Skincare Spotlight: Antipodes

A few weeks back I attended an afternoon tea with lot's of lovely bloggers and the founder of Antipodes (for more info and lot's of foodie snaps click here). Having never tried anything from the brand I was really excited to try some of their newest items, as well as cult favourite the Aura Manuka Honey Mask*.

I particularly love the philosophy behind Antipodes skincare, for me it's a major plus that the ingredients for each and every product have been carefully selected from natural ingredients for an organic product. I find natural products much more suitable for my sensitive skin and so was extremely excited to try their products. 

First up, the Antipodes Hallelujah Lime & Patchouli Cleanser* intrigued me as I've become accustomed to using balm cleansers instead of cream. I found this a joy to apply, I think a lot of the success behind Antipodes if the gentle formula's and amazing fragrances. Packed with essential oils such as the nutrient-rich avocado oil, macadamia nut, with patchouli and kawakawa to purify and uplift - you just know this smells heavenly. The cleanser was soft, gentle and effective without provoking any rashes or redness but instead cooling my skin. Thumbs up.

New to the range is the Delight Hand & Body Cream*. Now, it takes me a lot to get excited by a hand or body cream, but this product is something else. I can't help but whip it out and caress it into my skin, namely my hands, which are becoming quite dry and cracked due to the weather. Again, it's the scents that draw me in most. Gorgeous pangs of Gardenia hit my senses and the macadamia nut oil is silky soft and high in palmitoleic acid (Omega 7), which richly hydrates your skin with the helping hands of Marigold flower oil and antioxidant extract of Vinanza Grape for extra dry patches. My mum, my auntie, and even my brother have been known to swipe this from me to use, I just can't get enough.

I've saved my favourite for last, in the form of Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask*. You've probably seen this raved about of many a blog, so I will save too much spiel and just let you know that this is a dream in mask form. Again, soft and gentle, my skin laps this up greedily. I use this once a week as a treat to hydrate my skin, as well as tackling any pesky blemishes I might have. I apply this after the cleanser and leave for around twenty minutes whilst I potter around the house. By now you'd have guessed that this too smells divine, with hits of vanilla pod and mandarin greeting your nostrils. The manuka honey is a traditional Maori remedy to draw moisture back into your skin, breathing in new life, whilst the red pohutukwa bloom (again traditional to New Zealand, where Antipodes is based) is one of natures finest antioxidants. All I know is that science smells good, and this stuff really works at plumping up and hydrating my skin.

With all of those being such a success in my skincare lineup, I'm really excited to try some more. In particular their new Grace Cleanser* and Joyous Night Replenish Serum*, but more about that in their own post soon...

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Clinique Redness Solutions

When it comes to skin complaints redness is my main issue, not on the scale of having rosacea or anything, but my irish skin does fall victim to rosy face syndrome. I don't tend to wear blusher that picks up on the pink pigments in my skin opting for plum browns instead, however I think I've found a regimen from Clinique to help combat my clown cheeks.

Now, I've raved about Clinique Super Primers before here, but I am particularly fond of their primer specifically for correcting redness*. I love the yellow mousse formula that melts into my skin, and the yellow pigments really do help to counteract any rosyness I may be having and calming it down. I find this works best having used the Redness Solutions Day Relief Cream* beforehand. This is a really cooling moisturiser that is suitable for sensitive skin and those that suffer with mild rosacea. It helps to hydrate my skin and reduce any visible blood vessels hence muting any flushing to the skin. I love how this dries matte on the skin and although can feel quite heavy when first applied, it's oil free and doesn't leave any annoying film to the skin.  

Lastly the Redness Solutions Instant Relief Pressed Powder* (phew!) was something that I was really excited and intrigued about, however, I wasn't wowed. Again the yellow pigmentation to the powder does aid redness correction, but I found this very drying on my skin and not to last long at all. I think I'll be sticking to the former pair, which have helped my skin woes ten fold.

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The Sunday Post: Triple Threat Facial

Sunday's mean only one thing at LR HQ, pampering. I like to spend my Sunday getting lot's of blog posts drafted whilst sporting a face mask and munching on an assortment of berry fruits. Every now and then my skin feels more congested than usual and that's when I know it's time to call out the big guns and the triple threat facial steps in...

Recently I've been favouring the following trio to banish pesky blemishes whilst also injecting a much needed dose of moisture back into my skin. I start off with REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask, whilst soaking in the tub. I usually put this on just after I've conditioned my hair and leave both to do their magic for ten minutes or so. I love this mask because it highlights all my open pores and minimises them.  Next up is a personal favourite for those times when you're suffering from a breakout and need some damage control. I tend to whack out my Origins Out of Trouble Mask at least once a month and it really gives my skin a good clear out of skin nasties and impurities. I also love the cold tingling sensation this mask gives as the mask really works its way in there and gives a much needed detox.

The final step in the TTF routine goes to adding moisture back to the skin. I have various masks that do this job well but my weapon of choice at the moment has to be Jurlique Moisturising Cream Mask*. After the first two steps of where my skin has been cleansed, purged, and tightened I like to give my skin a bit of a break to calm down before following up with the next stage. So, pop the kettle on and catch a few episodes of Friends on Comedy Central. When ready, I massage the Jurlique mask softly into my skin in small circular motions, really let my skin lap up the product. I love this part as I find it really soothing, to really get the feel of an at home facial I sometimes call in the boy to massage my skin whilst I shut my eyes and dream I'm lazing on some Caribbean Island...

The next day I wake up to fresh and hydrated skin, ready to start the working week. Do you have a pamper routine you like to pull out at the weekends?

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Bedtime Beauty

Is there anything more pleasing than getting home, jumping in a hot bath and slipping on a face mask? I like to unwind the minute I step through my front door, bra off, comfy clothes on. I do paint a pretty picture, don't I?

Now, I'll be honest I sometimes simply cannot be bothered to carry out the whole evening skincare routine that I know I should but I've been trying my best to at least cleanse my skin properly before bed using the REN Clear Calm Clay Cleanser (review here) on days when I skin is a bit more troublesome, or either my trusty EH Cleansing balm or Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth face balm* to mix things up. For a more thorough cleanse I massage in Una Brennan Superfacialist Rose Hydrate Oil (review here) prior to cleansing to break up any makeup on my face. 

Next up, toning. I use two toners for two different reasons, which you can read about in more depth here. My favourite of the two being the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator, I apply this with a cotton pad and leave my skin to tingle for a few minutes before carrying on to serums.

I have a fair stash of serums that I chop and change from but the Estee Lauder ANR is a firm fixture in my skincare line up. A couple drops of this stuff, massaged in does the trick. I have dry skin so sometimes a bit more moisture is in need and for that I've been loving the Jurlique Moisturising Cream Mask* which you can use as a face mask when applied heavily (before your serum) which soaks up into your skin with excess being easily swiped away with a cotton pad OR after serum lightly to work it's magic overnight. I also recommend Origins Drink Up Intensive mask for after serums.

Any pesky spots are zapped with the Origins Super Spot Remover and Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip balm applied to soften my lips overnight. For nights I need extra help getting to sleep I dab the This Works Sleep balm on my pulse points and take a few sniffs. This stuff smells AH-mazing. Seriously, can't get enough.

Pampering done, I'm ready to catch some Zzzz's.

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Origins GinZing Duo

It's no secret that Origins are brand that have very much got my vote when it comes to skincare, I've loved every product that I've tried and none have aggravated my sensitive skin as of yet - touch wood that continues.

The Origins GinZing range has caught many a beauty bloggers attention, so I had to see what the fuss was all about. I confess I was yet to own an eye cream and so I thought I would firstly branch out and try the GinZing Eye Cream* which aims to brighten the eye area and ward off tired eyes. I like how lightweight this product is, I apply morning and night and this can be worn under makeup easily. Again the GinZing range focuses on moisture and so really hydrates the area and depuffs any bags.

The star of the show definitely has to be the GinZing Energy-boosting moisturiser*. Oil free and light to the touch, the formula is almost gel like and my skin soaks this up and thanks me for the treat. Brimming with skin boosting ingredients such as caffeine and GinZing, this little orange pot does wonders for waking up my skin as well as giving my skin a much needed glow in the mornings. I tend to use this only in the mornings as it provides a great base for applying my makeup, whereas at night I'll go for something a little bit more heavy duty. Oh, and this stuff  smells heavenly, cmon' all Origins products smell good enough to eat...

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Skincare Spotlight: Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Range

Jurlique has rapidly wrangled it's way into the heart of my skincare routine, and with my skin in need of a bit of TLC due to its dehydrated state I thought I'd give some bit's from the Rose Moisture Plus range.  The range combines rose water and rose essential oils with an antioxidant complex to provide your skin with tip top hydration and protection from environmental factors, perfect for my skin troubles.

I do find the Moisture Replenishing Day Cream* a little heavy duty as it's quite rich which can be sometimes too much for my skin. I like to use this more so in the evening after a serum and let my skin soak it up whilst I type up a post or catch up on some Dexter viewing. This leaves my skin looking radiant and plump and rids any flakiness that was previously lurking. The Avocado oil helps to promote soft and supple skin and I'm sold on the scent alone.

The Skin Balancing Face Oil* has also crept its way into my evening line up. Now, one thing I have to say about this is that less really is more. When I read dispense 2-3 drops on to a cotton pad and saw very little product coming out I added two or three more dabs first time round. This was a mistake. Once applied to my face I could instantly feel that there was too much product and too oily, two drops really is enough. I press this against my skin than massage in with my finger tips, it's like giving my self a homemade facial. Rosehip oil leaves the skin firmer, fine lines reduces and generally I've noticed a much more even skintone and my skin feels healthier and less dull.

When I feel the need for some extra moisture and love for my skin I have been reaching for Jurlique Rosewater balancing mist*. Spritz twice and massage in and mark my words you'll feel refreshed and it smells divine. Packed with Marshmellow - of all things I know! - Glycerin and Aloe Vera my skin felt soothed and hydrated.

Lovely.


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Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator

I know, I know, two skincare posts in a row, but I promise this one's a corker. I've tried a few products from the Jurlique range recently but their Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator* has to be the stand out product of the bunch.

Containing natural fruit enzymes and native Australian extracts such as Quandong, Nettle Lime, and Wattle Seed (did you say those in an Aussie accent too?) with extract of witch hazel. This concoction all adds up to a great little bottle of greatness. Aimed to produce cell renewal and give your skin a more even texture, the FEE truly revitalised my skin and gave me the midweek pick me up I so desperately needed. 

After cleansing I used around two pumps of this (you really don't need much) and massaged it on to my face and neck and immediately felt a slight tingling sensation. Normally warning bells start to arise as my skin is very sensitive but this didn't irritate me or cause me to turn beetroot red, win! However, as skincare is extremely relative perhaps request a sample if you are a bit cautious. I left it on for around five minutes, so if I'm using this in the tub I usually slather this on after conditioning my hair and then leave both to work their magic. 

Jurlique recommend you use their FEE 2-3 times a week but I'm switching this up with my REN F10 Smooth and Renew ( review here), so two nights a week my skin is treated to an acid peel and dead skin cells removed revealing a much more luminous appearance. My skin felt rejuvenated, visibly smoother and fresh without being the treatment being overly abrasive. I do recommend following up with a rich moisturiser if you skin can be quite dry like mine.

Have you tried anything from Jurlique?

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Elemis Fresh Skin Discovery Kit

One of my most asked questions has to be about skincare recommendations, and skincare on a budget so today I'm going to introduce you to a great skincare starter set.

Skincare is incredibly personal and that's why I really love starter sets and samples so you can examine a range without pulling too much at your pursestrings. They are also great for when you're travelling and need everything a bit more micro sized and manageable. 

The Elemis Fresh Skin Discovery Kit* comes with:

•  Peachy Perfect Gentle Face Wash
• Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash
• Softly Softly Daily Moisturiser
• Dreamy Sleep Night Time Moisturiser
• 3x Sachets of Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask

The gentle face wash is gentle and does not irritate my sensitive skin but it only has a slight peachy scent and I haven't noticed any major skin improvements. I'm not the biggest fan of gel formula's so perhaps this is why this one is not so much for me. Nonetheless this would be great to carry around as a simple and refreshing face wash.

One product that I did love within this set was the Exfoliating Face Wash which was mild and non abrasive but still felt like my skin was getting a good revival and ridding of dead skin cells. Both the night time and daily moisturiser had a refreshing minty scent and were hydrating but light enough for these hotter summer days. Great for creating a smooth base for applying makeup.

I'm yet to experiment with the Deep Clean Purifying Mask, hence why it was not pictured above, but if it follows the mild yet refreshing standard set by the rest of the set I look forward to trying it out whilst I soak in the tub later tonight.

Overal a great skincare set for beginners and those on the go, cheap and cheerful for only £20.

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Origins Never A Dull Moment Face Polish

Origins never fail to disappoint in my book, and their Never A Dull Moment Face Polish was no exception. Jam packed with papaya extract and mixed together with finely ground mango and apricot, you can see one of the reasons I love the stuff, it smells divine. Like their Drink Up Intensive Mask which is another, NADM smells good enough to eat. I wouldn't recommend doing that though..

When applying this I do feel that marmalade like consistency similar to REN Glycolactic Mask, but with a bit more of a nity gritty feel which are the exfoliating beads. I don't feel like it rubs or gripes at my skin which I do normally find with exfoliating cleansers, the fruity extracts work well at gently exfoliating my skin. 

All this fruity stuff might be great for the nostrils, but what does it actually do? And, does it work?

The natural potency from the crushed papaya enzyme works at dissolving dead skin cells and all the grimy bit's to reveal polished and radiant skin. So to sum up, Origins have another winner, my dull skin has well and truly been revitalised with a weekly touch up of this stuff whilst I have a nice, hot soak in the tub.

Skin brightening without breaking the bank and being too harsh on the skin, think NADM will be sticking around in my skincare stash...

What are your favourite exfoliating cleansers? Do you love Origins as much as I do?

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Micellar Waters & Mists

Twelve months back and I would have laughed off a purchase of Micellar Cleansing Waters as a waste of money, glorified water if you will. Fast forward to today and I would tell you, you couldn't have been more wrong, Lauren.

I know lot's of people tend to think of Bioderma when talk of micellar water crops up, and I do love the stuff but I thought I would run you through some cheaper and more easily accessible options that I've been favouring. By no means do these substitute a good cleanser, my weapon of choice being a toss up of Una Brennan, REN, and EH candidates, but they do a great job of refreshing my skin and removing any left over grimy bits that I might have missed. I paint a lovely picture of my skin, eh?

Avène are a brand I can find no fault with, with offers on their products often found along the aisles of Boots, this is your safest bet for finding a micellar on the go. And it does a good job do. What I love about the Avène Micellar Lotion* is that it is great for us sensitive skin gals. It doesn't sting or irritate the eyes, make your skin blush a unsavoury shade of red, and I really do think it get's the best of my makeup off, either before or after cleansing with my Emma Hardie balm. For £12.50 it might not be the cheapest for 200ml, but it's lasted me a good six months, as I use this on and off with the Etat Pur Micellar Cleansing Water* (half the price of Avène) which again is PH neutral so thumbs up for sensitive skin. Seems the French really do know their skincare, and I'd happily purchase both again.

I always follow up with a good spritz of the Avène Thermal Spring Water* which is cheap as chips (pardon the cringy turn of phrase) at £3.15 for the travel size and around £6 for the 150ml which goes a long way, trust me. This really hydrates my skin and can be used to wake up the skin in the morning, preparing it for cleansing, adding a dewy glow to your makeup, and soothing skin irritations and sunburn. I absolutely love the stuff. 

Are you a fan of Micellar lotions & mists?

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Beauty Spotlight: VICHY

I have a bit of a soft spot for Vichy and when I recently received their new BB Cream in the post I thought a  Vichy Lovin' post was due. 

I have overly praised the Vichy Idealia Pro Deep Corrector* (review here) back in November last year, and it's still a firm favourite in my skincare stash. For tackling unsightly pink scarring left over from my acne day's this product, in conjunction with the rest of my skincare line up, has had great results. I now feel a lot more confident and often dare to go bare faced, whereas that would have been an absolute no, no this time six months ago.

On day's that I do feel I need a bit of coverage Vichy's Idealia BB Cream* has been working it's way in to my everyday face fixes. When I first tried this out I was on the fence slightly, I definitely do prefer tend to hover towards this luminous skin duo for a lighter base face. However, when I'm after something a little lighter, that refines my skin and adds a dose of radiance, than this product doesn't fail me. It's not the most long lasting BB Cream I've tested and definitely is best for day's when you're skin only needs the lightest of touch ups, but I'd definitely recommend this product for summer, packed with SPF 25 to protect your skin from UVA & UVB and paraben free, winner.

My favourite from the bunch has to be their Derma Blend Cosmetique Corrective Foundation*, that boasts a 16 hour lasting power. This stuff does not budge. I absolutely love this foundation, however, it is best for night's out and times you're after a more heavy duty coverage. My skin does look flawless and clear but on a sunny summer's day I wouldn't want to wear this much product. I save this for night's out without having to worry about touch ups or having to faff about with concealing pesky blemishes as this does the job all on it's lonesome.

Have you tried many products from the Vichy range?

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Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm

I may be a little late of the review front with this little pot of joy, but I have been using this religiously for the past two months. I wanted to really see how well it worked for me, and any changes in my skin tone and blemishes before giving a true review.

At first I really couldn't get to grips with using a cleansing balm, having been used to clay or water based formula's. I didn't know how much I should be using, and used too much for what is actually needed. You really do only need the tiniest amount, warmed up in the palms of your hands it melts into an oil before massaging this into your face. I do feel like I'm at a spa every evening that I use this, massaging this in has a way of really relaxing me and getting me prepared for a good nights sleep. OH, and it smells AH-MAZING. Bulked up with extract of orange, mandarin, and neroli which rejuvenate and revitalise your skin followed my heavenly the scents of jasmin, cedarwood, and rose which aid your skins hydration.  It also contains moringa seed extract, wild sea fennel, and Vitamin E to minimise pores, winner!

Does it work well for sensitive skin? Check.
Easy to use? Check.
Leaves your skin feeling renewed, silky smooth, and thoroughly cleansed. Check, check, and triple check.
Worth the hype? Well, I definitely think so..

I also recommend storing it in your fridge, as I find that left out in my room or shower I was opening it up to find oily residue splashing out on top. But that's my only glitch. It's safe to say we have a hands down winner for cleansing top spot and I have joined the ranks of many beauty enthusiasts who coo over this EH facial delight. I have noticed a noticeable difference in the appearance of my skin since first dabbling with this two months ago. Okay, it is not all down to EH, but used in conjunction with my tier of skincare go to's my skin is far less dull looking, much more even, and just looking much more alive than it used to. Great for emulsifying makeup without stinging your eyes or irritating your skin is a big plus for me, and EH does just that.  What can I say, it's worth every penny.


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Two Step Toner

Yonka Lotion Yon-Ka Toner* 

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

Always one to listen earnestly to the skincare advice of Caroline Hirons, I eagerly took note of her top toner tips. Caroline recommends using two different types of toner, one to first exfoliate the skin, and the one to hydrate.  So with these words of wisdom I took to the two step toner method with the following toner combo...

I'll start with my evening routine as that features both the Yon-Ka and the Clarins Toner. After cleansing I'll use a few drops of the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner on a cotton pad and wipe over my face a neck. The Clarins toner acts as a chemical exfoliant, with ingredients such as tamarind extract which aims to eliminate impurities and rid your skin of dead skin cells, it also contains salicylic and tartaric acids. These AHA's and BHA's help in reducing pigmentation, scarring, and blemishes, well in my case it definitely has. After using this every night since I received it over a month ago I have noticed my skin is a lot brighter andpink scarring from old spots has been significantly reduced.

 Despite the word 'acid' flaring up worries of irritating the skin, especially for those of us with sensitive skin, the toner is gentle, exactly as it says on the bottle. I do feel a slight tingling, but I actually like the sensation. This is a much gentler substitute for the Alpha H Liquid Gold.  I usually leave this work its way into my skin for a few minutes before carrying on with my skin care routine. 

Next up, hydration. My hydrating toner of choice at the moment is the Yon-Ka Lotion, which is an alcohol-free toning mist that contains 99% natural ingredients. I love this toner as a mist that can be sprayed onto my skin rather than wiped on with a cotton pad, I take a few pumps of this and in that respect it reminds me of the Avene Thermal Water Spray. Packed with essential oils such as lavender, geranium, thyme, and rosemary, not only does this smell fresh but it feels luxuriously refreshing on the skin. I used this to prepare my skin in the mornings to wake me up as well as after the Clarins Toner and before carrying on with moisturising the skin. 

What toners do you recommend? Or do you skip toning out completely? I really do think is a vital step in my skincare routine.

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The Game Changer: REN F10 Smooth and Renew Mask

REN F10 Smooth and Renew Mask* £20

REN are my go to skincare brand for fail safe products that I always love, that work for me without irritating my sensitive skin, or breaking me out. Quite a mean feat, I must add. I have tried the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask before, which seems to be the most popular choice for your skin's weekly dose of acids (thank you Caroline Hirons!), however, I felt it was a touch too strong for my sensitive skin and so opted to purchase the F10 instead. I'm SO glad I did.

The F10 Smooth and Renew Mask is part of their sensitive skin range, but acts similarly to the Glyco mask. It has fast become a staple product in my weekly skincare regime. The mask aims to gently exfoliate the skin and reveal a radiant and thorougly cleansed you after use. Omega 3 and 6 act to reduce any inflammation, whilst papain seeks to eradicate any dead skin cells without damaging healthy new ones in the process, and Vitamin C helps in the fight against free radicals and regulate your skin tone and its appearance. All brilliant stuff for a more flawless and radiant skintone.

I apply a couple pumps of this after cleansing and leave to settle in for around ten to fifteen minutes once a week, whilst I potter around or catch up some blogs. The product does remind me of marmalade with its slightly sticky, orange gel formula, but it smells ah-mazing! Even after one use of this I noticed a considerable difference, and with continual use over the past month I can boast a much more even skin tone. Dull skin is given a much needed boost, I just love this mask. For £20 a pop it really is worth every penny and will last you quite a long time.

What are your thoughts, have you tried the F10?

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Beauty Spotlight: Super Facialist By Una Brennan

I've been on the hunt for some more purse friendly skincare items to take the place of my more costly cleansers and facial oils, so when Alix popped this post up about the Una Brennan skincare line I headed straight for my local Boots.  The Super Facialist line offers up three ranges which include: Rose for hydration, Tea Flower for a deeper cleanse, and Neroli for firming. As I find my EH Cleanser does a good enough job in terms of a deep pore cleanse I opted to pick up some bits from the Rose Hydrate range as my skin has been irritatingly dry and de-hydrated as of late.

Now, I do adore my REN Clear Calm Clay Cleanser for days when I'm a tad more prone to blemishes and the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm for the evening but I felt my stash was lacking a more every day gentle cleanser, and that's where the Rose Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser comes in. The Creamy Cleanser and the Miracle Makeover Facial Oil are a great cleansing duo that has given my skin a new lease of life and added a much needed radiance.
The stand out product for me has to be the facial oil which acts as a pre-cleanse to the skin, I literally use a pump of this and massage it onto my skin in circular motions. Not only does it give off a subtle rose scent which I happen to love but this oil doesn't leave a greasy film on the skin which I have experienced with cleansing oils in the past. Only problem is I can see this running out very quickly!
Next up, after washing off the Facial Oil I then up the anty with the Calming Creamy Cleanser. I find this cleanser great for those of us with sensitive skin as it is super soft and brilliant at reducing redness which is something I tend to suffer with. My skin feels so refreshed and supple afterwards and I can see this becoming a fail safe team within my skincare line up.

Last up on my Una Brennan binge is the Radiance Day Cream with SPF15, I picked this up due to a severe lack in daytime moisturisers. Let me tell you, this day cream is SO soothing, the cucumber oil and marshmallow extracts work wonders at calming the skin which offers up a healthier base before applying my daily make-up. My skin does appear more radiant, nothing too radical but definitely a product I would re-purchase purely due to the way it calms and hydrates my skin. I thoroughly recommend Una Brennan SF, great skin care on a budget, what more could you want ;)

My eyes are on the Tea Tree range next! Have you bought anything from the UB Super Facialist range? I also recommend keeping an eye out for the 3 for 2 offers in Boots, as it saved me some penny's!

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The Weekend Post: Banishing Blemishes

 REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask, REN Clear Calm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser*, Origins Super Spot Remover

The majority of us have all had our fair share of blemish battles with some of us raging onto near full on warfare when it comes to the not so welcome little pustules...lavley image I'm conjuring up there isn't it? Throughout my teen years I was deemed one of the unfortunate souls that just couldn't get rid of spots no matter what lotion or remedy I tried. I suffered from mild acne; which seemed even more pronounced due to the unwanted redness caused due to the stress of said spots. Thankfully today I only have the odd red bump, y'know the annoyingly sore ones without a head on it, and sometimes a smattering of tiny blackheads because I have quite large pores and uprooting them can be quite tricky. So, I have compiled my top three products that have beat the blemishes to share with you....

REN INVISIBLE PORES DETOX MASK: So the main purpose of this product isn't to rid you of existing spots exactly as it is aimed more towards their prevention. This mask works wonders at unclogging unwanted muck that has buried itself into your pores by drawing out all such impurities and minimising your pores in the process, wonderful! I cannot sing its praises enough, not only have my pores noticeably reduced in size but I have been blackhead free since using it once every week.

REN  CLEAR CALM 3 CLARIFYING CLAY CLEANSER*:  This is my all time favourite skin care product, hands down. I have quite sensitive skin and so many cleansers I have used in the past have been far too rough for my skin and caused breakouts instead of tackling them but the clay formula is oh so soft on my skin and extremely gentle so hasn't caused any flare ups! The Clear Calm 3 Range is aimed for blemish prone skin and works at tackling the main causes of breakouts such as excess sebum, build of dead skin cells, and spot causing bacteria - yuck! I absolutely adore the range as all the products I have tried gently exfoliate whilst deeply cleansing the skin and reducing redness. I use this three times a week, after my skin is clean and all make-up removed, and my skin has never felt clearer or softer. Next on my list to try from their Clear Calm 3 Range is the Replenishing Night Serum which aims to banish redness, soothe the skin, and reduce pigments and scarring.

ORIGINS SUPER SPOT REMOVER:  Origins top seller and beauty blogger favourite, and no wonder why. Although it is only a measly 10ml for £13 you really do need the tiniest amount on the surface of the spot, and not, may I emphasise, the surrounding area. Blemish busting Salicylic Acid is the main ingredient but can also cause some dryness in which case reduce the amount you're putting it on a day as it does recommend up to three times daily, whereas I stick to just once before bed. Reducing redness and eliminating excess oil brings the blemish down a peg or two and normally I wake up with only a slighly red spot that is easily covered by my concealer instead of a mountainous bump that could poke your eye out.. Every time I have used this product the spot has gone within a day and I can get back to feeling a lot happier about my skin.

May I just add that Skincare really is subject to you personally and what works for one might not be the miracle cure for another. I have learnt this the hard way by trying out an array of products deemed miracle cures but really didn't seem to do much for me at all. Also being a beauty blogger it is hard not to stray into the habit of constantly mixing up my skincare regime  and wanting to try out every new fad out there, what I say is if you have something that works for you, stick to it. Using too many products cannot actually make a problem worse or cause one.

Whats number one on your skincare list?

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