Top Face Masks for Dry Skin

As a sufferer of dry and sensitive skin, i'm always on the look out for a miracle product that will help sort my skin out with a boost of hydration. I have tried a lot of hydrating face masks over the years and these four of my favourites.

No7 'Beautiful Skin' hydration mask for dry/very dry skin

This is one of the first face masks i've ever bought and it's become a staple in my skin care routine ever since. It is a wonderfully thick creamy mask that can either work as a quick 3 minute treatment or if you are going for a full on pamper can be left on for a further 10 minutes. The formula is also hypo-allergenic, so it is super kind to sensitive skin. My skin is always left incredibly soft and hydrated after using this miracle mask, it also has never broken my skin out! It is currently on offer at Boots for £12.50 Find it here

Origins 'Drink Up' Intensive overnight mask

This has become a bit of a cult product in the beauty world, it seems everyone and their aunt loves this product, and rightly so! This is a no fuss, super hydrating mask that you apply before you go to bed and simply rinse of in the morning, leaving it to work it's magic while you sleep. This mask always does a great job of intensely hydrating my skin and leaving it with a soft and supple feel, which creates a great base for applying makeup! Not too mention, it kind of smells like mangoes. Yum, right? Find it here

Caudalie 'Moisturising Mask'

This is one of my most recent skin care purchase and it didn't take me long to fall in love with it. This is a super gentle, thick cream based mask, which can also be used as a 15 minute treatment or can be left on overnight. This mask helps restore moisture levels to relieve tightness, reduce redness and increases softness for a hydrated, dewy glow. Another great thing about this mask is that the ingredients are 85.5% natural. My skin always feels soothed and any sore dry skin is calmed. Find it here

Skin Food 'Rice Mask'

Skin Food is one of the most popular skin care brands in Korea which is fast becoming more readily available in the UK, hooray! This is an unusual mask as it also can double up as a gentle scrub due to the main ingredient: rice! This is a wash off mask that contains rice bran water, which is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin. I use this once a week, applying it all over the face for 10 to 15 minutes while massaging my skin gently. My skin always feels super soft and fresh after using this. I will usually opt to use this if my skin has been looking dull, as the exfoliating rice helps remove dead skin cells leaving my skin bright and hydrated. Find it here

What are your favourite hydrating masks?

Carly x

Caudalíe Face Masks Review

Before Christmas I treated myself to a Caudalíe gift set that included three of their most loved face masks; the Glycolic Peel, Instant Detox Mask & the Moisturising Mask. New to the Caudalíe brand I was exciting to try these out, I have been alternating each of the masks on a weekly basis for the past couple of months so I thought i'd let you guys know what I think!

First up is the Glycolic Peel Mask, I was a bit dubious about using this as I had never used any products that contain glycolic acid in them before. This masks aim is to boost the radiance of your complexion and help revitalize and refresh dull looking skin (which I tend to suffer from after a long day in work!) My fears about this burning or tingling my sensitive skin were soon swept away once applied; it is a gentle, almost creamy consistancy which spreads evenly over the face. After leaving on for 10 minutes I did notice a significant difference in the appearance of my skin (the effects I would now liken to the Pixi Glow Tonic) My skin looked brighter and skin tone looks a lot more even. I would say this mask is a good starter product for those with sensitive skin who want to try glycolic acid, due to it's non irritating and gentle formula, it's perfect! 

Next up is probably my favourite out of all three face masks, the Instant Detox Mask. During a bad bout of hormonal acne I used this twice weekly and found it helps calm my stressed out skin. This mask is made up of 99.3% natural clay formula (pink in colour) it smells amazing due to the soothing botanicals used; lavender, chamomile and parsley. I found this a gentle yet effective mask in helping draw away impurities and toxins, helping refine the skins texture, helping tightened pores and evening out the skins texture. A definate purchase if you suffer from stressed out skin and need a little TLC.

Last but not least is the Moisturising Mask. This is a real treat to use if your skin is feeling thirsty! It is a creamy mask with 85.5% natural formula that helps protect the skins barrier and prevent future dehydration. I like to leave this mask on overnight, applying it all over my face including the eye contour area. You can also use this as a quick 15 minute treatment. This has been somewhat of a saviour of mine this winter helping to  sooth any dry patches. A worthwhile purchase if you need a pick me up for dry skin!

What are your favourite face masks? 

Carly x

Boots Botanics Skincare Top Picks

Recently I have rediscovered one of my favourite budget skincare brands. The Botanics range from Boots has 180 products in their line and all are made by combining the latest skincare technology with all natural plant extracts. 

Collabrating with the UKs central science laboratory to assess its raw materials portfolio for beauty products, they have helped identify the impact of chemical ingredients on water and land based eco systems and have eliminated the risky ingredients- creating a pretty great eco-friendly skincare line! 

They have also worked alongside The Royal Botanic Gardens 'Kew,' to understand how best to source vital plant extracts! Now the background info is done, here are my top 3 favourite products from this line that i've been using for the past 3 months!

First up;

Purifying Face Scrub: All Bright

£3.99 (currently on offer for £1.99)

This is a really gently face scrub that contains refining walnut shell, to help buff away flaky skin while crushed apricot seeds help gently sweep away impurities. It also contains hibiscus, which is nature's brightness booster while natural AHAs help leave skin smoother and brighter. I use this at least twice a week after cleansing and I have definately noticed my skin looks much brighter and even after using this little gem! 

Hydration Burst: 3 in 1 Micellar Water

£4.99 (currently on offer for £2.49)

This is a recent addition to the Botanics skincare line, just in time for Winter! I use this every morning and have been really enjoying it, it is a gentle Micellar water for dehydrated and sensitive skin. It effectively removes makeup and impurities while the active plant extract Clary Sage, is rich in flavoniods that are well known to hydrate and soothe your skin. 

Microdermabrasion Polish: Radiant Youth

£7.99 (currently on offer for £5.33)

As someone that suffers from the occasionly bout of acne, I like to use this polish after it clears up, to help improve my skins texture and get it back too looking more refined. This intensive micro polishing treatment helps encourage cell renewal for younger looking, more radiant complexion. It helps banish dullness and refines pores. Ginkgo is the natural plant extract in this polish, it is one of natures most trusted protectors. Environmental stresses can cause free radicals that degrade collagen and elastin, which give skin its youthful structure while the Ginkgo leaves help protect from this damage helping your skin look younger for longer. I use this once a week as it is a pretty heavy duty product, definately worth checking out if you are interested in microdermabrasion!

Have you tried anything from Boots Botanics line before? 

Carly x

Skincare Wishlist

I have been using the same skincare routine for the past few months and want to pick up some new additions. Here are a few items that are currently on my wishlist.

Kiehls- Creamy Eye Treatment with avocado

This is a rich and creamy eye cream that soothes and moisturises with it's main ingredient avocado, vitamin A and fatty acids. It helps protect against external aggressors, which will be great for the coming colder months! It's also a great base for makeup and sinks in quickly, which is something I look for in an eye cream. 

Fresh- Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask

This is a hydrating treatment that leaves your skin softer, firmer and healthier. With advanced antioxidants, black tea ferment, it helps defend against wrinkle causing free radicals. 

Sunday Riley- Luna Sleeping Night Oil

This has become a bit of a cult product depsite it's unusual and strange blue colour... It is a retinoid oil that helpa reduce pore size, improve appearance of damages skin and helps fight wrinkles. It contains cold pressed avocado, chia, concord grape seed oil. You apply this before bed and it works while you sleep, leaving your skin more radiant in the morning. Sounds great!

Nip + Fab- Glycolic Fix Serum

A serum that contains 4% glycolic acid which helps smooth appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps reduce the appearance of pores for more refined and even looking complexion. It also has the extra ingredient of aloe vera which will help soothe tired skin.

Pixi- Glow Tonic

Another cult product! This is an exfoliating facial toner. It helps to tone, firm and tighten skin and due to it's exoliating properties remove dead skin cells. It helps boost the skins radiance leaving your skin glowing.

What is on your skincare wishlist?

Carly x

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 

July Favourites

Hi folks! I hope you all had a great month!

Here are a few things I have been loving this month.

I picked these up on a impromptu trip to Boots and got roped into their 3 for 2 deal. I wanted to give their hot cloth cleanser a go to see if it matches up to the much loved Liz Earle hot cloth cleanser (i've yet to try it) I also got the melting gel cleanser which I have used a few times and have really enjoy using it so far, it leaves my skin really soft after. Then for my free No7 product I picked up the early defense eye cream, just because I've ran out of my regular eye cream and wanted to give something else a go! I will report back on what I think in a future post!

TK Maxxs candle game is strong at the minute! I picked this up just because of the packaging, but i've been burning it non stop since! It's highly scented and smells earthy with a hint of ginger- perfect.

 

Paperchases silly postcards. Love them.

I've been reading The Girl on a Train this month and can't put it down. I'm only half way through and find the story compelling, a real page turner if you like thrillers. I won't say too much as it may give away the story, but it is worth picking up if you are looking for a new read. 

What have been your favourites this month?

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

May Favourites

Here are a few things that I have been loving this month

Avocado & Mint soya candle (Anthropology)

           Slogan Jumper (New Look)

            Mac lipstick in plumful

Lucy B Royal Egyptian Amber & Honeysuckle eau de parfum

Liz Earle limited edition cleanse & polish in grapefruit & patchouli 

What have you been loving this month?

Aesop Skincare Wishlist

Aesop has been on my radar for a while now, they are Melbourne based skincare and body brand that specialise in plant based and laboratory based ingredients.They have a wide range of products on offer, here are a few I will be picking up in the near future. 

Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque 60ml £27

I do love a good face mask to incorporate into my usual Sunday evening pamper routine. This is a clay based masque designed to deep clean sensitive or dry skin, it helps unclog pores and smooth out and refresh skin. It is so gentle that you can use it twice weekly, unlike other deep cleaning face masks. Also, I am a sucker for the packaging, how lovely does is it look? Swoon! 

Oil-Free Hydrating Face Serum 100ml £43

Next up is the oil-free hydrating face serum, this is targeted towards oily, combination or troubled skin and claims to be a great alternate to using a cream based moisteriser. It's packed full of antioxidants (vitamin B & C) and calming aloe vera. Apply straight after cleansing to boost skins hydration and help mattify your face before applying makeup. Can't wait too give this a go!

Parsley Seed Antioxidant Eye Cream 10ml £59

Lastly is an antioxidant eye cream, I have been on the hunt now for a good hydrating yet firming eye cream and may give this one a go. It's a potent cream packed full of vitamin C and E and offers extreme hydration to your delicate under eye area. It claims to sink in quickly and can be even applied to the whole face. 

Have you tried any Aesop products?

Carly x

Rosehip Oil

I've been wanting to try out rosehip oil for the past few months but couldn't settle on which to buy (there is alot of rosehip oils on offer out there!) 

I came across this little beauty while browsing the skin & body section in TK Maxx, the packaging is what attracted me the most- bright & simple, I like! The price is what made me buy it though £9.99 for the 30ml bottle, which ain't too bad. 

First impressions: Glass bottle with pipette dispenser, easy to get the desired amount (they recommend 3-4 drops)  the only downside to this is, the smell, it smells like cold tea. If your a tea lover you may love the scent, but as an avid coffee drinker, it didn't do much for me. 

Claims: 

Anti-aging: Anti-oxidant properties of rosehip oil enables it to penetrate deeper into the skin, while the vitamin C content helps stimulate collagen production. It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Moister boost: This oil is packed with vitamin A. Vitamin A has small enough molecules which allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin which helps improve skins overall moister. It also has a high content of essential fatty acids which locks in skins moister.

Fades acne scars: can be used all over your body, not just on face to reduce hyper pigmention, burns, scars and age spots; it's astringent and skin nourishing properties will help speed up the healing process.

I've been using this oil in my morning and evening routine, I mix a 2-3 drops into my moisteriser and massage throughly into my skin, focusing mainly on my chin, cheeks and forehead. I have already noticed scarring along my jaw (from a bad bout of acne about a year ago) has been reduced significantly, pretty impressive results so far! 

Overall, a nice little addition to your skin routine if you need an extra boost of hydration or want to reduce the appearance of scarring.

Rosehip Oil is available on most beauty sites (feelunique, beautybay and even amazon!)

Lazy Sunday Routine

"A Sunday well spent brings a week of content."

Firstly, Coffee!
After a nice lie in, I like to make myself a cup of coffee (loving salted caramel flavoured coffee at the minute...yum!) which I like to drink back in bed and read a book. This is something I always enjoy doing if i'm feeling particularly lazy!

After I've spent (far too long) lounging in bed reading, I finally get around to my quick and simple 3 step cleansing routine in the morning. 

I start of my using the Simple Micellar water on a cotton pad and sweep this over my face and neck. This is a recent purchase and so far i'm impressed! It's a gentle formula and is great for sensitive skin  like mine.

Next I use another new purchase the Balance Cosmetics hyaluronic 554 youth serum. It's far too early to let you know if I am noticing any difference in my skin from using this, but i'm enjoying using it so far. This little bottle of clear like gel  claims to give 'immediate hydration and is clinically proven to give 24 hour non-stop moisturisation.' Well! Anything that is claiming to boost hydration is worth a try in my books! 

My last step is yup, you guessed it, another Liz Earle product. This moisturiser is nice and light and absorbs quickly, making it a nice base if you are planning on applying makeup.

After making myself feel more human, I'll treat myself to a nice breakfast. I've opted for the healthier option today- strawberry yogurt with blueberries, chopped up banana and strawberries. 

If i'm feeling like more of a treat, i'll whip up some poached eggs and crispy bacon on a round of toast.

 

Fast forward through one Netflix binge, copious amounts of coffee, lunch and dinner, this is when the real pamper for me begins! I love having a bath on a Sunday evening, it's one thing that I feel relaxes me and prepares me for the work week ahead.

I use a Lush bath bomb (if i'm lucky enough to have any!) If not, I make do with a good old Radox bubble bath. I like to apply a face mask too while relaxing in the tub, i'm currently loving the Lush 'Mask of Magnaminty.' 
If you haven't tried it already, I recommend picking it up, you won't be disappointed!

What's your favourite things to do on a lazy Sunday? 

February Favourites

It's hard to believe we are already into March! The thought of Spring fast approaching is making me very happy- there is only so much cold weather you can take!

I have rounded up a few favourites of mine from February included makeup, skincare and books.

Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick in shade 007 'Asia'

I've been on the hunt for the past few months for a natural everyday shade of lipstick and I finally found it! After browsing in Boots I spotted this little gem, it's a lovely 'your lips but better' shade, not too pinky and not too brown, just perfect! 

The formula itself is well pigmented and also adds a touch of moisture to the lips. It also has a pretty decent lasting power (as the name suggests) I find it stays put for about 3 to 4 hours (not including minor touch ups after eating or drinking) Also, you can't really go wrong with this lipstick as it's at the very reasonable price of £4.99. 

Laura Mercier 'Eau Gourmande EDT. Fresh Fig

Next up is this dinky little bottle of Laura Mercier perfume in the scent fresh fig.

 I don't know where to start when it comes to expressing my love for this range of perfumes- they all smell amazing!

 I received this as a gift and I was pleasantly surprised (as i'm not a huge fan of the sometimes too strong fig scent) 

It is a fresh and light perfume with top notes of juicy citrus, apricot nectar and ylang-ylang combined with the base notes of warm vanilla, sandalwood and fig musk.

You should probably go and give this a sniff yourself though- I promise you, you won't be disappointed!

No7 'Beautiful Skin- Dry skin rescue and Origins 'Drink up-intensive' face mask

These two have been serious saviors to my skin not only last month, but over winter in general. My skin when it gets cold, gets dry and I mean seriously dry. To battle this I use the No7 

Dry Skin Rescue on flaky dry patches before I apply makeup, this allows foundation to glide easily over dry areas and provide a flawless base. The consistency of this is a thick balm like cream, unscented and comes in a handy tube which make it easy to throw it in your bag and use on the go. 

Next up is the much hyped up product of 2014- the Origins Drink Up-Intensive face mask. Believe the hype, not only does this product smell amazing (think peaches & cream) it leaves your skin glowing and smooth. I would usually use this product after my evening cleansing routine and before I pop into bed, leaving this on overnight to work it's magic!

'The Prisoner of Brenda' by Bateman

Lastly, a book favourite! 

I was recently introduced to Batemans work and I haven't been able to stop reading them since! Combining crime and humour is Batemans forté and it makes for a truly enjoyable read. I finished his novel 'The Prisoner of Brenda' last month and i'm already onto another one of his novels. Each of his books is set in my hometown of Northern Ireland and contains hilarious and typical 'Belfast' characters. If you are interested in a crime novel that doesn't take itself too serious, then I would definitely recommend giving Bateman a go.

What have been your February favourites?

Skincare routine

For the past few months I have been pretty good at sticking to a skincare routine, usually when it comes to skincare I like to try out new products and tend to switch up cleansers and moisturisers a lot. 

But after quite a bad breakout (probably due to eating too much pizza) I reassessed my skincare routine and wanted to get it down to the basic, core essentials.  

I start my usual morning and evening routine by using the Liz Earle Hot Cloth Polish. I work this creamy cleanser onto dry skin and remove using a muslin cloth soaked and rinsed in hand hot water.

This is great for removing any makeup and even works like a dream in removing stubbon eye makeup. This little gem contains eucalyptus essential oil which has decongestant and cooling properties which makes the skin feel deeply washed and cool after using. 

After patting my face dry with cotton pads, I go ahead and use the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic. I apply a generous amount of this onto a cotton pad and sweep over my whole face. This helps to refresh, soothe and brighten your skin and it does just that. Also the spa like smell of this alcohol-free toner makes it a joy to use.

Now, I don't use this next product everyday, I would only apply it if my eyes are feeling dry and need an extra bit of attention. In which case I would use the Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion. This contains witch hazel, aloe vera and cornflower to help tone, cool and refresh tired, puffy eyes. 

 

Bio Oil has become a firm favourite and I religiously use this little miracle worker morning and evening before I apply my moisturiser. I massage this all over my face, a pea sized amount is enough to do the job- a little goes a long way with this oil. After months of use, I have definately noticed that any scarring or pigmentation in my skin has been greatly reduced and it also does a pretty awesome job of giving my face a little moister boost! 

Next I will apply either my day moisturiser, Liz Earle Skincare repair moisteriser for dry/sensitive skin. 

I find this a good base for makeup, but unfortunately as I am a sufferer of very dry skin, I have to amp up my evening moisteriser, in which case I use No7 Night cream for dry/very dry skin. I have been using this night cream for a year now and it really does do what it says on the tin. 

Once or twice a week for a little skin treat I will use the famous Lush 'Mask of Magnaminty' face mask. This is a recent purchase of mine and already has become a favourite. The hype around this product is real, claiming to help clear breakouts and congested skin. It also makes a really good gentle exfoliator. Not too mention the fresh minty feel of the skin after this has been washed off is really refreshing and feels like your skin has under gone a major deep clean! 

Liz Earle products can be found in larger Boots stores and I would highly recommend their skincare line to anyone with troubled skin :)

Mini Lush Haul

As every dander into town goes, I popped into my local Lush store to pick up a few bits & pieces. I set myself a strict budget to not spend anymore than £15 (As I tend to get a bit carried away when it comes to their bath bombs.) 

I've heard a lot of good reviews on the Lush face & body mask 'Mask of Magnaminty,' so I picked up a small tub to try it out. 

This mask claims to clean, calm and clear stressed out skin. It's made from peppermint oil to stimulate, marigold oil and chlorophyllin to treat the skin, evening primose seeds and aduki beans to exfoliate the skin. This smells good enough to eat! 

I picked up two bath bombs, the obligitary Butterball, and Big Blue. 

I have used the Butterball before and found my skin to be hydrated and moisterized after using this little gem. Also the smell of the cocoa butter and  Ylang ylang leaves your skin lightly fragranced and not too mention your bathroom smelling lovely after! At £2.65 it's definately worth picking up! 

A new purchase for me was the Big Blue bath bomb. What attracted me to this one in particular was the fresh, seaside smell and the vibrant blue colour (which I hope will turn the bath water a deep blue, fingers crossed!) 

This bomb is rich in a type of kelp called 'arame seaweed' which helps soften hot bath water combined with seasalt which acts as a mild exfoliant in removing dead skin cells. Overall, Big Blue seems like a winner. 

What are your favourite Lush products? 

 All products are available from their online store www.lush.co.uk.

Happy bathing!