April Empties

Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution // Simple Eye Make Up Remover // REN Rosa Centifolia Foaming Cleanser // The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner // Dove Invisible Dry Anti-White Marks Anti-Perspirant Deodorant // Impulse Body Spray in Tease // Evo The Therapist Calming Shampoo // Evo The Therapist Calming Conditioner // The Body Shop Ginger Sparkle Hand Cream // Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Super Volume Mascara // Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution - This is the second bottle that I've gone through. I love the stuff! I pick mine up from www.escentual.com and although the 250ml bottle is £9.99, they often have discounts available. I think I picked this one up for £7.50. This may seem expensive to some but it's the best Micellar Water I've tried and I've tried a few. I still have one more brand to try and I'll keep you updated if it measures up to the favourite. Something that I don't like about Micellar Waters is that they always state there is no need to rinse on the bottle. I think that is just lazy and is as bad as using make up wipes alone. *shudders*

Simple Eye Make Up Remover - Although, Bioderma is gentle enough to remove my eye make up, at almost £10 I'd rather use this which is less than £3. That way, my Bioderma stretches a little further. I actually picked one up in Tesco last week for £1.50. Bargain! Simple Eye Make Up Remover is gentle and effective enough for my sensitive eyes. I'm looking to get a waterproof mascara for my wedding day (I'm not planning on crying, but it's going to be a long, hot day and I want my make up to stay put). So I will report back on how effective it is at removing waterproof mascara as it claims to do so on the packaging. 

REN Rosa Centifolia Foaming Cleanser - I bought this from Space NK which I think may have ignited my new skincare obsession! I decided enough was enough and I wanted to improve my skin. This was the first REN product I've ever tried but I'm going to be honest here. I was not impressed. It didn't help my skin at all. It didn't make it worse but I expected it to help it in some way. Caroline Hirons stresses not to use foaming products, although this didn't dry my skin out, I will always listen to the Queen of Skincare in the future!

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner - I've quickly become obsessed with this and I've already purchased another bottle. I use it morning and night after cleansing and I have seen a difference with my pores and the overall appearance of my skin tone. After attending a blogger event at The Body Shop, I was told that the Tea Tree Toner has become a very popular product recently and I can see why. It contains mattifying powders which leave your skin shine free. On days where I don't wear make up, I would say shine is kept at bay until around evening time. 

Evo The Therapist Calming Shampoo and Evo The Therapist Calming Conditioner - I'm loving using hair care products that contain no harsh chemicals and these offerings from Evo are perfect. They are sulphate, paraben, dea, tea and propylene glycol free. However, I didn't find the packaging great as when there wasn't much product left in the bottles, I found it really difficult to get it out. I loved reading the packaging though. So humorous. For example on the front of the conditioner is says "no more hiding your frizzy hair and no more inner shame... you're now a racehorse that's bolted from the stables gleaming with pride... run with it, feel the freedom, run with it... neighhhhhhh." I quite liked the scent but I can't put my finger on what it is. 

Dove Invisible Dry Anti-White Marks Anti-Perspirant Deodorant - A boring product alert but a necessity! I always opt for deodorants that are 'invisible' or leave no white marks. This is a great deodorant as I have used it before and I've never experienced white (or yellow) marks on my clothes. I never want to be caught in that situation. The scent is inoffensive and it keeps my underarms fresh! I was a little sceptical when the smaller cans were released but I have to say they last a long time. I don't know if it's just as long as I haven't conducted any scientific experiment but I'm pretty impressed. 

Impulse Body Spray in Tease - I picked up two more of these the other day as they were on offer for £1. As I said I always stock up when they are available for 99p or £1 and it's a fairly regular occurrence. This is my go to refresher during the day as I don't like carrying perfume bottles in my handbag. (I do want to pick up a travel atomiser so if you have any recommendations let me know.) Also I work in a school so it means I don't have to 'waste' my perfume on snotty children! 

The Body Shop Ginger Sparkle Hand Cream - Obviously, I got this at Christmas. I didn't think I would like the scent but I really loved it and hopefully it's available next Christmas so I can purchase a bigger tube. (Too early to think about Christmas, sorry!) The scent is really festive and is currently bringing back Christmas memories as I type this. The cream is a lovely texture, it isn't greasy and it soaks into your hands pretty quickly.  

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Super Volume Mascara - I've really enjoyed using this mascara. Initially, I thought the brush was too big but it's perfect. Maybe a little big for my lower lashes but I got around this by just using the tip. It claims to create 'super volume' which I would have to agree. I do have naturally long, curled eyelashes anyway but some mascaras have been too heavy and my eyelashes lost their natural curl. Not with this one. I was also worried about the name containing the word 'thick'. I didn't want clumpy eyelashes but this wasn't the case, it actually did a great job of separating my eyelashes. It's become one of my favourite mascaras I've used and I've already got a replacement in my stash! 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - I don't know if it's because this is shade 2 and I'm still very pale or I'm just falling out of love with this lately. I can't put my finger on what it is. I have shade 1 in my draw so I will use that and see what I think then. Some days, I have chosen to just wear foundation over my blemishes. Although that means you can see them it means they have more chance of breathing and hopefully going away sooner. We shall see...

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

Rachel x 

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2014 Wishlist

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede // Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick // Real Techniques Retractable Bronzer Brush // Garnier Cleansing Micellar Water // Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Booster // Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate // Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush // Origins Clear Improvement Mask

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede - I fell in love with this purfume at Vogue's Fashion Night Out which is when my nose first experienced the beautiful scent of Peonies. I'm going to be having peonies in my bouquet when I get married in August so I would absolutely love this to be my wedding scent. I'm waiting until it's a little bit closer to August as I'll be too tempted to use it before the big day. I love the idea of having a new scent for your wedding day. That way you will be reminded of your special days for years to come when you spray that purfume. 

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick - The only 'high end' lipstick I own is MAC Creme Cup. Don't get me wrong, I love that lipstick, everything from the scent to the packaging but I hate going to a MAC counter. I know I'm not alone in this. I have decided I'm going to use my Boots points to treat myself to a high end lipstick. I was unsure between Chanel and YSL and to be honest, I still am. YSL are winning slightly as the packaging is irresistible! Have you tried Chanel or YSL lipsticks? Which do you recommend? 

Real Techniques Retractable Bronzer Brush & Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush - I owe lots of Real Techniques brushes and I use them on a daily basis. They are fantastic quality, they apply make up beautifully and they wash really well. The ones I don't have, I don't want as I manage with the ones I've got and they don't really fit in with my routine. Often, I have wanted to pop a brush in my bag to touch up throughout the day/evening but I have been put off in case the brush got ruined or dirty. Cue retractable brushes! Genius! I have used retractable brushes before but the quality was horrendous. I'm looking forward to topping up my make up with a clean, protected brush. I've got my eyes on both of these brushes! 

Garnier Cleansing Micellar Water - I tried three different Micellar Waters last year; Bioderma, La Roche-Posay and L'Oreal. I wasn't too impressed with the L'Oreal one to be honest and Bioderma was definitely my favourite. I have actually just repurchased it. I'm interested to see if the Garnier version differs from the L'Oreal one and if it compares to Bioderma or La Roche-Posay. It's great that high street brands are attempting to make products affordable and accessible to everyone. 

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Booster - Hydraluron is a product that is mentioned on a daily basis in the blogosphere. I suffer from oily skin but that doesn't mean my skin isn't dehydrated and thirsty for moisture. I can tell the days when my skin is looking a bit lifeless and grey. I think tiredness also affects me. Hydraluron is a serum that is applied before moisturiser and it helps to draw moisture into the skin. (I think!) Dehtdration can lead to premature aging and an increase in moisture levels will lead to an increase in skins elasticity. 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - Last year, I attended a Kiehl's event and I received a sample of their famous Midnight Recovery. It's such a luxury product and I want it in my life. It's a product you use every night with the mantra one night, two drops. I haven't been using it every night as I only have a small sample but once I finally get my hands on a full size bottle, I will be using it every night. It costs £36 for 30ml so I may after wait until after our wedding and honeymoon. Weddings are expensive don't you know! 

Origins Clear Improvement Mask - At the moment, my skin is a mess. That's honestly the best word I can use to describe it. I think it's a combination of eating too much cheese lately along with stress. I've always suffered from spots, sometimes worse than others but at the moment it's the worst it's ever been. This mask is £22 for 100ml and I may have to treat myself and my skin. This mask claims to "gets to the bottom of skins overcast condition and clears the way for it to act its best." Drawing out impurities and absorbing pollutants, it's sure to only improve my skin.

What's on your wishlist? Do you recommend any of these products?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

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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. 

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion // Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser // Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic // Anti-Blemish Skinetica* // La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo // Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser for Combination/Oily Skin // Liz Earle Daily Eye Repair // Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer

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

La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution // Simple Eye Make-Up Remover  // Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser // Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator // Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask // Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer // Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic // Anti-Blemish Skinetica // La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo // Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for Normal/combination skin // Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning // Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate

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 

Mini Haul #3

I haven't done a haul post since October, yet I feel I've spent so much money on make up and beauty products! These are the products I have bought over the past month or so. I think I'm going to keep track of the beauty products that I buy and jot them down in a notebook. I'm trying to not spend as much on things I don't need as lately (thanks to blogging) I have spent a fortune on things I want! I still have a massive list of things I want! Reading blog posts and watching YouTube videos on new products, monthly favourites and tutorials are really not helping. But I can't help it! It's what I love and really is my hobby! Blogging is an expensive hobby!

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Repair Mask

B. Nourished Night Serum

B. Pure Micellar Water

TRESemme Vitamin C Deep Cleansing Shampoo

MUA Heaven & Earth Palette

Vo5 Miracle Concentrate Elixir with Argan Oil

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

AVON Ultra Colour Rich Lipstick in Pout