8 High End Products I Can't Live Without...

Why is it that all of your more expensive make-up must-haves always run out at the same time? Seriously - it happens to me every single bloomin' time and this month has been particularly cruel to me to say the least.  As I'm currently on a bit of a budget and am trying to curb my beauty product-spend-age, it's been difficult to justify splurging on high-end replacements. For some, I've managed to find good cheaper alternatives (see my recent 'drugstore gems' post here), but I've come to realise that there's a few high-end products in my collection I simply cannot live without.  Of course, as a blogger, I often end up treating myself to the odd luxury or two but there's only a small handful of them that I'd say hold the 'cannot live without' status.  I thought it was about time that I dedicate a post to my high-end 'holy grail' must-haves...

Nars / Sheer Glow Foundation / Link

Ever since I first purchased this foundation, it's never been out of my makeup collection.   It's a medium to full coverage foundation (in my opinion, more on the 'full' side) and always provides me with such flawless results.  It stays put all day and the formula is so easy to apply and blend out with a buffing brush. It's not dewy but provides a gorgeous subtle glow to the skin.  I particularly like this for nights out and events because it contains no SPF (no ghost face!) and I've also taken this away on holiday for use in the evenings and it's never let me down - it's so long-lasting. I have a full review here.

Mac / Mineralise Skinfinish Natural / Link

This powder has featured so many times on my blog - but for good reason! I'm still yet to find another powder that quite matches up.  It looks so natural and gives the skin such a smoothed out, 'soft focus' sort of finish. It controls oil and shine without looking cakey (even if you over-apply of a morning...) and doesn't cling to dry patches - it also doesn't darken or adjust the colour of your foundation underneath.  As well as controlling shine, it also sets your makeup and keeps your base locked in place for much longer - I notice such a difference when I don't use this (which isn't very often as it's a daily must-have for me!)  I can be out all day and after a few hours my makeup looks pretty much freshly applied - If i ever need to 'touch-up' it's very minimal.  I have a review here.

Estee Lauder / Double Wear Concealer / Link

I doubt I will ever find a concealer as good as this one!  It's expensive but lasts such a long time so it's price tag is perfectly justified to me considering I'd probably go through about 4 or 5 drugstore versions for just one tube of this.  It instantly covers dark circles, pigmentation and blemishes with a tiny dab - the full coverage is amazing yet it never looks caked or over-applied. It has a beautiful creamy consistency which is a dream to blend and it never sticks to dry patches.  This really is an unsung hero of the beauty world...

Nars / Matte Multiple in 'Altai' / Link

My contouring dreams came true when Nars released their Matte Multiples.  I much prefer contouring with cream products (and then add a dash of powder product to strengthen the effect afterwards once it's set) - i just find it gives a much more natural, sculpted finish as it's blended into your foundation as opposed to sitting on top of it. 'Altai' is a lovely colour for contouring as it adds a touch of warmth to the face without looking too bronzed.  My cheeks always look so defined after I've used this and the fact it's so long lasting means I can have perfectly contoured cheekbones all day long. I have a full review here.

Benefit / 'Hoola' Bronzer / Link

This is such an all-rounder which is why I love it so much.  It works as an all over bronzer if applied with a fluffy brush but also works perfectly as a contour shade.  As mentioned previously, I apply some of my Nars Multiple and then, once I've set with Mac's MSF, I'll dust a small amount of this along the contour line with the brush that comes in the compact. It intensifies the effect but still looks super natural.  I love the fact that it's matte too. I have a full review here.

Clinique / Bottom Lash Mascara / Link

Ever since I first started wearing makeup I've struggled with my mascara smudging below my bottom lash line. However, that all changed when I began purchasing Clinique's Bottom Lash Mascara and I haven't used anything else since. I swear by it.  I never get panda eyes anymore and my bottom lashes always look so defined and separated thanks to the tiny little wand. It coats every single lash with ease, doesn't flake or smudge (even if there's a few tears - tried and tested ;)) I talk a little more about it in this favourites post.

Shu Uemura / Art of Hair Essence Absolue Oil / Link

If you've been reading my blog for a while, I bet you're sick of hearing about this product by now - but seriously, I adore everything about it and I definitely think it's helped towards hair growth.  My hair has never felt in such good condition since I started using this and I use it every time I wash my hair.  It doesn't weigh the hair down at all yet provides such intense moisture. I sometimes apply it to dry hair to revive my style if it's gone a little bit frizzy (perfect for rainy days) and I've also used it on extensions to help them stay soft and shiny for longer.  SUCH a wonder product. I have a full review here.

Harley Street Skincare / Spot Buster Solution / Link

As far as spot treatments go - this is by far the best I've ever used.  Again, i've spoken about it quite a bit on my blog but I really do think it's the bees knees and it's worth every single penny. If I ever have a breakout, it clears it within a couple of days and helps to prevent scarring/marking after the blemish has gone.  Unlike other spot treatments, this one doesn't leave a residue so it's perfect if you're applying makeup afterwards - you can't tell it's been applied at all.  Because it's a spray, you can apply it easily over larger areas too. Without a doubt the best anti-blemish solution I've ever tried. It featured in my skincare routine post here.

What are your 'can't live without' products?

My Really Simple Skincare Routine

I'll let you in on a little secret. I don't spend a lot of money on my skincare routine. I know - SMITE ME DOWN, beauty gods! Slap me on the wrist for I must be a bad blogger! I've tried my fair share of high-end products when it comes to skincare and I have to say, I really don't see a huge difference in the results they give compared to my trusty 'drugstore' faves. I'm a big believer in that, when it comes to your skin, more expensive doesn't neccessarily equal better.  There's not a shred of skincare snobbery where I'm concerned. Ohhh no - get me down the aisles of Boots and I'm a happy chappy.  As well as my belief that the price tag doesn't always reflect the quality, I also think that keeping your skincare routine as simple as you can works wonders.  I think we've all fallen victim to over complicating our regimes now and again - being a beauty obsessive, it's easier said than done to cut-out some of the steps from your routine.  I think it's all too easy to get sucked in to buying luxurious products purely because they look good on your dressing table. Well, sods to that, I say!

Skin care is such a personal thing which made me wonder whether or not this post would go down like a lead balloon - however, if you're at your wits end with your skin, are suffering with breakouts you cannot get rid of or just can't find anything to work for you, hopefully this post might inspire you somehow. I've found a bunch of products which really do work a charm - and aside from one high-end product (which actually does do what it claims) none of these products are over £15.00 - in fact, the 2 'main' products I use are less than a fiver... 

Ok, so you might have seen the header photo for this post and thought 'how the flippin'eck is that a simple skincare regime?' - but the reality is, on a daily basis, I only use these 2 products.  Nothing else.  I wash my face both morning and night with my Simple Spotless Skin Triple Action Face Wash (£3.99) and moisturise afterwards with a pump or two of Superdrug's Tea Tree Facial Moisturiser (£2.99).  That's it. Nothing snazzy. Not a bit of fancy packaging or a luxurious name to be seen.  I like these two together because they do a fab job at keeping my skin clear from blemishes - the face wash has tiny little beads in it which help to exfoliate gently and the moisturiser is a lovely consistency for every day use (although dry skin types will probably find it much too light). The tea tree definitely helps to calm my skin and I've been using both of these for years now - I couldn't be without them.

The only other face wash I will use is Arran Aromatics Lavender Tea Tree Reviving Toning Facial Wash (£12.95). I've spoken about this many times on my blog and it even made it into my 2013 favourites here. I use this when I'm feeling a bit stressed as it's such a relaxing wash to use before bedtime - I find it has really great calming benefits if my skin is looking a little worse for wear or dull. It's so cooling and calming on the skin and the scent is just heavenly.  The consistency is also really lovely  - a gel-like texture with small exfoliating beads which leaves your skin feeling smooth, soft and pampered. I must be on my 5th bottle of the stuff now.  I love it.  

Another brand I'm rather partial to when it comes to skincare is Organic Surge.  I really like their Blissful Daily Moisturiser (£8.49) for the wintertime as it's just that little bit thicker than my Tea Tree one (bare in mind I have normal-dry skin and this is fine for me, but if you have particularly dry patches, you might want to try something a little heavier).  It's really creamy and intensely moisturising but it doesn't sit on top of the skin so it's great for applying in the mornings when you need to do your makeup pretty swiftly after moisturising.  I'm also a big fan of the Organic Surge First Class Face Mask (£8.49). I must admit I'm not one for face masks as I just find them a bit of a faff and my skin often reacts badly to them - but this one is really gentle and fuss-free. It doesn't harden and it doesn't leave an obvious film on the skin - in some ways, it's just like applying a thick moisturiser.  I will pop some on 10 minutes before a shower and then wash it off in there - it's so easy.  I do this if my skin is feeling dull or 'clogged' up as it gets rid of any impurities - it seems to help clear any blemishes and leaves my skin looking a little more bright and fresh.

If you suffer with blemishes and want a really good product to clear your skin, I really recommend having a bottle of this in your bathroom cabinet.  It's expensive - but my goodness, it works.  I will always recommend this to anybody suffering with breakouts as it completely cleared mine when I went through a little spell of them last year.  It was a life saver and I doubt I'll ever find anything as good.  At £25.00 a bottle, the Harley Street Skincare Spot Busting Solution isn't cheap - but its worth every penny and I'm now on my 4th bottle of the stuff. It's great if you have quite a few blemishes in a certain area or if you have one of those stubborn under the skin spots. I won't say too much as I've reviewed it a couple of times on my blog - you can find it in my 2013 favourites post here.

And last but not least, my Origins Super Spot Remover (£15.00) is another one of my favourites.  I must admit I think I prefer my Harley Street solution however, this one is great for travelling with (i take it on holiday as it weighs next to nothing) and it's good to pop on if you have a small blemish or two.  This teeny tiny bottle has lasted me ages and it's well worth the money.

 So there we have it - my super simple skin care regime. Aside from a couple of more indulgent products, there's nothing overly luxurious or high-end - just good quality, well priced products that work a treat.  I used to over-complicate my skincare regime and ever since I've stripped it back to the basics, i've noticed so many benefits.  

What's your opinion on skin care?

Claudia Louch | Skincare Products

When it comes to skin care, I'm all in favour of simplicity.  I have sensitive skin in the sense that if I use anything too fragranced or fussy, I'll get pesky little breakouts that are extremely tough to budge.  For this reason, I don't tend to experiment with my skincare routine too much - I stick to what I know and I avoid switching it up too often.  Whilst I don't usually tend to delve in to skincare too much, I was attracted to the Claudia Louch brand after having a read up on the website about the internationally-renowned Harley Street Clinic and product range. With a focus on skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, acne and a variety of allergies (to name a few), Claudia Louch has a natural approach to skin care which results in gentle, healing products said to help treat and care for those with sensitive skin and all sorts of skin complaints.

Hydrating Mango Face Cream | £61.50* | Link //&// Chamomile Face Wash | £37.40* | Link

I've been using a combination of the 'Hydrating Mango Face Cream*' and the 'Chamomile Facial Wash*' for a while now. Both products are unbelievably gentle and soothing to the skin - and have very little fragrance. The Hydrating Mango Face Cream  is luxuriously packaged in a sleek, glass-effect tube with delicate silver pump.  I expected it to have quite a strong, fruity scent to it due to the 'mango' ingredients but it actually has very little fragrance to it at all - I personally like this factor as I feel it is much more gentle on my skin.  The consistency is fairly thick, but not so heavy that it doesn't leave an oily or tacky residue - it's the perfect 'in-between' moisturiser for me. It feels so soothing to apply - especially on the drier areas of my face - my skin feels instantly nourished and calmed. Once it's sank in, my skin is left feeling super soft and smooth, and stays hydrated throughout the day.  Usually, I get some dryness around my cheeks creeping back through the day but when I've used this, I've noticed that my skin feels nourished and 'plumped' hours after I've applied my makeup in the morning and my foundation stays looking smoother for longer.  The Chamomile Face Wash feels equally luxurious to use. The subtle, spa-like scent and calming effect coupled with the clear, gel-like consistency really help to soothe and nourish the skin. It didn't leave my skin feeling dry or tight afterwards and left my skin feeling suitably quenched. I definitely noticed my skin felt much more hydrated and healthy when I used these two products together and any dry areas were considerably reduced.

Although I've had a positive experience with these products, the downside for me is the price. Although I'm not opposed to spending a fair whack on skincare when I need to, I can't say I noticed huge benefits for my skin. I liked the hydrating properties and the fact my skin looked really healthy and glowy when I'd used them for a while - it definitely felt much more calm and looked more plump and radiant, but I didn't see any big differences and i've had similar results with cheaper products in the past. There's no denying the moisturiser is a good one, but for £60+, it's pushing it for me.  I reckon these would be well worth looking in to if you suffer with redness, irritation or various skin complaints as they certainly deliver in the gentle/soothing stakes (also, the hydrating properties will be fab for someone with dry skin), but for someone with fairly normal skin who suffers with a bit of sensitivity and the odd breakout, I think these products are more of a 'treat' instead of a necessity.

Have you heard of Claudia Louch products?  What's your opinion on high-end skincare?

The Best of 2013 | Skin, Hair & Body Care

 

Rightyho.  After having a little mini-break from blogging for the past 4 days (yet again, blame the uni coursework!), I'm back with another instalment of my 'Best of 2013' series.  This time around, I'm focusing on an array of hair, skin and body products which I've been loving the past 12 months. If you still haven't read my 'Best of 2013 Makeup' post, you can find that here.  I could have easily added to this post - after all, combining skin, hair and body into one post consisting of just 13 products is pretty tough going (at least, it is for me!) but in order to avoid a post as long as my arm, I thought I'd restrain myself and stick to the whole '13' rule! One has to be consistent after all! Without further jibber-jabbering - I shall kick off the second instalment of the 'Best of 2013' series...

1. The Facewash | Arran Aromatics - Lavender Tea Tree Reviving Toning Facial Gel Wash

(oo what a mouthful!?) I know what you're thinking - 'you're kicking off a Best of 2013 post with a bloomin' FACE WASH?!'. Well, yes - I am indeed.  I don't often get excited about cleansers and facial washes - I never see a dramatic enough difference for me to get overly chipper about a certain brand if I'm honest - but 2013 has become the year that I discovered Arran Aromatics. I received this earlier in the year in one of my Love Me Beauty boxes, and I've been addicted ever since.  It's lasted me a good while as I find I only need a little blob, but I'm just about to order myself another - definitely a sign of a good discovery! I've written about this little skincare gem here and in a monthly favourites post here if you fancy a read up! I have sensitive skin which breaks out if I use anything overly fragranced or heavy - so this little gel wash is perfect for me as it's really gentle.  It has the most beautiful scent and I find it really relaxes me before I go to bed of an evening (I've mentioned before that it reminds me somewhat of these spa-products you find in posh hotels!) - and my skin is always left feeling smooth, soft and completely clean afterwards. The texture is unlike any other facial wash I've used  and I find it really soothing to massage into the skin. It also contains small exfoliating beads which help to remove any dull, dead skin and keep your complexion looking fresh, healthy and blemish free (thank the Tea Tree in it for that!).  I LOVE it. My only bug-bear so far is that it isn't the easiest to get hold of - but well worth having a search around for! It retails for £12.95 - which in my opinion, isn't half bad for a luxurious little face wash that does wonders for the skin.

2. The Face Mask | Organic Surge First Class Mask

Again, I was sent this little beauty for review purposes but it is without a doubt a product I will be purchasing again in future.  Organic Surge as a brand have fast become a favourite of mine this year - and I use a select few of their products on a daily basis now.  This face mask really did impress me.  It's really gentle - so you can use it more than once a week, and the fact that it doesn't create a lot of mess is a massive plus point for me.  I find it so simple to use and I reach for it one heck of a lot when my skin is feeling dry, congested or just in general need of a spruce up! I have a full review of it here if you fancy reading more! It retails for £8.49 which is a fabulous price for a face mask bottle which will last you absolutely ages! 

3. The Blemish Treatment | Harley Street Skincare Spot Buster

If I didn't include this in my 2013 favourites post then it would be a complete travesty - a TRAVESTY I tells ya! I was sent this to review waaay back in July (you can read my thoughts and review here) and since, I have repurchased another 2 times. Its always a good sign when a blogger repurchases a PR sent product and I can honestly say I will be buying this little bottle again and again and again. It's an amazing spot treatment that you can use day or night - even under makeup as it doesn't leave any crusty residue (there's no way of saying that without it sounding a bit disgusting...sorry).  I'm lucky that I actually do have pretty clear skin the majority of the time - I don't suffer with acne but now and again, I do get the odd breakout! I suffered over the summer with a tonne of breakouts when I came off a certain contraceptive pill - and i kid you not - this little gem saved my life! I can't sing it's praises enough - it heals breakouts quick, prevents more from forming and really does work. It's a little pricey at £25 (it used to be £20) - but even the extra fiver doesn't put me off.  If you're at your wits end with spot treatments - it's worth making an order on one of these (you can find them here). Harley Street are amazing with their deliveries too - you do pay a fee but it arrives within 1-2 days without fail and I cannot wait to try more of their 'Spot Less' range.

4. The Moisturiser | Superdrug Tea Tree

Well, I could have lied and made it sound like I use a posh, expensive moisturiser on a daily basis but sometimes - you don't always get what you pay for and there are plenty of drugstore cheapies that do the job just as well! Don't underestimate budget friendly skincare! I've been using this moisturiser all year round without fail. Don't get me wrong, it's not the only one I use - and I alternate between Nivea, Organic Surge and Balance Me depending on the time of year, but one I always go back to is Superdrug's Tea Tree! It's like my little skincare secret.  It's a really good little all-round moisturiser - I used it on holiday to soothe my skin when I'd accidentally sat on the sunbed for one too many hours, I used it when my skin had a bit of a 'tantrum' earlier in the year and I still use it now as part of my daily regime.  It seems to really help keep my skin clear, soothes any redness and isn't greasy in the slightest. Obviously, if you're not a fan of Tea Tree I wouldn't recommend this - but it isn't overly strong at all and is the perfect little skin soother - and the best bit? It only costs a couple of quid!

5. The Shampoo | John Frieda Frizz Ease Hydrating Shampoo

I love John Frieda.  I use their products year in, year out and I always have a bottle somewhere on my shower shelf! My hair drawer is full of back-ups! They just seem to really work for my hair and I'm a massive fan of both the 'Volume' range and the 'Blonde' range.  This year, I discovered the Smooth Start Hydrating Shampoo.  I'd used the Conditioner before but after my hair started to feel a little dry half-way through this year, I thought I'd better give the shampoo a whirl.  It completely revives my hair when it's feeling dull, lack-lustre and straw-like and transforms it into swishy, Rapunzel-like locks in just one wash.  

6. The Conditioner | Neal & Wolf Intensive Care Treatment

Ok - so firstly, I do have to give a little mention to my other 2013 favourite - Loreal's Ever Riche Nourishing Conditioner - but since I didn't have a bottle handy, I thought I'd use my equal top-spot favourite - Neal & Wolf's Intensive Care.  I received this in my Love Me Beauty box way back in the summer, and instantly fell in love with it. Full on-head-over-heels in love!  So much so, I have since ordered another bottle (along with their heat protection spray which has fast become another favourite!) What makes Neal & Wolf for me is the scent.  It's not to everybody's taste and I know a few bloggers that have mentioned their dislike for it - but I personally find it really lovely.  Once I've used this, my hair smells like a salon for hours afterwards and often into the next day.  I find it really softening on the hair and think it works really well at putting some much needed moisture back into my ends! I featured it in my monthly favourites here a while back if you fancy a more in-depth read!

7. The Oil | Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue

Easily my BEST hair care find of 2013. I've tried my fair share of oils, that's for sure.  And although there's a select few on the market that I love, this one seems to top the mark for me.  Just 1-2 pumps massaged through the ends of damp hair before blow-drying and my hair is transformed into silky soft, easily manageable locks!  I can easily apply more without it weighing my hair down or looking greasy, and it really does moisturise the hair.  I also use this when my hair is already dry and styled to help combat any frizz or dry-looking bits, and it instantly revives my style without adding grease or heaviness.  It also smells amazing! I could go on all day about my love for this bottle, but in case you fancy reading up more on it - I have a full review of it here.

8. The Body Butter | Soap & Glory Righteous Butter

What's a favourites post without a bit of Soap & Glory in there?! I've been loving their Righteous Butter this year and have been using it all year round when I get out of the bath to help keep my skin feeling silky smooth and soft. As well as the big tubs of the stuff, I also purchase the mini versions (seen in the photograph above) to keep in my handbag as I actually use it as a hand cream throughout the day - I also take the mini versions on holiday with me because I can't bare to be without it. People at uni are always asking me what I smell of - and to be honest, if it isn't my perfume - it's probably this! It's easily my most favourite Soap & Glory scent ever - I often find myself just opening the tub a little purely so I can grab a whiff (...strange much?) My love for this product will without a doubt continue well into 2014 and if you're in the market for a really moisturising body butter for dry skin - I recommend this Soap & Glory blogger fave! I have an ancient review here.

9. The Perfume | Hugo Boss 'Jour'

Me and Hugo Boss fragrance get on like a house on fire. Seriously - I always seem to adore their scents! My signature scent has to be their 'Orange' perfume - but this year, I discovered a new favourite - 'Jour'.  I'm not the best at describing scents but if you like that whole fresh, clean and classy sort of scent - I'd give this a spray next time you're walking past a tester! It's stunning!  It just smells of sophistication and luxury and I'm so glad to have it sitting in my perfume drawer.  I have a more descriptive, 'adjective-overload' sort of review here.

10. The Bath-Time Treat | Elemis Spa Home Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir

This is easily one of my best finds of 2013.  Ever since I started going for massages at a local spa/salon, I've really gotten into luxury spa products and oils.  This bath elixir by Elemis is the most relaxing scent that's ever passed my nostrils and if ever I've had a stressful day, I pop some of this into a running hot bath and I'm sorted.  It lingers on the skin afterwards and leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and pampered.  I have a full review of it in my 'Top 5 Relaxation Products' post which you can find here.

11. The Hand Product | Soap & Glory Hand Maid

I'm known to carry a bottle of this stuff everywhere with me.  I used to work with children and found I picked up ridiculous amounts of colds and coughs so it's been part of my daily routine for a good few years now - it's actually ingrained into my routine!  I used to have one in every locker, cupboard and bag - no word of a lie. Soap & Glory's Hand Maid is by far my favourite hand sanitiser.  I find that a lot of sanitisers have that 'medical chemically alcohol-y' sort of scent that totally overpowers any perfume you have on, but this one is lovely and sweet and gentle.  If you like Soap & Glory scents - I'd recommend this little bottle.  It lasts ages, costs around £2.50 and works a treat.  No more coughs and splutters and your hands smell yummy at the same time! Perfect.

12. The Nail Polish | Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Polish

My nails aren't in tip top condition at the moment as I've started nibbling them through stress at uni (New Years Resolution is to get my killer talons back!) - but throughout summer, these polishes really were the Bee's Knees and I think the entire collection sums up my nail polish preferences of 2013.  Barry M don't half know how to make a smashing nail polish! Their Gelly Hi-Shines are amazing to apply, give a super-shiny salon perfected finish and come in an array of beautiful shades.  I did a post on my entire collection of them in the summer, so if you're interested in having a nosey and a further read-up on them, you can find it here.

13. The Lip Balm | Maybelline Baby Lips in 'Peach Kiss' & Carmex Moisture Plus in 'Pink'

Ok ok ok. So I cheated *slap wrist* - just think of the extra product a fruity little bonus? I've been loving 2 lip balms this year for different reasons. The first is the ever-famous Maybelline Baby Lips which finally hit the UK this year - causing a complete frenzy amongst us British Bloggers. They became a 'hit and miss' product for most but I'm personally in the love it camp.  Not necessarily for the moisturising properties - because truth be told, there are much better balms on the market - but more for the sheer wash of colour complete with ease of use and snazzy packaging. 'Peach Kiss' is perfect for throwing in my bag at uni as it provides a very faint wash of colour which smooths out my lips and it adds a little bit of gloss and moisture.  Perfect for everyday.  I have a full review here.  Carmex Moisture Plus is my go-to winter treat and I have a lot to owe to this little beauty.  I actually have a post coming up on my blog about it as it's been a favourite of mine since summer now, but it provides amazing moisture. When it comes to lip balms, I think Carmex has to be 'up there' with the best, doesn't it? If your lips are in need of some thirst quenching, then Carmex comes to the rescue! I personally love the 'Pink' sheer tint version (it also comes in other shades as well as a clear version) - it looks like I've applied a lip gloss or lipstick and provides instant relief from dry, thirst-deprived lips. The shade also looks beautiful against my winter skin - it instantly seems to brighten my complexion.  Look out for my full review post coming soon!

So there we have it - my top 13 skin, hair and body care products of 2013! I think it just goes to show how highly I rate these products as almost every single one of them has it's own post or review - a great number of them also have appeared in my monthly favourites throughout the course of the year.  If you missed my 'Best of 2013 Makeup' post, then you can find it here. I do hope you've enjoyed having a read up on my ultimate favourites and have atleast found yourself one product to try for 2014! 

What were your top skin/hair/body products of 2013? Do we share any of the same favourites?

Liz Earle | Hot Cloth Cleanser

Liz Earle | Cleanse & Polish | Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit - £14.25

One thing that I've been more aware of ever since I started reading blogs, let along writing my own, is skincare.  I have ridiculously sensitive skin and I struggle no end finding products to suit it. It's mostly normal - I don't struggle over the top with dryness or excessive oil but I do suffer from a bit of uneven skintone here and there, visible pores and the odd pesky spot now and again. I've been using the Hot Cloth Cleanser now since Christmas time, and have noticed the benefits of it already - not only has it helped to clear some of the uneven skin tone around my inner cheeks, it has also seemed to aid the healing of blemishes at the same time as helping to keep winter skin moisturised. I can really see now why this product receives as much praise as it does...

My Motherbear bought me the starter kit for Christmas containing the 100ml Cleanser and 2 muslin cloths. You simply apply and massage the cream into a dry face and neck - you can even apply it over the eyes as its removes all makeup. You then rinse the muslin cloth in warm/hot water, and 'polish' off the cream. This feels absolutely divine. Honestly, it's addictive. The hot water feels as if it's bringing all of the impurities to the surface and polishing with the cloth exfoliates all of the 'badness' away. The cream is really rich and smooths out easily, and smells really natural and fresh. It contains naturally active ingredients such as cocoa butter, rosemary, chamomile and eucalyptus - and has a very refreshing and soothing aroma that I find rather relaxing both in the morning and at night.  After removing my makeup and cleansing with the cloth, I splash my face with cool water and proceed with the rest of my skincare regime. My face always feels so soft at the end - it really does remove all the cruddy-stuff your skin has collected during the day.

At first, I wasn't sure how i was going to get on with a hot cloth cleanser. It has received such good reviews but part of me always wondered if I could personally be bothered to use one (that sounds so lazy, i know). When I'm tired I really just want to get into bed and i really don't enjoy cleanse, toning and moisturising at night - but at the moment this is something I really enjoy and it's nice that I'm starting to see the benefits of it.  It's just really soothing, and the heat from the cloth makes you feel as if you are getting a really good, thorough deep cleanse.  Overall, a really big thumbs up for Liz Earle so far - it's not given me any grief with my silly sensitive skin, and it's helped to soothe some of my uneven skin tone. It's safe to say that at the moment, I've been converted to a completely different cleansing routine.

What are your thoughts on Liz Earle/hot cloth cleansers?

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What Your Blemishes Mean | What is Your Skin Trying To Tell You?

 
The past 4 weeks, I've been struggling somewhat with my skin. I always kind of expect it around this time of year - my skin really doesn't agree with cold, dull weather (a bit like me!) and as soon as the weather changes, I notice changes in my skin. However, this time around, my skin has been all over the place - and after a few weeks of trying everything in my power to get rid of any blemishes with no real results, I came across a really interesting online article that helped me no end to understand my skin - and I thought would be of interest to some of you.

I have never suffered with acne. My skin is fairly good, and although I'd still class it as 'sensitive' and 'spot-prone', it's mostly quite clear and I only ever get the odd one on my chin (I'm lucky, i know - but i suffered with spots very early on in my teenage years so it's had plenty of time to settle!). However, over the past 4 weeks or so I'd started to notice the skin on my cheeks starting to look a little worse for wear. It started off with patches of redness and visible pores, and gradually began to get worse - I ended up with little raised red bumps under my skin, and although it was manageable and was easily hid underneath makeup, I knew something was wrong. I know my skin and I'd never ever had problems before with blemishes on my cheeks - not even in my teenage years. I went through the usual routine of stopping using anything new to my skincare regime (which was nothing but a simple change in brands - i do this every winter to help with my slightly dryer skin and never had problems before)..  I also went back to basics with my makeup and cleansing routine, and switched back to my summer tinted moisturiser thinking it might be my foundation. But nothing seemed to work. I had ruled out reactions to products which was the most obvious cause - and if i'm honest I was at a complete loss of what to do.  That was until I found this article on Company's website, discussing what spots can mean, and how blemishes on different areas of your face are linked with your health and diet...

The idea stems from Chinese medicine - which suggests each part of the face indicates how well different organs of your body are functioning.  About 4 weeks prior to suffering with the spots on my cheeks, I'd suffered with a particularly bad cold/cough, and had found the symptoms of the cough had been hanging around and that I was getting out of breath very quickly. I went through spells of having little attacks where i'd struggle to intake a full breath of air and just put it down to the cold weather. The article stated that 'in Chinese medicine the cheeks are related to the lungs, so if you suffer with regular colds, flu and asthma you may get outbreaks or irregularities in skin tone texture here'. After reading this, I went to visit the doctor and discovered I'd had a chest infection for about 3 weeks - and was given a prescription to help clear it. I've now started to feel much better, and all symptoms of breathlessness have now been cleared - as well as the skin on my cheeks. In fact, it's almost completely back to normal and the uneven skin tone is beginning to clear once again.

Now, I'm not completely gullible with things like this, and I'm fully aware this might be a big fat dose of coincidence. But surely there has to be some truth in the whole concept of chinese medicine and skin blemishes and how my skin began to clear as soon as I began using the inhaler and taking the antibiotics for my chest infection. As fellow females, I'm sure you'll all sympathise with the fact that any blemishes on the chin start to worsen at certain times of the month - and it's a proven fact that spots are linked to hormonal imbalances. I think it's fair to say that if you're feeling under the weather, your skin will feel a little sorry for itself too. I just found it very interesting to read up on what different parts of the face link to, and how my skin cleared up within the space of a couple of days as soon as my airways started to feel less clogged! Coincidence?.. I'm not so sure.

What are your thoughts on this?
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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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