Beauty Rehab

Hello!

I'm here with another Beauty Rehab post today. I've been trying really hard to not spend, and also use up products from my stash.
My stash is rather extensive and it's just taking up too much space in my room. I do not have enough space for the ridiculous amount of stuff that i have accumulated, more than that I do not want to waste them so Project Use Up has begun.

I wrote more about my decision on this post here and I haven't been as good as previously as I have picked up a few goodies....but nowhere near as many as previously!

Without any more babbling I'm going to start doing 1 line on each product so you can have a quick review of whether I loved, hated or didn't care for the product.

Molton Brown Shower Gel: I can't say I'm ever a fan of expensive shower gels as I never find them that different to my usual S&G type ones, so this wasn't a massive hit for me but a nice smell.
Dove: Essential in my product wardrobe, always have about 5 on the go!
Neal's Yard Hand Cream: I love this, would repurchase asap. Smells amazing and saves the bees! SAVE THE BEES EVERYONE!
S&G Clean on Me shower gel: Another Christmas present essential, I look forward to getting the next Xmas kit!
Clarins Eye Make Up Remover: Liked this, wouldn't pay the price for it though as others do the same for less.
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish: Love this, would buy again but am working through my stash for now.
No7 Eye Make Up Remover: Love this, would buy again and already have more! The £5 vouchers are awesome.

St Tropez mousse tan: Loved this before but now I'm not so sure, the colour wasn't so dark as before and I was a bit disappointed.
S&G Mist you Madly: Not a fan of the smell and so wouldn't repurchase, huge bottle though!
S&G Butter Yourself: Loved this! Amazing smell and works a charm, would repurchase in future on 3 for 2s!
Garnier Ambre Solaire spray tan: This is my saviour for tanning my back, I have no bf present to tan my back for me so this is perfect for reaching and giving an even tan! Would repurchase.
Aveeno Triple Boost Serum: This was great for the price, sunk in easy and helped with hydration.
Good Things Deep Pore cleanser: Apparently they don't sell this now which is a shame as I would have repurchased.
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hours: This did pretty well at lasting but I wasn't a fan of the finish, and also the colours were a little dark for my skin sometimes.
Aussie 3 min conditioner: Have loved these forever and will always buy them! 

Neutrogena Daily Scrub: Loved the smell, didn't feel like it did enough for me, very small particles so good for sensitive skin.
Rimmel Wake Me Up: Love this for a drugstore foundation, lovely glow and coverage, this is my 2nd bottle.
Another Aussie, Dove and St Tropez, see above for comments.
Rimmel Recover foundation: This was too glittery for me, but did work at being anti fatigue.
Hydraluron: Didn't see any results initially, stopped using it and my skin was so dry! Just disappointed in the price for such a small tube as I'd love to repurchase regularly.

L'Oreal False Lash Flutter mascara: Quite liked this, the brush was interesting and picked up all my lashes.
Benefit's Dallas: Forever love this, am on my 2nd but i do hate that they break as product is wasted.
Benefit's High Beam: Love the original highlighter! Also have another.
Avon Magix primer: This was great, great price and works so well, i should repurchase, not sure why i haven't!
Rimmel Match Perfection: I bought this as a powder so it worked quite well but was a bit heavy, and on its own wouldn't be right for my skin. I have the loose powder to try though!
Benefit's Porefessional: Wasn't sure of this at first but now I love it and was gutted to finish it. My miniatures will have to see me through for now.... :(

OPI Correct and Clean Up pen: Useless, dried up in seconds. Stick to cotton buds!
Barbara Daly Eyeliner Pen: Liked this initially but again, it dried up so fast. I'm always so careful putting lids on but they still dried up.
Lacura Under Eye Concealer: Great bargain buy from Aldi, need to buy this again.
Ojon Rare Blend Oil: Bought this in full size, need I say more.
Lush Dream Cream: Loved this but it's so expensive for a tub with a short use by on I can't justify it
Lush Olive Branch: This was so so, wouldn't repurchase as there are others I prefer.
Molton Brown mini Shower Gel: This was from a travel set which I've kept for ages....but never use! It's time for them to go and this was a lovely smell.

Woooooooooo what a list!

I've also been working my way through samples so expect to see a post with those on soon. They're keeping me busy with new exciting products.

Have you been using up your products recently? Found any hidden gems?

L xxx

Indeed Laboratories: Hydraluron, Pepta Bright, Eysilix

Morning all! 

If you haven't heard of Indeed Laboratories, then you've probably been living under a rock....

They've hit the big time with fans such as Caroline Hirons singing their praises making them the hottest property on the skincare market for the past year or so.

With a 3 for 2 offer on in Boots, who was I to say no to purchasing some of the most raved about products!
So I picked up Hydraluron, Eysilix and Pepta Bright.

Nanoblur was their first product to be launched and lots of people were huge fans, myself not included in this however as I didn't like the texture on my skin and it didn't work well with my make up.

I did pick up their infamous Hydraluron though and I'm going to run through all the products I picked up as briefly as I can and tell you what I think after using them for the past few months.

Pepta Bright is a white cream that you put on your skin after cleansing and before moisturising.

It claims to be a brightening treatment and who doesn't need a bit of that in their life??

I like the packaging of the products with the different colours but generally similar style boxes and arrangement.
On the side of the box is a brief synopsis of the company which is helpful, I always like a general blurb on the company and what it stands for, which you can see above.

So Pepta Bright contains 7 ingredients targeting 7 biological factors. It claims to be a cream/serum which is a bit confusing as I'm pretty sure its just a white cream but it is easily absorbed.
This product is designed to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, age spots and uneven skin tone and restore general brightness and luminosity to the skin.

I LOVE that the box opens up like a book and you can see the full list of promises, what the product is free from, and helpfully all the other products in their range.
The 7 claims are quite detailed and sound pretty promising...

I applied this cream morning and night after cleansing and before my usual moisturiser.
It was easily absorbed into the skin and I felt a tingling after application.
My skin is sometimes sensitive and I think this product heightens it but I'm not sure which ingredient it is. It's not uncomfortable but i am aware of it and so i felt it was something to note.

Aside from that after continued usage my skin did look brighter and I do think some of my scars have lightened and so my general complexion has cleared up a bit.

I do like this product and I have seen some small results, I'm hoping over even more time my skin will get better. After an allergic reaction I had a few months ago I've been reluctant to carry on using this as my skin has been sensitive, but I will be carrying on with it again now after seeing improvements!

The next product was Eysilix, an eye cream that contains 10 peptides to target concerns around the eye area such as puffiness, dark circles and to eliminate signs of stress and fatigue.

Again the book feature of the box details the 5 actions from this product which are 100% what you'd look for in an eye cream.

I like the design of the packaging where you can control the product coming out of the tube and don't waste it which is great for saving the pennies!

I applied this white cream on my eye area morning and night and as with the Pepta Bright I unfortunately had some tingling. As this was around my eye area I was a bit worried about it and have at times taken it off because I was worried it was stinging too much.

Again there must be an active ingredient in it which is causing it and possibly may be reacting with my skin. It did feel moisturising and the skin around my eye felt more hydrated.

My eye area is something that I'm worried about as genetics tells me that my eyes will be the first area to show signs of ageing and i already have a few lines which come and go depending on how tired and dehydrated I am. I'm hoping with copious amounts of moisturising it will keep them at bay for as long as possible!

Hydraluron is my favourite of the three products. Firstly it comes in a bright pink box that you cannot fail to notice.
I was drawn to this because of the massive amount of good reviews it has received and the fact I need some serious hydration in my life.

The box for this product was somewhat different to the others, noticeably because it had French on it but also because it had a lot more detail about the product and its mechanisms.

Long story short Hydraluron contains hyaluronic acid, which holds 1000 times its own weight in water which when applied to the skin means its happy and hydrated.

In practical terms I applied this after cleansing and before moisturising in the morning and evening. It's a clear gel that feels a little like it melts when you apply it.
I can't say that i noticed a huge difference initially and admittedly I did think it was a fad that everyone was jumping on the back of. However it sunk into my skin quite easily and had no negatives effects at all so i persevered.

And I'm so glad i did! After a few weeks my skin did feel smoother and more hydrated, and as soon as I stopped using the tube there was a massive change in the hydration levels in my skin.
When I restarted using it I saw an improvement in my skin again.

It's a weird product as it's not a miracle worker and in fact doesn't really show any improvement for a while.
If you're going to purchase it just bare that in mind as it won't suddenly be the answer to your prayers, but over a few weeks it will definitely improve your skin hydration.

Out of the three products, i would 100% recommend Hydraluron as a staple product in your skincare wardrobe. I do have an issue with the size of it though, 30ml is a small tube for a £25 price tag.

It's currently on offer for £16.66 however as all of Indeed Laboratories products are 1/3 off at Boots right now.

I would also recommend Pepta Bright as it does provide some positive results in terms of brightening and fighting hyperpigmentation, though I'd be wary if you have sensitive skin.

Eysilix however was a bit of a disappointment for me and I'm afraid I can't give it any rave reviews because my skin found it too powerful to use consistently and so I didn't see any results.


Have you tried products from Indeed Laboratories? Which one is your favourites? Did you rave over Hydraluron too?


L xxx

Skincare Wardrobe - Update

Hello!

I keep meaning to write this post for SUCH a long time now that I thought it was about time it actually got done.

Since starting this blog I have of course spent a shed load of money on various products but primarily on skin care. When starting this blog I was a culprit of using only a face wipe and occasionally eye make up remover along with moisturiser as my daily routine. This shocks me immensely and I now cannot believe I did this!

Obviously I soon realised this wasn't going to cut it and I have significantly changed my 'Skincare Wardrobe' if you like, and here is the updated contents!

I currently use this box which contained a Christmas present in 2011. It isn't ideal as I'd prefer to have them all standing upright but nevertheless it's a great box for me to separate my skincare products from others (ever so slightly...)

So trying to get things in some sort of order I will start with cleansers.
This is what I am currently using;

Origins Checks and Balances, a lovely minty foamy face wash which is one of those that gives your skin a deep clean and leaves it with that 'tight feeling', sometimes I love this feeling and others I don't so it's nice to have options. This is where...

Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish comes in, a creamy cleanser applied to dry skin that miraculously removes all types of make up so easily. It feels great on my skin and did so when I had oily skin and now with my dry/combination skin and we are both fans of this cleanser.

Having used these two primarily for the past few months I'm pretty happy with how they work for my skin. However on those nights when I come in quite late (4am is getting to be quite a regular time for me!) it's a little bit too loud to start running hot water and splash around in the bathroom waking everyone up.

For this reason I picked up La Roche Posay's Toleraine Gel Dermo Cleanser which you just rub into your skin and then remove either with a muslin cloth or wet wipe, which is what I use at 4am. It isn't ideal I would agree as I'd prefer hot water but definitely better than just the wet wipe as this removes every trace of make up even mascara and lipstick!
I am yet to post about this but so far I'm loving it especially as it's so easy and fuss free.

The Clarins eye make up remover was given to both myself and M just before Christmas at a Pharmacy event in Cardiff. I'd been using micellar water before that but this make up remover is great, requires minimal 'scrubbing', doesn't sting my eyes and gets rid of all traces.

Next up is Exfoliators:

These are without a doubt some of my favourite products to come out of my 'Skincare Epiphany'.

Origin's Modern Friction is well renowned for being good but I just adore how quick the results are from using it and although it's expensive, even with a use of 2/3 times a week this huge tube has lasted me months.
I'm about half way through and have had it well over 8 months, would 100% recommend.

Murad's AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is something we posted about recently and I truly believe this will be staying in my weekly routine for a long time to come. Not only because this huge bottle will also last you a while but because the effects are again pretty quick and show up after 4/5 uses which is great considering it feels like a normal cleanser.
The acids and tiny tiny jojoba beads (which feel like a powder!) definitely have a positive effect on my skin sloughing off cells and revealing a glow. Basically.....buy it!

Origins have also brought out Brighter By Nature which I got as a GWP (Gift with Purchase) before Christmas time. These pads are filled with enzymes and fruit acids and just require a swipe over the face for them to work their magic. These feel great and are definitely a less abrasive way to exfoliate your skin on days where a scrub just isn't what you're looking for.


A definite new addition to my weekly routine are masks:

As you can see I have an array, and what is quite clearly becoming an obsession with Origins, yikes! so from L-R...

Drink Up Intensive - another GWP and still going strong, this is the intensive overnight version of the other Drink Up mask coming up. This was the first hydrating mask I'd ever used and even on my then oily skin, was absolutely amazing and didn't break me out.
The next three; Clear Improvement, Out of Trouble and Drink Up were all bought together in a set after using up my first Out of Trouble mask. I absolutely love it for getting rid of blemishes and reducing spot size! 100% recommendation from me.
Clear Improvement and Drink up are both great for when my skin is in need of them, the charcoal definitely helps to reduce pore size and the Drink up is great for when my skin feels dry but is breaking out and too much hydration might overbalance my skin,

REN's Glycolactic Radiance Renewal mask really does do what it says on the tin (tube?), it smells like oranges, feels like orange juice and marmalade whizzed together and takes me to a happy summery place as well as making my skin look renewed.

Eye products:

Having never used an eye cream before this blog my collection is certainly increasing!

Starting with Origins Eye Doctor: I picked this up due to my severely dry eyes and sore skin due to rubbing my eyes. I've still got no idea what has happened to make my body so depleted in hydration regarding my skin and eyes and lips, but this was my first eye cream which I chose due to it's lack of any kind of chemicals at all. It's so hydrating and as I was so worried at the time about a reaction, it's the perfect comfort blanket for me to go back to.
The same with the No Puffery eye gel, it's so soothing and helps my eyes relax after a long day at work. This and Eye Doctor combined helped to reduce my dry eye effects and eliminate the lines I was getting around my eyes, presumably from dehydration.

Ginzing was next on my list when I felt more comfortable and I love it's reflecting properties for day wear when i have massive bags under my eyes.

Starting Over is a recent addition as it was on sale and I couldn't resist picking it up to rid myself of potential crows feet! It's thicker than the Eye Doctor cream and I will be writing about it soon.

Eysilix was picked up in a 3 for 2 deal a few weeks ago so is what I am currently trialling. I like the small nozzle and how it allows a small amount out each time, but I'm not sure if my eyes like the cream as i think they sting sometimes after use. Will have to investigate this!

Serums and oils:

Clearly my anti-aging and anti-blemish tendencies are running away with me here!

Both Antipodes and Clarins oils I have written before and I am in complete love with them both and they transformed my opinions on oils for oily skin.

Aesop's Parsley seed Serum is something I have been using recently and am interested in how it will affect my skin. I've heard rave reviews!

The Make a Difference Serum is absolutely gorgeous. Sinks in like a dream and I'm completely gutted to find out that it was only available at Christmas time exclusively from Selfridges. Heart broken!

Pepta Bright and Hydraluron were the other 2 items I picked up in my 3 for 2 deal with Eysilix (Indeed Labs got me good!). Hydraluron is a great extra step for adding in more hydration as it sinks in easily and doesn't clog your pores but my skin feels a lot more hydrated.
Pepta Bright has definitely had a brightening effect on my skin and I'm pretty sure has also helped to reduce the size and colour of the scars on my face but shhhhhhhhhh let's not say that too loudly as it might stop working! Posts on all of the Indeed Labs products will be up in the future when I feel like I've tested them properly.

Lastly onto moisturisers and other bits:

My first and only product from Apivita is this gorgeous organic lip balm with honey which has been a saviour in keeping my dry lips from worsening. It's been a god send in work as it's not a pot and really moisturises.

I'm sure everyone on the planet has heard of Effaclar Duo and I am one of them having picked it up a few weeks ago during a mass break out on my skin. It works a treat on drying up the white heads but on my bigger spots it only helped to reduce redness and size, not eliminate it completely. It works great but it isn't a miracle worker so don't expect it to remove all traces of a zit!

Normaderm is one of my favourite day moisturisers as it sinks in so easily and doesn't add to the oil on your skin. It prevents breakouts and helps combat scars and all other blemishes and it just works. This was a god send when I had oily skin and I still use it now, get it! You won't regret it.

Perfect World was a freebie from Origins when you took in an empty bottle of moisturiser and its taken me a while to warm up to it. Initially confined to the bottom of the pile it's now a firm favourite with my dry skin especially for day time due to it's SPF 25. Really loving this now!

Make a Difference is something I posted about fairly recently and am still raving about. The rejuvenating treatment glides onto skin and your skin drinks it up in seconds. It's helped to reduce scarring, even out blemishes and skin tone generally and hydrated my skin without overdoing it. Love.


This has been a gargantuan post and if you got bored I'm rather sorry, I had no idea there was quite that much to write about.
I have learnt a few things:

a) I'm obsessed with Origins

b) I need to condense my skincare down. Nobody needs this much on a daily/weekly basis!

c) Skincare is expensive but worth every penny, you only get one face which everyone sees every day, spending £30 on one skincare item lasting 6 months is much better value for money than £60 on shoes you'll wear once!


Have you written up your Skincare Wardrobe?? Do you have as much as me?? What are your favourite products and brands?

L xxx

Rambling

Today I have an exam...so in my stressed and 'I'm in a bad mood, have given up cake for lent and nothing else will do' kind of mentality I ended up picking up these:

For any more information on why I picked these up you can be directed straight to Caroline Hirons blog Beauty Mouth (which I'm sure most of you know by now) as she has a very subtle way of making you want things. Expensive things!

I also picked up this, as my lips have been cracking so badly due to the ice cold air conditioning we have in work that I just cannot cope with the amount of lip balm I'm putting on!

Fingers crossed this will work.

That aside, I have had a super busy week with my first work social gathering since starting my new job in January.

It involved an all-you-can-eat buffet meal out with 10 of us and I am hoping that I won't have completely embarrassed myself by piling my plate high with meat and vegetables and avoiding carbs as much as possible.

You see I have my friends hen weekend in 2 weeks, and it involves a bikini.

Yes you read that right, an actual bikini. In March.

I've been gymming and swimming it as much as I can but as my gym requires a car to get to and is in the opposite direction of my bus to work it's been a little complicated with the shocking appearance of my previously lost social life.

If all went to plan this morning I will have attempted for the first time in history, swimming before work. 

I start late today, but let's face it, after an all you can eat buffet it's probably going to be an achievement just getting to work! I'm sure you'll see tweets from me with an update on this. 

So really today's post has been a bit of a ramble but I like to keep you on your toes sometimes with a post that basically is a whole load of waffle because my brain doesn't seem to be switched on today.

Hope you're all having a great week, i will be doing a NOTD tomorrow so check back for that:)

L xxx