Elemental Herbology Facial Glow

Zelens PHA+ Bio Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads

I love a good chemical exfoliant, I have done ever since I stopped using scrubs a few years ago, they're much gentler on the skin yet still get the job done without damaging any delicate areas. I genuinely think they're better for everyone. That said, they're not all created equal, I've definitely tried some that are better than others. The Zelens PHA+ Bio Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads are up there as one of my favourites, they're great for all skin types, even those who are very sensitive. 

So why do I love them so much? Well, because they're so much more than just a exfoliating pad. They also hydrate the skin and contain antioxidants which protect skin from environmental damage. So they leave the skin feeling very comfortable rather than tight and stripped of moisture. They also contain two of my favourite ingredients, Lactic and Salicylic acid, both exfoliating acids that just seem to work very well on my skin. Salicylic acid is particularly good for those who are prone to blocked pores and blackheads and Lactic is great for brightening and fading pigmentation. They also contain PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) which are the next generation of exfoliating acids, which is where the hydrating and antioxidant properties come from. 

The directions advise that you use them twice per day but I just use them once or twice per week, I find that's enough for my skin as I tend to also use an exfoliating mask a couple of times a week. Obviously you can tailor how often you use them to your skin's needs, more blemish prone skins would definitely benefit from using them more often, as would those who want to see results a bit quicker.

At £65 for a pot of 50 pads they're not exactly cheap but in my opinion they're definitely worth the splurge. If like me you only use them once or twice a week they'll last you at least 6 months. They're definitely a product I'll repurchase again and again, my skin has definitely been brighter and smoother since I started using them!

What do you use to exfoliate?

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Current Cleansing Heroes

You've probably noticed that I've been a bit absent from the blog recently, but what can I say? Sometimes life just gets in the way and things are just too busy. Anyway, I'm back now with a fresh mind and a long list of blog post ides for the upcoming weeks so I thought I'd get stuck right in and talk about a couple of cleansers I've been using constantly and loving.

The first is from super clean skincare brand Nude and it's their Perfect Cleansing Oil for Face and Eyes, this one is my first stop in the evenings, particularly if I've been wearing makeup. I just massage a couple of pumps into dry skin, it completely breaks down all makeup, including mascara. I then splash my face with water and the rich oil turns into a milk and rinses away, taking the makeup with it. It contains lots of natural, skin nourishing ingredients and my skin always feels healthier after using it. 

The second in my rotation is Aurelia's Miracle Cleanser, another cleanser packed full of great ingredients from an all clean and natural brand. This one contains lots of essential oils like camomile, rosemary and bergamot which, as well as doing great things for the skin, smell absolutely amazing. This one is my go to first thing in the morning as well as in the evening as a second cleanse after the nude one. I just scoop a bit out, massage it all over my face, inhale the lovely scent, then remove it with a flannel. 

The two work in combination with each other brilliantly well and my face feels baby soft after I use them. I'm already onto my second pot of Aurelia and the Nude cleansing oil will also definitely be repurchased when it runs out!

What cleansers have you been using recently?

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Evening Skincare Routine

I made a video all about my morning skincare routine a while ago and here I am with the promised Evening Skincare Routine to carry on from where I last left off. I hope you enjoy watching it, all products are linked over on on youtube, don't forget to like and subscribe if you haven't already!

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Video: Morning Skincare Routine

Exciting news! I filmed my first ever video for the blog, I decided to talk about my Morning Skincare Routine and did mini reviews of the products I'm using along the way. I'll be filming my Evening Skincare Routine soon too so stay tuned for that one!

I really enjoyed the experience of filming and editing this video so I really hope you like it. I have a whole list of others I'd like to film but if there's anything in particular you'd like to see me do let me know! I'm so excited about this new venture and can't wait to get stuck in!

Products Mentioned;

Elemental Herbology Delicate Cleanse

Rodial Dragon's Blood Hylauronic Tonic

Clarins Special Eye Contour Balm (full review here, it's an oldie!)

Elemental Herbology Cell Food

Delarom Acquaconfort Cream (full review here)

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturiser SPF30

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La Roche Posay Effaclar 3 Step Anti Blemish System

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of La Roche Posay's Effacer Duo+ I spoke about it in great detail 1 tube in here and 2 tubes in here. When I heard that they were bringing out a 3 Step Anti Blemish System containing a much hyped toner I was very excited to give it a try. Here's what's in it and what I thought!

First up is the Purifying Foaming Gel, I have to be honest and say I haven't even tried this. I'm not a fan of foaming cleaners at all, they just don't agree with my skin so I passed this along to the boy to try and give me his verdict. Suffice to say he loves it! He said it doesn't foam too much but still leaves his skin feeling clean but not dried out (he has combination/oily skin). Since using it for the last couple of months he hasn't had a single spot in spite of having a terrible cold. He said he likes that it's an unfussy product in practical packaging and that he'll continue to use it and repurchase it indefinitely! 

The Clarifying Toner is only available as part of this set and it's the product I was the most excited about. It contains lactic and salicylic acid in a glycerin base so it's exfoliating but also moisturising. I've been using it for a couple of months twice a day and really like it although it doesn't tingle the skin as other exfoliating toners do. I'd definitely recommend it, particularly to those who have never used an exfoliating toner before. 

Last up is the Effaclar Duo+, I won't talk about this one too much as I've spoken about it in detail in previous posts, make sure you check those out if you want more info. In a nutshell it's a cream - serum hybrid that can be applied all over the face or just to specific areas. It's incredible at taking down spots in record time and also helps fade any scars they leave behind. A brilliant product that I'll always have at hand just incase!

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Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil

I've always loved using facial oils, they balance combination and oily skin and add much needed moisture to dry skins while being such a pleasure to use. The Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil is no exception, it boasts great ingredients, a blend of 10 natural oils such as olive, avocado and jojoba which have been blended to closely replicate the skin's natural sebum. 

I've been using it for about 6 weeks now and it's managed to keep dry, sensitive, winter skin at bay. My skin feels soft and healthy, which is very unusual for me at this time of year! I've been using it 2-3 times a week and I don't ever feel like it's too greasy or that it just sits on the skin. It always sinks right in and smells of lavender which makes it very relaxing to use last thing at night. 

If I was being really fussy I'd have to say that my one issue with it is the packaging. There is no pump or pipette dispenser like other oils, just an open 'pour' top which almost always means product ends up getting wasted. The thin plastic bottle and lid also feels a little disappointing compared to other oils in this price range which would usually come in a glass bottle. That said you do get a whopping 60ml of product rather than the usual 30ml so I guess you win some, you lose some! All in all it's a great product, definitely worth a try!

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Indeed Labs Pepta-Bright

I've mentioned IndeedLabs Pepta-Bright a few times here on the blog now in various favourites posts so I thought it was about time I did a full review. I've been using it for a couple of months now and it has very quickly become my favourite skincare product! It claims to be a good product to help fade dark spots, even skin tone and brighten skin, as I had quite a few areas of pigmentation on my skin I was keen to give it a try and I'm so glad I did! It has faded all my dark marks dramatically, they're nearly invisible leaving my skin tone looking much clearer and more even. I was quite shocked to see such drastic improvements so quickly, I really wish I had taken some 'before' photos so I could do a before-and-after. 

The texture of the product is lovely too, it is a light cream serum that's also quite moisturising. Those with oily skin could possibly even get away with not using a moisturiser on top. It sinks into the skin quickly and easily and works well with other skincare products. I've been using it both in the day and at night as makeup sits very well on top of it.

If you have any problems with pigmentation, dark spots from either acne or sun damage or just a general unevenness of skin tone I would highly recommend this! It really has worked so brilliantly for me! 

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Nip+Fab Bee Sting Fix Lifting Mask

I'm pretty new to lifting masks, in fact the Nip+Fab Bee Sting Fix Lifting Mask is the first one I've tried. They're designed for more mature skin, to lift and firm which is why I hadn't tried them before but seeing as this one claimed to also add a boost of hydration I thought I'd give it a go!

The mask has a clear, gel texture and spreads onto the skin easily, I left it on for about 10 minutes and then just rinsed off the excess. It can also be left on overnight for a super intensive treatment. It left my skin feeling soft, plumped up and very hydrated so I was really pleased with the results. I probably won't be using it very regularly but I'll definitely use it as and when if my skin is feeling dehydrated or as a pre-party mask to give my skin a bit of extra glow. I also think this would work really well as an in-flight mask as it's completely clear and would help protect skin from getting dehydrated and dry.

Have you ever tried a lifting mask?

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New to the Mix: Skincare

Recently, quite a few of my skincare products ran out at once, I had a rummage through my stocks and luckily found a few products that I thought would fit into my routine nicely. I'll do full reviews once I've been using them a while but here's a quick snapshot of what they are and what they do!

Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Tonic

A calming, soothing and plumping spray on skin tonic with a rose water base. I absolutely love this, it's so cooling and refreshing on the skin. I've been using it the last few mornings and occasionally during the day too! 

Clarins 'Special' Eye Contour Balm

I'd been using this earlier on in the year but it went neglected when the weather got warmer and I needed something a little lighter. It's an eye cream I seem to go back to every autumn/winter for a bit of extra moisture and this year is no exception. 

Nip+Fab Bee Sting Fix Lifting Mask

Seeing as I've recently run out of my usual moisturising mask, I thought I'd give this one a go. I've used it a couple of times so far and was surprised to see my skin definitely looking plumper. This will definitely make a good 'pre-party' mask!

Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil

I'm really looking forward to trying this one, I love using facial oils in my routine, especially with the weather getting colder. This one is described as an ultra light blend of 10 natural oils plus vitamin E and C. 

Have you added any new products into your routine recently?

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Current Skincare Loves

I seem to be on a bit of a skincare roll at the moment. My skin is by no means perfect but it does look the best it's looked in years. I think it's mostly down to the fact that I've been more compliant with my skincare routine and I've found some products that have been working really well for me. Here are a few of my favourites!

Good Things Manuka Honey Radiance Face Mask full review here 

A really great 3 in 1 mask that decloggs, exfoliates and moisturises. I've been using it twice a week and my skin always feels clean, fresh and moisturised afterwards. 

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil full review here

This has been my cleanser of choice for the evenings, particularly when it comes to removing makeup. It's easily massaged on and rinses of as a milky liquid taking all the day's grime and makeup away with it. It also leaves my skin feeling super soft and nourished.

Rodial Dragon's Blood  Hyaluronic Night Cream full review here

I absolutely love this night cream, it's definitely the best I've ever tried. It leaves my skin feeling so plumped up, soft and just generally very healthy. It's expensive but very much worth it, I opened this tub 3 months ago and I still have over half left!

REN Clarifying Toner full review here

A toner that contains glycolic and lactic acid which exfoliates the skin and helps improve skin radiance. I've been using it every night and loving the results, my skin looks brighter and my pores less noticeable.

IndeedLabs Pepta-Bright

I've yet to review this one in full as I haven't been using it quite as long as the others. Don't worry, a full review is in the works! This stuff is truly amazing, I've only been using it for a month and my dark marks and pigmentation have almost completely disappeared! I honestly can't quite believe the results! My skin looks so much clearer and even toned, I really wish I'd taken some 'before' pictures!

Are there any skincare products you've been loving lately?

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Good Things Manuka Honey Mask

I've not had the Good Things Manuka Honey Radiance Face Mask for very long but I can honestly say it's one of the best I've ever tried. The best thing about it is that it's a 3 in 1, it contains white clay, which like any clay draws out impurities and helps unclog congested skin. Papaya extract, a natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid which chemically exfoliates the skin making it look more radiant and finally Manuka Honey and Beeswax to nourish and hydrate the skin. Being someone who frequently buys and uses all 3 of these kinds of mask, finding an all in one is such a great time saver!

I find my skin looks and feels so much fresher, brighter and softer after using it. I use it about twice a week which has been working really well for me. It definitely helps with unclogging and radiance, if I can feel a few spots coming on I find using this can nip them in the bud and any blocked poses around my nose look a lot better. I think the addition of honey/beeswax makes it a lot more comfortable on the skin and doesn't leave it feeling tight and dry afterwards but it's not a mask I'd reach for if I was specifically looking to add more moisture to my skin as it's not the most moisturising. It is still a clay mask after all! 

I think it's a great mask all round mask for all skin types but I'd particularly recommend it to those who either don't have time to faff about with lots of different masks, if you're on a budget or if you're new to masks as it's a great all rounder. I'd be quite happy to use this as my only face mask as I could always just use some facial oil if I felt my skin needed some extra moisture. It's also such a bargain for only £5.99 from Boots!

What are your favourite face masks?

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Revlon Photoready Skinlights in Bronze Light

These days I find myself reaching for lightweight, barely there bases more and more. Gone are the days when I used to pile on the heavy coverage foundation on the daily! I tend to go for tinted moisturisers, BB creams and CC creams the most and occasionally, a light coverage foundation if I'm having a bad skin day. I find that in combination with a good full coverage concealer, only where needed, looks a lot more natural. 

In conjunction with these products I've been using the Revlon PhotoReady SkinLights Face Illuminator in the shade Bronze Light. It's a sheer illuminator with very little pigment and a lot of glow that seems to work like magic on the skin. It doesn't necessarily cover imperfections, it doesn't have enough coverage to do that, it just blurs them making skin appear more naturally even rather than looking like makeup has been applied. Perfect for minimal makeup days on it's own or layered under/mixed with your regular base product is gives the skin a fantastic radiance and glow. Great for days when you're feeling tired and sluggish and it's showing on your skin. The third way I like to use it is as a bronzer/highlighter hybrid tapped into skin over the top of makeup. It warms up the skin tone this way and gives even more of a glow. Although this way is probably best avoided if you have naturally very oily skin. 

It comes in a few other shades too, mainly lighter ones in champagne and peach tones that would be best suited to fairer skins. I'm thinking of getting my hands on the shade Bare Light to mix with this one as more of a 'winter shade' for when my skin is a bit lighter as this one is a bit darker than my skintone already. Have you tried any skin illuminating products?

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REN Clarimatte Clarifying Toner

I've been using the REN Clarimatte Clarifying Toner for about a month and a half now and as I mentioned in my August Favourites, I love it. Of all the exfoliating toners I've tried (so far) this is my favourite. It's gentle enough to use everyday, I use it in the evenings, but it's still strong enough to actually make a noticeable difference. 

It contains a combination of exfoliating acids which break down and remove surface dead skin cells and increase cell turnover. This means any pigmentation or uneven skin tone fades quicker than it otherwise would. In the relatively short time I've been using it I've definitely noticed an improvement in dark spots and skin tone, plus I've still got just over half the bottle left! 

I've been using Indeed Labs Pepta-Bright for the last few weeks which has helped too, I think the combination of the two are working really well for my skin. I also think this toner would work well for all skin types (apart from maybe super sensitive skin), rather than just for combination to oily skin. It doesn't strip the skin or leave it feeling tight and contains lavender so it smells lovely and relaxing and is a pleasure to use. Definitely a product I'd recommend!

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Delarom Acquaconfort Creme

In the evenings, I'm all for rich, nourishing creams and oils but in the daytime I prefer something that sinks in quickly, leaves skin feeling comfortable and isn't too visible. The Delarom Acquaconfort Creme, which I've been using for just over a month now, does exactly that. 

The formula is really lightweight but still moisturises really well, thanks to the lovely ingredients it contains. Aloe vera, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, hyaluronic acid and peppermint leaf water just to name a few. To me it's the perfect no-fuss moisturiser, it doesn't have any outrageous claims and just does what it says on the tin. It can also be used in the morning or evening so it's a great option for those who like to keep their skincare streamlined. 

After trying this creme I definitely want to try out a few other Delarom products. Any recommendations?

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Travel Skincare

I've always been one to stash away any samples or minis I get my hands on so come holiday packing time I can do some serious downsizing. If I didn't do this I'd probably need a whole suitcase just for my beauty stuff! I also find it's a great way to try out new things and decided wether or not I'd want to buy the full size in the future. 

On the cleansing front I'm taking 3 options, some of the Garnier Miceallar Water decanted into a little Muji Bottle, a travel size Vitamin E Cream Cleanser from The Body Shop, which I've used on and off for years and love, and a sample of Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel, which I'm really looking forward to trying. 

For toner I'm taking 2 options, an exfoliating one and a hydrating one, the former is a sample of Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner and the latter is Anatomicals Spray Misty For Me decanted into a Muji Mini Spray Bottle. 

To moisturise eyes I'm taking a sample of Ren Vita Mineral Active 7 Eye Gel which cools, refreshes and moisturises. For the rest of the face I'm taking the Clarins HydraQuench Cream for night and HydraQuench Lotion SPF15 for day. I've had a full size of the cream before and will definitely buy it again, it's such a nourishing but easily absorbed moisturiser.

I'm taking a few serums and treatments, some of which I'm sure I won't get round to using but it will be nice to have them just incase! Clinique Turnaround Concentrate is an overnight exfoliating serum and The Body Shop Vitamin E Serum in Oil is supposed to plump and hydrate. I'll also be taking the Clarins Pure and Radiant Mask to use incase I have any breakouts or if my skin just looks a bit lacklustre. Late nights and long lie-ins on holiday usually mean my eyes can get a bit puffy so I'll be taking the Wei Correcting Eye Treatment Pads, I've never tried anything like these so I'll be interested to see if they work! 

What skincare products do you take away with you?

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The Body Shop Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash

I recently spoke about The Body Shop's Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil, which I use in the evenings as it's really great for removing makeup, read all about that here. In the mornings I've been using their Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash and I've really been loving it. 

As you'd expect it contains Tea Tree oil which in combination with menthol smells amazing and leaves skin feeling unbelievable cool, fresh and tingly with out stripping it of moisture. It's perfect for anyone who lives in a hot climate or in a country currently experiencing a heatwave! 

It's a cream cleanser so it doesn't foam, something I really like about it as I tend to avoid foaming cleansers. I massage it into my skin and then usually remove it using a warm flannel/washcloth, this leaves my skin feeling really clean and soft. If I have time I sometimes leaves it on for a couple of minutes before removing it, I'm sure there are no skincare benefits to doing this but I just love the cooling sensation it has on my skin!  

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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Two Tubes in

Rather than doing a traditional style review of the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ I decided to write a post every time I finished a tube, that way I could share with you the progress and give you a good idea of how soon you can expect results. If you missed my pervious post, the one I wrote when I was one tube in, you can see that here. That post also contains all the info on what the product does, what it contains etc so give it a quick read if this is a product you're unfamiliar with. 

I mentioned in my first post that the most noticeable improvement was in skin texture and that's still the case, the clogged pores on and around my nose have almost completely disappeared, the area now feels smooth to the touch and the pores are barely noticeable. The second most noticeable improvement is my skin tone, it looks significantly brighter and my pigmentation has faded a lot. The marks I could perviously see standing a foot away from the mirror I can now only see if I get right up close to it. A lot of the ones that were already a bit lighter have now disappeared which I'm very pleased about!

I've now started using this just in the areas that I need it rather than all over so I'm expecting the third tube to last me a lot longer than the first two. Especially considering the area in which I need to use it keeps getting smaller and smaller.

As I said in my last post it's a great product that I'd definitely recommend to anyone with breakouts, pigmentation or uneven skin texture. Have you tried La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+?

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Avon Ideal Flawless CC Cream

I've always been a die hard, heavy coverage foundation gal but ever since making a few skincare changes my skin has improved and I haven't felt the need to pile on the slap. Instead I've been going for something a little more lightweight, as I mentioned in my Everyday Coral Makeup post yesterday. 

The one I'm currently loving is the Avon Ideal Flawless CC Cream in Nutmeg, the colour is a tad too dark for me but as it's light coverage it's nothing a bit of blending can't fix (See it in action here). The formula is nice and lightweight and blends into the skin seamlessly, I usually just slap a bit on with my hands if I'm in a rush or if I have a bit more time I use a Real Techniques Buffing Brush to work it into the skin, that way it can be built up in any areas where I feel I need a bit more coverage. 

It claims to also have skincare benefits, which if I'm honest I'm not sure it does. I think of it purely as a makeup product. I do however love the fact that it contains SPF50 and still manages to be so lightweight and non greasy on the skin. It leaves a completely natural finish that just makes your skin look better rather than like you're wearing makeup.

It's a great product overall and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone on the hunt for a lightweight base. My only criticism would be that the shade range isn't great, there are a few light shades, a random dark one and nothing much in between. If you can find a good shade for you it's definitely worth a try! 

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil

When it comes to cleansers I tend to pass on the foaming ones and stick to cream, oil and balm formulas. I made the switch a few years ago now and my skin is definitely thanking me for it. I found foaming formulas left my skin feeling tight and uncomfortable whereas creams/oils/balms leave my skin feeling soft and nourished. 

I've been using The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil for a while now and I'm loving it. It's a really lightweight oil that you massage onto your dry, fully made up face and it completely dissolves makeup, including stubborn mascara. When it comes into contact with water the whole lot turns into a milky liquid and just rinses off making makeup removal incredibly quick and easy. You can also remove it with a damp flannel/washcloth which I sometimes do and this gives the skin a slight exfoliation, leaving it feeling even softer. 

I find one pump of product is plenty to do my whole face and as I only use it in the evening this bottle will last me a long time. I tend to follow it with another cleanse, just to make sure all my makeup is definitely gone and my skin in super clean, for this I prefer a balm cleanser or coconut oil as it's richer and leaves my skin feeling plumped up. I've heard great things about The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter too so that one's next on my list to try!