'I Wish I Didn't Buy That' #2

Negative reviews aren't something that comes along very often on my blog. Mainly due to the fact that I research a lot before purchasing, sad in a way as I'm not very spontaneous when it comes to shopping however on a quest to save money this approach to shopping over recent months has worked. However, there's three recent purchases that didn't quite make the cut here's my thought -

Maybelline 'Great Lash' Mascara
So in all honesty I'm not the biggest fan of drugstore mascaras, I've repurchased my Clinique High Impact for almost two years now, but the blogger in me really does want to find a cheaper alternative that does a similar job. The Maybelline Great Lash Mascara seemed promising. The wand on this is smaller to other mascaras I have tried, I do think this is a plus as you can really be precise and get right in there with smaller lashes on the inner and outer corners. However, after one layer I was really disappointed, yes this did make my lashes appear blacker but as for adding any length or volume there was no difference. I layered and layered and I just found this made the mascara messy and clumpy. I also found that this irritated my eyes, and even though it's not waterproof removal was a faff! Even for the price (£4.99) I wouldn't repurchase as it just didn't do anything I would expect from a mascara.

Rimmel Apocalips in Big Bang
Oh how I wanted to love you. I reviewed this in full over here. As I briefly mentioned in that post I'm really not a fan of the Apocalips formula. Shame really as this shade is absolutely gorgeous it's a perfect red that just makes my teeth appear whiter. I find the formula smudgy and messy. The doe foot applicator doesn't allow for precise application, I also found that this clings to any dry patches and bleeds really bad throughout the day. When I compare the formula to something like the Bourjois Velvet Matte Lipsticks (I love!) it's just not quite on par. Sorry Rimmel.

Clinique Chubby Stick for eyes - Fuller Fudge
Another product I expected to love, after swatching this in store and falling in love with the wearable bronzey shade I decided to purchase. Here's the thing I don't think I'm sold on the formula. I find that this really drags on my eye lid and again (similar to the mascara) irritates my eyes. I've tried wetting this slightly I've tried smudging this onto a brush but I just can't seem to get this to work for me. I also find that you have to really layer to get any pigment and given that you're rolling this on your eyelids it seems a bit odd to have to layer and layer….

So that's it folks, feels good to have that off my chest. Sorry if this post seems rather negative I personally love reading these types as posts as I think it's useful to hear why something didn't work for someone it's also easy to get sucked into the hype when really one product isn't always going to be loved or work for everyone!

What products have you been disappointed with lately? Have you tried any of the products above?

Clinique Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturiser

The other day it occurred to me that this night cream has been a firm favourite in my skin care line up for months now, yet I haven’t shown it any love on blog (I know shock horror!) Today I thought I’d write up a little review of the Clinique Turn around Overnight Radiance Moisturiser (and the prize for longest name goes too…) I feel like I always say this with Clinique reviews but I feel it’s necessary, Clinique are very much a marmite brand from the countless reviews on the web it seems like their products either agree or disagree with different skin types so I would always recommend requesting samples before buying full size (even more so with Clinique!)  As brands go Clinique are one of the better ones where samples are concerned I’ve never known them be stingy.

So a few months ago I reached the desperation stage with my skin (we’ve all been there) I have combination skin sometimes super dry sometimes very oily and I’m prone to a little congestion. At the time I had a lot of congestion (under the skin spots) and I felt like the scarring on my cheeks was getting significantly worse (darker in appearance.) When I went to Clinique they recommended the Dark Spot corrector which I have tried (and didn’t like.) I asked if there was anything else that might help and the lady pointed me in the direction of the Turn Around range. There is a serum, night moisturiser, and mask within the range. Having tried (and loved) the serum in the past I asked for a sample of the night cream to see how it worked with my skin type. After finishing up my sample a full size purchase happened (oopsie!)

This moisturiser is super thick in texture, on application it does feel ever so tacky/sticky on the skin but within a few minutes it’s pretty much absorbed. For a night cream I like to opt for something more moisturising anyway as it keeps my skin hydrated. As this has such a rich texture only a pea sized (or peanut if you’re rocking a coconut shaped head like me) is needed to cover the face, the sample I had lasted me a good three weeks and I used it every night. It’s worthwhile mentioning (as with all Clinique products) this is fragrance free and I didn’t find that this irritated my sensitive skin. This cream has similar ingredients to what you may find in an exfoliating toner. If you’ve ever tried things like Pixi Glow or Clarins Exfoliating toner and found them too harsh for sensitive skin this moisturiser could be an alternative. It’s super gentle on the skin, moisturising but exfoliates over night to promote radiant skin.

This cream was really put to the test recently, after my holiday I was left with flakey peely skin, in particular on my forehead I applied this cream once, in the morning my skin was smooth flake free and super soft. Short term I noticed an improvement with dry patches and the overall texture of my skin (so much softer!) Over 4-6 weeks I began to notice the biggest difference in old scaring on my cheeks. My skin just looks brighter more radiant and my pigmentation seems to appear a lot lighter. It's also worthwhile mentioning that with this moisturiser I noticed the biggest difference with new spots new scaring/pigmentation doesn't seem to happen with this moistuiser. I love how this exfoliates my skin without feeling like it exfoliates my skin (no red irritated skin.)

If you’re after something new, or want to try something different to target scaring/dark marks or prevent future scaring the Clinique Turn around Moisturiser may be worth a shot. I would also recommend this to anyone who suffers from dull/sensitive skin and wants to introduce a chemical exfoliant that’s still gentle on the skin.

Have you tried any of the Turn Around range? What are your favourite products for scaring/dark spots?

Travel Skincare, Body & Hair

So after showing you what's in my travel makeup bag, it only seemed natural to show you the skincare, body and hair products that also made the cut. I actually find cutting down skincare a lot harder than makeup as I'm so addicted to my serums/oils and various treatments - 

Skincare Bits

Without fail I always take my Clinique Three Step. Clinique are brand I know works well with my skin so it's my fail safe option when it comes to travel.  The weather will be hot, sticky and humid so reaching for products that lean more on the antibacterial/clarifying territory will help keep my skin clear and a spot free zone. 

For treatments I've packed two masks. An old favourite the Origins Drink Up Mask. I won't harp on about this too much but I plan to use this the night after travelling to add a much needed dose of hydration to my skin. I've also packed the Origins Clear Improvement mask this will soak up any excess oil and if my skin gets spotty it'll be a good mask to have on hand.

For makeup removal I've packed the Clinique Take The Day of Balm, it removes makeup effortlessly and I can't be without this stuff (that tubs getting dangerously low!)

Suncare 

Every year I purchase the Clinique face cream in SPF40 (also has UVA/UVB protection.) It's none greasy, doesn't make my skin oily and doesn't clog pores. This doesn't leave a tint or make my skin tone appear ashy. It's a perfect option for super sensitive skin. For body SPF I usually opt for those clear invisible sprays, but over recent years (and a whole lot of burning/prickly heat) I've decided that suncreams are the way forward. This one by Soltan was cheap and cheerful. It seems non sticky and absorbs pretty well so I'll be looking forward to seeing how this performs on holiday.

Body & Hair

For body care I've packed a Radox shower gel they're cheap as chips and smell a-mazing. I usually take cheaper body products as that way I can dispose of any product left at the end of the holiday to keep weight down and avoid any spillages.

For evening I don't usually bother with Aftersun as the majority I've tried are sticky and a bit meh. (I would however recommend Aloe Vera gel for irritated skin.) I picked up the Vaseline Cocoa Body moisturiser, despite the name it's pretty lightweight easily absorbs and smells great.

So peely skin, it ain't happening. I've packed this S&G flake away scrub to help keep dry skin at bay.

Again another one I seem to purchase every year but the mini Herbal Essence Beautiful Ends range keeps my hair super shiny and soft. I also have a couple of sample hair masks by Ojon I'll use these when my hair is in need of something a little more intensive, chlorine and sun reek havoc on my hair.

What are you holiday essentials? What skincare items can you not be without?

On The Wishlist #4

So, today I thought I'd share a random wishlist filled with overpriced unnecessary items that I'm currently lusting after (well we all have those wishlists!) -

Dre Beats Solo Headphones
I've wanted some Beats headphones for the longest time. I love the colour and the fit of the Solo ones. They're a little more dainty looking.

Kindle
For the longest time I was anti Kindle, you can't beat the smell/feel of a 'real' book but over recent months I've really come round to the idea. I think this would be so much more convenient for travelling and on the go reading.

Olivia Burton Watch
For the longest time I lusted after Michael Kors watches, but recently I've fallen in love with the Olivia Burton watches (which is great as they're a little more purse friendly than the MK ones!)

Topshop Jeans
Umm so I currently only own two pairs of jeans both of which are a little tight around the old waistline (it's muscle weight of course.) Topshop jeans fit me really well I'm especially liking the ripped/distressed ones they currently have in.

White Converse
I have a black pair, I have a grey pair but the classic white Converse is a must. I remember having a pair of these when I was younger and although I can still just about squeeze into them it's probably time I bought a new pair.

Mulberry 'Alexa'
This is the "never going to happen" item but isn't this bag just a-mazing. Ever so often I browse the Mulberry site just to have a little look at this bag (yes I'm sad like that.) It just looks like a classic timeless statement bag that would last a lifetime… the price brings a tear to my eye though.

Sony Cybershot RX100
I used to have a Nikon Coolpix it recently broke. I'm currently saving for the Sony Cybershot (FYI it's been voted the no. 1 Compact camera for 2014.) It looks like a brilliant quality camera that will last me a long time. I know a lot of people like to use their smart phones now days but I'm old school I still like carrying a compact camera.

New Balance
I have a pair of New Balance, they're like carpet slippers genuinely the comfiest pair of trainers I own. I really like the navy/white New Balance and the maroon ones. I think I have a thing for trainers!

What's on your wishlist?