Benefit's benetint

One word: Brilliant! I used it nearly every single day. I can't express in words, how much I love Benefit's benetint. I purchased it from Boots (£24.50). Initially I thought it was rather expensive for a lip and cheek tint. However considering that I used it on a daily basis, for almost a year, it was well worth the price.

I applied one stroke on each side of my cheeks and then using my ring finger, I would gently pat it upwards. Depending on the occasion, I may add a few more dots for a deeper colour. It lasts all day and looks good when taking pictures too.

Amie

I love this product line, Amie. It is free from harsh chemicals and specifically designed for young teenagers and adults with problematic skin. I was looking literally everywhere for the moisturiser because Boots stopped selling them, last summer 2012. After much hunting around, I bought the moisturiser from Superdrugs (can't remember how much I purchased it for, but was definitely under £10.00). I liked how it absorbs quickly into my skin and helps even out my skin tone when applying makeup too. Only downside is that there is no SPF in the moisturiser. Nonetheless, it is one of the best moisturisers I've used, compared to the higher end/premium brands.

Whilst I was doing my weekly grocery shopping at Tescos, there was a promotion on all Amie products (Tesco was just introducing this product range in store last summer 2012). I was super excited and purchased everything: the cleanser, clay mask and moisturiser (again). 

The cleanser lathers well and works nicely in conjuction with the moisturiser. The smell of both the cleansers and mositurisers were not too overpowering at all- it actually helped to brighten up my day lol. As for the clay mask, it was a strong minted smell. It cools down my skin, but I felt as though it was too harsh for my sensitive skin and didn't control the oil well.

If anyone is looking for an afforable yet simple cleanser and lotion, I'd highly recommend Amie! It's natural ingredients really helps to soften and brighten up my skin.  

Avene Triacneal

Alongside using Avene’s Cleanance cleanser, I also used Avene Triacneal to diminish pigmentation and post scarring caused by blemishes. The product itself is rather expensive, retailing at £23.00, however I decided to give it ago based on positive reviews. The product itself is a yellowy creamy formula- be careful as it may stain your pillow cases. It must be used only in the evenings, after cleansing and toning, and not forgetting to use a sunscreen during the day as it does make your skin rather sensitive to the sun (plus you don’t want your pigmentations/dark spots to get any darker).

I used this product nearly every night, for up to two months. I like how it absorbs into the skin very quickly. However, like the cleanser, my face felt greasy afterwards. Unfortunately, I did not notice a big difference and I breakout a lot more too. I’m not sure if that’s meant to happen. But I’ve stopped using it since last summer 2012 and I am giving it another go this month. 

Avene Cleanance Cleanser

This was one of the cleansers I had used during summer 2012. It was on a promotion at the Garden Pharmacy website, so I thought I’d give it a go after hearing so many good reviews. The bottle itself lasted very long- I finished the bottle in 3 months. It lathers nicely on to the face and cleans off makeup well. However, my face still felt slightly greasy after.

I’d definitely recommend it for those with dry and sensitive skin, it’s a lovely gentle gel cleanser. But personally, it did not control the oil on my face.

Haul - Forever 21 & Primark

 Chain - Primark 1.50 GBP

 How cute is this little heart chain!!
 Chain - Primark 1.50 GBP

Tops: Forever 21;  White flower lace top left side 12.95 GBP; Sweater right side: 14.95 GBP (This sweater looks like the famous heart sweater from Wildfox, but sooo much cheaper. Amazing! It has fleece on the inside and is super comfy.)

 Watch: Fossil
 Bracelet: Forever 21

Shoes: Primark 8 GBP


Hope you guys are well,
xxxxx

Dry Shampoo: John Frieda, TRESemmé, Batiste

I am absolutely loving dry shampoos at the moment!

As my hair is super thin and gets greasy very quickly too I am literally trying out all hair products I can find with the word 'volume' in the title.

When I was younger I had a fringe, a full one, just like Rory in Gilmore Girls, and I was forced to wash my hair daily to make it look ok. One day my mum brought me some dry shampoo and I started using it on my fringe. I got all excited and used it every other day instead of washing my hair. After a while I realized how white my hair got after using the dry shampoo. I was so proud of my dry shampoo... haha ... but I stopped using it after classmate asked me why I already have grey hair.

Now dry shampoos seem to be reinvented. I tried out three:

1. John Frieda Luxurious Volume Anytime Volume Refresher Spray

This was the first dry shampoo I purchased. It had the word 'volume' written all over it so I simply could not resist. It promises that it "revives volume when hair falls flat". In my opinion it does make the hair look less greasy but I could not see a lot more volume. The way I use dry shampoo is the following: I part my hair into sections and then spray it on my roots. I leave it for a few seconds and then massage it into my hair with my fingers. When doing this using the John Frieda spray I felt every time that something sticks on my fingers. They felt so dirty. The John Frieda dry shampoo costs around 5 GBP and contains 125ml.

2. TRESemmé Instant Refresh Voluminising Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo is especially made for fine to oily hair. I think it is amazing! I love the smell of it (it states that it consists lemongrass) and I also do not feel that there is a layer of white powder left in my hair after using it. For 200ml I paid 4.79 GBP in Boots which is cheaper that the John Frieda Refresher Spray. Nevertheless, with both products I had the feeling that they finish very quickly. I do use some dry shampoo every other day and had to replace the product after around one month.

3. Batiste Dry Shampoo (Floral & Flirty Blush)

This dry shampoo is my absolute favourite out of all the three. It is very light and I really feel that it is absorbing the grease out of my hair roots. Additionally, it comes in different designs and smells. I love the floral & flirty smell, it is sooo yummy. And how cute and retro is the pink bottle?! The price is 4.99 GBP in Boots for 200ml.

Big Love, 

Biotherm – Biopur Starter Kit, Combination/Oily skin

Hi Everyone!

Sorry for not posting for so long, it has been very busy for us both for the past two months. I have been volunteering for the Olympic Torch Relay and straight after I had my graduation ceremony. Now it’s time for me to join the big world of work, whilst Helen will start her postgraduate studies in September. Exciting time for us both!!!

I want to do a quick review on a starter kit I bought from Biotherm. As I was new to Biotherm, I purchased a starter kit from Debenhams for £9.50. The kit included:

-          Purifying Moisturiser 20ml

-          Biopur Cleanser 20ml

-          Biopur Toner 30ml

I didn’t have high expectations when I first purchased the kit. At the beginning of July my skin was extremely oily, the cleanser I was using didn’t help control the oil on my face and as such I broke out a lot.

After two weeks of using the kit, I have noticed that it has helped reduced the appearance of shiny skin on my face. I was extremely impressed with the cleanser and moisturiser and will definitely repurchase. As for the toner, I felt that it was not doing much.

Overall I would give this 4/5