L'Oreal Pure Clay Exfoliating Scrub Review

As much as I adore luxe skincare, sometimes I love finding an affordable staple that comes from a solid brand even more! I have recently finished this 150ml tube of L'Oreal Pure Clay Exfoliating Scrub which promises to exfoliate, smooth and cleanse the skin. It's targeted towards combination to oily skin, and even though my skin is closer to dry/normal I found it really worked for me at scrubbing as a second cleanse type of product. I did find the 3 pure clays (Kaolin, Montmorillonite & Ghassoul) took some moisture from my skin (as clays should!) but as long as I made sure to moisturise properly post-cleanse it wasn't an issue for me.

I enjoyed the smell of this scrub and it reminded me of having a spa treatment done, luxuriously pampering (which lets be honest, is as close as I'm going to get at the moment!) It's often on sale at Priceline and the full price is only $14.99 anyway, which means it fits into my budget easily, and the tube lasted a really long time so the value was brilliant.

Overall I would repurchase this scrub, and will once I finish up trying out the other L'Oreal face products I bought alongside this one.

-Emma

Spring Skincare Haul

Over the last few weeks I picked up some new skincare products, some to replace things I've used up and others as back-ups or bargains I just couldn't pass by. This may constitute a rather small haul if you compare it to other beauty bloggers and their loot but I'm really looking forward to using these products!

I've raved about the Garnier Moisture Match moisturisers before, but I believe they have now been discontinued as I just can't find the blue version on shelves anymore. I was at a bargain centre recently and came across two boxes heavily discounted so I purchased one for my skincare back up box and one for my older sister who I think this would work wonderfully for. Another repurchase was my beloved La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+, which is a saviour for acne-prone or just generally crappy skin days. A brand new purchase for me was a total bargain at $0.80c and I love the brand - Derma Sukin Daily Hydrating Wash!  I've actually seen some positive reviews on this product and need a bit of hydration at the moment so it was worth a try.

 I've seen quite a few peel off masks on YouTube and the like, so when I saw this Formula 10.0.6 Get Your Glow On Brightening Peel Off Mask advertised in my supermarket catalogue for half price I was mightily intrigued. I've only used this once but gosh it was satisfying to peel it off, and the scent was really lovely so I'm enjoying this.

See that little hole in the top of my Effaclar Duo+ tube? That would be my puppy Winston's doing, he obviously wanted lovely clear skin too! But how can I be mad at this face?!

I'm really drawn to the aesthetic of Aveeno and have had great success with their products in the past (the night cream and unscented body wash, to be exact) so I added this Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser to my stash. Now that I'm actually the kind of blogger who finishes up whole products I don't feel too bad about having unopened cleansers around when I know I'm going to use them - does anyone else feel this way too?

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Hope you're all having an amazing day!

-Emma x

Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub - Product Review

I'm hard pressed to think of a Dermalogica product I've tried that hasn't been terrific...this Skin Prep Scrub* sample cements that, and I was pleased with how long this 22ml sample tube lasted with regular use. I can't remember if I came across this in a subscription box or through the Dermalogica PR but it has no bearing on my thoughts anyway - this is one of the few manual exfoliators I've really enjoyed! If I had to classify my tastes I'd say I preferred chemical/fruit acid exfoliants, but I do appreciate a scrubby facial scrub and I like to alternate use between the two for optimum results. Goodness knows that this is better than the scratchy formulas out on the market!

"This skin polishing scrub with finely-granulated Corn Cob Meal gently removes dulling surface debris, allowing for improved absorption of moisturizing treatments. Skin is left with a smooth, healthy-looking finish. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors." Taken from the Dermalogica website. It's also worth noting that Dermalogica are Cruelty Free and PETA Accredited.

Water (Aqua), Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate, Glyceryl Stearate, Zea Mays (Corn) Cob Meal, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Citric Acid, Malva Slyvestris (Mallow) Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Parietaria Officinalis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Sorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

It's quite a thick paste-like texture and you hardly need any to get a good scrub (even on my giant chipmunk cheeks!) and as you would want from a facial scrub, it leaves your skin smooth and soft. I love applying a hydrating mask after using this and find that it allows product to penetrate the skin more deeply. This doesn't leave my skin tight after use which means I look forward to using it when my skin needs rid of all the dead skin cells. I tend to only avoid using this if I have a rare angry spot as I don't like using manual scrubs when my skin is sore, as the abrasive nature aggravates the blemish giving me dramas I don't want to deal with.

Overall a big thumbs up for me, this is a product I'd happily buy once I've worked through my stocks of scrubs. Nothing better than a smooth face, right?

Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub $49.50 AUD/75ml
Available at Adore Beauty
-Emma

*Provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

Anniversary Weekend Away : Curated Travel Skincare

Mister Bovary and I returned last night from a long weekend in the city to celebrate our first wedding anniversary - it's amazing to think it was a whole year ago that I walked down the aisle and celebrated with all of our family, and so funny to think that I've not yet posted any wedding snaps/details here on the blog! I wonder if that is something you would find interesting? But I digress; I wanted to share with you the curated travel skincare I brought along with me for our 3 night stay in Melbourne, as I am quite proud of all of the travel-sized and mini products I saved up for the occasion!

Quite a simplistic routine was on the agenda for a busy weekend of sightseeing, romantic dinners and the like, so I brought along a few bits for makeup removal and the basic staples for everything else.

• Neutrogena Make-Up Removing Cleansing Towelettes
• Bioderma Crealine H2O 20ml
• Bioderma Sebium H2O 10ml
• Chanel Gentle Biphase Eye Makeup Remover 10ml
• Bioderma Cotton Rounds
• Dermalogica Precleanse 30ml
• Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel
• Bioderma Sebium AKN Purifying Corrective Care
• Origins Drink-Up Intensive Overnight Mask (decanted into pot)
• OPI Avojuice Coconut Melon Lotion

I had been squirreling away my baby skincare bits for this trip and another we have mid-November, and it made such a difference to the weight of my overnight bag! Mister was very impressed with my restraint and thought the stash very cute, and I was pleased that I used everything I brought with me bar the Chanel remover (used Bioderma instead!) and the Bioderma Crealine (the 10ml Sebium sachet lasted the whole trip so I didn't need to reach for it) I have another post detailing the makeup I brought along with me forthcoming and I must say I did very well with packing for this weekend away.

 

How do you fare when it comes to packing for short trips?

What is the most romantic date you've ever been on?

-Emma

Laid Back Sample Project - Update 5



Feels quite good to have finished some larger sample sized products for the fifth instalment of my Laid Back Sample Challenge - sachets are nice to use up but getting to toss a larger product always brings a bigger sense of satisfaction for me!

Marc Jacobs Oh Lola!
I have this in a solid ring form and love it, but for some reason the actual perfume disappears on me almost immediately! Such a shame as the scent is seriously lovely, and the bottle is stunning.

Thierry Mugler Angel EDT (travel size)
This reinvention of the classic Angel fragrance sat so well on me that I'm lusting over a large bottle of this one, perhaps as a Christmas gift? It's gourmand and has an edge to it that I adore, and the fact that it lasts on my skin is a rare treat for me.

Benefit Foamingly Clean Facial Wash
I went in expecting to hate the foaming aspect of this, but it actually puffs up and lathers rather than foaming, and it feels so decadent on my skin that I actually enjoyed using this! It wasn't as gentle as a milk or balm cleanser but I felt like it really cleansed my skin well.

Kiehl's Orange Flower & Lychee Skin Softening Lotion
I mentioned in my empties post that this was one of the nicest lotions I'd ever used, and I stand by that! I can't seem to find this particular scent on the website though, which alarms me slightly...has this been discontinued?!

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A few future purchases were noted from this round of samples, but I'm content to have a running list of quality products to lust over while I continue to churn through my collection, donating or using up products I no longer need in my stash. I know it may seem like decluttering is a bit of a trend at the moment but I think learning to love (and use!) what you have is always a good thing, trend or not, so I'm all up on that wagon and riding it towards a neater house and neater mind!

 

Previous updates!
Original Project Post
Update 1ft. Versace, Lush, Dior and LaGaia
Update 2 ft. Balenciaga, Biore, Mario Badescu and Missha
Update 3 ft. Benefit, L'Oreal, L'Occitane and Smashbox

Update 3 ft. Aveda, Lush, Estee Lauder and YSL

 

Emma x

Current Cleansing Routine

Let me share a little beauty blogger confession before I dive into this post - I have become so, so slack when it comes to skincare! Overall it's just the general lack of TLC that I've been missing in my routine, as I've still been double cleansing at night and enjoying it! I need to re-evaluate the treatments/lotions I'm using more than anything - I need to commit to a serum and moisturiser and stop chopping and changing between bottles! Since I'm generally content with my cleansing routine as it stands, I thought it was worth sharing, if only as a record for my own benefit.

I've just finished up a woeful eye make-up remover so am using the new Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Water for both face and eyes, and am actually quite happy with how it is performing. I was using the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water which I love, but had seen so many glowing reviews of this that I just had to pick it up when I saw it on sale at Priceline. I pour some on a cotton round and sweep it all over my face to take off the main layer of makeup. I then smear some of the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm all over my face before jumping into the shower. I work the balm all over my face as the water heats up (I like my showers super hot!) and then take my face cloth to remove it. I finish off my double cleanse with the Garnier Goodbye Dry Gentle Cleansing Milk - I find milk cleansers too mild to use on their own, but enjoy them after a balm or oil cleanse. The scent of this one is amazing, but I am about to finish it up so will be moving onto a new cleanser soon - is it sad that this really excites me?!

What cleansing products are in your routine right now?

Any new cleansers I should chuck into my line-up?

-Emma

 

*All of these cleansers were purchased by me. Honesty, always!

Boscia MakeUp BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil - Is It Worth the Hype?

As soon as I spotted the Boscia MakeUp BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil in the travel aisle of Sephora, I knew I wanted to try it out for myself. I'd heard about it initially in a video by Ingrid Nilsen of Miss Glamorazzi fame (couldn't find the exact video, but she mentions it here!) and I've seen mentions of the Boscia brand floating around the internet for what feels like the longest time. 

I was also really drawn to this cleansing oil because of the outer packaging - isn't is just so pretty?! I like the clean yet pretty packaging of the bottle as well, and appreciate the little clip that makes this 50ml bottle a travel friendly option - the lightweight but sturdy plastic bottle also adds to that appeal. In fact, I began using this as my first cleanse when I was still overseas and it flew all over the U.S with no troubles whatsoever in my suitcase!

I'm a massive advocate of oil cleansing (and double cleansing in general, really) as I feel like my skin isn't fully cleansed if I'm just using milk or cream cleansers in my nightly routine. I tend to use this first to dissolve makeup and dirt/grime in my skin and then after using a flannel to remove it I head back in with whatever other cleanser I'm currently using. That being said, I was also quite lazy on my honeymoon and often used this as my sole cleanser and it didn't clog my pores or break me out at all (other oil cleansers can break me out if I don't use a second cleanser with them, like some Shu Uemura oils)

I didn't really look too deeply into the product before buying it as I recognized the long-winded name from seeing it in YouTuber's Favourites videos, but in my notes I wrote 'feels cushiony and thick on skin, in a good way' and now that I'm looking at some other reviews out of curiosity I see that I'm not the only one who felt that way about the texture - it's pretty cool and feels different to other cleansing oils I've tried, almost like a lighter gel consistency. The cooling effect comes from the menthol I imagine, which makes me urge those with very sensitive skin to test it before committing to a bottle as it could be too much of a tingle for you. I don't mind the way my skin feels after using this solo but I still feel like an oil cleanser like Dermalogica Precleanse leaves me feeling cleaner overall, thought I do appreciate that it doesn't emulsify and instead is wiped away with ease with a flannel (my preferred cleansing method)

Overall I think that the Boscia Makeup BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil is a decent product if you like thicker oil/light gel based cleansers and don't mind a bit of 'cool' menthol in your skincare, but I don't think I would rush to repurchase and would prefer to try other brands or just throw the money into another bottle of Dermalogica Precleanse instead.

 

Sephora has this at $10USD/50ml or $28USD/150ml

Have you tried anything from Boscia?

What do you think of their products?

-Emma

 

TheBalm TimeBalm White Tea and Rose Cleanser

A big loot of cleansers hit my desk quite some time ago, and the first one I made grabby hands for was the prettily packaged Time Balm White Tea Rose Cleanser from TheBalm (which is available for us Aussies from David Jones and Adore Beauty) It is marketed for normal-dry skin which is the category I think mine would probably fall under at the moment, and so I was looking forward to seeing how it handled my temperamental (at times) skin. The scent is light and smells only faintly of rose to me, and the texture is a light cream which spreads over the face with ease. I used this each night in the shower after removing my makeup at the sink with a separate remover (I always do this as I prefer fuller coverage foundations and always wear powder and blush, and I find I waste too much cleanser if I don't remove my makeup first!) 

 

Truth be told, I’ve sat on this review for far too long. I finished the bottle in 2014 and I found it difficult to formulate a strong opinion about it - it's not something I love, but I didn't hate it either! I don't think it is a bad product by any means (I did feel a mild tingle during and after using it on a few occasions, which supports its claims of gentle exfoliation) but I generally like a thicker cream cleanser or cleansing balm for my skin. I would recommend this as a nice cleanser for normal skin types, but I didn't find it particularly moisturising for my dryness. Sometimes the tingly exfoliating aspect of it irritated my skin, so I would suggest that very sensitive skin-types look into the ingredients list (included below and which contains fragrance + plant extracts) before throwing down money for this one.

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Overall I think the TimeBalm White Tea Rose Face Cleanser a pretty solid cleanser that has made me want to try out more skincare from TheBalm - I hauled a White Tea Carrot Makeup Remover that I am yet to try, and the eye makeup removing balm seems pretty interesting...

-Emma x

 

*This product was provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua) Eau), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycolic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ammonium Hydroxide, Ceteareth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract (Saccharum Officinarum), Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rosa Canina Flower Extract, Fragrance (Parfum), Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Leaf Extract, Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Extract, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Seed Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract, Equisetum Hiemale Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract.

Serious Sephora Skincare

Looking at all of these Sephora VIB sale posts (see Liz's post, am swooning) is making me lemm things I'd never even heard of before - I still have to pinch myself at the realisation that by this time next week I will have visited a Sephora store for the first time ever! I'm not a VIB (obviously) but I have signed up for the Sephora emails etc and I can't wait to start accumulating some points on our holiday!

I've been perusing the skincare section of the Sephora site for a while now and have a wish list that is quite extensive - I was a good girl and used up the cleansers I already had to allow myself to go crazy in America in this regard, so I'm going to leap at the chance to choose myself some lovely new skincare soon. Would love to hear recommendations from those in the know, too!

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning (for face)
I'm hesitant about the whole fake tanning thing, but a wee bit of colour on my pasty mug wouldn't go astray and I've heard this one is the bees knees!

Clinique Take The Day Off $28.50 USD/3.8oz
This is a sure thing, I've wanted to try it for so long but it's something like $55AUD so there was no chance of that happening. I need a good cleansing balm in my life right now!

Peter Thomas Roth Skinstant Mask Magic $20 USD/3X 0.5oz
This is a bit of an excitement extra for me, I've seen some good reviews of the PTR masks and I'd like to be able to put my two cents in, plus 3 mini sizes for $20 isn't too crazy for a little thrill.

Ole Henrikson Pure Truth Melting Cleanser $34 USD/4oz
Put the word melting near cleanser and I am all yours, Ole!

Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil $28 USD/5oz
Seemingly a YouTube girl favourite, this one is more natural than others I've been checking out and I'm looking forward to trying this brand for the first time.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
Love the Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads (may get those too...) but these come with rave reviews from people I trust so I'm on board with trying them out.

Also quite tempted by some Glamglow goodies (never tried the brand before!) but I guess we'll see how overwhelmed I get once I hit U.S shores (we fly out tomorrow!)
Any other skincare bits I should be looking into?

Emma x

Dreaming of Dreamtone

Who doesn't dream of a flawless skin tone? I personally battle with some lovely leftover blemish marks and general redness on my face, so was all gung-ho to try this new release from the skincare giant Lancôme.

First impressions? I love the ombre pink bottle, and the twist top open is a nice touch that I find really easy to use, and it keeps the application hygienic as well. This luxe serum targets dark spots (buzz term of late, don't ya think?) and comes in 3 variations for different skin tones/areas of concern. 

-Dreamtone 1 is targeted at fair complexions and is supposed to fight redness.
-Dreamtone 2 is for medium skin tones and fights sallow skin
-Dreamtone 3 is for dark skin and targets blemish marks.

I personally take these variation types with a grain of salt, and was sent Dreamtone 2 despite my very fair complexion. I was dubious about this serum, but also quite excited at the thought of using something so lovely and had hopes that it would help improve my skin overall. I am so pleased to say with hand on heart that I found this to make a noticeable difference in my skin, and it not only fought any dullness and redness but also helped fade some of my stubborn acne marks. Now you see why I think all 3 serums are very similar!

I generally use one or two pumps of this at night as I apply it all over my face, and the pale rose coloured serum smells luxe and floral which I am personally a fan of. Those who are sensitive to scents like this should try to nab a sample before splurging for a bottle thought, just in case. If you were wanting to stretch the serum out you can apply it only on areas of darkness or redness, but I figure that the whole lot needs help so on it goes!

Without meaning to sound totally lame, I actually look forward to applying this and love the way it feels on my skin. I have found that since using this, my skin is more even and I can head out without too much slap on if I feel like it, which is quite a thrill for me. It didn't take too long for me to see the results as well, which is a good thing since this bottle is pretty pricey and I was uncertain when I began using it. It didn't flare up any acne for me (in fact, it was a player in the skincare routine which seemed to calm my recent skin flare up!) and I've noticed that if I skip this for a few nights, my skin gets a little upset with me.

My only misgivings about this beauty of a skin serum? The face that I can't see how much I have left, and the price tag! Sitting at $105 AUD (close to US price, woohoo!) this is definitely a skincare splurge, but I can actually envision myself trotting down to Myer or clicking onto Adore Beauty for a repurchase when this press sample runs dry...wallet be warned.

Lancôme Dreamtone retails for $105 AUD and can be purchased at Adore Beauty.

What luxe skincare have you found to really work for you? Or do you stick to budget skincare and splurge on lipsticks instead?!

Emma @ emmabovarybeauty

Current Skincare Routine

Keeping a track of the skincare I use helps me understand what my skin wants and needs - sort of like keeping a skincare diary but one that I share with you all! This is what I've been using for over a month now, though I have switched out a few products since snapping this shot. 

I've moved on from using my cleansing balms to this Shu Uemura Unmask Cleansing Oil* (how huge is the bottle!?) I'm not a big fan of the way it removes eye makeup, but it melts face makeup away with ease and doesn't break me out plus I adore the gorgeous design on the bottle and how it looks on my bathroom countertop.

I then use my Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel (which I have since switched out for something gentler!) to cleanse my face. I adore this cleanser, it seems to have helped with my acne scars and it really cleans my skin well. I have found that my skin has become a bit sensitive lately so have moved onto a cleanser that targets that instead, but I would definitely still recommend this gel cleanser (I've used about 3/4 of it as a testament to that!)

In terms of keeping my spots under control I use the amazing La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo all over my face, then after it has sunk in I slather on some Aveeno Positively Radiant Night Cream*, or in the morning I use the newly reformulated Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion +* which is nice and light for hot weather. I forgot to include my beloved Lancôme Dreamtone Serum* in these shots, but I'll have a full review up soon anyway.

For my lips (and my cuticles) I use the Suvana Certified Organic Paw Paw + Honey Balm*, which I much prefer over the cult Lucas Paw Paw which contains petroleum.

I have to admit that I don't apply eye cream as often as I should, but when I do I love using Indeed Labs Eysilix* which is nourishing but doesn't cause milia. If my skin is a bit rough I crack out the Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion, if I've got a spot I turn to the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion and dry patches are seen to with the RosehipPLUS Rosehip Oil Roll On* (perfect to travel with, score!)

 

At least once I week I skip all of my nightly treatments in favour of the Origins Drink-Up Intensive Overnight Mask, which smells delectable and leaves my skin oh so soft.

 

So that is the round up of what I have been using!

Have you tried any of these products?

What daytime moisturiser do you think I should try next?

 

Emma @ emmabovarybeauty

The New Moisturisers

The often overlooked but important part of the routine – the moisturisers! Here is what is making up the bulk of my nourishment at the moment. (This post was directly inspired by Tiffany's post over on Will Work for Makeup!)

Suvana Paw Paw & Honey Balm*

This newly packaged all-purpose balm seems to have been reformulated a touch, as the honey seems less overpowering than my old school tube was. I use this on dry patches such as cuticles and dry patches, and use a really thin layer over my lips overnight (too much and the honey sort of burns my throat, but less so than it used to) The new packaging is super cute and something that is perfect for throwing in your handbag on windy days.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

This is such an amazing product, it is perfect for lazy nights where I don’t want to apply a sheet mask and sit up for a while or I can’t be bothered painstakingly rinsing off a messy mask. You apply it as you would a night cream in place of all of your other products after cleansing, and wake up the next morning with bouncy happy skin. It smells incredible and doesn’t leave a residue on pillows so there is seriously no stress involved.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream*

I’ve mentioned this previously here and here, and have returned to using it as my night cream as I ponder my beauty cabinet for a new one to try – I’m thinking Olay Regenerist or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial will be next, any thoughts on those? Any other night cream recommendations?

L’Occitane Pivoine Flora Beauty Milk*

This is light and fast-absorbing with a delicate floral scent as the name would suggest. I adore the packaging as I do with much of L’Occitane products, and I find that this does a nice job on balmy nights when I want smooth skin without the weight of body butter.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion +*

I much prefer this version to the previous formulation, and I had a wonderful time at the Melbourne launch event which was held at the divine Mecca Maxima Highpoint earlier in the year (giant yellow balloons, delectable finger food and a chance for a private shop with a voucher from Mecca along with quality time with beautiful beauty bloggers – yup, it was pretty amazing) This is my dear friend Carly’s favourite lotion, and I like the way it does the job without a fuss and without breaking me out.

 

What new moisturisers have you been using lately? Anything new I need to investigate? I would love to hear YOUR routine in the comments below!

 

Emma @ emmabovarybeauty

 

*Marked items were provided for review, but this is an honest overview of what I am currently using.

Switching up the Skincare - cleansing oils & balms

I was a little bit disappointed to get to the end of my DermalogicaPrecleanse* recently, as I really enjoyed the way it easily cleaned my makeup off and kept my skin clear until the very end of the bottle. Rather than rush out to repurchase (tempted though I was) I thought it best to use up some of my other cleansing oils/balms in order to behave as ‘normal’ people do haha fat chance! I guarantee that I will be repurchasing this in the future though!

 

The first cleansing oil I pulled out was the Sanctuary Spa Ultimate Facial Cleansing Oil, which I purchased from Priceline when the brand first hit the shelves. I was pumped to use it and adore the packaging and aesthetic of the brand, but for some reason I thought to check out the ingredients before I slapped it on my face. I was just getting over a huge upsetting breakout, so when I saw that the words ‘mineral oil’ were first on the ingredients list, I physically stepped back to think about what it might do to my skin.

I haven’t been brave enough to test it out despite the rave reviews I’ve read online, I just can’t see how an ingredient like mineral oil can be good to grumpy skin like mine. I’m not claiming to be an expert on ingredients or skincare in general, so if you want to read more about mineral oil in general I highly recommend you check out Beauty Mouth by Caroline Hirons aka the skincare queen. Hirons has spoken at length about the negative aspects of mineral oil, and I think it her blog is a must-read!

I dived into my stash to find something else to use up, and came across my half empty Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser, which is a thick balm inside a thick plastic tub. I loved using it but moved onto other things (as beauty bloggers do) in order to review for the blog, but I am really happy to come back to this. It needs to be removed with a flannel/muslin cloth and I find it really moisturising, but I’m happy to report that it doesn’t leave me oily or break me out.

Do you precleanse every day?

Do you prefer cleansing balms or cleansing oils?

*Provided for review, but that hasn’t affected my intense love for it. Thanks Dermalogica! Honesty, always.

The Night Routine

 

Despite really enjoying the skincare I had been using, once again I’ve switched it up in order to explore new products and work on improving my skin. I’ve been slapping these on while watching FleurdeVlog after my nightly cleanse, and I’ve been loving the feel of the silky L’Occitane Essence Sublime serum*(on counter August 14th)! The packaging is really pretty, and undoubtedly better than the small necked Angelica Hydration Cream* which is luxe but hard to reach into. I’ve been trialling the L’Occitane products for over a month now, and the cooling Regard Radieux Eye Roll On* is a strange consistency (I’m used to eye creams over gels) but hasn’t caused milia, so thumbs up for that!

Acne is something I like to keep at bay surprise surprise and as always I turn to Mario Badescu for that.  The Buffering Lotion is tops for under the surface bumpiness,  while the Drying Lotion zaps any big nasties without drying out my skin like other spot treatments do. Highly recommended!  I’ve been squeezing the last drops out of my La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo, and was elated to find out that my local pharmacy is not stocking the range- score! I tried to describe it to my sister today, and the phrase ‘skin perfector’ and ‘a damn miracle’ were involved, so there’s that for ya…

What are you slapping on your face in the PM?

Cosmecology Paris // Hydra Skin Hydrating Face Cream

As much as I adore and appreciate the appeal of prestige French skincare, the reality is that I am not always able to indulge in it. I am currently completing my post grad at university, and the pressures of buying a new home and planning a wedding often take a toll on my cosmetic addiction. When I found out that there was an affordable French skincare brand by the name of Cosmecology Paris, I was intrigued.

No outer packaging demonstrates how much the company prides itself on being environmentally aware, and the clear white tubes splashed with colourfully classy ingredient symbols is an attractive addition to my skincare loot. At the Cosmecology Paris launch in South Yarra I had a good sniff of most of the haircare, skincare and bodycare, and I am happy to report that everything smells deliciously fruity and divine!

I have been using the Hydra Skin*  facial moisturiser for quite a long time now and I am about to run out, so I thought it time to sit down and share this product with you. Fruity and nourishing, this aloe + hyaluronic acid filled moisturiser is thicker than a lotion but still sinks in quite fast. I use a pea sized amount each morning and night (though in the PM I use it in conjunction with a serum or facial oil) and though I feel as though it could sink a little deeper, I’m content with how much it moisturises my face. It leaves a slightly shiny finish to the skin, but because I always put it on before bed or under makeup it doesn’t faze me at all.

 

Priced at only $28 for 50ml, this is a good every day skin moisturiser for all skin types that brings a touch of French skincare to your cabinet, without hurting your purse. I would ideally prefer a matte finish, so those with extremely oily skins may want to look to the Cosmecology Paris Mattifying Face Cream instead.



Cosmecology Paris is salon only, for stockists please ring 1300 300 954. 
What French skincare do you adore?

 

*This product was provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

 

Triple Threat Facial

Sitting in front of the laptop with an hour or two to spare, it’s often quite nice to treat your skin to a wee bit of pampering. Rather than going for the everyday serum-eye cream-moisturiser routine, I like to plump up my skin every once in a while with what I call the ‘triple threat facial’. No credit can be taken for this by me, as I was completely inspired (as in thispost) by Vivianna Does Makeup (who got the idea from Caroline Hirons, skincare gem) An idea so genius that I can’t believe it hadn’t popped into my head already, I’m now getting a lot more use from more of my face masks and my skin seems to be thankful for it. For the record, my skin is a real mixed bag and has lots of issues, from dry patches and a shiny forehead to hormonal breakouts and general dullness. Choose masks that suit your individual needs, and start achieving better skin!

First things first, the facial begins with a clay-based detoxifying mumma jumma, for which I bring out my mighty Queen Helene Mint Julip mask. Bright green and minty, this clarifies the skin and I like to apply it with a paddle foundation brush for even coverage that doesn’t waste any of the minty goodness. As Anna points out in her post, this digs down deep into pores and cleans them right out, so that the next two steps can work to their full potential without any grime in the way. After leaving Mint Julip on for 30 mins and removing with a damp muslin cloth, step two of this process can begin.

Radiance is the next thing you want to slap on your mug, and at the moment I am using the Guinot Instant Radiance Moisturizing Mask*. Wafts of lavender and rosemary are key features of this greige face treat, and I leave this on for 15-20 minutes before whipping it off with a tissue. I like the look of the REN Glycolatic Radiance Renewal Mask that Anna used and was eyeing it off in Mecca Cosmetica the other day, but I just can’t take the plunge until I’ve used up some other face masks first. I’m trying to be good, you see?

Final step is my favourite, not purely because the long process is drawing to a close but because this mask is my very favourite. The Jojoba Company Botanical Hydrating Face Mask* is clay based and uses a bunch of classic hydrating ingredients to soften and plump up the skin. I love the way it tingles, and that it actually does what it promises to do, and does it well. Using these three dedicated masks in a single evening is a real treat for the skin, and I see it as ensuring I have some brownie points stored up to trade on those days when it threatens to act up on me.

 

 Let me know what face masks you love in the comments below, and if you ever have time for this sort of at-home pampering.

*Marked items were provided for consideration. Honesty, always.

*Interested in the Queen Helene? iHerb stocks it for $3.84 here, and if you use my discount code BEJ649  you can save extra! $10 off every order $40+, or $5 off if order is below $40. Happy shopping!

Summer Skin Essentials

While the UK shivers through the snow, we in Australia are absolutely roasting! Seeing the difference between the whinges of my family in Scotland/England and the whinges of my local family is quite funny. The beauty products I use in summer are also quite different to the products I use when it’s cold, and I thought I would share some of my summer skincare essentials with you.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist: A beautiful and refreshing rose scented spray, housed in a stunning frosted glass bottle. As I've mentioned previously, this isn’t handbag friendly, but for long days at the desk it hits the spot!

Dermalogica Oil Free Matte Sunscreen (with Medibac Clearing)*: Though the ladies at Dermalogica have said that this may be too matte for my dry and dehydrated patches of skin, I am still head over heels for this sunscreen. It contains SPF 30 and truth be told, I use this as a primer just as much as I use it as my daily sunscreen.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse OR, aka Dry Oil Golden Shimmer*: It is no secret that anything French has a headstart for my affections, and this is no different. I’ve been using this down the centre of my lily white legs to get a bit of healthy-glow action happening, and over my arms and décolletage to glam up my summer outfits. The smell of this is the same as the original Dry Oil, which I tend to use as an overall moisturiser.

Uriage Bariederm Barrier Cream*: A less glamorous addition to the summer bag, but a necessity nevertheless. Barrier creams are excellent at stopping chafing, and is recommended for nurses and mechanics who wash their hands and get dirty frequently. Chris is a mechanic and also chafes during summer, so he loves swiping a bit of this stuff when the weather heats up.

 

Clarins Mineral Bronzing Duo (in Dark)*: Nothing better on a summers day to have bronzed up skin, and since I don’t tan, I turn to bronzers to give me the glow I need. My love for Clarins knows no bounds, as this blog documents, and these two shades work for my pale skin even though I was sent the dark version, if I use a light hand.

Unmeltable lip products!

YSL Glossy Stain in #15 Rose Vinyl: I adore the formula of the YSL Glossy Stains, and because they don’t melt or snap when warm, they are perfect for keeping in my handbag during hot weather. The glossy finish is casual enough for everyday and the stain means I don’t have to retouch very often, and all of those factors make this a perfect summer lip product for me!

Sportsgirl Give Some Lip liquid lipstick (pictured is the shade Luscious): I swear by this liquid lipstick/lipgloss formula, I love the unique scent and the beautiful colour selection. These are unmeltable, and really pigmented for juicy looking lips.

Revlon Super Lustrous lipgloss in Coral Reef: Revlon are stellar when it comes to lip products, and these glosses are really comfortable to wear, with Coral Reef being the perfect coral shade for this heat.

So now it is your turn to share your summer essentials in the comments below,  I’d love to hear what you rely on when the weather heats up!

*Marked items were provided for editorial consideration. Honesty, always.