Beauty Declutter

                       

If you follow me on Instagram then you'll know this weekend that I did a massive beauty purge. I filled up an entire bag of products that I didn't want or that didn't/wouldn't work for me, that I'm working on donating to a local women's charity. However there were a few products that weren't suitable to be donated so I thought I'd share them with you before chucking them out. 

                         

There was only a couple of skincare items I'm throwing away. The first is this Clearly Youthful Resurfacing Night Serum. I loved this serum at one point but then one bottle was just full of little plastic bits that scratched my skin. And if that wasn't enough to put me off, when I looked inside these boxes, they've clearky gone off. Both bottles are yellow in colour and the product has separated in the bottles. I hadn't used this product in ages so throwing them out isn't going to create a gap in my routine at all. 

                           

The other skincare product I'm throwing out is the Nivea Express Hydration Primer. I brought this on a whim to use under my make up but it didn't work so it just went to the back of the cupboard. And now it's been sat there that long, it would be unhygienic to use, even if it did work. Again because it hasn't been a part of any of my routines, it's not a loss to get rid of it. 

                            

Going through all my old foundations made me really question what the hell I was thinking. A lot of them were empty but all of them looked a good two shades two dark for me. I can't believe I happily wore those out in public. This one I thought I could try and make work but was horribly wrong so it's got to go. This is the Maybelline Dream Velvet Foundation. I remember when this first came out and how impressed by the look and feel of it on my skin. But it's clearly too dark for me (just call me Casper) and has separated in the tub, so it's bye bye to this. Let's just all be thankful that I've finally learnt how to match my foundation properly. 

                           

There are two concealers I'm getting rid of. The first is the Gosh CCC Concealer. This actually matched my skin tone but was really piss poor when it came to coverage and staying power. I never reach for it so I don't see the point of keeping it. The second is the Barry M Flawless Light Reflecting Concealer. What on Earth possessed me to buy this shade. It's clearly too dark for me and from what I remember from using it, is that it doesn't do a lot coverage wise and just sits heavily on the skin. Again it makes me feel grateful that I finally learned how to choose the right products for my skin. 

                      

Two colour Correctors I'm getting rid of come from Maxfactor. I remember ordering these especially from Boots when they were first released. I wish I'd never bothered, these are thick, heavy textured products that drag on the skin and do little to correct skins tone. These are also about three years old so I think it's best if we just parted ways. If you want a decent colour corrector, I'd recommend trying out the Collection Lasting Perfection Colour Correctors. 

                              

The Rimmel Clear Complexion Pressed Powder used to be a staple in my everyday make up routine. Now though I much prefer loose powders, especially those that are transparent and can't be detected on the skin. This now has too much colour to it for me to wear. Plus for hygiene reasons, it's probably bests that this goes in the bin. 

           

                            

I'm throwing not one but three mascaras. I'm always cautious when it comes to products that come into contact with my eyes so even though I like one of these mascaras, it's for the best that chuck it out. The first is the Bourjois Volume 1 Second mascara. I remember using for the sake of using it when I first brought it but the brush was way too big and caused more mascara to land on my eyelid than my lashes. It's pretty ancient so it's for the best that it goes. The second is the Barry M Showgirl Mascara. The bristles on this particular wand are just way to spiky and I ended up poking them in my eye more times than not. And because it's been opened, I'm just going to throw it away instead of donating purely for hygiene reasons. And the last one is pretty much finished but one I'd completely forgotten about. The Pur Volume Vixen featured in a beauty advent calender one year and I absolutely loved it. I loved it that much that I used it all up but because it was so small in size, it got lost in my collection before I could feature it in an empties or just chuck it away. 

                             

Another eye product I'm throwing just to be on the cautious side is the Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner. I don't wear eye liner but I did try this product when I received it to see if it would be the product the worked for me but alas it didn't. That being said, it felt like it could be a nice product, just that didn't work for me. If it had been in an uopened cellophane wrap, I may have considered donating it but because I've opened and used it, it's just gotta go in the bin. 

                             

I remember spending ages looking for the perfect lip scrub and then finding two, that after a couple of uses just sat forgotten about in my collection. And now they've both gone off and I'm back to square one when it comes to lip scrub. The first is the Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub. This worked well on my lips but it tasted horrible and I always ended up with it in my mouth no matter hard I tried not to. The second is the Body Shop Lip Scrub. I wish this one was still okay to use (it's not) as it worked wonders on my lips, didn't taste of much and didn't end up in my mouth even after I'd wiped it off. I'll probably have to repurchase The Body Shop lip scrub as I am actually in need of one at the moment. 

                              

Two lipsticks that I'm bidding adieu to are the Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 38 and the Revlon Ultra HD lipstick in Peony. Both are colours that just don't suit me, even when I've tried to mix them with other shades. Plus I've lost track of how long they've been sitting in my collection, so I don't feel comfortable donating them, even though they've barely been used. 

                                

A liquid lipstick I'm throwing away is the Loreal Infallible Lipstick in 503. It's a stunning colour, actually the kind of colour I'm looking for at the moment. But when it's held up to the light you can see that it has a shimmer run through it, that would definitely show when your wearing it. I'd have cleaned it up and donated it but when I opened it, it had started to dry out and looked like something even I wouldn't be happy to out on my lips so I wouldn't expect anyone else to either. 

                         

And the last thing I'm throwing out is something that should have gone ages ago. The Loreal Infallible Setting Mist is just a heap of crap and that's putting it nicely. It would probably have potential to be a nice product if it didn't have that white sediment that settles at the bottom no matter how much you shake it and then appears like little blobs of dried toothpaste on your face. If you're looking for a good setting spray I'd highly recommend checking out the Maybelline SuperStay Setting Spray or the Collection Primed And Ready Make Up Fixing Mist. Both lock make up into place but won't leave those horrible white dots on your skin. 

Dupes: Facial Cleansers

 

 I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love a good cleanser. After face masks they are the one product I'm always buying new of either to try as it's new or it's just caught my eye in a shop. However sometimes my budget doesn't always allow for me to try tons, especially high end ones. So I've been looking round and found three budget friendly dupes for the more higher end cleansers that I love.

High End: Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser £14
Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is one of my all time favourite products. It's cream formula works to not only cleanse and lightly exfoliate skin but also to soothe and help with the appearence of redness and roseaca.Containing ingredients such as Vitamin E, Calendula and Aloe Vera this is perfect for those who want their skin to feel invigorated after cleansing but not stripped, irritated or left feeling as if it's going to break out. Perfect to use both as a morning or evening cleanse, this will leave skin feeling clean, nourished, revitalised and ready for anything you apply over top without leaving it feeling heavy or greasy.

Dupe: Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser £5.99
However if you're looking for a more budget friendly version to try then I recommend high tailing it to your local Superdrug and picking up their own brand Hot Cloth Cleanser which is just as good as the Liz Earle, if not better. Containing Kiwi, Mulberry and Horse Chestnut Extracts this cream based formula is lightweight and doesn't weigh skin down or clog pores. It has naturally occuring AHA's in it's formula which work to loosen and remove any dead skin cells, revealing brighter more radiant looking skin. It's hypoallergenic and suitable for those with even the most sensitive skin, it's complex of ingredients leaning more towards the natural than the chemical one a lot of cleansers have.

High End: Clinique Take The Day Off Balm £22
Cleansing balms aren't something I reach for a lot but I do adore the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm. It's balm to oil formula eradicates even the most long wearing of make up without leaving skin feeling greasy or clogged. A little goes a long way and is gentle enough to remove eye make up as well. It has a bit of a price tag but I've owned my tub since last December and am still nowhere near the bottom. It's worth every penny.

Dupe: The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Balm £10
The Body Ship's Camomile Cleansing Balm was the first cleansing balm I tried and I can see why it's such a popular product. Lightweight, balm to oil formula and suited for more sensitive skins, this balm removes all signs of make up including eye make up. It's only downfall is that it's not as large as the Clinique so you do tend to go through it quicker. Mine is actually empty and I keep meaning to pick a new one up.

High End: Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm £16
The last high end cleanser that whilst it's nice is easily duped comes from a lesser known brand called Merumaya. It's a thick almost balm like consitency that transforms into an oil once you rub it into skin. It breaks down even the most full coverage of foundations and could even be used to remove make up but obviously it may sting eyes if used incorrectly. I like it because it works and it doesn't irritate my skin even if it has a strong scent that reminds me a lot of the Johnson's Baby Shampoo.

Dupe: Botanics Hydration Burst Dual Action  Cleanser £6.99
And the last dupe is one that I enjoy but don't reach for as much as I should. I think it's the slightly thicker consistency that puts me off. It's particuarly a bad thing but when it comes to removing my make up I'm more inclined to lightweight yet powerful cleansers that just cut right through everything. However if you have more dry/dehydrated skin then this cleanser is perfect for you as it's thick formula works to nourish skin as you remove make up. And it's half the price of the Merumaya which if you're skin is a little sensitive to fragrance may irritate whereas this has barely any fragrance so shouldn't cause any kind of discomfort.

Review: The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Balm

So when it comes to cleansers I find myself trying different ones to see if they compare with my Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean Cleansing Milk. Nothing beats it but there are a couple that I like to use as an alternative or second cleanse. And The Body Shop's Camomile Cleansing Butter is one of those products.

First off I'm sorry for the disgusting state of my balm. I need to buy a new one and just haven't gotten round to it yet. But I feel this is a good idea of what the balm looks like and not that stiff hard to work with balm you're presented with when you first buy this. When you first open a fresh one of these not only is it extremely photogenic but it's a very solid hard to work with balm. But once you make that little dent in the surface it becomes a lot easier to use each day. The more you use this balm the more it'll look like my tub of this as it becomes softer and by this time it'll be that soft it will just melt away from the edges when you put your fingers in it. That said, I do like the tin it comes in, it's cute, it's easier to get into and use than others and it's very compact in size so it doesn't take up massive amounts of room in your collection.

When you first put this on your face it will just sit there but when you start to rub it into the skin the heat from your finger will melt it and it'll turn from a balm to something akin to an oil. That oil will break down any grime, dirt or make up on your skin and sometimes you'll even see it become the colour of your foundation as you work it into the skin. Water can be added to it to give it a bit more of a foam to it and is easily washed away with warm water and a flannel or muslin cloth. Afterwards you're skin will feel clean, soft and make up free. This is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and doesn't contain any nasties that will irritate the skin.

Personally I like this for a second cleanse. It's not that it doesn't work well to remove my make up but I find that my Soap and Glory Cleanser has a bit more oomph in it that works well to lift make up off the skin. This is good for removing any leftover make up and general dirt from the day. It leaves my skin feeling soft and I don't have to worry about it harming my skin when it's playing up like some cleansers have done before. I'm definitiely going to be repurchasing another pot of this but I'm also considering picking up a bottle of their Camomile Cleansing Oil as well. Let me know in the comments if you want me to review it or not.

Have any of you tried this? Did you like this? Or did you have another product that worked better? Let me know in the comments.

Everyday Evening Skincare Routine

A few weeks back I showed you my morning skincare routine and thought it time to show you my evening skincare routine. There are more products in the evening as I'm always removing some sort of make up.

For the first step of my evening skincare routine I use either of these products depending on how much make up I'm wearing. For the last few months my favourite make up remover has been the Vitamin E Cleasning Oil, a brilliant dual phase oil that removes all traces of make up including mascara but without leaving skin feeling greasy. Also in the last couple of weeks I've been using The Body Shop's Camomile Cleansing Butter and really loving the results. I love the consistency of this on my skin and how it breaks my make up down. It isn't harsh on my skin and leaves it feeling soft after every use.

After I do my intial cleanse with either my balm or oil I always go in again with this Simple Micellar Water. This is the only micellar water on the market at the moment that agrees with my skin. It doesn't do anything fancier than clean my skin and remove any make up I've missed and that's exactly what I want from product like this. Fragrance free and gentle on the eyes this is brilliant to use both in the morning and evening when I feel like my skin needs a refresh.

Once all my base make up is gone I use some of the Loreal Eye And Lip Make Up Remover to remove any leftover mascara. This is a brilliant duo phase product that removes all traces of mascara and even stubborn lipsticks. It does have a slight oily feeling to it when used but it doesn't leave a nasty residue on the skin.

After all my make up is gone and my face is screaming out for moisture I start the second phase of my evening routine with my Vitamin E Refreshing Toning Mist. This is my skin saviour after a long day at work. A few spritz go a long way and leave my skin feeling refreshed and ready for any moisturiser I'm putting on.

Now my skin is cleaned and refreshed I go in with my Clearly Youthful Hydrating Day Serum. I know it's a day serum but on the back it says it can be used in the evening as well. It's only recently I've added this to my evening routine but my skin is already thanking me. It gives my skin that moisture boost that it so desperately needs by now. Two pumps does my entire face and I can feel my skin drinking this in as soon as I've put it on.

Now this step is one I find myself forgetting sometimes. This was actually recommended to me by my mum and I'm so glad I listened to her. The Olay Firm and Lift Eye Gel is a clear gel that is soothing on the eyes as well as hydrating. I usually have really bad dark circles but since I've been using this and another product I've found that they have gone down a lot. A little goes a long way and makes my tired eyes feel refreshed.

Next up is my Clearly Youthful Resurfacing Night Serum. I literally adore the Clearly Youthful range, both their day and night serums are hydrating and refreshing on the skin. I like the night one especially for when I have a few blemishes on my skin as it contains salicylic acid which helps take down any redness my blemishes have. A lot of you may wonder why I use two serums when my day serum gives me the hydration I need but the Resurfacing Night Serum does exactly what it says on the packet. Any texture on my skin at night time is gone by the morning and any redness I have is diminished.

And now for my final step. After what may seem like forever but is actually about twenty minutes I go in with my favourite skin product ever. The Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream has not only changed how I look at my skincare routine but also how I look at my skin. Any issues that I have with my skin such as dark circles, redness or any sallowness is practically gone by the morning and it's all to do with this cream. It's a thick texture which I advise really rubbing into the skin so you don't stick to your pillowcases but the results are beyond amazing. I wrote a full length review on it here.

And that's it for my evening skincare routine. Any recommendations? Let me know in the comments.