First half '15 Favourites

Can you believe it's July already? Madness!

I thought I'd share with you a few products I've been loving in the first half of 2015, I'm trying not to repeat myself, so there are lots of products not included in this favourites which have featured previously on Pocket full of bobby pins which I still obviously love, but I wanted to avoid sounding like a broken record!

First up OGX shampoo and conditioner. I bought my first one, Kukui oil, when I went on my honeymoon in April, the conditioner is still going, but that shampoo has been used up as my husband used it too. Jammy so 'n so.

I've since loaded up on them every time I see them on offer, often in Boots or Waitrose, so I have a hefty backup stash already. They're sulphate free, so gentle on your hair and they all smell amazing. I've heard the coconut one is popular, but I can't stand the smell. Blergh.

I feel you can't go wrong with these, they have ones for all types of hair and I am currently trialling some of their other hair products to see if they are as good as the shampoos and conditioners; So watch this space.

My only other drugstore product is the Garnier Micellar water. I've seen lots of people use the 'pink' version of this, which is for dry/sensitive skin. The 'green' one is combination/sensitive, so naturally I went for this one.

Just to be clear- I do not use this as my facial cleanser.

I generally use it as an eye makeup remover, or to correct any mistakes (I'm talking to you, eyeliner)

I'm quite anal when it comes to washing my face, and I really don't think this would thoroughly cleanse your face to remove all makeup residue/ pollution/ SPF at the end of the day. I suppose it would suffice at a festival when you obviously wouldn't have the ability to do a hot cloth cleanse.

What ever you use it for, it is a great product; extremely gentle, even on heavy eye makeup and a matte lipstick, and obviously great value. There is something hugely satisfying about holding a big weighty bottle, possibly because so many high-end products are small and dainty. I've had this three months and only used a quarter of the bottle.

I'm definately a skin care over makeup kind of gal, but makeup is obviously a necessity.

I feel like the search for the perfect mascara (and foundation) will never be over, but Chanel Le Volume mascara could be a contender. 

Normally I'm not overly focused on what the mascara wand looks like, whether it's a soft brush or silicone. But that is definately what I liked about this product; it's great for getting a good amount of product on the applicator, and it's extremely black. Which I loved! It was great to layer and build up and the brush is ideal for getting separate lashes but lots of volume too.

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My only other makeup favourite is the Smashbox photo filter powder. I bought this on a whim after buying the Studio Skin foundation, the consultant put some on me as I like a bit of powder over my foundation. She told me it gives you an 'Instagram filter' effect on your skin. I was dubious at first, but I thought my MAC powder needed replacing, so I took the plunge.

Initially I was using it with my regular powder brush and like it just as much as any other powder really. Then one day I needed a quick cover up as I was quickly popping to the shops but didn't want to put on a full face, and I remembered the consultant saying about the sponge which comes with the powder, normally I'm not a fan of sponge applicators- I don't even have a beauty blender- but needs must.

Oh my gosh, I wish I'd used it from the beginning! It softens all your features, which I guess is the 'filter' effect, and the coverage is amazing, and I like a full coverage. I rave about this powder to everyone. Definately one of my game changer products.

Liquid Gold, I used initially about two years ago, when I was getting desperate with my skin and I'd heard good things about it. But it was far, far to premature.

Now that my skin is under control, and I am trying to reduce my acne scaring, I repurchased, and I feel it now lives up to the hype, and I am always keen to disagree with products which have been over glorified. 

I use it every other evening, and when I wake up my skin always looks clearer and brighter. It's always so tempting to use it every night, but I don't want to over sensitise my skin. 

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Speaking of which, it's really important to wear a daily sunscreen, especially whilst using products with AHAs or BHAs, which I am a huge fan of. I mentioned in my previous post that I use sun protection separate to foundation, and this is it; UV plus. It has SPF 50, which may seem high to a lot of people, but protecting my skin from UVA and UVB rays is more important to me than any tan.

I put a couple of drops of this over my moisturiser, a little goes such a long way, it's oil free and so light weight it doesn't make my makeup slide of my skin like a regular sun screen would. I wouldn't be without it.

My penultimate favourite I've wanted to get my hands on for ages!

Everyone went mad for the Clarins Lip Oil when it was first launched, and I actually bought two as gifts, and not one for myself!

But now I finally have one of my own; I am the worst for biting and chewing on my lips, and one quick application of this before I go to bed lets me wake up with soft, smooth lips.

The applicator is defiantly what makes this product. The formula looks a bit sticky and gloopy, but somehow this magic wand glides the oil onto your lips and it melts in.

Last, but not least is Flowerbomb by Viktor&Rolf.

I always think fragrances are hard to do in blog posts, because smells are very personal. Even earlier I said I didn't like coconut, which is always a summer favourite, and I'm sure many people wont be a fan of this scent.

When choosing my wedding wedding fragrance it was between this and La Vie Est belle by Lancome. In the end I went with the latter, but later on I also bought Flowerbomb, because I still really liked it! 

Only when writing this blog post did I look up what the notes were do I see why I was drawn to it so much;

Top notes; bergamot and tea (well I love tea)

Heart notes; Jasmine (one of my favourite scents), freesia and orchid

Base notes; Centiflora rose and patchouli.

All these are right up my street, if they are yours too, I highly recommend you have a spritz next time you walk past a perfume section.

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So those are all my January-June favourites

What products have you been loving in the beginning of 2015?

Do you think I should try the beauty blender, will that surprise me too?

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As in skincare friends!

I said I would do a post on my 'current skin care'. Although it does change rather frequently, as I'm always on the look out for other products.

OK, lets start at the beginning

Cleansers

I tend to use the Clarins Extra Comfort Cleansing Cream as my morning cleanser, although I have used it to remove makeup in the past. I probably stopped because it's not the best to take off eye makeup. It's a lovely texture and really gentle on the skin.

Note none of my cleansers are foaming.

Clinique Take The Day Off (TTDO) is a really simple cleanser which does what it says on the tin, well, jar. It comes in other forms (milk/oil) but the balm is my favourite.

So once I've removed my makeup, I always go in with a second cleanse. Depending on how my skin is feeling. Normally after work my skin is feeling GROSS so I use Soap and Glory Ultimelt which is a purifying cleanser, and makes my face feel super clean with out stripping it.

Alternatively I may use The Body Shop Camomile Balm, which is quite similar to TTDO or Neals Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm; full of antioxidants and good stuff. The most expensive of the lot too.

It's also probably worth noting I apply all my cleansers to a dry skin and remove with a damp muslin cloth or flannel.

Toners

I only use acid toners, as they offer gentle exfoliation, and I alternate Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion which contains salicylic acid and Clarins Gentle Exfoliator* which contains glycolic acid.

In the past I have used acid toners from Avene and La Roche Posay, but they don't quite cut it.

I have recently started using the La Roche Posay Serozinc as a kind of second toner step. It's still early days so I can't really offer an opinion yet. But it's supposed to help reduce blemishes.

*Clarins recommend this product as a weekly treatment, but my skin is quite used to the acid toners so I use it alternate days- but listen to your own skin. It does increase sensitivity to the sun, so always wear an SPF.

Serums

I'm not an experienced user of serums. I haven't found a 'problem skin' serum I really liked, so I use a hydrating one. 

Any good serum for dehydrated skin will contain hyaluronic acid like Vichy Aqualia Thermal serum is actually one of the few products I have repurchased more than once. It's a beautiful texture, and suits my combination skin. Previously I have tried Clarins HydraQuench bi-phase serum, which does essentially the same thing, but I preferred this one.

I know I said I wasn't keen on problem skin serums, but I do have the Vichy Night Detox which I have used on and off for a while now. Not a particularly avid fan though.

Moisturisers

I'm unsure whether you should use different moisturisers for different purposes like with cleansers or serums. 

Either way, I only have one which is the Vichy Aqua Thermal, to match the serum. As you can see it's practically empty, and I have brought a backup. But thats not to say I wouldn't change if another came along. I haven't seen anything that takes my fancy yet!

Oils

As I said, I only have one moisturiser, and I don't get along with night creams, so I use Clarins Blue Orchid Oil. It's a hydrating treatment oil and smells gorgeous. 

I normally apply it on it's own after cleansing, and occasionally I will use it after the Vichy Night Detox. It lasts for ages too, as you use such a small amount.

Treatments 

In the lead up to my wedding I wanted my skin to be as good as it could be, so I bought a more intense glycolic and salicylic acid from Bravura, which make the Dermaflannel I have previously written about. 

These are nightly 'peel' treatments, although NONE OF YOUR SKIN PEELS OFF. I would highly recommend these products, as they are so affordable (under a tenner) and work incredibly, but please only use them after an email consultation they offer on their website. 

Finally I try to use the Clarins HydraQuench mask once a week... But it's more like once a month.

It's a lovely cream mask, so it doesn't set, and it's super at getting the hydration back into the skin and making it look plumped up and healthy!

As you can see, it's not too extensive- or expensive. I've managed to find a lot of great products that my skin loves that don't cost the earth!

You also don't have to stick to products that are solely for your skin type. Hardly any of my products are specifically for a oily/ combination skin.

What skin care product can you not live without?

Which part of your routine are you looking to change?

(Another) Skin Update

So a little over a year ago I did a post update on how my awful irrational skin had improved to a slightly more manageable state.

And me being the eagerly presumptuous person that I am thought you might all like to know how me and my skin are doing.

I think the easiest way to tell you is just to show you the pictures...

So above is the picture I posted last year on my blog when I was just starting to get to grips with controlling and understanding my skin.

And below is my skin now...

As you can see, it's far from perfect. But I'm surprised myself how much of an improvement there has been! Especially compared to the first picture.

I guess the key to my progress is investing in products for your skin. That certainly doesn't mean spending a fortune on skin care, just do research, read blogs, articles and reviews. Find out what works for your skin.

Also, your skin takes time to heal, repair and adjust to new products. No product, I repeat NO PRODUCT is a miracle cure that will give you 100% improvement overnight. Allow your skin time to reap the benefits of the glorious ingredients from your products.

I may do another post with my 'current skin care routine' and I'm trying to keep these posts short and concise! 

But that's all for now.

See you later peeps

xx

Dermaflannel Results - Skin Care Update - Dairy Update

This is a bit of a wordy post, but I hope it will be helpful to people struggling with skin problems, and I've tried to throw in a few pics to break it up a bit

If you've read any of my previous posts, you'd know I've been suffering from various levels of problems skin. It has really yo-yo'd in state since I was eleven, but I believe I may have nailed a skin care and diet routine which is nourishing and healing for my skin, and I'd like to share my results with you.

I've always wanted to do a dramatic skin transformation results post, but have never had enough improvement to justify one, so I put the idea on the back burner for a while, and it wasn't until I stumbled across some photos I took around the time I wrote the Dairy Disappointed post, which I published nearly a year ago, and was shocked how much my skin had improved!

Before I share my results with you, maybe you'd like to know what lifestyle changes to achieve this improvement?

First, and I really do think most important, is your diet. Not only do you feel different on the inside, it shows through your skin. I can't stress enough, I have not embarked on some strict 'dieting' scheme, just eating less sweets and junk food, more veggies and fruit. You know the deal, it's not rocket science!

Source

I have also found an incredible difference eating full fat dairy products, which I know to some of you would seem like a no-go. I don't exactly know the in's and out's of the science behind it, but it's something to do with the skimming process which reduces the fat in dairy products which alters the produce and some peoples digestive systems can't process the enhanced food. Also many companies add extra sugars to low-fat foods to make them taste decent, which kind of counter acts the reduced fat part!

Source

Once I had my diet pinned down, I wanted to (gently) tackle my acne scars. They were red-raw and bumpy, and even the best concealer couldn't hide them, and my make up would end up cakey and didn't grant me any confidence. The opposite of what I wanted to achieve!

I had banned any nasty scrubs as I knew now these irritated my skin, and wanted to try some BHA and AHA products, but I had limited funds, I then stumbled across the Dermaflannel. It promised to achieve similar results to those acid products but was suitable for people who couldn't use them (or who were on a budget) I asked for one for my birthday this year and haven't looked back.

The Results

I have actually decided to share the worst side, as I felt it had more improvement. It's also the side I sleep on the majority of the time, although I'm not sure how much of a impact this has.

I also noticed when comparing the photos that I have more of a defined jaw, which is probably another result of diet improvement.

As I'm sure you can see, I still have improvement to make, but I felt what I had been doing in the last three months had made such an improvement I was confident and trusting enough to share these slightly grim photos from my past.

What skin care improvements have you noticed recently?

Do you think it's a good idea to track developments?

On a side note, my blog will be a year old on the 25th May, how does a blogger celebrate this?

Bravura London Dermaflannel

I finally got round to using my new Dermaflannel (RRP £11.99) that I got from my birthday. I was slightly intimidated by all the precautions that are included within the instructions, which is why it took me a few weeks to get round to trying out, as I wanted to give it my full attention. This isn't some body scrub you can excessively use in the shower.You'd be surprised how much damage this soft little flannel can cause if used incorrectly.

It's an innovative product from Bravura London, which gives the results of a chemical peel in the comfort of your own home. As well as being very cost effective, it is suitable for people who are unable to undergo chemical treatments, due to pregnancy or medication.

It has a long list of rave reviews from fellow bloggers and on the Bravura London website, and it's easy to see why; With this little flannel you will no longer have to buy expensive exfoliators or face scrubs. It's great for evening out skin tone, improving problem skin and fine lines, it also it great for removing dead skin on knees and elbows, reducing ingrowing hairs and brightening dull skin. In fact it can be used all over the body except the delicate eye and genital areas, and can be used to treat a whole host of skin concerns.

The secret to the success of the Dermflannel is in it's unique weave; It's woven from tiny fibres in a special process which results in it's distinctive appearance. The fine fibres the flannel is composed of allows the surface to deeply cleanse the face and body removing any excess dirt, oil and skin. It's so good at it's job, all you need to add it water!

Before the initial use I washed the flannel by hand with some mild anti-bacterial soap, as recommended on the instruction card. I decided to use it to treat my blocked pores first, as it seemed like the least invasive treatment, so I could get used to how the system would react to my skin. I did a initial gentle cleanse with some Micellar Water and some cotton pads, as my regular cleanser contains Glycolic acid and I didn't want to over exfoliate or stimulate the skin.

I then opened the pores by heating the flannel in hot water, wringing out the excess, then placing it over my face until it had cooled. Once the pores have opened the flannel it swept gently across the effected areas to remove excess dirt and skin from the pores and skins surface.

My skin did tingle for about 10 minutes afterwards and felt slightly more sensitive for about 12 hours afterwards. It is also really important to compensate for the heightened sensitivity skin will experience by wearing at least SPF 15 (I wear SPF 30 in Eucerin Dermo Purifyer)

The blocked pore/blackhead treatment it suitable to do daily, but you really do have to be gentle and only go over the same area no more than twice.

For more information on the conditions Dermaflannel can treat visit the Bravura London website, although a full list of instructions are included with every flannel purchased.

Back to Basics: The not-quite-a-review review

A few months ago when I started blogging I realised I really had to up my game when came to skin care.

I invested in the legendary Emma Hardy cleansing balm, but when it came to the add ons I felt a bit lost as to what actually was best for my troubled skin.

I had read reviews and recommendations of various products on other blogs, but no one seemed to to have skin as bad as mine so when they claimed their time-of-the-month blemishes cleared up quickly, I couldn't help but feel they would have disappeared in due course regardless of their skin care routine.

I went into a Space NK branch down the road from my college and expressed how frustrated I was still suffering from teenage skin.

I ruled out anything that could be aggravating my skin such as diet (I had cut out dairy, which is renowned for upsetting skin, and no improvement) products such as makeup; but I had been suffering from troubled skin before I'd started wearing makeup, let alone decent makeup, plus I don't wear it everyday, or anything else which may irritate my skin like hair or excessively touching it. I do have a fringe, but I don't suffer at all from blemishes on my forehead it is mainly along my jawline, cheeks and neck, so I don't believe any of these things contribute to the state of my skin.

(Oh and I also drink lots of water and not that much alcohol)

Once those factors had been ruled out I was told to try two products (along side my cleanser) to calm my skin down and help improve renewal and healing of skin, as well as keeping it hydrated and nourished.

Both products are from the Zelens range (pricey, but I was willing to forgo the expenditure for better skin).

The first product was the Resurfacing Facial Pads, which are designed to gently exfoliate sensitive skin, avoiding harsh grains which can aggravate the skin, as well as having anti-bacterial properties, help cell renewal for faster healing.

These were to be used after a night time cleanse, followed by no night cream.

The other product was Z Matrix Moisture Infusion which is a gel-moisturiser, and supposedly helps draw water to the surface of the skin so it stays hydrated and receives the nourishment it needs.
It is actually a lovely product to use because of the gel texture, and it is cooling for sensitive skin, but I don't think it is worth it's price-tag.

I was told to splash my face with water in the morning (to retain all the goodness from the resurfacing facial pad the night before) then apply the z matrix moisture infusion as a moisturiser afterward.

I was told to use the product for around three months to begin to see any improvement, and I accept that these things take time. So far i've been using it for eight weeks...

I'm a bit stuck on what I have to say about my new skin care routine. My skin definately hasn't worsened, nor has the appearance improved. I would say it is smoother, and much less bumpy, and it doesn't feel as itchy or sore like it was before.

I think what bothers me is the redness, as I've found that so difficult to disguise. Even with a great concealer, it still looks pinky, and Estee Lauder have just discontinued my shade in their camouflage makeup range, but are apparently bringing out a new concealer, so that better be good!

So maybe this is a 'to be continued' post as I'm determined to find something that works for me. In the mean time I will continue to pursue my current routine in the hope I will get some results. Watch this space! 

If any one has any tips or products they would like to recommend I would be open to options.

Has anyone found any 'holy grail' skin care products?

Dairy Disappointed

I have unfortunately suffered from what can only be described as 'problem' skin a bloody big problem since I was about eleven, and although I have tried many, many treatments from creams and ointments from the drugstore, to prescribed topical lotions, and pills, even Roaccutane (which I would not recommend to anyone) from my GP and Dermatologist. 

It has luckily got considerably better since my teenage years, only 'breaking out' during that time of the month, but the red bumps and soreness have never diminished *sigh*.

Recently I have considerably upped my game when it comes to my skin care routine, which I will divulge into later in my blog, and through my exhaustive research into what products are most effective for treating and nourishing blemished skin, is what you put into your body effects whats on the outside of your body too, i.e your skin!

This may seem like common sense 'eat greasy food, have greasy skin', but I'm not talking about that, I've seen many bloggers exclaiming how much their skin has improved once they removed dairy from their diet.

Humans are the only animals who consume the milk of another animal (whether it be a cow, goat etc) which is kind of gross, considering it's purpose is for baby calves. And the possible reason for it causing acne (urgh, there, I said that dreaded word) is from a natural hormone that the Mumma cows produce. A natural hormone for COWS, not humans!

I really don't want to become one of those people who avoid eating certain things because of something the read on the internet, which they weren't allergic too, and I'm not preaching to everyone to start a dairy free way of life, as it's not necessary for most people. But for me desperate times calls for desperate measures, and I am now going to embark on a dairy/milk free diet.

Here are some cute pictures of cows, as I don't want them to feel unloved!

Whats the most extreme thing you've done to get better skin or hair? 

What are your top tips for perfect skin?

Images from http://farm8.static.flickr.com, http://www.collapseboard.com, http://www.siliconrepublic.com, http://earthhopenetwork.net