THE BEST CLEANSER FOR BLEMISH PRONE SKIN

'French Kaolin Clay absorbs excess sebum and detoxifies impurities while Zinc Gluconate reduces sebum production. Salicilin, from Willow Bark, provides mild exfoliation to unclog blocked pores while anti-bacterial and anti-microbial actives purify the skin. An Essential Oil Complex of Chamomile, Lavender and Sage reduces and calms inflammation and is antibacterial. Flavonoids from Mayblossom Extract tone skin and help reduce the appearance of large pores'.

The Ren ClearCalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser has been a staple in my skincare routine for a long time and it's one that I will constantly repurchase. I  like to use this cleanser a few times a week once I have removed my makeup. I will especially reach for it if I have pesky spots that won't leave, I find that this cleanser really soothes the skin and helps to get rid of blemishes. My skin feels so refreshed after using it and I'm pretty sure my pores appear reduced. As it's a clay formula it has a thick but creamy and easy to apply texture, which actually feels like you're applying a quick face mask. It also smells really lovely and fresh, which is probably down to the lavender and sage. 
I also love that Ren are so good ingredient wise and boast about their clean and 100% natural plant and mineral derived ingredients. All of the products are pretty reasonably priced too and can be found on so many websites that I'm sure there would always be a discount code flying around somewhere. I only have a few products from the brand but I'm sure I will be adding lots more to my skincare regime over time and I've already got my eye on a few that I definitely want to try. 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: THE CLINIQUE SAMPLES

Clinique isn't a brand that I'm too familiar with so it was really nice to have some samples to try as I haven't tried too many products from the brand and of course we all love getting some freebies to try out. These are all really good sizes too so you are able to get a really good idea as to whether you will enjoy the product in its full size form before you buy it.

High Impact Curling Mascara
Probably my favourite of the bunch is the mascara sample. Normally I find that mascara samples aren't as good as the full size but this little sample is really good. I like it because it's quite a thick consistency, so covers the lashes really quickly and can build up quite a dramatic amount of volume. As it's quite a thick consistency, it lasts on the lashes all day and doesn't flake off or anything throughout the day. I'm not sure about it's curling qualities which essentially is what this mascara is all about but I've never felt like my lashes need a curling mascara so it's not really relevant to me.

Chubby Stick Baby Tint Moisturising Lip Colour Balm
The chubby sticks are definitely staples of Clinique's make up line but I wasn't too intrigued about this when I first got it. After using it I have completely changed my mind and I really like it. They're great for just applying a quick colour to your lips. The formula is very hydrating and feels more like a lip balm on the lips but it does still give a really good amount of colour. I really like how quick and easy they are. This shade is Poppin Poppy and it's a really easy to wear coral shade. 

Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion + 
I still haven't found a moisturiser that I am completely loyal to, I have never repurchased the same moisturiser so I'm not that fussy when it comes to liking a moisturiser. I do like this one as it does everything that you need; adds hydration, absorbs into the skin easily and isn't too heavy. I have tried the Clinique Moisture Surge moisturiser and this one is definitely a lot more moisturising than the Moisture Surge. 

Clarifying Lotion 2 
This is probably one of Cliniques more controversial products, with people either loving it or hating it for being too strong and full of alcohol. There is no denying that it does have a very strong smell to it and for this reason I haven't been using it everyday. I have been using it when I feel like my skin seems to be stuggling a bit and needs some extra help. I do apply a lot of moisture and hydration after using it, in case it is too strong but I have never noticed anything bad from it. My skin feels and looks good after I use it. 

Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser Mousse
This was one of the samples that I was most interested to try as the Mousse in the name sounded like it could be really nice. This is the one product that on first impression I am really not getting on with. I will perceiver and try it now and again but so far I find that it is really drying on my skin and doesn't seem to do it any good. 

All About Shadow Duo in Strawberry Fudge and Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Bashful Blush 
This is a really cute little compact and would be perfect for travelling. The colours are really neutral and easy to wear, which is nice as often in freebies, you find yourself with shades that you wouldn't actually wear. 

The set also contained the fragrance Happy Heart, which has such good reviews. It's hard to explain the fragrance but it is a really nice fragrance thats easy to wear. I've had compliments when I have worn the fragrance and it's just nice to have little fragrances lying around if you fancy a change from your usual ones. 

What are your favourite products from Clinique?

THE MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE

There isn't anything overly fancy here as when I'm needing to rush off to work, I don't leave much time for a luxurious skin care regime, so the quicker the better! I have quite combination/slightly oil skin and I know I will be applying make up nearly immediately after so I want products that do the job but are also quite lightweight. Depending on how quick I'm needing to be, in other words how many times I snoozed the alarm, I'll either use the Garnier Micellar Cleansing water or the Bare Minerals Mineralixirs cleansing oil. I love the Micellar water as it does the job quickly and is really refreshing on the skin but the cleansing oil does do a better job at cleaning the skin and it does leave my skin feeling more nourished. I like to use the Lush Eau Roma Toner Water after cleansing as it's so hydrating and is a quick skin fix as it calms and soothes the skin. It's also nice to use in the mornings when you need some extra waking up, or cooling down after a hot shower I always have to have! I then like to use Clinique's Superdefence Eye Cream. I like to use a more nourishing eye cream at night but a lightweight formula during the day, so not to disrupt my make up. The Clinique eye cream is really light weight, yet still moisturising. It also has a brightening tint to it so it helps make your eye area look more awake and refreshed. The last skincare item I use is the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. I like it because it's a gel formula that hydrates the skin but absorbs nearly instantly. It also seems to smooth out the complexion, so it also helps to prime the face before foundation. 

What are your favourite products to use in the mornings? 

SAMPLING MY SAMPLES

While perusing my make up and skincare collection I noticed that I have accumulated quite a few product samples, either from purchases I've made or as part of sets, where you just get a little sample of a few products. I thought that these little jems seem to go un noticed so I wanted to write a post giving my first impressions of some of these samples that I have tried as I think samples are a great way of trying the product and finding out if it will work for you before buying the real deal. 

 The sample that most stood out to me is actually missing from this post, as I used it up and now can't find it - so maybe I was actually a normal person and chucked the empty product away, instead of hoarding it up! It was the Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel with Marula Oil, which left my skin feeling so soft and nourished that I bought the full size after only using the sample a few times. Likewise, with the REN Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream. I had only tried one thing from REN but I needed a new moisturiser and after trying this sample it seemed to work really well, so I bought the full size product. It's really hydrating and a great consistency, without being too heavy. Even though I don't have dry skin, I do sometimes find some moisturisers aren't hydrating enough but I have never had any issues with this one. I also liked REN's EverCalm Cleansing Milk, I have the Evercalm Clay Cleanser and really like it so I was excited to try the milk. It's a good cleanser and I probably would purchase the full size when I've used up the many I already have, as I do like milk cleansers and really like REN as a brand. 

I know I'm going to have to buy the full size of the Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion as it keeps my eye make up on all day. I tried doing my eye make up without but regardless of what eye shadow I was wearing, it would crease throughout the day, which doesn't happen with this. You also only need the tiniest amount, so I'm happy to purchase the full size as I'm sure it'll last ages. 

I found myself with what once seemed an endless supply of Benefit's Porefessional samples as they seemed to come with every Benefit set. There is so much product in them that they last for ages. We all know it's a good primer, but I haven't actually had to buy it due to still surviving on the samples! 

I've been enjoying using the Clarins Eye Contour Gel, as it's really hydrating and refreshing, perfect to use in the morning or to add some hydration throughout the day. I'm not sure if I would buy the full size, as I've got my eye on the Clarins Eye Contour Balm, which seems more suited for night time use. I think I've got morning eye creams sorted but maybe in the future. 

I really liked using the Clarins Water Comfort One Step Cleanser, for quick make up removal, it felt really refreshing and smelt amazing but I don't feel like I need to spend a lot of money on a product like this, when I've got the Garnier Micellar water which is a similar concept. Similarly, the Lancome Bi-facil Eye Make up Remover was a good product but it's not a product I'd want to splurge on.

 I've got the full size versions of the Clarins Facial Treatment Oils for oily/combo skin and dehydrated skin and I don't often have dry skin, so I wont be purchasing the full size of the Santal version but it has been handy to have as a sample for occasions when my skin is playing up and feeling particularly in need of moisture and as you only need a tiny amount it's lasting very well. 

I've heard good things about the Urban Decay Beauty Balm and similar products but I just can't get into the such low coverage products. I don't feel like I need a huge amount of coverage normally nor do I like a really heavy base, but these bb cream/tinted moisturiser type products just don't do anything for me, so I definitely wont be repurchasing. It has got good ingredients and an spf so I may just use this as a primer or a on holiday type of product when you don't really want make up but just the tiniest amount of coverage. The Bare Minereals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Cream Eyeshadow is another product that's one of those that I wouldn't get much use out of as it's just not something I would use. I think to make use of the sample I will use it likewise to the Urban Beauty Balm, as this too has spf so it would be good to just even out the eye lid for a no make up day when you're out in the sun. 

BARE MINERALS MINERALIXIRS FACIAL OIL & EYE BALM REVIEW

I'm a huge fan of Bare Minerals make up and I've also really liked a lot of the skincare from the range, so  I was really excited when I heard that Bare Minerals were releasing a cleansing oil, as I have been using an oil in my routine for about 2 years now and I like how they work with my skin. 

Considering how excited I was, I still waited until there was a discount on before I bought the products - like the money savvy shopper I am.If you've seen my High End Beauty Haul or Clarins Haul, you'll know that I recently - well over a month ago now, left my retail, make up counter job *jumps up and down with joy* which obviously meant that I had to say goodbye to discount, so I decided to stock up.

"At the heart of ever bareMinerals Mineralixirs botanical oil and mineral blend you'll find rosehip seed oil. This deeply nourishing oil is rich in Omega 3 and 6, known to soothe skin, target signs of aging, replenish the skin's natural moisture barrier and recapture skin's youthful radiance."

Facial Cleansing Oil

I really love using this oil to remove my make up as it's so quick and easy to use; it also doesn't irritate my eyes when I use it to remove eye make up. It's a lightweight oil, that feels so gentle on the skin. I use a flannel to wash off the cleanser and it leaves my skin feeling so nourished and fresh. I always know when I like a cleanser as it leaves my skin feeling really soft and comfortable, instead of slightly dry and tight feeling, like others have done. The cleanser is infused with  a blend of plant-derived oils and a skin-enhancing mineral complex, which just sounds so lovely to me. I always feel like my skin looks really clear after using this, especially on my nose where I have black heads,  it seems like it actually helps to clear them.   I think the cleanser would be great for all skin types as it's light weight and doesn't leave any oily feel to the skin, so it would suit oily complexions, yet it's so nourishing and hydrating that it would work really well for drier skins too. 

Eye Nourishing Oil Balm

At first I wasn't too sure about the whole oil balm for an eye cream idea and it also got a lot of negative reactions from some of the other girls that I worked with. I was so intrigued at the end of one day that I decided to try a little over my make up. Later that evening, my eye area did feel really smooth so I decided it was probably worth giving it a full chance. I only ever use this product at night as I've heard others say it will just completely break up your make up if worn during the day. When I first used it properly I think I applied a little too much and it didn't seem to absorb into the skin very well .The next day I used a lot less and found that this worked a lot better, as it's an oil it blends over the skin so easily, so you only need a small amount.  The balm is formulated with restorative oils and skin-enhancing minerals, which just draws me into Bare Minerals every time. It feels very nourishing on the skin, like a good night time treat for the eye area. I feel like my eye area looks and feels hydrated and really smooth.

Overall I love both of these products and I don't have any complaints. Have you tried these products or anything else from the Bare Minerals skincare range?

A HIGH END WISHLIST

I thought that I was completely shopped out after my recent High End Haul but clearly I was wrong and now I just can't shift the spendy feeling. There were a few products that I knew I had been lusting after so I decided that I would compile together this post partly so I could see how much damage I wanted to do and also to share it with fellow beauty obsessives for some moral support. I didn't quite realise how many products were actually on my list... Oh dear.

First things first, Clarins. I definitely thought I had bought everything I possibly could from Clarins after my Skincare Haul but there's still a couple of things on the list. I did intent to get the Eye Contour Balm but it was out of stock at the time. I also wanted the Liquid Bronze Self Tan as I've heard such good things about it and think it will be great for the summer months. I've had a sample of the One-Step Cleanser and really liked it, for when I'm feeling lazy and want something quick, especially in the mornings. It smells amazing and feels so refreshing. I resisted temptation to buy the Clarins Bronzer last year when it came out but now that they've released it again for their summer collection I'm just not sure I can resist it this time round. 

I've never actually tried anything from Origins but it's always popping up on blogs. I currently don't have a back up product for a moisturiser so I've been eyeing up the Ginzing range and the eye cream also sound lovely. I've also put the Eye Doctor on there as the description sounded so nice. I'm starting to think I'm a bit of a sucker for eye creams...

I like the sound of the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate as a good all rounder serum for overnight. I'm quite lacking in the serum department and only really have the Clarins Treatment Oils which are amazing but I tend to only really use them when my skin is feeling like it actually needs the treatment aspect, so it would be nice to have a good all rounder serum for most nights. Caroline Hirons has recently been raving about the Moisture Surge Face Spray by Clinique so obviously it's taken my fancy. I like using moisturising/hydrating sprays in my routine and this one seems like a good choice when my current one runs out. 

Time for lipsticks! I love the colour of the Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick in Rapture. It's a perfect easy to wear everyday colour, that gives a plum-pink look to the lips. As it's sheer, it's so easy to just apply it quickly and it doesn't look too over done for everyday. I received a MAC voucher for Christmas that surprisingly is yet to be spent. I haven't decided which lipstick I want yet but I have been admiring Brave, Twig, Plumful and Syrup maybe..? Let me know your favourites! 

I'm a huge Bare Minerals foundation fan anyway but recently I'm also enjoying a lighter coverage of foundation, so I'm really interested in trying the Complexion Rescue. I swatched a tiny amount the other week and it did look really lovely, a decent amount of coverage and really radiant. Urban Decay's Summer launches includes the gorgeous Afterglow blushes; there are so many colours that look amazing so I know at least one will just have to go on the list. The final product on the list is the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. It's such a raved about product and although I do really like the Urban Decay Perversion Mascara I still don't think it's the one, so I'm still on the hunt for the perfect mascara. 

CLARINS SKINCARE HAUL

This may seem a little excessive in the skincare department even for us beauty bloggers, as lets face it - there's not one but three cleansers here! If you've read my High End Beauty Haul post you will know that I recently left my retail, make up counter job for a life of Monday-Friday, no weekends, no bank holiday, no rude customer bliss. The only thing I decided that I would miss from my old job was the staff discount, so to ease the pain I decided to stock up on products that I knew I would use, so that I don't have to pay full price for them any time soon. 

One of my absolute favourite skincare products that I own is the Clarins Blue Orchid Treatment Oil. I contemplated repurchasing a back up but decided that instead I should just get the Lotus version for oily/combination skin, as I still have most of the bottle left. I don't have uncontrollably oily skin but I do often look in the mirror near the end of the day and think I'm slightly more lets say 'dewy' than I'd like to be, or in places that I don't want that natural glow. 

Another of my favourite Clarins products is the Extra Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing cream. I bought this as a back up as my boyfriend also quite likes to use it as he has pretty dry/sensitive skin. It's a great cleanser for all skin types; it smells lovely and leaves the skin really soft and comfortable feeling. 

A further repurchase was the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner. I like this product when I use it but I do often forget to use it, as I only aim to use it a few times a week at most. I'm trying to use mine more in my routine to see more of a difference. I repurchased as I don't have anything else like it in my routine, so I took advantage of the discount but I'm now interested in trying the Pixi Glow Tonic after as it's around the same price. 

Okay this is getting a little samey but the final repurchase was the Cleansing Milk and Toning lotion set for oily combination skin. The set was only £22 originally and also included a travel size eye make up remover so with my discount it was a great bargain! I love both of these products and they have a more typical 'Clarins scent,' even though they are the cheaper of Clarins products I always feel a little luxurious when using these products. 

The last product I bought was the Pure Melt Cleansing Gel. I received a sample of this before and really enjoyed using it as it left my skin feeling so silky, hydrated and refreshed. It's a gel formula but once you add water it turns to more of a milk. 

I was contemplating getting even more but I didn't want to just spend for the sake of the discount, as although I'd be saving a lot, if it's stuff I wouldn't have actually bought it doesn't really count as a good deal... I turned down the cellulite cream as I was very sceptical that any cream could actually combat cellulite, so instead I'll just go for a few more runs and squat a little more... joy.  I did buy a couple of make up items but I think they'll make an appearance later on. 

What are your favourite products from Clarins? 

MARCH FAVOURITES

March has been a pretty exciting month for me as I started my new job and it also marked my 6 year anniversary with my boyfriend. Even so,I'm quite glad March is over now as I couldn't be more ready for the weather to start getting warmer, although ironically as I type this, I've just got in from nearly being blown away by the crazy wind. 

The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter

I've had this cleansing butter for a while now and use it now and again, mostly when my skin is feeling like it needs a bit more nourishment when removing my make up. The next morning my skin felt so much better and this was the only product that I'd changed in my routine. I still don't use it everyday but I have been using it a lot this month. 

L'oreal True Match Foundation 

There is nothing that I don't like about this foundation. It applies well, it's the right amount of medium coverage to still look natural but flawless, it lasts really well throughout the day and you don't need much of it at all.  The shade is still slightly dark for me and it's N2 and I don't exactly have pale skin, so I'm not sure how it works for those with really fair skin but I know there are a lot of shades. 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer

I had high expectations for this concealer as I had heard a lot of good things about it yet when I first tried it, it didn't wow me. I liked it but it didn't seem anything special. I carried on using it here and there and on one of those days when I looked in the mirror, I thought how well concealed and brightened my under eyes looked. I'm thinking of doing a separate post about this concealer so I wont say too much now! 

Clarins Hydra Quench Intensive Serum

I got this a while ago as a free gift with some other Clarins purchases and was excited to use it, I just hadn't got round to trying it for one reason or another. Since starting my new job I've found a use for it in my routine. I now work in an office, which for the first couple of weeks had the heating cranked up, which  left my skin feeling very dehydrated. I've gone from being freezing cold in my old job, to overly hot, but thankfully I think that's sorted now. I loved the Clarins serum as it's really lightweight but feels so hydrating on the skin. It's perfect for people with normal and oily skin types, like myself who need the hydration but don't want the heavy feel. Although I loved it, Clarin's serums are expensive, so I'm not sure I want to purchase the full size just yet. 

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

I've been using this mascara everyday for the last month maybe and have really enjoyed using it. I particularly love the brush as it's big enough to catch all the lashes easily, yet not too big that you can't control it and it ends up going everywhere. It builds up length and volume pretty quickly too. It does definitely work better with the Subversion primer, but it's still more than good enough for everyday wear alone. It's supposed to contain ultra black pigments, which really do show. When I use the mascara my lashes look so dark, which I really like as I feel like it makes my eyes look more awake and defined. It lasts all day and I've never had a problem with smudging and it also removes easily when I use a cleanser. I would probably repurchase this mascara! 

Urban Decay Perversion 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil 

If you've read my 'Everyday Make up' post you'll have seen this eye liner mentioned. I don't normally wear pencil liner and prefer to line my upper lash line with gel liner, yet since toning down my make up, as I mentioned in my 'Everyday Make up' post, I've been really liking using this eye liner and smudging it out across my upper lash line as it's really quick and easy. I can't use this eye liner on my water line as it makes my eyes water, but it's great anywhere else. 

Barry M Olive Nail Paint 

I think I bought this last year and never got around to using it as the green tone slightly scares me on the nails. I finally applied it last week and I really love it. It's a lovely shade, perfect for this time of year, as it's not quite a spring pastel shade, but a kind of just before the spring nails shade... if that makes any sense at all?! I like it because it's a really unique shade and moreover, it lasted on my nails amazingly well, in comparison to my normal nail varnishes. 

L'oreal Eva's Nude

Recently I've been reaching for this lipstick a lot as it's a really pretty and easy to wear nude shade. I like it as I often forget to put anything on my lips, so just having this in my bag is handy as it instantly completes the look and perks up your make up look, yet still looks really pretty and natural. 

There we have another bunch of favourites, all of which I think I'll be enjoying for a long time. 

What products have you been loving this month?

HIGH END BEAUTY HAUL

I've been making the most of my staff discount before I leave my current job which is on a make up counter in a Department store. I couldn't be more excited to get weekends, bank holidays, Boxing Day and New Year's Day off, to not have to spend my day being bored out of my mind or dealing with rude and annoying customers... So yeah I'm pretty excited about leaving. One thing that I will be missing is my staff discount! I decided to stock up on things that I needed and some things that I just fancied treating myself to. I was slightly tame, well maybe that's not the word but I definitely could have bought more, but at the end of the day it's just make up and skincare *cries inside at calling makeup and skincare, 'just' makeup and skincare*. I've got another post coming from my haul, featuring just one brands worth of products as it was just too much to include with this one. 

First up, Urban Decay. I'd been eyeing up the Pulp Fiction palette since it was released last year, but come on, did I really need more neutral eyeshadows!? Obviously I did. Luckily, it was hugely reduced in a recent sale and with staff discount on top, it was only £9, which I could definitely justify. I've also loved Zodiac moondust eyeshadow for ages, I was just about convinced that although it's absolutely gorgeous, I wouldn't get much wear out of it. I then watched a recent tutorial by Pin up Beauty and knew that I needed it. It's a gorgeous shimmery green shade, with so much pigmentation and strong, but classy shimmer. I also had to pick up one of the new Naked Skin concealers. I've heard quite a lot of good things about this concealer lately and as my current collection actually only holds one concealer - my MAC Pro Longwear, I felt that it would be okay to purchase this one... like that really made a huge difference to this decision.  I also picked up a back up of my absolute favourite foundation ever, the Bare Minerals Ready foundation. I think I may even own a back up of this already, but it's the most amazing foundation, especially for the summer as the shade I wear (R330), is so warm and looks so fresh, radiant and glowy. I can't wear this until the summer as it's a good tanned shade and right now I'm pretty pasty, but it will sit patiently with it's other foundation friends in the mean time. 

 Like I said in my previous Clinique skincare post I haven't used much from the brand before. The foundation caught my eye as soon as I heard about its full coverage and long wear and then I saw it on one of the girls and liked the look of it and finally I read a review on Laura's blog, which was also very positive so I obviously had to get it. I've only used it once so far and on first impressions I really liked it. I will probably do a full review on it when I've had the chance to try it out a few more times. My second Clinique purchase was the Superdefense eye cream. I thought it would be a good lightweight eye cream to use daily under my make up, as it included spf 20, which seemed like a good idea, as the eye area is already sensitive enough to ageing. It's also quite brightening which can never be a bad thing. 

 As I write this my first day of my new job is tomorrow, so I'm currently having a little taster of what a weekend off is like, starting with just a Sunday and I'm already loving it. I'm happy with my purchases but can't help still wanting more but I know my bank is kind of thanking me for not putting it under any more pressure! 

Hope you've all had a good weekend and that you have a great week! 

LUSH AFRICAN PARADISE REVIEW

I love how unique and interesting Lush's products are, but I rarely buy them as although they're not overly expensive, they're also not completely budget friendly. I was really happy when I received Lush's 'Celebrate' set, which contained smaller sizes of 5 of Lush's most popular items. One of those items was the African Paradise Body Conditioner. 

You apply African Paradise at the end of your shower, all over your body as you would a moisturiser and then rinse off. It contains moringa oil, shea butter, fresh mango juice, cocoa butter and aloe gel, which all help to soften and soothe the skin.It was really easy to apply and felt really soothing on the skin. It quickly filled the room with it's strong but pleasant aroma - Lush describe it as "Sweet, spicy and floral", which is a very good description.  After using the product my skin felt really soft and hydrated, a lot smoother and well nourished. I did find that I could still feel that something was on my skin after washing it off, but it wasn't too bad at all and almost felt like it was locking in the moisture more.  I noticed that I didn't need to use a moisturiser like I normally would and it seemed to keep my skin well hydrated for the next day too. The product that I have is 45g, which I don't think will last you too many uses. I think the full size product is 225g for £19.95, which isn't too bad but it would definitely be a more, use when necessary product, rather than an essential product for every shower. 

I really want to try out more of Lush's products now, so would love to hear your recommendations! 

CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE & ALL ABOUT EYES REVIEW

Clinique is one of those brands that I've never really had much to do with, but lately it's safe to say that I've tried my fair share and I'm starting to really like the brand. I bought this set at Christmas as the good value price lured me in and I was running out of my current moisturiser, so this seemed like the perfect set. The set included; Moisture surge extended thirst relief, Moisture surge overnight mask, All about eyes and a Superbalm lipgloss. 

Moisture surge extended thirst relief 

This is a lightweight gel formula moisturiser, designed for dry or dehydrated skin. I really like how this moisturiser feels on the skin, as it's so refreshing and absorbs instantly, so it doesn't feel too heavy or greasy, instead it leaves a smooth velvet feel.  It's also surprising how little you need, as it's such a lightweight formula, it's able to spread really easily. My only gripe with this product is that it's fine for my pretty normal -probably a little dehydrated, but no where near dry skin, but I can't imagine it giving enough hydration for people with really dry skin, unless a really good serum is being used beforehand. I've also seen people moan about the fact that it's a jar container, but that doesn't really bother me. Overall, I would definitely recommend to anyone with a normal to oily skin type. I think it would be especially amazing in the summer months, when you don't want to be layering heavy products on your skin.

Moisture surge overnight mask

Although I would never say my skin is dry, it does sometimes look like it needs some intense hydration, plumpness and life put back into it. This is when I like to use the overnight mask. It really helps make my skin look so much more moisturised and seemed to plump out any fine lines that can appear through dehydration. It's a nice mask to use overnight as it isn't too heavy; it's not as lightweight as the moisture surge moisturiser but I am still able to wear it all night without feeling like a grease ball... eeww?

All about eyes 

The formula of this eye cream is very similar to the moisture surge moisturiser, with its lightweight gel consistency. I love to use this eye cream mostly in the morning as it's so lightweight that it doesn't interfere with any make up that you apply. It leaves my eye area very smooth, as almost to prep the under eye for make up.  The gel formula also makes it feel very refreshing, so it's a great product to use when you can barely see through your tired eyes in the mornings. As I am only 22, my main need for an eye cream is to hydrate, to avoid any fine lines appearing, so I don't know how good this eye cream would be if your under eyes are of greater concern to you as this one does seem so light. Clinique also do an All about eyes rich formlua, which may be better to fight intense under eye troubles. 

Superbalm - Grapefruit

I know the whole purpose of Clinique is to provide products for sensitive skin, meaning fragrance is a huge no-no, but If you're calling a product grapefruit, I really need it to smell like that too! The Superbalm feels lovely and glossy on the lips, yet not sticky. It was the product that I was least excited for, but it is a pretty, natural gloss. 

So far I am liking Clinique products and unfortunately for my bank account, there are more to come, so keep an eye out for future posts. What Clinique products have you tried and which do I need to try? You can buy Clinique from  department stores such as Debenhams or the Clinique website.

I hope you're all having a good week! 

HYPED PRODUCTS THAT IM NOT IN LOVE WITH

Here goes - I'm about to do what us women do best - moan! Okay, I guess there are some saint women out there who don't, but there's also the 500 million that love nothing more than a good moan! With bloggers and youtubers having such an immense effect on how we view beauty products, it's often hard not to succumb to the huge hype surrounding certain products. Often it seems our own opinions and views on products can be bias from the start, just by a youtuber or bloggers opinion. These products are some of the many that have been hugely hyped in the beauty world and really, I'm not so into them. 

First is Benefit's They're Real Mascara.  At first I loved this mascara and it did make my lashes look really good, it lengthened, it thickened and it stayed put; maybe even a little too well! My problem with this mascara is that it dries up super quick, making it absolutely useless to apply. I made sure it was the only mascara I had on the go so I could get the most use out of it, yet it still only lasted a couple or few weeks maximum. At £19.50, I cannot be repurchasing every couple of weeks! 

Another mascara that I didn't love was Maybelline The Falsies. We all know that Tanya Burr loves it, but when I used it I felt it was a good mascara, but it wasn't anything special at all! I also found the shape of the wand to not be the best and easiest to apply. 

Another Tanya Burr favourite is Rimmel's Stay Matte powder. I tried it as it's a really affordable product so if it works well then my bank account would definitely love me forever. I don't even have particularly oily skin but I always find that this powder makes it feel like I haven't even set my foundation at all and my face does feel a little oily and definitely far from matte. 

The much loved Collection Lasting Finish Concealer just doesn't seem as amazing as everyone makes out. I don't think the coverage is amazing and I don't think it's longevity is all that great either. 

I used hydraluron every day for as long as the tube lasted me and I didn't ever notice any difference. I read reviews that it was only when people stopped using it that they noticed what a difference it was actually making. I've now not been using it for a month or so, as it ran out and I honestly haven't noticed any difference. I love the idea of it but as I haven't really seen any difference, I can't justify buying another. 

Last but most probably not least, are the Lush fresh face masks in general. I have tried pretty much all of the different masks and I never really see any difference in my skin, not even any tiny improvements. They disappoint me as they all sounds so amazing yet, seem to do nothing beneficial for my skin. 

Okay, that's my moaning done for now. Have you tried any of these products and were also less than impressed or actually loved them? 

SKINCARE SAVIOURS

I've only really got into skincare in the last couple of years; before I have to admit I was often guilty of... dun, dun, dun...... not taking my make up off before bed. I now cannot go to bed without a clean face. I have no idea what type my skin is as it seems to play tricks a lot and go from completely normal, to dry, dehydrated, to oily, to spot prone, it's combination in the most varied sense. During my skincare journey, I've come across some staple products that I turn to for each of my problem types. 

Dry Skin

I have never been someone who suffers from dry skin, so I was really unprepared when this drought hit... haha get it?! I found that The Body Shop's Camomile Cleansing Butter worked really well, as it felt very nourishing on the skin and didn't feel drying at all but instead left my skin so soft to touch. Luckily with a purchase from Clarins I received the Santal Face Treatment Oil sample. At the time I didn't think this was lucky at all as I was actually buying the same oil but for dehydrated skin and I had never suffered from dry skin so I thought it was a bit of a waste of a sample. When I did suffer from dry skin, it was a blessing; it's so nourishing! The hazel nut oil helps to soothe and calm dry and irritated skin, so it's the perfect skin rescue product. I used the Kielh's Avocado eye treatment when my eyes were really dry and horrible and it worked so well as it's quite thick and creamy and really soothed the skin. 

Dehydrated skin

My favourite products to use when my skin feels dehydrated are the Hydraluron serum and the Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil, for, you guessed it, dehydrated skin. I normally use the serum during the day and the facial oil at night and if I'm feeling dehydrated I use both at night. Both leave the skin feeling and looking so plumb and fresh. I always find that any fine lines look diminished and my make up applies smoother as my skin is in better condition. 

Blemish prone skin 

I thought I was so lucky to not have bad skin throughout my teenage years, however, now in my 20's, I've started to constantly get break outs. Really, they're not that bad at all, compared to some things that you can suffer with, but that doesn't mean they're any less annoying or that I'm any less self concious of them. My favourite cleanser to use whenever I have a particular bad break out is the REN Clarifying Clay Cleanser. It is specifically aimed at blemish prone skin and it just feels so refreshing on the skin and really does a great job at calming the area and bringing down the spot size. It's also doesn't contain any harmful ingredients. treatment wise, the Bare Minerals Blemish Remedy is very good as it helps treat the spots but doesn't dry them out or leave the horrible whiter residue that most do. I also like to use the Lush Mask of Magnaminty, as it really seems to calm down any problems on the skin. 

Dull Skin

I like to use the Bare Minerals, Biolucent serum when my skin is looking a little tired. It really helps noticeably, brighten the skin and make it more radiant and luminous. 

I hope that has given you some ideas for when your skin is playing up. I didn't include oily skin as I don't think I have any specific products that really help. 

Have you found any amazing products for any of these skin problems?