Kel Loved Orange Soda... And I Love Orange Glow Tonic!

Most people make new years resolutions to quit chocolate or join the gym. Mine was to get better looking skin, and figure out exactly what I needed to do in order to achieve this. For me, I felt like investing my time into researching skincare options was the way forward, as past dietary changes and following other standard advice gave me no change in the look of my skin.

My skin is quite dry and sensitive, and so every toner I've ever used has left my skin feeling dry, tight, irritated, red etc.  For many years I have skipped the toner stage of my skincare routine, simply because my skin just couldn't handle it.

It was Caroline Hiron's blog that led me to discover Pixi Glow Tonic - a product that has been talked about almost to death by bloggers and skincare experts alike. Infact, it's only made in relatively small batches and when it's announced as being in stock - it very quickly sells out. 

I was dubious to try glow tonic because as we all know, products are easily over-hyped in the beauty world. However, it helped reassure me when Caroline (an actual skincare expert) mentioned it on her blog, stating it was a dupe of a more expensive product called P50. 

As I have mentioned before, I now use use La Roche Posay Effaclar K moisturiser, as well as my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. I feel both of these products have been working great, however I wanted a product that would improve my skins texture and reduce the look of my pores.

The beauty of Glow Tonic, is that it is actually an exfoliating toner as it contains Glycolic Acid. This ingredient helps the skin to renew itself, in a way that is different from using a scrub that contains exfoliating particles. Frankly, exfoliating is something I rarely do because of how red and irrated even the gentlest of exfoliators leaves my skin feeling.

I added Glow Tonic as my second step after Cleanse & Polish, using a large cotton pad and sweeping the Glow Tonic all over the face. The smell is not what you would expect, and I liken it to the smell of soaps in posh hotel bathrooms. It's an odd one to explain, but definitely is a little strange, although not in any way unbearable. I left my judgement at the door though, because what's important is how well and if it works.

The first thing I looked out for was if it made my skin red, itchy or uncomfortable. I was worried this could be an issue as it contains Ginseng. I was relieved and surprised to find my skin felt completely normal and even somewhat refreshed after applying Glow Tonic. I of course followed up with Effaclar K, so I can't comment on how it would leave the skin feeling without moisturiser. 

I have been using Glow Tonic for about 4 weeks now, twice a day as part of my skincare routine. My skin is honestly looking the best it has ever looked, and the most noticeable thing is how smooth to the touch it feels, especially when I wake up in the morning after it's had time to work it's magic overnight. The look and feel is comparable to how my skin felt as a child, just pure smoothness. This is especially noticeable around the chin which has always been my most self concious area, and always where I apply the most make up!

Glow Tonic has also been really effective in getting rid of those pesky little bumps that aren't blemishes as such, but just annoying blips in the texture which prevent the skin from looking smooth.  I have also found I am needing increasingly less make-up, and have simply been using my Bobbi Brown tinted moisturiser, and a little concealer here and there.

There still is a way to go before I have the skin I want - completely free of marks etc, however for me *any* improvement is greatly welcomed, and for once I feel as if my money hasn't been wasted (Glow Tonic is £16 + postage unless you live in London and can pop into a Pixi store). 

If like me you have to be extremely careful with what you use on your skin, yet want to improve the texture and appearance then from my experience, Pixi Glow Tonic is something I would recommend. I really can't think of anything negative to say, other than it can be a difficult product to get hold of. However, I feel this in itself speaks volumes about the quality of the product and it's obviously working wonders for alot of people!

Closing statement? Believe the hype.