Body Shop Haulin'

Just throwing it out there...I love The Body Shop.  Who doesn't?!  I don't think I've bought anything from there that I haven't really, really liked, and whilst I'm not keen on their prices, I am keen on the fact that there is always an offer on.  And the offers are usually pretty damn good.  I got a £25 gift voucher for Christmas to spend there (from my dog, Ronnie...he's a good dog!) and I am pretty surprised that I managed to hold off spending it for so long!  I was a bit disappointed to see that I couldn't spend it online, but hey ho, a trip in store it is - which by the way, was brimming with all of the Christmas stock!  There's hardly anything Christmassy left online, but there was practically all of the Christmas bits in store from the limited edition products to the gift sets at bargain prices!  Definitely worth popping in store if you missed something!

Despite all the Christmas stock, I didn't buy any of the sale bits really.  It was a pretty focussed shop actually and I must have been in and out within five minutes!  Onto the haul and it's going to make for a fairly long post...

Okay first off, I picked up the full size Chocomania Shower Cream as mentioned in my December Body Care Empties post.  I really liked using the miniature that I got, and couldn't resist picking up another!  At £2, it's hardly bank breaking either!  I also picked up a full size version of the Vitamin E Moisture Cream which I've been really liking lately.  I haven't finished the miniature that I've got, but I couldn't let it run out and not have one as a back up - seriously nice to use.

I went on a bit of a Vitamin E spree as I also picked up the Vitamin E Hydrating Toner and the Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil.  I've not tried either of these bits, so I'm definitely looking forward to slipping these into my routine.  I've not ever really managed to religiously use a toner in my skincare routine, but quite fancy using this Vitamin E one in the evening alongside the Serum in Oil.  When it first came out, I heard lots of raving about the Serum in Oil but that died out pretty quickly so I'm hoping it's as nice as everyone once said it was.  Of course I'll report back on it!

I really have been loving using the Soothing Aloe Day Cream lately, so thought that I'd add a second toner to my routine - I've really gone for it with toners guys - and that's the Aloe Calming Toner.  There's something about the Aloe Day Cream that I think has really calmed my skin down - I rarely break out anymore, and my skin just seems so much better recently now I've started focussing on skincare.  I even think I'm breaking out of the full on oily skin type and breaching the combination skin type!  Hopefully this will keep the good skin comin'...

I picked up the Tea Tree Cool and Creamy Wash as I'm running a bit low on my face wash stash.  I'm really looking forward to finishing my current ones so I can wack this one out - I can just imagine this feeling so soothing and nice on my skin!  I'm currently using a gel cleanser, so this cream will be a nice change!  And finally, I picked up a Facial Massager!  Facial Massages are actually really important for the skin as they aid moisture absorption, can lead to firmer, younger looking skin, and my main reason for getting one, they can help with lymphatic drainage.  I often get quite sore lumps along my jaw line, which I assumed were just annoying under the skin spots, but reading about facial massage made me realise that it might just be trapped toxins from the lack of blood circulation around my face - so...massage, circulation boost, no more sore lumps?  Fingers crossed.  Plus, Caroline Hirons recommended it so for £6 it's no biggie.

Better yet, the offer on at the minute is spend £50 and get £25 off!  Which meant I got £50 worth of product for my £25 gift card!  Well I went £4 over my gift card, but oh well...Hurrah!  Good times all round!

Have you picked anything up from The Body Shop lately?

The Sick Day Skin Care Routine

This week hasn't been a great one as I've been plagued with the dreaded flu that has been making the rounds.  I've spent two days in bed watching the world go by from my window whilst watching a ridiculous amount of Friends.  Ten hours yesterday to be exact.  That's actually a little sickening writing that out.  But y'know.  Ill times and all that.

You might be thinking that fitting in a skincare regime when you feel so crap is a bit OTT, but I found that looking after my skin really helped in making me feel better in myself.  Don't get me wrong, I have spent the last three days completely make up free, and wearing very minimal make up on the days I made it into work, but my skin is feeling pretty peachy.

After cleansing, I started my day of lazing by applying my favourite eye cream which is the Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream.  I've raved about it here before, but it checks all of my boxes; smoothing, hydrating and brightening - brightening being the key here when we're severely lacking in energy.  I've been using The Body Shop's Soothing Aloe Day Cream for quite a while now, so kept it in my routine.  It's thicker than your usual day cream, but once applied feels really light and super hydrating.  I topped off my skin with Bioderma's Atoderm Cream but only applied it to the really dry patches on my skin which was mainly around my nose.  It really helped take care of the skin which had gotten sore from too much nose blowing!  I topped off my morning skin care with a swift application of LUSH's Lip Service Lip Balm to my super dry lips, ensuring that I did this straight after washing my hands seeing as it's a finger dip lip balm, and I don't fancy swiping my flu germs back into the pot.

The evening routine was also a pretty quick one.  I started the evening how I do every evening by using the Yes To Blueberries Eye Cream.  I like using this one in the evening as it's a bit richer than the Balance Me one and really helps to hydrate the areas around the eyes.  I follow that with the Vitamin E Moisture Cream from The Body Shop.  I haven't had this miniature too long, but I've already repurchased the full size!  It's really hydrating, but so light I could use it morning or evening and it smells really nice!

Following the Vitamin E Moisture Cream, I've been alternating between these two; the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask and the ESPA Optimal Skin Pro Serum.  The Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask smells incredible and will probably always be a staple in my skincare stash.  I absolutely love using it, and my dehydrated skin is always thankful by the morning.  The ESPA Pro Serum is one that I don't see getting spoken about too much, but is a product that is a real skin treat.  I'm going to link you straight to the ESPA website to read up on the benefits of the serum as there are so many skin loving oils in there that my post would be ridiculously long if I tried to list them all, but it brightens the skin, enhances radiance, moisturises, soothes and protects just to name a few.  It really is an amazing product and one that I'll definitely be repurchasing despite its £48 price tag...  Finally, I slapped on some more of the Bioderma cream where needed - I'd definitely recommend picking one of these up, it's been amazing at sorting out my extreme dry skin areas.

So there we have it.  I'm feeling so much better today and have even ventured out of the house!  I'm back to work tomorrow, and hopefully having carried out these routines I won't look too grey and lack lustre...hopefully much better than I did on Thursday anyway!

Do you have a sick day skin routine?

December Empties: Skin Care

Continuing on from the last Empties Post, I'm back with some more empties, but this time it's skin care!  I've really been enjoying my skin care routine lately and have really enjoyed finding some lovely products that really work well with my skin.  Some bits I've been using haven't been great, but oh well...

My first empty is this pack of Yes To Cucumbers Face Wipes.  I don't remember the last time I bought a pack of face wipes, and I actually won this pack - I used to use face wipes daily, but y'know...Caroline Hirons and all that.  Basically my skin care has come on in leaps and bounds.  These weren't bad face wipes, but I don't think I'll be buying them again in the hope that I actually stop being lazy and use water and an actual cleanser.

Next up is The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye Make Up Remover.  I love this.  So much so, I've already bought and am onto my second bottle.  I don't use this daily, but it really is great for travelling and using on the days where your mascara needs a little extra help.  It needs a shake as it's got an oily layer, but it's amazing at removing your make up  - I love the entire Camomile range, and would definitely recommend you try it!

This Nuxe Nuxellence Jeunesse Youth and Radiance Revealing Fluid was a real favourite of mine.  Unfortunately for me, this was only a sample size, but I got so many uses out of it.  It's a really light weight moisturiser that applies beautifully to skin.  It feels really velvety and not at all heavy.  I would love to own this again, but at £47 for the full size, it's not something I'll be purchasing any time soon.  But if this is in your price range, I'd highly recommend trying it out!  There is 20.15% off it at the moment at Escentual!

The Garnier Pure Shine Control Moisturiser was one I really liked at first.  It was great before it started to get really cold - it's a  light blue formula with a jelly like texture, and smoothes on really nicely.  I didn't notice anything spectacular with the oil control aspect, but I did notice how tacky it made my skin feel.  I don't think I'll be picking this up again.  I also wasn't too keen on the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Stress Control Cleansing Lotion.  First up, it's not your typical lotion - it's not creamy, it's a full on fluid.  I didn't use this regularly, just in times of need when I thought that something must be able to help me battle my skin - I didn't notice any real action from this lotion, but I guess I was using it irregularly.  I just found it to be quite drying, and stripping so my skin wouldn't have liked daily use.

Finally, my favourite from the lot - the Origins Make A Difference Plus Rejuvenating Moisturiser.  I can't even begin to explain how much I loved using this, and how gutted I was when it ran out.  Firstly, it smells amazing - really uplifting, slightly fruity, but mostly refreshing.  It was really light weight, but also really hydrating at the same time.  A little does go a long way, so despite the £34.50 price tag, I really would like to pick another one of these up.  The pot I had is best suited for combination/dry skin, which was nice on my skin, but I would like to try the Make A Difference Plus Rejuvenating Treatment for combination/oily skin to see how it compares.

What skin care bits have you been loving lately?

L'Occitane Extra Gentle Shea Butter Lotion For Hands & Body

I've never bought anything from L'Occitane before - I technically still haven't.  The L'Occitane Extra Gentle Lotion For Hands & Body is a moisturiser that sits on the sink in the bathroom where I work, and it's something I'm secretly starting to love!

It's a Shea Butter lotion, but I don't think it smells like other Shea Butters I've tried.  I think this one stands out to be a touch more perfumed, yet really fresh!  If I had this at home, I'd be cracking it out after hopping out the shower in the morning, because it smells amazing - so clean!  When I use it at work, the scent is a real pick me up and lasts quite a while before disappearing.

The consistency is a lot more fluid compared to most of my other moisturisers.  It comes out of the pump really easily - thumbs up for the pump application - and a little does go a long way .  Last week, I had a random bout of dry skin across my legs and forearms, to the point that they looked a little scaley despite not feeling particularly dry - I massaged a pump of this on each limb and any dryness was instantly eradicated!  Everytime I have used this lotion, it always leaves my skin feeling perfectly moisturised and refreshed.  As well as shea butter, L'Occitane have also used honey extract and oat milk to really help soften and smooth your skin, as well as discourage any skin irritations.

The lotion absorbs into the skin really quickly, which is ideal for me.  I'm really not a fan of using a hand cream at work in case it leaves a residue - I hate drawing and using my tablet at work with sticky hands!  I always feel dirty if there is any stickiness, because I feel as though dirt sticks to the stickiness of my hand cream...anyone else think like that, or is this just crazy, clean Carly coming through??  (This hand cream also is described on the back of the bottle to help the effects of dryness from excessive washing...my dream!?)

At £17.00 for 300ml, it's not the cheapest moisturiser you could buy, but it really is a treat for the skin!  I'll definitely be picking myself up a bottle, and will be checking out what else L'Occitane have to offer.  Before this, they weren't a brand I've ever ventured into, but I've been left seriously impressed!

Have you tried anything from L'Occitane?  What are your recommendations?

Wednesday Wishlist #5: ASOS Sale

I had been happily browsing through the ASOS site this last week, but unfortunately it was just "window shopping."  Having just moved into my house, and filled it with furniture, it's safe to say I'm pretty skint at the moment.  An Access All ASOS e-mail dropped into my inbox this afternoon giving Insiders an opportunity to win a voucher towards their wishlist!  I was on it...

1/2/3/4/5

First on my wishlist is this pair of faded blue Vans.  My Vans are pretty destroyed and I am still wearing my biker boots even though it's sweltering outside, so these would be perfect for bringing a bit of Summer into my style!  Even though I love my current Vans, I have always wanted a blue pair like these, so for this bargain price...well they need to mine.

I had spotted the Yes To range on ASOS a while back, so I'm pleasantly surprised to find some bits of theirs in the sale.  I've never tried the brand before, but have heard lots of great things about their products.  My skin is continuing to play up, despite being on tablets from the doctors, so I'd like to try the brand starting with the Yes To Tomatoes Balancing Moisturiser said to help reduce redness and blemishes.

I love midi skirts and everyone always compliments my figure when I wear them, and whilst it's a bit hot at the moment to crack them out, I think they are a wardrobe staple.  I also love this bottle green colour!  This one is from AX Paris and is a jersey style, so isn't your full on office pencil skirt.

Despite being completely skint, I have a holiday booked next month!  I have done no holiday clothes shopping, so I thought I'd slip in a nice playsuit!  I love this monochrome floral printed playsuit and think the swing fit would be really flattering on my shape.  I also think the contrast in colours would look amazing with a tan...even though I am definitely a burner over a tanner.

Probably my favourite item on this weeks wishlist...this Monki Denim Biker Jacket.  I have been after a denim jacket these past few months, but whilst I love the light acid denim jackets, this faded black denim jacket is much more my style and I could see myself getting a lot of wear out of this!  I love it!

What bargains have you grabbed in the ASOS Sale?

Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser & Soothing Hydrating Serum

I am always on the look out for new bits to try, and a few months ago I was given the opportunity to try something from Avène - the Extremely Gentle Cleanser*.  It sat in my draw of spares waiting to be used, and when the Avène Soothing Hydrating Serum* made its way into my mitts, I decided to pair the duo up and finally give them some attention.

I have been using the Extremely Gentle Cleanser in the evening to remove my make up as my pre-cleanse.  It says you can use this both morning and night, but I don't feel comfortable, or clean, using a formulation like this to clean all my night grime from my face in the morning.  It is a gel like texture which you apply with your fingers, and wipe off any excess using a cotton pad.  I found that the cleanser often just disappeared into my skin, so I never found that there was too much to wipe off which is probably why I never felt particularly clean.  The gel itself though is really soothing, and does leave skin feeling really soft but it doesn't effectively clean eye make up and I'm often left with under eye smudges.

The Soothing Hydrating Serum on the other hand...well, that was amazing.  It absorbed ridiculously quickly into my skin, and left practically no residue.  My skin has been feeling a little dehydrated lately, and I really felt my skin was drinking this up.  I mainly used this in the evening over the top of my Effaclar Duo+ and underneath my chosen moisturiser.  If my skin was feeling particularly dry, I did a couple of layers of the Hydrating Serum to ensure my skin was properly hydrated!  What I really loved about the serum was being able to use it in the morning - it provided a perfect, even base for the days make up.  It isn't heavy, but leaves my skin feeling perfectly smooth.

I don't know if I would personally recommend the Cleanser, but I'd one hundred percent recommend trying the serum!  If you did want to try them, the entire Avène range is currently on offer at Escentual.

Have you tried any Avène?  Will you be trying the Cleanser or the Serum?
*PR Sample.  These Avène products were sent to me for review.

The In Flight Beauty Bag

At half past midnight tonight, I'm setting off on my travels to go to Milan.  You already know what I'm planning on wearing, so I thought I'd share what I'm taking in my bag beauty wise!  I'm only going to Milan for the day, and will be back very early Sunday morning, so all I need to take is hand luggage.  Even though my flight is only a couple of hours, my day is going to be ridiculously long - I want my make up to be in tact, and I want to be able to look fresh and awake when I land even though I'll have had pretty much zero sleep.

I'll be applying my make up last thing tonight.  It seems a bit silly really to even bother with make up that late, but I still want to look presentable when I arrive and I won't have time to be applying make up on the journey down, or in the airport, as I'll be hopefully sleeping!  I will need some touch ups though, so I've packed a small selection of bits to help me out.

First up, I've got my trusty MAC Mineralise Skin Finish in Medium.  It's got enough coverage to even out my skintone, so I won't have to pack a separate foundation.  I can also use this during the day to help get rid of any shine.  To give me a flush of colour, I've picked my Maxfactor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Pink.  I got this as part of a gift with purchase ages ago now, and it's so handy for popping in your hand bag and gives a gorgeous, natural flush.

To make my eyes more awake, I've picked out Benefits Eye Bright.  I'll be applying this to my waterline tomorrow morning and maybe even throughout the day to help disguise the fact that I am so damn tired, and hopefully reduce any red eyes.  I've also decided to bring a mascara to lift my lashes, and open my eyes.  This one is the Covergirl Clump Crusher.

For my lips, I've picked my newest lip balm which I bought from Poundland, and it's the Blistex Orange Mango Blast.  I have the Raspberry Lemonade Blast, and it smells and tastes amazing!  Citrus scents are said to be uplifting, so I'm grasping at straws and hoping this will help me out.  It's also going to be my base for my newest MAC lipstick, Relentlessly Red.  But, more about that next week - I'm trialling wear time when I wear it tomorrow!

As my make up will be on for a lot longer than usual, I wanted to make sure I had something to take my make up off when I start my journey home.  Flights are notoriously bad for your skin, so I'll be removing my make up as soon as I get on the flight home.  I'm packing a sample of Bioderma Sensibio H2O (review here) and a few cotton pads.  As my skin will need some serious hydration, I've also packed the Bioderma Atoderm PO Zinc Creme and the Bioderma Hydrabio Serum.

I might also pop a small hand cream in my bag, but I always get worried with how much liquids I'm actually allowed on a flight...  We'll see how much room I have left in my bag!  Looking at these pictures, I've realised I'm missing one critical thing...a mirror!  Queue me running upstairs to track one down...

Are you travelling away this year?  What would you take in your In Flight Beauty Bag?

HealGel Intensive

For the last month or so, my skin has been graced with an amazing product - the HealGel Intensive*.  It's not often that I am particularly bowled over by a skin care product, and usually hop from brand to brand picking up whatever I fancy or whatever is on offer at the time, but HealGel is something else.

As we know, I have oily skin which is often ruined with blemishes.  My spots are much easier to control now I'm older and am embracing a proper skincare routine, but I still have some scarring from old, bigger blemishes.  I must admit that I don't help myself though in the scarring department as I am a picker - I hate the thought of a big black head or white spot standing on my face for all to see, and I know it's a terrible habit, and I know people can't see what I see, but...well I'm just working on it.

HealGel has been cropping up a lot on blogs lately, and I can just about say that all the positivity surrounding this product, and no doubt the two others that are part of the Heal Gel range (Face and Eye), are totally justified.  This is a product that I definitely need in my life forever now.  At £37.50, it's very pricey for the 30mls that you get, but it's not a product that I use daily, only as and when needed.  I find that two pumps of product covers my face and neck properly, but you can use this to target specific areas that need it most.  I won this particular bottle on a giveaway, but I wouldn't hesitate to purchase it again myself.

HealGel Intensive has worked better on my acne and blemishes than any other spot treatment that I have tried, trust me - I've tried a LOT of treatments, as well as prescription medicines and tablets from the doctors and this little serum has really cleared up my skin.  It's made with a perfect blend of active ingredients which helps to soothe irritation, reduce redness and puffiness, helps repair the skin and helps to increase the skins natural collagen production!

On first use, my skin looked glowing and to me, noticeably plumper.  I felt fresh, clean and the light fragrance was really refreshing.  I love the light, gel texture which is absorbed easily into the skin, leaving little residue.  It's perfect for use in the morning as a make up base, and is very hydrating.  I also found that when used under my make up, it acted similar to that of a primer and definitely kept my shine at bay.  I'd love to try the other products in the range, and if anything, I really hope that they release some sort of body gel as I have the worst acne scarring on my back as that would be something I would definitely invest in - HealGel, if you're listening...pretty please!

Have you tried any of the HealGel products? What's your skin saviour?

*This HealGel was won through a Twitter giveaway.

Yu-Be Moisturising Cream

I have had this tiny sample for months, waiting for the perfect time to use it, and winter has been it.  This little tube is ridiculously amazing and I knew that after a tiny test that I would be repurchasing this...the time is coming, but I think I can hold out a little longer!

I actually got this in a Birchbox in April, but it has been securely in my clutches these last few weeks.  It is a pale yellow in colour, and is beautifully rich.  It has a scent similar to a Vicks chest rub or something, which I personally really don't like, but it fades almost instantly, leaving skin or lips perfectly soft and smooth!

Yu-Be Moisturising Skin Cream is Japans top selling skin cream, and has been for almost fifty years!  The ingredients are free from artificial dyes, petroleum and fragrances, but I did spy a sneaky paraben hiding in there for those who are cautious!

I'll one hundred percent be buying this again; it is perfect for curing winter skin!  You can get it from Boots (think of those Boots points...) for £19.50, so it's not the cheapest, but it's definitely long lasting as a little goes a hell of a long way!

Have you tried Yu-Be cream?  What are your Winter skin saviours?

Eden Organic Care Avocado Oil

It seems I'm getting an Avocado trend going on...this is my last avocado related post this month!  (Have any of you managed to make your own guacamole yet?!)  I promise it's a good one though.  A while back now, I won another competition on Olivia's blog, Beauty from the Fjord, and I got this bottle of Avocado Oil!

I've had cleansing oils, and hair oils before, but I've never had an oil that is a moisturising skin oil!  This avocado oil can be used on both skin and hair, so it's really a multi tasker.  I really like the design of the bottle, it's got like a clear casing with a cylinder inside, but I find the pump to be a little stiff so I can't get a very controlled amount of product on my hands.  Mine has also leaked a little in the casing which might have been because of it being laid down in the post?

I've mainly been using this on my skin and I've found it to be really nice for when you've got the dreaded winter skin; popping this on before bed is just amazing and I really find that my skin is sorted by the morning.

The oil is, I'm going to contradict myself a bit here, a luminous but murky green and the smell isn't the nicest but I've found that it disappears really quickly so it is fine for me to use.  It's completely natural so what you're getting is a natural colouring and scent.  But because of the colour, it is definitely an oil for the evening, or you might get a yellowy tinge to your skin!

The avocado oil has so many benefits as well, more than what I expected to be honest!  I photographed the box so I just wasn't quoting, but just look....Vitamins A, D and E, and acids!  If reading beauty blogs has taught me anything, skin and acid is just one big positive.  Except for the chemical/science acids...obviously.

I am really trying hard to start looking after my hair, so I really ought to try and get into a routine of using this regularly.  I've used it a few times, but I think to really see the results on my hair, I need a proper regime, especially improving my split ends.  Maybe when and if I get the chop, I'll start properly!  The few times I have used this though, my hair has definitely got an improved shine, seems much more manageable and generally smoother!

I'd definitely buy this again when this bottle runs out, and I have seen that Eden also do a few other oils including Argan, Rosehip and Jojoba.  At the time of writing this, they were updating their website for new product launches so I'll leave their Twitter as you should definitely give them a browse!

Also!  Something I found out whilst looking up general organic products...did you know that it's not illegal for companies to put the word "organic" on their label, even if it isn't organic?  I didn't!  Which is why you need to look out for the soil association logo on packaging as a sign that it is truly organic!  The Eden Organic Avocado Oil has it on the bottle and on the outside box!

What oils do you enjoy using?  Have you tried Avocado Oil?
*This bottle of  Eden Organic Care Avocado Oil was won through a blog giveaway.

Laura Mercier Body & Bath Luxe Quartet in Crème Brûlée

Well it has been a while hasn't it.  I don't know where this month has gone at all; I've not even been particularly busy!  I can't believe it's so close to Christmas!  I work in an office where it is literally Christmas all year, so I thought I'd be sick of it, but if anything, it's made me even more excited!

A few weeks ago, you might have seen that Urban Retreat Beautique were doing their annual Christmas Quest.  I'd never played before, but I had the best week!  Basically, you have to hunt around their website and find items that are marked at £0.02, and if you find it, you need to buy it before anyone else!  I was very lucky and on the first day that I played, I won this beauty...the Laura Mercier Body & Bath Luxe Quartet in Crème Brûlée worth an amazing £60!  Bought for two perfect pennies!!

It arrived in a sturdy gift box, and inside was a Honey Bath, a sugar scrub, a body creme and a candle.  I was a bit worried that I wouldn't like the smell, as I'm a bit fussy with sweet smells, but they are all absolutely gorgeous.  The description on the website says that it is "succulent notes of warm caramel, spun sugar and French vanilla bean" - very luxurious and decadent.

I've managed to use everything now, and I love it all!  I don't know if I'd ever buy the full size versions of these as they're just too expensive for my purse strings, but this is definitely the sort of thing I'd love to receive as a gift if I was really being spoilt.  The sugar scrub one of the nicest I've ever tried as usually I always get left with a sticky residue, but this just rinsed away leaving me with perfectly polished skin.  My only problem with the sugar scrub was the smell - this is the most sickly scent of them all, and there's just something about it that reminds me of Baileys and Baileys is just a nightmare for me.

The body creme is so light on application, but you can really feel the moisture in my opinion - out of them all, I'd be most likely to buy this in full size.  And honestly, the Honey Bath smells nice, but there's nothing overly special about the bubble bath!  

I've had a look at other things on the Urban Retreat Beautique, and there are a few more scents that I'd like to try including Ambre Vanille and probably the most tempting...Almond Coconut Milk.  What's even better now is that they are all half price!  So if you have last minute pressies to buy, or just fancy treating yourself, then go, go, go!

Did you manage to get anything in the Christmas Quest? Tried any of these goodies?

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

Okay, so you may have seen me mention this Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask in my previous Skin Saviours post which you can find here if you missed it!  But that was just a quick breeze by, and this product deserves an entire post considering I've been reaching for it so much recently.

I literally love this moisturiser.  I can't see myself ever not having a bottle.  It smells so good I feel like I want it in my mouth squirty cream style.  I obviously won't...maybe.  It's a gorgeous fruity scent; I predominantly get mango through but there's lots of fruit based oils in the ingredients list.  It contains avocado oil and apricot kernel oil.  Both of these together are instant hydrators and it also contains Japanese Seaweed that's used to repair your skins barrier, and helps to prevent your skin becoming dehydrated again.  So it's a winning moisturiser right here.

 

My skin by the morning is amazing, I feel like I'm glowing, or as my friend might say, I feel as though I'm looking pretty radiant.  I feel like my skin is nice and plumped, and whilst it's obviously a little oilier come morning because of the richness of the moisturiser, it's not an issue because I'll be having my morning cleanse any second.

 

I've not finished this tube yet, maybe just under half left, but I've already got its replacement in the form of a Chrismas present for myself.  I've wanted to try some more Origins products for a while, but have never forked out the extra cash to get some.  Enter Boots Christmas offers.  Boots, I love you.

 

 

This is the Merry Moisturisers Gift Set and it is currently half price in Boots.  That's £29 for this instead of £58.  It only has a half size tube of the Drink Up Intensive, but that alone is worth £11.  The main reason I wanted this was for the Make a Difference Plus Moisturiser.  This is full size and usually costs £34, which is more than what I paid for the entire set!  So if you fancy trying Origins, go out and run to Boots, grab your advantage card and make the most of this amazing offer.  Or find it online here!

 

Are you going to be trying this?  What other Origins products do I need to try?



Garnier Pure Active Intensive Anti Spot 24 Hour Moisturiser

You might remember a few weeks back that I posted about the Garnier Pure Active Moisturiser in my Superdrug haul.  Well I've been using it since I bought it, which is about a month!  I'm here to report back.

It comes in a very practical container, comfortable to hold and I've even managed to squeeze it into my make up bag due its small size.  It also has a pump for dispensing the product, which I prefer to pots as I think they're more hygienic.

I have oily skin which is prone to break outs.  The last time I used this, I thought it was a God send and then forgot all about it until I spotted it again in Superdrug.  I had high expectations for it as I remembered it being so good last time, but this time I'm just not so sure on how to feel about it!

The moisturiser itself isn't particularly moisturising; it was great when the weather was hot, as it was nice and refreshing.  I put this down to it being a spot fighting moisturiser, so I think it leaves that fresh 'my skin has just been deep cleaned' feeling behind.  It also contains Salicyclic Acid, which helps to purify your skin.  This also makes it good at mattifying skin, but I prefer other moisturisers for this purpose.  Back to moisturising, now it's turning colder, I can't feel any nourishment on my skin, and it feels like I've skipped a step in my skincare regime.  So whilst this was amazing for summer, I think your skin might need something a little extra in this weather.

As far as spot fighting goes, I've had quite bad skin for about three weeks now, and it has only just cleared up this week.  I read a few weeks back that skin actually takes a month to regenerate, so if you've been using new skincare, the effects of using that won't take effect until the new skin surfaces which does coincide with my results from this, if that is in fact true - feel free to correct me.  One of the selling points is that you have noticeable results from day one, which I personally didn't, but keep at it!

I think I will carry on using this, and maybe even give in to another repurchase to see if it keeps my bad skin at bay!

Have you tried Garnier Pure Active?  What products would you recommend for spot prone skin?