A Few Recent Summer Skincare Changes

Its that time of year again when my skin begins to completely reject my Winter skin routine and demands a fresh start for Summer. Not to mention the fact that Summer skincare is an entirely different kettle of fish to Winter with a whole different set of considerations. Add to that my 2014 switch to Veganism and a commitment to cruelty free products and you get a serious 'Alice in Wonderland' type of scenario. I thought I'd post a few of my recent skincare changes to prep my skin for the warmer months ahead. My skin has been a little unruly of late and can't seem to decide whether it wants to break out or shrivel up so I doubt these will be my only purchases this Summer, but here's the story so far...

Oqibo Purifying Cleanser and Toner* - oqibo.co.uk 

A completely new brand to me, Oqibo were kind enough to send me a huge bottle of their Purifying Cleanser and Toner earlier in the year. I was promised cruelty free and no animal ingredients so I can use this product with absolute confidence. I'll probably do a more in-depth review after I've been using it for a little while longer but this is a lovely, freshening product and does a great job of getting rid of dirt and oil. It's designed to regulate and balance the skin, which is great news for combination girlies like me. It has quite a strong scent of mint and leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed. 

DHC Pore Lotion - dhcuk.co.uk

I'm a huge fan of DHC. I emailed the Japanese-based brand to confirm a few ingredients with them recently and was delighted to discover that none of their ingredients are animal derived so now I adore them even more! I've been particularly enjoying their pore range of products lately as they're really gentle, alcohol free  and are really good for clarifying and minimising pores and creating a smooth canvas for makeup. I use this as I would a toner in between cleansing and moisturising (I also have their Pore Milk which is a lovely, light moisturiser for daytime). 

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Renewing Night Cream - superdrug.com

It seems that even my beloved Origins Night-a-Mins isn't good enough for my face lately so I'm having a rest from it. I was scratching my head trying to find an affordable, cruelty free substitute (I'm truly skint) and I spotted this in Superdrug and thought it would be well worth a try for £5.99. This cream smells so good! I can't stop sniffing it. It is infused with extracts of kiwi and mulberry with sugar beet and other fruit acids to nourish and resurface skin overnight. For the price I've been very impressed. My skin definitely feels smoother and softer upon waking. 

Organic Surge Blissful Daily Moisturiser - organicsurge.com

I've been using this for a little while as a light daytime moisturiser for my combination skin. I suspect I will need something more intensive with SPF as we continue on into Summer but this really has been lovely. Extremely gentle and perfect for normal/combination skin types. It keeps my skin hydrated whilst also keeping oilier areas at bay and sits well under makeup. I also love how it absorbs so quickly. Organic Surge, like Superdrug, are 100% committed to no animal testing and no animal ingredients.

Amie Pure & Natural Beauty 'Spring Clean' Clay Mask - amieskincare.com

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Amie Skincare products!! They've been a favourite for a couple of years now and I've tried most of their products. What I particularly love about them are their natural ingredients and Leaping Bunny certification which means no animal testing and virtually no animal ingredients (except beeswax, which it turns out this product does actually contain - serves me right for assuming - but most of their products are 100% Vegan friendly). This is an old favourite of mine from way back and I've started using it again once a week to purge my skin of any excess oiliness for a really deep clean. It has an gorgeous fresh lime/mint scent and an added bonus of making me closely resemble a White Walker for 10mins a week... HA!!

Those are a handful of my recent skincare switch ups. It's felt a little like I'm fighting a losing battle with my skin recently as it's been so unpredictable. I thought vegans were supposed to have perfect skin?!?! To be fair I was a little neglectful with my skincare routine whilst I was battling my way through exams so that might have something to do with it. Time to get back on it and treat my face right! 

What are your skin saviours?? Do you switch up your routine when the weather gets warmer?? What are your recommendations for Summer skincare??

TLC's Stars of 2013: Makeup

Time for the final installment of my Stars of 2013 Trilogy. I've already done Skincare and Haircare... Now onto the Makeup! I'm not gonna lie, 2013 wasn't a spectacular year for me in terms of buying makeup. I didn't go crazy buying lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes like I did in 2012. In fact, I didn't even WEAR as much lipstick and eyeshadow in general compared to previous years. There are a few clear Stars for the year though. Here's a selection of my favourites...

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation - Santa Fe

2013 was definitely the year I set out to find my Holy Grail Foundation. In fact, I found a couple. My drugstore choice (seriously, I will never purchase another drugstore foundation ever again) was definitely Bourjois Healthy Mix, but my ultimate favourite high end foundation product for the year has to be Sheer Glow. I had high expectations for it from the start and it certainly lived up to the hype. Due to the price, I've always kept it reserved for more special occasions than everyday wear but I love the texture, the finish and how it feels on my skin. WINNER!!

DHC Perfect Pro Liquid Eyeliner* in Black - dhcuk.co.uk

Last year was definitely a year of Holy Grail product finds for me. This one found ME! You'll notice that I haven't included any eyeshadow products in this year's favourites and that is because I've mainly opted for bold liner, lashings of mascara and a neutral lip. This liner is seriously the easiest to control, picks up a TON of product (gives a good coat on both eyes without having to double dip), really well pigmented and produces a clean black line. I will NEVER be without this product again. Ever! DHC were a new brand discovery for me in 2013 but I've been seriously impressed with their products. 

Benefit Hello Flawless Powder Cover-Up in Honey

This one was another event discovery, and one that I have since repurchased TWICE! I use it in a multitude of ways. It's fantastic on its own in the summer when you don't want a heavy liquid foundation on your skin (works really well with a BB cream too) while, in the Winter, a dusting over my regular foundation helps to set my makeup and keep it in place. It is also a good one to take in your bag on a night out for quick bathroom touch ups. Just a great all rounder. (This photo was taken when it was all new and shiny - the one I have now has hit pan and definitely not ready for its close up haha)

Rodial Glamstick in Thrill* - rodial.co.uk

I didn't go mad for bold lippy at all in 2013. There were a couple of exceptions, including MAC Rebel at Christmas, but I generally opted for neutrals and nudes. This particular lipstick has been my best friend during the colder months especially as it has amazing moisturising properties, almost like a lip butter. Of course, because it's Rodial it's really nourishing to the lips. The colour is neutral, but noticeable. Sadly, it's a little out of my price range and I'm not sure I'll be able to repurchase it any time soon but I've really loved it as a product. 

Benefit Dallas Boxed Powder

I'm not exaggerating when I say that I can't remember the last time I used a blush that WASN'T this one. I have worn this blush religiously ever since Autumn came knocking. It's my favourite of all the Benefit boxed powders (the runner up being Coralista in the Summer months). It's just a perfect, rustic shade that also adds a contoured effect with zero effort. I keep saying this but it is soooo underrated compared to other Benefit blushes and I don't feel it gets enough attention. I urge anyone to give it a go. It's such a versatile shade. 

Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Mascara* in Black
I've tried a few new mascaras this year but this is the one that I have stuck with. I am a huge fan of a lengthening mascara and it was love at first use with this one. I've never actually tried twisting it down and using the volumising wand. I don't really need thicker lashes. This post could so easily have turned into a Bourjois Appreciation Society Newsletter as I have thoroughly adored almost everything they have brought out this year. I can't wait to see what they have up their sleeves for 2014!

So that wraps up my Stars of 2013. It's taken the best part of a month to get them all out there but I really hope you've enjoyed having a peep at the stuff I loved the most last year. If you missed either of the other two editions of this series you can find my Skincare picks Here and my Haircare favourites Here. Time to work on finding some new favourites for 2014, although I won't be letting go of this little lot any time soon either.

What makeup products did you love last year?? Any brands in particular stand out for you?? Did you notice yourself favouring a particular makeup look like I did??

My Top 3: Cleansers

Good evening beauty seekers!

Trying to keep on top of my blog after a couple of mental weeks which kept me away temporarily. This is my second post of the week and i wanted to talk about skincare. I've got a couple of skincare posts coming up very soon as I have been trying out some new products, but today I want to tell you about a couple of the cleansing products I keep going back to again and again and that I really do rate. I have a fair few cleansers in my stash but these three products (in no particular order) are definitely the ones I rely on the most, and all for different reasons. I don't always tend to use the same product every day, nor do I have the same routine for morning and night and tend to use these products to complement each other or by what I feel my skin needs most.

Elemis Balancing Lime Blossom Cleanser*

This is my go to product if my combination skin is feeling particularly oily or in need of a purge. I received this as a duo with the Elemis Lavender Toner and together they really help to balance out my skin if I'm feeling particularly shiny. Usually if I use this I will use it in the morning before I put on my makeup or as a double cleanse after using my DHC Oil Cleanser (more on that to follow). You only need one or two small pumps to do a whole face (look how much I have left!!) so I find it great value for money too. I love the scent of this product and it never fails to make my skin feel fresh and completely clean as well as smooth and shine-free. 

Loreal Skin Perfection: 3in1 Purifying Micellar Solution 

I was so late to the party with micellar waters, it's not even funny. I've never even been within spitting distance of a bottle of Bioderma. In fact, I only have this due to an emergency purchase whilst away at uni after forgetting to bring a cleanser with me. I spotted this in Superdrug on offer at £2.99 and decided to see what all the fuss was about. I really like this product. It's just really quick and convenient to use and very handy when I'm having a really lazy day, short of time or haven't worn any makeup and just need  a refresh. I do a 'wax-on, wax-off' with this using a couple of large cotton pads. It does come out of the bottle VERY quickly which I find a bit wasteful and I don't find it to be the most effective against heavy eye makeup but those are my only grumbles. I find it extremely effective for what I want to use it for. This is the one I take with me when I travel as it's so convenient and quick. I also like that it is easy to and inexpensive to pick up on the go if I ever run out.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil*

I was so sceptical of this product when I got it home from a recent event, but it has completely won me over. This is the most amazing product for removing makeup and makes my skin feel so clean and soft. The softness comes from the olive oil and vitamin E extracts in the cleanser. I use this when I want to thoroughly cleanse after wearing a full face of makeup (by full face I mean like after a night out where I've really gone to town on my eyes and lips). Like the Elemis cleanser I only need one or two pumps which I rub over my face with my hands before splashing it with water to produce a milky cleanser which i can then massage into my face and wipe off with a damp cloth. I usually follow this with the Elemis Lime Blossom so that I know that everything has come off. It's well worth a try on any skin type.

So those are my current go-to cleansing products. I have other cleansers that I also like to use, although not as regularly as any of the above. Most notably the Una Brennan Neuroli Firming cleanser and also, more recently, the PerriconeMD Nutritive Cleanser which I have yet to try because I'm scared of it running out and me not being able to afford to repurchase it haha.

What are your essential cleansing products??

Stuff I'm Loving Lately #1

When is a favourites post NOT a favourites post?...... When it's one of mine, that's when. 

I always feel like a bit of a fraud doing monthly favourites posts. Mainly because my favourite products do not change on a monthly basis and I'd just be posting different stuff for the sake of it, but also because I find the term inaccurate. I'm always suspicious of different favourites posts for every month of the year. I'm always like "Hang on, how is that you're favourite, you've only had it 3 days??" or "That HG foundation isn't the same as last month's??". Don't get me wrong though, I'm all for discovering and embracing new products and I'll never stop looking. I just like to mull it over for more than a couple of weeks before declaring it my FAVOURITE. And I'd be a pretty lame. boring blogger if I blogged the same favourites 2 or 3 months on the jog, wouldn't I? I tend to grow attached to products that really work for me. Therefore, I vow NOT to ever do a favourites post ever again and, instead, highlight a few products every so often that I've been using the most or have been particularly enjoying lately.

And with that I'll crack on.....

Bourjois Healthy Mix: Radiance Reveal Foundation - 53 (Light Beige)*

There has been soooooo much damn BOURJOIS on this blog recently!! The main reason being I'M LOVING IT!! This foundation completely rocks my world. I love the consistency, the coverage, the finish, the scent..... just everything about it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I'm currently alternating between this and my NARS Sheer Glow (which i like to keep for more special occasions) and I really don't find them that different from each other. Both give a lovely glowy finish to my skin, and last really well. 

BeneFit Fakeup Hydrating Concealer: Medium*

I've worn this product every day since I got it. It's so handy to carry around, applies like a dream and keeps my dark circles at bay for a reeeeeeally long time. It's a light formula that feels really hydrating and does not crease. Of course, as it's Benefit, I also love the packaging. Very sleek and compact. It's a winner!! Read my post about the recent launch of Fakeup Here

Stila 'Garden Bliss' Shadow and Blush Palette

This little beaut has been a godsend for travelling up and down to University every week. It incorperates 4 shades that can be easily used for day or night time looks, as well as a really pretty pink blush. It's gorgeous and spot on for Spring! The shadows are really pigmented too. I don't own much Stila, but this palette is definitely one of my most used items of late. 

Garnier Summer Body - Deep

I haven't used a gradual tanner in aaaaaages. However, I recently went in search of one as I was getting a bit 'blah' about my weekly tan (not that I went off it, I just felt like changing it up a bit). Johnsons Holiday Skin put me well and truly off graduals as it smells like utter MUCK, but luckily this one has the loveliest Apricot scent and gives an amazing colour even after the first application. 

Bourjois 1Second Nail Polish Remover*

Yeeeees, I know.... MORE Bourjois. I'm beginning to sound like a stuck record. I'm so late to the party on this product it's not even funny, but it's just so easy to use and handy for carrying around or if, like me, you tend to bodge ONE nail. This allows for quick removal of any smudged nail polish whilst leaving the others untouched. No wonder it's a blogger favourite across the board! 

DHC Liquid Eyeliner pen - Black*

This is by far my HG eyeliner product. I've been sticking to gel liners applied with a brush for quite a long time now, but since receiving this one, have not given them a second glance. This is the easiest eyeliner to apply that I have ever found. I struggle to get a thin enough line a lot of time. I don't know what it is about this one. It's a brush, but a very rigid, sturdy brush that doesn't slide around or bend too easily and you get a LOT of product so no need to dip between eyes. The shaft of the brush is also nice and long and easily controlled. I'd highly recommend!! 

TIGI Catwalk Session Series: Transforming Dry Shampoo*

I was introduced to this during London Fashion Week and it's completely changed my viewpoint when it comes to dry shampoos. This is more of a texturising product, although it does absorb excess oil like you would expect of a dry shampoo. It's volumising and mattifying and I find an all-over spray of this followed by much ruffling of roots adds a touch of disheveled chic to my everyday look. It's virtually transparent as well so no hint of talcum powder hair. I find that my hair has a really silky texture and struggles to hold style so this is perfect for adding some 'grip'. I will be repurchasing the hell out of this.

Blue Nail Polish

I've been going MENTAL for blue on my nails recently!! I've no idea why... It started with the Barry M Blueberry Gelly polish and kind of escalated from there!! I've got quite a diverse range of tones as well and no two are the same (even though they may be SIMILAR). There's always room for another blue nail polish in my collection of late. 

My shades are....

(As below, L-R)

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint - Blueberry

H&M Nail Polish - Blue My Mind

Nails Inc Neon - Kensington Park Road

Bourjois So Laque Glossy - Adora-Bleu

Barry M Nail Paint - Denim

GOSH Special Edition Nail Polish - Tilted Blue

So those are a few things I've been going mental for in recent weeks/months/no particular timeframe and I have no intention of stopping using them just because I have to do a different favourites post in another month's time. So I ain't gonna do one haha. I'll just update you if I uncover any new gems that make it into my 'can't function without recently' pile. How about that?? 

Do you find products you LOVE and stick with them?? Or do you constantly search for something different/better??

Instant Obsession: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

It's not often I'm rendered gobsmacked by a product after a first use. Usually, if I'm sceptical or suspicious of a product, its for a good reason and I'll analyse it over and over and try it every which way before I commit to make a final judgement (I'm a Virgo, what can i say). I should tell you, I was a complete unbeliever when it came to oil cleansers. In fact, I've had a sample size of this very product tucked away in my cupboard for a couple of months now and had never given it a second glance but, now I've had my eyes forcibly opened on the subject, I'm here today to tell you about the wonder that is....

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil*

For those of you unfamiliar with DHC, I'll give you a little back story...

DHC are a Japanese-born mail order cosmetics brand who are MASSIVE in Asia and in the States and have recently been making a similar splash here in the UK with their extensive range of skincare and cosmetics which you can order online via their website, or by phone. 

The Deep Cleansing Oil incorporates a blend of Vitamin E and Olive Oil (an ingredient put to great use by DHC is all manner of products) and claims to unclog pores and remove all makeup and impurities from the skin to leave it clean, fresh and free from free-radicals. I'll admit now that, with my combination skin, I would avoid this like the plague if I hadn't had it explained in detail to me at an event held by DHC this week. I initially believed that it would turn me into a total grease-monkey. How wrong was I?!?!

The cleanser itself is like a very thin oil and you only need a couple of pumps to do a whole face (in my limited experience of using it). I've been smoothing it all over before wetting my face with water and massaging the product into my skin. The product turns milky on contact with the water and leaves no oily residue whatsoever when rinsed off. It removes ALL of my makeup and leaves my skin feeling the cleanest it has felt in a LONG time! 

I've been using this product in tandem with my Elemis Balancing Lime Blossom Cleanser (review HERE) just because I am still a little wary of it.... There has to be a catch somewhere, right?? Perhaps wrong, but time will tell. It is thoroughly effective at removing all traces of makeup and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth as well as clean. 

The cleanser comes in 3 sizes. 200ml, which is featured here, 70ml and 30ml. The largest size retails at £21.50, however, through until 30th March, you can get it at a discounted £18 on dhcuk.co.uk. If, like me, you're a little sceptical and would prefer to give it a road test before committing to such a massive bottle, the 30ml size is only £4.50 and well worth a try! Since sharing this product over Instagram, I can't believe how many ladies have popped up saying how much they love this product. Safe to say, I am now one of them and will be repurchasing the hell out of it! 

How do you feel about oil cleansers?? What products do you rely on to get your skin REALLY clean?? What skincare products can't you live without??