The Favourites | Comeback Kids

We all have those products, the ones we forget we have that we once loved, replaced by a newer more exciting product - only exciting because it's new. Yup, everyone does. I have a bucket load (curse of the beauty blogger). Recently I cleaned out my bathroom and rediscovered some delights... 

#1 | Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer

Why did I ever stop using this? The perfect under eye concealer, it lightens and brightens so my now constant dark circles (curse of the communter) are disguised mwaha. Cheap and cheerful it's a winner. It stays for a good few hours and doesn't slip or crease. I pop this on top of my foundation/tinted moisturiser and blend with my buffing brush. On top of blemishes it's not quite as amazing - it's definitely one for under eyes - it highlighters more than hides in this case. Otherwise, total winner winner, chicken dinner.

#2 | 17 Instant Glow Gold Bronze Shimmer Brick
I gave this up a little while ago in favour of a more matte bronzer. I went off shimmer for a while, however my matte bronzer died (long story) so I picked this back up. I've been using the darkest shade for contour, which I didn't before, and the middle two colours for added colour in my cheeks. I've fallen back in love with this product and I love how the tones match my face and the glow it gives. It's a beaut of a product and I can't believe I ever stopped using it.

#3 | Origins Zero Oil Cleanser
This somehow got lost and I was devastated. I didn't want to fork out for another so I thought it'd be the perfect time to try something new, which I did and I did fall in love with it. However, I recently refound this and have been using it again ever since. Nothing cleans my skin like this and nothing sorts my skin out as much as this as well. It's the perfect cleanser for oily, blemish prone skin and well, it just works.

#4 | Gosh Intense Eye Liner Pen in Brown
This was one of the first things I was ever sent to review on the blog and I loved it from the off. I put it away to play with some newbies which was pretty much all black. Some I loved, some were a bit meh. I decided to try again with this when I was using a lot of nude and brown shadows to create a brown everyday smokey eye and this looked amazing as opposed to black liner with this and this has become my everyday look.

#5 | Nivea Daily Essential Express Hydration Primer
Last, but definitely not least, is this beauty of a day moisturiser/primer. I don't really see it as a primer but as a very light gellish moisturiser that I use every morning. I'm not even entierly sure why i stopped using this as it is amazing, not gonna lie. It's super super nourishing for my skin and is the perfect pre make up moisturiser as it really smooths the skin and isn't too heavy (hello primer properties). This isn't leaving my side again, like, ever.

I do think it's so much fun going back through your collection and finding old products you've forgotten. Love it.

What are your favourite comeback products?

The Video | First Impressions #1

Another day, another video! Today is the first, First Impressions post I've every done and I actually really enjoyed doing it. I have a habit of posting a few too soon and then changing my mind the more I use it so this way it will stop me making the same mistake! Click here to watch and don't forget to subscribe!

The Top 5 | Opinion Changers

Sometimes you try a product and you instantly dislike it - there is just something about it that you can't like. So, you pop it aside and leave it alone for a while. Then, you end up picking them up again and o look - now you like them! This happens to everyone, yes? Well over the years there have been a couple of products that have changed my mind...

SLEEK BLUSH IN ROSE GOLD
I got this in a blog sale over a year ago now and was my first Sleek product. The first few times I tried this I really didn't like the colour. I just didn't think it suited me at all. Lately I've picked it up again and retried it and I really love the formula of the blush, the lasting power and suddenly I am intrigued by the colour. It's a different colour than my usual, it has a definitely golden touch and I love the highlighting properties.

ORIGINS OUT OF TROUBLE MASK
So, it's not that I never liked this. I always loved it and the results it brings in terms of my skin. However, the first few times I used it I really didn't how it felt on my skin, it was warm and felt uncomfortable, a little bit burning. I stopped for a while but the past few months I've picked it up again and love it. I've used less of it and the burning sensation is a hell of a lot less and it's not uncomfortable in the slightest - this one I'd put down the user error. Whoops!

ORIGINS SUPER SPOT REMOVER GEL
If you read my initial review of this you'd know I really didn't see the point in it. Then recently you'd have seen it again and again in my blemish busting and skincare posts. This has completely changed my mind. I use this little and often now - it's a very targeted treatment and teamed with my toner it's a winning combination. I couldn't live without this now.

TOPSHOP LIPSTICK IN INFRARED
Again this was more of a case of a colour not really suiting me on first impressions. This was a definite orange and I really didn't feel happy or confident wearing it from the off. So it got popped in my lipstick drawer and kind of forgotten about for a while. Then, I picked it up again around November and loved it. Maybe I'd lost a bit of tan so it suited me more? I don't know, but I do love the colour now - parfait!

BENEFIT THEY'RE REAL MASCARA
If I'm honest, I've tried this so many times because I keep falling for the hype - even if I wasn't sure I really liked it. I found it a bit wet and also, not waterproof is a big no no for me so I shyed away a lot. Very recently I've been really unimpressed with my current mascara, so dug out my one of these and I've now fallen for the look it gives. It's so natural and amazing - still wish it was waterproof but I'm finally understanding the hype!

I have so many other products that I don't use for one reason or the other and 9 times out of 10 I will keep going back to give it another go. You skin changes depending on the weather/day in terms of oiliness, dryness etc so skin care and foundations that once used to hate your skin may come around to liking it. Also, user error is a huge thing with me - I'm not a make up artist, expert in how to use things, I always read the destructions five times over before I actually use something. If you're like me in that respect that's why twitter is so amazing - just ask someone for help :)

I hope you liked this post! If you did don't forget to subscribe via BlogLovin (over on the sidebar) and leave me a little comment!

Lovelove,

The How To | Bath Skin Care

As well as facial skincare this week I thought I'd pop a post in about body skincare. Recently I've been getting back into baths - I think it has something to do with the fact that I'm doing a lot more exercise and baths just seem a whole hell lot more relaxing than showers. In the bath I feel like I have more time to focus on sorting out my skin as well.

When I'm in the bath I start off with cleaning my skin - I've been using Bayliss & Harding Skin Spa body wash. It smells amazing and incredibly fresh thanks to the basil in the scent. It's beautiful and so luxury. Next up I use L'Occitane Shower Oil - yes I know, shower oil and I'm in a bath. However, after exercise this is pure bliss. It warms upon application and instantly relaxes the muscles. It's perfect for moisture as well. A touch pricey but it's great. Next up, exfoliate! I cannot impress upon you how important it is to exfoliate your skin, it gets rid of all the dead skin cells and leaves your skin super super soft. My favourite is the Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub - this smells absolutely incredible, so sweet and yummy. Enough to eat it - just don't! This leaves my skin amazingly soft and it helps not to encourage blemishes on my body as well. Lastly I do my face, which means one thing - face mask! I love doing this last because it means I can pop it on, then relax for ten minutes in my bath. My mask of choice is currently the Origins Out of Trouble 10 Minutes Mask, it's perfect for my skin at the moment and I love it.

Of course no bath is complete without a couple of candles, my one of choice at the moment (no photographed) is Bayliss & Harding's Strawberries and Cream candle. Sweet and gorgeous, I absolutely love it.

What's your bath routine?

The Top 5 | Blemish Combating Products

I've always been one of these people that suffer with blemishes and acne, so finding the right products has always been a mission for me. I'm not going to lie, it's been a struggle so when I find something I like to hold onto it with everything I have. I know there are a lot of people out there like me who suffer from blemishes and find it hard to find something. This week I am focusing on blemishes and skin care. You may have seen hundreds of no make up selfies the past few days which I think is such an amazing cause. So I thought this weeks blog posts will be all about making your skin look the best it can possibly look - face, body and all! So today's post is about me sharing my top five blemish solving products...

1) ORIGINS SUPER SPOT REMOVER GEL

I use this in conjuncture with the Lush Tea Tree Water Toner Water for a targeted treatment. After cleaning the area with toner I pop this gel on the little bugger to help dry it out, reduce redness and swelling and generally just calm the area. A little goes a long way (which is good because it's a tiny bottle) but is well worth the pennies.

2) ORIGINS MAKE A DIFFERENCE+ REJUVENATING TREATMENT 

I use this before bed every night, after I cleanse and tone. I use it as my moisturiser and a treatment. It's so nourishing but also amazing at keeping your skin nice and clean. It's not too thick which is perfect for my oily skin, definitely feels more like a gel, but it's great. After I started using this my skin did a complete 180. It's not been the same since and honestly, I do still get some blemishes, but this keeps the majority of my skin nice and clear.

3) LA ROCHE POSAY EFFACLAR DUO+

A new offering, I loved the original, but I love this even more. I use it in the morning after I cleanse and tone, before my make up, as a moisturiser and primer. It smooths the skin and keeps the oil at bay all through the day (hellp rhyme!). It keeps all marks away and helps combat blemishes.

4) LUSH TEA TREE WATER TONER WATER 

This stuff has turned into my absolute holy grail. It has anti bacterial properties which keep my skin so squeaky clean it's never looked cleaner or clearer. I spray this onto a large cotton pad and wipe all over my face after double cleansing to remove any excess dirt or cleanser left behind. I do this morning and night, and also for targeted relief. I spray some on a cotton bud and swab the area to clean, then apply my Super Spot Remover Gel. It's the perfect combination.

5) REN CLEARCALM3 CLARIFYING CLAY CLEANSER 

I will be doing a full review on this this week as part of my skin care series, but really this is just perfect for blemish prone skin. It's lovely and creamy, gentle on the skin but hard on spots. It cleans like no other cleanser I've tried whilst staying gentle - I get dry skin but this doesn't upset it in the slightest. 

I would just like to point out - skincare is completely subjective. My advice would be to find a blogger who is your skincare type - for me I always look to Kate at gh0stparties for any skincare advice as she has very similar skin to me. What might work for me however, may not work for you - all skin is completely different, these are just the products that work for me.

What's your blemish fighting products?

The How To | Evening Skincare Routine

After last weeks Morning Skincare Routine I've popped up my evening routine as promised. This does actually take me longer than my morning, but that's because I give myself a deeper clean in the evening. Taking all my make up, dirt and grime away from the day and making myself feel fresh for the next day. So let's see...

First up is, of course, cleansing. I like to double cleanse every evening - I really notice the difference when I don't do it so it's definitely a rule of mine. I remove my make up with a micellar water, my evening choice is of course Bioderma Crealine. For me it's still the best at removing eye liner, lipstick and all make up. I use a large pad for the face then the normal round cotton pads for the eyes and lips. Next step of cleansing is Ren Clearcalm3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser, a gorgeously smooth cleanser that makes my skin feel ridiculously clean and helps control blemishes. It's specifically for blemish prone skin so it is the perfect cleanser for me, and was recommended by Ren themselves via Twitter. Next we go to toning. I saturate a large cotton pad with my Lush Tea Tree Toner Water and wipe over my face, remove any left dirt and any cleanser from my skin. Then I mist it over my face as a finishing touch. One a week I put a blemish controlling mask to help my skin - in particular Origins Out of Trouble mask, a firm favourite of mine. If I have any large blemishes I use my blemish controlling method (see here) which involves my toner and Origins Super Spot Remover. Lastly I pop Origins Make a Difference Plus + Rejuvenating Treatment, I use this a treatment and also a moisturising as it has some amazing moisturising properties. 

I do have some other bits I substitute in every now and then, but to be honest this line up is definitely my go to at the moment. It's made a huge different to my skin and I intend to keep at it for the foreseeable future. I am definitely up for trying other products so any suggestions would be appreciated!

My Skin Type: I have typically oily skin which is also blemish prone. Very occasionally it can be dry, this is due to an imbalance of oil in my skin.

What's your evening skin care routine?

The How To | Morning Skincare Routine

I've had a few of you guys asking me for my new updated skincare regime - basically I got lazy last year and my skin paid the price so I've had to really step it up this year and commit to sorting it out. I've already popped a couple of little bits up such as Blemish control (see here) but I thought I'd pop my full routines for you all, and let's start with the morning!

Now, the morning I don't tend to do too much. As far as I'm concerned the more time I can spend in bed in the morning the better - I'm not exactly a morning person! So where do I start...

First up is removing any excess dirt, so I use a mild micellar water just to get rid of any excess dirt from the nights sleep. At the moment my morning micellar is L'Oreal 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution. It's really mild and perfect for a quick clear up. My next step really depends on how my skin is behaving at that moment in time. If it's feeling a bit naughty I feel the need to add another cleanser. At the moment I'm loving Ren Clarimatte T Zone Control Cleansing Gel. Basically this really controls my oiliness throughout the day (hence the morning cleanse). No oily t-zone for me. Once I'm all clean and cleansed it's time to tone. I spray the Lush Tea Tree Toner Water over my face, just a mist. If I have any large blemishes I use my blemish control routine - Tea Tree Toner Water and Origins Super Spot Remover Gel. Afterwards it's time to moisturise and prime my face ready for make up and the day ahead. I like to use Nivea Express Hydration Primer, I like using this as it's very lightweight and helps to prime the skin. Then I throw La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (+) over the top, a really affective treatment for blemish prone skin and again, a really great way to prime the skin. 

I realise I said I didn't do too much, it really doesn't seem like it at the time, but having done these posts I realise there is a lot of products here. Whoops. Anywho, this really seems to be working in terms of preparing my skin for the day and keeping it clean and healthy. My evening routine will be coming up very soon!

My skin type: My skin is all over the place at the moment, but basically I have oily and blemish prone skin. At certain times it can go quite dry but that's usually if I neglect to moisturise. 

What's your skin care morning routine?

The How To | Reducing Blemishes

ITEMS USED: ORIGINS SUPER SPOT REMOVER & LUSH TEA TREE WATER

Combating breakouts is one thing, but those really annoying and painful blemishes are a whole other story. I've always struggled with aways to get rid of them, or even just to reduce the appearance, swelling and pain. You may know I've been overhauling my skin care somewhat these past few weeks and through this I've found a nifty little way of helping to sort this out. 

It's so easy and just involves two little products and two steps. So you can't really go wrong!

ONE

Grab a cotton bud. Soak one end of it with your Lush Tea Tree Toner Water. Rub over in inflamed area. This product contains antibacterial properties so it cleans the area like nothing else and keeps it clean and free of dirt. I've found this helps reduce soreness and redness.

TWO

Take a squidge of Origins Super Spot Remover and put on the inflamed area with a clean finger. Rub in. I've found this dries the area out reducing the swelling. It gives a little gel overlay on the top of the blemish so also protects it from any nasties trying to find their way back in.

I've found this way is amazing at reducing the appearance of your blemish. You do still need to moisturise otherwise the Origins gel will dry the area so just follow your usual skin care routine. After a couple of days said blemish is history! I'd love to know if you try this and if it works, or if it's just me going mad!

What's your blemish busting routine?

Skin Care | Spot Busting Treatments

I am one of those people that is highly sceptical of anything that promises to get rid of your spots. From experience very little actually delivers on that promise and I've spend so much money trying different things with little success. However, there are two products I've discovered that I always go to when my skin decides to play up. What rebellious skin I have!

Both of these are treatments, so an addition to your cleanse, tone and moisturise routine. I use either one of these, depending on my mood, after toning and before moisturising. La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo is the first of the two that I tried. Very gel like in consistency I've found this is really good at calming redness and spots down, reducing them. It's quite drying so tends to dehydrate the spots so I guess that's why they shrink. The second of the two is the Origins Make a Difference Plus + which is amazing when you're having just really bad skin weeks. It just clears the skin up and keeps them at bay. Whereas the Effaclar Duo is good at diffusing them once they are here, the Make A Difference Plus + is good at keeping them away. I use this most days and then the Effaclar Duo for days when the Origins is losing it's battle against my naughty skin.

Either of these two is definitely worth getting. Effaclar Duo I would recommend if you're one a bit of a budget, however if you want to dish out a bit more then grab the Make a Difference Plus+ as it's definitely worth it.

What spot busters work for you?

Skin Care | Origins Make A Difference Plus

ORIGINS MAKE A DIFFERENCE PLUS+ REJUVENATING TREATMENT

So, I've been debating for months as to whether or not I should buy this little pot of good skin promise. It's not the cheapest thing to buy if it doesn't work out, but there's been so many good reviews. Eek! Well my skin decided it was going to be a frigging nightmare a couple of weeks ago and just wouldn't let up - no matter what I did it just wouldn't clear itself so I convinced myself it was time to take action.

I'm always really impressed when i order something from Origins. It arrives so quickly and always comes with little samples which is a really nice touch. Anywho, it arrived and I've been using it for around two weeks now so decided it was time to pop it up on the blog. Honestly - how the hell did I live without this for so long? There is no product that has ever made as much of a difference as this.

Basically I pop it on in the morning after a quick cleanse, no moisturiser, and then make up. Then again in the evening before bed after I've removed all my make up. It has a very strong scent to it so if you're not a fan of scents you may want to be wary. It's a very orangey scent I think - I'm still deciding if I like it but Adam loves it so hey. Within two days my skin was visibly clearer. Any spots that were threatening to come up disappeared overnight and my skin just looked healthier. I've not had to moisturise as much either since using this.

There was one day I forgot to take it with me to Adams so didn't use it and you could see a difference instantly, my face didn't seem as clear or clean and instantly a couple of spots appeared. 

I am over the moon with this product. I don't know what I'm going to do when it runs out - buy another? I'm just going to have to swallow the cost as there is no way I could survive without this now. If you are having troubled skin I would definitely recommend this as it's a winner.

What treatment works for your skin?

Skin Care | Gel Cleansers

Gel cleansers seem to be a bit of a marmite product. Some people swear by them, others avoid like the plague! I think the stigma around them is that a lot of versions are incredibly harsh, contain alcohol so strip the skin, whereas other cleansers such as cream and balms don't seem to do this.

I have tried a multitude of cleansers, really a lot, most of which hasn't done a thing to my skin, but the one cleanser that's really made a difference has been a gel cleanser - so for me this was a major thumbs up in terms of this form of cleansing. I have oily skin and I find that cream cleansers can be a bit too gentle in that they don't take way the oil and grease from my face that the gels seem to do. So for me, the fact that gels are a tad harsher works well in my favour. They help to really strip the excess oil from my face to get to the dirt underneath and give it a really good clean. 

My personal favourite is definitely Origins Zero Oil cleanser - a gel cleanser through and through this is the one I always go back to. With most skin products I usually notice my skin getting worse before it gets better, with this is got better almost instantly and hand on heart it is the only cleanser I can say this about. It's incredibly fresh and doesn't dry out my skin. There is no stiffness afterwards, which is definitely another result of some gel cleansers, and my skin still feels soft. Want to know why - no alcohol, big thumbs up all around.

I'm not going to lie, I have used some gel cleansers that aren't my cup of tea. The most recent being this offering from Nip + Fab, their Clean Gel Fix. I was incredibly excited to use this, however I used this before checking the ingredients and it had a very chemically smell to it and left my face feeling overly stripped and stiff afterwards. When checking the ingredients I found the main difference between this and the Origins offering was that this contained alcohol. Don't get me wrong, it does clean my skin, however this does fall into the harsh gel cleanser stereotype for me. I had to use a ridiculous amount of moisturiser after using this - which we all know is not great for a foundation base (can anyone say slippery base!)

I think you have to be of a certain skin type to appreciate gel cleansers. I've used many and  there are some I hate and others I like. My pick would definitely be the above from Origins. If you have oily skin like me it is definitely worth looking into a gel cleanser - but do your research on the ingredients. My skin appears to love Salicyclic Acid (which is in the Origins cleanser) so if you are like me definitely look for that. But do avoid those with alcohol contained as it can be incredibly harsh for you skin.

If you have dry or sensitive skin I wouldn't go for a gel as it will irritate and be way to harsh for you- definitely go from something like a cream cleanser as it will be more gentle on your skin.

What type of cleansers suit your face? Are you pro or anti gel?

Skincare | Origins Zero Oil Cleanser

ORIGINS ZERO OIL CLEASNER £18.00

Day two of Lisa gushing about products. This beaut of a cleanser has appeared in a couple of posts, such as Cleansers and June Faves, but I hadn't realised I've not done an actual post dedicated to just it. My new love, the product that has changed my skin completely - and for that I owe it at least one gushing review. So get the sick buckets ready...

Okay, so as you all know I have oily skin, it's the bane of my life. So when I saw that Origins did a zero oil cleanser I knew I had to try it. Yes a tad on the pricey side, however well worth it. It's a gel cleanser, that I pop on a wet face and massage into the skin. Once covered, wipe off with a flannel. My skin feels refreshed and light. It contains Salicyclic Acid, which I've heard before is amazing for oily skin as it acts as a chemical exfoliant that deep cleans pores; and saw palmetto inhibits excess oil production. 

Since using this morning and evening, my skin has significantly improved. I've even been able to use products that used to break me out, now they don't. Yay! Honestly, the best cleanser I've used and I'm never looking back. I would recommend this collection for anyone with oily skin.

What cleansers do you swear by? Do you have oily skin?

Favourites | June

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Skincare | Cleansers

Continuing on my mission for a great skincare regime, I have recently shaken up my cleansing routine and really commited to it, and to be honest I have seen the biggest difference because of it. I've gotten rid of a lot of "treatments" like La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo - as much as I love it I wanted to go back to basics - and honestly I haven't had to use it.

So, cleansing is basically cleaning your face. Simple I know, but like me you may not have really registered the importance of doing so. When I said to my boyfriend "since I've been doing it properly my skins has really cleared up" and he looked at me like an idiot - for him it just seemed like common sense. So what have I changed?

Well, I now have a proper routine. I cleanse in the morning, and double cleanse in the evening. After reading Rebecca's post on double cleansing I am now addicted and feel a bit eugh if I don't.

So in the morning I use my Origins Zero Oil cleanser, it's a gel cleanser that was recommended by Kate from gh0stparties for oily skin, which is exactly what I have. I pop a bit in my (clean) hands, and then apply to the face using my fingers in a circular motion until it covers my entire face. Then using a flannel, I remove with warm water - again in circular motions. I use a flannel instead of a muslin cloth as I just cannot get on with the cloths, I just tend to find them dirt catching and harder to rinse, and a flannel works perfectly for me anyway.

Then, in the evening I use a micellar water to remove my make up as my first cleanse. I've been switching between Bioderma and B.Pure. Both are great at removing make up, personally I prefer Bioderma but it's a little harder to get hold off so I use that when I've been wearing a lot of make up, and B.Pure for everyday make up.

For the second bout of cleansing I go back to my Origins Zero Oil to get rid of any excess dirt or rubbish on my face.

Since using this as my everyday cleansing routine my skin has significantly improved in appearance. I've used the micellar waters for ages already, so I am putting this mainly down to the Origins cleanser. A tad pricey but absolutely essential for me now - I couldn't live without it.

I would definitely recommend reading through Rebecca's post on double cleansing as it's a real eye opener, you can see it here.

What cleansers do you swear by?

Disclaimer: Please remember that all skincare is subjective. This review is based on my personal experiences with the products and based on my skin type. 

Lazy Girl Guide to Skincare

I'm ridiculously lazy when it comes to skin care. My philosophy tends to be the less time the products take me, the happier they make me. So, this is my skincare regime at the moment - or as I'm putting it, my lazy girl's guide.

Morning
So, my alarm goes off, I hit snooze, it goes off again, snooze - this goes on for a while until I drag myself out of bed and grimace at my face in the mirror. O joy! The first thing I do is use my Natio Gentle Cleansing Wipes* to give my fave a quick refresh and cleanse. It's full of natural products such as green tea and chamomile and it just helps to get rid of whatever make up residue may be left from the day before.
Next comes my La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo - I know, it's not on the picture (I left it at the boys like an idiot) but this has become a real staple is spot busting for me. I pop it on everyday in the morning and it works at cleaning my pores as well as minimising the blemishes I do have. Not only that but it works as a fab make up base. Then I moisturise with my Fade Out White Original Moisturising Cream* to replace all moisture that my Effaclar Duo has taken out and to brighten up my face, ready for the war paint.

Evening
Here comes the laborious task of taking my make up off. I hate doing it and it always makes me a bit sad. The best make up remover I have found has to be Bioderma Crealine H20, it's a micellar(?) cleaner, so water based, great for your skin and a genius at removing make up. I use this with a huge baby cotton pad so not to waste pads - one will do my entire face. If I need an extra dose for eye make up I use the usual round pads.
Then comes the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, just to double cleanse and remove all horrible grit and dirt. I don't double cleanse every night, mainly every other otherwise I feel it's a bit harsh on my skin so I try to keep it to a minimum. Again, an all natural cleanser and probably the most hyped in blogger world. Then lastly I pop some more of my Fade Out White Original Moisturising Cream to pop some much needed moisture back into my face. Poor face!

So that is my routine, it's not a huge one and it's definitely not a religious one - hence the lazy girls guide! This tends to be working really well for my skin at the moment. The Natio Cleansing Wipes* are a new addition that have restored my faith in face wipes. They are really gentle and really fab at cleaning your skin and keeping it nice and refreshed. I would definitely recommend them.

I do use other bits and bobs every now and then, for example every two weeks I use Origins Out of Trouble Mask and the weeks I don't use that I use an exfoliator, such as The Body Shops Vitamin C Microdermabrasion. Just for those times my skin needs an extra bit of help.

What's your tips for speedy yet fab skin routine?

Wishlist: Skin Care

Since starting my blog I have become more and more conscious about skin care and what I'm putting on my face. Which has been a god send for my skin, not so much for my purse as it seems I have expensive taste as you'll see from my wishlist!

Most of these products are a wish either from bloggers reviews (mainly Anna) or from using other products from the brand, or by using samples.

#1. Entire Zero Oil Range for Origins: 

Zero Oil Deep Pore Cleanser £17.00 for 150ml

Zero Oil Pore Purifying Toner £17.00 for 150ml

Zero Oil Oil Free Lotion £23.00 for 50ml

I got a sample of the Oil Free Lotion when I recently purchased from Origins and I've just fallen in love with it. My skin has never felt more moisturised and it helps to balance out my complexion. I'd love to use the rest of the range to try out to see if they were as good as the Liz Earle cleanse/toner collection and which combinations go well together. I am however definitely buying the lotion once I've next been paid.

#2. Alpha H Liquid Gold £31.50 for 100ml

This is an 'Anna's' fault product. After watching her recent skin care video I fell in love with the idea of product. The fact that it's an overnight to resurface and firm you skin and is recommended as an anti-acne product, it sounds perfect to me. I went straight to the nearest website to purchase it until I saw the price. This is a spanner in the works for me, I'm so dubious to buy any skin care for over £25 in case it doesn't work. But I'm still dreaming about this product.

#3. Clinque Stay-Matte Oil-Free Foundation £21.50 for 30ml

I've been using a sample of this in Ivory for the past two weeks and am totally sold on this product. It lasts, gives great coverage and doesn't make my skin break out in oily patches or acne. This will be another pay day treat for me as I haven't found another foundation that matches my skin tone as well and does exactly what I want from a foundation. It was love at first contact!

#4. Caudalie Beauty Elixir £10.90 for 30ml or £32.00 for 100ml

Now this is another recommendation from Anna however I'm dubious to purchase as it's had mixed reviews across the blogosphere. It's meant to smooth away lines, tighten pores and refresh your skin, as well as helping to set your make up. All with a spritz! Would love to try it but for the price it's a pretty pricey mistake to make if it doesn't work for me.

#5. Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser £18.55 for 50ml pump

Couldn't have a skin care wish list without Liz Earle! Even since I tried Cleanse & Polish and the Toner, I can't live without them and this is the recommended moisturiser to go with. I've been using the Origins sample as stated above but I'd quite like the full set - as with the Origins one! Bit greedy me opps!

I would love to know if you'd tried any of these products and what you made of them - see if you can convince me to sway either way of purchase - to buy or not to buy! The moneys fate is in your capable hands!

Which of these would you recommend?

Origins Out of Trouble Mask

Origins Out of Trouble Mask £20.00

I always hear amazing things about Origins so I'm always happy when I get one of their products through the door. I bought this product after browsing their blemish and oil control section on their website. After hearing great things about their drink it up mask I thought I'd treat myself to this. I was looking to buy their Drink It Up mask, but my main skin concern at the moment is my oily completion and my spots seem to be running riot on my face, and none of my usual tricks seem to be working. So I took a chance with this.

The first time I used this I have to say I felt so disappointed. Face clear of make up and I popped it on and after a couple minutes it felt like my face was burning. I stayed with it and after another 5 minutes I had to take it off. My face was slightly pink and it didn't seem to do anything. But I thought no, I will try again and I'm so glad I did.

So again, face clear of make up I popped the mask on, however I didn't put it on so thickly this time. Thankfully no burning sensation this time and after the full 10 minutes I took this off with a warm flannel and no pink skin (yay!). My skin looked clearer and to begin with I didn't see any significant difference with my skin. However fast forward one sleep and what a difference. I woke up to the softest skin I think I have ever had. I don't know if this is down to the mask or Origins Zero Oil lotion (I got a free sample with this purchase), but either way - loved how my skin felt. Not only that, but the redness around my spots was significantly reduced. 

I've used this a couple of times now and I'm noticing a difference with my skin so I couldn't be happier. Money well spent and I will definitely be buying the Zero Oil Lotion when my sample runs out as well.

Have you tried Origins masks? Which would you recommend?

Origins Super Spot Remover

If you know me you know I have a real thing about my skin and my spots. They drive me crazy and I have always struggled to find a product that works and that helps.

Along with my Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, I was recently recommend this:

Origins Super Spot Remover £12.00

I was really excited to try this as it was very highly recommended and I had a look through a couple of other reviews on blogs as well.

The first thing that struck me about this product when I received it was the size - it is actually tiny... like not even as tall as my little finger tiny. Which put me off a little bit because of the price. Saying that, I have had this for around two months now and have hardly made a dent in little bottle so it looks like it goes a very long way.

I use this at night after I have removed all make up and used my cleanser etc and then pop it on my main problem areas and any spots I can feel coming up.

Where this product comes into its own is which these upcoming products - if you pop it on one by the morning it is literally half the size. However, on already formed spots it doesn't really have any effect at all. But it's there to combat those pesky emerging ones which really helps and Liz Earle helps combat the entire problem.

I would recommend this product. I'm not a huge fan of the price, but I definitely couldn't live without this now... Lovely product and really does help which makes me feel great.

Have you used Origins before?