Effaclar duoLost In Lipstick | A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog: Effaclar duo
Showing posts with label Effaclar duo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Effaclar duo. Show all posts

Wednesday, 26 March 2014

February Empties


Batiste Dry Shampoo in Tropical - I think I have mentioned this before on my blog but this is my favourite scent from the Batiste Dry Shampoo range. It's so fresh and revitalising so it wakes me up in the morning if I don't have time to wash my hair. As I have blonde hair, I don't get any noticeable tell-tale signs however I do understand that people with darker hair would have this problem. Batiste is the only brand of dry shampoo I have used and as I don't have any problems, I would continue to repurchase in the future.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - This is my very last tube of Effaclar Duo as I'm sure you're all aware by now it has been replaced with Effaclar Duo [+]. I love Effaclar Duo and I am loving Effaclar Duo [+] even more as it helps to combat my scars that have been left behind by spots. It's not a miracle product but after using it for about a month, I can definitely see a difference already. I would have repurchased this if it hadn't been reformulated but I will definitely be repurchasing Effaclar Duo [+] in the future.

Impulse Body Spray in Tease - Are you getting sick of seeing these now? Another month another Impulse Body Spray. As I have mentioned before, I just throw these in my handbag and use them on a daily basis at work as I work in a school. No snotty nosed children are experiencing my perfume any time soon! Tease is definitely my favourite scent however I am interested to know what your favourite scent is if you use Impulse body spray?

Simple Eye Make Up Remover - This is my go to eye make up remover as it is so quick and effective and it hardly stings my sensitive eyes. It only costs £2 or £3 and I pick it up from various places including Boots or even Morrisons when I'm doing the weekly shop! I am not sure if I mentioned this before but I don't use waterproof mascara so I cannot comment on how effective it is at removing waterproof mascara however it does a fantastic job of removing regular mascara along with eyeshadow and eyeliner.

B. Pure Micellar Water - I saw this in Superdrug and thought it was worth a try however I wasn't really that impressed. I have tried Bioderma and the L'Oreal Skin Perfection Micellar Solution and I much prefer those formulas over this one. I found it a bit too much like water if I'm honest whereas the others felt a little bit more than water (I have no idea how to explain that!). Plus I tried it on my eyes and they definitely weren't a fan!

Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel - I don't really know what to think about this product. I wasn't blown away however I wasn't disappointed; it was just a face wash. I used it every morning and evening until it ran out and it lasted about two months however I didn't really notice a change in my skin. It definitely didn't purify my skin and it didn't alter my spot situation. I wouldn't repurchase this again as I would like to try other cleansers on the market to find one that is more effective

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - I haven't repurchased this since running out however I think I may as we get into Summer as it is so refreshing. I usually repurchase this when I am running low however I am testing a few different toners to find one that helps to clear up my spots. I am currently finishing off Vichy Normaderm Purifying Pore-Tightening Lotion which I purchased with the cleanser. I love Liz Earle products but they don't get rid of my spots completely so I am on the look out for my holy grail products.

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation in Calico - I think this is my second bottle of this foundation and I have already repurchased it. However I think they have reformulated the product as I am not loving it as much as I used to. I first purchased this foundation in September 2012 when I was colour matched to this shade. I chose the Stay Perfect foundation as I liked the formula as I prefer a matte finish and this wasn't as matte as the Beautifully Matte range. However since I have bought my third bottle, the formula isn't as matte as it used to be, therefore I am thinking of giving the Beautifully Matte foundation a try. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. - This is an on the spot treatment that I used in conjunction with Effaclar Duo. I applied Effaclar A.I. on my spots and once it was dry, I applied Effaclar Duo all over my face. However I didn't really notice much of a difference and just felt like I was wasting my money using the two products together. Therefore I will continue to purchase Effaclar Duo [+] but leave Effaclar A.I. 

Seventeen Doll'd Up Mascara - I bought this mascara from Boots when I had a voucher and I think I got it for £2 which was an absolute bargain as it is actually a really good mascara. It did a fantastic job of separating my lashes and adding length as well as volume. I currently have quite a few mascaras that are unopened but if I ever saw this on offer again I would definitely repurchase.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Another month and another Collection concealer. I have a stash of these in my drawer ready for when I run out. They last me just under two months which is not bad as I would probably chuck them out after that anyway as I use the doe foot applicator to apply it. In the Winter, I am shade 1 which is the lightest shade and in the Summer, I can get away with using shade 1 or shade 2.

Which products have you used up this month? Have you been loving any of these products? 

Rachel x 
Lost In Lipstick

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Friday, 28 February 2014

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] - Review








I'm a massive fan of Effaclar Duo. Since discovering it, I have repurchased it about 3 or 4 times. It's always a tense moment when a product you love has been reformulated. What if I don't like the new version? How will I find a product that does the same job?

I have been using Effaclar Duo [+] for at least two weeks now and I can already see an improvement in my spots as well as scars left behind by old spots. Every morning and evening, I have been applying it after cleansed skin. La Roche-Posay recommend using a moisturiser as well if you suffer from dry skin but I don't have that problem as my skin is oily. Effaclar Duo [+] has been my daily moisturiser and it has provided enough moisture for my skin without leaving any dry patches.

Effaclar Duo [+] is clinically proven to improve the appearance of blemishes as well as the overall texture of skin. It reduces the appearance of red and brown brown marks (which I suffer from) as well as unclogging pores and controls the appearance of shine. I have noticed a difference in the size of my spots and I haven't had any red or inflamed spots. The scars left behind have also reduced in size and colour. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that it continues and they disappear completely!

La Roche-Posay are so confident in their new formula that they are inviting you to take part in the Countdown to Clear challenge. They believe you will achieve clearer-looking skin and if you don’t see results during the 6 week challenge, they'll give you your money back. What do you have to lose? 

Luckily for me, I love the new formula and the improvements I have seen in just a few weeks. 

Are you an Effaclar Duo fan? Have you tried the new formula? What do you think?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

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Wednesday, 9 October 2013

August/September 2013 Favourites


Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Leave-In Spray - I use this to add a bit more moisture to my hair and to banish those tangles. It's a great detangler and combined with my Tangle Teezer, they are the perfect weapon against tangles! When I first bought this, I was worried that it was going to make my hair greasy but I have not had any problems. Sometimes, I accidently spray too much and my hair just absorbs it all. An extra bonus is that it can be used on wet or dry hair, perfect for those in between days when my hair just needs an extra moisture boost.  

Nivea Sun Invisible Protection SPF30 - I didn't go to a hot sunny country this year but we have been very lucky with the weather in the UK. Only this year has the importance of SPF been at the front of my mind and I think that's with the help of blogging and reading blogs. I always wore SPF when I was sunbathing, not necessarily just 'out' in the sun and I never went about 15. Now I wear it daily on my face either SPF 30 or 50 and on my body when it's exposed with at least factor 20. It's so important to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. I picked this up in Morrisons for £6 as we were buying picnic supplies one sunny day. It's perfect for on the go as there is no mess and it's non greasy. Spray, rub in and go!

Lush Light Yellow Colour Supplement* - I can't get enough of this little tub of foundation. I stopped using it for a week or so as I had no way of getting down to the bottom but then I managed to get hold of a mini spatula, which I use to apply the product to the back of my hand. The light yellow shade is the perfect shade for my skin tone and it blends in easily so it's almost invisible but it leaves a more flawless base, ready for the rest of my make up. It helps to disguise my blemishes and the little red scars that have been left behind by spots. I love the finish that the foundation gives, it's in between a dewy and matte foundation but more on the matte side which is my preferred finish.

Sleek Face Form Contouring and Blush Palette - I accidently picked this up as I was actually after the Face Contour Kit. However, I am so glad I made the mistake. It includes a contouring powder, a highlighting powder and Rose Gold blush, which is beautiful. The contour powder is completely matte, which makes it the perfect contour shade whilst the highlighting powder contains beautiful shimmer to highlight your best features. I love the blush in Rose Gold. It is quite glittery but the colour makes up for this as it is gorgeous. The palette is the perfect size for travelling and fits in any make up bag.

Kiehl's Skin Rescuer* - I received this at the Kiehl's launch event and I've been loving it ever since. Jen, the PR for Kiehl's, told me how she used it just in time for her wedding and it really improved her skin during stressful times in her life. I have been using it since I got my hands on it and I love everything about it. My spots definitely look calmer after application and I don't have any red patches on my face. I find I have to leave it a little longer than my usual moisturiser to soak in before applying my make up but it's not very long and not a problem. I'm going to continue using it on a daily basis but as my wedding's in august, I may have to repurchase it when it runs out!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. - La Roche-Posay is a fairly new brand to me. I've been using products for a few months now and as I have oily/combination skin, the Effaclar range suits my skin. I read a few reviews online and what Effaclar A.I. was for, and decided it was for me. It helps to calm my breakouts as its a targeted breakout corrector. I apply it to my spots and it works by 'purging imperfections in-depth to accelerate their resorption and prevent residual skin marking'. Scars are one thing that I do suffer from and I want to prevent any more appearing so I can deal with the current ones. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - This is my second tube of Effaclar Duo which I use as a moisturiser. If I use it at night, I double up and apply an additional moisturiser once it's soaked in. During the day, it provides me with enough moisture under my make up but at night, I look for an extra moisture boost. It helps to improve the overall appearance of my skin by 'reducing the appearance of imperfections and purifying the pores'. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and looking clearer, while also moisturising my face. 

What have been your favourite products this month? Have any of my favourites made your list?

Rachel x

Sunday, 28 July 2013

Skincare Haul + First Impressions

I found these pictures on my computer - I completely forgot about them. Last month, I bought a few new skincare products mainly due to the 3 for 2 offer on at Boots. As it has been a month since purchasing them, I thought I would do a haul plus my first impressions because I have now had a month to try them out.







I have been wanting to try some products from La Roche-Posay for a while now. Mainly Effaclar Duo as I was curious if it worked for my skin or not. I had read many reviews about it and some people appear to love it and about half say it did nothing for them. When I saw the 3 for 2 offer in Boots, I couldn't resist any longer. I was tempted to just get 3 but I was worried in case it wasn't for me. So I decided to explore and see what else they had to offer. I picked up their Micellar Water to compare it to the one I picked up in Superdrug by B and some SPF for my face. 



So far, so good. I think it's better than the one from Superdrug by B as it dries quicker on my face allowing me to cleanse afterwards. (I only use Micellar Waters to remove make up.) I haven't tried it to remove eye make up yet as I'm scared of it irritating my eyes as they are sensitive but I will give it ago soon! It does a good job of removing my face make up, I use three small cotton pads soaked and it does a great job. It doesn't irritate my skin and it hasn't broken me out. 





There has been quite a lot of attention surrounding this product lately, some good, some bad. I have suffered from spots half of my life and hormonal acne for the last few years. I really wanted to try it out and see if it worked for my skin. After just one week of using it day and night, I noticed such a difference in my skin. I used up a full tube and I knew instantly I was going to purchase another one. However, it was about a week before I could and my spots came back! I knew it was down to not using this super product. I have since purchased another tube and my skin is slowly calming down again. I will now make sure I always have at least one stocked up! 



I had seen a few people mention La Roche-Posay SPF before but when stood facing all the products, I was overwhelmed as there appeared to be so many different varieties. I had decided on a facial SPF though as I take more care over protecting my face so I'm willing to spend more on facial products. I knew I wanted a high SPF for my face so 30-50. I saw this melt in cream and saw it was for sensitive skin. I don't particular have sensitive skin, sensitive eyes but not skin. I thought it must be gentle enough and shouldn't break me out. That's what worries me about SPF, I don't want it to clog my pores. I like the texture of this one but I do find it takes a while to soak in so if I'm applying make up afterwards, I have to wait a while. 

I have used Simple skincare for a few years now, in particular the eye make up remover which I purchase over and over again. Why fix something that isn't broken?! As mentioned above, I couldn't resist the 3 for 2 offer so I decided to see what else Simple had to offer.


For some reason, I didn't take a picture of this on its own. I think it may be because I have repurchased it a million times. To be honest, I thought I'd have a photograph of it but I don't! This is an effective eye make up remover and it does the job of removing my eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara. I cannot comment on waterproof mascara as that's not what I use but I think it does mention waterproof. 





I was attracted to this product as it promised smaller pores. To be honest I haven't used this much as I'm not sure I like the texture. It's like a thick, but watery, gel. Also, I'm not entirely sure if I use it as a cleanser and toner so cutting two steps into one or as a cleanser or as a toner. For that reason it's just sat in my basket of skincare products. If you can enlighten me, please do so!



Last but no means least, I bought a deep cleansing mask. I think they are favourite types of masks, I love a bit of clay. I usually use Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask but I'm running low so I thought I could see how this compares. So far I like it. It definitely deep cleanses. If I use regularly, it keeps me skin looking clear and healthy. If I forget to use it for a while and then use it, I break out as it brings all the dirt to the surface of my skin. Lovely! I must try and get back into my face mask routine of Wednesday and Sunday. I seem to have fallen out of it.


Which skincare products have you been buying lately? Which products do you recommend I should add to my wish list?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

Sunday, 21 July 2013

My Skincare Routine - Morning & Evening

I love reading blog posts and watching videos of other people skincare routines. Although it can be dangerous, as I always end up adding products to my wish list! I know my current routine will change in the near future as I want to try more Clarins skincare as I always hear beauty bloggers singing their praises. This is a routine I have been using for a long time. I have been using Liz Earle for a year and a half now. My skin is relatively normal but I suffer from hormonal acne. 





Recently, mainly because of hayfever, I have been waking up with puffy, swollen, itchy eyes. The first thing I reach for is Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion. It does exactly what it says on the label - soothes my eyes. It also helps me feel, and look, more awake at 6am. I already have a backup and I will continue to repurchase, it's a miracle product! 

My next step is Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish. Like a lot of people, this was my first experience of Liz Earle as my mum bought me the starter kit one Christmas and my love for the brand has grown and grown! I have previously reviewed Cleanse & Polish so I won't go into too much detail but it's a lovely cleanser and really does remove dirt and make up - the evidence is on the muslin cloth! If my skin needs a little boost and I still don't feel awake, I will soak a cotton wool pad with Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic and sweep it over my face and neck. It smells delicious and really does soothe and revitalise my skin. After this, I am ready to start the day. 

Some days I don't feel like I need Instant Boost Skin Tonic and instead I will use Anti-Blemish Skinetica*. I received this in a goodie bag that I was kindly given at a blogger event. I have been using it along with La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo and the results have been amazing. I apply Skinetica with a cotton wool pad and sweep across my face. Once it has dried, I then apply Effaclar Duo just like a moisturiser. As I mentioned in my June Favourites, I don't know if it's the combination of the two or it's one product but they have really helped my skin. After a week of using both products, I noticed a massive difference in the appearance of my skin and my spots had reduced in size and quantity. 

During the warmer months, my moisturiser of choice is Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser for Combination/oily skin. I have been using Liz Earle moisturisers for over a year now and since using them, I haven't had any dry patches of skin. I used to suffer from the occasional dry patch on my cheeks but they are now a thing of the past. However, being a beauty blogger, I read many many reviews and sooner or later, I will buy an Origins moisturiser. At the moment, the only thing stopping me right now is money and the amount of choice I have in making sure I choose the right one for me! 

I am almost 26, I'm old! I am starting to see lines around my eyes plus I don't sleep very well. I am an extremely light sleeper and I wake several times during the night. Liz Earle Daily Eye Repair helps  to repair the skin around my eyes and inject a little moisture. This is the only eye cream I have used and I do want to try others. So if you have any recommendations, leave them below. 

Before applying my make up, once my moisturiser is dry, I apply Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch. I suffer from quite large pores and this does a great job at smoothing and perfecting my skin for make up application. My skin almost feels like silk once applied. I use my fingers to apply this but I make sure they are clean. 

Evening






I begin my evening skincare routine with La Roche-Posay Micellar Solution. I use about three small cotton wool pads to remove my face make up. I keep telling myself, I will pick up the larger cotton pads but do I remember when I'm shopping? No! As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have sensitive eyes. I haven't attempted to use Micellar water on my eyes yet but one day I will be brave. Maybe once my hayfever has died down a little. 

Next, I remove my eye make. As mentioned several times previously, I use Simple Eye Make Up Remover. I have been using this for years as it's the only remover that doesn't sting my eyes instantly! I have to wash it off almost straight away but if I do I'm fine and it doesn't sting. It does a great job at removing mascara and eyeliner. It says it removes waterproof but I don't wear waterproof mascara or eyeliner so I can't comment on those claims. Hopefully, I will be able to get away with just using Micellar Water to remove all make up so I can cut down on the number of products used. Then I use Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish to remove any last traces of make up and take the day away. If I use the make up removers and Micellar Waters, there's not much make up on my muslin cloth but sometimes there is a little. 

Twice a week, I use Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator. This is my second bottle and it really is gentle but I make sure I'm really gentle and don't scrub my face. I keep reading more and more posts about the negative features of manual exfoliators and bloggers are raving about chemical exfoliators. But if I'm honest, the word chemical scares me! I'm thinking of taking baby steps and purchasing Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner. I'm going to read a few more  reviews and make my mind up. 

After using the Exfoliator twice a week, I follow with a face mask. Usually after a bath/shower so my pores are open. At the moment I am using Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask. I really love it and I can tell it cleanses deep down. I leave it on for 10 minutes as suggested and then spritz Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer before removing with one of the sponges that are supplied. However, these are fairly rough so if you have sensitive skin, maybe use a muslin cloth instead. 

I follow with Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic to close my pores and soothe my skin. Then I use Skinetica again as it's recommended that you use it morning and evening. Once dry, I follow with La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo as I do in the morning. 

I then reach for my moisturiser of choice. As the evenings have been hot, I've been using Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser but if my skin appears dry or dehydrated, I use Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for Normal/Combination skin. If my skin looks lifeless and dull I will replace my moisturiser with Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate as it just gives my skin that extra moisture boost it needs. 

During Summer, I have been using Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning every other day to give my skin an extra glow. I am very pale and I use factor 30/50 on my face. But my face doesn't really tan anyway, I just get lots of freckles. So I apply this to a cotton wool pad and sweep it over my face and neck. It comes on as a beautiful colour in the morning and it's not too obvious that I have fake tanned my face. If you're scared of applying fake tan to your face. I definitely recommend this. 

What are your staple skincare products? Do you have any recommendations for me to try next? Particularly moisturisers, exfoliators and face masks.

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick 

Friday, 12 July 2013

June 2013 Favourites


Liz Earle Eye Bright Soothing Eye Lotion - I got this in Autumn and I am still on the same bottle, although it has almost finished. It's not a product I use everyday though. In winter, I hardly ever used it, only if my eyes are tired and puffy. However with the arrival of Summer, we also say hello to hayfever. One of my symptoms is itchy eyes and when I wake up in the morning, my eyes are so puffy. I apply Eye Bright to two cotton wool pads and hold on my eyes for 5 minutes or so. The difference is amazing. I have already repurchased! 

Anti-Blemish Skinetica and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - I have been using these together as new additions to my skincare. I am 25 and I still get spots but I'm pretty sure that it's hormonal acne. I have tried a lot of lotions and potions in my life but I've had no luck. However, about a week after using both of these products together my skin looked so much better and I only had a few small spots instead of the large red spots filled with pus that I'm used to! (Sorry for that image!) I'm not sure if it's a combination of both products or one in particular. All I do know is that I am going to continue to use both products as I love my clearer skin. I am thinking of doing a blog post about my spots and all the different things I've tried, would you like to see that? 

Lush Light Yellow Supplement - I have been using this for a couple of months now. I received it in a goodie bag from the Lush workshop I attended at the Sheffield Meet Up. I have been absolutely loving it as a foundation. We were told, if we wanted, we could mix it with our moisturiser and use it as a tinted moisturiser but I like a heavier coverage (due to my spots). There are several shades but I was matched to light yellow. It's a perfect match. When I apply it, it appears to disappear but my skin looks a lot even and some of my spots are hidden. I have one negative. Because of the size and shape of the pot, I am really struggling to get the product out now it is half empty. Has anyone got an tips for me?

Lush Emotional Brilliance Translucent Face Powder - This is another product that I received in my goodie bag. It is to be used with the colour supplements, once they are dry on your face. As with any powder, is it to set your make up and to prevent shine. In the pot it looks very pink and to be honest I was a little scared of using it at first. But I can confirm it is definitely translucent once applied to your face. It does a fantastic job of mattifying your face and setting your make up. Again, my one negative is getting the product out. I use my Real Techniqes Powder Brush to apply powder but I can't fit it in anymore now I've used half. Help please?!

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Blueberry - There has been a massive hype surrounding these nail polishes and I completely understand why. This is the second one I have tried and it is definitely my favourite nail polish shade at the moment. For the first time in a long time, I removed the chipped remains and painted my nails in the same colour. I think it looks really nice with my skin tone and it's a uncommon colour so I get lots of compliments on it. Without a top coat, it only lasts a day or so longer than a regular nail polish on my nails but I work in a school and I use my hands a lot! You don't need a top coat really because the polish is called hi-shine after all but if you wanted to prolong the wear time, I would recommend a top coat too. 

Dainty Doll Powder Blusher in My Girl - I'm not sure what's happening with Dainty Doll as I got mine from Fragrance Direct for only £1.99 instead of £13.50! I had never tried the brand before so when I heard about the massive saving, I knew I had to snap one up. I actually got two shades (You Are My Sunshine as well) but I definitely prefer My Girl. It is extremely pigmented. I only need a small amount of colour to create a pop of colour on my cheeks. If I only want a subtle hint of colour, I tap off any excess before applying. This leaves me with a more natural flush of colour. If Dainty Doll has been discontinued, it is a shame as the powder blushes are fantastic quality, especially for £1.99!!

What have been your favourite products this month? Have any of my favourites made your list?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick
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