Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash

August Favourites

So I have finally broken my hiatus!

I didn't really plan on taking a break from blogging to be honest but it all got a bit much with university as I have been super busy with clinical placement and exam revision since I last posted.  Exam was on Wednesday though and hopefully I've gotten the blogging bug back.  So without further ado...onto my favourites for August!

Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Cleanser
I was sent this a few months ago by Eucerin to try out this relatively new face wash and I've been really enjoying it since I finished my clinical trial back at the start of July.  My skin had improved a lot due to the trial and I feel that this face wash has really helped to prolong the results.  It's really gentle on my skin and doesn't leave it feeling dry and tight after using despite it being a gel that can foam up a bit when you really work it into the skin.

Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet
I bought this whilst I was on holiday as I was fast running out of the face cream I had taken away with me.  I saw the poster for it in the window as it had just been launched that day and when I tried some of it on the back of my hand it felt so cooling and smoothing that I had to get it.  The fact that it's a sorbet makes it really cooling when it's a hot day and the thick gel like consistency is easily absorbed into my skin, and I definitely feel it has hydrated my skin a bit more.

Body Shop Honey Bronzer
I think most bloggers have already raved about this bronzer but I thought I'd pop in my two cents too since I've been loving it so much - as you can tell from the photo!  I bought this in the second lightest shade and I've been using it with a big fluffy brush to do a soft contour on my face for everyday as I feel it's a bit more subtle than Benefit's Hoola which I would normally use.

Max Factor False Lash Effect
My mum has used this mascara for years but I finally decided I'd get one for myself after seeing Amelia Liana rave about it on her YouTube channel.  This stuff really does make it look like I'm wearing false lashes and I've worn it every single day since I got it...I think I even prefer it to Benefit's They're Real mascara.

Topshop Glow

I've actually had this for about 4 months but I've really been using it more since I've been more tanned from my holiday.  It's a gorgeous bronzey hued cream that can be used as an eyeshadow but I use it more as a highlighter on my cheekbones and I find it still gives me that perfect post-sunshine glow.

Bioderma Micellar Water

I was very lucky to be able to pop over to Calais for a day when I was in holiday so I obviously picked up 2 massive bottles of this gem! I do think it's amazing but I am slightly disappointed by it not being as good at removing my eyeliner as I thought it would be.  That aside I do absolutely adore it and I'm already rationing it when I've barely touched the first bottle!

Netflix
Another thing I'm a little behind everyone else on the planet with is Netflix.  I finally decided to set up an account after my sister in law getting on at me to watch Breaking Bad and Orange is the New Black.  It's her fault I barely get out of my bed now that I have a break from uni!  I've only been watching BB and OINTB and so far OINTB is winning.  I've been told to stick with BB since I've only just started season 2 and apparently it gets much better and more exciting soon.

Reading

Back in June, Essie Button had Sanne from Books and Quills on her YouTube channel talking about books to help you get back into reading.  Now I am a major book hoarder.  I am constantly buying books but never reading them and I refuse to get a kindle.  But over the past couple of month I have managed to read a grand total of 6 books which is pretty unheard of for me apart from when I read the entire Twilight series in 2 weeks.  Whilst I was on my summer holiday I read Shock of the Fall (interesting), The Lemon Grove (saucy) and Gone Girl (AMAZEBALLS!).  I have since read The Bees which is just an unbelievable imaginative story about - you guessed it - bees. Laline Paull managed to make them seem so humanised in my head and I really enjoyed it.  Major recommendation from me.  Currently I'm reading A Game of Thrones as I want to watch the tv series but decided I would read the books first. I have now unfortunately been warned that this may take quite some time and although I feel like I'm doing quite well with the book so far (I'm on page 133) I still haven't reached the end of the first episode *cries*.  I shall not be defeated however and I will finish these books if it's the last thing I do!

Hope you guys enjoyed reading about my favourites and I promise I won't leave it too long to blog again :)

What have you guys been loving this month?

The Review - & Other Stories Shinjuku Blossom Hand Cream

My sister in law bought me this hand cream when we were in London in February for a little treat and I thought I'd give it a review.

So due to me washing my hands 50 million times a day the last few weeks on placement, my hands had were starting to get in a bit of a state.  They were really dry and the skin across my knuckles was starting to get really red...sooo attractive!  I had been using my trusty E45 while on shift but one day at my part time job I realised I only had this one in my bag (I tend to cart a few tubes around with me on a daily basis).

To be honest I was a bit wary about using this on my scaly lizard hands as it's scented but I was really surprised by how gentle it is.  The scent is of gorgeous cherry blossoms but it's really fresh aswell and not overpowering at all.  My knuckles didn't sting or anything when I put this on and the scent lasts pretty well.  I've only used it a couple of times before I went back on placement and it kept my hands really soft for ages.

I wouldn't recommend this as a normal moisturiser if you also have a job where you are constantly washing your hands and using alcohol gel as it probably isn't as conditioning as the E45 but for everyday use it's delightful - The little metal tube is really cute and I think it's different to having a really sweet smelling cream.

The Review - Hydraluron Boosting Mask

I'm already a massive fan of the Hydraluron serum by Indeed Labs and if you didn't already know that where have you been?!?  So when I found out they were bringing out a sheet mask version I was super excited and intrigued.  I'd never heard of let alone used a sheet mask before, and at a normal retail price of £19.99 for four masks they aren't cheap. However with all the hype from other beauty bloggers I took the leap...and used my mum's Boots points to buy a pack - cheers mum!

Each mask comes individually wrapped so they keep fresh for ages - major bonus with the price.  They are a bit tricky to open up once you get them out of the packet as they are sticky and slippy with all the serum that it's smothered in but once it's open I found it fairly easy to position on my face even if it was a bit scary to look at - think Silas for all you Vampire Diaries fans....yeah...creepy.  

The packet advises to leave them on for 10-15 minutes but they aren't the most practical things to be wearing doing the housework say because they can slip around if you're moving too much.  So bed rest it was scrolling through Bloglovin', Pinterest and Tumblr.  Overall it was very cooling and relaxing to have on and I did feel a slight tingling around my mouth but this was not unpleasant. 

After my 15 minutes were up I removed the mask and could instantly tell where my skin was dehydrated.  My cheeks had chugged in the moisture from the serum and there was quite a bit of residue on my forehead so I massaged in the remaining serum concentrating on my cheeks.
I could feel an immediate difference in the texture of my skin after using the mask and when I woke the next morning my skin was a lot brighter than usual.  My makeup seemed to last better on my face the next day aswell.

Overall a fantastic item to purchase and I would definitely recommend for any skin types as a treat before a night out or a special event.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Boosting Masks are available from Boots  with a normal retail price of £19.99 but are currently on offer for £13.33.

Skin Care Love-In - The Daily Edition

I have a confession...

Until recently (by that i mean the last 6 months) I would always use face wipes to remove my makeup *cringes* and not very well might I add...if at all!  Yeah I don't feel much better after that haha!

Anyhoos, within the last 4-6 months I have become a self confessed skin care junkie! I seriously cannot get enough of the stuff and as you are about to see, I have quite a lot...according to my mum anyway.

I'm going to start by going through my basic morning routine then my evening additions and substitutes.

So in the mornings, I never used to cleanse my face apart from giving it a quick rinse in the shower.  This is what my new routine looks like at the moment (thanks to the goddess that is Caroline Hirons - her blog is here).  Hope you've got a cup of tea ready!

My current cleanser of choice is the Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean 3-in-1 Wash Off Deep Purifying Cleanser available from Boots for just £6.  I had been using a gel cleanser in the morning up until Christmas but that has since been relegated to my gym bag (it's antibacterial and I get a bit sweaty ewww).  I just rub this straight onto my skin for about 30 seconds and remove with a clean flannel soaked in warm water.  This makes my skin feel really clean and refreshed first thing and has a really soft scent that reminds me of fruit yoghurts that wakes me up.

Next up is the REN Clarifying Toning Lotion available from M&S and SpaceNK for £18.  This is an exfoliating toner which is best suited to oily and combination skins, helping to remove dead skin, unclog pores and reduce oiliness.  It's also antibacterial so it aids in preventing breakouts too.  I noticed an amazing difference in my skin after using this for only 2 weeks.  It's still not perfect but we're on the right track now and I no longer hate my skin so we both win :) Apparently it can make your skin feel a bit tingly the first few times you use it but I didn't get any.  I got this bottle at the start of December and I use it twice a day so it's lasted me really well.  

The toner can make your skin feel a little dry afterwards so I like to follow it up with a spritz of La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water which is available in a mini version of 50g for £4 or the full size 150g for £7.50 from Boots. I just let this sink into my skin itself whilst I brush my teeth.

I can get quite a few spots of cystic acne along my jawline nowadays.  My blemishes (which used to spring up anywhere) have reduced hugely since I started using this routine so unfortunately I can't pinpoint exactly what has helped but without these next two products I feel I'd still be back in that dreaded teenage 'pizza face' phase blergh.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector (£9.50 from Boots) is a beautifully light creamy gel that is pretty self explanatory.  I apply it all along my jawline as well as on individual pimples to prevent any more horrors erupting throughout the day.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (currently £11.62 in Boots) - are you sensing a theme here? - is now one of the products I don't think I'll ever be able to live a normal life without.  As opposed to the targeted corrector mentioned above, the duo seems to be a cult product within the oily skinned afficionados.  I first tried this as a tester and with not using it for about 1 week after it was finished I could notice the texture of my skin slipping back to its terrible ways.  I apply this all over my face and I find it help to smooth out my skin and unclogs my pores.  It has to be noted thought that the whole Effaclar range can be very drying so it isn't recommended for anyone with dry skin.

A recent holy grail addition to my routine that I had been meaning to try for quite some time is the much lauded Hydraluron by Indeed Labs.  It is a bit of a card melter at £24.99 (I was lucky enough to get it on offer from Boots but they do have a mini sampler set that contains two of their other products more suited for anti-ageing that is a bit cheaper if you want to try it out) but it is AMAZING!  The concept is that it contains ultra-high quality hyaluronic acid which can hold 1000 times it's own weight in water.  You only have to use a tiny amount all over your face before your moisturiser and it soaks up any water that is in your moisturiser and holds it beneath the surface of your skin affectively plumping up your skin and keeping it hydrated for longer.  This has been amazing for me because although I have oily skin it is also dehydrated (not to be confused with dry by the way) and I've noticed a difference in the smoothness and radiance of my skin since I introduced this.

At the moment I'm rotating between two daytime moisturisers.  The first is No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Day Cream.  I'm expecting you've heard of the serum of the same range (unless you're outwith the UK that is) and I bought this as part of a set in the Boots sale - I won't go into the whole details of the set...this post is long enough!  It's basically an anti-wrinkle moisturiser that is aimed at those of us lucky enough to still be in our late 20's.  Anti-ageing creams can be a bit rich for oily skins but this one is really light and leaves my skin feeling refreshed and glowing.

The final item in my daytime routine ('Finally!' I hear you cheer) is my second moisturiser in rotation.  The Rodial Glamtox Day is again an anti-ageing moisturiser that I received in the January edition of my Birchbox.  It contains micro-injected hyaluronic acid spheres and myrrh extract to hydrate and reduce expression fine lines.  This is another lovely feeling cream that is surprisingly light for being anti-ageing and absorbes into my skin amazingly.  Luckily I got this as a sample but I might just keep it in my mind for when my purse is in better shape and I don't need to money to buy important things...like food (available from SpaceNK for £75 for 50ml - wowzers!)


Now onto my evening additions and substitutes...

If I've been wearing makeup - which is most days to be honest - I double cleanse to make sure every scrap of makeup is off of my face.

I'll start off by removing my eye makeup and the bulk of my foundation etc using L'oreal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution (normally retails around the £4.99 mark but it's often on offer in Boots, Superdrug and supermarkets).  This is a water-like solution that is amazing at removing makeup as you just need to hold it on your eyes for about 5-10 seconds and it swipes off most eye makeup in one go.  The only downsides I think is the bottle is a little awkward and it can sting the eyes a bit if you have too much on the cotton pads.

My second cleanse (single if it's been a makeup free day) is the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (£21) which I use in place of the Soap and Glory cleanser.  This is a solid balm that looks a little bit like a candle but you only need a small amount and when you massage it onto your face it transforms into a smooth oil.  I think it's amazing at dissolving any mascara that might be left on my eyes since it's hard for me to tell with having naturally black lashes.  I remove with the same flannel I use in the morning (that one is pretty clean anyways) soaked in hand hot water.  After using it my skin feels incredibly clean and smooth.  This is followed by my REN toner, LRP thermal water, and LRP effaclar targeted breakout and Duo that I use in the mornings.  

Before applying my evening serum and moisturiser I have recently started using the No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Eye Cream that was also in the set I bought in the Boots sale.  I like to use this before my moisturiser to make sure it actually manages to get into the skin around my eyes rather than sitting on top of other creams.

That No7 set is getting a lot of use! Next up is the No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Serum.  This is a much richer serum than the Hyraluron that I use in the mornings.  Admittedly I don't have any wrinkles or fine lines bar my smile lines so I probably don't need to be using this many anti-ageing products but it doesn't hurt to start early if your skin agrees with it right?

The final step is - guess what? - No7 Protect and Perfect Instense Night Cream.  I have been thinking about finding a more hydrating moisturiser that is suited to my skin type but I thought I might as well try the whole range out as the set was cheaper than the serum alone.

So that is my ENTIRE skin regime for both morning and evening...well done if you're still here - you can go lie down in a minute.  Maybe this post has given you some ideas of things that might work for your own skin, and if you have any suggestions of products I might like I welcome you with open arms into the world of skin care nutheads *kisses*.

November Glossybox Review

I was going to film my review but my camera has ran out of battery and I can't find the cable to charge it - nightmare!

B. Complete Long Lasting Nail Polish in Seafoam

This is a gorgeous colour and I have one very similar from Essie called Mint Candy Apple.

The formulation of this nail polish is great.  I found it quite streaky on application but this settled out with the second coat.  It does say it's long lasting but I found mine started to chip on the tips very quickly - although this is probably due to the nature of my job rather than the nail polish itself.  I haven't had a chance to test it again properly due to my university placements and working part-time aswell so hopefully over Christmas time I'll be able to wear it for a few days without any chip hazards coming at me.

B nail polishes are available to buy from Superdrug in 33 gorgeous shades - £4.99/8ml

Emite Make Up Micronized Eyeshadow in Dams.

Haven't really had much of a chance to properly try this out either - the joys of having full time placement, writing an essay and having a part time job!

The shadow is a matte black shade and is very easily blended. I didn't find there was any fallout (if any) which is always a big plus in my eyes no matter the colour.

I think I'll probably buy more of their shadows in the future.

Available to buy from the Emite Makeup online store - £16.80

Yves Rocher France Cocao & Raspberry Hand Cream

My hands have been really dry lately with it being so cold now and washing my hands 50 billion times a day whilst I'm on placement and this has been pretty good at helping cure any dry flaky patches I get.  The scent is mouth watering and my hands drink this up super fast without leaving my hands feeling sticky or greasy.

Available to buy from the Yves Rocher website for a bargainlicious £1.95 where they also have shower gel, lip balm, body lotion and home fragrance in this scent yay!

Vichy Idealia Life Serum

I think I was accidently given two of the serums and one sample of the Vichy Smoothing and Illuminating cream but nevermind.

I found the serum very well absorbed by my skin.  The formulation itself has a slight pearlescence to it but it doesn't work like an illuminator like the cream.  I did feel a slight difference in my skin after using it but personally I don't think the amount supplied is enough to be able to notice a big difference in my skin.

Available from Boots - £29.50 for 30ml.

Elegant Touch Rapid Dry for Nails

Firstly, I don't know why I have bought one of these before...it's amazing!!! No longer shall I have to scream in frustration when I bump my nails 5 minutes after painting them.

I timed this for the 60 second claim it offers and my nails were so perfectly dry that I was actually able to go and blowdry my hair after 1 minute without any damage to my manicure whatsoever - lifesaver in a can! I think I'll be using this product for a very long time to come.

Available to buy from Superdrug and Boots - £3 for 125ml.

Overall this was a very pleasing box and I'm looking forward to the next one...more makeup please though!

G

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November Glossybox Unboxing

So last month I was really disappointed with my Glossybox.  It was themed as Dark Romance but the closest thing to that was a lip tint. Check out my review video here.

 

Needless to say I was expecting a much better selection for this month and bloody heck it didn't disappoint!

 

 

This months box doesn't have a theme but the magazine is all about Christmas wish lists and has some really nice items in it.

B. Complete Long Lasting Nail Polish in Sea Foam.

This is a gorgeous shade. I have a very similar one from Essie so we'll see how this one lasts.

Emite Make Up Micronized Eyeshadow in Dams.

Pure black eyeshadow...one of my favourites! From trying this on the back of my hand it's a very smooth powder that is highly pigmented and seems like it'll blend really well. Perfect for festive party smokey eyes.

Vichy Idealia Life Serum

I actually got two serums and one smoothing and illuminating cream. Not sure if that's what was supposed to happen...means I technically get an extra product to try out yay!

I've used a Vichy face wash before which I really liked so I'm expecting big things from these.

 

 

Elegant Touch Rapid Dry for Nails

This is perfect for me because every time I paint my nails I have an uncontrollable urge to pee - my bladder has the worst timing haha!

 

 

 

Yves Rocher France Cocoa and Raspberry Hand Cream

Oh sweet baby Jesus! I started salivating when I read the scent of this.

Normally I don't really like chocolate scented creams (I always think they smell really plastic) but this is heavenly! I've already decided that quite a few people are getting one for Christmas!

There's also a special offer for Glossybox subscribers with this company -  buy their raspberry home fragrance and shower gel, enter a special code and get a free perfumed shower gel, lip balm and hand cream!

You'll smell me before you see me this Christmas!

 

I'll be doing another review video once I've had a few weeks to try out these products so I'll be posting a link on here once it's up.

 

I've also reviewed my first ever Birchbox on my YouTube channel.

 

Gillian

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