel without redness or irritation.  This liquid lotion (it feels like water) is designed to attack only dead skin cells to resurface and reveal new skin, add radiance and smooth and hydrate fine lines.

I find I need about 3 drops dispensed from the pipette to cover my whole face.  I press it in with my fingertips then massage.  It dries almost instantly but it does leave a slight tackiness.  It applies clear to the face-you won't look like something out of the Blue Man Group!  On me I experience no stinging or redness or discomfort at all.

I then apply the Cold Plasma which is described as a revolutionary anti-aging product addressing the 10 signs of aging and providing skin with all it needs for optimal health.  Cold Plasma helps correct the ten most visible signs of aging: wrinkles, enlarged pores, dryness, redness, discoloration, uneven skin tone, impurities, loss of firmness, loss of smoothness, and loss of radiance.  There is apparently quite a strong fishy smell with this product because of one of the active ingredients but I can't detect it (I have very poor sense of smell).

I use a tiny bit on my face before applying my moisturiser and again it dries very quickly.  It's too early for me to give a real opinion on this duo as I have only used it for about 2 weeks but the reviews online are fantastic and so far I am very impressed.  It seems to definitely be helping fade old acne scars. I am very tempted to try the Pore Power Duo as the reviews are fab.  Would love to hear if you have tried anything from Perricone MD.  It's well worth reading all the information on the website if you are going to splurge on these high end skincare products.

Benefit Porefessional

I've been using this primer over the past few days and I have to admit I don't think I am going to be a fan.  It's very silicone based which actually my skin can tolerate but to be honest it doesn't give the 'blurred' skin effect when I apply it like you get from the Smashbox photofinish which is also very silicone laden.  I am not finding any significant improvement to the finish of my foundation but I will stick with it to give it a proper trial.

Estee Lauder Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator

This is my new morning eye cream-it's quite thick in consistency and has a slight pearlised finish to brighten the undereye area.  It comes with a metal applicator but personally I prefer to squeeze it out only my finger and apply.  It doesn't apply very smoothly compared to other eye creams I have applied and takes a bit of effort to massage it into the skin but I do like the illuminating effect and it makes a good base for concealer.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Only been using this for 10 days but I love it already!  I love using a balm as my first cleanse in the evening and have been using things like Rodial Glamtox, Emma Hardie, Elemis Pro Collagen cleansing balm and the Ren cleansing balm.  This balm is actually very basic in it's ingredients make it great for sensitive skin and has no fragrance.  And it's really effective.  You only need a little bit scooped out of the tub and it's really emollient, spreading easily over the skin to remove make up.  It does look like lard as my friend Anoushka pointed out the other day!  It doesn't sting around the eyes at all and is extremely effective at removing make-up-it's the best make up remover I have used for a long time.  I apply to dry skin and massage in, then splash with water turn into a milk and then finally remove with a damp, squeezed out flannel.  It feels very luxurious and soothing and I am really enjoying using it.  Possible holy grail.

Avene Cleanance Gel

Although this cleanser is designed for blemish prone skin I have been using it as it's nice and light for a morning cleanse.  I figure prevention is better than cure and it's non drying.  I apply to damp skin in the shower, massage in and rinse off.  It feels quite a thick gel on the skin but it rinses off really easily.  Simple and fuss free.

Malin and Goetz Detox Face Mask and Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel Mask

Two brand new masks to my routine.

I plan to use the Malin and Goetz as my weekly detox mask and the Elemis mask as my mid week treat.  The Malin and Goetz mask is a 5 minute foaming mask to deep cleanse your skin.  Key ingredients are Vitamin C, glycerin and soy protein to firm and add radiance.  I have used it twice so far-I applied a thick layer of the gel to my (dry) face after cleansing and almost immediately the mask turns white and starts to foam on the face.  It's a strange but actually pleasant and soothing sensation-you can hear the mask gently 'popping' on your face-think of the sound of a bowl of rice crispies when you add the milk (snap crackle and pop!!).  It rinses off very easily and you can immediately feel how soft your skin is. The next day it also looked really clear.  First impressions are excellent!

I have read really good things about the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel Mask and having just finished up my Caudalie Enzymatic Peel Mask this seems like a good replacement.  One of Elemis' top sellers this mask contains the natural exfoliating fruit enzyme action of Papaya and Pineapple to smooth, brighten and clarify the complexion. It's a non-granular exfoliating cream contains nourishing Milk Protein, Anti-Oxidant-rich Vitamin E and Marine algae to moisturise, repair and protect the skin.   This mask is applied to skin after cleansing and left on for 15-20 minutes before removing-don't expect the cream to dry on the skin like a clay mask does as it won't. The mask smells lovely-quite fruity and refreshing.  I didn't experience any tingling on the skin and my skin felt soft and plumped after using it.

I really enjoyed shopping my stash although it was a bit of an eye opener how many serums I have for my skin.  I don't like to use too many new things at one time to avoid overloading and confusing my skin but I have some really nice products to try!

I am currently hosting an international giveaway on my blog to say thank you/Happy Holidays and celebrate my blogs first anniversary.  You can enter here

The new additions-part 2!

I wrote my first New Additions post earlier this month and whilst I didn't expect to be writing one again so soon it seems to have been a month of finishing things up and a few new things have crept in again so here is my second 'the new additions post'

In my last new additions post I blogged about Mac Studio Sculpt but I just couldn't get on with the gel based formula.  I have had the Estee Lauder Double Wear in my stash for a while so decided to try this and I am loving it so far!  I prefer a heavier coverage and this sets to a powder finish and probably wouldn't be liked by those preferring a dewy finish.  Having said that it isn't totally matte and I find I only need to touch it up with my Mac Blot powder once in the day.  The colour is a great match for my pale skin (I am Bone) and I find that I get the best finish using a primer and then using my Real Techniques expert face brush to buff it into my skin.  I find that for some reason the bristles on the brush don't seem to soak up this foundation so you don't need to use tons to get an even and decently covered base.  I don't feel like it sits heavily on the skin either.  Definitely a winner!  I am not sure how it photographs as it does contain SPF but I'll let you know!  The only downside?  No pump on the glass bottle-although Vanessa from The Other VW did a great review of this very foundation the other day and I discovered that the Mac pumps will fit the bottle.

I am really enjoying using this Caudalie face mask once a week but it is not at all what I expected!  The texture is a smooth thick white cream-similar to a cold cream which you apply to your face for 10 minutes then rinse off.  It feels lovely and soothing on the skin but because of the 'peeling' aspect of the name I expected it to contain grains or to set on the skin or to be a gel formula-it doesn't and it isn't.

The mask contains AHA's like glycolic acid to give radiance and clarify and renew skin.  I have stopped using all manual exfoliators now and use AHA's instead as chemical exfoliants.  The mask also contains patented Viniferine, a natural compound from vine sap that brightens, lightens and evens. Viniferine is 62x more effective than Vitamin C I am reliably informed.

It's a nice soothing treat but I wish it came in a larger size than 50ml.  I've used it 3 times now and each time been left with baby soft and glowing skin.

I haven't been able to find one review of the Astalift Complete Make Up Remover Oil on any blog so here is my mini one!

This is the first thing I have tried from Japanese skincare brand Astalift and unfortunately I am a bit disappointed.  I have been using a cleansing balm for months but when I finished my Elemis Pro Collagen balm recently I decided to try using this in it's place as my first cleanse to remove my make up.

Given the name, you would think this would be perfect for that but it's actually quite ineffective.  It's nice to use and is a red/orange coloured oil that I apply to dry skin, massage and then remove with a flannel.  But it doesn't remove all your make up and a second cleanse is absolutely essential.  It seems to basically break down your make up but it isn't effective enough to remove it all-and by 8pm in the evening I am certainly not sporting the full face I was at 8am.  It's a new addition for now but I am not sure how long it will last as I fear it is breaking me out on my chin.

This was a recent discovery for me which I blogged about here.  Considering it was a purchase out of desperation I have actually fallen in love with it!  It looks as good when I remove it as it does when I apply it but it is a heavy duty waterproof mascara and does require a heavy duty eye make up remover-I use and adore the Garnier 2 in 1 soothing eye make up remover.  I think I love the brush most-it's just the perfect fit to my lashes.

I am loving the Double Wear foundation but it's a bit too heavy for chilling out at the weekend in so I have opened this lovely foundation from YSL which has been sitting in my stash for a couple of months.  YSL launched Le Teint Touche Eclat as the foundation version of their cult 'touche eclat' concealer.  It's a lightweight liquid foundation that can be used as a very sheer coverage or a heavier medium coverage.  It had a dewy finish and the formula claims to be illuminating and to add radiance which I agree with.  I need to powder it to set it but it's a really beautiful foundation-easy to blend and reasonably long lasting.  It comes in a super luxe glass and gold bottle (which I am dreading one of my cats will knock it onto our stone floor) with a pump which seems to dispense just the right amount of foundation.  It comes in 22 shades so there should be a colour for everyone.  I'm NC 15 in Mac and BD20 in this foundation.

Anything here you use and love?

I am also running a blogsale and there are still some really nice bits left-check it out here