Estee Lauder - Clear Difference Purifying Exfoliating Mask

Hi guys! Hope you are well and are having a great week so far! Today I want to share with you a mask by Estee Lauder in the Clear Difference range called the Purifying Exfoliating Mask (RRP £36.00 for 75ml, available online here). The Clear Difference range focuses on clearing the skin of blemishes which always peaks my interest. Although I don't have blemished skin at all, if rarely, I always like to try products that target that concern as a preventative measure. The Purifying Exfoliating Mask was bought on a whim. I wanted to try some skincare from Estee Lauder and seem to gravitate towards masks so when deciding which one to go for, I went on the website, narrowed it down to my skin concerns, and then read reviews and they have all been really great for this particular product. After one use of this product I saw a difference. It drew out any impurities I had, removed excess oil and shine, and exfoliated gently to reveal super soft supple skin. Since using it once a fortnight i've noticed less breakouts (especially around my period) and it always gives my skin a healthy clean glow. It contains Salicylic Acid to deeply draw impurities out and stop the breakout cycle, free skin of flakiness, control oil and refine the look of pores. I use a 50p amount all over my face after cleansing. Once completely dried (5-10 minutes) I wash it off with warm water and gently exfoliate it off. This part is what makes the biggest difference! It definitely isn't drying either which is a bonus! I highly recommend this product, it's very cost effective too, only needing a small amount. A pot will last you about 6 months. Let me know if you try/have tried this. I'd love to know if others are having similar results!

 

Current Skincare Routine

Hello everyone! Today I have my current skincare routine to share with you. Since moving to London and experiencing the colder climate I've had to trial a few new products to find what works best for me. I'm happy to say I rarely get any blemishes (even around my period) and I do honestly think these products play an important role in that factor! I'll show you which products I use, and when I use them for maximum results. Let's jump right in.

Got a bit carried away on Photoshop. :)

Daily (AM): Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel (RRP £3.39 for 150ml)

This facial wash gel is very simple (as the brand name suggests). It's not outstanding, it doesn't do anything dramatically different for me to be obsessed with it, but it does the job.. and it also helps to wake me up in the morning. It's a cooling gel and makes my skin very soft afterwards, but I will be on the hunt for a new morning cleanser so this section may change soon. It's seriously affordable though and works perfectly after a sweaty gym session.

Daily (PM): Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (RRP £22 for 125ml)

This balm is incredible. I knew I would love it from the moment I saw it because I love anything to do with balms, oils, or in this case, a balm that turns into an oil! It is lightweight, fragrance-free and removes make-up and dirt very effectively. I use about a 50p size amount and warm it up in my fingers and massage it all over. It has become a holy grail, can't live without product for me and I love it!

Daily (AM & PM): Darphin Revitalizing Oil (RRP £25.00 for 50ml)

I have only recently been introduced to Darphin (since I started working for ELC) and I'm so glad I've had the opportunity to try it. I was lucky enough to receive a 2 hour Darphin facial the other week and it was blissful! Back on track though, this Revitalizing oil is so amazing. It is a multi-usage, dry oil that can be used on your face, hair, body and nails (suitable for all skin types). I use this product on my clients' nails daily, and I use it on my face morning and night as my moisturiser. I have been using facial oils for years and believe it is the key to dewy, soft, youthful skin and this revitalising oil is no exception. It smells wonderfully of Rosewood, Jasmine and Lavender.

Weekly: Origins Clear Improvements Active Charcoal Mask (RRP £23 for 100ml) + Origins Original Skin Retexturising Mask (RRP £23 for 100ml

I use these two masks together, using the two on different areas of my face that have different issues. I use the active charcoal mask on my chin and jawline (where I seem to break out occasionally and have congestion) and I use the Original Skin everywhere else (particularly focusing on my nose and cheeks). I ride to work everyday, and the pollution in the air is a lot more noticeable here in London, wreaking havoc on my skin! These two masks have helped a lot with decongestion and I particularly love the Original Skin Retexturising Mask with Rose Clay because it contains Jojoba beads which gives your skin a gentle exfoliation when you remove it! Overall, my skin appears brighter, cleaner and smoother than ever!

Let me know if you've tried any of these products in the comments below! Thanks so much for reading and have a great evening!

My Skincare Routine

Hi lovelies! Today I have a skincare routine post to share with you. Since the colder months my skincare has been amped up and my skin is looking pretty good these days (minus the occasional hormonal blemish here and there). My skincare is pretty basic. I don't go too crazy with different products and methods to apply them but my general routine is as follows.

Every morning, in the shower I will use the Goodness Every Week Face Scrub (RRP $12.95) (which I find gentle enough for daily use). It's a really nice chia seed oil based scrub that gently exfoliates dead skin cells. Once I'm out of the shower I will put on a small amount of the Goodness Chia Seed Oil Every Morning Moisturiser (RRP $16.95), particularly around my chin area (which is my driest area on my face) and then once that has fully dried, I will use 2-3 drops of the Goodness Chia Seed Facial Oil (RRP $19.95) all over my face for extra hydration. This combination of the moisturiser (which is the first moisturiser I've used where I could definitely get away with just using it alone and feel hydrated, plus it smells like watermelon) and the Chia Seed Oil (instant hydration and glowy skin = win!) has dramatically reduced my chin redness and greatly helped the overall look in my skin's texture and appearance. Goodness is available from Chemist Warehouse, Priceline and selected Woolworths.

In the evening I use the Sanctuary Spa Ultimate Facial Cleansing Oil (RRP $19.95, online here), especially if I've worn makeup that day for super soft, clean skin. Once I have rinsed it off and pat my face dry, I repeat my morning routine of the facial moisturiser and facial oil combination. Once or twice a week, after I have cleansed my face, I will apply a face mask. I've been absolutely loving these two face masks together as I can put the Deep Pore Clearing Mud Mask by Red Earth (RRP $35.00, online here) all over my face, and I will use the Melt-Away Mask by Thalgo for Dry/Very Dry Skin (RRP $61.00, online here) just on my chin and around my nose and it perfectly cleans and hydrates parts of my face that need it most. They both effectively deep clean and hydrate perfectly and do exactly what good specifically targeted face masks should do! My skin is giving me a great big kiss!

Gatineau - Aquamemory Moisture Replenish Mask

Hey guys! Today I have Gatineau - Replenish Mask* (RRP $65 for 75ml) to share with you. This product is targeted for people with dehydrated skin and helps to instantly quench skin's thirst. It soothes and restores moisture and reduce fine lines. It contains Osmaporine that helps to increase water reserves within the epidermis, Pheohydrane to help rebuild the hydro-lipid film, Vitamin E, Glycerin and Allantoin (soothing). It is a clear gel mask and should be applied generously to the face and neck area. I left it on for 10 minutes and did notice a slight burning feeling around my chin area, but I am quite sensitive on my chin. I rinsed it off with warm water and pat dry my face with a towel. In conjunction with my hydraluron I have noticed my skin feeling SO hydrated that after cleansing my skin doesn't feel tight or start to flake off any dry skin! It is a great combo for my skin and I will continue using it - until I run out!

Sanctuary Spa Facial Oil & Detox Mask

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Hey guys!! Today I have two products by Sanctuary Spa Covent Garden to show you; the Lipid Recovery Facial Oil* and the Deep Cleanse 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask*. I am seriously loving this brand, it has got to be my new favourite skincare line now! They are available at Priceline and at the moment the entire range has 20% off the marked price!

Lipid Recovery Facial Oil* (RRP $34.99) is a concentrated 5-lipid complex to tone, nourish and rejuvenate skin. It claims to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles and makes skin noticeably brighter and more radiant in 4 weeks. This product contains 98% organic ingredients. Whenever I apply a facial oil to my skin I ensure I really massage it in for a good 5 minutes to help my skin's circulation and lymphatic flow kick start. I apply this all over my face (including eyebrows and eyelids) and all down my neck and decolletage. It is a wonderful product and I have been using it more than my rosehip oil (which is saying something since I have been using it for over 4 years now!). It has the most loveliest scent of lavender and bitter orange. I will definitely be repurchasing this product once i've finished it!

30 seconds after being rubbed in.

5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask* (RRP $19.99) is a warming charcoal treatment for perfectly clean and purified skin. I have been using this every second day and have noticed my skin looking quite balanced and has stopped some breakouts from arising. It is quite a thick mask and needs to be applied on damp skin but make sure your fingers are dry otherwise it's a bit hard to spread. I love the warming sensation but I really do not like the smell of this stuff! It smells like charcoal trying to be covered by a sweet almond scent.. It's not unbearable, but it's not very appealing especially when it goes so close to your nose! I do like this product, besides the smell, but I would not purchase again.

So what do you think of these products? Have you tried any Sanctuary products yet? I absolutely love them! Thanks for reading and have a lovely day!

Sanctuary Spa - Brightening Facial In A Box

Hello helloooo! Today i've got a review of the Sanctuary Spa Brightening Facial In A Box* ($39.00). It is a 30 minute step by step pampering treatment to enhance your skin for a radiant glow. It includes 5 sample size products; Moisture Boosting Mask, Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser, Radiance Exfoliator, Illuminating Moisture Lotion and a Brightening Eye Gel (not to mention a hot cloth to be used with the cleanser and a coupon to save a few dollars off your next Sanctuary Spa purchase). Here's a quick overview of each product and what I thought of them.

Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser: This is a very creamy, soft product that deep cleans the skin when used in conjuction with the hot muslim cloth provided. You wet the cloth with warm water and cover your face for a few seconds with it to open your pores, then apply some cleanser, rubbing in circular motions and take the product off by using the cloth wrung out in cold water (to close the pores). I have used similar products to this before and although I know some people really love cleansers I just don't feel like they actually clean my face properly. I need something a bit more evasive and rough so I can actually feel it working. It has a nice, herbal scent. Would I purchase this product? No.

Radiance Exfoliator: This is a  really cool exfoliator with pieces of broken down apricot seed in it. This is such a lovely exfoliator and smells of mandarins and lemon. It feels so good when you apply it on your skin and I have used it everyday for over a week now and have noticed how much clearer and brighter my skin looks. This is something I can see myself using for a very long time. Would I purchase product? Yes indeed!

Moisture Boosting Mask: This mask I was apprehensive about because when I first opened the sachet and felt the texture, it felt like a seriously thick moisturiser, not a regular mask. But, when I actually put it on my face and let it sit for a good 10 minutes I was pleasantly surprised to see that not only had it completely absorbed into my skin, but, as the name suggests, it left my skin super moisturised and I usually get pretty dry around my nose area. When you wash it off with warm water it reappears making your face look creamily moisturised but it is very easy to wash it all off. Would I purchase this product? Probably not because I prefer deep extracting masks.

Illuminating Moisture Lotion (SPF 15):  This moisturiser was awesome. It smelt fresh, it wasn't heavy, it was light with probably a bit more oil in it then cream (which I prefer) and it absorbed very quickly. One little characteristic to this product is that it actually has illuminating shimmers in it. Very subtle shimmers mind you but I really liked that a lot. I also love that it has SPF in it. I know this is seriously bad but I rarely wear skincare with SPF in it (hello Rose hip oil as my moisturiser). Would I purchase this product? Definitely. 

Brightening Eye Gel: To begin with, I was hesitant when I saw this product because my mother has always told me never to use things like this, just use face moisturiser and that's it. But I gave it a go and even after trying it it didn't really grab my attention. It made my eye area slightly tight and was cooling and soothing but nothing about it really screamed out at me that I should use it (plus i'm still young and don't have wrinkles). So, would I purchase this product for myself? Nope!

So there you have it! Overall this box was awesome and it was such a great way to try a variety of products and now I have a new exfoliator and moisturiser to add to my face care routine! Let me know if there are any particular Sanctuary products you are loving right now? I've also tried the warming microexfoliant (it literally warms once activated) and I love that product so much! Thanks for reading and have a great day!