25 Day’s Of Beauty: Day Four

Welcome back to Day Four of 25 Day’s Of Beauty where I share what I receive in my Marks And Spencer Beauty Advent Calender.

In today’s box I received a 30ml tube of the Alpha H Balancing Cleanser. This is a limited edition cleanser that is packed full of ingredients such as vitamin e, rose and aloe Vera to deeply cleanse skin but strip or irritate it.

This is the first product in this calendar I’ve actually wanted to use. I love Alpha H as a brand so I have no qualms about the quality of this product. It’s also the first product that fits me as a consumer and definitely go to waste. Four days in and I’ve only opened one product I like, it’s not boding well for the rest of this calendar.

2017 Beauty Favourites: Skincare

Welcome back to the second installment of my 2017 Beauty Favourites. On Monday I shared with you my make up favourites of the past year and today I'll be sharing with you my skincare favourites from 2017.

Cleanser: It's always hard trying to decide what my favourite cleansers are. I try so many and love so many that it's nigh on impossible to whittle it down to one. So I went with three. The first is the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm. It's balm to oil formula is perfect for breaking down make up without leaving skin feeling greasy or weighed down. The same goes for the Loreal Extraordinary Facial Cleansing Oil.It breaks down make up with minimal effort whilst simultaneously nourishing the skin without clogging pores or leaving skin greasy. This has been the perfect Winter cleanser as it works to reduce the effects of skin flares up such as central heating, harsh wind and dropping temperatures. And the final cleanser I loved in 2017 is the Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser. Whilst it's texture is stranger than most cleansers, this has worked wonders at not only taking my make up off but for my skin aswell. Containing 5% Glycolic Acid, this works to give skin a gentle yet effective exfoliation whilst it cleanses your skin. It effectively removes make up but has seriously changed the feel of my skin which is why I now use it predominantly as my second cleanse.

Toner: Last year I made an effort to use more toner and I found two that I absolutely adore. The first is Alpha H's Liqiud Gold. With a Glycolic Acid and Liquorice Extract formula, this toner/treatment has changed my skin. And whilst it's pricey it's totally worth it. Any texture I had on my skin is dramtically reduced any and all texture I had on my skin as well as tightening and firming my skin. This is one that I can see myself sticking with this year aswell. And the other toner I've loved is more budget friendly, coming from Garnier. Their Rosewater Toner has been perfect for when my skin needs a little TLC or is feeling a little more sensitive. It soothes, nourishes and tones simultaneously and leaves skin feeling hydrated and soft to the touch. And coming in at £3.49 a bottle, it's not so bad if you go through a bottle or two of it.

 Facial Spray: Last year I raved about the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer and whilst I still love that there has been another facial spray I've also loved. The Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz that contains nothing but Rosewater. It soothes, nourishes and hydrates whilst remaining lightweight and gentle on the skin. I love using this after I've taken my make up off as it takes away any tightness that cleansing may have caused. But as I said I still love the Liz Earle and will continue to do so in 2018.

Serum: Serum wise, 2017 was dominated by the Loreal Hydra Genius. Containing nothing but Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe, this water like serum gave skin a much needed hydration and a burst of refreshment during the Summer. Alongside that the Simple Water Boost Hydro Booster Drops have also changed how hydrated my skin feels. A couple of drops mixed into a serum or moisturiser or applied directly onto skin adds a boost of hydration that is slowly released over a longer period of time. And the last serum I've enjoyed is one I use in conjunction with the Simple Hydro Booster. The Botanics All Bright Serum Concentrate is a brightening AHA based serum that provides light and gentle exfoliation to brighen skin and reveal a glowing complexion. It's lightweight and doesn't irritate or strip skin even though it has a naturally occuring AHA.

 Moisturiser: There have been two moisturisers I've loved this year. The first is my go to daily moisturiser from Garnier. Their Moisture Bomb Glow Enhancer Water Cream has not only boosted my skins hydratoion levels but has also helped even out my skin and giving it healthy glow. Packed full of Hyaluronic Acid this slowly releases hydration into skin over a longer period of time meaning skin will feel less dry and tight as the hours go on. And it's water/gel formula is lightweight to layer under make up but also effective enough to give skin that boost. And the other is one that has comes in handy a lot during these Winter months. The Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser with Natural Neroli has been a skin saviour on those days where my skin has been dry, stripped and irritated. It's richer than other moisturisers I own and worked deep into my skin to leave it feeling soft, supple and looking healthier than had. The only downfall to this product is that it's pricey for a full size tub and for the amount I've used it, it's not worth shelling out for one.

Eye Cream: Eye creams are the hardest product to buy correctly the first time. In fact I've brought three different eye creams this year in hopes of one working for longer than a month. And there has only been one that has. The Olay Total Effects Transforming Cream has really done what it says on the pot. My under eye area looks completely different than it did six months ago and it's all down to this product. It's lightweight yet nourishing formula helps reduce the signs of fatigue and dark circles whilst hydrating and plumping the skin which in turns reduces the appearence of any fine lines. I've never known my under eyes to look this good and it's all down to this little pot of magic. And the best bit, it doesn't break the bank like a few others I've tried do.

Facial Oil: Facial Oils are something I've been trying to incoporate into my routine for the last few months and one I've loved throughout that is the Naturally Radiant Moisturising Facial Oil. It's lightweight and doesn't leave skin feeling overly greasy or clogged. Yet it nourishes and moisturises amazingly and this has helped reduce the remaining signs of any breakouts I've had. It's budget friendly, suitable for the majority of skin types and has proven to me that facial oils can be added to an exsisting skincare routine without disrupting skin.

Face Mask: I'm a bit of a face mask fanatic so choosing just one that I hadn't already raved on about before was hard. But I managed it. The GlamGlow Thirstymud Treatment has been a skin saviour during some of my worst skin moments this year. This leave on mask has hydrated, soothed and softened my skin when nothing else has worked. It was a heaven scent to my skin when I had a throat infection, a pampering treat when I had toothache and a replenshing, nourishing moisturiser substitute during the sweltering Summer we had. And a little goes a long way so whilst this little tube looks like it wouldn't last long, it has in fact lasted longer than I expected.

Sheet Mask: There have been a few new sheet mask releases that I enjoyed in 2017 but none of them have been as loved as the Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks. Yes I know I featured them in my 2016 Beauty Favourites but this year they released four new variations and I love them all more than the original. Out of the four releases of the year my favourites are the De-Tiring Mask and the Super-Glow Mask. Both boost my hydration levels but they also work to add a glow to my skin as well as reducing the signs of fatigue. They're inexpensive, easy to use and work within fifteen minutes. What's not to love about them. And I'm hoping that Garnier comes out with more variations in 2018

Marks And Spencer Beauty Advent Calender Day Twelve

Welcome back to Day Three in my 25 Days of Beauty Series where I show you what I get in my Marks and Spencers Advent Calender. 

 I know I said one of the earlier boxes was my favourite but today's box has outdone that one. I had actually forgotten we were recieving a bottle of Liquid Gold Rose in the calender so this was a nice surprise. I actually recieved a bottle of the original Liquid Gold last year and fell in love with it and now have a full sized bottle I reach for reguarly. Liquid Gold Rose is a new release for the brand and combines the powerful Glycolic Acid formula of the classic Liquid Gold with rose extract to give skin an instant hydration boost whilst resurfacing and smoothing the skin. 

As I said I already love the classic Liquid Gold so I'm really looking forward to trying out the Rose version. Liquid Gold has changed my skin for the better since I started using it last year, so I can not wait to see how my skin feels after using Liquid Gold Rose. A full review of this will probably appear here at some point and I can see myself paying out for a full sized bottle when this is empty. 

Get Unready With Me: Cosy Night In

Now I love getting ready everyday, I find it somewhat soothing. However I love nothing more than taking it all off at the end of the day or in my case as soon as I get home from work. There is nothing more satisfying than taking my make up off, taking my hair down, putting on some comfy pjs and getting cosy with a book or film for the evening.

 My work uniform is the first thing to come off as soon as I get home. Nothing feels better than taking my bra off (sorry TMI) and getting snuggly in my pjs. Now I know Christmas is really upon us but I'm feeling cosy pjs and these Grinch ones have been begging me to wear them since I brought them. And how can I resist them. Covered in the Grinch, my favourite Christmas film of all time, these all over fleccy pjs are the ultimate comfort after a day at work. Once I'm in my pjs. I take the numerous amount of pins out of my hair, give it a brush and then put it on top of my head in a not allowed in public pineapple.

Now I'm in my pjs it's time to take my make up off. Now I love putting my make up on everyday but I love nothing more than taking it all off as well. Sometimes I wait until I go to bed but there are other days when I can't wait and it's off as soon as I'm home from work. I like to double cleanse, the initial cleanse to remove my make up and the second cleanse to make sure I didn't miss any make up and to make sure my skin is clean. For inital cleanse I go in with an oil or a lightweight yet effective cream cleanser such as the Loreal Extraordinary Cleansing Oil or the Soap and Peaches Cleansing Milk. These really break down make up, including mascara without stinging eyes or leaving skin feeling greasy. Then for my second cleanse I tend to go in with a richer balm cleanser to really nourish my skin whilst simultaneously cleansing only my skin. I love Emma Hardie's Moringa Cleansing Balm, it's rich and nourishing but doesn't weight down my skin or leave feeling overloaded by product. Once I've washed it off, my skin feels clean, soft and nourished.

On nights like these I go in with a sheet mask but before I apply my mask I like to tone and spritz my skin. For toner I can't help but go in with Alpha H's Liquid Gold. It's one of my favourite Glycolic Acid based skin treatments/toners. It really helps with skins texture and leaves my skin feeling smooth but not irritated. You could leave it there and let the Glycolic Acid just work it's magic but I like to lock it in with a little bit of Liz Earle's Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer. This hydrates and soothes skin, diminshing the appearence of my redness and locking in skin's moisture.

Then finally I put on a sheet mask. I was only going to feature one but when it came to choosing one I just couldn't decide, so all three it is. The first and most used that I always have a stash of is the Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks. I always have two or three of each kind stashed in my collection as their the ones I reach for the most. The same stands for the Soap and Glory Speed Plump Hydro-Gel Mask.This mask moulds itself to my face and doesn't flap or fall off. The same can be said for the Origins Sheet Masks. I only have one of these at a time as they do veer towards the pricier side of sheet masks.

I went for the Garnier Moisture Bomb De-Tiring Mask in the end. Not only does it give my skin a brilliant boost of hydration but it also is infused with Lavender Essential Oil that not only helps reduce the appearence of fatigue but also relaxes the senses, perfect after a day at work. I love how saturated in product these masks are, they do their job but don't drip or splash everywhere when I take it out the packet. They fit nicely to the face and don't fall off or start to flap about when you move. Fifteen to twenty minutes is long enough for my skin to feel hydrated. It's the perfect time for catching up on Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter.

Once I've taken off my sheet mask I usually go in with my moisturiser and nothing more. However my eyes are looking little puffy and dark so I'm going in with some eye patches. My all time favourites are from Rodial. On the slightly more pricey side, these Dragon's Blood Eye Masks work wonders on the under eye area and the results hang around for a good few days afterwards as well. Once I've popped these on I head into the kitchen to make myself a hot chocolate. I meant to take a picture of my favourite Mrs Claus mug but she was in the wash and then I completely forgot. However she is chubby looking, adorable and perfect for hot chocolate.

Pjs on, sheet mask done and hot chocolate in hand, it's time to get myself settled for the night. I have two choices of entertainment, the first is the book I've been reading called The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop. So far I'm really enjoying it and feel I may read more in the series after this. The second is the film The Holiday. I have never seen this film but heard lots of people rave about it, especially around the festive period. So I think tonight I'm going to cosy up with the cat and watch The Holiday for the first time. And if there's time or I'm not asleep already I can read a bit more of my book.

And the last thing I do not just when I'm having a cosy night in but every night is apply a good night cream. My go to is the Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream. Packed full of Lavender Oil and Hyaluronic Acid, this rich cream is the perfect product for faking a good nights sleep. No matter what time I go to bed I always make sure I apply this to give my skin a good repair/renewal as I sleep. And that's it, once everything is done, I'm more than happy to snuggle down under my duvet, watch another Christmas movie or at least attempt before sleep comes a calling.

Christmas Gift Guide: Under £50

Welcome back to my third Christmas Gift Guide of the year. Today I'm talking you through everything Under £50 if you're looking for a slightly more luxurious feeling present.

Buxom Lips Off Leash Set £48: Buxom is a brand that's a little harder to find than others so this deluxe miniatures gift sets are brilliant. Containing seven Lip Polishes and eight Lip Creams, this set not only gives someone the chance to try Buxom for the first time but is brilliant value for money when broken down.
Stila Star Studded Eight Lip Kit £45: As you all know I love the Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks from Stila so when I saw this deluxe sized gift set I knew it would have to feature in my Gift Guide. It contains six of their permanent liquid lipsticks shades alongside two limited edition shimmer shades. If you were thinking of buying the trio featured in yesterday's gift guide but don't mind spending a bit extra, I'd highly recommend picking this up instead. It's absolutely gorgeous.
Bare Minerals Go Bare Or Make A Statement Gift Set £30: Bare Minerals lipsticks don't cost the earth but a variety of shades can cost a pretty penny. This eight piece set gives you both a selection of shades and finishes for a brilliant price. Containing four mini Gen Nude Lipsticks and four mini Statement Lux Shine Lipsticks this is perfect for anyone who's been looking to try Bare Minerals for a while but hasn't known which finish or shade to go for.

Kat Von D Everlasting Mini Liquid Lipstick Set £42: Kat Von D has added a vault of mini liquid lipsticks to her gifting range. Eight deluxe mini shades including Hawkwind, Lovecraft and Ludwig, this set is perfect for those who are big KVD fans or are looking to try the brand for the first time.
Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Mini Charms £29: Just like every year Charlotte Tilbury has released mini lipsticks charms in three of her bestselling celebrity shades. This years trio includes Secret Salma, Carina's Love and KKW. Sure they're small but they're a brilliant price for three when one single will cost you £23 alone.
NYX Matte Vs Metals Lip Vault £30: NYX lip products are amazing but there are so many to choose from, it can get a little overwhelming which is why this twelve piece set is perfect. Containing six Liquid Suede Liquid Lipsticks and six Cosmic Metal Lip Creams, you not only get to try two different finished but a variety of shades. And these are by no means small, they're in fact a deluxe miniature size which makes twelve for £30 a bargain.

 Bobbi Brown Line And Define Long Wear Eye Set £38: Bobbi Brown are famous for their eye products so what better way to try them out then in this deluxe miniature sized kit. Alongside their Smokey Eye Mascara you also receive a pot of their Love Wear Gel Eyeliner and Soothing Cleansing Oil. Sure it's not the most purse friendly set but it's worth it if you know someone who's in need of some luxury this Christmas.
Stila Eye For Elegance Liquid Eyeshadow Set £45: If you know someone who'd love the Stila Liquid Eyeshadows but hasn't been able to choose a shade then this set is perfect. Containing six deluxe sized liquid eyeshadows including three new shimmer and glow shades this set is perfect for anyone who loves a good eye look.
Laura Geller Hollywood Lights Set £45: Containing six miniature sized Laura Gellar products, this set is perfect for those who've never tried the brand before or find it hard to find Laura Gellar in stores. Sure you're paying £45 for miniatures but it is an amazing price for a set from a high end brand such as this.

Kat Von D Everlasting Lip Liner Trio £32: KVD has finally released her lip liners over here and if like me you've been spoilt for choice, this set is right up your street. Including Lolita, this trio is the perfect way to try the Everlasting Lip Liners without having the hassle of choosing a particular shade.
Benefit Bigger And Bolder Brows Kit £31: If you're a fan of Benefit's brow products then you'll love this kit, including Gimme Brow, Ka-Brow and High Brow this set is perfectly priced for those who like to have flawless looking brows.
Too Faced Best Year Ever Set £46: Too Faced always do a ton of gift sets around this time of the year and this year is no different. Out of all of them, this is the one that caught my eye the most. Containing three eye shadow palettes, a make up and deluxe sized Better Than Sex Mascara, this set is worth every penny. Definitely a good idea for any die hard Too Faced fans out there.

Jurlique Sensitive Introductory Skin Kit £35: Jurlique never fail to impress me with their gift sets and this introductory set for sensitive skin is no different. Containing four miniature facial products aimed at sensitive skin, this set is the perfect way to try Jurlique skincare or to find products to help skin and become a part of your routine. And it's not bank breaking for such good quality products.
Alpha H Skin Solutions Kit £40: Every year Alpha H release their skin kits and this year is no different. Coming in three skin types including this Normal/Dry kit, each one contains five products aimed at each individual skin type. And at £40 you can't go wrong considering Alpha H is on the higher price bracket for skincare. That being said though, it's usually worth every penny.
Balance Me Indulge Me Gift Set £30: Balance Me have released this ultimate indulgence gift set this year packed full of deluxe miniature sized products including the Rose Otto Oil. On the slightly less expensive end of things, this gift set is perfect for anyone looking to try Balance Me as a brand or is really into natural skincare products.

Charlotte Tilbury The Gift Of Goddess Skin Set £39: Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream is a raved about product so when I saw this trio of skin products that included a generous sized pot of the stuff I knew it had to be featured. Alongside the Magic Cream you receive a deluxe miniature sizes of her Goddess Skin Clay Mask and Wonder Glow. Sizes like that in a gorgeous box for under £40, you'd be silly to not put it on your list.
Rodial Dragon's Blood Kit £40: Like the idea of Rodial but not so much the eye popping of buying them individually then this set is perfect. Containing three miniature sized products and a full size moisturiser this set is a great way to try Rodial as a brand without breaking the bank.
Clarins Hydra Essential Gift Set £34: Clarins have an amazing range of gift sets this year but the one that caught my eye was their Hydra Essential set. Containing a full size Hydra Essential Day Cream and two miniature sized tubes, one mask and one exfoliator, this trio is perfect for someone who's looking to try the range or who just loves Clarins in general.

GlamGlow Mud Treatment Mask Set £39: GlamGlow is one of my all time favourite brands and this set was one of my favourite gifts I received last year. Containing four of GlamGlow's famous masks in handy tube size, this is a brilliant way of finding which mask is for you without wasting money on a full sized pot. Definitely recommend putting this on your list if you're a fan of masks.
Origins Superstar Mini's Gift Set £32: Origins is another amazing brand for face masks and this miniatures kit is perfect for someone who's looking to try both their masks and skincare products. Containing six of their bestselling products in miniature form this set doesn't cost the earth and is a great way to try Origins as a brand.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Set £29: Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream is a classic and this trio of products is perfect for any fan. Containing an All Over Miracle Oil Cream, Skin Protectant Cream and Hydrating Face Mist this trio would be a great to try the brand but also a great way to restock what you may need. I'm thinking of maybe getting this for a friend for Christmas as I know how much she loves this.

Kiehls Seasons Treatings Set £30: Kiehls always do fantastic gift sets and I was bit overwhelmed by choice but finally went with this one. Containing four miniatures including a mini Creme De Corp this is a fantastic way to introduce someone to the brilliance that is Kiehls.
Laura Mercier Les Petits Souffle Body Creme Collection £45: Laura Mercier can cost a pretty penny which is why their Christmas Gift Sets are brilliant gift options.This six pack of mini of body cremes is a fantastic way to treat someone who deserves a little bit of luxury this Christmas.
Charlotte Tilbury Mini Brush Set £45: Charlotte Tilbury products always look ultra luxurious and this mini brush set is no different. Encased in this mock croc case you get four mini brushes that will help you create beautiful eye looks as well as a perfect base.

Top Tips For Hormonal Skin

Today's post isn't what I originally scheduled for today but I couldn't just get this subject off my mind. Hormonal skin is a pain in the ass. It messes with our routines, knocks our confidence and makes us lose our spark. I should know as I've been in a constant battle with my skin for the last few days, yet today as I write this, I've had a breakthrough and thought I'd share a few tips to help anyone who is struggling with hormonal skin.

Now everyone's skin reacts differently around that time of the month. For some their skin may become more reactive to products they've used for an age, whilst others could find that their skin becomes oilier the closer to their period they get. For me my skin get oilier, my pores become more visible and I'm more likely to have a cluster of break outs around my mouth and chin.

Some people instead of getting oilier go in the complete opposite direction and become dry and rough to the touch. And that's where a good acid based toner or skin treatment comes in. Now I personally use a acid based toner once a day, my skin loves them. And I find they work even better when it's coming up to that time of the month. And if you suffer from excess amounts of texture during the build up to your period or during it, then these two products are perfect for you. Alpha H's Liquid Gold and Pixi's Glow Tonic are both 5% Glycolic Acid solutions that weaken and remove dead skin cell, effectively reducing and retexturising skin's feel as well as it's radiance. Glow Tonic can be used everyday after a morning cleanse, make up removal or evening cleanse whereas the Liquid Gold is more suited as a twice a week treatment, mainly in the evenings so your skin benefits more from it.

Now I've found through talking to customers, friends and family that no matter what your skin does during that time of the month, it always needs soothing. Skin is such a fickle thing and can flare up at any time, no matter what time of the month it is but generally it always becomes more irritable and fickle around your period. And that's where this two products come in, in my routine. The Botanics Roswater Toning Spritz is the perfect toning mist to soothe and replenish skin. It's lightweight so it's not going to clog pores and it absorbs quickly and easily into the skin so it's not going to create excess sebum and make you look oilier than you may be. It's also brilliant at reducing redness which will not only make applying the rest of your skincare a dream but also make up and will give you a confidence boost. The B Essence Lotion does exactly the same as the Rosewater Spritz but it's also great at reducing the appearence of blemishes, including any redness that may be surronding it. It's lightweight enough to be layered underneath the rest of your skincare and whilst it's working to soothe skin and fight blemishes, it's also giving skin a deeper burst of hydration that'll last longer and leave skin feeling softer for longer. I really enjoying layering it under a sheet mask so it absorbs some of the product on the mask and allows it to work longer on the skin.

Masks are a god send for hormonal skin. There is one out there for everyone and I've got three that I think have really helped me with my skin. The first is a brand new mask that I tried today and for the purpose of this post. The B, B Detoxed Clay Face Mask is a charcoal based clay mask that works to open pores and pull any blemishes and crap out. It's also aims to reduce both the size and appearence of any exsisting blemishes. I've had two spots that just won't bugger off and they've been driving me crazy. And their both to do with hormones. So today I slathered myself in this and I'm so glad I did. After the allotted fifteen minutes, after I'd rinsed it, both blemishes looked reduced in size and looked less inflamed and visible on my skin. They're still not completely gone but this has really helped them on their way out. It's not just this mask that's good for it, any charcoal based mask will work wonders, especially if your skin is feeling a big clogged up and in need of a detox.

The second is a skin saviour. As I said, my skin tends to get oilier during my period and it drives me wild. On the off chance I tried the Soap and Glory Fab Pore Sheet Mask. It's aimed at combination/oily skins and contains Witch Hazel and Tea Tree to mattify and reduce the appearence and production of excess sebum. And it worked wonders, my skin felt less oily, looked more like it would normally and the combination of ingredients closed any open pores I had. It's a sheet mask so it's a lot less fuss than your standard mask and can be worn whilst you're watching TV so they're a great choice for giving your skin a bit of TLC.

And the last mask is from GlamGlow. Their Thirstymud mask is the perfect hydration boost for skin without having to wash it off or walk around with a bit of wet tissue stuck to your face. I can never remember what's in this mask but applying this leave on mask feels like you've splashed your face with water. It can be used as a night moisturiser or just as a pick me up throughout the day but no matter what, skin will hydrated from deep within and will have a radiance that'll definitely boost your confidence. Plus it smells like an exotic holiday and can deny that doesn't give them a boost.

Under eye patches are a necessity during the lead up to your period. Crying. That's all I'm going to say. A lot of people get emotional and have a good cry during the lead up to their periods. I'm the worst, the slightest thing and I'm crying like a baby. And that's where under eye patches come in. Not only do they hydrate the under area and help with the appearence of dark circles (lack of sleep, another thing to thank your hormones for) but they also reduce puffiness, especially if you've had a good cry. My favourites are the Rodial Dragon's Blood Under Eye Patches but I had none in the house so I went with my second favourite which comes from Soap and Glory. Their Puffy Eye Attack Hydrogel Patches work wonders at cooling, soothing and reducing puffiness from the under eye area. Because of the material they're made of they don't flap, fall off or become a general pain in the ass when you wear them. I love popping a pair on in the morning, especially if I've had a good cry the night before and let them work their magic. Concealer and any other make up I apply over top always applies better after using these and I always make sure to have two or three packs in the house at all times.

Now the last tip isn't skincare related but it is make up related. I know it may seem tempting to slap on the highest coverage foundation you have when you're skin is feeling crap and all you want to do is eat all the junk. But in fact that will actually make skin worse, especially in the long run. Trust me I know it seems daunting to go nowhere near a full coverage foundation when your skin is looking it's best but your skin will thank you in the end. Lightweight coverages that can be built with light layers are the better way to go. Cushion foundations and BB Creams are a good way of covering any imperfections you may not want the world to see, not only because they provide coverage but they also allow your skin to breathe. One of my favourite light coverages is the Rosie For Autograph Sheer Finish Complexion Enhancer. It's got the coverage of a lightweight foundation but feels like a BB Cream on the skin. It covers what I want it to cover but still allows my skin to look and feel like skin. It's a favourite of mine both during hormonal times and the rest of the month.

Cushion foundations are another option if you want coverage but don't want to overload skin. Maybelline's Dream Cushion foundation is a brilliant option. Not only is it travel friendly, easy to do touch ups with but it's lightweight, a buildable medium coverage that allows skin to breathe and it won't cling to any imperfections that you'd like to minimise. I tend to go for this when my skin's at it's worst, otherwise I reach for my Rosie For Autograph to do what I need it to do.

Review: Alpha H Liquid Gold

If there is one skincare ingredient I can't get enough of it's Glycolic Acid. It's retexturising and rejuvenating properties work beautifully with my skin and I can never get over how good my skin looks after I use a product that contains Glycolic Acid. And that's where today's product comes in.

Alpha H's Liquid Gold was a product I'd head a lot about (thanks Caroline Hirons) but had never really had the chance to try until last Christmas when I recieved a deluxe sample size in my M&S Advent Calender. Never before have I fallen in love with a product so quickly. From the first use this became a holy grail product for me.

It may have something to do with it's high Glycolic Acid content (5% I believe) that works to exfoliate, retexturise and rejuvenate skin with every use. I've used a lot of Glycolic Acid based products before but none of them have worked in this manner and shown almost instantaneous results. Applied over clean skin almost as a toner this works to reduce any texture on the skin, even out skin tone, plump skin, diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles whilst leaving skin with a luminous dewy glow. It's hypoallergenic, fragrance free and suitable for all skin types, even sensitive/reactive skins.

I use this twice a week in place of a toner. A little goes a long way and you can feel it working on the skin as you apply it. I occasionally get a lot of texture around my jawline and cheeks, and this works to reduce or completely irradicate the look of it on my skin. And the day after my skin looks even better, it looks hydrated, even in tone and has a dewy glow to it that one usually finds from a dewy finish foundation. Any skincare or make up I apply, applies so nicely on my skin and my skin doesn't feel rough or uneven to the touch. And unless my skin is extremely hormonal or going through a bad spell the texture doesn't come back and if it does then it's not as severe.

If you've use products such as the Pixi Glow Tonic or Nip And Fab's Glycolic Fix Pads but need something a bit more substantial to work with your skin then I'd say this would be right up your street. Powerful yet not astringent or drying, this will change how your skin looks and feels from the first use. It doesn't cause break outs or irritation and can be used in conjunction with the rest of your skincare routine. Sure it's a bit pricier than other Glycolic based products on the market but when you see the results you'll be grateful you paid those few extra pounds. Whilst the price tag still makes me squirm I won't hesistate to repurchase this when it runs out.

5 Products That Changed My Skin

As a blogger and self proclaimed skincare junkie I find myself trying new skincare products out regularly. Some of them work wonders on my skin and some of them are nice but don't show a drastic result. There have been five though that showed a brilliant change in my skin not only after the first use but also every use afterwards. And these products are the products I believe to be the ones that have helped give me good skin that I'm happy with.

 The first is a product that you've seen me talk about a lot on here and there's a very good reason for it. The Liz Earle Cleanse And Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is one of a few cleansers that have changed how my skin looks and feels after cleansing. I could have featured a few in this post but went with the Cleanse and Polish because it was the one that showed such a dramatic change in my skin. I suffer from redness that before Cleanse and Polish was unmanageable. I always thought that my cleanser wouldn't affect my skin so much but I was wrong. Packed full of ingredients such as Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Calendula and Chamomile this cleanser not only breaks down make up and daily grime but also soothes skin and gently exfoliates at the same time. I'm not sure what it is in this cleanser but not only does it give skin a brilliant cleanse, it also soothes my skin and reduces the look of any redness my skin may have. Not only has this product made me more comfortable in my bare skin but it's also helped how make up applies and how it looks as a finished look. I never understood the hype around this product but now I can see why it's one of the best selling cleansers on the market.

The next product I was recommended because I loved Cleanse and Polish so much and whilst it works brilliant alongside it, it also works amazingly with other cleansers as well. It's another Liz Earle product and is their Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer. This is packed with all the same ingredients as the Cleanse and Polish but essentially comes in a spray form. This is the perfect morning toning mist as it really invigorates skin and wakes it up whilst simultaneously soothing skin and reducing the appearance of redness or uneven skintone. A few spritzes of this in the morning after I've cleansed rejuvenates my skin as well as soothes it and helps take down any redness that has appeared overnight. And I can certainly tell when I haven't used this as my skin will look lacklustre and my redness will be apparent than normal. It doesn't hurt that it smells divine either.

I love a good acid based product. Pixi Glow Tonic, Nip and Fab pre soaked pads, anything that is packed full of AHA's or BHA's is right up my street. And Alpha H's Liquid Gold is exactly that kind of product. Packed with Glycolic Acid this toner has not only changed the look of my skin but the feel of it as well. It only took one use of this to dramatically reduce any texture I had along my jawline and chin. And ever since then it's only ever improved the feel of my skin with every use. I use this twice a week after cleansing as a toner and love how it retexturises, rejuvenates and invigorates my skin. It's not for those with very sensitive/reactive skin but if you're skin reacts well to acid and your skin is need of a bit of retexturising this will be right up your street.

A cream that I can't live without because it's results are so astounding comes from Garnier. Their Miracle Sleeping Cream is one I spent a while using and then forgetting about but everytime I did use it the results were instantaneous and now I can't go a night without slathering my face in this. This thick, nourishing cream contains Hyaluronic Acid and Lavender Essential Oil that works as you sleep to hydrate skin and remove any signs of fatigue, no matter how bad a nights sleep you have. And in the morning skin looks plump, revitalised and hydrated. It's a brilliant cream for nights before big events or if like me, you just like skin to look perkier in the morning. I've lost counts of how many pots of this I've gone through but I know I will continue to go through countless more until the results change and I'm not wowed anymore.

And the last product is another one that I didn't think would change my skin so dramatically but it did and I can't get enough of it. The B Essence Lotion seemed like a lot of faff when I first saw it in the shops but I picked one up purely out of intrigue. And I'm so glad I did. This is my go to product on days when nothing else is doing anything for my skin and I need to soothe and hydrate my skin without overloading it with product. Lightweight in texture, it's just a case of pressing it into the skin where it easily absorbs and gets to work straight away. A small amount of this is enough to hydrate my skin, soothe any irritation and reduce the appearance of redness. And without clogging the skin either, this paired with something like the Loreal Hydra Genius is a guaranteed good skin day and I always find myself reaching for this combination when I'm having a lacklustre skin day or my skin is feeling particularly hormonal.