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
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