Let's Talk: Acid Toners

                         

Using a toner isn't the most important part of a skincare routine but it can be very beneficial to your skin. Most toners are designed to balance out your skin's PH level as well as help to alleviate any tight, dry or irritated feeling skin may have after cleansing. Now you may think all toners work the same and to a degree they do but when you include an acid into the ingredients, it completely changes the way a toner acts on your skin.

Most acid toners are AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) based and work to not only balance skin but to also retexturise, refresh and revitalise skin to leave it looking brighter and feeling softer and smoother to the touch. They're the most commonly found acid based toners on the market with the two most commonly found AHA's being Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid. Both of these AHA's work to loosen the bond between dead skin cells and new skin cells so that when you exfoliate with a face scrub they come away easier and reveal healthy, glowing skin. 

Now you may think that only certain skin types can use an acid based toner but in fact all skin types can use them. A lot of brands have either different variations of toner or focus on producing one AHA based toned that is catered to be more effective for a particular skin type but also works with other skin types as well. And yes I'm even talking about those of you with sensitive skin types. 

The trick if you have sensitive skin is to start with a low percentage of acid in your toner. It's less likely to cause irritation and is an easy way to see if skin agrees with acid based products. A low percentage acid is around two percent and the highest you can find in most brands is five percent but occasionally a few brands will go up to a maximum of ten percent. And the best way to see if your skin agrees with acid based products is to start with something with a two/low percent acid and slowly build your way up to five percent or higher if your skin doesn't flare up or breakout. 

Glycolic Acid is the most commonly found acid in acid based toners but again it doesn't agree with everyone. Especially those with sensitive skin which is where Lactic Acid comes into play. Lactic Acid works exactly the same way as Glycolic Acid but tends to be slightly gentler and is less irritating for those with sensitive/reactive skins. It's slightly harder to find a Lactic Acid based toner and you may find you have to pay a bit more but it'll be worth it when your skin is glowing, smooth and breakout free. 

Top Tips

- Start low and work your way up, giving your skin a chance to get used to the AHA's.

- Wear SPF. Both Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid can make skin more sensitive to the sun so SPF is a must. I recommend a minimum of a SPF30 to protect skin. 

- Try budget friendly version first and if they work then purchase a higher end toner. 

- Sensitive skins are more likely to agree with Lactic Acid whilst others are more likely to agree with Glycolic Acid. 

- Start off using a toner two to three times a week to let skin get used to it. If your skin agrees with the toner then build it up to once a day or every other day. 

- Acid toners are a type of exfoliant so overdoing it can cause irritation. Don't use a scrub and an acid toner in conjunction with each other. Try a gentler toner or a face mist after using a scrub to nourish/hydrate skin. 

                        

Product Recommendations 

- Naturally Radiant 5% Glycolic Toner £5.99- Perfect starter toner. 5% Glycolic Acid. Infused with Kiwi Extract and Horse Chestnut aswell. Suitable for sensitive skins. Suitable for everyday use. 

- Nip & Fab 6% Glycolic Liquid Glow £19.95- Mainly suitable for those who are used to acid based toners. Higher percentage of Glycolic Acid. Not advised for those with extremely sensitive skins. Advised to be used two to three times a week. But can be used everyday if skin is used to high percentages of AHA's. 

- Pixi Glow Tonic £18- 5% Glycolic formula alongside Aloe Vera and Ginseng. Can be used everday. Suitable for sensitive skins. Soothes and brightens as it works. One of the best selling acid based toners. Can be used in conjunction with other acid based products without being too abrasive.
- Optimum Glycolic Cleansing Pads £9.99- Pre soaked pad. Low percentage of Glycolic Acid. Perfect to travel with. Suitable for most skin types. Can be used every day without irritation.
- Nip & Fab Glycolic Fix Extreme Night Pads £14.95- 5% Glycolic Formula. Suitable for all skin types. Sensitive skins are advised to use these a maximum of three times a week. Pre soaked pad. Perfect for travel. Also contains Lactic, Mandelic and Salicylic Acid. Best for those who's skin is used to AHA's.
- Naturally Radiant Glycolic Cleansing Pads £5.99- Pre soaked pad. Perfect for travel. Budget friendly. Contain a low percentage of Glycolic Acid alongside Aloe Vera and Pro Vitamin B5. Good product to get skin used to an AHA. Can be used everyday.

Let's Talk; Winter Cleansers

This is not the post I had scheduled for today but for some reason the post which was due tomorrow has disappeared. I'd written, edited and linked all the pictures I used, had it saved and ready to schedule. Then my laptop crashed and once I turned it back on, it was all gone. I would have rewritten it but I know I wouldn't have been happy with how it turned out, so I've changed tack and have gone for a different style post today. This idea has been in my head for a while so what a perfect time to post it.

Now if the cold snap we're all enduring doesn't mean it's Winter then I don't know what does. However that means all are skin's are changing and we may be in need of something a little more when it comes to cleansers as well as other aspects of our skincare routines. So I thought I'd round up a few of my favourite cleansers of the moment that have been doing wonders for my skin now that Winter is upon us.

Now for me personally I find a thicker more nourishing cleanser works wonders for my skin this time of the year. Temperature changes, central heating and cold blustery days seem to wreck havoc on my skin. So naturally when it comes to taking off my make up or cleansing my skin I want something that is going to nourish and look after my skin to counteract the effects of the colder season. Oils, balm cleansers or thick rich cream cleansers have been the ones I've been reaching for the most. Some of my favourites include:

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm
My first will come as no surprise to any of you. I love the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm in general but since the weather has taken a colder turn, this has become one of my go to staples. It's thick luxurious balm texture turns to a milk when water is added, really cleaning the skin whilst simultaneously nourishing skin. It's not one I'd waste on removing make up purely because the results on the skin are ten times better when used as a second or AM cleanse.Skin feels soft, smooth to the touch and nourished. Nothing about this product is going to strip, irritate or dry out skin. It's pricey but a must have for me, especially during these colder months.
 

Loreal Extraordinary Facial Cleansing Oil
Oils are brilliant to use during these months. Temperature changes, blustery winds and central heating can all dry the skin out and leave it feeling irritated and in need of some TLC. And I know not everyone is comfortable with putting oils on their face. However oil cleansers such as this one from Loreal is a great way to nourish skin without overloading it with oil, leaving it greasy and shiny. This breaks down make up amazingly, turning into a milk as you add water. It washes away easily with a damp flannel or muslin cloth and doesn't leave behind a greasy residue. Instead it leaves skin feeling soft, supple and smooth to the touch. Whilst it doesn't completely reverse any irritation or dried out feeling from the skin, it makes a good start and lays down a good base to which you can build on with the rest of your skincare routine.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 
A cleanser you won't be surprised to find here comes from Liz Earle. Their Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is the perfect Winter cleanser. It's thick cream formula not only nourishes skin but also soothes and brightens, whilst gently exfoliating. Containing ingredients such as Calendula, Vitamin E and Shea Butter, this cleanser is perfect for those with more sensitive skins. It has a slight fragrance to it but that comes mostly from the natural ingredients and won't cause further irritation. I find this perfect for days when my skin has gone through a few different temperature changes. It's soothes, nourishes, cleanses and reduces the appearance of any redness I may have on my skin. Definitely a must have this winter.

Botanics Rosehip Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm
One that's been sat in my cupboard until recently is this one from Botanics. Their Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm with Rosehip isn't my favourite, most reached for cleanser but it does work and is especially good for skin during these colder months. Packed full of Rosehip, this thick cleanser not only breaks down make up but nourishes and soothes skin. It's thicker than other balms I've tried but doesn't leave skin feeling weighed down or pores feeling clogged. Not one I think I'm going to be reaching for a lot but a good option if you're looking for a  natural cleanser that's suitable for sensitive skins.

Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser
The next cleanser is a favourite of mine and it won't break the bank. Superdrug's own brand range Naturally Radiant does the most amazing hot cloth cleanser on a budget. Thick, nourishing and packed full of naturally occurring AHA's, this cleanser works brilliantly as an AM cleanse or second cleanse. I've gone through numerous tubes of this as it just works so well with my skin. It soothes, hydrates, brightens and cleanses all at once without weighing down my skin or leaving it feeling irritated or stripped squeaky clean. If you're working on a budget, I highly recommend checking out this hot cloth cleanser.

Sanctuary Warming Cleansing Butter Balm
And the last cleanser I've been enjoying is from Sanctuary. It's a very thick balm that turns into a milky consistency when water is added which to some is off putting but to me is a sign of a good balm cleanser. When it's first applied to the face it does warm against skin but that helps with the break down of any make up or daily dirt you're looking to cleanse away. A little goes a long way and after every use, this leaves skin feeling clean, supple, nourished and soft to the touch. It leaves behind the perfect canvas for the rest of your skincare routine without the need for more products than necessary.

Let's Talk: Toning Mists

If there is a product that doesn't get enough acknowledgement then it's toning mists. Sure a lot of people use them and you'll see people mention them in their YouTube videos or blog posts but sometimes these people are very far and few between. Which is why today I thought I'd talk you through the use of a toning mist/spritz and share a few of my favourites to give you an idea of what they can do for your skin.

Toning mists are similar to toners in that they refresh, tone and hydrate the skin, alleviating any irritation or tightness that cleansing causes. The only difference is that they come in mist/spray form and can also be used as a multi purpose product that can go over top of make up as refresher. There are different types of toning mist as there are toners but they all have the same common goal which is to prepare skin for the rest of your skincare routine.

Most commonly found ingredients in toning mists are Vitamin E, Rosewater/Rosehip and Hyaluronic Acid. These are used to soothe, refresh and hydrate the skin as well as aiding preparation for any serum or moisturiser you place over top. Most toning mists are a very fine spray that don't drench the skin but aren't that pathetic that it feels like it's not doing something. Others come in aerosol form but personally I find them a little less effective than a general mist formula. Quite a few brands have their own take on toning mists both high street and high end but there are some still quite prominent brands that haven't caught onto it yet and here are a few of my favourites.

Let's start with my favourite spritz which comes with a higher price tag but works wonders on the skin. Liz Earle's Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer contains Aloe Vera, Calendula, Vitamin E and Shea Butter and works to soothe skin whilst toning and replacing any moisture that had been stripped from the skin when cleansing. It smells absolutely divine and works well to awaken and soothe skin at the same time. Perfect for layering under make up, it can also be used over top to help refresh skin without disrupting make up. It's slightly pricier at £15 a bottle but you do get a generous 200ml bottle that'll last for a good months.

Another higher end mist comes from Pixi. Their Vitamin Wake Up Mist contains fruit extracts that not only tones and refreshes skin but awakens skin and adds a radiance to it at the same time. It's not as fine a mist as the Liz Earle but doesn't leave skin feeling drenched or wet to the touch. It can be used under make up or over top. It comes in at £16 a bottle but you only receive 80ml of product which is my bug bear with this product. However the smaller sized bottle means it's easier to take on the go and easily fits into handbags.

A brilliant budget friendly mist is this one from Vitamin E. Packed full of Vitamin E as well as Aloe Vera, Horse Chestnut and a Multivitamin Complex including Vitamin A this is packed full of antioxidants that helps create a protective shield over skin from daily skin aggressors such as pollution and UV rays. And the best bit, it comes in at only £2.99 a bottle and it's a 150ml bottle that'll last a while and can be used under make up and over top.

Another brilliant budget spray is this one from Botanics. Containing Rosewater and not a lot else, this is brilliant at soothing skin and relieving any feeling of tightness that sleeping or cleansing can cause. It smells divine and really works at soothing the skin. If you have sensitive skin prone to redness then I'd highly recommend this spray. It helps diminish the appearance of redness and leaves skin feeling softer and smoother to the touch. It comes in at under a fiver a bottle and is quite a decent size bottle. I've been using this for a while now and haven't even reached halfway down.

A holy grail product of mine which is one of the best budget friendly facial mists out there, comes from B. Containing nothing more than Hyaluronic Acid, this sprays adds and retains moisture before slowly releasing it throughout the day when skin needs it most. It's lightweight in texture and distributes evenly across skin without leaving it feeling drenched or disrupting make up if applied over top. It comes in at £7.99 a bottle and isn't a overly large bottle but lasts longer than expected as you don't need a lot to get the full effect of this product.

And the final product recommendation I have doesn't come in your conventional mist formula. The La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water comes in aerosol form and consist of nothing but water. It can be used in place of a toner but is mainly used to refresh and hydrate the skin, something that has come in handy now the weather's heating up here. It really cools the skin when applied which helps soothe skin and the micro droplets in it's formula work deeper into the skin and slowly work over time instead of a quick hit before leaving skin as it was before. And the best bit it's come in three different sizes which means you can carry it around whenever you need to as well as keeping one with your skincare at home.

Now no matter whether you choose a mist or aerosol formula, toning mists take out the need for a liquid toner and save time during your skincare routine. You don't have to spend the earth to find a decent toning mist on the market but if you do like to spend that bit more then there are plenty of higher end versions that work wonders on the skin. If you feel your skincare routine is missing something I highly recommend you have a look around at the toning mists, you might just find what you're looking for.

Let's Talk: Bold Lips

 

Bold lips are one of my favourite make up looks. For me they instantly boost my mood and make me happier and always make the rest of my make up look a little more put together as all the attention is automatically drawn to my lip colour. However there are some of you out there that are a little apprehensive about rocking that bolder lip. And as Summer is well and truly here I thought it would be a brilliant time to share a few tips on how to rock a bold lip and not be worried about what others think.

First things first, don't be scared of bold lips. They're a brilliant way of buying into a trend, trying a new product or just expressing your personality. I personally dived right in at the deep end with bold lips. One day I just purchased a bold red and started wearing it like I had always been wearing it. Sure I was worried about what people would think of it but I found I just didn't care as much as I probably should. And that's because I liked how it looked on me. Now it's my go to bold lip colour and I always recieve so many compliments when I'm wearing one. If you are nervous about trying a bold lip colour for the first time then wear it around the house first. I have several dodgy looking shades that I thought would look good on me but an initial wear around the house and I immediately saw how wrong I'd been. Not only is it a great way to see if a colour suits you but it's also a good way to get used to seeing yourself in a bolder lip colour.

Secondly it may take some time to find a colour that really works for you. I feel quite lucky when it comes to this as I found my colour straight away but it can take time and with other bolder colours such as pinks and oranges I'm still searching for the perfect one. Work with your hair colour and skin tone. Dark hair and fairer skintones will work wonderfully with bright reds, red toned oranges and blue toned pinks. If you have medium skintones or lighter hair there are the more bubblegum pink tones and purples that'll stand out and look gorgeous but won't make you look like a clown.

Thirdly it's all about what your comfortable in. You like a glossy red lip then you rock it. You love a matte pink lip then you rock it. Make up in general is all about what you feel comfortable in and the same stands for bold lips. If you find a colour that your comfortable in wearing then wear it. Don't let what anyone else thinks of it change your mind. You feel comfortable and happy with your appearence, then you do you boo. If you wear a colour you don't feel comfortable in then don't wear, no matter what the trends say or your friends. Find a colour you feel comfortable and confident in and rock it like the badass you are.

Now I've shared my tips for rocking a bold lip and feeling comfortable wearing one I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite bold lips shades including a few neutrals that aren't in your face but still make a statement.

Reds
There are so many reds that I could have featured in this section. Blue toned reds are always the way to go if you're uncertain on what shade will suit you. Not only are they a beautiful shade but they suit a multitude of skintones and always appear to make skin look flawless and teeth whiter. Matte finishes are the best when it comes to red shades as they really make them pop as well as lasting a lot longer on the lips. Some of my favourites include Kat Von D's Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw, NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam and Rosie For Autograph in Vintage Rouge. All of these colours and the others featured are perfect to wear all year round as they're ultra bold and become the talking point of any look. Of course the liquid lipsticks are a bit more tricky to wear as they are a drier matte finish but the NYX and Rosie For Autograph are a lot easier to wear and the ones I'd recommend if you're just dipping your toe into red lips.

Pinks
Bold pink lips are a bit harder and are a shade I'm still working on. However I have four lip products that I absolutely adore and wear with confidence. Revlon's Colorburst Matte Balm in Showy and Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Pink Pong are both vibrant blue toned pinks that work a lot like blue toned reds and help perfect the look of skin and make teeth look whiter. However if these aren't for you or you are looking for a less bold option, Smashbox's Be Legendary Matte Lipstick in Punch Drunk or Rosie For Autograph in Rosie Lips are more raspberry toned but a little less in your face. Rosie Lips is a personal favourite of mine and I find myself reaching for it a lot more than any other pink shade I own.

Nudes
Now a nude lip may not sound very bold but there are some nudes that stand out more than others and are a brilliant way to dip your toe into a bolder looking lip without diving in at the deep end. The NYX Lingerie Liquid Lipsticks are a brilliant example of this. Every shade is a variation of a nude and there is one out there for everyone. I have the shade Exotic which veers more towards a peachy orange tone and whilst it looks like it wouldn't work in the tube, it looks amazing on the lips. Barry M's Matte Me Up Lip Kits are another brilliant set of nudes. They look nice and neutral in the tube but dry down to a gorgeous darker shade that really stands out on the lips but won't instantly draw people's attention like a red or pink would. A safer option but will still get you compliments is the Rosie For Autograph Lipstick in Silk Rose. It's more brown in tone but isn't too in your face and can be worn fully opaque or as a stain. And the same stands for the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry. Worn either completely opaque on the lips or smudged in like a stain this will guarantee you a compliment or two but won't make it obvious you're trying out a bolder lip than usual.

So that's it for my Let's Talk: Bold Lips. I hope this helped some of you take that step out of your comfort zone and try that stunning bold lip that you've had your eye on for a while. And if you're already a bold lip lover I hope this has just helped to keep that confidence which helps you don a bold lip whenever you feel like it.

Let's Talk Nude Lips For Pale Skintones

If you've been reading this blog for a while you'll know I'm an avid fan of a bold lip whether it be a red, a burgundy or a plum. And for the longest while I stuck with these shades as I didn't think that I could pull off a nude lip. Then last year I dipped my toe into nude lips and this year dived headlong into loving nude lips. And now nude lips are something I wear even more than my bold lips, and that's saying something considering I'm of the fairer skintone.

Let's start by saying I have very dark hair and a very light/pale complexion so automatically ruled nude lip products out as I believed it would look like wearing concealer on my lips. Everyone else seemed able to rock them but they just didn't seem to be for me. That's until I found that specific nude tone that worked well with my skin and from then on I found myself looking out for these particular tones and my collection of nude lip products grew.

If like me you don't know where to start when it comes to looking for a nude lip that works for you it's all about patience and trial and error. Don't be scared to swatch products even if you think they won't suit you. Some lip products look different in tone or colour in the bullet/tube but will look different on the back of your hand. It doesn't mean they're going to look the same on the lips but due to hygiene reasons it's not wise to test products on your lips. However you can hold your hand up to your lips to see if it would suit you or even hold the bullet in front of your lips to see if it would suit you. Now if you have blonde or light coloured hair then light brown tones will probably suit you better than the darker toned shades but if you have dark hair than the darker shades will suit you better.

 For example Maybelline's Creamy Matte Lipstick in Smoky Peach (top) would be better suited to people with lighter/blonde hair as it's lighter tan like tones brighten the complexion whereas Brown Sugar (bottom) is more suited towards ladies with darker hair. It's undertones compliment darker hair colours more than it would lighter hair colours. Now darker hair colours can pull of Smoky Peach but it's a lot harder and has to be with the right make up and outfit.

A nude shade that suits both light hair tones and dark hair tones comes from GOSH. Their matte lipstick in the shade Rose. It's mauve tone means that it doesn't look lighter on one than it does the other. It's very neutral and can not only be worn by paler skintones but can be pulled off by any skintone. This is such an easy colour to wear, you don't really have to worry about having to match the rest of your make up or outfit as it will suit a multitude of looks.

Another two shades that can be worn by everyone of a paler complexion are these two from Stila. These dry darker on the lips than they look in the tube so don't think you can't pull either of these shades off. Patina (left) is a deeper pink shade that could either be played up as a bolder nude lip or a neutral lip depending on your make up, outfit and hair colour. Serenata on the other hand is a more interesting shade for darker haired ladies, it's got a greige undertone that shouldn't work but for some reason does. And on blondes it would look like your standard nude shade but can be brightened or tweaked with a bit of lip liner if that colour isn't really for you.

If you wear nude lips already but want to add a twist as the weather warms up then this Milani Matte Lip Cream is perfect for you. This is the shade Adored and is a peachy pink colour that paired with very laidback make up stands out and distracts from everything else. It can be worn by every paler complexioned lady as it's undertones play differently with different hair colours. This comes off very peach in tone when I wear it and even though a peach shade shouldn't suit me this one suprisingly does. Harder to get but if you can get your hands on it, it's well worth it.

And finally we have not only my favourite range of nude lipsticks but one of the best selections on the high street. Rosie For Autograph is a collaboration between Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Marks and Spencers. And the lipsticks in her make up line are mostly neutral which is perfect for every nude lip lover out there. I have four neutral shades which I absolutely adore and that suit everyone no matter what make up you're pairing it with or outfit. From left to right you have Silk Cami, Silk Rose, Lady Rose and Camisole Blush. As you can see three of the four shades are very similar in tone and are the ones I find I can wear the most with my colouring. They all have that mauve undertone that suits my fair skin/dark hair combination whereas Camisole Blush doesn't suit that well but when worked with another lip product or lip liner can work. However if you can't pull off shades such as Lady Rose then you'd be able to pull off Camisole Blush and others in the range that have the same undertone.

So that's a few lipstick recommendations I have for you all. Before this post gets any longer than it already is I'm going to go back over some tips to help you pick out the perfect nude lip to suit you:
1- Swatching is key. Lipsticks always look different when swatched.
2- Whilst you can't test it on your lips, hold testers up to your lips. It'll still give you an idea of if the colour will suit you.
3- Darker shades look less obvious on ladies who have darker hair colours and can be more flattering than the more concealer looking shades.
4- Likewise blondes can get away with light looking shades as their hair colour lifts their complexion whilst they wear them.
5- If you find one you like but it doesn't quite suit you don't be afraid to mix it with another nude lip product or lip liner. Plus any shades you create are unique and people will be dying to know where it comes from. 

Let's Talk White Nails

This month I've been enjoying painting my nails various summer shades but there is always one colour I keep coming back to. And that is white. Now I know this isn't going to be for everyone but personally I love how white nails look during the hotter months.

It is one of the harder colours to pull off especially if you lack a tan but there are ways to still rock a white nail. Now a lot of white nail polishes are streaky, patchy and thin in formula. This takes away the pop effect white nails has and leaves them looking almost off colour and overall the look of the nails and your hand in general is not pretty. If the polish is a bad quality polish then your hands are going to look dirty and obviously your nails aren't going to look much better.

Polishes to avoid getting this look are the ones from Maybelline, Rimmel and the Barry M Classic Nail Paint in White. These are all very thin in formula which means they're harder to work with and will probably end up leaving nails look a little streaky in places even if you're sure you've covered everything. Slightly pricier nail polishes are the best way to go with White Nails as they have a thicker and better formula. If you don't want to pay the earth for a polish then Barry M's Gelly Hi Shine in Cotton. It's very thick in formula and doesn't go patchy or streaky no matter how thin a coat you apply. Two coats of this polish and you're in for bright white nails that will set off a tan or give nails a brilliant pop of colour without one.

However if pure white nails aren't your thing then you can still work this look by wearing shades that have a hint of a colour running through the white. Nails Inc did a whole range of shades that were white based but had hints of colour running through them. It was mainly pastel shades that still gave a nice pop of colour but it wasn't a stark white against the nail. Barry M's Rosehip and Essie's Fiji are two great examples of these polishes. Both are white based polishes but have pink running through them. They're very pale in colour and you need a good two maybe even three coats to get the colour to truly show through but they give that interesting pop to the nail but aren't stark and in your face.

And I know that it's coming to the end of the summer now but whilst the sun is still shining white nails is something I'd definitely give a go before the colder weather rolls in.

Let's Talk About Glycolic Acid

Today I thought I'd try something different post-wise. Instead of talking about the latest beauty products I want to talk about one of my favourite skincare ingredients. An ingredient that is found in a lot of skincare products nowadays yet is something that is still isn't well known, especially on the high street. I'm talking about Glycolic Acid. It's one of my favourite skincare ingredients and today I thought I'd share with you what Glycolic Acid is if you've never used it before, my top products and tips.

Glycolic Acid is a Alpha-Hydroxy Acid known as a AHA. A AHA is used to exfoliate the skin and remove any dead skin cells. It loosens the bonds that holds your dead skin cells onto your skin and once they're removed you're left with healthier rejuvenated skin. It is one of the most commonly found AHA's in skincare products and can be found in different strengths. Most products on the market have a 5% concentration in them but you can find high strengths such as 10% and even 12%. If you're looking for a good glycolic product here are my Top 5.

 1. The Nip And Fab Glycolic Extreme Fix Night Pads. These pads have 5% Glycolic Acid in them as well as Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid. These are to be used a treatment two to three times a week to exfoliate the skin. For people with sensitive skin I advise using these only once or twice a week depending on your sensitivity as they do make your skin tingle. And by tingle I mean you can feel them working. The day after you use these your skin is going to look and feel better. If you have any texture on your face it will feel diminished after one use and with continued use it will look and feel better each time. A slightly pricer product on the market but when you see how good the results are you definitely won't mind.

2. The Nip And Fab Glycolic Fix Pads. These are a lot tamer than the Extreme Fix Pads. Containing only 2% Glycolic Acid as well as Hyaluronic Acid and Blue Daisy, these pads are designed to gently exfoliate as well as plump up  and add moisture to the skin. They don't make the skin tingle with use so are they're more suited to sensitive skin. Using them every now and again won't make a difference to skin but using them twice a week will definitely make a difference to your skin. Using them alongside the Extreme Fix Pads though will make a significant difference to your skin. Texture will feel diminished, skin will look and feel softer and your complexion will look healthier and radiant. Not as expensive as the Extreme Fix Pads, these still can be pricey but if you're intimidated by a higher concentration of Glycolic Acid these would definitely be right up your street.

 3. The Clearly Youthful Glycolic Peel Off Mask. This mask is a clear liquid mask that you apply all over the face or in designated places to help exfoliate and rejuvinate the skin. It doesn't tell you how much Glycolic Acid is in it but from the results of this mask I believe it is somewhere near the 5% mark. This also contains Lactic Acid which is a common ingredient in most Glycolic Acid products. The peel off aspect makes this a lot easier to use as you don't have to worry about washing it off and it usually comes off in one piece.
4. Naturally Radiant Glycolic Overnight Peel. This isn't actually a peel. A peel is something you physhically peel off your face. This you wash off your face the next morning once it's sunk in. This is a overnight glycolic treatment which you apply the night before after you've applied your normal skincare routine and let it sink in as you sleep. Then the next morning you wash it off like you would a face wash or face mask. This is another product that doesn't give an exact amount of glycolic acid in it but from results from giving it a go, I'd have to say it is a pretty low amount. It does make skin feel softer and looks smoother but it's results are not as fantastic as some of the other products mentioned before.

5. Pixi Glow Tonic. This is a 5% Glycolic Toner. It's designed to be used after you've cleansed but before you've put your serum and moisturiser on. This contains Aloe Vera and Ginseng as well to help soothe and rejuvinate the skin at the same time. The glycolic acid in this whilst being the same concentration as the Extreme Fix Pads isn't as strong on the skin as they are. You still feel like you've used something on your skin but it doesn't make your skin tingle as much as the pads do. A small amount of this on a cotton pad is enough to do the whole face. After the rest of your skincare routine is done, you'll feel the effects of this toner. Skin feels smoother and softer and the products you use afterwards apply nicely to skin. If you're having trouble applying make up then this may help smooth skin and create a flawless base. There will be a full review of this on the blog soon but I like to use skincare products for a month before I write up a full review of it.

And now I've shown you my Top 5 Glycolic Acid products, I'd thought I'd share my top tips for using these products.

1. Most products that contain Glycolic Acid also contain Lactic Acid. Lactic Acid is the second most common AHA and is suitable for people with sensitvie skin. This is what makes most products that contain glycolic acid suitable for people with more sensitive skin even if you have to use it less often than people with normal skin.
2. If you use products containing both glycolic and lactic acid then it's important to use a sunscreen. It's important to use one anyway but the use of lactic acid makes skin more sensitive to the sun. So it's important to add a sunscreen to your routine if you don't use one already.
3. Don't overuse these products. Especially if you have sensitive skin. Overuse of these products will probably do more harm to your skin than good. If you find yourself overusing these products just put them somewhere where you won't automatically reach for them and focus on putting anything missing like moisture back into your skin.
4. Just because it says do so many times a week doesn't mean you have to follow the insturctions religiously. If you have very sensitive skin and it says use twice a week but that's too much for your skin then only use it once a week. It's your skin, do what your skin needs.
5. Look around. Sure the higher end skincare products are going to give your skin what it needs but you can find some gems out on the high street as well. The Clearly Youthful Peel Off Mask is under a fiver but the results are phenominal. It's definitely worth a look around to see what's on the market.

So that's it for my chat on Glycolic Acid. Did any of you find this useful? Have any of you got any product recommendations for me? Let me know in the comments.