Marks And Spencer Beauty Advent Calender Day Fourteen

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.

 In today's box I recieved one of my holy grail products in form of the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm. This is a thick, rich nourishing cleanser that can be used to both break down and remove make up but also to clean and nourish skin.

I absolutely love this product. I have a full size tub of this that I use on the regular as it just works wonders on my skin. Thick and rich in texture, I don't waste this by using it to take off my make up. I only use it on bare skin as I find it works so much better. After every use my skin feels soft, smooth and hydrated but not heavy or weighed down. If you've recieved this today and haven't tried it before, I think you'll love it. It's the perfect winter cleanser.

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.

Top 5: Holy Grail Products

The term Holy Grail Product gets thrown around a lot across the beauty community. Everyone has their own Holy Grail Products, products they can't live without and repurchase constantly. Now not everyone is going to agree on people's ideas of Holy Grail Products but that's beauty in general, what may work for one isn't going to work for everyone. And with that being said today I'm going to be sharing with you my Top 5 Holy Grail Products.

Clean and Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion
A product that has firmly had Holy Grail status for well over a decade now is this Clean and Clear Cleansing Lotion. This deep cleanses skin whilst the salicyclic acid in it helps remove any bacteria that could cause a blemish. It's aimed at sensitive skin and doesn't leave skin feeling tight or dry after use. In fact it leaves skin feeling clean, refreshed and ready for the rest of your skincare routine. It's also easy to use, perfect for people who are in a rush in the morning. Just pour some on a cotton and wipe across your face, it's that simple and you're be disgusted by how much dirt it picks up.

Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream
A night cream that I can't live without is this Sleeping Cream from Garnier. There's something in this cream that I just can't put my finger on that works really well with my skin. It looks like a cream but feels almost like a gel on the skin when you rub it in. And it has bounce back technology so instead of leaving a load of fingers marks in it, it bounces back and looks brand new each time you open it. You apply this at night before bed and as you sleep it works to make skin look brighter, refreshed and moisturised. Once you wake up your skin looks brighter, feels smoother and like you've had more sleep than you've actually had. Brilliant for big events or everyday use I always make sure I have a pot beside my bed.

Nip And Fab+ Glycolic Fix Extreme Night Pads
A skin treatment that had Holy Grail status before I even finished the first tub comes from Nip and Fab.Their Extreme Fix Glycolic Pads changed my skin from the first use. Containing 5% Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid these pre soaked pads exfoliate and refresh the skin as you use them. I always feel a slight tingle after I use them but it doesn't worry me as I know that it's working. And afterwards my skin feels smoother, refreshed and softer to the touch. Not one for those who have extremely sensitive skin.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
I was introduced to Liz Earle as a brand last year and instantly fell in love with their award winning Cleanse And Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. This natural cream cleanser not only removes all signs of make up including waterproof mascara but soothes skin and leaves it feeling soft and soothed. I've gone through several bottles of this and am in dire need of a fourth as I absolutely love this stuff. If you have sensitive skin that doesn't agree with the more chemically based cleansers on the market then this is definitely for you.

Rosie For Autograph Lipstick in Lady Rose
A lipstick I can't live without which you can see from the bullet comes from Rosie For Autograph. Her signature shade Lady Rose is one shade I can't live without. It can easily put together a look or come to the rescue when your chosen lipstick doesn't quite work out. It's creamy formula and comfortable wear makes it a statement piece in my make up collection. I've nearly worked my way through my first tube and will definitely be repurchasing another when it's gone.

Review: Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer

After falling in love with how the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish left my skin looking I thought I'd try some more of her skincare. And the next thing on my list was the Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer. However I didn't want to rush out any buy a full sized bottle in case my skin didn't react well with it, so I picked up a travel sized bottle that made a great tester.

And as you can probably tell I liked it enough to go out and buy a full sized bottle. This has all the same ingredients in it as the Cleanse and Polish so if you like that then this will be right up your street. Containing Calendula, Lavender, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E this will soothe, hydrate, retexturise and smooth skin. It's a very fine mist that doesn't drench the skin but doesn't leave it feeling like nothing's been used. For anyone who has sensitive skin or skin issues such as redness and roseca this will be right up your street. It's all natural so there isn't anything overly chemical or harmful that will cause skin to break out or go haywire.

This a brilliant multi use product that can go anywhere with you. It can be used as part of your morning or evening skincare routine as a refreshing facial spritz before moisturiser. It can used on top of your skincare to cool and refresh skin, brilliant for the hotter summer months. And finally it can be used over the top of make up to set it in place and refresh it throughout a long day. Personally I like to use this in the morning before I apply my serum as it helps calm down any redness that I have and gives my skin an even tone ready for make up.

For some it may seem pricey for a facial spritz but if you suffer from a large amount of redness or roseca then the price won't matter. The results won't be seen after one use but give it two or three uses and the results will start to show. Using this every day has really helped clear up my skin, in fact it's made me a lot less self conscious about not wearing make up as it's soothing ingredients have really helped even out  my skintone. If you're a big fan of minimal make up or no make up days then I suggest giving this a go. It'll even skintone whilst simultaneously hydrating and soothing any issues with the skin.

Review: Olay Total Effects Transforming Eye Cream

Finding an eye cream that does everything I want it to is hard work. I've tried more eye creams than any other products as there just didn't seem to be one on the market that met my needs. That's until I tried the Olay Total Effects Transforming Eye Cream. And by the look of my pot, I've really enjoyed this pot.

This is a very rich cream and a little bit goes a long way. It's thin in consistency but very rich in feeling. Once it's applied to the under eye area, it will feel soothed, smoothed, rejuvanted and moisturised all at once. It helps depuff the under eye area and smooth out any fine lines or wrinkles. It makes the perfect base for make up and keeps eyes hydrated even when covered in make up.

Personally this is the only eye cream that has truly impressed me. It's soothing and cooling whilst moisturising at the same time. It helps blur the look of my under eye area and diminishes the look of my dark circles. I don't have many fine lines but the ones I do have look better after every use and if you have slightly deeper set fine lines then this will work well to blur and smooth them. It's slightly pricier than some eye creams on the market but I believe you pay for quality. And it's always on offer somewhere whether it be half price, save a 1/3 or buy one get one free. Definitely a product to check out when you're in Boots or Superdrug.

Review: Liz Earle Cleanse And Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

 

A little while ago I was introduced to Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. I'd never thought to try it before but when the lovely assistant at the Liz Earle stand trialled it on my skin I knew I had to try it.

It's a cult product from Liz Earle and I can totally see why after using it for a couple of months now. Containing lavender, chamomile, rosemary and eucalyptus oil, this works to soothe and exfoliate the skin whilst removing all signs of make up, even stubborn waterproof mascara. It collection of natural, kind to skin ingredients helps with various skin ailments whilst you use it. And it won't take long to see the results either.

It comes in a pump bottle or a larger sized tube but both are a creamy, fragrant consistency. It melts seamlessly into the skin and as you work it into your skin, you can see where it's rubbing away your make up. A little bit goes a long way so a 100ml pump bottle will last a long time. This can be used on eyes and will remove all signs of mascara without stinging the eyes or causing irritation. Not only can it be used in conjunction with make up but it can also be used a first cleanse on bare skin.


Once this is washed away with a damp muslin cloth or flannel, skin will feel soothed, smooth and cleansed. Skin issues such as redness or roseaca will be helped greatly with this product. From the first use you'll see an improvement in skintone, feel and appearance. That will only improve more the more you use this but I do have to say it will be very obvious if you don't use it. It's definitely a product that once you've intergrated into your routine then it's there for life. Any of your other cleansers that you own or want to try will just have to be used as a second cleanse.

Pricier than some cleansers this may not be for everyone, especially those on a budget but those who don't mind paying out then this is definitely worth it. Go and visit your local Liz Earle stand, they'll help you as much as you need and will even demonstrate the product on you as well.

Review: Soap And Glory Peaches And Clean Cleanser

When I was sat thinking of blog ideas recently I was shocked to realise I haven't reviewed one of my favourite and most used products. And with a review gap in my schedule for the month I thought it time to finally give it the review it deserves.

If you're wondering what product I'm on about, it's the Soap and Glory Peaches And Clean Cleansing Milk. I first heard it about from msbudgetbeauty and put on my list of products to look at when I was in Boots next but I never had a massive urge to pick a bottle up for myself. But then I needed something that worked better to remove my make up and found myself checking this out once more. And trust me I'm so glad I did. Never has a product removed my make up better than this.

It comes in a very generous sized pump bottle and a bottle can last you a very long time even with daily use. I'm already on my third bottle and am definitely going to be buying more in the future. I use two to three pumps of this everynigh to remove my make up. It isn't too harsh on the skin and can even be used to remove eye make up. There's something in there that works brilliant to remove even waterproof mascara yet it doesn't irritate the eyes either. It washes away easily with a wet flannel or muslin cloth and afterwards you'll skin will feel cleaner, softer and more revitalised. It does say on the front you can wear it as a mask as well but for me it's too thin in consitency to be a mask. I like my face masks to be thick and well covering on my skin.

When I first heard about this I was advised this wasn't suitable for sensitive skin as it would make the skin tingle after use which could cause irritation. However when I started using this I had extremely sensitive skin and even though it tingles it doesn't irritate my skin at all. However if you do tend to react badly to new products or products that give a little tingle then I advise staying away from this and maybe trying Soap And Glory's other facial cleansing products.

Overall I'm pretty sure I'm not going to find another cleanser this year that's going to make me stop using this one. And who can blame me? Removes make up completely, makes my skin look and feel better and comes in a budget friendly price. At £8 for 350ml bottle this won't break the bank full price but can normally be found on offer in Boots. Definitely one to give a look at next time your down the skincare aisle.

Have any of you tried this? Did you like it? Or do you have a cleanser you think will knock this off my top spot? Let me know in the comments.

Review: Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Eye Cream

This is just a quick post. It was supposed to be my New At The Drugstore post but with work being busy this week and having been ill as well, I haven't been able to get that post ready. But instead I thought I'd review a product that has quickly become my favourite.

I picked up the Naturally Radiant Brightening Eye Cream a couple of weeks ago as something new to try in my battles against the dark circles. I didn't have high expectations as I've tried brightening eye creams before and been disappointed but this has really impressed me.

Containing Kiwi Fruit Extract, Mulberry Fruit Extract and Sugar Beet Extract, this small tube helps eyes feel youthful and revitalised as well as brightened and protected. The Kiwi Fruit Extract is the key ingredient as it contains a lot of Vitamin C which is needed around the eye area and not only evens skintone out but helps protect against any nasties that get near your eyes.

The three ingredients combined are like a powerhouse of product and give brilliant results in a short amount of time. Before I used this my dark circles were extremely visible, sometimes even through my concealer and the skin under my eyes all looked puffy. Only two days after I started using this did I see a difference. And I was blown away. My dark circles while still there were not as bright as before and the skin around them looked less puffy and felt smoother to the touch. A little bit of this goes a long way and I find the a pea sized amount does both under my eye and over my eyelid. I love how after every application my eyes look brighter and more awake, it makes putting my make up on a dream.

If you're on a budget and you're looking for something to give your eyes that extra oopmh then I recommend you check this out. It's purse friendly, good for the skin and a product you actually see results from. It's definitely going to be joining my holy grail products.

Available from Superdrug