#67 September Empties

Good Morning!

Today I'm here to talk to you about some products that I have recently used up and whether they make the cut for a repurchase or not. Lets take a look at the goodies... 

Clinique Take The Day Off Make Up Remover
 In the past I have stocked up on multiple bottles of this stuff at one time, it's that good. So it'll come as no surprise that this is definitely on the cards for a repurchase. I can't recommend this product more, it is bloody amazing at removing eye make up, no matter how stubborn it is. Also, it's never had a negative effect on my eye area such as drying it out or causing irritation, it's so gentle.

BOSS Jour Body Lotion
I received this body lotion in a perfume gift set for my birthday last year and I was pleasantly surprised by it. It smelt lovely and was the fasted drying body lotion/moisturiser that I've ever used. I'm not sure that I would purchase it again because it's very pricey for what it is, but I'll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for a cheaper alternative.

REN Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream
Throughout the summer months my skin hasn't needed as much moisture as it does in the winter months, so this moisturiser has been perfect. It's light and nourishing but nothing overly special. It's always good to have a couple of moisturisers on the go as our skin can vary from day to day, so although this isn't anything too moisturising it's one for the collection.

REN Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel 
Again, I wasn't particularly blown away by this product but on the other hand I wasn't disappointed. It does the job but the gel is quite thin and runny which I wasn't too keen on. I don't think I'll be rushing out to get another of these but I would use it if I got it in a free gift or something.

L'Oreal Superliner Perfect Slim
I've had a bit of a love-hate relationship with this eyeliner but we've ended on good terms. When I first started using it, it would smudge really easily and was just a big black, smudgy mess. After a while I found that using a primer or shadow over the eyelid before applying the eyeliner stopped all smudging and all love was restored! It's so easy to apply and as the name suggests, you can create really thin, neat lines. As this product isn't waterproof it doesn't mix well with watery eyes, but it's general lasting power is amazing. I will definitely be repurchasing this beauty.

STILA Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Colour
I decided to try this after using the Soap and Glory Archery Brow Tint and Pencil (which I love) and I really like it! Obviously it lacks the pencil that comes with the Soap and Glory option but on the plus side the tip didn't dry up until the product was empty. It's lasting power is great and it's really easy to use, I definitely recommend it.

The Body Shop Instablur Primer
I spoke about this primer in more depth here so I'll keep this short and sweet. It's affordable, it does a great job and it's a definite repurchase.

Becmo
xo

#63 Cleanse and Polish | Review

Good Morning! 

Today is all about skincare, Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish to be exact. Recently as I've been away the majority of my posts have all had a fashion focus, so I thought it was about time we have a change of topic. Looking back on my beauty routine history I literally do not understand how I used to cope with make up wipes. Don't get me wrong, they are great for festivals when you need to freshen up and I do occasionally use them to wipe the make up off the back of my hand etc. but never ever to remove my make up/cleanse, they just don't make the cut anymore! 

Nowadays, in the morning I like to use Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish straight after my shower, then follow with a water based cleanser, then toner and finally moisturiser. However, in the evening I use a water based cleanser and eye make up remover to get rid of my make up, then follow with the Cleanse and Polish, then toner and moisturiser. 

If you aren't aware of how Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish is used then listen up. Using the pump you simply pump out as much cleanser as you need onto your fingertips (it's a creamy texture), then you rub it in all over your face, finally you wet the muslin cloth with hot water and use it to remove any excess cleanser. Easy!   

The main reason that I use this cleanser is simply due to the fact that it gives such a deep clean, removing all dirt without drying the skin. In the evenings I feel as though it works so well on removing any excess make up/dirt that hasn't been removed by my water based cleanser. As it is a creamy formula it is also very soothing and gentle on the skin. Finally, the smell is amazing!

If you're looking to add another step to your beauty routine or simply try something new, I really recommend that you give this a go! 

Becmo

xo

#37 REN Radiance

Hellllooo 

Toady I am here to share yet another skincare product with you all (okay, so I might be a little obsessed). This time I will be sharing my thoughts on REN's Glyolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. 

I'm going to get right to the point. This mask is amazing. 

The texture of the mask is very thick and slightly sticky, but don't let that put you off. If I had read that something was 'sticky' personally it wouldn't appeal to me much, however I actually quite like how this product feels on the skin. 

To apply this mask I spread a thick layer of the product all over my face (avoiding my eye area), then leave it for 10 minutes to work its magic. Once the magic has been worked, using the muslin cloth provided and some hot water, I wipe the residue from my face. Finally, I then wet my face with cold water to close my pores and finish with my Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion. 

If you have particularly dry/dull skin I really urge you to give this a go. You only need to apply it once a week which takes minimal effort and gives fantastic results. Go on, treat yourself. 

I'd love to know what masks you particularly enjoy using?

Becmo xo

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#36 Clarins Splurge

Good morningggg 

Last week I was having a little wonder around the beauty counters in John Lewis and, I couldn't help but notice that Clarins had an amazing offer on that I just couldn't resist. BASICALLY from the 30th January - 15th February if you buy two Clarins products (one to be skin care) you get four, yes FOUR 'super sizes' free (these are basically products that are smaller than normal but bigger than sample sizes). There is a choice of 10 different 'super sizes' to choose from, so you're spoilt for choice. This offer is exclusive to John Lewis too, so if you're interested make sure you're in the right place!

I have quite dehydrated skin and this weather definitely doesn't help. So, although I'm not exactly old enough to be suffering from aged skin, I opted for Clarins' Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate and my god, it has worked wonders. I apply 1-2 pumps on cleansed skin in the morning and before bed, followed by a moisturiser and I can't explain how much I love it. The first time I used it was before bed and when I woke up the next day I genuinely noticed that my skin looked a lot clearer and radiant. It's quite expensive but definitely worth it! 

I also invested in the Multi-Blush Cream Blush in 01 peach as I've never tried a cream blush before. I was always worried that they would slide off my face throughout the day, but how wrong was I. The blush feels smooth when touched but turns into a powder when applied to the skin. The only issue I have with this product is that I find it a lot harder to blend evenly than a 'normal' powder blush (which is probably down to the fact that I'm not used to applying it). I must also add, how bloody beautiful is the packaging?

Now it's onto the FREEBIES. I won't go on about these for ages as this post is probably already boring you to death. So, I will simply list the ones I chose and include the size of the 'super size' I received and a little about my opinion on them so far.

Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase 15ml 

I haven't used this yet as I have been using the Double Serum but look forward to trying it out.

Clarins Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream With Microbeads 30ml

I've only used this once but, I felt that it gave my skin a really good scrub without drying it out which is perfect for someone like me who has naturally dry skin.

Clarins Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser 100ml 

This product smells amazing. Literally, it smells so nice. I've used it a few times and found that I like to use it best in the morning when my skin is make-up-free to clear away any dirt, and give my skin a little pick me up in the morning.

Clarins Eau des Jardins Smoothing Body Cream 100ml

I am yet to use this product but again the scent is lovely. It is quite citrusy which I wouldn't have though I would have liked but it's got a very refreshing smell to it. I love body moisturises so it would have been silly for me not to have picked this up when I had the chance.

Clarins HydraQuench Cream, SPF15, Normal to Dry Skin 5ml

The lady at the counter also gave me two mini samples of this moisturiser to try. I've basically used them all up already! It's such a lovely moisturiser that doesn't sit on the skin or leave it looking greasy at all. I am definitely considering purchasing the full size. 

AND BREATHE. 

Sorry if that bored you out of your mind. There was a lot of products and I have a lot to say haha. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful. Don't forget to take advantage of this offer if you're heading into a John Lewis anytime soon! 

Becmo xo

   

#4 Skin Care

Skin Care

Much to my disappointment I am not one of those people who have naturally clear skin. I suffer a lot from constant blemishes however, when it comes to spots they are either realllly bad or I just have the occasional biggish one (or two).

I have tried different creams and treatments in the past but nothing seems to make much difference. I definitely think that I should get into the habit of drinking a lot more water as that would hopefully help my skin look more refreshed. So, drinking more water and less rubbishy drinks is on my list of 'habits to get into'. Next on the list is to get into a routine and stick to it so that I can actually see if the products that I am using are making a difference or not (obviously if they aren't the routine can be adapted).

I have been using Neutrogena Visibly Clear Blackhead Eliminating face wash and their Exfoliating face scrub religiously (bar this weekend as I was at Fieldview so I didn't do it before I went to sleep) every morning/night for the past two weeks. I have used the Blackhead Eliminating face wash in the past however it was never in a solid routine so I am not too sure of the effect it had on my skin. I must admit, when I have used it I have found that it leaves my skin feeling very refreshed. The micro-beads in the product are gentle on your skin but not too much so that they don't feel like they are doing anything. The smell is also really light and refreshing. The Exfoliating face scrub is a newbie to me though. I have liked it so far as I feel that it cleans my face well without feeling too gritty on the skin.

Whilst in Bodycare last week I also picked up Simple Soothing Facial Toner and Nivea Visage Oil Free Moisturising Day Cream. I don't usually use a toner on my skin so I am interested to see if it makes much of a difference to my skin (I am hoping that it will!). So far I have found that using a toner makes my skin feel very fresh and ensures me that my make up has all been removed in the earlier stages of my routine. With this toner I squirt a small amount of the product onto cotton wool and wipe it over my entire face after using the Neutrogena products. Prior to recently I haven't been too bothered about the products that I use on my face and so have settled with Boot's own moisturiser so I thought it was about time I tried something new. I have quite oily skin and therefore I opted for an oil free moisturiser. I wouldn't say that the liquid is thick, however it isn't very runny either. You don't need to put a lot on in order to cover your face and neck which is always good as it means a product will last longer. There is a slight scent to the cream however it is not overpowering, if anything it simply makes it feel more feminine. (Although this does not make a difference to the product itself) I also really like the packaging that it comes in. The fact that it is in a box makes it feel more expensive.

So far I haven't seen any HUGE differences to my skin. However the fact that I have been to Fieldview, had a lack of sleep, eaten AWFULLY and consumed a little too much alcohol could be contributing heavily to the state of my skin.

Now that this weekend is out of the way I am going to go on a little detox and get more sleep/drink a lot more water and see if that makes any difference. As soon as I have rested my body a bit and have stuck with this routine for a bit longer I will report back with (if any) any good/bad changes to my skin.

Fingers crossed I will have perfect skin in no time (a girl can dream right?)!

Becmo xo