Back to Basics: Skincare

I have recently started using a cleansing balm in the evenings to remove my make-up instead of using a face wash (again I was inspired by Caroline Hirons' blog). To really do a good cleanse and exfoliate a little I have been using face cloths to wipe away the cleansing balm with warm water. 

Implementing a proper skin care routine hasn't actually felt like a chore as you might think, it is more relaxing and pampering - a nice treat when I get home after a busy day! 

Anyway, I know that Primark flannels are recommended as you can get three for £1.50 and it doesn't matter that they are so cheap, they need to be machine washable. I found some even cheaper ones at Wilkinsons which are only 30p each - they are 100% cotton so they are soft enough for daily use. I ordered 15 online (and picked up in store for free) - this will mean I have enough for two weeks before I run out. I would definitely recommend picking some of these up, they are great value.

The Highlighter Line-Up

I love highlighters. Powders, creams, primers - anything. Here are a few that I currently have in rotation.

Sleek MakeUp Face Contour Kit (Medium), £6.49

I don't do a lot of contouring - my first attempt went wrong and I haven't tried again since, however I use the highlighter from this kit almost daily. It is subtle and light, and doesn't have the dreaded glittery shimmer. I like to apply it with the Real Techniques Contour Brush as it picks up just a little powder.

Collection Blush and Highlight in Peaches & Cream, £4.19

The highlight in this is quite solid - it doesn't blend easily but it is great at brightening, it works well above my eyes.

Seventeen Skin Wow Primer, £5.99

This is the best multi-purpose highlighter - it can be used under foundation, mixed in with foundation or over foundation in the places where you want to highlight more. I love using it as a finishing product across my cheekbones for a nice dewy highlight.

No7 Instant Radiance Highlighter, £9.95

The newest addition to my collection, it is so silky and soft - I really like the application of this. I use it in a similar way to the Seventeen primer, but it's much quicker to use as you just need to swipe it across your cheekbones and blend a little.

Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator in Bare, £11.99

This one I use as a primer underneath foundation when I feel like my skin needs brightening all over, it is perfect for this.

Does anyone have any other highlighter favourites?

Skincare Wishlisting

Images: Pixi Glow Tonic, Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm, REN Clarifying Toning Lotion, Hydraluron, Superfacialist Rose Hydrate Radiance Day Cream, REN Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream

So recently I've been reading up on skincare a lot more than usual, in particular on Caroline Hirons' wonderful blog. I tend to go through phases of what I'm interested in, such as lipsticks or eyeshadows, right now it seems to be skincare! This has led to a rather lengthy wishlist of products that I would love to try - these are my top picks.

First up, Pixi Glow Tonic for twice a day toning as a gentle chemical exfoliant.

Merumaya Melting Cleansing balm which has had several good reviews for a lower-priced cleanser.

REN Clarifying Toning Lotion as another exfoliating toner.

Hydraluron which is supposed to be the ultimate hydration boost for dry skin - something I am saving my Boots points for (nearly there!).

Superfacialist Rose Hydrate Radiance Day Cream as a really nice simple moisturiser that will provide good hydration and base for make-up.

REN Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream also looks like a good day moisturiser.

Has anyone tried these? I would love to hear your opinions!

Revlon Highlighting Palette - Multi-Tasking Wonder?

Revlon Highlighting Palette in Rose Glow, £8.99

I recently picked this up from Superdrug for £6.99 though it is currently on 3 for 2 at Boots if you were planning on buying anything else.

It contains five colours: pale pink highlight, pink, brown-toned bronze, warm-toned bronze and light-toned bronze. Each strip is wide enough to use alone as you can easily pick up just one colour with your chosen brush, or you can swipe your brush through as many shades as you'd like to mix them up.

The colours are very soft and subtle, it would be difficult to go OTT with this product so it would be perfect for a first-time venture into highlighting powders.

I like to use the Real Techniques Contour Brush to apply a mix of all five colours across my cheekbones, or sometimes just the pale highlight shade. When you apply it to your face it doesn't look shimmery at all, so I am happy to use it everyday.

Now I love it as a highlighter but what about as an eyeshadow? I tried this out today with a combination of the bronze shades and the highlighter, it is quite shimmery as I used quite a lot but it looks nice. If you were really pushed for space in your make-up bag you could definitely get away with just this for eyes and cheeks.

Has anyone else tried this palette?

No7 Buys, Take 2

Okay, so I may have been back to Boots with my second lot of No7 vouchers (£5 off skincare and £3 off make-up) to take advantage of the current 3 for 2 offer. I couldn't help myself, I really wanted to try the new highlighter stick and I'd seen some good reviews on the cleansing balm.

The items I bought were, it cost £11.45 altogether so very good value:

No7 Instant Radiance Highlighter, £9.95

I've only had a quick play with this but first impressions are that it is so silky and looks amazing - more on this another time!

No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm for Dry-Very Dry Skin, £9.50

Definitely getting into skincare a lot more now, I'm looking for a good hydrating cleanser and hoping this one will be nice.

No7 Soft Soothed Gentle Toner, £8.00

I went for this one as I've been looking for a good toner to use in my skincare routine. I checked the ingredients and found that it is alcohol-free and contains glycerin, which is recommend in toners so I thought I'd give this one a go.

I'm only slightly tempted to go back to Boots with my last set of vouchers.. Anyone else snapped up a No7 bargain?

Sleek Make-Up i-Divine Eyeshadow Palette - Au Naturel

Sleek Make-Up i-Divine Eyeshadow Palette - Au Naturel, £7.99

First I just want to say how much I like the packaging of Sleek products. It's so simple and compact, the products look really elegant. The size of this palette would make it perfect for travelling - while I admit I have been using nothing but the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette for the past two weeks, I wouldn't take it away with me so the Sleek palette will really be useful for trips.

It has a lovely mix of matte and shimmery shades, with a decent variety of colours. The pigmentation is fantastic but they don't last all day even with a primer. My favourites are the matte taupe, Regal, and the dark shimmery brown, Conker. They work well together for a nice smokey eye look.

I haven't tried many products from Sleek but I am really impressed with this palette. I would recommend it as it is good value for only £7.99 (I bought mine on Amazon for £5.75, it's not always in stock though).

Has anyone tried any of the other Sleek palettes?

Ultimate Lip Care Duo

Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips and The Body Shop Aloe Lip Care

I have discovered a fantastic lip care duo to combat dry lips that can often come from using a lot of matte lip products! I recently received the Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips (£11.50) in the You Beauty Discovery Box and purchased The Body Shop Aloe Lip Care (£5.00) upon essiebutton's recommendation in this video.

The Dr Lipp balm has quite a thick consistency and feels very hydrating so I've been using this overnight to really soften my lips while I sleep. In the day I apply my lip colour or gloss in the morning (usually a Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm or Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine Lip Gloss) and then take The Body Shop balm with me to work. This one is much lighter but still feels very moisturising. The applicator is great for quickly applying throughout the day.

The combination of these two products has really helped to make my lips soft, which means I can use matte lip crayons as much as I like!

Has anyone else tried these?