Make your Glow Tonic last longer!

At £18 a bottle, Pixi Glow Tonic itself is not what I would super expensive (especially compared with Sunday Riley at £85 a pop!) However when you consider what all products in a routine can cost when totaled up, it can get pretty ridiculous especially if like me you are in need of particular ingredients to keep your problems at bay.

For me, Glow Tonic is an absolute must as my skin reacts very badly if it's missing from my routine for even a day, therefore I need to keep it in constant rotation where as other products I am more likely to swap around.

With continued use over the years I noticed that the bottle would get used up rather quickly within less than a month. However what frustrated me the most is that I found you spent a fair few drops just getting the cotton pad soaked in enough product so that it's actually got some on there, and hasn't immediately absorbed into the pad. I'm not talking about unnecessarily drenching it either, just literally enough so that some will transfer onto the skin and you will get a proper tone out of it. 

I found this wasteful in both the product and the pounds, so when I introduced the Nip & Fab cleansing (now the one that was cleansing is called toning!) pads into my routine, that sprinkling even a single drop was enough to distribute the glow tonic on my face without the waste.

The Nip & Fab pads are pre-soaked, but they also have a thickness similar to that of a nail varnish removing pad so are ultra thin. Therefore even a tiny drop of another product will soak straight through so you can use the pad on both sides and still get a good distribution of product.

I have tried the pads without the glow tonic, and find them just a *tad* dry without, and I definitely notice the difference with a drop of glow tonic compared to without, just incase you were wondering. 
 
The current Glow Tonic bottle I'm using I bought a good six months ago now, and there's still a hearty bit left which will no doubt give me another month of use if not much more. Compare this to a new bottle every 4 weeks and that's quite some saving!

Now, I know what you're thinking.... yes but you have to buy the Nip & Fab pads though. The great news on that front is that because they are stocked in so many places, they are always on offer and infact I've never bought them at full price! They average at around £7 for 60 pads which is 2 months use if you use once a day, and a month if you use twice a day. They also give just that extra hint of acid tone, and I've had no adverse reaction from doing so. My skin will flare up like a baboon's bum if I use even a hint of the wrong thing - believe me. 

I would recommend the regular pads for those new to acid toning, and the extreme if you are having a particularly bad breakout and or need them to use on areas of the body too. I've tried out both varieties and for me the extreme show amazing results within just a few days of using them. 

I really hope this has helped some of you out there save some pennies and get a little more economical with your products. Again I love Pixi and I've continually purchased *many* bottles of the stuff and will continue to do so, however when you are on a budget every little helps!


Where to Buy:
Pixi Glow Tonic (£18)
Nip & Fab Regular (£7-£12)
Nip & Fab Extreme (£7-£14)

Eff-ing Miracle

Some of you may remember that back in October I picked up a few items whilst in London, including the Origins "Make A Difference Plus" Moisturiser.  Despite being told by the counter assistant this was a "much less heavy/greasy formula than other moisturisers, and will definitely not break my skin out".... this moisturiser has done nothing but. Infact, my skin has been at it's worst for quite some time all since I started using this one product. 

Hence I was in need of an actual miracle. I promptly gave up with MADP two weeks ago after finally having enough and scoured the skincare section of Boots for a remedy. I have heard pretty much every beauty blogger mention "La Roche Posay" in their skincare favourites and recommendations, so decided to have a look and see if there was anything that may help.

To be honest the LRP stand in Boots was a little overwhelming as not only is the packaging in French, (GCSE Grade C will only get you so far...) but the titles of all the products sounded more like scientific experiments rather than skincare. I finally went with a moisturiser entitled "La Roche Posay Effaclar K", which cost  £9.75 for a 30ml tube. The product is boxed, and so this is what it looks like on the shelf...

The product itself comes in a squeezy metal tube, and is a thin white liquid. It has a very faint citrus smell, although is hardly noticeable at all and also smells quite clinical but in a good way. There's nothing worse that heavily scented skincare, and thankfully Effaclar K doesn't offend the senses in the slightest.

It is very quick to sink into the skin once applied and evenly distributed. Once it's absorbed, it does not sit on top of the skin like some moisturisers - instead the skin just feels soft - not wet, greasy or stingy. It also states it can be applied under makeup.

I wasn't really sure what to expect from this product, afterall it's a moisturiser - not a mask, cleanser, facial, toner, exfoliator or anything typically aimed at problem skin. So, I cleansed as normal that night with my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, and then applied this afterwards. 

The next morning I had a look in the mirror and had to do a double take. My skin actually looked different, noticably different. No it was not super clear with not a mark in sight - but it had definitely cleared up considerably in just a few hours with just one use! 

I have continued to apply this moisturiser day and night for almost two weeks now, and my skin has completely changed in texture and appearance. I do have a few marks/scars as pale skin shows up imperfections like nothing else it would seem. However, as this product doesn't state it is for fading marks or scars I feel it's not fair to mark it down on that. 

What it does claim, is that it "gradually exfoliates the skin texture to reduce pores and regain a smooth and clear complexion." In my opinion, I feel this product absolutely delivers on this promise and I have noticed a huge difference in just a short space of time.

The problem with breakouts and their aftermath, is the effect it has on our confidence. Yes we can cover with foundation and concealer, but really deep down everyone wants beautiful clear skin when they take their make up off too.

Finding products that genuinely make a difference, no matter how big or small has unmeasurable benefits to the way we feel about ourselves and I know how happy this product made me after just a few days, and I can't wait to keep on using it.

As far as I'm aware, this product isn't for long term use and is really for when the skin is playing up big time. However, I will be making sure I always have some of this handy in my makeup bag as it's really surprised me.

I have used so many products in the past in a vain attempt to get better looking skin, and I've even cut out certain food groups for months on end. I can honestly say nothing has had such a dramatic impact on my skin than Effaclar K, and I'm really impressed, especially as it hasn't aggravated my sensitive skin or dried it out.

Inside the box, there is also a leaflet explaining the different La Roche Posay products and when to use them according to your problem or concern. I love this attention to detail, as skincare can be overwhelming, especially when you are looking to fix a problem and have been let down by so many other products in the past.

Of course, everyones skin is different and as I have said before "similar to a mathematical formula", therefore finding what works for you is often a personal and unique thing so this should be something you bear in mind. Interestingly, this moisturiser states it's for oily skin (there wasn't another option for my skin type) as mine is actually dry/sensitive. I was worried this could cause me problems but it genuinely hasn't, so don't be put off if like me, your skin isn't oily. 

Overall, I feel this product definitely is worthy of "Holy Grail" status - something I was saying after just a weeks worth of use. I've had barely any more problems since using this moisturiser, and my skin continues to get better and better with each use.

For £9.75, you can do alot worse, believe me! 

Effaclar is available in Boots stores as well as online 



 

A Review: Boots No 7 Foundation Matching Service

A little while back I decided to try the Boots foundation match service for their no7 range, after seeing copious amounts of advertising for it. Before I begin my review on the service, take a look at the advertisement...

 
Now, forgive me if I am mistaken... but the actress in this clip looks well, awfully... pale. Even in the natural lighting in the outdoor shots. Perfect! Or so I thought...

I went down to my local boots store in Freshney Place, Grimsby for my reading along with my cousin and fellow beauty blogger Vicky. I have found it's always great to take someone along with you to properly judge the shade. A small machine photographed each side of my face, and within about 5 seconds, I had a reading. My diagnosed shade was unsurprisingly their lightest shade - Calico. 

The sales assistant kindly bottled some up for me to try at home, as I rarely buy a foundation there and then. I like to look at it in natural light, away from the forced environment of a sales assistant holding a mirror to my face waiting for my over zealous reaction. If I find the shade is right for me, I will of course go back to that same counter/assistant where possible so they don't loose out on commission. I know that may sound a little unnecessary, but when you've spent hundreds of pounds in your lifetime on the wrong shades, you soon become distrusting of make-up assistants, and the shades that are "just right" when they are far from it. I don't suggest deliberately messing counter assistants around either, however you have to remember the power whether or not to buy is always in your hands, and as the consumer you should have the right to an honest opinion... and also the right to check the light outside, to be 100% that you are not going to look like you've stuck your head in a bag of Cheesy Wotsits. 

So, here is the bottle of Calico I was given to test at home, and the results of a patch test, that has been blended across and down onto my neck. This is the same technique Bobbi Brown and Mac used on me to find my shade, and Lisa Eldridge also recommended this technique in a recent video. I apologise in advance for having a completely bare face otherwise, and less than perfect skin to photograph.

Calico against my hand

Calico when blended into my face/neck. Yes really, BLENDED!

On the advert, it suggests 92% of people found the service accurate. But do people always know when a product isn't right for them? It's so easy to be sucked into the experience of having your make-up done and being told it looks beautiful and perfect, I think it's easy to let your guard down.
 
You don't have to be a genius to see that Calico looks far too orange against my skintone, and even blended in is impossible to avoid the dreaded tide mark between my face and my neck. I also found that once the product oxidised, it went even darker.

When I left the shop after having it tested in store, the first thing my cousin and Auntie said to me was "God that is totally the wrong shade. It's nowhere near right". As disheartening as this may seem, it's actually exactly what you need to hear when it really is the case. I thought it was a shame, and so decided to check the boots website to see if they had a paler shade as I did quite like the feel of the foundation. 

This is where I found out that "Calico" was infact the palest shade, and... on the website, looks much, much paler than what it does in real life!  There are only 7 shades available of the particular foundation that was tested on me, and around 12 shades within the other foundations in the no7 range. The 7 shades are (despite how the website samples portray them) are very close together in colour. This leads me to my next point. How on earth can you individually match a persons skin tone, especially someone very pale as depicted within the advert, with such a small, close together range of shades?
 
I don't know, maybe the Boots no 7 Foundation Match Service has indeed worked wonders for people confused about what shade to pick. However, I feel the advertisement using a pale model, therefore suggesting someone even with pale skin will find a perfect match, is somewhat misleading. However if this had been a custom match service, then it could have really taken off and I would most certainly have purchased a foundation had it been tailored to my skintone. 

If I'm honest, it doesn't take a machine to tell you what foundation shade you are. Just the right lighting, a good range of shades and honest people around you.

Have you used the Boots foundation match service? If so I would love to hear your thoughts!

N.B: Please forgive the state of my skin in the picture. This post was over a year ago now and my skincare routine has changed completely!

Budget Busting Beauty Buys!

Today sees the day of the Chancellors budget here in the UK, but what about budgeting when it comes to make-up and beauty buys? I noticed that coincidentally, the items I tend to repurchase the most tend to the cheapest, not simply because they are the cheapest, but actually on quality and performance.

I have tried a myriad of £40 moisturisers, hair masks and the like, and I have also tested what is available in Boots and Superdrug. It's so easy to believe that the most expensive product is best, but I believe this is not always the case. What about students, teenagers on limited pocket money and those who have been made redundant? Do any of us really have the money to only use high end products? I have mixed and matched with many brands in my time, both High Street and High End, so let me tell you, never fear if you want to indulge but you don't necessarily have the cash to do so. 

Here is my top 5 products. You could buy all of them and still have change from a tenner. Take than Redken!

1. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Colour Treatment Mask - 99p

If you are looking to give your hair an extra special boost, then Aussie are a great brand for their sachet's which come in a variety of different treatment options. I have long thick hair, and can easily get 2 uses out of 1 sachet, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends. This is a great buy if you have a special event coming up and want your hair to look and feel smooth and sleek, but don't want to fork out for a huge pot of treatment, which even in Superdrug averages at about £6 across all brands. Sachets are also great for weekends away and short breaks as they weigh virtually nothing, and are less likely to leak in your bag than traditional bottles or tubs.

2. Boots Coconut and Almond Conditioner - £1.29

When I was really young I had naturally long, blonde hair. My Mum used to buy me Boots chamomile conditioner, and I remember how smooth it used to leave it. About a year ago (and now Brunette) I decided to try another conditioner from the Boots range, just to see if it was any good or not. It turns out it was, and I now find I can't live without it. Everytime I use it up (a little really goes along way with this so that's not too often), I find I have to go repurchase it. The smell is devine, and it leaves my hair quite smooth. It also washes out easily and works well in conjunction with other hair products I may occassionally use. I honestly think this product is an absolute steal, and when I got my hair cut recently my hairdresser commented on how my hair was in such good condition. Apart from stopping colouring my hair which I did two years ago now, the only conditioning treatment I have been using recently is this product. For a mini tropical holiday in a bottle, you can't go wrong.

3. Dove Soft Peeling Exfoliating Bar - £1-£1.27 for Two bars

Everyone loves soft, exfoliated skin right? However exfoliators can get ridiculously expensive, even in Boots. The beauty about this bar, is that is not a heavy duty loose scrub, meaning it is gentle enough for everyday use. The smell also fills the whole bathroom, and it's a really lovely classic smell that can only mean it's Dove. I used to have little bumps on the tops of my knees which I had for years, and I was never sure why either. After using this soap everyday in the shower, within a week all the bumps had completely gone and the texture of my skin was really smooth, this is something which didn't happen with other scrubs so I was really impressed. This is not a product that you will see a massive change in within the first use, but give it a few uses and honestly you will be amazed. It's not harsh or scratchy either which means you can use it everyday. Each bar tends to last me about 4 weeks, so £1 or so for 8 weeks of use really is brilliant value.

4. MUA Primer - £1

MUA are a great, low on price but not low on quality brand. I have been using this primer almost on a daily basis for well over a year now, and amazingly I'm yet to finish the tube! I have since tried another primer costing £5 and from the first use it wasn't a patch on the MUA primer, so I shall definitely be repurchasing this once the tube is finished. It spreads well over the skin, and you don't need alot to cover the whole face either. Give it a couple of minutes to settle into the skin and apply your base, it holds the make-up all day and doesn't move. I can't ask for more!

5. Boots Cucumber Eye Gel - £1.50

I think the greatest testament I can say about this product, is that I'm on about my 8th or 9th tube of this. Granted, it's not an all singing and dancing wrinkle buster or dark circle corrector, however it is an incredible cooling and soothing eye gel that has a number of uses. It can be used under make-up as a priming base, as well as over the face in areas of dry/irritated skin. It is also great if you get your eyebrows waxed and are left with red, sore patches that need instant soothing (this was my Mum the other week, don't tell her I included this!). The product is clear and sinks in perfectly, it's not sticky or thick and gloopy. It just works, and again a little does go a long way. There are also a range of similar priced items in the Boots Cucumber range, from moisturizers to exfoliators and clay masks, so I would definitely recommend checking the range out. Out of all the products listed, this is definitely the one I can't live without the most.

What are your beauty bargains? Leave a comment and tell me!