Avene Cleanance review: Skincare for oily/blemish-prone skin

Hey loves,

Hope you're well and had a great weekend!

So I'm not sure exactly why but my skin has been flaring up quite a bit recently - it's probably a combination of stress, poor diet and not having a proper skincare routine.

I decided to try the Avene Cleanance range for oily/blemished skin as that's definitely what mine is at the moment.

I recently went on a press trip to Avene in the south of France where I saw the origins of the skincare brand first hand so I felt like it was a range I really believed in and trusted.

Here's what I've been using from the Avene Cleanance range*:

Avene Cleanance Gel

I've been using this soapless cleanser to wash my face first thing in the morning. It has a pretty mild scent but it really feels like it's getting rid of all the dirt and grime from my face.

Avene Cleanance Toner

I know a lot of people don't use toner, but for me it's an essential step in my skincare regime. This toner is formulated for oily skin so it soaks up excess sebum, evens out your complexion and removes any traces of cleanser. I've found it's definitely helped to clear out my skin and if I don't use it, I get spots.

Avene Thermal Spring Water

I didn't realise how much of a multi-purpose product this was until I actually went to Avene and saw it being used first hand. I like to use it to give my skin a moisture boost after a bath or shower, but before using moisturiser. I also use it to refresh my skin throughout the day.

Avene Cleanance Lotion

The final step in my skincare routine is this moisturising lotion that controls oil throughout the day. I find that my skin gets REALLY shiny and so this really helps to manage that. I would say that I have to use blotting papers at lunch but that's because my skin is excessively oily.

I have been following this skincare regime for about a month now and my skin has definitely got better. I used to get really sore, broken skin on my T-Zone and chin but that's reduced significantly.

I still have whiteheads on my forehand but I think that's because I'm lazy and use Micellar water in the evenings rather than a hot cloth cleanser like I know I should.

If you've got oily, blemished, spot/acne prone skin and you're trying to clear it up, I would definitely recommend this range - let me know how you get on!

What's your skin type and have you found a routine that suits you?

Let me know in the comments!

Love,

Sophia

xo

*PR samples

Boots No7 Voucher Haul Including Michelle Keegan's Wedding Lip Gloss!

Hey loves,

I don't know about you but the brand No7 holds a special place in my heart - I've used it for years and I've always found the products to perform as well (if not better) than some of the premium brands on the market - at a much more affordable price point.

In fact, just having a scroll through some of my old blog posts, it looks like I've done a fair few No7 hauls in my time... here and here in fact. Funnily enough, I've just re-purchased two of the items that I bought in my 2010 and 2011 hauls without realising! They MUST be good.

So when the £5 off skincare/£3 off make-up vouchers started flying around at the start of 2017, it made sense to stock up on some of my faves. 

Here's what I hauled this time...

Clockwise from L-R:

No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Face Exfoliator - £11.00 (£6 with £5 off voucher) - Boots

Described as 'a tried and tested dermatological technique' by No7, this facial exfoliator contains tiny micro crystals - which feel like sand when massaged onto the skin - and leaves skin 'softer, silky to touch and more refined.' I have to admit, this is a re-purchase of mine as I've been really impressed with it in the past - it leaves my skin feeling soft and clear and definitely helps blemishes/dark spots fade. I'd 100% recommend this!

No7 Beautiful Skin Hydration Mask - £12.50 (£7.50 with £5 off voucher) - Boots

This is another product that I first bought many years ago but unfortunately, it looks like they've changed the formula since I last stocked up? This time, it feels thick and gloopy - last time around it was rich and creamy, but not like this. If you're reading this No7, why'd you change it???

No7 BB Lips in Ballerina - £9.00 (£6 with £3 off voucher) - Boots

I first came across this product after stalking make-up artist Krystal Dawn's Instagram - she's the MUA who did Michelle Keegan's wedding make-up (anyone who knows me will know that she is my absolute idol in life). I had to pick this up when I received my voucher - anything to be one step closer to my girl Mich. I wore this for an evening meal out recently and it's just lovely - it's a gorgeous pinky nude shade, perfect for popping in your handbag! Now I want to stock up on some more shades if you guys have any recommendations...

No7 Beautiful Skin Quick Thinking Wipes - £7.00 (£2 with £5 off voucher) - Boots

I must have re-purchased these wipes about 20 times - I use them when I go away/go home and need something quick to remove my make-up, or to take off my make-up before I go to the gym. I try to avoid using face wipes but these are just fab for on-the-go jobbies. They're lovely and soft, full of moisture. Plus for £2.00 you can't really go wrong!

TOTAL SAVED: £18.00!

What are your fave No7 products? Which should I pick up next time there's a voucher?

Love,

Sophia xo

PS. Follow me on social media: Twitter - @smoir; Instagram - @smoir90; Snapchat - @smoir90

Christmas 2016 Gifts: Lots Of Lovely Beauty Treats From Pixi, Elemis, Lush And Eve Lom!

Hey lovely ladies,

After Christmas, I like to have a little snoop to see what people got for Christmas, whether it's on Instagram, blogs or YouTube. I'm just inherently nosy - I can't lie!

In light of that, I thought I'd share with you all a couple of beauty bits I got for Christmas so that you can have a little snoop if you like (no judgment here...)

Clockwise from L-R:

Pixi Glow Tonic

I've seen this on COUNTLESS beauty blogs, plus it comes recommended by Caroline Hirons AKA the Skincare Guru. She was the person who taught me to have a proper skincare routine - starting with an oil or cream-based cleanser, double toning and then specific skincare oils/serums. I'm really looking forward to trying this - I'm just finishing off my Botanics toner at the moment and then I'll move straight onto this. 

Elemis Gentle Foaming Face Wash

My lovely friend Lucy gifted me this - I have to say I'm not one to spend a lot on skincare products as I've found in the past that you can get the same results using drugstore brands. But Elemis is a real luxury skincare brand that I would never splash out on myself so I'm glad I get to try this. It always brings back memories of spa treatments because that's the brand a lot of the spas I've been to use in their facials! #dreamy

LUSH Golden Wonder Gift Set

I have to admit, this is one present that I made use of immediately - I'm a complete Lush addict and I go through bath bombs and bubble bars in no time at all! This gift set contained the Golden Wonder and Star Dust bath bombs - both were delightful but Golden Wonder notably so as it's encased in a gold bath bomb however when it reaches the water it turns a magnificent green shade. I was in heaven!

Heyland & Whittle Bath Set

I hadn't heard of this brand before but it's actually a quality soap/bath brand selling hand-made products. My lovely gift set contained four luxury bath melts and a soap - all of which smelled delightful. They made my bath feel like a real treat! 

Eve Lom Lip Balm And Cleanser 

As mentioned earlier, I don't tend to spend a lot of money on skincare so Eve Lom is a brand that I've been lusting after for a long while but yet to try out myself... until Christmas that is! I was amazed to receive not one, but two Eve Lom treats this year - I can't wait to try these out! I'm sure they will both be AMAZING.

L'Occitane Gift Set

This gift set contained a mini bath melt and shea butter hand cream - well I've tried the bath melt and it was lovely and the hand cream is perfect for popping in your handbag too. It smells lovely and creamy too. Such a lovely gift!

Coco Loco Coconut Spritz

I'm pretty loyal to my Aussie Leave-In Conditioner spray but when I saw countless positive reviews of this, I thought I had to try it. A part of me wants to save this until my holiday because the smell of coconut always reminds me of holidays! We shall see, either way I'm hoping it will leave my locks feeling soft and silky...

What did you get for Christmas this year?

Love,

Sophia xo

PS. Follow me on social media: Twitter - @smoir; Instagram - @smoir90; Snapchat - @smoir90

June Empties: Avene, BareMinerals, La Roche-Posay, Origins, Avon and TRESemme

Hey gals!

So it's been a while since I've done an empties post, but that doesn't mean I haven't used up a LOT of beauty products in that time (obvs).

Here are the beauty buys I finished up in June...

Clockwise from L-R:

TRESemme Restructuring Deep Conditioning Treatment RRP £4.99

I try and use an intensive conditioning masque on my hair at least once a week, favouring Aussie's 3 Miracle Miracle and L'Oreal's Intensive Masques after years of trying different ones. I picked this one up because it was on offer in Superdrug and I'm always after a bargain, me! Unfortunately it was quite difficult to wash out and I found I still had residue in my hair after spending a LOT of time washing it out. As a result, it made my hair look greasy. Not a fan, sorry TRESemme :(

Avene Cleanance Expert RRP £15.00

I wasn't sure about this at first, but continued using it as I'd heard loads of bloggers and press raving about it. I used it after cleansing and toning, but before moisturising, twice a day. I found it really helped to clear up my skin - especially on my forehead and chin, where I tend to get hormonal-related blemishes. I would definitely repurchase!

Avene Micellar Lotion RRP £16.00

I actually bought this in France in an *amazing* pharmacy and it was SO cheap for a massive bottle. Readers of this blog will know that I'm a loyal fan of Avene skincare, after I visited the Avene Hydrotherapy Centre in actual Avene! I tend to use the Cleanance range as my skin is oily/blemish-prone, but I really liked this from the 'regular' range because it felt like I was applying water to my skin. It had a mild, fresh scent and removed every trace of make-up. Love it!

Avon Clearskin Blackhead Clearing Daily Astringent RRP £4.00

I used this when my skin was REALLY bad because it's quite intense and makes my skin sting a bit. It worked to clear it up though, it's just very, very strong, so not ideal for sensitive skin types.

Cien Madame Glamour Hand Cream RRP £1.85

Absolutely blimmin' loved this. In case you didn't know, Cien is one of Lidl's own-brand beauty ranges and the 'Madame Glamour' branded-products smell just like Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle. Total barg. Pick some up next time you're in Lidl for sure.

Origins GinZing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser RRP £15.00 (for 150ml)

I started using Origins after reading Michelle Keegan's blog and she raves about it. I've written a mini-review of this particular product here but in a nutshell, I really liked it. It left my skin feeling clean and refreshed, plus it smells amazing. YAY!

Dolce and Gabbana Dolce EDP RRP £49.00

I don't really have a 'signature' scent - I used to wear Miss Dior Cherie religiously at uni but it was a) really expensive and b) discontinued, so that was the end of that one (luckily for my purse). Since then I tend to just wear whatever I reach for in the morning! I think I received this one from a press event but it's lovely and light, perfect for summer. Sorry, I'm rubbish at describing fragrances. I would suggest going to Boots and giving yourself a spritz of this :)

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Dry Shampoo RRP £5.89

Nah, not a fan. It didn't make my hair feel cleaner/less greasy, nor did it give it any volume. No wonder it's been discontinued... Soz, John Frieda :(

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo + RRP £15.50

This is really similar to the Avene Cleanance Expert, and to be honest I couldn't choose the better one out of the two. They're even the same price! I suppose the La Roche-Posay has more blogger/press hype surrounding it, but at the end of the day they work the same. I would repurchase this too. Really great product for clearing up breakouts.

BareMinerals Stoke Of Light Eye Brightener RRP £22.00

I don't really wear heavy foundation these days and when I do, I lean towards mineral foundations from brands such as BareMinerals. I just don't like the feel of thick, heavy make-up on my skin, especially when it melts off in the sun... This eye brightener was fab at removing dark circles under my eyes, and concealing blemishes, although I found I needed a second concealer (such as MAC Studio Finish) on top of it to completely cover blemishes. 

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild RRP £16.50 (for 200ml)
It does what it says on the tin really - cleans your face :) not a lot to say about that other than it leaves your skin feeling squeaky-clean. You can't go wrong!

What did you use up this month?

Love,

Sophia xo

PS. Follow me on social media: Twitter - @smoir; Instagram - @smoir90; Snapchat - @smoir90

Lots Of Lovely New Origins Skincare: Mini Review For Oily Skin Types!

Hi peeps!

So Origins isn't a skincare brand I have tried a lot of over the years - I tend to stick to the same brands (Avene, The Body Shop, etc) and rarely branch away from the norm for fear of wasting my money and/or time.

But I'm an avid follower of Michelle Keegan's blog and she swears by Origins (namely the Dr Weil range) so when I was given a gift set as a present recently, I was eager to try it out...

Here's what I tried...

GinZing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser

GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturiser

GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

Modern Friction Dermabrasion Scrub

Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

Original Skin Renewal Serum

So first impressions of the GinZing range - well it smells AMAZING (that's if you like fresh, citrusy scents). 

The immediately noticed that the moisturiser doesn't have SPF in it so I tend to just use it before I go to bed and use my Murad moisturiser with SPF30 for during the day. Secondly I have to say, I suffer from oily skin and this exacerbates the problem for me. It is very rich and not suited to my skin type I don't think.

The eye cream has the same scent - I haven't noticed a huge difference in the dark circles under my eyes but then again I have been applying it sporadically i.e. when I remember! I finished up a tube of the facial cleanser and it was lovely and refreshing, and I didn't find that it made my skin more oily. I would use it again.

I LOVED the dermabrasion scrub - I use it a couple of times a week when I'm in the shower and I find it really works to make my skin clear and glowy. The Drink Up overnight mask was again too rich for my skin - and I didn't notice much difference after using the serum.

So overall, a bit of a mixed bunch - some items will be added to my beauty bag (the cleanser and the dermabrasion scrub especially) but others will be relegated to my bottom drawer unfortunately. Again, that's just because I have oily skin - they may work much better for you!

What are your favourite Origins products? And if you're oily-skinned, what are your fave brands and/or products?

Let me know in the comments...

Love,

Sophia xo

Follow me on social media: Twitter - @smoir; Instagram - @smoir90; Snapchat - @smoir90

Holiday Beauty 2014: Sun Protection, Skincare, Haircare, Perfume

Hey peeps,

I hope you're having a lovely evening - I'm just catching up on #GBBO while blogging and enjoying a cupcake on the sofa :)

Last month, I went on holiday to Costa Adeje in Tenerife and Hurghada in Egypt and although the outfits changed, the beauty bag stayed the same.

I'm going to do a separate post on my make-up bag but here's what I brought along in my holiday wash-bag...

Sun protection:

Soltan Protect & Tan Ultra-Light Texture Suncare Lotion SPF30 & SPF15
I first got wind of these products on last year's holiday to Almeria in Spain. I like to tan as safely as possible and never start out wearing a factor lower than 30 - but I like the look of a healthy tan, too. This offers the best of both worlds as it protects my skin from the sun (it has 5* UVA and UVB protection) while enhancing the body's natural tan. I didn't burn once when I used this and I came home with a natural, golden glow. Who said you had to spend a fortune on suncare?
Malibu SPF 20 Clear Hair and Scalp Protector
I've never thought to protect my scalp on holiday before - obviously I wear a hat to protect my face but this ensures my scalp is protected too. It's nothing special but I just spritzed it onto my locks first thing and my scalp didn't burn at all. Not exactly glamorous but you've gotta tell it how it is!
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF30*
Another one from my 2013 holiday beauty bag, this is one product I simply could not be without now that I've tried it. I have oily/blemish-prone skin so I need to be really careful with what I put on my face - a bottle of greasy sun cream just doesn't cut it. This on the other hand doesn't break me out, it has a lovely, light texture, it smells of oranges and most importantly, it protects my skin from the sun. It is pretty pricey (£57.00) but it has lasted me ages as you only need the tiniest bit.

Skincare:

Murad Essential-C Cleanser*

As you probably guessed, this also made an appearance in last year's beauty bag. Again, I just love the scent, and it makes my skin feel squeaky clean. Sadly now every time I use this, it just reminds me of holiday - and how much I want to go away again!

Avene Thermal Spring Water

I have a very soft spot for Avene after going to Avene in the south of France last year to learn about how all the products were made. This water spray was a staple in my beach bag oh holiday - I used it to cool down by the pool but I also sprayed it onto a cotton pad and used it as a refreshing toner.

Murad Anti-Aging Moisturiser SPF 20*

I mainly used this because I absolutely loved the other Murad moisturiser and I didn't want to use that up! So I used this as my night time moisturiser when my skin didn't really need a high SPF. It definitely didn't clog up my pores and made my skin feel really soft but not at all greasy.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I switch between using a hot cloth cleanser and a Micellar water to remove my make-up but on holiday, I preferred to use a Micellar water as it was just too hot to use my Cleanse and Polish! This was really light and fresh - but it was annoying having to use like ten cotton pads rather than one washcloth.

Lancôme Bi-Facial Eye Make-Up Remover

Unlike hot cloth cleansing which removes every trace of make-up, I find that Micellar waters leave little bits of make-up around my eye area. I used this as the last step in my facial regime and it left my eyes properly cleansed and soothed. It is quite pricey though so I'm not sure I'd repurchase.

Haircare:

Mark Hill MiracOILicious Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner with Moroccan Argan Oil*

I'd never used this range of hair products before but fell in love with them on hols and have been using them ever since. It's made with Argan oil but the scent isn't like the typical Moroccanoil smell - bizarrely, it actually smells like sweets! It's so funny, every time I use this in the shower now, I immediately get transported back to my holiday days. I love it.

Mark Hill MiracOILicious 2 Minute Intensive Treatment*

I used this after the shampoo and conditioner to give my hair a real treat. It felt really luxurious on holiday and after I combed it through, my hair felt so soft and smelt amazing. I would definitely re-purchase - even just for the smell of sweets!

Lush It's Raining Men Shower Gel

I first laid eyes on the Honey I Washed The Kids soap years ago so immediately snapped it up when it was made into shower gel form. It smells so yummy - like creamy honey, and it makes washing in the shower (admittedly a mundane task!) much more enjoyable.

Mark Hill No Knots! Detangling Spray*

I use a detangling spray every time I wash my hair as it gets really knotty. After towel-drying, I used this to give my locks a hit of moisture without leaving my hair feeling heavy.

Mark Hill MiracOILicious Moroccan Argan Oil*

As you can imagine, I loved using this because it smelled the same as the other products in the range. I warmed up a few drops between my hands and applied to the lengths and ends of my hair. It didn't make my hair greasy at all - just lovely and soft. I would definitely re-purchase.

Mark Hill Party The Night Away Firm Hold Hairspray*

I didn't use this a lot on holiday because I preferred to keep my hair sleek and straight (no hairspray needed). But when I curled or plaited my hair, I used this to a) add volume and b) keep the look in place all night.

The Wet Brush*

I typically use a wide-toothed comb on towel-dried hair, but this has completely changed my hair routine! The bristles are really soft and don't pull or tug on hair. Instead, it brushes through locks a dream and leaves them really soft and smooth.

Perfume:

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh EDT

I bought this duty-free on the way to Tenerife as I went there without a signature holiday scent. It was a nice addition to my holiday outfits but I wouldn't say the scent is anything special necessarily. It might be because it was Eau De Toilette, but the scent was very light and didn't seem to last all night on me. Still, it was nice to spray it on as I walked out the door and made me feel ready for the night ahead.

What are your holiday beauty bag essentials?

Let me know in the comments below.

Love,

Sophia

xo

*PR samples

March 2014 Empties: Liz Earle, Caudalie, Rimmel London, Soap and Glory, Neom Organics

Hey loves!

I hope you're having a brill day so far :)

I've been trying really hard not to buy new beauty products and use up the ones I have already so for that reason, I have LOADS of empties this month!

Here are the products I used up...

Skincare:

Caudalie Make-Up Remover Cleansing Water

I switch between using a hot cloth cleanser and a Micellar water to remove my make-up at the end of the day, but if I'm going through a Micellar water phase then this is absolutely one of my faves. It's so soft and gentle, it smells lovely and removes every trace of make-up.

Garnier Fresh Essentials Refreshing Toner

I've had this for quite a while now but only got around to finishing it recently. It's light and fresh - a real delight to use! For a long time I didn't see the point of toner but I'm a complete convert now as it makes my skin squeaky clean.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

I've used this on and off for years - it's my go-to product for clearing up my skin after I've had a breakout. I used to think hot cloth cleansers were too much effort but I absolutely LOVE them now - it makes taking off my make-up a real treat and this Liz Earle one is definitely the best I've tried.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser

I generally turn my back on moisturisers that are labelled 'rich' or 'heavy' as they're just too thick for my oily/combination skin. This one is perfect as it's a light, non-oily moisturiser that soaks in instantly, hydrating my skin without feeling too thick or sticky.

No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator

I try to scrub my face two/three times a week as I just find it clears up my complexion and gets rid of all the oil/dirt that's on my face. This one has really tiny beads in it, almost like sand, so it only exfoliates gently but it still works really well! Definitely take a look at it if you see it in Boots - especially if you have a £5 off voucher.

Make-up:

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Ivory

I was really gutted when I ran out of this! It was my go-to foundation for months and I absolutely LOVED it. It's medium coverage but buildable - it conceals every one of my blemishes while still leaving my skin with a healthy, radiant glow. I would repurchase it in an instant!

L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Perfect Slim

I was pretty loyal to my Soap and Glory Supercat Liner for years but then this came along and my loyalty was tested! I'm always applying my eye liner in a rush and this is just completely fool-proof - it makes doing winged eyeliner a breeze. The only thing I would say is that I've recently started noticing that it's been smudging / fading throughout the day which is a bit of a #fail.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Every time I use this, I wonder how I survived without using it! It's not too cakey for using under the eyes but also conceals spots / blemishes a treat. I would buy them in bulk if I could - they're only £2.99 or something a pop, it lasts for ages and it just really works. Has anyone else noticed that their tube has been leaking though? It might just be me, but I always find that my concealer ends up all over the rest of my make-up bag!

Hair:

Schwarzkopf Essence Ultime Omega Repair Intensive Mask

I use an intensive hair mask three times a week to make my hair really soft and glossy. I really like these tub masques because you can grab a load of it and smother it all over your hair! This one smells AMAZING and makes my hair feel lovely. I would definitely buy it again!

Beautiful Brunette Extra Moisturising Shampoo

I don't spend a lot of money on shampoo and conditioner because my hair is so long and thick it would cost me a fortune. This shampoo costs £1 from Poundland and works just as well as the leading brands. I always re-purchase them - cheap and cheerful!

Herbal Essences Deep Nourishing Intensive Mask

I'm not loyal to one particular hair mask as I just tend to buy what's on offer, as was the case here. It's a lovely, thick formula that leaves my hair soft and silky - but if I had to buy just one, I'd buy the Schwarzkopf one over this.

Body:

Vaseline Spray & Go Body Moisturiser

My life is one big rush so I don't find the time to properly moisturise my body from head to toe. This moisturising spray just makes life so much easier! It takes less than a minute to cover my whole body, smells like chocolate and sinks in quickly. So glad I found this!

Neom Organics Complete Bliss Moroccan Blush Rose*

I've always been into candles but this year, I've got REALLY into candles. Neom in particular have the BEST scents, they last for ages and leave a beautiful aroma in the room. These travel sized ones aren't too expensive so I'll definitely be stocking up on some more!

Soap And Glory Flake Away Body Scrub

I've used this body scrub for years but recently got back into it when I received a big Soap and Glory gift set for Christmas. I think if I was to buy one body scrub for the rest of my life, this would be it. I am just in love with Soap and Glory products! The scent is delicious, they really work and leave my skin feeling soft and smooth. Holy Grail material for me!

What did you use up this month?

Love,

Sophia

xo

 

Posted with Blogsy

March 2014 Favourites: Liz Earle, MAC, Schwarzkopf, Clinique, Soap and Glory

Hi guys,

I hope you're having a lovely day!

Here are the main beauty products I was loving in March...

Skincare:

Soap and Glory The Ultimelt Hot Cloth Cleanser

I've been pretty loyal to my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish over the years but I was trying to find something that worked in a similar way but at a fraction of the price. This certainly ticked that box! It had a lovely creamy consistency that melts into your skin almost like an oil once applied. I often do a double cleanse to remove every trace of eye make-up and to make my skin feel squeaky clean. I also really love the herby, lavender scent.

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask

There's something about using Liz Earle products that just feels really indulgent. I love to use this on a Sunday afternoon, taking a few minutes to really let it sink in while I relax. The clay-like texture gives my skin a good, thorough cleanse and opens up my pores ready for extraction if needed.

Make-up:

MAC Eyebrows in Fling

I've been switching between using this and a clear brow gel recently but I reach for this when I want a bit more definition for my brows. I used this in the shade Lingering for years and loved it but bought it in the lighter shade which is more subtle for during the day. It applies evenly and stays in place all day.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair

I went a couple of months without using this but I picked it up in Wilko's recently and I haven't looked back - not sure how I managed to live without it! There's just no concealer like it - and for £2.99 as well?! Amazing. It conceals my dark circles as well as my spots and blemishes and I just think everyone needs one in their handbag.

Haircare:

Dove Leave-In Conditioning and Care Spray

I absolutely love this - I just spray it all over my hair after a shower but before blow-drying and it leaves my hair feeling so soft and silky. I'd definitely keep re-purchasing it.

Schwartzkopf Essence Ultime Diamond Colour Intensive Mask

I saw this advertised but wasn't really interested until I saw it was on offer in Wilkinsons (where I spend most of my life!). It's a lovely, creamy texture that I lather on the lengths and ends of my hair in the shower, leave on for a few minutes before washing out.

Body and other:

Yankee Candle Waikiki Melon

I've always been into candles but for the past couple of months, I've been REALLY into candles, to that point where I research the best selling candle brands and scents for hours on end! I absolutely love this scent - it's so fresh and fruity, perfect for summer.

Clinique Happy Fragrance

This is the perfume I keep in my handbag so I use it pretty much every day. I LOVE it - it's just a clean, fresh scent that lifts my mood and puts a smile on my face!

What did you love this month? Leave your monthly favourites links in the comments :)

Love,

Sophia

xo

 

 

 

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

February 2014 Favourites: Caudalie, Lancôme, La Roche-Posay, Liz Earle, MAC

Hey loves,

I hope you're all well!

Here are my favourite products from February...

Skincare:

Caudalie Make-Up Remover Cleansing Water*

I absolutely fell in love with this product. It was so soft and gentle - yet still super effective at removing every last trace of make-up. I especially liked the scent too. I'd rate it ahead of the Bioderma for sure.

Lancôme Bi-Facial Non Oily Instant Cleanser For Sensitive Eyes

I picked this up at the airport in duty free and I'm so glad I did because I've long been on the hunt for the perfect eye make-up remover. This completely removes eye make-up but it does it so effortlessly - without pulling at delicate skin around my eyes.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+*

I've heard loads of good stuff about this from bloggers and friends so I reached for it straight away when I had a breakout. It definitely helped clear my skin up but it's too harsh for everyday use so I'll just be using it every time I see a spot forming.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

It's not often I have good skin days - most of the time I wake up to a nasty breakout and I use the heaviest concealer I can find to cover it up. But when I do have good skin, I use this. It gives my skin a lovely, natural glow that just looks really fresh faced and healthy. LOVE.

Make-up:

Liz Earle Radiant Glow Bronzer* + Avon Powder Brush

I've turned my back on heavy contouring - recently I've been really favouring a natural looking bronzed look instead. I swirl the big, fluffy brush around this bronzer and apply it all over my face, focusing on the temples and cheeks. It makes me look awake, healthy and ready for the day.

No7 Clear Brow Gel

Going with the more natural look, I've been ditching the eyebrow pencils and powders for this clear gel instead. It makes me feel polished without looking too overdone.

MAC Mineralize Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist

Normally, my Urban Decay B6 Spray is my fixing spray of choice, but I ran out of that so I've been using this instead. I love the fresh feeling it gives me as I spray it onto my face first thing (before I apply make-up) but I also feel like it keeps everything in place after I've applied it all.

Haircare:

Dove Hair Therapy Leave-In Conditioning & Care Spray

I didn't have massive expectations for this because it was only a few quid from Boots - but my expectations were MASSIVELY surpassed after I used it. I spray it all over towel-dried locks and comb it through - it leaves my hair feeling so soft and silky. I'd repurchase it in a heartbeat.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Shampoo and Conditioner*

I'm a massive chocoholic so I jumped at the chance to try this cocoa-scented shampoo and conditioner. I'm not a massive fan of mint but this smells like chocolate mint and it's just delicious! I would eat it if I could.

Schwarzkopf got2be 2 Sexy Big Volume Push Up Volumizing Hairspray

I'm a BIG fan of L'Oreal Elnett but this might have just tested my loyalty. I used it when I was a bridesmaid at my friend's wedding and it kept my curly locks in place all day. It also smells amazing and comes in a MASSIVE bottle.

What did you use up this month?

Thanks,

Sophia

xo

 

Posted with Blogsy

February 2014 Empties: Clarins, Elemis, Urban Decay, Kerastase

Hi loves!

How's everyone doing? I hope everyone's as excited for spring - we're finally starting to see some sun, WOOP.

Here are the products I used up in Feb 2014...

Pretty much all of my empties were drugstore except the Kerastase oil which I've had for ages and the Clarins make-up remover which was a gift.

I'm completely skint since moving to London so you won't find as much high-end stuff on my blog these days!

Skincare:

Elemis Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash*

I seem to associate Elemis with pampering ever since I had an Elemis facial a couple of months back (bliss!). I think this was the first time I tried an Elemis product at home and I was really impressed with it, but the face wash in itself had tiny beads in it which I found were too harsh for daily use.

Urban Decay B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray

This is possibly one of my favourite beauty products of 2013! I was recommended this by a make-up artist backstage at Wireless festival who used it to refresh make-up on stars including Little Mix during the day. I bought it immediately and used it as the first and last step of my make-up routine. I've never looked back and am GUTTED it ran out!

Superdrug Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover

I picked this up on a whim because I ran out of my normal Simple one but I was actually really impressed with it considering it was only a few quid. It didn't sting my eyes at all - I'd definitely pick it up again.

Clarins Instant Eye Make-Up Remover

I received this as a gift so I can't say I invested in it myself, but I still would have bought it anyway! This is really AMAZING - it removes every trace of make-up and doesn't hurt my eyes at all. If you see this on offer or anything, I'd definitely invest it it.

Avene Cleanance Gel

I've reviewed this before and I am still a huge fan of it. My skin is oily/blemish-prone so the whole Avene Cleanance range is just perfect for me. I used this face wash twice a day and it didn't dry my skin out or make it oily - it was just perfect for giving it a good cleanse.

Haircare:

Schwarzkopf Gliss Liquid Silk Conditioner

I remember picking this up very last minute at the till in Superdrug and I didn't have super high hopes for it - it was just on offer at the time. It surpassed my expectations totally - my hair was always silky smooth after using it and I would definitely buy it again.

Garnier Fructis Colour Care Conditioner

I bought this in Poundland because I was out of conditioner at the time but I was really disappointed and wouldn't buy it again. It did absolutely nothing to my hair and it wasn't even worth the £1 I spent on it.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime

I know this is absolutely loved in the bloggersphere but I personally just didn't see the hype. Yes it left my hair feeling soft and silky but no more so than my V05 oil or Moroccanoil. I'd say save your pennies!

Other:

Vaseline Hand Cream and Anti-Bac 2 in 1

This was really handy for throwing in my handbag as it saved bringing multiple products! The only qualm I have with it is that I wish it was scented like a hand cream - a Vaseline Cocoa Butter 2 in 1 would be AMAZE.

What did you use up this month?

Love,

Sophia

xo