Balance Me Moisture Rich Face Cream AND Upcoming Beauty Events

Balance Me is a brand I hadn't tried until recently, but it's a brand I'd heard a lot about and was very excited to try. What really stands out to me is how great their ethos and aim behind the brand; Balance Me uses naturally active botanicals, hi-tech natural formulations and pure grade essential oils to deliver a skincare range that both has aromatherapy inspired aromas and beautiful textures that can be used across all skin types. Their philosophy is 'beauty that works naturally', and they want to restore balance in the skin. Pretty great huh?!

I tried their Moisture Rich Face Cream* (£15), which is targeting at normal to dry/sensitive skin - great for me, as my skin does get quite dry and is definitely sensitive.
My first impression of this product was a bit disheartening, the smell is really rather strong of roses. I tend to stay clear off scented products because they don't normally agree with me skin, and I find them a bit odd when they're very strong and linger. However, if you're into nicely scented face creams I'm sure you'd love it, and if not (like me) it isn't really a big deal.
The cream itself does feel rich, but it isn't at all heavy which I really liked. The texture is very smooth, silky and works into the skin really well. I do find that after applied it made my face feel quite stiff and tight, but that does go away after a little while…it is a bit annoying though.
Now, the big question, have I noticed a change in my skin since using this face cream? Yes, I have. Nothing ground-breaking, but my skin has felt soft, it's looked plumper and the moisturising claims are correct.
So, I was impressed with this moisturiser…I'm not sure it's going to be a holy-grail product for me, but I do like it and would recommend it. I'm excited to try more Balance Me products!


BALANCE ME, MARIE CLAIRE AND DEBENHAMS EVENTS
If you're a Balance Me fan, or would like to know more about the brand then this may interest you.
Balance Me are teaming up with Marie Claire and Debenhams to host 4 in-store events this September and October. Discover personalised skin, body and haircare, and refresh your beauty regime with 15% discount off Balance Me products. You can also talk to skincare experts about your individual needs or skin concerns, as well as getting a personal skin-reading session with Balance Me's mobile skin scanner. They'll be a free-prize draw for the chance to win a Balance Me hamper worth £150, AND you can chat with the members of the Marie Claire team for top beauty tips.
Tickets are £10, this includes a goodie bag worth £75!

All the information here!

30th September - Oxford Street
2nd October - Cardiff
8th October - Chester

Have fun!

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Garnier Oil Beauty Nourishing Lotion | Review

I'm always after really moisturising body lotions, moisturisers or body butters. I absolutely love the Soap & Glory butter butters, the scents are incredible and they make my skin so soft, but they can be a bit pricey. Recently I've been using this Garnier Oil-Infused Nourishing Body Lotion and I adore it.

This is an oil infused body lotion, that contains 4 nourishing and beautifying oils - argon, macadamia, almond and rose, all of which are amazing for the skin. The consistency of the product is lovely, it's not watery but it's not really thick, it glides so smoothly onto the skin and almost feels like it's really melting in and working it's magic to make the skin hydrated. The smell of the lotion is amazing, I can really pick up the oil scents and it reminds of holidays - I always just want to sniff my arms after applying it because it's so good. Not only does it apply nicely but it's non-sticky, non-greasy and quick drying…hurrah! My skin feels ultra soft after using this product and that smoothness really lasts a long time, not just a few hours like some body moisturisers. I feel like this lotion is actually doing my skin good, nourishing it and making it appear more radiant.
The Garnier Oil Beauty Lotion retails for £4.99 for 250ml, and it is a definite winner in my book!

What's your favourite body moisturiser? 

OH and have a wonderful 4 day weekend!

Happy Easter 

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Merumaya Cleansing Balm | Review

I think we probably all know I'm quite big on skincare. If you have good skin then your makeup will look a million times better, you'll feel more confident and it's just generally good to look after your skin for all sorts of reasons, therefore using quality skincare that works for you is very important.
I do like to change up my skincare products, unless I find a complete 'holy grail' product. New cleansers I particularly like to try out, I've never really found one that I completely love, so my latest purchase (after hearing so many rave reviews) was the Merumaya Cleansing Balm.

I'd wanted to try a cleansing balm for ages, the Emma Hardie one was top of my wish list but with the £36 price tag I didn't dare buy it, but then I came across the Merumaya Cleansing Balm at £14.50 for 100ml I thought I'd give it a go.
Cleansing balms are oil based products that are particularly good at removing all makeup and dirt from the face. They're marketed at all skin types, even oily, but I feel dry skin would benefit the most, if you're someone looking for anti-aging properties cleansing balms are the best option also. You warm the product in your hands, then massage it gently all over your dry face and then remove with a warm, damp muslin cloth or flannel.
I can't speak for all cleansing balms, but the Merumaya Cleansing Balm leaves my face feeling more cleansed than any other product I have used before. The balm glides so smoothly onto my skin, it smells quite herbal which I love, it feels soothing and once removed my skin feels refreshed, soft, hydrated and more healthy than it did before.
I've been using this cleansing balm for over a month now and I have noticed a considerable difference in the dryness of my skin - it doesn't feel so tight now and dry patches have almost vanished. Before, I was using Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish which I did like, but all it was doing really was cleaning my skin, rather than improving the condition of it or hydrating it, the Merumaya product is different to this as the hydration in my skin has increased and although I haven't noticed a massive difference in any breakouts I may get I do feel my complexion has brightened and looks healthier.
The packaging of this product is a squeezy tube, which I really like as you can easily control how much of the balm you use (yay, no waste!), which FYI isn't much at all…a little goes a long way!
The only thing I don't like about this product is it stings when it goes in my eyes, it's not horrific but it's not comfortable. I remove my makeup with a micellar water before properly cleansing though, so I'm not too fussed!

I do love this cleanser a lot, and I'd highly recommend it, but it's important to remember everyone's skin is different. I personally think this cleanser would be amazing for pretty much everyone though - if you have dry skin it'll bring you some of that hydration you want, if you have blemishes it will sooth them, if you have oily skin the oils in the cleansing balm will help to balance things out.
The Merumaya Cleansing Balm will definitely be something I'll be repurchasing!

Have you tried cleansing balms?

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My Current Skincare Wishlist

Although I adore makeup, and it's definitely the more glamourous side of beauty products, I think skincare is so important. Using the right products for your skin can make your skin look and feel so much healthier which will then result in a confidence boost, and it's definitely a case of you get what you pay for….cheap skincare is a big no no!
I always have an endless list of products I want to try, so I thought I'd share some with you.

Clarins Exfoliating Toner (£25) This is absolutely top of my wish list! I've heard many beauty bloggers and skincare expects rave about this product. It's an acidic exfoliator that you use a couple of times a week, it really helps to illuminate impurities and regenerate the skin. It's meant to be amazing for any skin type, any person, and really help with blemishes.
Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins night cream (£34). This is the most expensive item on my wishlist, and definitely something that won't be making itself into my skincare routine anytime soon because of it, but I can dream! I find it so difficult to find great night creams that aren't for older women and aren't ridiculously expensive and as I suffer from dry skin it's very annoying! Any suggestions?
Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Face Mask (£22) is a face mask to help unclog pores and really clear your skin from any nastiness. Charcoal is incredible for purifying the skin, and I've heard many rave reviews about this mask.
Michael Todd Blue-Green Algae Toner (£11). I used to use this toner and adored it (review here) but they've put the postage up to an insane amount and as it's an American brand it's difficult to get hold of here in the UK. But this toner is really great, it leaves the skin feeling so clean and it's hydrating too.
Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm (£14.50). I'm running low on my current cleanser, Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, and I want to try something new. This is the same price as the C&P but it's supposed to be better. Caroline Hirons and Ruth Crilly both recommended this and I trust them on skincare advice! It's not the cheapest cleanser around but it's definitely not expensive, think of the Emma Hardie cleansing balm…£34!.
The Body Shop Facial Massager (£6). The only tool in my wish list and again recommended by Caroline Hirons. This is a tool you gentle roll over your face, it helps products sink in better and improves circulation. It's meant to good for helping clear up hormonal acne too, which I can get around my jawline. This is a must buy for me!
Lastly, Hydraluron (£24.99). This is a serum you apply post-toner and pre-moisturiser, and the basic idea of it is it increases hydration in the skin. It has ingredients in it that will help your moisturiser really sink in deeper - namely Hyaluronic Acid that has the ability to hold 1000 times it's weight in water! As I said earlier my skin is dry, so I need this! I'd also love to try their Hyrdaluron Boosting Masks (£19.99) - these are moisturising face masks that help your skin to feel healthier, look plumper and more glowing. They've been raved about a lot!

I could go on and on with lots more amazing skincare products, but those are top of my wish list!

Have you tried any of the products mentioned?

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HAVE YOU ENTERED MY

MAKEUP AND BODYCARE

GIVEAWAY? 

Winter Skincare Saviour - Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Winter is my favourite season - I love Christmas, the colder weather, the jumpers, scarves, boots and coats, but it does play havoc with my skin! The wind and freezing temperatures outside aren't great, and having the heating on at home doesn't do it any favours either. Normal moisturisers never quite give my skin the moisture it needs during winter, but I've found a product that works miracles.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate is an oil you apply post-toner and pre-moisturiser. I use about 3 or 4 drops and massage it in all over my face. I leave it to sink in a little for a few minutes and then apply my night moisturiser over the top. The oil is made up of 99.8% naturally derived ingredients (bonus) and is paraben-free. Ingredients include squalane, evening primrose oil, omega-6 fatty acids, essential oils - including lavender, which will help replenish the skin, recover radiance, and leave the skin feeling smooth and your complexion looking brighter.
After just one use of this I noticed a difference in my skin, not only did it not feel dry but my completion had definitely improved, and any imperfections I had looked a lot better. I've been using this every night for a month now and not once have I felt my skin was dehydrated, which is amazing! Normally during this time of year my skin constantly feels tight and dry. I've also noticed it's helped a lot to clear up my skin - although I still have imperfections my skin isn't as bad as it was before and the oil is helping to clear up any spot scarring, as often when I got spots they take months and months to disappear.

This oil is a miracle worker, I'd highly recommend this to anyone. People with dry skin will love it and it'll make your skin feel and look so much better, and I know people who've used it who have oily skin and even they adored it! The only downside to this product is it's expensive at £36 for 30ml, however you only need a few drops per night so will last ages and it really does work amazingly.
You can purchase it here.

What's your winter skincare must have?

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Beauty Advent Calendars

December is looming!
If you're more a fan of beauty than you are of chocolate, and want to spend a little bit more on a treat to help you countdown to Christmas then these advent calendars might be for you!

WARNING - SPOILERS

A lot of beauty advent calendars are now out of stock, including the Boots one and the Benefit one. But I found some great alternatives if you're still after one!

YOU

The YOU beauty advent calendar is great value for money, you get over £240 worth of products for £49.95. Products include Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream, Dr Lipp Lip Balm, a Sisley face mask, Stila lip glaze, Trilogy night cream, and more. Buy here.

THE BODY SHOP

I love products from The Body Shop, so this one sounds amazing in my opinion. You get over £80 worth of beauty products for £55! Including shea body butter, strawberry shower gel, almond hand cream, mango body whip, white musk body lotion, chocolate soap, a facial brush, Vitamin E night cream, and more of the Body Shops most popular products. Buy here.

CIATÉ

If nail varnish is more your thing then the Ciaté beauty advent calendar is for you. Ciaté do amazing nail varnishes in beautiful colours. In this calendar you get amazing shades, including 3 paint pot glitter shades you can't buy anywhere else. The contents is worth about £200, but you can get your hands on it all for £42, exclusively here.

Will you be purchasing a beauty advent calendar? 

Or are you sticking to chocolate or the

traditional picture ones?

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo - Is It Worth The Hype?

Effaclar Duo by La Roche Posay is one of those skincare products everyone on the blogosphere talks about, raves about even! But is it really worth the hype?

Effaclar Duo is basically a skin treatment that's meant to correct and unclog imperfections, purify pores and reduce the appearance of imperfections or spots. It's a serum like formula that you can use all over your face, or just in problem areas, twice a day.

I'd heard so many bloggers, YouTubers and other people rave about this product but it never crossed my mind to get it because I've never had problems with my skin at all….not until a few months ago.
A few months ago, due to health issues, my skin started to get worse (only a few spots but considering my skin had always been spot and imperfection free). I started getting under the skin spots along my jawline that just wouldn't go….so when I heard Tanya Burr and Ruth Crilly say they had the exact same problem but after using La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo it went away I just had to get it.

I've been using this product for about a month and a half now and I'm so disappointed.
A few days into using it my skin got SUPER dry, even though I applied masses of moisturiser. When I say super dry I mean it, it was horrible, makeup wouldn't sit on it, moisturisers didn't seem to help and it was making the spots sore. However, I'd heard some people say this product makes the skin get worse before it gets better, so I carried on using it.
About a week after using it the dryness was still there but nowhere near as bad, but I'd got more breakouts! But I kept with it…hoping for a miracle.
Now it's been a month and a half and I'm sad to report no miracle. My skin is no longer dry (thankyou E45 and Nivea), but my under the skin spots are still there.
I'm still using this product twice a day, hoping it works….I'll keep you updated but don't hold your breath on good news.

So, the short answer to whether I think La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo is worth the hype is a big no.
It obviously worked for other people, so don't rule it out, but for me it did nothing but burn a £13 hole in my pocket.

REN Clarifying Clay Cleanser | REVIEW

A couple of months ago I ran out of Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish, and although I did love that cleanser I felt I should try a new one and the C&P wasn't really making me go 'wow' when I used it anymore.

I opted for the REN Clarifying Clay mask, I'd always heard really great things about it but as it was marketed for oily skin I'd never bought it, but I saw Caroline Hirons (skincare expert) say it was absolutely fine for any skin types…so I took the plunge….and I love it.

This cleanser is a lot more of a deeper cleanser than the C&P, which is great if you have blemish prone skin or if you live in a city with lots of pollution. I personally love this because it really feels like it's working on my skin but doesn't feel at all stripping, and as it's clay based it's quite thick which forces you to really work it into the skin. Along with clay the ingredients include sage, lactic acid and camomile water - all great things for the skin.
The cleanser aims to combat the 3 key causes of breakout, excess serum, build up of dead skin cells and blemish causing bacteria, although I don't have bad skin I do think this would work well for you if you do and help with those nasty breakouts! I have noticed the surface of my skin has been smoother since using this and my foundation always goes on a lot nicer.
This cleanser also gently exfoliates AND helps reduce the appearance of pores…WIN WIN WIN.

Overall I would highly recommend this, it retails for £18 for 150ml which isn't really cheap but it will last AGES! I've had the cleanser a couple of months and it genuinely looks like I've hardly touched it, if this was C&P it would almost have run out by now.

BUY IT HERE!

What's your cleanser of choice?

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My Beauty Wishlist #1

I always have an endless wish list of beauty items that I'd like, today I thought I'd share some of those things with you (I had to miss out about 73974 things because it was so long).

1. Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick from Soap & Glory in Nudist (swatch in picture too). I have heard Fleur rave about this so much and it's made me want to try it. I love lip products that are in that sort of packaging (like the Revlon lip stains), but these gloss sticks are supposed to look more shiny and are a lot more moisturising.

2. Bourjois Healthy Mix serum foundation. So many people seem to love this, and people with all skin types too. It's supposed to be a very light foundation, something which I really need to invest in as my lightest coverage foundation is Wake Me Up by Rimmel and that's still medium coverage.

3. Mac 217 blending brush.  Every brush I own is by Real Techniques, I love them a lot, but I feel I should venture into Mac makeup brushes as everyone seems to love them, despite the hefty price tag. The 217 is perfect for blending eyeshadow out, something which I feel I need.

4. Alpha H Liquid Gold. This stuff is supposed to be a miracle worker, you put it on at night and in the morning your skin apparently looks SO much healthier, brighter, clearer and just nicer. It contains high levels of acid so it helps cellar renewable and it diminishes the appearance of pores. The only thing that puts me off is it's £31 for 100ml…not cheap.

5. MAC powder blush in Melba. This blush is described as a 'soft coral peach' BAM, I instantly want it. Coral and peach are my favourite blush colours. This is supposed to suit paler skin as well. WIN.

6. Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Kalahari.  Neutral eyeshadows are my favourite, so this duo of 'gold confection and sugared cocoa', which are a light brown and a darker more earthy and slightly purple brown, are right up my street.

7. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. I don't own either of the Naked palettes, I know I know, I am deprived. I prefer the look of the Naked 2 as the colours aren't so dark or out there, a lot more my type of thing…I want.

8.Michael Todd Honey and Oat Deep Pore Cleanser. I have just run out of my second bottle of Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, which I do love but I really want to give something new a try. I ADORE the Michael Todd Blue Green Algae Toner (review here), so it only seems logical that I would try their cleansers next. It says this cleanser is very moisturising, removes makeup, and cleans deep into the pores. Only thing is this says it's 'lightly foaming', as we all know (I hope) foaming cleansers or face washes are bad…so hmm.

9. MAC lipstick in Crosswires. As I am a major lipstick lover it seems mad to me that I am yet to try a MAC lipstick. Crosswires is first on my list! It is a cremesheen so will be nice and creamy and moisturising and the colour is beautiful, a gorgeous pinky orange.

That's it for my beauty wishlist.

What's top of your wishlist?

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My Top Skincare Tips

I've always looked after my skin, I like to have clean and moisturised skin. I hate the feeling of my skin feeling clogged up or dehydrated. I don't have perfect skin by any means, I get the occasional breakout like everybody else, but my skin is quite good and that's because I do take care of it, so I thought I would share with you my top skincare tips.
(please note, I am not a professional nor an expert, these are just things I have picked up and things that work for me, a lot of these tips are just common sense)

1. ALWAYS remove your makeup before bed. Not removing your makeup before bed will mean your pores get clogged up, which is the main cause for skin imperfections. Your skin needs time to breathe, during the day it's been covered in makeup or faced with outside pollution, it needs a break!
A lot of people say "your skin mends itself at night', that is complete rubbish. Your skin is repairing itself 24/7, but at night when your asleep it doesn't have makeup, pollution or sunlight on it, so it can focus on repairing.

2. DON'T use makeup wipes. I think more or less everybody I know uses makeup wipes, and I used to until about 10 months ago, and the difference I have noticed in my skin since I stopped has been amazing. Makeup wipes contain alcohol, which dries out the skin and if you have sensitive skin they will make her skin more red. Alcohol will also strip the skin, and is a breeding ground for bacteria. Stick with a non-foaming cleanser, much better for your skin and actually takes your makeup off better. Also, if you wear makeup during the day remember to double cleanse at night.

3. DO watch what you eat. About 99% of what your face is showing comes from what you eat. Basically, cut out the crap. Fast food, chocolate, sweets, microwavable meals - all are not good for your skin and if you cut them out you will notice a big difference. Cut down on dairy, so many people I know who have had problem skin and cut out dairy noticed a huge change - humans are the only species that eat and drink milk that comes from another mammal, it's not a natural thing to do.

4. DO cleanse in the morning. Washing your face in the morning is very important, you may think "but I have just been laying in bed all night, and I cleansed before bed, I don't need to do it again"…so you think bacteria doesn't breed whilst your asleep? You don't sweat? Then why do you ever change bedsheets if that is the case?

5. DON'T smoke. Like I said earlier, it's just common sense. If you smoke it decreases the amount of oxygen in your skin, not to mention the amount of rubbish you're breathing in. But hey, I guess smokers care more about cigarettes than they do for their health and skin.

6. DO take supplements. Obviously this is not crucial, but if you have problem skin I'd recommend taking some supplements that contain fish oil and/or zinc, both are brilliant for the skin.

7. DO use acidic skincare. That sounds quite scary, but acids are very good for the skin. A lot of toners will have acid in, the one I use the Michael Todd Blue Green Algae Toner which contains Hyaluronic acid which helps with cellar renewable (review here). Another brilliant one if you can afford it is Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner.
A toner should be an essential in your skincare routine.

8. DON'T use exfoliators with beads in them. These spread infection.

9. DON'T use sudocream. I know so many people use this, and I have been known to. Yes it does reduce inflammation, but in the long run it clogs pores and just sits on the skin.

10. DO invest in skincare. Now, I know not everyone can afford high end skincare, and I am one of those people. But if you are willing to spend money on clothes or accessories then why not spend it on skincare instead? You only get one face, look after it. Ideally you should have two moisturisers, and two cleansers - one each for morning and night time use.

Product everyone should own - Hydraluron Moisture Booster (I do not own this myself but I am saving up, skincare experts have said everyone should own this - hyaluronic acid can absorb up to 1000 times its weight in moisture, so if you put this on and then your moisturiser then the moisture will stay there. It also helps heal the skin, reduce bacteria, and softens the skin)

There you go, my top 10 skincare tips. I guarantee you if you do those things you WILL have better skin. I hope you found this helpful.

Will you be trying any of these things out?

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Michael Todd Blue Green Algae Toner | REVIEW

I have been hearing a buzz online about a skincare company called Michael Todd, and I needed a new toner, so I decided to treat myself to one from them…what a brilliant decision that was!

I opted for the Blue Green Algae toner, because I'd heard amazing things about it and also because if the things it promised were true I knew I would truly love it. And I wasn't disappointed.

Michael Todd's Blue Green Algae toner is full of nutrients, it contains blue green algae (obviously) and organic kelp in a base of aloe vera juice, which is so soothing on the skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid, amino acids, tea tree oil and black willow tree extract. All these things in combination with each other help eliminate toxins from the skin, speed up cellar renewal, and naturally nourish and replenish the skin. This toner is aimed at removing bacteria from the skin for a clearer complexion so it has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It cleans the skin and maintains the skins pH balance, and as it does not contain alcohol it isn't harsh or drying on the skin (massive bonus).

This toner claims to be moisturising, I wouldn't say it actually brought any moisture to my skin but it definitely didn't dry it out at all. 

I definitely don't have problem skin, like this is meant for; I get the occasional break out like everyone else, but not all the time. However, when I purchased this I was going through a phase where my skin was not as clear as usual and using this toner helped SO much. I am not exaggerating when I say literally over night I saw a difference. I used this the morning I got it and then in the evening before bed, I just applied some of the product to a cotton pad and swept it over by face, and by the morning the 'problem areas' had cleared up a lot and were less red. I also noticed my complexion was brighter and my skin just looked a lot healthier. 

Normally I am not one for toners, I find they never do anything, dry out my skin, smell chemically, and are just a waste of time. But this is so different. 

It feels so refreshing and soothing when applied to the skin, it actually feels like it's doing something, it isn't at all drying because of the no alcohol, it smells really nice - like a mixture of tea tree, lavender, and birch wood, and it's become a vital part of my daily skincare routine. 

One of the massive bonuses I found with this is it's 97% organic, a lot of companies claim to be organic but then when you look they're only like 15% organic or something pathetic, but Michael Todd is not like that. 97% organic is brilliant, I love that. 

The packaging is fab too!

This toner retails for $18 which converts to about £11 for 230ml of product (yes it's an American brand and can only be bought online unfortunately), but Michael Todd is brilliant, if you sign up you get 10% off your first order and they constantly have deals on - I actually got this toner with 25% off!

You can buy it here! 

I'm now a massive Michael Todd fan, this toner has become by absolute favourite skincare product, just overtaken my Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, and I will definitely be trying out more from their range.

Have you tried this toner?

What's your favourite toner?

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Clarins Liquid Bronze | REVIEW

I naturally have very fair skin, I used to be naturally very tanned and seem to go brown quite easily (I have my Mediterranean blood to thank for that), but I am rather pale during the colder months especially. This makes finding a fake tan that doesn't make me look too dark, or orange very difficult. 
I'm not a massive fake tan person, I only really do it for special occasions or if I need a bit of a pick me up, but when I do tan I use St Moriz Self Tanning Lotion which I love, it looks natural on me, never goes streaky and fades evenly, however I do not use this on my face - your face absorbs things more than the rest of your body so you will find your face goes darker if you use normal tan on it - also, normal tan isn't designed with the delicate skin on your face in mind so it'll be likely to break you out or dry your skin. 
So, I was on the hunt for a brilliant face tanner that wasn't going to make me look orange, green, unnatural or go streaky and I have found one! 
*dances around room*

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tan  for the face, neck and décolleté is an award winning tanner which claims to be 'as refreshing as water and as gentle as milk' which  I 100% agree with. I have sensitive skin and this hasn't once broken me out and it leaves me skin feeling soft.

I use this product before bed, after cleansing, toning and moisturising I apply about a 10p sized amount onto a cotton pad and sweep it all over my face, then I apply another 10p sized amount onto my neck and blend it out at the bottom. The colour of the lotion is white, so it can make it hard to tell where you have already covered but you get used to it - and even if you do miss a bit it won't matter hugely, thanks to the subtle change in colour.

I know due to the fact this lotion sinks in so fast some people use this in the morning and let it develop during the day, but I much prefer using it at night.

Clarins Liquid Bronze on the back of my hand

I will wake up in the morning and my face will have a healthy glow, nothing OTT, it just makes the skin look sun kissed and a lot healthier. I have also found that I have not been wanting to wear so much foundation because this tan evens out my skin tone a lot. 

Another great thing about this is it doesn't smell bad! You know that horrible biscuity smell you get with most fake tanners? It isn't present in Clarins Liquid Bronze, the lotion has a scent but it is more fruiter, and not in the slightest bit unpleasant. 

The tan will last a couple of days before it starts to fade, and it does this evenly.

I just love this product, it's great if I feel like I need a bit more colour, and I don't have to tan my whole body when using it because the colour is so subtle (obviously it can be built up though if you'd like to look darker).

Clarins Liquid Bronze retails for £18, which I guess is quite pricey, however it will last a long time because you only need the tiniest amount, and it does work SO well, so I'd highly recommend it, especially if you are paler. 

You can get this tan here.

Have you tried this product?

What's your favourite fake tan?

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May Favourites 2013!

HELLO, HI, HEY

It is the beginning of June, which means May has just passed (obviously) so I thought I would tell you about the things I have been loving a lot through the month of May.

I actually already have done a YouTube video this that you can watch here if you wish, as there are more things featured on there.

I shall start with skincare. I have been absolutely loving the Garnier Moisture Match for Dull Skin.

I love Garnier skincare because I have quite sensitive skin and garnier never makes my skin dry, never breaks me out and it's also so affordable.

Moisture Match is a range of moisturisers garnier have brought out for all different skin types, they have one for oily skin, one for dry skin, for combination skin, etc. I got the Dull skin one because I do sometimes feel as if my skin needs a bit of a 'wake me up'....which this moisturiser does SO well.

It is gel formula, that glides onto the skin and makes me feel all refreshed, it also sinks in quickly which is handy if you're then going on to apply make-up (for which this makes a great base).

If you haven't already then do go and look at the whole range, that can be found here.

They all retail for £5.99, which I think is brilliant for the quality of them.

Couldn't recommend them more!

My next 2 favourites are both blushes from NYX, the first being a powder blush in the colour Peach....I have absolutely NO idea why they called it Peach as it's a pink blush.

This blush is a lovely matte, baby pink colour that I think works best on pale skin like mine, as it quite light, however I'm sure the colour can be built up more if you wish. It's extremely pigmented and so easy to blend, it doesn't break apart on my skin like I find a lot of blushes seem to.

This blush literally lasts all day on my cheeks as well, it fades ever so slightly by the end of the day but the colour will still be here. 

The next blush I got from NYX was a cream blush in the colour Natural.

This is the first cream blush I used, I'd never delved into it before because I thought a cream cheek product would be hard to work with and may look greasy. But I was so wrong.

This blush is amazing, the colour is gorgeous, really natural, so perfect for those 'no makeup' makeup days or if you just want a little wash of colour. It also makes you look so healthy, as it's cream it creates a really lovely dewy/glowy look - but not at all greasy, watery or oily. It's much easier to apply than I thought as well, it's extremely easy to blend - I do this with a Real Techniques contour brush.

I definitely want to purchase more of these, I love them. The only downside is they don't last especially long because it is cream, however, if you were to find a powder blush in the same sort of colour and apply a tiny bit of that over the top it would stay put a lot longer.

I purchased both of these NYX blushes from Amazon, you can get the powder one here and the cream one here.

My last favourite's are the Revlon lip butters. Oh my gosh, they are the best lip products. My favourite.

I have these in the colours Peach Parfait, Juicy Papaya, Strawberry Shortcake and Berry Smoothie (Left to Right). I just love these so much. (Amazing names aren't they!....AND the packaging makes me love them even more)

My favourite thing about these is the fact they feel so light on the lips. In the summer I find lipsticks can feel too heavy, and look too heavy but these don't at all. They are a cross between lip sticks and lip balms, they have amazing colour payoff but feel super light and look glossy on the lips - absolutely perfect for summer. The colours are amazing too, they do SUCH a range, so they'll be something for everyone. My personal favourite is Juicy Papaya, which is a gorgeous orange/coral colour.

(top to bottom - Peach Parfait, Juicy Papaya,
Strawberry Shortcake, Berry Smoothie)

They don't last an amazingly long time, a couple of hours, but I didn't really expect them to...when everything else is that great you have to compromise somewhere. These retail for £7.99 and you can buy them here.

There ya go, a few things I have been loving throughout May!

I'm a nosey parker, so leave me a comment telling me what you've been loving the last month :)

xxx