REVIEW: REN Skincare

I have always been interested in Ren skincare as a lot of beauty bloggers tend to favour their facial masks. However, for one reason or another I haven't tried them but always looked on fondly thinking one day I would. Today was the day, I headed into town for one thing and one thing only and that was a eyebrow brush but got side tracked into Marks and Spencer. Big signs hit me straight on '20% off beauty and fragrance' and before I knew it I was typing my pin in the card machine purchasing a 'Kit for Combination Skin'. I swear, I have a problem.

The little kit contains 3 miniatures of the Cleansing Gel, Detox Mask and Day Fluid so gives you the perfect opportunity to try out the range for a fraction of the price.

 

 

 

Cleansing Gel

I thought I would try these out in one night, in typical order of cleanse, mask and moisturise therefore the Cleansing Gel came first to get rid of all that make up and everyday grime. At first look, the formulation looked runny and very thin compared to other gels I have used and because of this it is a tad difficult to massage into your skin without dropping a bit so stand over your skink! It advises to rinse off with warm water so this is what I did with some large cotton pads. It removed every inch of make up and grime and left my skin feeling fresh and smooth - I was impressed.

The only beef I have with this product is the fact it isn't great at removing eye make up. While it removed the last bits of eye shadow it didn't effectively remove my gel eyeliner nor my waterproof mascara. For me, I like a cleanser to do the whole works so I don't have to bother with eye makeup remover as this adds a un necessary extra step.

 

Detox Mask

This is the product I was most looking forward to testing out as I have heard such good things about the Ren masks and I wanted to compare this to my beloved Sanctuary 5 minute detox. The formulation is thick and clay like but is still easy to apply to the skin. I put the product all over my face but I think it is something I will only need on my oily t-zone. It instructs to wash with warm water after it dries on your skin but I wasn't expecting it to dry so quickly - literally in a couple of minutes it seemed ready to be removed.

After I removed the mask you could see my skin was much less congested and super clean, my pores looked smaller too! I love this mask, at the moment the same as my Sanctuary but this could change if it continues to minimise my pores!

Day Fluid
This day fluid is essentially a moisturiser for oily skin types therefore it is going to give your skin the moisture it needs without the added grease factor. This is a light formula, similar to my fave La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo and similarly sinks in nicely to the skin. It made my skin feel super soft and a lovely finishing product to my mini Ren facial. Do I think it is better than my La Roche Posay? No. However I think this one will need to be used for a few more days to determine whether it actually works.

Overall, I was impressed with the Ren Skincare set and for £9.60 I think it was worth every penny to try out the range. However, I do think you can get similar results with different brands for a cheaper price for example using a cleansing balm then mask such as Sanctuary and then La Roche moisturiser for a smaller price. No, I don't think I will change my skincare routine totally to this, but the mask was definitely worth while and definitely on my shopping list.

REVIEW: Clinique take the day off cleansing balm!

A few months ago I wrote a blog in utter despair - my skin was heavily congested, spotty and ridiculously oily. I turned to the skincare expert Caroline Hirons for help and scoured her blog for solutions -  one that kept cropping up was to try out a cleansing balm.

Now, I am going to confess that while I love foundation, my skin took a back seat and generally I didn't use any sort of cleanser to take off my layers of make up. According to Caroline, using just a make up wipe is not enough for your skin and you should always use a decent cleansing balm, she suggested Emma Hardie. Instead of going straight out and buying a Emma Hardie cleanser I shopped around and the Clinique lover I am, I went straight to their counter (naughty me!). I picked up their new Take the Day Off Cleansing balm and tried it straight away!

 

 

 

I also love the look of the packaging - it looks super luxe on my dressing table!

 

The texture of this balm is kinda strange. It looks like lard in the container but when massaged into the skin it turns to oil. You then wipe away with either cotton pads or a muslin clothe with hot water. This balm takes all your make up off in one swoop and your skin is left make up free and feeling fresh. A week later and my skin was looking so much better, it looked much less congested, smooth and almost spot free! I would 100% recommend this balm as it done wonders for my skin. I'm sure that this cleanser isn't the only cleanser that would help skin with imperfections, it is just a case of making sure you  cleanse every night - don't think a wet wipe does it all!  

 

Go out and buy yourself a cleansing balm - you won't look back!

 

Elles x

 

Links

 

Where to buy: http://www.boots.com/en/Clinique-Take-The-Day-Off-Cleansing-Balm-all-Skin-Types-125ml_22862/ 

Caroline Hiron's skincare blog: http://www.beautymouth.com/



ESTÉE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR/ DW LIGHT REVIEWS

I adore Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation, it is definitely my 'go-to' product. After using it for years to cover bad skin it has served me well however, during the hot weather we have been currently experiencing I needed a lighter foundation. I now have good skin, with the odd blemish therefore didn't need anything too heavy. I looked at millions (not literally) of reviews online and kept coming back to the Double Wear Light therefore I had to purchase! I had to get a sample of the foundation first to test whether it agreed with my oily skin, and it did! That's the one thing I love about Estée Lauder, the fact you can go up to the counter and receive good sized samples, this really makes a difference to whether I am going to purchase a product - especially a high end one like this foundation!

 

 

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

This was the original foundation I brought. I initially picked this up about a year ago as I wanted a foundation that was full coverage and would stay in place all day and this did the trick. It is a high coverage foundation therefore great for my spot prone skin, it is so good that on good skin days I didn't even need a full face, let alone concealer. Another bonus is the staying power, this baby stays in place all day even on my oily skin.

The texture is thick hence the immense coverage but this means you only need to apply a small amount. I literally cover the top with my finger, tip and then back and that's all I need so the bottle lasts a life time!

My only beef with this product is the packaging. Yes it is luxurious with the frosted glass etc. However, with no pump it is very easily to over judge the amount and waste valuable product! Please, please EL can you not bring out a pump that fits perfectly?

 

Estée Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation

As I briefly mentioned before, my skin has been getting a lot clearer in the past few months which has been making me eye up some lighter foundation. This, and the fact it has been blooming hot in the UK prompted me to make a move on a new foundation purchase. I searched the web to look for oily skin friendly, light coverage foundation and the reviews just sent me straight back to this one.

This foundation is obviously lighter in coverage than the original, however still gives a pretty flawless base. It is surprising how lighter it feels on the skin also, which is great for summer.

I was worried that because the coverage wasn't as intense, the lasting power wouldn't be also. I have to say, this product surpassed my expectations on lasting power. No, it doesn't last as long as the double wear but lasts a pretty long time for foundation! It gets to around mid day when I need to have a little blot with powder but then again I don't use a primer so maybe I should try that! 

My only complaint with this foundation is the lack of shades they do it in compared to the original. The intensity 1 was slightly too light while the intensity 2 was slightly too dark. That being said, I went for the latter and was surprised how well it blended in and on the skin it doesn't look at all too dark.

 

All in all, I love Estée Lauder foundations and would recommend them for oily skin as they are sure to last you the duration. In terms of what you go for, if you have good skin then pick the light and if you need a higher coverage go for the original. Also, don't forget to take advantage of their sample service - it is a really good way of trying out the products before you invest!

My Holiday Packing Essentials!

I am a total over packer, I will ram my case full of endless items 'just incase' I need them. Over the last few years however, I would like to think I have mastered my holiday packing to a T only packing the bare essentials in order to stylishly survive and I am going to share with you my ideal capsule suitcase.

The Wardrobe...

The Bikini, River Island £25.00

I find it so hard to find a good bikini but River Island does it for me year on year. I love their bikini collections as they fit well but still super stylish! This baby is so pretty, it is sure to turn heads around the pool! If you are looking for something a little more covered up or more support, River Island offer many different styles but also try M&S and Monsoon for great alternatives!

 

Wedges, Topshop £42.00

I have these wedges in tan and I adore them! The coral pair are on my wish list, but for now I will just share the beauty with you. I think the coral colour will go with many outfits including the maxi shown here. I always pick wedges over heels while on holiday simply because of the comfort factor, they also give a really chic edge to an outfit.

 

T-Shirt, Topshop £14.00

This t-shirt from Topshop is a fantastic basic for your holiday, and the great news is they do many, many colours!

 

Denim shorts, Warehouse £26.00

Denim shorts are a definite essential for my holiday as they go with every top for day and night! These simple shorts from Warehouse are ideal for that.

 

Sandals, Monsoon £39.00

These sandals are a bit of a splurge however, I have had mine for years now and they still look as good as new! They are so versatile you can literally wear them with everything, even when you are in the UK with jeans.

 

Maxi dress, Oasis, £55.00

I can't live without my maxi dress, they are great for both day and night teamed with flats or heals. I like this one in particular because it is in a dark colour therefore it will look great on your hols but also when you get back. Just team it with black heels and a blazer or cardigan and you're good to go!

 

Necklace, Warehouse £13.00

You always need a necklace to bling up your outfits and I love this gold one from Warehouse... it is so pretty!

Ultrasun sunblock SPF 30, John Lewis or M&S £19.00

I have such pale skin and burn so easily, literally every sun block I have tried haven't worked great for me. Last year my mom gave me some ultrasun before my travels and I haven't looked back since! It is a once a day sun cream and really does last all day, with just one application I didn't burn once during my holiday last year - it is truly brilliant! It is quite expensive however, you have to take into account the fact you do just apply once a day so one bottle lasts for more than one holiday.

 

No7 Body Shimmer Aftersun, Boots £9.50

I love, love, love this product! I have been using it for absolutely years and wont stop soon. You should always use an aftersun, even if you don't burn as it stops you peeling and the added bonus with this is the beautiful shimmer it leaves which looks totally beach chic.

 

Toni and Guy Sea Salt Spray, Boots £7.50

A texturising spray is a must on your holiday, it makes hair look instantly more beachy. I personally love this Toni and Guy spray but if you are looking for something more pocket friendly Loreal's is great for half the price.

 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation, Boots/HOF/Debenhams/Selfridges £28.50

I was in love with the original double wear foundation but found it too heavy for the summer weather. I then went out and brought the light version in intensity 2 and I can truly say it is just as good! It's light to medium coverage is brilliant for people who are skin conscious yet it feels like a bb cream and lasts all day through any weather! (Full comparison and review coming soon!).

 

Urban Decay Naked Palette, Debenhams £36.00

I adore my Naked palette but the Naked 2 is even more perfect for summer time. It is a mix of beautiful light shimmery shades great for blending in the heat. Yes it is pricey, but the eyeshadows are of brilliant quality... and you get 12!

 

Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara, £16.50

Clinique mascaras have been a staple in my make up back since forever and I love their new waterproof formulation. It is so stubborn you need a remover to get rid of this bad boy but this makes it great for all the swimming/ sunbathing you will be doing!

 

Nars Laguna Bronzer, House of Fraser £26.00 (review coming soon!)

This bronzer is a must whether you are on holiday or not, but to add a subtle glow it will be fantastic and long lasting.

 

Clinique Chubby Stick in Woopin' Watermelon, £17.00

I lust after these chubby sticks and own one in almost every colour - I am obsessed! Ok, they don't last as long as a normal lipstick but they are super moisturising and look amazing on your lips. My favourite colour for summer is Watermelon as it is subtle yet buildable and will look fantastic with the Naked palette!

REVIEW: Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask

My skin was, well, awful to say the least. I suddenly came out in a multitude of spots that covered my face and I was in termoil. Having spots was the least of my worries but the sheer amount of them was unbearable so I had to take action!

 

I headed straight to Boots and picked up a mixture of products including the La Roche Posay A I cream for a targeted spot treatment (blog post coming!) and this baby - 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask. I was looking for a charcol mask to just simply calm down the redness on my skin and leave it feeling and looking beatifully cleansed and I couldn't have asked for anything better!

 

 

 

So a little background on this product and the brand. Sanctuary Spa is a relitavly new brand featured in most larger Boots stores, originating from the highly successful spa in London's Covent Garden. This mask is particuarly for oily skin (which mine is) and generally cleans the skin thouroughly to soothe and calm. The idea is you wet your skin first to make the mask go on a little easier, rub all over your face then remove after five minutes.

 

Firstly, I love the thick, gloopy formulation of this mask - it gives a lovely thick layer on to the skin. However, it isn't the nicest smelling mask in the world, the calming heat makes up for it. As you rub it in to your face, it gently heats relaxing all your muscles and you can literally feel it working! I have to say, this heat doesn't last the duration of the mask but is nice while it lasts.

 

The mask comes off like a dream... I used a hot clothe to get rid of the whole mask. This is where the product comes into it's own, my skin was left ultimately refreshed and you could totally see a difference straight away. For me, this mask was a mirical worker in my time of need and I have been using it weekly ever since... and guess what? My skin is totally clear!

 

I would reccomend this product to anyone who has oily, spot prone skin. However, if you have dry skin I would stay away as it has left my small patches of dry skin extremely dry. This is fine for me, I have just had to moisurize extra carefully. If you do have dry skin however, Sanctuary have some wonderful products for you and they are all avaliable in Boots stores and online!

My Summer Highstreet Picks!

So the sun is shining once more and put me firmly in the 'holiday' mood. I am constantly on the look out for good value holiday clothes and for me, my holiday wardrobe has to be suitable for the weather too.

 

Here are my top summer picks straight from our fabulous high street!

 

 

1. Cami Maxi Dress, Topshop £18.00

I love these dresses, and topshop's versions are a gorgeous holiday staple. Part of the basic range, they come in multiple colours at a fantastic price, whats not to love? I have chosen to highlight this black number, simply because it will be great for both throwing over your bikini to teaming it with sandals and a statement necklace at night. You could even team it up with a denim jacket for your UK summer BBQ's... the possibilities are endless.

2. Statement Necklace, Zara £19.99

A statement necklace jazz's up any outfit and can be worn with simple tees, shirts and dresses. I love this vibrant turquoise as it goes with so many things; just look how great it would look with the pink skirt, as well as the black basics...

3. Sandals, Accessorize £35.00

I love a metallic sandal for summer, they are casual enough to wear in the day but look great with your favourite evening dresses if you want to give your feet a rest!

4. White Lace Dress, Oasis £85.00

At £85.00 this dress is a bit of a splurge, but it is so classic! This day to night number will last you a life time and extremely flattering for any shape. It would look great with the denim jacket, or just as good with black tights and a blazer for the later months.

5. Tan Wedges, Topshop £42.00

These wedges are defiantly on my list for this summer. They are an excellent shoe for holidays as they are so comfortable yet give you height and can be worn with a multitude of items.

6. Cami, River Island £15.00

I already own a few of these cami's from River Island and I think they are fantastic - such good quality for a small price. This will look great in the summer but I also wear mine under my blazer with jeans and it looks HOT!

7. Tie Cami, Rihanna for River Island

If I am honest, I am not in love with Rihannas River Island collection, it is very boyish and the items don't suit my curvy figure. However, these simple cami's will be great during the summer months as I can throw them on over my bikini as well as wear with skirts etc.

8. Denim Jacket, Warehouse £45.00

This jacket has been on my list since I saw it in Warehouse a couple of months ago and I will get round to buying it! I love the light shade of denim as well as the fit... the picture doesn't do this beauty justice!

9. Bright Pink Skirt, River Island £22.00

Midi skirts are surely having a moment with both the fashion scene and my wardrobe. They are so flattering on my shape and I cant wait to try this baby on!

10. Clutch, Accessorize £35.00

I love this clutch from Accessorize. It screams summer and will jazz up all of my outfits!

Spring Beauty Haul!

It's that time of the year again where all of our make up bags get a little summer update, well at last mine does! I have hit boots this week to do exactly that - buy a few spring/summer essentials to brighten up my collection, starting with my make up bag!

I was firstly after a new make up bag to travel with, and specifically after something über pretty! After searching pretty much every shop in Manchester I came across this beauty. I actually looked in Ted Baker before but all the current season make up bags were so expensive! So I was glad to find this last season bag in Boots for a bargain £8.00! 

Next on my list was a new foundation. During the summer months I like to fake tan (blog post coming shortly), however this means I can't use my usual fair foundation I have been using over the winter. I have been looking for the best foundation for my skin, which is oily for a while now and tried so many different brands. It was actually a mistake coming across Estée Lauder, I had a email come through for a 10 day sample and with no intention of purchasing I went and got my freebie! Well, I fell head over heels with this foundation! It is so good for my oily skin, it stays put all day and a fabulous colour for my tanned skin (rose ivory) as its not too tanned therefore I can get away with it even when I am due a top up. 

By the way, I also found out that Estée Lauder always give out free samples so if like me you want to give it ago just go along to a counter (usually found in Boots, Selfridges, House of Fraser and Debenhams). The consultant will just match your skin to the best matched colour and your away... A small bottle of happiness. 

So, I have been wanting to try some of these new Loreal Glossy Stains since they were announced. When I saw the advert with the beautiful Cheryl Cole I knew I had to have one! I initially picked up the coral colour Princess which Cheryl is wearing in the advert but then I couldn't resist Lolita 101. 

Since having them I wear em constantly, they are a great product for me as I don't particularly like matte lipsticks, however I absolutely hate glosses. These beauties are a mix of the two, they look like a gloss therefore very sheer however they dry like a lipstick so stay on for ages, especially if you layer it up! 

The only issue I have with these is the watery consistency which means you have to wait for the first layer to dry before applying a second. 

After receiving a multitude of No7 vouchers over the last few weeks I thought I may as well buy something small and I could get a nail polish for just £3.00. I settled on the colour Me Me Me which is a lovely vibrant pink, perfect for summer! The nail polish itself is good, stays on for a few days, more if I'm not working. I'm not sure if I would ever buy this full price though as there are better polishes on the market for cheaper! 

Now, this was a utter bargain buy. I was in my local Boots which has a clearance stand and although this particular store does not stock Smashbox, this beauty was on the stand for just £5.00! Now, I know for a cream eyeshadow that doesn't seem a great price, but these are usually sold at £15.00 and this one just had a few marks on the box. 

I really like this product as well as the price, this colour is in Stone and looks great on its own with a slick of mascara or under eyeshadow for a stronger look! 

I brought this on a bit of a whim. I have been after Mac Omega for a long time to use through my brows but kept putting it off because it is quite expensive, however after a cocktail or two I didn't really care. 

The product itself has lived up to my expectations, it's the perfect colour for blondes and stays put all day giving a natural finish. I also occasionally use this as a crease colour if I don't fancy my stronger Wedge colour. 

Moral of the story: don't go to Mac when drunk, you will buy something. 

Finally, I indulged in some skincare. It is no secret that I love the La Roche Posay range as I am a mega fan of the Effaclar Duo. However, after coming out in a few huge spots this week a friend suggested I try the Effaclar A.I which is a targeted spot cream. After a few hours of applying it, my spots were less red and inflamed and two days later completely gone, without a scar in sight #win. 

I hope you enjoyed my beauty haul as I have never done one before. Also, I have wrote this blog on my new IPad mini so sorry if the picture quality isn't up to scratch... I may be back to my usual camera just  wanted to try out this app!