Five Things I’m Loving | October 2021

 

Time for some recent favourites this week and a little mix of makeup, skincare and bodycare – most of which I have been lucky enough to been sent – which I’ll be honest, makes my recent spending low buy much easier! On to the reviews!

 

The Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Blush in Love Glow RRP £30 is not new in my collection, in fact I think I’ve had it for almost a year now, but I haven’t put it down over the last couple of weeks so though it deserved a mention! I ummed and ahhed for ages first of all on whether to get one at all as they are expensive and then because I couldn’t decide on a shade! I remember swatching these years ago in Sephora too and leaving empty handed as I just wasn’t completely sold on them. I finally picked one up last year when there was 20% off and have fallen in love! Love Glow is a pearlescent pink – it’s recommend to “swish” the outer shade then “pop” the middle shade on the apples of your cheek but I just mix both and go from there! The result is a beautiful, even, healthy glow that lasts all day on my skin which is normal at the minute! It’s easily buildable which is my favourite type of formula as I can be a bit heavy handed and I’d love to know if you have any other shades and what your recommendations are as I might want to add another one to my collection soon! 

 

Next up, the Cetraben Natural Oatmeal Cream* RRP £8.99 which I have been reaching for intermittently since I got it a few months ago and I know is going to be a staple when we go into winter which is when my skin tends to play up the most. This is perfect for eczema prone skin and works a treat on dry patches I get on my legs! It is so soothing and lasts overnight keeping the area moisturised and stopping me from itching! I am kicking myself for not including this in my post last week about the products I use to repair my skin barrier! I had a reaction a while back to some aloe vera gel I was using with my NuFace which made my skin super red, hot and irritated and after I washed it off I put some of this oatmeal cream on and it instantly calmed it down and was back to normal the next day! Can’t recommend enough if you need a do it all body/face cream for any emergency skin situations! 

 

I recently finished my Bali Body Dark tan and they kindly asked if I wanted a top up so I decided to try the Ultra Dark Self Tanning Mousse* RRP £26.95. So far, I have to say I prefer this to the dark! I find it lasts better throughout the week on me particularly on my neck and chest where most tans fade quickest! It’s super easy to use with the guide colour so staying streak free isn't an issue and I only need one layer. It dries quickly and overnight it develops into a natural looking tan – though if you are new to fake tanning you may want to start with a lighter or gradual tan. I personally stay out of the sun but love having a healthy glow so fake tan is a weekly ritual for me and this makes me feel like I have spent a relaxing week in the sun without any added damage! It also smells pretty fresh for a fake tan! Over the course of the week, it fades very evenly and doesn’t look patchy or mottled at all! I’m going to cheat a little here and also mention a sixth product I am loving – the Luxe Tanning Mitt* RRP £12.95 as the two go hand in hand! It feels so soft and velvety and is so much more luxurious than the foam ones you can get! I love the space for your thumb and find it makes it much easier to be precise with application as I have better grip and it’s streak free every time. It’s definitely worth the higher price tag in my opinion as they last so much longer with proper care and they wash really well too!

 

Good Molecules is one of my favourite affordable skincare brands and they have impressed yet again with their new Glycolic Exfoliating Toner* RRP $14. It’s a 3.5% glycolic concentration so super gentle but somehow manages to still be effective and my skin has been feeling smooth and even with continued use. I love that Good Molecules provide full details of the percentage of ingredients on their outer packaging and this also contains galactomyces ferment which helps retain skin barrier function and moisture level as well as hyaluronic acid and aloe help to hydrate and soothe skin. I haven’t felt the need to use higher percentages of glycolic acid since I’ve been using this one and it could be one to try if you have found sensitivity to other glycolic acid toners!

Finally, I need to mention the Dermalogica Biolumin-C Gel Moisturizer* RRP £59 as it’s been a firm favourite throughout the last couple of months! It’s a lightweight gel moisturiser and my skin looks instantly brighter when I use it. As well as Vitamin C, it contains five types of hyaluronic acid and squalane so keeps my skin hydrated and leaves a glowy finish! I love using this in the morning as my makeup sits so well underneath and it’s got a subtle citrusy scent that doesn’t last on the skin! Love this formula and it’s become one of my favourite Dermalogica products! 

 

So that’s my current favourites! I’d love to know if you see any of yours here! Let me know what you’ve been loving recently!

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

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Skincare | How I look after and repair my skin barrier

This is a post I have been meaning to do for the longest time now but then something else always comes up that I want to review or I don’t take my photos in time! I got there in the end though and today I want to talk about some of my favourite products I use to look after and strengthen my skin barrier which also work a treat if you have broken it too!

 

Your skin barrier can become damaged by a lot of things, for me it’s usually something like over exfoliation or dehydration and I experienced it right at the start of my course of Roaccutane too. It could also be due to things like sun exposure or too much tretinoin and you will be able to tell because your skin will probably feel rough and itchy and might look red or feel dry and sensitive too!

 

First things first, simplify your skincare routine and step away from actives like AHA’s, BHA’s and retinol. Cleanser wise, if I am removing makeup, I like something hydrating and balmy like the Emma Hardie Moringa cleansing balm. This feels so comforting and rich and never drags the skin, I use a soft, damp muslin or wash cloth to remove being careful not to tug my skin too much. For a second or morning cleanse I love the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser. This is a really simple gel formula containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid and my skin never feels dry or tight after use! See more about both cleansers in this dedicated post! 

 

For toner, the most gentle, hydrating formulas I have found tend to be K Beauty ones and you can’t go wrong with the Klairs Supple Preparation facial toner* (via Face the Future). It’s gel like, cooling and contains hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica so it nourishes and is anti-inflammatory too! Full review here! I love a spritz and the most gentle one I have thus far is the La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra 8 – it’s specially formulated for sensitive skin and it works to soothe and repair skin's barrier and relieve uncomfortable itching, burning and redness. More on this here!

 

 

Hyaluronic acid is a staple in my routine even when my skin isn’t feeling in need of repair and the Vichy Mineral 89* is a great option. It’s a gel texture and I apply to damp skin and it feels immediately hydrated as it gets to work plumping my skin and the feeling lasts all day! Read more here! Serum wise, Dermalogica Smart Response Serum* has been a beautiful addition to my skincare routine and one I confess I stopped using recently so I could save some for winter as that's when my skin tends to play up more. It responds to your skins changing needs to hydrate, firm, brighten and soothe depending on what it feels you require. It contains glycerin and niacinamide and instantly calms skin while feeling hydrating enough that sometimes I don’t even feel the need for moisturiser after! More on this serum here!   

 

Earlier this year, I fell in love with NIOD’s Survival 0* - an antioxidant and reparative formulation that targets damage from pollution and blue light and Modulating Glucosides*, an emulsion specifically for sensitive, irritated skin that instantly helps destress it and repair the barrier. These supported my skin so well while I was on Roaccutane and I have a full review here! On the topic of serums, I also have to mention my long term favourite Copper Amino Isolate Serum*, now on its third formula update, it’s one of my most repurchased serums and is such a good all-rounder to keep skin looking and feeling healthy, even and radiant. I am obsessed and you can read more here! 

 

Moving onto moisturisers and I really don’t think you can beat Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream. It contains five ceramides and hyaluronic acid and the cream manages to be both lightweight (so perfect under makeup) as well as rich enough for overnight! My skin drinks this stuff up and I always go back to it! It’s hydrating, soothing and restoring! A must have! If I want a little something extra I’ll add an oil on top and my current favourite is the Scientia Dusk Elixir*. It’s a mix of 23 oils, antioxidants and fatty acids and works overnight to support skin repair and recovery while plumping and hydrating! More info here! It also goes without saying that SPF is an essential for daytime protection and the La Roche Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF 50* (via Face the Future) is formulated for sensitive skin and also packed full of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide so while protecting it works to target pigmentation too! No white cast or pilling with this either – I am so impressed!

 

Lastly, I want to mention a couple of extras I have in my routine for as and when I need them. The I’m From Mugwort Essence and mask are firm favourites and were lifesavers again when I was on Roaccutane! Mugwort is full of antioxidants, vitamin and minerals and ideal for irritated skin! They are both so calming and hydrating and I can’t recommend them enough - read more here! And, I can’t forget lips - Lanolips for me has been a constant recently and the 101 ointment is amazing, especially for overnight hydration! 

 

As you can see - I could talk about my favourite products for targeting sensitised skin all day! I would love to know what your go to products are if you have damaged your skin barrier?

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

 

Danielle xx

 

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Current Skincare | Cleansers #5

 

Time for a little round up this week of what cleansers are currently on my bathroom shelf (aka the windowsill). It been quite a few months since my last one where I had quite a lot and I have just added a new one in this week too so that’s not here as I obviously need to use it more but this is what’s been on rotation for the last few months! 

 

safe to say mine doesn't look like this anymore!

I usually don’t include the same cleansers from previous posts in the same series but I love this one so much it gets another mention! The Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm RRP £47 is probably one of my favourite cleansers of all time! I much prefer it as a winter first cleanse than in summer though as it melts in the pot so much hence why it’s still kicking about! Now it’s a bit cooler again this won’t last much longer I’m sure! It’s a luxurious balm and it works beautifully to remove makeup. I love the moringa scent and it really makes cleansing an experience! My skin always feels clean, soft and hydrated after use and Look Fantastic always have it on offer so I’ve never actually paid full price for it! I also talked about it more in this post!

 

Next up, the Venn Moisture-Balance All-in-One Face Cleanser* RRP £55 (via Face the Future) and let me tell you, this really does what it says on the tin! It is the most gorgeous gel/oil/milk hybrid and perfect for both a first cleanse as it easily removes makeup but I also love using it as a second or morning cleanse as it’s so hydrating and doesn’t leave behind a film! It contains niacinamide, panthenol, centella asiatica and PHA and fruit enzymes to name a few ingredients so is gently exfoliating as well as hydrating. I rub onto dry skin then add water to emulsify and either remove makeup with a wash cloth or rinse of if using as a second/morning cleanse! Pricey but it’s love and I want to try more from this K Beauty brand now! 

 

Technically, this one is finished as it featured in my last empties post but I also technically meant to have this post up sooner than this so it’s here haha. The Inkey List Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser* RRP £10.99 was a staple for me all through the summer as a second/morning cleanse and left my skin feeling soft and looking more even. As well as fulvic acid to exfoliate, it has Kakadu plum extract which contains Vitamin C to boost radiance, liquorice root to help deal with hyperpigmentation and aloe vera to soothe skin. My skin always looks fresh and bright after rinsing, it doesn’t feel dry or tight and it’s ready for my next steps. The texture looks like it might be gritty but that isn’t the case at all, it’s smooth! Can’t recommend this enough if you are looking for a budget cleanser with brightening properties! Read more here!

 

Onto my minis now and the Cerave Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser RRP £12.50 (for full size) was on my radar as I loved the OG hydrating cleanser so much (read more here). While I like this, it isn’t a patch on the original for me! They both contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid but I have to say I do prefer the non-foaming formula of the hydrating cleanser and I think overall for me it feels more hydrating! Nice to try the cream to foam but I will stick with the hydrating in the future!

 

The Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser RRP £15.50 (full size) is a long term favourite of mine though it’s been quite a while since I’ve had it! I had a couple of little overnight trips recently so finally opened this as it had been in my stash for a while and I was reminded what a gem it is! A cream cleanser that smells of eucalyptus – one of my favourite scents – it feels instantly relaxing and removes makeup beautifully! It’s much more lightweight than say the Emma Hardie but still manages to feel luxurious too!

 

Lastly, the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel* RRP £35 (full size) - another old favourite!

A lightweight gel that lathers without drying my skin out and makes my skin feel clean and not stripped at all. I love this as a second or morning cleanse and it leaves my skin feeling calm and hydrated, perfect for my next skincare steps and makeup. Read more here!

 

So that’s what’s currently open in my collection! Let me know if you have tried any of these and what you thought of them! 

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

 

Danielle xx

 

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Product Empties #35

I’m back a little later than I planned with my latest empties! Most of these were from August with a few at the start of September! Let’s get to it…

 

Haircare

CoLab Dry Shampoo

Nothing special but would get again if on offer.

 

Philip Kingsley Moisture Balancing Conditioner*

Not the worst but not my favourite either! Won’t repurchase! Full Philip Kingsley post here!

 

Aveda Sap Moss Shampoo and Conditioner

Fun texture but again not my favourite and I didn’t love the scent! Won’t repurchase. 

 

 

Skincare

The Inkey List Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser*

Really enjoyed this as my morning cleanse and as a second cleanse too! Left my skin feeling soft and looking more even and bright. Very liquidy formula and lasted a long time for me too! My skin always looks fresh and bright, doesn’t feel dry or tight and it’s ready for its next steps. Will repurchase in the future! See more in my Five Things I’m Loving post here! 

 

Heritage Rosewater and Glycerin

Calming and hydrating but the spritz on this isn’t the best as it doesn’t distribute evenly. Other than that it’s another nice budget skincare step to aid with hydration! Would repurchase and you can read more here!

 

Vichy Mineral 89

A lifesaver while I was on Roaccutane earlier this year! It is the perfect, simple hydrating serum and is a really cooling gel serum that hydrates my skin and makes it plump! It sinks in quickly, lasts all day long for me and sits well under makeup too! Can’t recommend this enough if you have dry or dehydrated skin! Featured in my French Pharmacy Favourites post here! Was also kindly sent a replacement by the brand!

 

The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum*

A really enjoyable serum! Liquid, lightweight and sinks in quickly though not the strongest Vitamin C formula out there. Worked well in the morning for me (best to leave 10 minutes before applying other products on top) and I noticed brighter overall skin and plumpness! Didn’t help with targeted pigmentation though. Will repurchase in the future and you can see more in this post about The Inkey list!  

 

Lanolips Face Base Vitamin E Day Cream

Another love! This is a super thick formula that sinks in quickly and sits under makeup perfectly. It keeps my skin hydrated all day long and makes sure my foundation doesn’t settle into fine lines so it’s a winner for me! Read more in this post about Lanolips!

 

Garden of Wisdom RetiStar Retinol Serum

Really enjoyed this – it’s a gorgeous, gentle serum and I noticed my fine lines were much less pronounced when using this, skin was brighter, smoother and plumper too! GoW is so underrated in my opinion, this was only £10 and a great option for those starting retinol! I believe the amount of retinol in this is 0.05% and I actually have the Medik6 Crystal Retinal 6 to use next which is 0.06%! Will possibly repurchase in the future but I would like a stronger formula!

 

Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist*

Loved this! The mist is fine and sprays evenly and to me it had like a very subtle almost cinnamon/herbal scent. Very soothing and hydrating and love that its antioxidant too. Will repurchase in the future!

 

Oskia Liquid Mask Lactic Acid Micro Peel

I really need to explore lactic acid more – I always ignore it and favour glycolic but this little bottle blew me away! It’s an overnight mask and left my skin smooth, bright and radiant looking! Will definitely be looking to repurchase this at some point!

 

Lanolips 101 Ointment

A great overnight lip balm! Lasts all night, keeps my lips hydrated and soft and a little goes a very long way! Will repurchase once I finish up some other balms!

 

Bondi Sands Coconut Lip Balm with SPF 50+

Felt a little on the greasy side and didn’t last very long in my lips. I enjoyed the scent and like the fact it has SPF but would only repurchase if I was going on holiday.

 

 

Bodycare

Rituals The Ritual of Sakura Foaming Shower Gel

I love this! It feels so luxurious, the bottle lasts ages the scent is so delicate and beautiful! I will repurchase and you can read more here! 

 

Ameliorate Nourishing Body Wash and Transforming Body Lotion

These were great especially for the areas of KP I have on my arms! The body wash is a creamy gel that smells fresh left my skin feeling hydrated and soft after use. The body lotion has a bit more of a funky scent (I would definitely go with one of their actual scented ones next time) but it’s not noticeable once it dries in. It contains lactic acid so gently resurfaces skin as well as hydrating it and I saw and felt an improvement in my skin texture after use and it was way less bumpy. Will repurchase in the future but I want to try the Cerave SA line to compare! Read more on Ameliorate here!

 

Pixi Bodytreats Rose Body Polish*

I fell more in love with this the longer I had it! It’s a beautiful scrub treatment you apply before the shower, massage in then rinse off. It left my skin so soft and supple and feeling really nourished too! The packaging is awful and it is so hard to get the product out so I really hope they change that but I would repurchase! Read more about Pixi Bodytreats here!

 

Australian Bodycare Foot Cream

Love this, really helped soften and moisturise my feet and the tea tree made me feel like I was in a spa every time! Will repurchase in the future and you can read more in this Pamper Essentials post!

 

OUAI Body Crème North Bondi

I picked this up in a limited edition set last Christmas and really enjoyed it thought it’s not the most nourishing moisturiser I have used. It’s a lightweight cream formulated with cupuaçu butter, coconut oil and squalane that sinks in quickly and is scented like the North Bondi perfume. Would repurchase again but with the Melrose Place scent as I prefer that!

 

Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream

I gave this such a lukewarm review the first time I included it in an empties post but this will always have a special place in my heart! I tried it for the first time when I lived in Canada and it instantly brings me back to my first summer there! The “glitter” is so subtle its beautiful and this is so nourishing on the skin and a little goes a long way. The scent is for sure love or hate but I love! Will repurchase! 

 

Makeup

IT Cosmetics CC+ in shade Light

Enjoyed this mini (and the fact you can buy it in mini form!), this was a very thick formula that offered good coverage but I found it took me longer to blend out and the shade “Light” is not actually that light – I still had to wear tan to make it work. Lasted quite well on my skin but I personally have other foundations I prefer! Nice to try it but not a repurchase for me! 

 

Collection Primed and Ready Invisible Setting Powder

My current favourite affordable setting powder! Doesn’t make my face look dry or cakey at all! Already had a backup! Spoke more about it in this Best Beauty Discoveries post! 

 

Miscellaneous

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

A couple of empties posts ago I included the Dose & Co collagen peptides so thought I would add this one in too as it’s a beauty supplement. I think it’s helping my skin and hair but the biggest difference I saw with this (and it was only when I finished it as I didn’t repurchase straight away) was the extra help its gives my joints! I take cod liver oil every day too but this has really helped with aches I get in my knees especially! It dissolves much better than the Dose & Co and I can’t taste it when I take it with dilute juice! Always on offer in Boots or Holland and Barratt and I have repurchased!

 

NuFACE Hydrating Leave on Gel Primer

This came with my NuFACE Mini back in this Spend Report post here and works really well with the device! I prefer to remove it after I am done and then continue on with my routine so it won’t be a repurchase as its quite expensive!

 

Have you emptied much recently? I love getting through my stash! Now, if only I could stop buying more products I don’t need!

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here. 

 

Danielle xx

 

If you want to keep up to date with my posts, don’t forget to follow me on

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