Tag Archives: summer skincare

Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer Tint SPF 30 Review

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I have to admit, when I first tried Perricone MD’s Face Finishing Moisturizer Tint on the back of my hand, I wasn’t really sure it was for me. It seemed like a good moisturiser, but I’m a pale person, I don’t like tanning, and I’m way too lazy to get fake tan done. So why would I need something with a tint? Well, luckily for me I decided to try it out anyway, and I was VERY pleasantly surprised! This isn’t just a tinted moisturiser with a good amount of SPF. This is an advanced, sophisticated moisturiser that does WAY more than I ever expected it to.

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The first thing you notice about Face Finishing Moisturizer is the scent. It’s a gorgeously creamy rose fragrance, which is a lovely thing to smother on your face in the morning! The next thing is the texture. This is like a firm mousse, it turns to cream immediately after you start to massage it in, but the ‘moussiness’ makes it much easier to scoop the correct amount of it out of the pot (with a mini spatula or product spoon please!!). If you look at the above photo you’ll see little brown flecks too – these are the pigment capsules, which you can see below, disperse immediately after you massage it in, adapting immediately to your skin tone. I really didn’t need to worry about the tint; it actually imparts a lovely healthy glow rather than the ‘tan’ I was worried about.

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With a super-hydrating base yet oil-free base, the Face Finishing Moisturizer Tint smoothes the skin and keeps it soft all day without making it greasy. For a lot of people with combination skin, who have to deal with both dry and oily patches, it can be a huge challenge to find a moisturiser that works. I find that this does the job perfectly, and what’s more, makeup sits on top of this wonderfully. The glow from the product’s tint, as well as the hydrated, smooth skin you have after you apply, is also the perfect base for any type of makeup, light, medium or full coverage. I also think it’s a very impressive formula for such a high amount of SPF – it’s unusual to have something that sinks in so well and feels so light with an SPF of more than 15, let alone 30!

The product contains an anti-oxidant called Alpha-lipoic acid imparts the product with anti-wrinkle powers, whilst also having an anti-inflammatory effect, and inhibiting several other side effects of ageing that can lead to sagging skin or wrinkles. It also contains stabilised vitamin C, which very importantly helps prevent free-radical damage from pollution and daily skin stressors, as well as having a long-term brightening effect on the skin.

I was really expecting my sensitive skin to freak out when I applied this – I’ve had a terrible time with moisturisers and SPFs – so many have made my skin react badly. However I have had literally zero issues with Perricone MD’s Face Finishing Moisturizer Tint, if anything my skin is particularly calm, soft and blemish free after using it! I really recommend giving it a try, not just for summer, but as we go into autumn, you’ll love the healthy glow and soft, smooth skin it gives you.

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Reviewing Different Face Mists!

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Hello summer, that time where any skin friendly liquid found in a spray bottle becomes fair game for me and my face, tbh. Today I was SO insanely hot that I started to worry I was getting heatstroke – needless to say I generously availed myself of my collection of facial mists… I thought I would share my thoughts on all of them, since there are SO many mists on the market right now, perhaps this will help you decide which one to go for, when the next wave of inescapably warm weather hits (or, you know, you go on holiday).

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1. Avene Thermal Spring Water – the most basic but deceptively effective spray ever – this is pure water from a spring in France that has a uniquely soothing affect on the skin. When spring water is underground it sits in a cave and in the Avene water’s cave are microbes that excrete a completely unique amino acid compound. It’s this that has the calming and soothing affect on the skin, because the acids actually have an affect on the itch-receptors in the skin. If you have bug bites, heat rash or sunburn, or you want a spray to use on a baby, opt for this.

2. Caudalie Grape Water – this 100% organic grape extract has an intense moisturising action on the skin, increasing its hydration levels by 127%! This is thanks to an invisible layer of natural polysaccharides that keep moisture in the skin. I spray this all over myself, all the time. It’s also been shown to reduce redness from sensitivity in the skin by 61%. I would recommend this one for sunburn too, as it helps to hydrate as well as soothe without having any fragrance or preservatives.

3. Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist– if you like roses you will love this mist. Made from rosewater and aloe, it’s scent is calming and soothing while also feeling like a luxurious treat. I like to use this one when I feel really sad because it’s feminine, pretty scent is so uplifting. It’s wonderful on the feet too!

4. Caudalie Beauty Elixir – This is one of the most unique products I’ve ever used. The idea behind Beauty Elixir  is that it gives the skin a boost of radiance, resets and refreshes makeup and tightens pores whilst also having an aromatherapeutic affect on the mind. And it really works! A spritz of this when you’re feeling low, sweaty or stressed and you just feel ready to take on anything. It’s also bloody amazing for travelling, especially when you’re fellow travellers (or you) are smelling…less than fresh. It also comes in a 30ml travel size (available here), which makes it perfect for taking on holiday (it’s wonderful for long haul flights!)

5. Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist – Interestingly then inspiration behind this mist is the same as the Beauty Elixir, but they are totally different and I don’t find this one anywhere near as good, despite it being almost twice as expensive. One benefit is that it contains Hungarian thermal water which is REALLY good for the skin, but the spritz is way too fine and I don’t really think it does much to refresh, soothe or hydrate. I tried using this as a toner for a long time to see if the thermal water would have an effect, but didn’t see any improvement at all.

6. Glossier Soothing Face Mist – A new addition to my shelf, I absolutely love this stuff and so does my skin. It’s very hydrating and refreshing, packed full of rosewater and aloe vera and is really similar to the Jurlique Balancing Rosewater Mist except HALF THE PRICE. I love Glossier and the way they seem to have created such a genuine brand. This mist is currently my go-to, and I spray it after I apply my skincare and then any time I need a lift.

6. Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist – I love this stuff so much. As a makeup setting spray it works wonders, and the rose with green tea scent is perfect for waking the skin up in the morning. I also find it’s amazing as a primer on bare skin before my foundation, and for dampening brushes and sponges before blending. It definitely helps my makeup to last longer, and I love how it’s more skincare than makeup.

7. Mario Badescu Facial Mist with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater – I used to love this stuff. A gorgeously light and refreshing scent, similar to the Pixi Fixing Mist and I found it was very cooling in summer. However, this contains phenoxyethanol, a preservative with a questionable safety record. You’ll find it in almost every skincare product because it replaced parabens as the cheap, effective preservative of choice. However there is research that indicates it’s just as bad as parabens, so I try to avoid it in any product that I actually leave on my skin, and definitely mists as you’re likely to inhale it too. So while this is a lovely product that I used to adore, I would give it a miss now for that reason.

8. Pixi Glow Mist – I use this instead of  the fixing mist when my skin is dry or irritated – the formula has a gorgeous mixture of oils including lavender, argan, avocado and evening primrose in it so it really helps to calm the skin and get a smooth finish when my skin is rough or flaky. It also gives a lovely dewy finish when used as a setting spray, which is really nice for going out – though I definitely prefer the fixing mist for everyday when I don’t want anything too shiny.

So which would I recommend the most? Definitely Avene Water for sensitive skin, Caudalie Beauty Elixir for general everyday use, mood boosting and travelling, Glossier Mist for hydrating skincare in a face mist, and Pixi Fixing Mist for makeup. You can keep any of these in the fridge on hot days to help cool you down even more, and if you’re heading out for a picnic/beach day, just pop them in your cool box! Always remember though that your sunscreen may not be water resistant, so bring that with you too.

Stay cool xxx

My Everyday Summer Makeup

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As soon as the weather starts getting warmer, all I can think about is escaping from under the layers of makeup I live in during the winter. I enjoy makeup a lot, and I’m so pale that in the winter my skin looks ridiculous – red nose, pink cheeks, dry patches, white as death. So in the summer, when my skin is a little more…consistent looking…I like to scale the coverage back a lot. Plus, there’s also the fact that for the past two summers I’ve worked in an office with no air con, which I love because it means I actually experience summer instead of spending my days in a temperature controlled vacuum….but it also entails a fair bit of sweat, and sweating in heavy layers of foundation and powder is UNPLEASANT. So anyway, let’s get to the products!

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Base: Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF30. I had been meaning to try this for years after it was recommended to me by several people, but I just didn’t believe it would give my skin enough of a boost. I picked it up on a whim in an airport, and haven’t looked back. The formula is free of everything I’m sensitive to (I’m allergic to a lot of chemical sun filters), and the shade is a perfect match. It sinks straight in, and keeps my skin ‘perfected’, hydrated, and protected all day. I’m so glad I’ve finally found a BB cream that works for me, and is the right SPF for everyday usage! Fun fact: unless you are a child under 3, have a specific skin disorder, work outdoors or are on holiday somewhere hot or at a high altitude, you shouldn’t be using SPF50 – not only is it pretty unnecessary, the chemicals are also a lot stronger and aren’t good for your skin over long periods of time. 

Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. This has been my go-to concealer for about three years and I love it. There will always be days where your skin needs extra coverage somewhere, whether it’s dark circles or a pesky blemish, and this concealer gets rid of them seamlessly.

Anti-shine: DHC Blotting Papers. In the winter I would happily dust powder over my foundation to set it and prevent oiliness from sneaking through. But in the summer that just seems too much! So instead I use blotting papers whenever I need to. These from DHC are wonderful – they’re pretty cheap, and don’t smudge your makeup at all. I use them after I’ve applied my makeup to make sure there’s nothing residual, and then whenever I notice some shine during the day.

Blush: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush. I mean, I don’t think I’ll ever find a blusher I like more than this, and since I’ve owned this one for about two and a half years now (and it’s been my regular everyday blusher for that entire time) I can’t see myself every using a different one for any reason! I piled it on a bit in the photo below, but it wasn’t showing up in the photo so I went overboard.

Setting spray: Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist. Is there a better, nicer to use or more refreshing setting spray out there? I think not. This mist has the most beautiful fragrance of green tea and rose, and it really helps to set your makeup for the day ahead. One thing I love about it is that the spray is quite heavy – your face is completely drenched after you use it, but within seconds it’s dry and your skin feels refreshed and ready for the day. I always use this and then apply my mascara while it dries, and my face is completely dry by the time I’m done. It’s the perfect way to wake your skin up after a sticky summer night.

Mascara: Fairydrops Waterproof Scandal Queen. I LOVE this mascara, and what I love more than anything is that even though it doesn’t budge when you drench your skin in a face mist, or you’re sweating on the tube, it still comes off super easily (although that might be because I use the greatest makeup remover of all time, I dunno). It doesn’t flake, and its really buildable. You can get a very light layer indeed (way lighter than the photo) or you can get a proper night time look. It’s not a mega volume or curl mascara, it just enhances your natural eyelashes perfectly.

Lip product: Perricone MD No Lipgloss Lipgloss. I’m not sure how many more times I can bang on about how much I adore this product, but here I go again. This is honestly the best lip product I have ever used, in the most flattering shade of all time. I cannot think of a single person who wouldn’t look amazing wearing it. It’s beautiful. It moisturises the lips SO well, and leaves them looking super plump even though it doesn’t actually plump them. It lasts for a long time even though it’s a gloss, but the application is seamless too so you can easily reapply in seconds. Crucially, for a summer beauty product, it isn’t sticky at all, instead it just feels super smooth on the lips!

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So those are the products I’ve been using when the weather is hot. However, it’s equally as important to make sure your skincare fits the season, and if possible, helps you to achieve skin that you’re comfortable showing off under lighter coverage makeup. I’ve already written another post about skincare must haves for the summer, check it out here!

Pixi Glow Tonic Review

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Let’s get this out of the way first: my skin is sensitive. Like, really sensitive. Most moisturisers, toners, SPFs and anything with salicylic acid in it are totally off limits for me. So when I first started hearing of the hype around Pixi’s world famous exfoliating toner, Glow Tonic with 5% glycolic acid, my first thoughts were ‘definitely not for me’. That was until a friend (who has far more severe skin problems than me) and I wandered into Pixi’s Covent Garden shop, and she told me that her dermatologist has got her on a glycolic acid serum to treat her sensitivity. 

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It makes sense if you think about it – by gently exfoliating your skin with an acid toner you make the skin healthier – less dead skin to block it up, more chance for it to successfully regulate itself. As we spoke, I started to think it might be worth a go. After all, I have a boyfriend who loves to receive my skincare cast offs when a product doesn’t work out, so it wouldn’t be wasted! I picked up a bottle of Glow Tonic, and tried it out that night.

Ok…I didn’t try it out that night. It took me about three days to pluck up the courage to sweep a cotton pad sprinkled with the tonic over my skin! I was so convinced that I’d have the same experience as I do with salicylic acid. Yet when I woke up the morning after, my skin was totally fine and calm. And it was fine the next time I used it too. So I carried on – slowly at first, only twice a week. Over the course of a couple of months I built it up to about five or six times a week, which is how often I use it now.

I have to say that Pixi Glow Tonic lives up to every hype ever created around it. My skin is radiant, soft, smooth, clear, scars and redness are reduced, plus I swear my skin is less sensitive now! I went through a bit of a purging period to begin with where some blocked pores came to the surface, but now practically every pore on my face is empty and invisible. Honestly I cannot believe what a transformation my skin went through! I’ve been working hard on my complexion for a long time, but this is without question the thing I was missing. Just look at my face now!

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This is how my skin looks 90% of the time now. I used to always have at least one spot hanging around, or a blotch of redness or a dry patch. Now my skin’s default position is this, which is amazing! For someone with such sensitive skin, it’s an absolute revelation to be able to use a product like this. I suspect there must be witchcraft in the formula – that or Petra Strand is a skincare genius.

I recommend that literally everyone gives Pixi Glow Tonic a try – pick it up for £18 – link

My favourite summer body care

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So after the week from hell (not in a bad way, in a literal temperature way) I thought I’d quickly share some of my favourite warm weather bodycare products, incase you were looking for an excuse to spend a few more pennies this summer 🙂

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Avene Tinted Compact SPF50

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I’ve had a nightmare with SPFs over the past few months. I used the Benefit Dream Screen last year but I started to get the feeling it was drying my skin out, so this year I tried a couple of others, and WHAT a mistake. My skin was sore, red and itchy. It was a mess. Luckily, I found an alternative – a really perfect alternative. In fact I’ve started referring to Avene’s Tinted Compact with SPF50 as the ‘BB Cream for super sensitive skin’…

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Beauty Wishlist for Summer

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I’ve never done one of these before, but there are certainly a lot of products I’ve been mentally wishlisting lately so I thought I’d make physical note, and you never know, you might get some summer inspiration too!wishlist

1. Jurlique Rose Finishing Powder – My No.7 Translucent Powder is about to run out, and I’ve been lusting after this light, gorgeously scented rose powder for as long as I’ve known what Jurlique is. I’m pretty sure it can be used over makeup, and if so, this is definitely my powder most wanted.

2. Lipstick Queen Frog Prince Lipstick – How on earth could you not want this in your life. First of all I tried it on my hand in Space NK and the colour was stunning – it’s a slightly translucent, beautiful pink, which is perfect for me because thick, heavily pigmented lipsticks just don’t work for me. I never really put anything luxurious on my lips, so this would be a lovely change.

3. Mario Badescu Flower Tonic Mask – I’m an absolute sucker for anything with a name like ‘Flower Tonic’ so this was always going to be on my list. However after reading that the ingredients include kaolin and Balsam of Peru (an extraordinarily effective healing extract) I was desperate to try it. Pore-clarifying and healing are two things my skin really needs.

4. Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub – Living right up to the stereotype I made for myself in the previous paragraph, the name of this scrub got my attention right away. However this does look amazing, with extracts of basically everything you need to restore a healthy, glowing and balanced complexion. Ginger, gingko, green tea, aloe and coconut together with palm seed powder to buff away dead skin….like…hell yes.

5. Philip Kingsley Geranium and Neroli Elasticizer – The reviews of this stuff are amazing, as are the awards it’s been lauded with. I love the idea of a ‘pre-shampoo’, as well as the fact that you can sleep with it on your hair. I’ve never actually seen it in stores so I have no idea what it smells like, but I can’t see how it wouldn’t be absolutely gorgeous. I just can’t shake the idea that my hair would be left silky smooth after using this, so I shall have  to try it.

6. Sukin Natural Deodorant – I’m anti antiperspirant, but the summer heat in London is proving too much for the lovely Deo My BO solid deodorant bar from Lush (despite it working wonderfully before it got so hot!) I definitely want to give this one a try, as I love everything I’ve tried from Sukin so far.

7. Frog Prince Wash Bag from Catseye – I’ve been lusting after this for over a year – I love the happy, cute design and it’s the perfect size for all the stuff I bring with me everywhere. Really I should just get a grip and buy it, but every time I go into Selfridge’s and see it, it just seems so frivolous (it isn’t, it’s only £15 so I don’t know what I’m on about really).

8. & Other Stories Nail Colour in Dot Peach – I recently bought the most gorgeous sandals from Topshop, but I need a muted nail colour to go with my work clothes. & Other Stories have really lovely nail polishes, and I adore this cute pink colour.

9. Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads – I’m really curious about these. Both my boyfriend and I get ingrown hairs occasionally (it’s really common for guys to get these on their legs!) and they’re bloody annoying, so if these work it would be fantastic – it is shorts season after all!

What’s on your summer wishlist? Any of these?

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

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Ooohhhhkay. This stuff. If you buy nothing else new this summer, make it this stuff. Brace yourselves, becasuse this post will contain nothing but love, praise and adoration for Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. Read on to find out why I love it so much!

IMG_6942I’ve never been into facial sprays or toners really. Having tried a few options from The Body Shop, Boots etc, I was never sold. Really, it just felt like I was adding more stuff to my face that it didn’t really need. That was until Urban Outfitters started selling the super-cool cult brand Mario Badescu. Obviously intrigued, I had a good poke around at the products and as soon as I smelled this stuff I picked it up and bought it. Seriously, the smell is gorgeous. It’s rose, but it’s really refreshing and bright, not cloying – although I adore anything that smells of rose, I know some people don’t like that super perfumey rose scent, and this definitely isn’t like that.

Now, the lovely smell and the refreshing feeling when you spray it would be enough to make it a wonderful product for summer. But Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray does SO much more than that. It was only after a few days of use that I noticed my skin was suddenly much brighter and softer than it had been in ages. It was like this spray, with it’s rose, thyme, seaweed, gardenia and aloe extracts, had given my skin a serious boost that meant I could get away with half the amount of makeup I usually wear! My skin has been glowing.

This Facial Spray is the perfect addition to your skincare routine for summer – I use it after I get out of the shower before applying my serum and facial oil (yeah, I use facial oil all year round, don’t ask). It’s such a great way of giving your skin some serious love in the summer, keeping your face looking gorgeous while you wear lighter makeup, or even go without. This stuff has become one of my summer must haves! Plus, it’s like £5 on BeautyBay.com so you have no reason not to try it! I’m totally in love with Mario Badescu as a brand, and can’t wait to try more of their products. What are your summer essentials?

Benefit Bathina “Take a picture…it lasts longer…” Review

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I have wanted this stuff foreeeever. In my early teens I thought Benefit and Lush were the ultimate in beauty, and I was obsessed with their quirky, cool products. Bathina “Take a picture…it lasts longer” like Silky Underwear from Lush, has been on my wishlist since I was about 13. So the other day when I was faffing around on Feel Unique I decided to treat myself, because I’m an adult now (right?) and I have disposable income (…right?)

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Let’s not dwell on how stereotypically 90s kid it is of me to buy what is essentially glorified body glitter. To be fair, it does pack an impressive shimmer, but it’s so much more than that. The glitter is a warm golden colour and the balm is a beautiful pink, so when it reflects in the light it gives this gorgeous peachy shimmer. Perfect for people who don’t tan, and so have no use for bronzer.

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The scent is ludicrously gorgeous, and has some serious staying power. I’ve worn it on bare legs (hellooooo summer!) for the past two days and not only have they been gorgeously shimmery every time I look down, they’ve been silky soft and lightly scented. Something in the fragrance reminds me of summer really vividly, in the same way that suntan lotion always does. This is such a gorgeous treat for the warmer months, and if like me you just do not tan, this’ll give you a break from that milk-bottle leg feeling.

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I did a silly little summer leg shaving ‘step by step’ the other day where I recommended Silky Underwear Dusting Powder or Korres Bergamot Pear Body Milk as the final step – but I think it’s safe to say that this is the perfect finishing touch. Get it from Feel Unique for £23.50 – go on, treat yo self.

Summer Beauty Essential: DHC Blotting Paper

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So I bought a box of DHC Oil Blotting Paper a while ago when I was having a serious shine issue, but then the oiliness stopped – so I didn’t have a chance to try them out! Until I came back from work the other day in the suddenly sweltering London heat.

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