Skincare over haul: part 2

As I have mentioned in my previous post I am overhauling my skin care on the search for my holy grail products, and last time I went through the first steps in my routine, cleanse and tone. In this post I will show you my moisturiser and the extras that I use on my skin.

About a month ago a friend of mine off loaded me with a sample of Elemis' pro collagen marine cream that she didn't like and out of curiosity I gave it a try, and it was pretty much love at first application. I know I'm a little young to be using serious anti-ageing products but this cream is equally as amazing on a young 20+ skin. It hydrates my skin so well but with a lovely light texture that makes it so easy to apply make up over. I've also notice a huge difference in my skins tone, its less red around the nose and on the cheeks and looks plumper. Although this was probably the most expensive piece of skin care I have ever bought its was worth every penny and the 50ml pot seems huge, especially because I'm very strictly sticking to the portion of the little scoop provided. Alittle case of practice what I preach to people at work I think!

As soon as I get home from work I will remove my make up with cotton pads and Bioderma crealine H2O solution. Does anyone need to read another rave review about Bioderma? No, its just the shizzle, fact!

To remove my eye make up I use Boots Botanics, soothing eye make up remover, which I have used for years and years. I love this stuff, its a super, SUPER cheap bi-phase remover that I find does the job better than any other. I hate the new packaging and the fact that this product is now NEVER in stock (sort it out Boots!) but beggars cant be choosers eh?

As a contact lens wearer I often suffer from really dry and sore eyes and I have found the Liz Earle's soothing eye lotion amazing for this, its just super refreshing and cooling. It doesn't make any wild claims to fix dark circles etc, it just does exactly what it says on the tin... soothes. I would highly recommend any one who wears contacts or has hay fever checks this product out. The bottle is an absolutely enormousness 150ml, which for an eye product is just insane!

And finally a newbie, I cant really comment much on the Elemis, papaya enzyme peel fully yet because I've only tried it out a couple of times. But I will say so far I love the smell and it makes my skin really soft after I use it. However I was alittle disappointed at the size for a whopping £29!

I am currently on the hunt for my perfect eye cream and mask so please let me know if you have any recommendations, I would really love to hear them.

Its honestly a little embarrassing how obsessed with skincare I have got, I find if I'm having a shit day I just run along to my local Space NK and just start looking at all the potions and lotions, "its just my own personal brand of heroin".

Skincare over haul, part one (cleanse and tone)

Over the past few months I have been working on over hauling my skincare routine, which feels like its abit of a trend with loads of beauty bloggers at the moment. I have been desperately trawling reviews and trying out new products, desperate to find my holy grails and I'm pleased to say I think I'm almost there!

Firstly I have to say that what works for me, might not work for everyone so here is the low down on my skin. Its almost balanced, I don't get oily and I dont get any dry flaky areas (I know, boo hoo me right!). My biggest concern is dehydration. My skin gets crepey and lined, especially round my eyes and on my forehead and I'm only in my early 20's. I also get the occasional break out but nothing major, although at the time I think its possibly the end of the world!!

When I started to change things up, I added new things in one by one, trying not to over load my skin with all new products and this seemed to work quite well. The first thing I lost from my previous routine was my beloved cleanse and polish. After some amazing reviews from one of my favourite bloggers, Caroline at beauty mouth, I started using the Emma Hardie Moringa cleansing balm with a muslin cloth. At first I wasnt sure about this cleanser, in fact it was only the cost that made me keep going with it. I got it in my head that it wasn't cleaning my skin properly, but this balm actually cleans it better than any other, its just the fact that it didn't make my skin fell irritated and tight that I think was a whole new concept to me.

The balm is, obviously, a balm texture that you mix with a drop of water and spread over the face. I personal quite dislike the smell in the pot, but it seems to smell much nicer, like essential oils, once its all over your face. It literally doesn't leave a scrap of make up on your face once you clean it off and your skin feels super soft.

After I've patted my skin dry I tone with one of either two products shown above (I actually prefer the Caudalie beauty elixir but I only bought a tiny 30ml bottle and its almost finished). Both of these toners have a beautiful refreshing feel and smell and I love them. When I use the beauty elixir I either spray it onto a cotton wool pad and wipe over my face (usually in the evening) or I spray it into my hands and pat it over the face. With the elixir I have noticed a reduction in the fine line on my forehead so I will 100% be repurchasing this product once the Liz Earle is finished. I'd love to hear if anyone else uses the Caudalie beauty elixir everyday to tone because it does feel like it might be alittle much for everyday but I don't know if I am imagining that?

Keep your eyes pealed for part two, where I'll show you my new moisturiser addiction and all the extras. I am on the look out for a great mask for my skin so if anyone has any recommendations leave a comment please.