Evening skincare routine

Following on from my morning skincare routine post, here is my current evening skincare routine plus my current weekly face mask treats!  I make no apologies for this being a bit long and ramble-y, I like talking about skincare!!

Firstly I remove my eye make up with a bi-phase eye make up remover and I am currently using the Nivea Double Effect Eye Make Up Remover.  I do not like this eye make up remover at all-I feel it's quite harsh on the skin and isn't all that effective at removing my heavy duty mascara.  I definitely wouldn't repurchase this and I also wouldn't recommend it for ladies with sensitive eyes.

I double cleanse every evening-my first cleanse is to remove my make up thoroughly and my second cleanser usually has some kind of skincare benefit to it.  I am currently on my second tub of the Clinique Take The Day Off cleansing balm which is a thick balm which melts into an oil as you massage it into your dry skin.  I find it really effective at removing all my make up and it is safe to use around the eyes.  The ingredients are basic and I think that's why I like it!  It doesn't contain shea or cocoa butter or beeswax if your skin is intolerant to those ingredients.

After I apply this to dry skin I give my face a good old massage before splashing with water and then removing with a damp flannel.  I definitely recommend using a flannel because, like a lot of balm cleansers, it can leave a film or residue like feeling on the skin if not removed properly.  I personally favour flannels to muslin cloths as they're cheap, less harsh and easy to wash.

This is a also great balm cleanser to try if you're new to this type of cleanser-yes it's undoubtedly not as luxurious as something like the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa cleansing balm but 1) my first cleanse is a functional cleanse-I want all my make up (or as much of it as possible) off my face and this cleanser does that terrifically and 2) the Emma Hardie is packed with essential oils
which my skin can be sensitive too-and your own skin will change over time/season as well.  My first tub of Emma Hardie my skin loved-it hated the second tub and broke out.

I really really really really recommend using a flannel to remove cleanser.  I read a blog post about someones skincare routine recently and the writer said she double cleansed but then toned 'because it's surprising how much make up residue is on your skin even after double cleansing'.  When you tone your skin, the cotton pad you sweep over your skin should come back clean-your cleanser should remove your make up-NOT TONER!  A flannel really does help to remove the cleanser AND the makeup off your face.

My current second cleanse in the evening is the Aesop Fabulous Face Cleanser.  This is a runny, light gel cleanser packed with bergamot, chamomile and rosemary.  This is a very light cleanser and would not therefore be suitable for removing make up.  It does not foam on the skin and removes easily with water.  It smells very herbal-to me it smells like tea tree but am guessing its a combination of bergamot and rosemary.

This would be a great morning cleanser because it is so light and refreshing BUT it's packaged in a pharmacy inspired glass bottle which I know 100% know if it was in my shower I would drop it and it would smash.

I do not think this would be a repurchase for me.

Next up is my double tone routine.  I wrote quite a lot about why I double tone and the benefits of it in my post here if you're new to this concept.

My current exfoliating toner is the Ren Clarifying Toning Lotion.  Free from harmful chemicals, this toner uses willow bark to remove impurities and unclog pores, whilst mayblossom extract reduces the production of sebum.  Lemon, grape, pineapple and passion fruit extracts all contain organic acids that decongest the skin and stimulate cell renewal.  Despite all this good stuff I am not loving this toner.  It does the job but it seems to drag over the skin and feels quite harsh and almost stripping.  I will use it up but personally I would not repurchase even though it gets many great reviews.  I prefer the Michael Todd Lemon AHA toner and the Biologique Recherche P50.

I then sweep my hydrating toner over my skin and I use the same one from my morning routine-the Melvita Orange Blosson Extraordinary Water.  A clear, thick but non sticky gel with orange extract, it absorbs quickly and would be really good for very oily skintones.  It's not as hydrating as I would like for me and I will not repurchase.

I don't use a night cream-everything I have tried seems to be too heavy on my skin and cause breakouts.  I am have been alternating nightly between an oil and a serum which seems to work well.

I have raved endlessly about the Clarins Lotus Face Treatment oil and have a full post on this beauty here.  If you have oily skin then basically you need this in your life!  I press 3-4 drops into my skin and then massage lightly.  And the smell.....aaaaaahhhhh.  SO relaxing and soothing.  It helps to regulate oil on the skin-yes when first applied your skin will look extra oily but after 1 hour my skin looks almost matte.

The Chantecaille Retinol Intense is a brand new addition so I really can't comment on it yet as I have been using it just a week.  Ridiculously expensive (I think it was £85 from Space NK) this is a hybrid serum/cream targeting anti aging, pigmentation and stimulating collagen production.  It has a relatively low percentage of Retinol (given the name) and contains some very soothing ingredients such as Mallow, Evening Primrose Oil, Macadamia Nut oil and Jojoba Seed along with aromatherapy extracts of rose, jasmine and geranium.  Have I paid over the odds?  I'll be sure to let you know!

Two staples in my evening routine-an eye cream and a lip balm.  Currently on my eyes I am using the Benefit It's Potent which came in an Xmas gift set from my lovely god daughters.  Despite the frankly scary name it is very rich and hydrating and a little goes a long way.   It contains a peptide complex-peptides are an anti aging powerhouse plus tons of hydrating ingredients like glycerin and sweet almond extract.  It's not too rich that it doesn't absorb into the skin and I really quite like it. 

I am also using the Eve Lom Kiss Mix balm which was a GWP from Space NK.  It has a very minty tingle and is very hydrating even though the formula is relatively thin (we're not talking the heavy duty consistency of the Nuxe Reve de Miel or Dr Lipp Nipple Balm).

I use two masks per week-usually a detoxifying mask and a hydrating mask.  However as you can see above I am currently using two masks labelled as 'detox'-the Malin and Goetz detox face mask and the Elemental Herbology Facial Detox.  They are both SO different though.  I use the Malin and Goetz mid week as it's quick and easy.  You apply the gel to a dry face and within seconds it starts to foam and crackle-a bit like listening to a bowl of rice crispies when you add milk!  It's incredibly gentle and doesn't tingle or sting and after 5 minutes you simply wash off (I use my flannel again).  It deep cleanses the skin without using harsh detergents or drying clays.  Complex amino acids and natural almond extract gently and effectively purify, clarify, balance and soothe. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Soy Protein help to firm and address concerns for aging while instantly brightening complexion.  Your skin will feel SO soft when you remove it.  It can even be just tissued off for the most moisturisation benefit.  It's gentle enough to be used daily and perfect for anyone with sensitive skin.

The Elemental Herbology Facial Detox is more of an old school, hardcore detoxifying clay mask.  When I posted a picture of this on instagram it got a lot of love from people saying it was their fave clay mask.  It contains amazonian clay, aloe vera and manuka honey to detoxify without overly stripping the skin and a combination of essential oils to help balance sebum production.  For a clay it is relatively light on the skin and it's not difficult to remove-I moisten with water and get most of it off before removing the rest with a flannel.  This mask seems to stop any upcoming spots in their tracks and shorten the life of anything erupting on your face.  Both of these masks are around the £30 mark and I got both of mine from Space NK.

Finally my beloved lips scrub!  I always use a lip scrub twice a week to slough away dry flaky skin and this one from Bliss is amazing.  If you have sensitive lips and find a lot of lip scrubs to be too harsh then this one is perfect as it has a cream base and very small exfoliating kernals.  The only word of caution I would exercise is to those with nut allergies as it uses ground walnut shells to exfoliate.  Gentle but effective, this is a permanent fixture in my shower!

Well done if you got to the end of this epic post!!  Do you use any of these in your skincare routine?

Huge Space NK splurge

So yesterday I put up my first UK haul post showing you my Charlotte Tilbury purchases and today I thought I would share with you my Space NK haul.

I do LOVE Space NK.  To me it's like Disneyland for a make up addict like me and my favourite store is the Hans Crescent one right next to Harrods (and also right next to my London office so it's a good job I am not required to travel to London very much!).

I think the beauty of Space NK is that there isn't a counter representative selling their brand on each section.  So it's not like going into Selfridges where on the Estee Lauder counter they only talk about Estee Lauder and on the YSL counter they only talk about YSL.  The shop assistants in Space NK tend to be knowledgeable about pretty much everything meaning you can have a detailed and informative conversation about a variety of brands.  Now don't get me wrong, I am not naive and I know that there are probably brands they are encouraged to 'push' more but I don't feel like I am in a pushy sales environment.

If you're going to Hans Crescent you have to seek out Alice.  Alice is the redhead Kiwi with the impeccable 50's style make up.  And she is lovely.  I always always seek her out because she's honest, plain speaking, knowledgeable and helpful.

With Alice's help and guidance this is what I picked up whilst in London.

The first couple of things were repurchases of two things I have used and loved from Ren.  The first is the No 1 Purity Cleansing Balm which is a great dupe for the much more expensive Rodial Glamtox I rave about and the second was the much hyped, but oh so worth it Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask.  I haven't read one negative review about this gloopy, marmalade like, glow giving 10 minute treat.

More skincare was next in the basket, I wanted to try the much hyped Kiehls SPF50 (I don't wear as much SPF as I should considering where I live) and I was intrigued by the Rodial Hyaluronic toner.  I'm all about the skincare this year and use an exfoliating and a hydrating toner daily.  This would fall into the 'hydrating toner' category and I especially like the fact it's in a spray bottle.

After proclaiming my love for the original 'black' Glamglow mask here, Alice told me the white version is even better!  My original Glamglow is almost finished so I can't wait to try this one next.  I also picked up this serum from Sunday Riley who seems to have come to the forefront of good skincare this year with her highly rated and 'sold out everywhere after Caroline Hirons raved about it' Ceramic Slip cleanser.  I picked up the 'Good Genes' serum after reading a great review on it on the flight over to London.

Everything I have tried from Aesop so far (which have been mainly masks) has been amazing and I really wanted to try a cleanser from them so I went for their 'fabulous face cleanser'.   I've potentially spotted two problems with this cleanser though-no pump to dispense the product and a glass jar-knowing me that could end up smashed all over my shower floor!

Next we talked about new launches and I fell in love with these brand new lipsticks from Lipstick Queen when I swatched them.  The packaging looks like a roman column, heavy, solid and golden and I chose a red and a nude from the range.  What I didn't realise at the time was that these new lipsticks cost an eye watering £35 each!  The most expensive lipstick I have ever bought I suspect and I bought two!  And honestly I don't know what is so special about them, especially as Lipstick Queen polishes normally retail for £20.

There are 6 shades in total and definitely one to whip out when you want to look glam re-applying your lipstick!

The one item I definitely wanted to look at were the Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo's which I knew had just launched in the UK.  If you have seen my recent 5 Mac nudes post you'll know I am on the lookout for the perfect nude.  There weren't too many swatches online so I was keen to see them up close and personal.  I told Alice I was looking for nudes that were NOT 'my lips but better'.  She assured me that none of the 6 shades in the range were and recommended number 6 for my skintone.  I also picked up number 4 and can't wait to try them.  I wish I had picked up number 5 as well though!  I have some N'Dulge reward points to spend so that may be purchased using them!

I also fell for another high end lipstick, this beautiful bright pink shade called Pink Party.  I don't own much from By Terry but this lipstick is so beautifully packaged.  Firstly in comes in it's own purple silk pouch which houses the simple silver metal case.  The bullet has 'Terrybly' engraved into it and the case has By Terry embossed on the inner tube.  Utter luxury.

More lipstick?  Yes (I did purchase 30 in total during the week eek), this time two from Nars-Manhunt and Cat Fight.  Did I buy Cat Fight just because it had the word 'Cat' in it?  Hell yes!

We also talked foundation and Alice told me she had been really impressed with the newly launched Nars Radiant Creamy Compact foundation which comes in a refillable compact.  She advised it's best applied with the sponge but is very easy to build and blend.  I really want to pick up the Nars Sheer Matte foundation next time I am in the UK (we don't get Nars in Dubai).

I utterly adore the Nars duo eyeshadows-I always go for the shimmery, velvet textures over the flat matte textures as they offer much better colour payoff.  I decided to add Cordura and Bellissima to my ever growing collection.

Finally Alice wanted to show me a new palette from Chantecaille.  I don't own anything from Chantecaille, again it's not a brand we have in Dubai.  On first glance I thought it was pretty but nothing special.  If it had cats embossed on it I would buy it regardless but this palette has been designed and embossed with Wild Horses and will benefit the Humane Society of the United States.  It's also limited edition.  Alice said she had felt the same, that it was 'just ok' until she swatched it and was then blown away and she said it was her favourite Fall launch of any brand.  When I swatched the palette myself, it was literally wow and immediate love.  The colours and textues are amazing and I am so excited to own this palette.  The packaging is utterly beautiful too!

Quite a haul and a very enjoyable 30 minutes chatting to Alice and filling my basket.  I haven't had chance to play with all my new purchases yet so let me know what you would like reviewed first!

Good job I am not back in the UK until December so my debit card can cool down again!

Flight essentials

If you read my blog you'll know I travel a lot-mostly with work but I have been to the UK a few times and the States for pleasure as well this year.

Here are my favourite long haul flight essentials.

Skincare bits

I am obsessed with removing my make up as soon as I get on the flight and my current favourite thing to use to do that is the ThisWorks In Transit No Traces pads.  These are liquid infused pads (I don't want to use the dreaded word 'facial wipes') but these cleanse my skin thoroughly without leaving it dry or tight.  They feel really cooling on the skin too.  I also packed a mini bottle of Simple to remove any stubborn mascara even though the ThisWorks can be used on the eyes.

I threw in a mini Origins Drink Up Intensive mask to provide essential hydration.  This mask is great because it goes on clear (you then don't scare other passengers or the crew) and sinks into the skin so you don't look like you're wearing a full on face mask but your skin is reaping it's invisible benefits. Air cabins are really dehydrating so everything I pack is usually moisturising to stop my skin drying out.

I also packed a mini vial of Kiehls Midnight Recovery which I pressed into my skin after removing the mask with one of the in flight flannels.  This is a light serum which works overnight to replenish, repair and regenerate your skin.  You could use either or, I used both!  Our first flight to the UK was at 02:30 so it was a case of make up off, mask on, bed down and sleep as much as possible.  But this Kiehls serum helps you to fake a full nights sleep!

My eyes often feel sore but I find this handy spray from Optrex alleviates that-you spray it on over closed eyes whenever you feel your eyes need it.  This is the 'tired and uncomfortable' version but I also have the one for irritated eyes.

No stranger to beauty bloggers, once I did wake up I sprayed the Caudalie Beauty Elixir all over (and all over Mike) to add a boost of radiance.  I am not a massive fan of the smell of this but it does seem to perk up my skin.

I also pack little aromatherapy rollerballs-for night flights the Elemis quiet mind temple balm and ThisWorks Deep Sleep Stress Less are a good combo for relaxation.  For day flights and for times when I need to feel a bit more awake, the Aesop Ginger Flight therapy provides a zingy burst of energy and is well loved and well used as you can see!

Finally in my little skincare pouch I pack a lip balm-this one from Balm Balm was free with my Latest in Beauty advent calender but I really like it and it's very nourishing, 2 mini vials of perfume which were free samples and a Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer-how adorable is this one with the kitty on it!

My skincare isn't too dissimilar to the skincare I took on my last trip to London which I posted about
here- I am quite surprised that I have downsized a little though!

Make-Up

To be honest, it is a bit silly taking make-up on board because as soon as I arrived at Danielle's I  had a shower and remove it all but I wanted to look a little bit presentable on arrival!

Here's the minimal kit I took.

I decanted some of my normal moisturiser into a little Sephora pot-I am currently using the very light Caudalie Vinoperfect moisturising sorbet.  I also packed a free sample pot of Murad eye cream I had received and sadly when I tried this I had a very bad reaction to it-my eyes puffed up and my skin looked and felt burnt and crepe-y underneath.  It was really painful and took 2 days to go down.  I am really disappointed because the texture of the cream is really lovely to apply.  I also threw in a mini sample of the Hourglass primer-I need to try it more before giving a verdict.

The day before I flew I picked up the Estee Lauder Double Wear Light as a less heavy alternative to the Estee Lauder Double Wear I am currently wearing for work.

I'm really on the fence about it-I am the lightest shade but it's still slightly too dark for me and requires a lot of blending to avoid the horrible tidemark round your neck.  When I apply with a brush I feel like the brush soaks up so much of the product, so I switched to applying with fingers.  When I first apply it I feel like the coverage is really sheer-but it can be built up and it sets to a nice matte finish.  It takes a bit of work but I think I like it.   I also packed the Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer but didn't use it because of the reaction I had with the eye cream and a Real Techniques expert face brush.

I used my beloved Mac blot powder to set the foundation using this absolutely brilliant retractable Kabuki brush from Hourglass-it's the softest I have ever used.

I packed the Hourglass Arch brow pencil which is quick and easy to use for filling the eyebrows and a mini Anastasia brow setting gel.  I love this and need to repurchase as this is on its last legs!

For eyes I packed a couple of easy to use bronze-y shades-Mac Eclair paint pot and a Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow pencil.  On the flight (and most of the holiday) I plumped for the pencil as it is so easy to use, a gorgeous colour, doesn't crease and stays put!

I couldn't be seen without mascara so my Maybelline the Falsies made the cut!

Finally I packed a gloss and a lipstick-a girl likes to have options!  I went for pinks-Bobbi Brown Hot Pink 16 lip gloss and Mac Pink Pearl Pop cremesheen lipstick.  I plumped for the gloss as it's easy to throw on.

I think I have long haul flight beauty essentials pretty much covered these days but am always open to suggestions of your 'can't live without' travel essentials!