The 'At Home On a Budget' Facial

The stress of completing the last assignments for my post-graduate course wreaked havoc on my skin, which was such a shame as for the last few months I've been so happy with the condition of it. Sadly it isn't just skincare that dictates how my mug fares, and the painful spots stung even more knowing that they would hang around for my dear Candice's wedding! I made sure to take extra special care of my face and body in the week leading up to her big day, and this was a mid week treat that Mister Bovary and I indulged in - our 'at home on a budget' facial!

We literally wanted the whole 'spa experience' that comes along with pampering, and so we used L'Occitane Lavande Cologne* to create a relaxing scent and took turns being the beauty therapist. I started off with Weleda Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion* which is for sensitive skin. I then popped on a decent layer of the Apivita Express Beauty with Pink Clay*, which is supposed to draw out any impurities while cleansing the skin. I love that these come in single sachets, with enough inside for Mister Bovary and I to share with ease. After I washed off the pink clay, I threw on a Michika Complexion Rejuvenating Synergist Mask*, which is said to target fatigued skin - sign me up!

To finish up the lush pamper sesh, out came the moisturisers! We each dabbed some Kosmea Rosehip Oil* on our dry patches (a spot under my lip and a spot under his eye are the most annoying patches right now) and then finished off the whole lot with Biotherm Homme Aquapower* moisturiser from a sample from the male Glossybox.

So what do you think of my 'at-home facial' round up?
What products do you pamper your skin with?

Emma @ emmabovarybeauty

The Jojoba Company-Botanical Hydrating Face Mask

I have gotten myself into the wonderful routine of weekly pamper sessions, that generally involves face masks and nail painting. Sometimes I get Candice to join in, other time my man slaps on a mask with me while we watch The Amazing Race. I've fallen in love with one mask in particular, a 97% natural one from The Jojoba company. This is what The Jojoba Company has to say about it:

Deeply hydrating to rebalance dryness and re-energise. 80ml.
An exquisitely silky, hydrating clay mask with a powerful combination of botanical anti-ageing extracts including antioxidant rich gingko biloba, plumping marine collagen, vitamin B5 and organic honey to boost the natural hydrating qualities of golden jojoba. Combines Australian clays with jojoba to renew and rejuvenate all skin types, especially sensitive skins. Not tested on animals.

This mask feels glorious going on, and I love the fact that it's a 'smear on' rather than a cloth mask, as sometimes I'm just not in the mood for those. It goes on quite pale, and darkens as it dries...it leaves me looking a little 'Snooki-esque', which never fails to excite and amuse me. Chris tried this one and said it felt strange going on as it was so thick, but as it dried he was fascinated with the colour change and cracking effect when he moved his face. I like it's thick texture, and the smell is gorgeous. I find my skin to be super-hydrated immediately after use, and even more so the next morning. A sure-fire winner for me, I will purchase this when my current tube runs out. The mask retails for $49.95 and stockists can be found here.

Expected pic of me looking 'Snooki-esque' complete with freshly dyed hair wrapped in towel. Sexaay!

Do you have a favourite face mask you think I should try?

emmabovary xx

(*Please note this item was sent for consideration, which in no way affects my opinions on it. Always honest!)