The Minis #01

As I previously mentioned, I am trying to use up the products that I already own rather than filling up my large stash of products. This includes using up the many samples I have accumulated thanks to online shopping and beauty box subscriptions. I wanted to do some mini reviews on the products I am 'sampling' at the moment, so here we go.

Avène Cleanance Emulsion Lotion

I couldn't actually find anything else about this online on the Avène website, until I just googled the product and found out it is called the Cleanance Anti-Shine Regulating Lotion, this is quite annoying as it seems a little misleading about the product. But besides that I have been loving this sample and would definitely consider purchasing the full size which is 40ml for $24.99 AU compared to the 5ml in the sample. This is designed to be oil regulating, anti shine, oil free and non-comedogenic which is only good things for my skin. 

Loreal Paris Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer

This primer retails for $29.95 for 15ml here in Australia, I have heard mixed reviews about this product so I appreciated a sample of 5ml that I received in one of my beauty boxes. This actually feels quite nice on my skin and not the strange silicone feeling I was expecting. This does a fairly decent job of keeping my makeup in place all day, I do have to put on some powder after a few hours. To be honest though I would rather spend the extra few dollars and buy myself the Clarins primer as I have a lot of faith in that brand. 

Benefit They're Real Mascara

I have mentioned in my latest weekly loves post about this mascara, this is a 3g sample size that I have two of, fortunate for me as the full size retails for $38 AU in Myer. I really love this mascara as it gives me big babydoll eyelashes without flaking or clumping. I think I would rather spend the money on something else and instead try and find a dupe for it, anyone have any ideas?

Love Liz xx

My Current Skincare Saviours

Hey Everyone

I wanted to share with you today the current products that I am using in my skincare routine. I am absolutely terrible when it comes to skincare and I can barely ever stick to just one routine, I am always changing and switching my products. I have tried to stick to a fairly routine as of late to sort out my skin issues and so far so good. I had hormonal flare ups as per usual but my skin looks like it is calming down. I do not want you to think that I am recommending these products for you, I just wanted to share what I am using as everyone skin is different and some things that may work for me will not always work for someone else.

I have been mainly trying to cleanse, tone, moisture and then at night switch out my moisturiser for a treatment. I do often use a mask once or twice a week if I can remember (I have been terrible lately), and on occasion I will use a face brush to cleanse if I have not exfoliated lately. I have a lot of products that have a large hype regarding them, like Alpha H Liquid Gold, Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo but I have not found these to be as amazing as I had expected. Something has been breaking out my skin and in order to find out what I plan on using my old system and then slowly adding in new products to see if they are helpful or hurtful to my skin.

Cleanser

Avène Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser

I mentioned this a while ago in a post when I purchased this for 40% off the RRP at a Priceline sale. This is my second bottle of this cleanser and I love it, I did purchase a foaming cleanser from La Roche-Posay, until I realised that foaming cleansers are terrible for oily skin as they strip the skin completely and make it dehydrated (Thank you Caroline). This cleanser does foam up quite well but does not leave my face feeling dry or tight, just clean. It is also great to use with a facial brush as it foams up just enough. This is aimed at oily and acne prone skin so I find it works better at keeping skin clean and clear over a cleanser aimed at normal skin types. This retails for $27.99 AU for 200ml.

Toner

Mario Badescu Skincare Special Cucumber Lotion

This toner by Mario Badescu is aimed at acne prone skin and claims the benefits are:

Refreshing, disinfecting and deep cleaning astringent that is effective in drying up existing acne blemishes while preventing new eruptions. Sulfur and soothing Cucumber based, acne fighting formula that is non-drying and non-irritating. 

Overall I think this is a good toner, it does sting a fair bit if you have any open blemishes but otherwise it does not seem to be irritating or drying. I have been using this for a few months now and I am barely a quarter through the bottle, it wasn't cheap at $24.30 AU on BeautyBay but I think this will last me quite as well so it is worth it.

Moisturiser 

Nivea Mattifying Gel Cream

This is my second tube of this moisturiser, its not a favourite of mine so I am not sure why I keep going back to it. I need to do more research for moisturisers that will not make oily skin any oilier. I think this does keep my oily skin in check but it is just not all that fantastic, I am looking for something more! That is very vague of me, this is a decent moisturiser for the price, I just want something that feels like it is doing more for my skin. But this does not break me out so in the meantime that is all I am looking for. This retails for $9.99 AU and can be found in most stores that sell skincare, typically on sale as well (it is $7 at Priceline now!)

Treatment

Benzac AC Water Based Acne Gel 5%

This is a spot treatment gel that contains 5% benzoyl peroxide. This is a fairly intensive acne treatment, I was recommended to use this by a dermatologist when I was in High School. My skin did clear up after using these products and some antibiotics. My skin has since declined but I decided that I should try using these products again, I was hesitant at first as they are very strong, but after trying almost everything else I was left with little choice. You have to be careful when using this as it stains everything, sheets, pillows, towels and anything else your face will touch so be very careful!!! I am hoping not to be using this for too long but its nice to have to go back to if my skin ever gets uncontrollable again. This retails for $15.99 AU at most chemists.

What does your skincare routine consist of?

Love Liz xx

Weekly Loves #01

I have decided to start a weekly loving post to share with you the things that I have been reaching for the most this week. I haven't been out this week besides to brunch and work so it has been a fairly make up free week spent trying to keep out of the heat. Yay for days of 35+ degree weather. 

Avène Thermal Spring Water

I am a big fan of thermal water, I use it to set my makeup and refresh it during the day. Lately though I have been using it to cool down my face when it has been hot. I also like to spray my face after a walk or being out of the house because it is just so hot. I got this thermal water in a pack when I bought my cleanance soapless gel cleanser Singapore back in January last year. I have the size 150ml which retails for $17.95 AU at Chemist Warehouse but it also comes in a 50ml and 300ml version. 

Edward Beale

The next two products I have to talk about are both from Edward Beale which I purchased recently to try to provide some much needed moisture to my bleached hair. 

First is the Edward Beale Argan Oil Leave In Treatment. I really love this treatment, I typically use a lot at night time before I go to bed and only a little bit in the morning before using my argan oil. It does weigh down the hair a bit, but I typically use with still wet but semi towel dried hair and once dry it only feels like a bit of the product is left in. Considering I slather on the stuff, only feeling like a small bit is left in is quite good. I think that this has really helped keep my hair in good condition and I will continue to use it. 

Next is the Edward Beale Argan Oil in Regular Density Oil for Normal/Coarse Thick Hair. This does come in a light oil which would be good if you did not want to weigh the hair down with product as this oil is quite heavy. It is extremely nourishing however, I would assume that the lighter version is less moisturising. I use this in the mornings, only a small amount and rub it in my hands then apply to the ends of my hair. The only problem I have with this oil is the packaging, I tend to pour out too much product which results in waste. Other than that I am very happy with this product and would consider repurchasing once I have used up this 40ml bottle. This retails for $17.99 AU but can often be found on sale at Priceline. 

This Works Deep Sleep Stress Less Rollerball

This was given to me by my Aunt and Uncle for Christmas (thanks again guys) and I have been using it most nights since. I do not find it easy to fall asleep, I wish I was one of those people that when there head hits the pillow they instantly fall asleep. Sadly it can take me anywhere between a half hour to a few hours to fall asleep, depending on my stress levels and comfort. In comes this little baby, it is a 10ml rollerball full of relaxing oils that aims to calm and refresh. Some of the ingredients include coconut oil, eucalyptus oil, frankincense oil, and lavender oil. You apply this to the pulse points and immediately you can strongly smell the different oils, I love the smell but I know that it may put off some people, my partner does not enjoy the smell at all. I find that this does definitely help to calm me down and I have found that I have been grinding my teeth less at night, so it seems like it is keeping me calm over the night. How cute is that Christmas packaging as well?!

What have you been loving this past week?

Love Liz xx