Elemis | Melting Cleansing Gel

Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel | £17.85* | Link

My bathroom cupboard is bursting at the seams (or hinges...?) at the moment!  I've really been getting into my skin care - trying a few new bits and bobs and breaking out of my little skin care rut that I often find myself stuck in around this time of year.  I have combination skin that's quite sensitive, so what works for me throughout summer doesn't necessarily do me much good as soon as the colder weather and dark evenings roll round.  The Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel has fast become my go-to cleanser for when I want a light, gentle cleanse of an evening and I find it works a treat on my dull, winter skin. Targeted towards tired or stressed skin (yep, that's me down to a 't' at the moment...) the cleanser is 'ultra purifying' and contains skin protective ingredients such as Argan Oil, 'mattifying' rice silk, rosemary and moringa.

I've been using this in the evenings mostly, but depending on your own personal routine it's definitely gentle enough to use morning and night.  I find it works well with my combination skin - being moisturising enough for any dry areas such as my cheeks and my forehead, yet not being overly heavy for use on the t-zone area.  What I love about this cleanser is the texture and consistency.  It really is amazing and such a treat to use! It comes out of the tube as a thick, luxurious gel which smooths out like a dream.  It really is so silky and it feels lovely to apply.  It simply melts at your fingertips! I apply to a damp face, and simply massage it all over the skin in circular motions before rinsing off with warm water.  It melts on impact with water and quickly transforms from a gel into a rich milky liquid - you really don't need much at all and a little goes a very long way.  After rinsing off, my skin feels really silky to the touch and has that lovely 'squeeky clean' feeling.  It leaves my skin feeling incredibly smooth and soft, and I seem to find that my moisturiser sinks in very well after using it.  Personally, I find it best to use in the evenings but you can use this any time of day - applying moisturiser afterwards is a doddle, making it perfect for use in the mornings if you're going to be applying makeup. It also smells lovely - it has a really subtle, fresh scent and isn't heavily fragranced. Perfect for those with sensitive skin like myself!

I've really been enjoying using this cleanser and I can imagine it's going to remain part of my regime for some time to come! I've had some congestion around my cheeks for a while and it's starting to clear up now I'm using this along with a slightly creamier moisturiser.  It's amazing what a simple switch up of routine can do! The fact that it also helps to combat winter dullness is also a big plus point for me!  I can imagine that those with more troublesome skin might need something a little stronger, but it's a fab everyday product to use and it's lovely and gentle on sensitive skin.  What I love about Elemis is the spa like feel they have to their products - I recently treated myself to their Relaxing Bath Soak (post here) and have been really impressed with the quality - I can see why their products have received so many good reviews and awards! They provide an excellent range of luxury skin care and spa treatments, all with natural, botanical ingredients.  You can find the Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel on the 'Beauty Time Therapies' website for a special price of £17.85* or browse the Elemis range here. 
 

Have you tried the Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel? What's your favourite Elemis product?

Sanctuary Skincare | My Current Favourites

I sometimes tend to put off doing skincare posts, simply because everyone is different and what might work for me, won't work for other people - but i've been using the Sanctuary range now since the beginning of June and it's become a firm favourite of mine.  Their skincare range is actually really impressive and suprisingly affordable, and it's one that I know I will continue to go back to. Here's a quick rundown of the products from the range that i'm using religiously at the moment:

Pore Refining Toner 150ml | £9 - This is without a doubt, my favourite product i've tried from the range. I included it in an August favourites post a while back and have since caved in and bought the big bottle. It's really gentle, yet removes every trace of makeup left on my face after cleansing, and it has a really comforting smell to it that isn't overpowering. It sprays out in a mist and can be applied directly to a cotton pad for direct toning, or it can even be used as a refreshing spray throughout the day over your makeup or just to refresh the skin in general. It helps to balance the Ph of your skin, whilst helping to refine and tighten pores - all big thumbs up for me since I do have large pores around my t-zone. Dare I say it, but my skin has looked a million times better since I began using this, and it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or tight after use like other toners i've used in the past.

Brightening Facial Radiance Exfoliator 100ml | £10.50 - This exfoliator contains 'ultra fine apricot granules and grape seed' and smells really fresh. This is great for those days when you feel as if your skin is looking a bit dull and uneven in tone. It's gentle enough to use fairly regularly, but not so much so that it doesn't make a difference. My skin is left feeling super soft and revitalised afterwards and appears smoother in tone.

Deep Cleanse Facial - Fresh Faced Purifying Wash 140ml | £9 - This gentle little facewash helps to balance the skin's moisture levels (which is great for me as I have combination skin) and contains witch hazel, chamomile and cucumber to cool and soothe. It has the same fragrance as the toner, and works really well used side by side. It leaves my skin feeling suitably moisturised and clean - all in all it's just a really nice little cleansing face wash that does what it says on the tin (or tube in this case... and a rather wonky one at that... i always manage to pick up the dodgy one out of everything!)

All items can be purchased from Boots, and it's worth keeping your eyes peeled for their 3 for 2! They also offer some of their products in the mini-range so you can try before you buy.

Have you tried Sanctuary skincare?

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No7 Soft & Soothed | Gentle Cleanser

Recently, I've been stuck in a skincare rut. Sometimes, I think it's good to switch things up a little - especially now Autumn/Winter is setting in; I find my skin needs a little bit more care once the colder weather comes around. I'd started to feel like my skin needed a little bit more moisture - having normal/combination skin sometimes it's difficult to find something completely suited to my skin type as it changes all the time depending on the time of year. I've never tried No7's cleanser range before, and I've been hearing such good things about it - so I decided to give their 'Soft & Soothed Gentle Cleanser' a whirl.

'Sweep away make-up and impurities and help your skin stay soft and smooth with this gentle creamy cleanser'

Being for normal/dry skin types, it's moisturising, but not so much that I feel as if it's clogging up my pores. It's fabulous at removing make-up; a few swipes with a cotton pad and my skin is left feeling moisturised and clean. Personally, I still tend to wash my face afterwards, as it can feel a little too heavy for me to leave on my skin. I have quite sensitive skin, and everytime I introduce something new to my skincare regime I find myself waiting with baited breath to see if my skin rebels. But this hasn't caused any problems for me, and I've found any dry patches i'd previously had on my cheeks have gone. I also love the fact it's fragrance free. For me, it's just a really good simple cleanser that has fitted in very well with my current skincare regime. No7 also do versions for oily/combination and very dry skin types, so theres something in the range for everybody.

What are your thoughts on the No7 cleansers? 

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