Clarins
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Best Beauty Buys For Colder Weather Part Two
So here is part two of my "best buys" in beauty for the fast approaching winter months. Thank you so much for the fab feedback I've had on Part One of this story (here if you missed it). It's really great to know you're finding it helpful. I had a super time testing all of these out, and as some of you have asked for I'll put the leading product in each category under the headers to help you pick out a favourite. It was incredibly hard to choose, and in some cases I've picked entirely on my own skin type - so do read the small print/rest of the text...
Masks and Treatments
Masks and Treatments
favourite: Moisture Surge Mask special mention: Clear Improvement
featured products: Bobbi Brown Instant Detox / Bobbi Brown Skin Nourish / Clinique Moisture Surge Mask/ NARS Luminous Mask/ Origins Clear Improvement Mask / Balance Me Radiance Face Mask / Balance Me Restore and Replenish Overnight Mask / Clarins Extra Firming Mask
Taking the time to treat my skin to at at-home facial is something I've only done for the past couple of years. I was very unwell for the best part of six months and at the end my skin had aged 8 years (according to a skin test I had) so it was a really wake up call. I've went back for a skin review recently and I'm now 11 years younger according to them, and looking at pictures I certainly look better at 32 than I did 29. I put this largely down to making space in my schedule for products like these...
A product that I didn't need to re-try as I've been using it for months is Clinique's Moisture Surge Mask. This is epic. Use like a regular over night moisturiser and wake up with refreshed, firmer skin. Only thing I would say if don't use around the eye area as it's too rich and causes bags... For the under eye area specifically I found Clinique's Extra Firming Mask superb.
For people who are looking for a proper "glow" I'd go for none other than the NARS Luminous Mask. It didn't have such a "fixing" effect for breakouts but essentially did the work of a primer so meant I didnt need to cloak my skin in make up for a few days afterwards, which is fab because in winter I often get super clogged pores due to more foundations and primers... On that note the Bobbi Brown Instant Detox is perfect for people who do wear a lot of make up as it really, really gets into your pores and gives them a good old clean. It was also the best for pore minimising too... Should also most definitely mention Balance Me's Restore and Replenish Overnight Mask which I'd recommend after a heavy weekend if you need to look like you've been sensible and rested up, rather than knocking back shots. Hides a plentitude of sins (and good for men too).
Finally for people who really break out I'd strongly recommend Origins Clear Improvement if you need an instant fix. The charcoal granules neutralise large spots and redness pretty much straight away, and when I used it on a monster spot on the middle of my nose it reduced it immediately so I could get away with just a little concealer that day - amazing.
Serums and Oils
favourite: Midnight Recovery
featured products: Liz Earle Superskin Face Serum / Origins Original Skin / Kiehls Midnight Recovery
Clarins Blue Orchid Treatment Oil eyes: Kiehls Eye Alert / Estee Lauder New Dimension Firm and Fill Eye System / Liz Earle Superskin Eye Cream / Benefit Firm It Up
First note; people with oily skin can (and should) use oils. For years I had assumed that products like this weren't an option for me as I had slightly greasy skin as a teenager. However they're now pride of place in my daily routine and it's the one thing I really can't be without when I go away (hotels usually have some kind of moisturiser to make-do, but obviously nothing like this...). I have used two combined products from Kiehl's for a long time having stolen them from my boyfriend; Midnight Recovery and Eye Alert. Together they take you from looking like you got home at 4pm and woke up next to a kebab (heard on the grapevine some people do that...) to refreshed, alive and reinvigorated. So, if you are looking for a gift someone who enjoyes life a little - these two are perfect gifts.
Next up, serums. Let me tell you something about serums over using creams that was passed on to me by a doctor friend. Warning, it's gross. These days when people go in for plastic surgery/enhancements on their faces the first thing a surgeon needs to do (particularly around the mouth and eye areas) is cut under the skin and remove the build/surplus of cream that remains under the skin and causes a sagging effect. Disgusting, right?
Serums hold have that problem as our skin recognises them as a natural extension of it's own oil/moisture. In a nutshell, there is an argument to say that they are better than creams. On that note the one that repeatedly gets recommend to me is the Liz Earle Superskin Serum. I am yet to use it myself, but I can vouch that having watched friends use it over time the results are outstanding. I'll be trying it next, and will show you the results as I always do on my Instagram here.
Eye Treatments
favourite (for emergencies): Kiehls Eye Alert, and for daily use: Estee Lauder's Fill and Firm
The skin around my eyes is without a doubt my biggest problem. The moment I haven't had enough sleep or drank enough water it shows in this area, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't get me down at times. As already mentioned for emergency treatments I use Kiehls Eye Alert, and as a daily one I use Estee Lauder's Fill and Firm duo. I was initially nervous of the "fill" word in the title as I really wanted my eyes to be flatter and less puffy - so to assure you what it does is fill the fine lines and make them disappear, and it really does!
I asked a couple of friends to try two more; Benefit's Firm It Up which had the feedback "miraculous, put it on before my commute and when I popped into the loo before work my dark circles had pretty much gone" so it's perfect for emergencies and Liz Earle's Superskin Cream... I gave the latter to an older friend who said it really did do an excellent job on quite deep lines if you have more pronounced lines maybe go for this one...
favourite (for emergencies): Kiehls Eye Alert, and for daily use: Estee Lauder's Fill and Firm
The skin around my eyes is without a doubt my biggest problem. The moment I haven't had enough sleep or drank enough water it shows in this area, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't get me down at times. As already mentioned for emergency treatments I use Kiehls Eye Alert, and as a daily one I use Estee Lauder's Fill and Firm duo. I was initially nervous of the "fill" word in the title as I really wanted my eyes to be flatter and less puffy - so to assure you what it does is fill the fine lines and make them disappear, and it really does!
I asked a couple of friends to try two more; Benefit's Firm It Up which had the feedback "miraculous, put it on before my commute and when I popped into the loo before work my dark circles had pretty much gone" so it's perfect for emergencies and Liz Earle's Superskin Cream... I gave the latter to an older friend who said it really did do an excellent job on quite deep lines if you have more pronounced lines maybe go for this one...
Cleansers
favourite: Diptyque Paris Pommade Demaquillante and Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser
special mention: Blemish Remedy Gel
special mention: Blemish Remedy Gel
featured products: YSL Micellar Water / Bare Minerals Gentle Deep Cleansing Foam / Bare Minerals Blemish Remedy Gel / Bobbi Brown Advanced Foaming Cleanser / Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Tonic / Diptyque Tubérmeuse candle / Diptyque Paris Pomade Demaquillante / Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser
Now this was incredibly hard to judge. I use cleansers religiously, particularly as my skin is aging and my bedsheets are getting more expensive. Now I'm spending ridiculous amounts on linen I'm not prepared to have to wash them every time I can't be bothered to take off my make up - it just doesn't make sense. If you're anything like me I found cleansing intimidating - I had just got my head around simple make up removers and then had balms and Micellar waters thrown at me - how on earth do you choose?!
First up, a product I've used for a long time that really got me into the idea of cleansing. It's a hard working product that you only really need to use ever so often, so a bottle lasts you a long time. Meet Liz Earle's bestseller the Hot Cloth Cleanser. Whack it on pre-shower once a month for a proper deep cleanse. It tackles (removes) even the most stubborn of black heads and build ups. Their Cleansing Balm is tackles two problems in one; cleansing and moisturising. As it's made from oils (almond oil being the main one) it works to pull any dirt or toxins from the skin, and then to soften it. Seriously of everything here, this was the most impressive find. It has completely changed my perception of the brand - really do recommend. Secondly I really do need to mention Diptyque because there is a complete misinterpretation that this brand just do candles (one of which is in the above shot, and I should also say how incredible it is, find it here) and are best for scents/smells over practical beauty products.
Finally, I'm a real fan of a foaming cleanser wash. There is something incredible refreshing about using one. If you have more sensitive skin, I'd recommend Bare Minerals Foam Cleanser as everything about it is perfect for delicate skin, down to the elderflower scent. And as a simple yet very, very good staple - don't forget about YSL Micellar Water to remove even the toughest of make up.
Separately a little hero find is Bare Minerals Blemish Remedy Gel. Use it after you've cleansed, but also before make up application, on problem areas - spots, redness and inflammations. Because it makes it disappear. Not a little bit - entirely. Completely incredible.
Scents
favourite: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino
featured products: Acqua Di Parma Colonia / My Burberry Black / Tom Ford Neroli Portofino
I picked these three from an extensive selection (see John Lewis' entire perfume range here) for two reasons. Firstly it was utterly selfish and I'd heard good things about them, and secondly I thought it would give me an opportunity to say honestly if a fragrance is something you should invest in.
The Tom Ford Neroli Portofino is their classic, trademark scent. It's not cheap, but I love it. I once went to an event with the brand where they said "clothes dress you, perfumes define you" and I really get what they mean. This one in particular is just pure class - and I mean that in the straight forward upstairs/downstairs way. If you're looking for a subtle but distinctive scent without filling the entire room, this is for you. Or if you want to buy someone a gift that says "I think you really know your stuff, and this suits you" get this. I'm obsessed with it and wear it most days.
Next up, Acqua di Parma Colonia. When I was little I can remember my Dad taking me around John Lewis and saying "this is the one I really want." It's unisex, sharp, woody, orangey... It's really smart if that makes any sense at all. You only need one spray of it, seriously. A friend actually puts a drop in her regular moisturiser and she can still smell it all day. This is the kind of investment you'll get a comment about every time you wear it - so yeah, it's worth it.
Lastly as a slightly softer option for someone who perhaps is new to perfume, Burberry's Black is really lovely. It's a lot more feminine, despite it's dark packaging - lots of jasmines and florals going on - but without being overpowering in any way. I have got this for a friend who wants to smell good without drawing a huge amount of attention to herself - it's perfect.
The Tom Ford Neroli Portofino is their classic, trademark scent. It's not cheap, but I love it. I once went to an event with the brand where they said "clothes dress you, perfumes define you" and I really get what they mean. This one in particular is just pure class - and I mean that in the straight forward upstairs/downstairs way. If you're looking for a subtle but distinctive scent without filling the entire room, this is for you. Or if you want to buy someone a gift that says "I think you really know your stuff, and this suits you" get this. I'm obsessed with it and wear it most days.
Next up, Acqua di Parma Colonia. When I was little I can remember my Dad taking me around John Lewis and saying "this is the one I really want." It's unisex, sharp, woody, orangey... It's really smart if that makes any sense at all. You only need one spray of it, seriously. A friend actually puts a drop in her regular moisturiser and she can still smell it all day. This is the kind of investment you'll get a comment about every time you wear it - so yeah, it's worth it.
Lastly as a slightly softer option for someone who perhaps is new to perfume, Burberry's Black is really lovely. It's a lot more feminine, despite it's dark packaging - lots of jasmines and florals going on - but without being overpowering in any way. I have got this for a friend who wants to smell good without drawing a huge amount of attention to herself - it's perfect.
Hair, Shower and Bath
featured products: Living Proof Restore Conditioner / Living Proof Restore Shampoo / Rituals Sensational Foaming Shower Gel / Rituals Caring Shower Oil / Philip Kingsley Elasticiser Extreme / Clarins Bain aux Plantes
You only need to refer to my early-day blog posts to see what a complete and utter mess my hair was in not so long ago. It was typically long, bleached and dry. Ironically I thought I looked beach-ready and fabulous. Oh how I now laugh... Lots of you (thank you) have asked me where I get my hair done and for that I single handily have Sassoon Salon to thank - most notably Abi who has taken my colour from "yellow" to "youthful" over the years. However, what has also helped is the interim treatments and quality shampoos I've picked up along the way.
It was a completely new foreign concept for me to use a treatment mask for my hair but I now swear by Philip Kingsley's Elasticiser. Pop it on dry hair pre-shower and rinse off after around 15 minutes before shampooing. My light, fluffy hair is instantly fuller and bouncier even without blow drying. As an additional boost I use a new product from Living Proof called Restore Maskafter a particularly tough period (post holiday, festival etc) as it helps bring back the colourings and stops split ends. I also now invest in their shampoos and conditioners, hereand can't rate them enough. Two years ago I just bought whatever was on offer in the supermarket, now that idea makes me shudder. Hair is so, so important.
For bath times I swear by Rituals. Their product range is brilliant, and do it exactly what they claim to. The relaxing ones relax, invigorating ones invigorate... You get my drift. I use them exactly in that fashion - a "sparky" one in the morning and a relaxing one at night... Cannot recommend enough, and they're great on skin too. Find the whole range here.
beauty
Charlotte Tilbury
Clarins
Estee Lauder
John Lewis
Origins
REN skincare
May Beauty Buys
How we've already come to May's beauty edit I don't know - it feels like I only just finished April's one! This is the month that I really start notching up my skincare regime and investing in some decent products. The minute the sun comes out my skin seems to age without some serious help. It quickly goes dry, yet also really gets oily with the muggy weather. All in all, time to do a proper sort out and make sure I have the right bits...
This month's post is a little bit different as John Lewis asked me to take a look at their own summer beauty edit (Super Nature), here. They've focussed on products that use natural ingredients, which is a must for me. Whenever I see a website's round up of bits I always expect that half of them will be what I'd go for, but their selection was completely spot on (pun not intended). They have all my hero brands for a thorough detox on my skin (REN skincare, Charlotte Tilbury and Origins) as well as new things I was dying to try... I decided to only use things I'd never used before, and was sat like a kid by the fireplace at Christmas waiting for them to all arrive.
full product details below, or view the only edit here
This month's post is a little bit different as John Lewis asked me to take a look at their own summer beauty edit (Super Nature), here. They've focussed on products that use natural ingredients, which is a must for me. Whenever I see a website's round up of bits I always expect that half of them will be what I'd go for, but their selection was completely spot on (pun not intended). They have all my hero brands for a thorough detox on my skin (REN skincare, Charlotte Tilbury and Origins) as well as new things I was dying to try... I decided to only use things I'd never used before, and was sat like a kid by the fireplace at Christmas waiting for them to all arrive.
I'll try and do this in a sensible order; brand by brand. Starting with Clarins. I'd stumbled upon their trio of "boosters" and was really keen to give one a go. They're created to give you some help when you need it. I selected Repair as it's good for sunburnt or damaged skin, and added it to my usual moisturiser on Wednesday as directed. It's now Sunday evening and I can already feel a difference on my (ridiculously) sunburnt nose. It also reduced the redness instantaneously... Next from them was their Instant Beauty Shot which is perfect to have in your handbag for those days when you have to wake up and go to work but your face doesn't want to. It really does "tighten and brighten" as suggested... (especially when matched with the Clinique All About Eyes which took my puffy, dark lids and reformed them into their former teenage-selves in one hit....
On that subject; Clinique. I appreciate this may be a little bit nuts to some of you given how long I've been blogging about beauty but I've never tried any of their stuff before. I know. The first one was an excellent benchmark as the idea of spending money on a soap baffled me. However, as someone who really hates the horrid tightness you get after washing your face with standard bar, I was a bit stunned by the difference. Goodbye supermarket-branded cr*p - I'm using this forever and ever, I don't know what's in it but it left my face feeling actually clean. I'd apply the same level of "wow" to the Dramatically Different Moisturiser. My skin turns tight and dusty very quickly, and coming back from my sunny weekend left it tired the fine lines appeared with a vengeance. This stuff sent them packing almost straight away... And lastly I'm yet to try the Overnight Mask but will do this evening so check out my Instagram to see how it goes...
Estee Lauder products make me really happy, nostalgia alone. It's what both my grandmothers used and the smell of them reminds me of sitting patiently on their beds waiting for story time. I'd never tried them myself though, as I'd always thought they were more "generalist" than for specific problems. As heads up for anyone younger; when you turn 30 sh*t gets real, and it all shows on your face. I woke up on my 30th birthday to presents, cards... and load of fine lines. I really have to work at things, and did not think Lauder was the brand to do it with. You can't see, but as you read this I'm eating my hat. The first thing I tested was the Advanced Night Repair, I tried it after a few glasses of wine (which always shows the next day). I woke up and looked like I'd been on a health retreat. Everything was tight and firm, unheard of. BUY IT HERE. The same impact happened with the Firm And Fill Eye Duo; my eyes looked 10 years old. I'm trying out the Resilience Lift this week so will let you know how I get on, but given everything else I'm expecting big things...
Last but not least, REN. I snuck in one of my all time favourites, the 1 Minute Facial cream. I keep mine in my handbag and use it whenever I'm away as a bit of a treat. If I know I have something coming up when I can't risk a break out, this is my failsafe. Just buy it, here. A new product for me was the Evercalm Moisturiser. I was fairly stacked with things to try so I gave this to the boy to test and I can tell you wholeheartedly his skin looked better after a few days use. He commutes on the underground so often gets congestion in his pores (he'll read this and not have a clue what I'm on about) and they looked significantly tighter and cleaner whilst using this morning and night...
I hope this list helps you, this time of year is so tough on skin. For full details on all of the products in the John Lewis edit, click here.
Full review list:
Clarins: Instant Beauty Shot / Repair Serum
Clinique: All About Eyes / Soap / Dramatically Different Moisturiser / Overnight Mask
Estee Lauder: Advanced Night Repair / Firm And Fill Eye Duo / Resilience Lift
REN: Evercalm Moisturiser / 1 Minute Facial
This post was sponsored by John Lewis, all words my own.
On that subject; Clinique. I appreciate this may be a little bit nuts to some of you given how long I've been blogging about beauty but I've never tried any of their stuff before. I know. The first one was an excellent benchmark as the idea of spending money on a soap baffled me. However, as someone who really hates the horrid tightness you get after washing your face with standard bar, I was a bit stunned by the difference. Goodbye supermarket-branded cr*p - I'm using this forever and ever, I don't know what's in it but it left my face feeling actually clean. I'd apply the same level of "wow" to the Dramatically Different Moisturiser. My skin turns tight and dusty very quickly, and coming back from my sunny weekend left it tired the fine lines appeared with a vengeance. This stuff sent them packing almost straight away... And lastly I'm yet to try the Overnight Mask but will do this evening so check out my Instagram to see how it goes...
Estee Lauder products make me really happy, nostalgia alone. It's what both my grandmothers used and the smell of them reminds me of sitting patiently on their beds waiting for story time. I'd never tried them myself though, as I'd always thought they were more "generalist" than for specific problems. As heads up for anyone younger; when you turn 30 sh*t gets real, and it all shows on your face. I woke up on my 30th birthday to presents, cards... and load of fine lines. I really have to work at things, and did not think Lauder was the brand to do it with. You can't see, but as you read this I'm eating my hat. The first thing I tested was the Advanced Night Repair, I tried it after a few glasses of wine (which always shows the next day). I woke up and looked like I'd been on a health retreat. Everything was tight and firm, unheard of. BUY IT HERE. The same impact happened with the Firm And Fill Eye Duo; my eyes looked 10 years old. I'm trying out the Resilience Lift this week so will let you know how I get on, but given everything else I'm expecting big things...
Last but not least, REN. I snuck in one of my all time favourites, the 1 Minute Facial cream. I keep mine in my handbag and use it whenever I'm away as a bit of a treat. If I know I have something coming up when I can't risk a break out, this is my failsafe. Just buy it, here. A new product for me was the Evercalm Moisturiser. I was fairly stacked with things to try so I gave this to the boy to test and I can tell you wholeheartedly his skin looked better after a few days use. He commutes on the underground so often gets congestion in his pores (he'll read this and not have a clue what I'm on about) and they looked significantly tighter and cleaner whilst using this morning and night...
I hope this list helps you, this time of year is so tough on skin. For full details on all of the products in the John Lewis edit, click here.
Full review list:
Clarins: Instant Beauty Shot / Repair Serum
Clinique: All About Eyes / Soap / Dramatically Different Moisturiser / Overnight Mask
Estee Lauder: Advanced Night Repair / Firm And Fill Eye Duo / Resilience Lift
REN: Evercalm Moisturiser / 1 Minute Facial
This post was sponsored by John Lewis, all words my own.
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