My Current Bedtime Face Routine

Hi Ladies,

I'm always really interested to know what others do to their skin before going to sleep; what products they use and what they would recommend.

I wanted to share with you what I am currently using on my skin before bed and would love to hear the same from you.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel:

I've used this for a while now. I don't LOVE it but it keeps my skin clean and clear. It does exactly what it says on the tin, so to speak. I usually do a double cleanse, using a hot cloth/flannel. I can rely on this to not overload my skin with chemicals and not break me out.

Simple Eye Make Up Remover:

I use this to remove any eye make up. It is very gentle on the eyes and removes all product pretty quickly. It doesn't leave behind any residue and retails very cheaply at only a couple of pounds.

YSL Exfoliator:

I don't always use an exfoliator but when I do it's either Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (which I have run out of) or this. Really gentle on the skin with a lovely consistency. It leaves skin smooth without the feeling that it has been exfoliated (there are no harsh grains.)

Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner:

I've been using this for just over a week now and it's love. At first, I worried that maybe it was breaking me out but even in such a short space of time, I've noticed my skin to be much softer, clearer and balanced. If you get the chance to try this, I'd recommend that you do. It's much more gentle than I expected it to be too.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion:

I've used this for YEARS now. It's the one that I always go back to. Also, this is the only moisturiser that I can wear under make up without looking oily. This delivers just the right about of moisture for my skin.

Dermalogica Total Eye Cream:

Again, I don't love or hate this. To be honest, I haven't really noticed much of a difference in using this so would really like to hear what eye cream you'd recommend.

Clarins Blue Orchid Face Oil:

I've been using a sample of this lovely oil and have to say that I've noticed a massive difference in the way that my skin looks and feels. It smells divine and when you wake up your skin just feels so nourished. Highly recommended and I'll be purchasing the full size.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream:

I'm sure you all know by now how much I love this!! I dab a tiny bit on my lips and sometimes eyebrows before I sleep.  As ridiculous as it sounds, my lips cry out for this if I haven't used it for a few hours. Also, one tube lasts forever.

In the morning, I am extremely low maintenance. Just a splash of cold water, moisturiser and lip balm (Nivea Milk and Honey) before make up.

What is your routine? What products do you recommend? I'm considering trying the Clarisonic.....is it worth it?

Thank you for reading.

Love,
Amy

xxx

Hand Cream Addict....

Hi Ladies,

So I'm not ashamed to admit this: I am a complete hand cream addict. I thought I'd let you know my favourites as it's always disheartening when you but a product and it turns out to be rubbish!

Clarins Creme Jeunesse Des Mains:

This is simply my all time favourite ever hand cream! The smell, the texture, the packaging!! All to die for. Trust me, if you try it, you seriously will not be bothered about others! Of course, you'll dabble with others but this is the one you'll always go back to. I'm having a serious love affair with Clarins at the moment and can't get enough of the Lip Perfectors.

Burts Bees Beeswax & Banana Hand Cream:

I love this too! The smell is incredible. It comes in a handy little pot and lasts FOREVER!! The consistency can be quite sticky though and can take a while to sink in so I use this at night now (it's lovely for your feet too.)

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector:

I've spoken about this before on here, and the Burts Bees come to think of it. I'm like a broken record! This one is great for winter. Once applied, this sinks in really quickly and keeps skin hydrated so there isn't much need to reapply often.

Do you use hand creams? What is your favourite?

Thank you for reading!

Love,
Amy

High End Beauty Buys...

Hi Girls,

I'm so sorry for the lack of posts recently. I've literally not had ANY free time. I think the clocks going back and the dark nights are making everyone so sleepy and exhausted!

Anyway, I wanted to follow up my previous posts with what I consider to be high end 'must have's'!

Firstly, you'll probably hear me go on about the following products for the rest of my days, so apologies in advance!

Mac Studio Fix Fluid:

So, this is the foundation that I always go back to and have done for so many years. Recently I have tried Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation, Chanel Pro Lumiere and Mac Pro Longwear but still find myself reaching for this.

I'll admit, I do love the Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation but haven't found myself reaching for it much recently. Chanel Pro Lumiere looks lovely when first applied to the skin but I would not recommend this to ladies with oily skin. My skin is normal/combination and made me look oily rather than dewy and seemed to disappear from my skin after just a few hours. I do like Mac Pro Longwear and to be fair, maybe I haven't given it much of a fair trial but so far, aside from its staying power, which is brilliant, it does seem to be lacking something, I just don't know what.

Mac Studio Fix is everything that I want from a foundation; the coverage is great, I use 1-2 pumps and buff in to my skin with a Mac 187 brush. It makes my face look flawless with buildable application without looking cakey or mask like.

Mac Studio Fix Concealer: 

Again, another product that I have used religiously for years. This concealer provides great coverage for redness and blemishes but I'm not too sure about under eye circles. I've been hearing rave reviews about the Bobby Brown Corrector so might invest in that. Has anyone tried this? I'd really appreciate your comments about it. Is is worth the price tag?

Mac Strobe Cream:

Most people use this product mixed in with their foundation or tinted moisturiser to give their skin a boost and an extra glow. Personally, I dab the tiniest amount on the top of my cheekbones and sometimes a little bit on my eyelids if I am looking tired.

Nars Laguna Bronzer: 

After trying so so many bronzers, I repurchase this all the time. It gives a really natural glow, is great for contouring and never looks fake or orange. One compact of this usually lasts me a year so value for money works out great, compared to cheaper alternatives that last for 6-8 months. If you haven't tried this product before, I highly recommend that you do.

Dior Amber Diamond:

You knew this one was coming. I have no need to hype this product. Everything that has been said is true! I will repurchase over and over again. I use the tiniest little bit on the top of my cheekbones and sometimes use lightly on the eyes too.

Clarins Lip Perfecter:

I feel like I am just repeating what every single blogger has to say but this is seriously amazing. It's available in several shades (three,  I think) but i have only tired the shade 002. This looks really pretty on the lips, is not sticky and each tube lasts around about three months. I'd be keen to try the other shades. What are your thoughts on these?

This post could carry on forever seriously, but the above really are my staples. What are your favourite high end beauty buys and why?

As always, thank you for reading. Your comments are appreciated!

Love, Amy

x