Evening Skincare Routine

As the colder weather is fast approaching I have been adding a few new skincare saviours into my evening routine to help boost my skins hydration and for a bit of an extra pamper. I've been using this routine religiously for the past few months and have noticed a visible improvement in my skins condition, it looks a lot healthier and i'm even having to deal with a lot less breakouts (yay!) 

In the evening I start of by using the No7 Hot Cloth Polish, I was an avid user of the Liz Earle hot cloth polish, but having to repurchase such a pricey cleanser nearly every 3 months was a bit too much for my purse. I switched over to the much more affordable No7 cleanser and haven't looked back since (however I must admit, I do miss the eucalyptus scent of the Liz Earle products!) It's a wonderfully creamy cleanser and my skin seems to be loving it so far. 

For toner I have been trying out the Vitamin E Hydrating Toner from The Body Shop. This is a wonderfully hydrating addition to my skincare, it helps remove any traces of makeup or dirt that my cleanser may not have picked up and as it's too not harsh it is great for sensitive skin.

This has become a holy grail product of mine (i'm onto my third tube!) I apply the La Roche Posay Effaclar duo [+] all over my face after toning and leave to sink in for 30 minutes or so before I go onto my next skincare step. This wonder product helps keep any major breakouts at bay and helps reduce small blemishes virtually over night! I've also noticed that it has helped improve my skins texture, making it a lot smoother and softer. 

This has been a re purchase for me, I stopped using this maybe a year or two ago after my skin wasn't suffering as badly with dry patches and have started using it again to prep my skin for the colder months! This is a great moisteriser that is quite thick in texture and needs an extra minute or two to sink in. Lushs Skin Drink contains soothing rose petal infusion, sesame oil, aloe and avocado. 

Next up is Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil, I use two or three drops of this straight after applying my moisteriser. It is beautifully scented facial oil and I enjoy using this every evening as it feels like a bit of luxurious treat! I've found after using this regularly for the past six months has really helped boost my skins hydration and leaves my skin looking more awake in the morning! 

The final steps in my evening skincare routine is too apply an eye cream and a blemish treatment (if I need it.) I'm enjoying using the No7 Early Defense Eye Cream so far, I haven't found any significant difference in fine lines yet, but it does hydrate my under eye area creating a good base for applying concealer. I've been trying out Sanctuarys Blemish Serum for the past few weeks and i'm pretty impressed with it so far, it seems to visible reduce blemishes in size and redness overnight.

What are you evening skincare favourites?

Carly x 

5 Ways to De-Stress After a Difficult Day

We all get those days where nothing seems to go right, either we are stressed out at work or just having a difficult time. For those kinds of days it's essential to set some time aside for yourself in order to relax and reboot your overloaded mind. Here are a few tips on how to spend some quality down time with yourself.

1. Have a bath

              

One of the ways I like to destress is by running myself a bath and using all my favourite products in it (usually Lush goodies!) Baths have many benefits not only in helping you unwind after a stressful day but it also can play an important role in boosting your immune system, it helps improve sleep and strengthens blood circulation! 

There are many different types of bath products that cater in helping the mind relax, but the ones I have found most beneficial are those that contain essential oils such as lavender and ylang-ylang.

2. Mediate or try yoga

You don't have to be an expert in yoga to reap the benefits of practisting it; it's a great way to start the day and wake your body up before your coffee! I have recently tried it for the first time and was amazed at how relaxed and calm I felt after just a 20 minute session. There are some great youtube tutorials out there if you don't have time to take a class or would just rather do it in the comfort of your own home. If yoga doesn't interest you mediation may! Meditation for 10 minutes every day helps clear your mind

and refocus your energy, it's quite difficult once you start to clear your mind completely and focus soley on your body but after a few sessions it gets easier! I use the Headspace app as it gives you daily mediation guidelines and is great if you are a beginner.

3. Coffee and a good book

Even the simplest things such as brewing up some delicious coffee and cosying up on the couch to read a good book is a great way to relax. Not only does reading take your mind of whatever maybe stressing you out, it's a simple and easy way to spend time with yourself.

4. Go for a walk

Yup, go for a walk! Whether it's just a short stroll around the block or to grab a coffee at your local coffee shop, going for a walk and getting some fresh air can work wonders for your mental health.

5. Watch a feel good film

There's nothing I like doing more than snuggling up with Netflix on a week night after a long day! Watching your favourite shows or film is a sure way to boost your mood. My favourites are any Wes Anderson films or my new favourite film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, if you haven't seen it, you should it is the definition of a great feel good film! So get on your comfy clothes, crack open that Ben and Jerrys ice-cream and spend a little me time! 

What are your tips for destressing?

Carly x

(All photos taken from weheartit.com)

Mini Pamper Haul

I always try and fit in a pamper evening at least once a week (usually at the weekend) it does wonders for helping you to de-stress and get ready for the week ahead, not to mention it also feels pretty great to treat yourself. 

I picked up a few new bits and pieces to add into my weekly ritual and cant wait to use some of the goodies! Eeee!

First up, I restocked some of my Lush bath bombs- a bath never seems to be the same unless the water is turned magical colours and smells amazing! 

Lush 'Twilight' Bath Bomb

I've used this bath bomb before and I think it's one of ny favourites from Lush. It's sweetly scented with tonka absolute and contains essential oils, Lavender and ylang-ylang, which makes it a great one to use before bedtime, as the lavender helps ease you into sleep and great if you suffer from insomnia. Not to mention this  turns your bath water a deep shimmering purple!

Yuzu & Cocoa Bubbleroon

This is a new one for me, when I smelt this in store, it went straight in my basket! This bubbleroon smells of coconut and chocolate orange, yum!  It contains fair trade shea butter that promises to leave your skin soft and moisturised after. I've used a few of the other bubble bars from Lush and they create the softest bubbles ever! You really have to try it to believe it.

The Godmother Soap

I've been on the lookout for a good bar of soap to replace using shower gel all the time and I think i've found the perfect one! This foams beautifully, it doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or dry and it smells identitical to their limited edition Christmas shower gel Snow Fairy. It is so highly scented of all things candy it has made my shower room smell great! 

Lastly, I picked up some peel off face masks from Montagne Jeunesse. 

Cucumber, Manuka Honey and Green Tea. I've yet to try these but i'm excited to see how they work out! 

Have you ever used any face masks from Montagne Jeunesse?

Carly x

Updated Skin-Care Routine

Hi Folks! I hope you are all having a lovely Sunday! 

Today's post will be update on my current skin-care routine, I did a previous post about what I was using in February and only one product has stayed the same which is the cleanser which I use (Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish) so I thought it was about time I did an update! I am avid skin-care lover and love to try out new products, however I think I may have discovered my dream team of products that I have been using religiously the past few months.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

This has become a staple in my morning routine, it is just so quick and easy to use if you are in a rush to get up and out too work. I also like to use it before cleansing in the evening, if i'm wearing more makeup that day to ensure i'm getting rid of absolutely all the products i've slapped on! It doesn't irritate my skin or leave it feeling dry and tight,  it's true to its word of being gentle enough to use on sensitive skin. I have used the Simple micellar water before and am happy enough to swap between that and the Garnier one- I find they both do an equally good job of what they are supposed to do!

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish: Hot Cloth Cleanser

I have already spoke about this in my past skincare routine, but it has become an absolute staple for me. I religiously use this every evening, even if i've had a makeup free day. It's so relaxing and feels incredibly pampering on the skin. After having a bad bout of hormonal acne a year or two ago, this cleanser was recommended to me and helped clear it up (along side an acne cream treatment prescribed by the doctor) I have continued in using this cleanser as i've been cautious in using anything else. However, I think i'm ready to explore alternate cream cleanser. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Body Shops Vitamin E Hydrating Toner

I picked this up a few months ago when The Body Shop where having  a crazy online sale and had ran out of my Liz Earle Toner. I really enjoy using this toner and is great for dehydrated/dry skin, the consistency is different from any other toners I have used in the past, it has a slightly thicker texture which gives your skin the feeling of a moisture boost when applied. It is lightly scented and has added vitamin E which is great to help even out your skin tone and help reduce the appearance of scarring. I use this in the evening after cleansing. 

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser  (dry/sensitive skin)

I got this moisteriser a while ago and completely forgot I had it until my much loved Celestial Moisturiser from Lush ran out. They both have the exact same thick luxurious texture which I look for in moisturisers, however I think I may prefer the Liz Earle Skin Repair now I have been using it for a few weeks, it seems to hydrate my skin a lot better and sinks in a lot quicker than Lush's Celestial. It is rich in natural actives like borage oil (a rich source of essential fatty acid GLA) and natural antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin E to replace lost moisture and help protect against dryness. I highly recommend this if you are after a hydrating moisturiser!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]

After reading some reviews online about this miracle product for troubled skin, I thought I would give it a go and I haven't been disappointed. I am now on my second tube of this stuff and it has become a holy grail product in my evening skin-care routine. I apply this after my toner and leave to sink in (for about 30 minutes) before I apply moisturiser and facial oil. This is an anti-blemish cream, specifically formulated to target the key signs of blemish-prone skin. It helps unclog pores and refines skins texture and is suitable for sensitive skin. There has definitely been a reduction in the amount of breakouts I get and my skin tone is looking more even after using this every night for a couple of months. It is a hydrating enough formula toskip moisturiser altogether after applying this. 

Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil

I have done a previous post about his face treatment oil so I'll just briefly tell you why I'm currently loving this. I use 3/4 drops of this in my evening routine after my moisturiser, it does a wonderful job of giving my skin an extra boost of hydration before bed and have noticed my skin looking more healthy and refreshed in the morning. Also, the smell of this oil makes it a step I look forward to in the evening, think patchouli and all things spa! It also has added hazelnut oil which helps prevent fine lines from appearing which I suppose in my late 20's is something I should start factoring into my skin-care routine. 

Boots Botanics Radiant Youth Microdermabrasion Polish

I picked this up on a bit of a whim in Boots a few months ago and have been using it once a week ever since. I only use this once a week as i'd find it a bit too harsh to use anymore than that as it's a pretty intense method of exfoliating your face. This is a micro polishing treatment which encourages cell renewal for younger looking, more radiant complexion. After I use this I find my skin does feel a whole lot smoother and soft and leaves a subtle glow. The first time I used this it felt very abrasive on my skin but after a few more uses it does feel a lot more comfortable. I found this has helped reduce the appearance of any scarring left from previous blemishes. Also, it is on offer at the minute for £5 in Boots, may have to stock up! :)

What are your favourite skin-care products?

Carly x