Skincare Routine in Action

As promised my week of skincare posts is ending with my 'Skincare In Action' video that went live yesterday. For those of you that haven't already seen it.. here it is...

Miss BB

New To Me From S&G

You may remember I had a little issue with my Soap & Glory hair turban a few weeks ago and I blogged about their remarkable customer service, you can read that post here. They contacted me having watched my Best & Worst Soap & Glory video and asked if I'd like to try anything else from the range. I will embed that video and the bottom of this post because you can see for yourself not all of my opinions were positive. I am approached by a lot of different companies and the ones that stand out to me are the ones that want you to review something even when you've spoken negatively about them in the past. Of course I can't be sure they aren't attempting to buy my favour but if they knew me or my blog at all they'd know that's impossible. I'm a big fan of S&G but as with all brands they have some products that just don't work for me and I'm not going to tell you I like them just 'cause they sent me it for free.

Anyway.. When they offered to send me something I knew exactly what I wanted, Whenever I've mentioned cleansers in the past the first to be recommended is always the Soap & Glory Fab Pore Hot Cloth but it is always out of stock.. ALWAYS! So I asked if they had that for me to try and they did along with two other things they suggested I'd like.. Fab Pore Facial Peel and Make Yourself Youthful Rejuvenating Serum. 

I've recently started a "use everything up" kick so I'm only just about to start using the cleanser and serum but rest assured the pictures have been taken and the review posts are all ready waiting in my drafts to be written up once I've given them a good test run. As of today my facial skincare will be 100% Soap & Glory as I've finished my L'Oreal Youth Code Serum and I'm using Super Eyes Super Eyes eye cream and Wish Upon A Jar night cream so give me a few weeks and hopefully I'll look like the beautiful pin ups that grace their packaging.

It's available at Boots, prices range from £4.50-£15.00 - link to site

Ooh and I just checked and the hot cloth cleanser is shockingly in stock!

Have you tried Soap & Glory's skincare?

Miss BB

St. Ives For My Sahara Skin

 

After a week in the desert my skin is starting to resemble the Sahara so when I was asked to try a new look St. Ives scrub it seemed like perfect timing. I have chosen the Invigorating version which claims it will gently exfoliate to reveal smooth, radiant skin. I used to be absolutely obsessed with the Blemish Fighting apricot scrub - you know the one! - but my skin has become dry and dull in recent months and I just don't think that's necessarily the right choice for me right now.

One thing that's always popular is all natural skincare. St. Ives Apricot facial scrubs contain 100% natural exfoliants, as well as apricot - obviously - which is proven to hydrate and nourish the skin. Often we opt for quick fix products that can be damaging to our skin long term, with St . Ives scrubs you are getting the same clean feeling without stripping your skin of the moisture it needs.

I am looking forward to seeing how the scrub works for my post-vacation skin issues and will be trialling the scrub for 7 days before I share my results. Another thing to mention is that I've been without my Clarisonic Mia for more than a week and I will not be using it for the duration of this trial in the interest of a fair 'before and after'.

You can currently buy this on offer for just £1.97 from Superdrug

What are your thoughts on the new St. Ives?

Miss BB

*sponsored post*

My Travel Toiletries..

Perhaps this is not the most conventional video but we bloggers are as much about hair and skincare as we are about the gloss on top so I guessed people would be interested in what made the cut in my travel essentials. I'm going to be honest and admit that what you see in this video is not entirely what I took. As with my travel makeup bag I came to pack and realised I was taking too much stuff so again and condensed but i had no time to re-film either so up they go. I will likely do a Vlog  on what I packed when I unpack at the other end so if you want to see that along with my other Vegas adventures be sure to check out our vlog channel (and subscribe of course - shameless plug). Anyway.. I don't usually like to post a video with no additional info or pictures but I'm not sure how great my wi-fi will be so needs must and I'm posting this here in case you didn't see it in your subscription box.. scheduled posting is know to be temperamental so this is a back up if you will.. I'm covering all of my bases! If you want me to go over what I did take in a blog post separately let me know.. I am going to have a lot of free time on the plane home to blog!

Without further ado.. here's the video...

Miss BB

Ginvera Whitening Marvel Gel

I'm going to choose to believe that when the term 'whitening' is used by Ginvera they are referring to brightening and evening out darker patches. Whitening skincare is a controversial topic and although lots of high end brands have their own lines not many of them are readily available in the UK. When Ginvera contacted me asking whether I'd be interested in reviewing their BB cream I jumped at the chance but when they mentioned this I wasn't so sure. They insisted I try it maintaining that the formula was like nothing else and that I would be pleasantly surprised and do you know what? I was!

Is is as the name suggests, a gel. I use it after cleansing though I imagine it could replace your cleanser altogether if you wished. I rub the gel over my skin, it says it's safe for use on the eye area and if my dark circles were worse I may be tempted but I've avoided it thus far so can't comment on that. As I rub it in the thick gel becomes thinner and creates little 'bits'. You know when you 'over-rub' a body lotion and get those little 'rolly' bits.. like that! I rub it for a few minutes and wash it off. It doesn't feel like it's exfoliating in any way, it's entirely gentle but it leaves my skin silky smooth. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say.. smoother than the Clarisonic *gasp*. I wasn't sure if I was even going to bother reviewing this when I received it but after using it for just a few days I feel it's worthy.

It promises 10 benefits as you can see below and I can't tell you whether it lives up to it's claims as yet but I do believe it rubs away dead skin cells and 'gives way to newborn skin' and if it does that then I'm happy to keep using it to see if my skin tone really does improve among other appealing results. The number one benefit that this product is sold for is eliminating blackheads. I've never had a real problem with that but my pores have been known to get clogged so anything that can prevent that is of course very interesting. 

Ginvera Whitening Marvel Gel usually retails at a whopping £24 but it's currently on offer here for £18. I wouldn't want to say yet whether I would be willing to purchase at that price as it's more than I ordinarily care to pay for skincare but if it lives up to its claims I would have to give it some serious thought. If you consider this an alternative to a Clarisonic and cleanser it could just work out better value for money. It even says it enhances quick absorption of skincare products - just like the Clarisonic.. s'all I'm saying!

Have you tried anything from Ginvera?

Miss BB

I Have The Youth Code

When Loreal Youth Code came out last year (or was it the year before?) I wanted to try it immediately. It was originally marketed at late 20s to 30s early signs of ageing which is now officially me since I turned 26 so I figured I had to get it now. I don't know what I was waiting for, I guess I am so used to buying anti-acne that anti-ageing was a huge step in another direction but so far I have to say... I'm loving it!

Even the packaging looks expensive (very lancome) and for the drugstore, very impressive!

I only have the serum right now but if I continue to get along with it as well as I am right now this will definitely be a gateway purchase. I think I'm going to need to try the whole range. Obviously I can't comment on it's anti-ageing properties or how well it's performing in that area but I can tell you that my skin has never felt smoother. I did introduce a new cleanser at around the same time but it's creamy and I'm still using my Clarisonic so I don't think that's it. I really truly believe this has done something special. 

I use one pump for my entire face, I'm not sure if I could do without moisturiser but I haven't risked it yet. I've generally been applying my beloved Soap & Glory Wish Upon A Jar over the top but like I said.. that could soon be replaced by the matching night cream if it plays it's cards right. I used it this morning before I applied my makeup for this first time and even my BB cream seemed to glide on nicer than usual. It's so difficult to review a product that promises to prevent something you're not sure you're going to suffer from yet but looking at this as a standalone skincare item.. I'm hooked!

The product is normal a whopping £25.52 at Boots but I paid £15.52 as it's currently on offer. Much as I love it I'm not sure I'd be so quick to recommend it at the RRP. However.. from what I can gauge online it always seems to be discounted and other bloggers have remarked it's never actually sold at the full price so fingers crossed if this really is a HG skincare item I don't have to repurchase for 25 squid!

It's still on offer (as is the whole range) here

So if you are thinking of trying it I'd say now is as good a time as any. 

I will of course update you with my progress and how I'm liking it as the weeks/months go on but I feel already like this might just be true love in a bottle from the drugstore. 

Miss BB

Valentines Gift Guide - Clinique Shave Essentials

With Valentines just around the corner I thought I would start my gift guide a little early. For this review I had a little assistance in the for of my new husband (video at the end) who tried each of these products to give me his honest opinion as opposed to me just guessing at what the fellas might like this February 14th.  This is the start of a series of posts with my recommendations for guys, girls and things you might both enjoy but first up is the Clinique Shave Essentials gift set for men.

Face Scrub

This was a really odd texture.. not like a scrub as I know it, more a rough, thick cream consistency. Hard to describe but it does the job as gently as it possibly can while remaining really effective. Ideally you exfoliate first to give the closest possible shave but when Lee and I tried it I missed that step (oohps). He's since tried it himself in the correct in order and is really impressed. Ordinarily he avoids exfoliating (he even hates my beloved Clarisonic) but he really took to this, the formula is so different to anything else he's tried. It may not be what I would want from a face scrub but when you're working with sensitive stubbly areas it's perfect!

Shave Gel

This lathered up really nicely so you don't need too much.. I'm not a fan of shave gel myself (I shave my legs in the bath, soap free) so it was fun playing with the foam but in all seriousness.. the shave felt smooth and when Lee's tried it himself and left it on for a minute or two before starting with the razor he said it was a more comfortable shave than he was used to.

Age Defense Hydrator

Now this was the out and out star product of the set and I think will almost certainly be repurchased. He's got very sensitive skin and has found very few products that soothe his face after shaving, everything seems to react and sting. He was fully expecting this to be the same but it wasn't. It was calming and comfortable upon application and all day long he remarked upon how soft his skin felt even inviting others to touch it.. 10/10! He's not easy to please so that was a real winner for him.

Overall it's a really cute little set that any guy would love to receive this Valentines (assuming they shave of course!) I love the Clinique packaging on the mens line.. possibly more than the womens and it wont look out of place next to my toiletries in the bathroom, very smart! 

By Valentines Lee will have super smooth, hydrated skin.

The gift set is available here for £39.99

but is currently showing as "coming soon" on buyapowa so keep your eyes peeled!

To see us trying out the products together and his own thoughts watch this...

Miss BB

Wedding Countdown - Beauty Bootcamp

4 DAYS TO GO

Here's a little peek at the beauty regime I have been following in the run up to the wedding. As you know it was all booked last minute and so I had little notice to start looking after myself but I've been using most of these things for around two weeks now. Some are part of my usual routine and others have been brought in to up the anti for my "beauty bootcamp" 

Facial Skincare

I now religiously use Liz Earles Hot Cloth cleanser with my Clarisonic mia every evening. I use the original hot cloth to remove my eye makeup and my mia to polish the rest of my face. I have a full "first thoughts" post on the Clarisonic here and although I still don't feel like I've had it long enough to give it a proper review I can tell you that so far I LOVE it! It leaves my skin so soft and I honestly believe it's shrinking my pores. After I've cleansed I use S&G's Wish Upon A Jar which is sold as a 21 day collagen treatment to be used every three months but I've been using it off and on since I bought it and since the start of this month it's been firmly in my every day routine. The best thing about this cream, other than it's genuine magical powers, has to be that you can use your regular moisturiser on the top. I don't tend to need that but as and when I get a breakout I can use my Clean and Clear dual action moisturiser to neutralise is. Although I find that my skin needs a little more moisture lately the Clean and Clear remains one of my all time favourite products.. you can watch my rave review here. Lastly I use Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream on any super dry patches but more often, my lips. It's officially winter out there now and for me this is a must have.

Bodycare

Other than my regular body lotion (Garnier 7 day Moisture - Shea Butter) I have been experimenting with the above two products over the past fortnight. The Loreal Cellulite gel is something I'm hanging a lot of hopes on because if it works it will be a staple in my bikini prep before we go to Vegas in March. My Wedding dress is short.. just above the knee and my pregnancy cellulite still lingers and is (no joke) also all the way to my knee so I'm doing the crazy lymphatic massage and all that jazz in the hope this will diminish it before the big day. Does it work, who knows? I'm not sure it would be feasible to gather accurate before and afters but I figure it only matters that you think it's worked, right? As Gok would say.. "It's all about the confidence!"

The Palmers Gradual tan is up for discussion. I used it last week in preparation for my hen do and loved the result but I'm not sure I want to be fake tanned, let alone risk it going wrong. Most of all I don't want to make Lee look even paler beside me.. he's practically translucent as it is!!

Teeth Whitening

Very briefly.. I know this works, You can see my review and results in this post. I only started using them on Monday night so I'm not sure what effect they'll have in 5 days but it's another last minute attempt at improving my overall appearance. I have pretty yellow teeth and always have, I don't drink coffee of red wine I'm not a smoker, there's no rhyme or reason but I've never had white teeth so anything that can help is something I'm willing to try.

Haircare

I'm going to do a comprehensive current haircare post very soon because I've found my perfect products but this masque is one thing I've recently added to the mix that I am totally in love with. It advises to use it a maximum of twice a week but having read and watched reviews I know that some people use it in place of their regular conditioner on a daily basis. I'm sticking to the recommended usage for two reasons, 1. I add macadamia healing oil to my regular conditioner every time I wash my hair anyway and 2. it's not cheap! I can't afford to use this as a conditioner!!! It does leave my hair soft, shiny and manageable and I will be using this the night before the wedding to give my hair an extra bridal-worthy gleam.

Phew.. that was a longer post than I anticipated and it's very much my bedtime now but I hope you enjoyed it and can get some tips for your own "beauty bootcamp"... whatever the event.

Miss BB

I Resolve...

This year I have 3 main resolutions (that would concern you on this blog that is) they are as follows...

1. Look after my hair
2. Look after my skin
3. From the 1st January until the 1st March - NO SPENDING! 

So technically the third isn't a resolution for the whole year but I will still be pretty impressed if i manage to keep it all the same. The reason for the spending ban is our trip to Vegas on March 18th. I'm allowing myself a couple of weeks off just before in case there are any last minute "essentials" I need to pick up. We need to save as much as we can for spending money while we're over there and once we're back we intend to save towards a new car so hopefully I will learn over the next 2 months how little I actually NEED to spend and can continue to cut back once the self-imposed ban is lifted. I don't know about you but like most shopaholics (yes it's a real thing!) I get a buzz from the initial spend, I shop to make myself feel better and of course I shop because I have a seemingly unending list of must-have items I do not yet posses. I am going to try my absolute darnedest not to shop for that short(ish) time and if I can do it ANYONE can.. who's with me?

The relationship I have with my hair has always been the same. I expect too much out of it when I put very little in. I TORTURE my hair and expect it to shine and grow faithfully and when it doesn't I lose interest. I chop it off (MYSELF!!!) because it needs a cut and then I'm bored with the colour and so bleach the health right back out of it.. It's put up with an awful lot from me over the years and it's about time I gave it some proper attention. I am 25 now (soon to be 26), the time for pink streaks and home highlights is over! I hate to have it cut but I know it must be done. The split ends are spreading and it's breaking off halfway up my lengths.. I've spent mountains of cash on treatments, conditioners and oils only to realise until it's been seen by a licenced professional nothing will help. My hair is effectively a money pit right now so.. I declare 2012 "Project Hair". On January 1st I will take a picture of my hair as it both dried naturally, straightened and the state of my ends. I will shortly after be visiting the salon for the first time in over 2 years for a cut and making repeat appointments for regular trims until such a time that the condition will actually allow it to grow. I have already started some necessary damage control and added a heat protectant to my regime (never before used *slaps wrists*), will limit heat styling to once a week and just generally be as kind as I possibly can be to my poor, neglected mop. I know lots of people initially found my videos and blog through my hair adventures and I hope to be able to help those of you who did by taking you on this next journey with me. I will be regularly updating on condition, what I'm using and of course GROWTH and sincerely hope this time next year to have the beautiful hair I've always dreamt of.

Skin. I thought I'd found my skincare mojo earlier this year. I have my HG Clean & Clear Moisturiser and I found Superdrugs Tea Tree Toner and Cleanser to be a great addition to my routine.. Then I discovered Liz Earle. All I will say is it is everything they've said it is and more. If it's not working for you chances are you're not doing it right or you're not doing it regularly. The first few times I tried it I wasn't impressed but once it became a nightly cleanse.. wow! I'll admit I'm not great at keeping up a routine but now I know what it can do for my skin I really do try to get it in once a day. I just invested in a huge 150ml pump so that will definitely be a 2012 staple. As /i mentioned previously I have recently acquired a Clarisonic (very exciting!) also so between the two I am confident I will see a huge improvement in my skin. Unforunately as I've grown older my skin has changed and my trusty clean & clear doesn't seem to be doing the same magic it once did. It's still a great treatment for blemishes but I require something a little heavier to see me through now so I'm on the look out for my next great moisturiser.. i may go back to Clinique. Lastly one addition I will definitely be purchasing in the new year is a good eye cream. I'm considering the Loreal Youth Code range at the moment.. but then should I go the whole hog and get the matching night cream too? I'm quite sure that's a post in itself. 

It must be my age and where I'm at in my life (nearly married with 2 kids) I feel settled an I feel my appearance should reflect that. I don't want to look like a teenager with ratty hair and spotty skin.. I can afford to forgo my weekly makeup fix (or at least downsize it) to make way for some much needed base-level pampering, can't I? I mean after all anything I put on my skin or my hair will look so much better when they are in great condition. Being a blogger is great for so many reasons but one that's fitting now is motivation. If I don't do these things someone (or someoneS) will question me.. almost give me a hard time about it and while that may not always be desirable it's sometimes good to have that angel on your shoulder guiding you towards to right path. In this case it's a tweet in my pocket but it's the same principle. 

So they are my resolutions. I've been realistic, I'm not setting unachievable goals but they are challenging for me and I will have to work to keep them. Each has it's own reward which I'd very much like to reap so I'm asking you to please remind me of them when you see me slipping.

What will you change for the better in 2012?

Miss BB

Something Glossy For the Guys

I was SO excited when I saw this advertised in last months Glossybox. My other half is very much a modern man, somewhat of a "metro-sexual" you might say so I knew I had to subscribe to the new

Glossybox for Men

In this post I'll show you what he got in his first months box

His review with more product info will follow once he's had chance to try them out.

Personally I like the first box. The products are all things he'd try and nice sizes, The Cool Fix for example will last him a few months. I'm sure the Goldwell hair gel will go down well as he's always looking for something that will tame his unruly barnet but would never pay Goldwell prices. It's also a nice little tub to reuse for travelling.

It's great that someone has finally acknowledged that men want to look after themselves too. I think this is the perfect way for guys that don't necessarily feel comfortable going up to a counter and asking for advice to try lots of different products in the comfort of their own home and potentially find something they love in the process. Of course It won't appeal to all men but I know it will appeal to mine!

Glossybox for Men is a quarterly service in which you will receive 7 luxury sized samples.

It's priced at £15.00 per box + shipping and you can subscribe here

Miss BB

Winter Skin Favourites

This is something that was requested AGES ago so apologies that we are already into Winter by the time I'm actually posting. There are lots of things I switch up when the colder weather approaches but moisturising products are the number one, I tend to choose thicker, richer formulas to protect me from the elements and treat dryness. Here are some of my favourites...

Garnier 7 Day Cocoa Butter Body Lotion £2.99 (not pictured)

This is a fantastic everyday body lotion. It sinks in super fast so it can be used in a morning before you get dressed without having to wait around for it to dry and it really does leave me feeling moisturised for longer than an average lotion. There are loads of formulas to choose from ranging from sensitive to normal to extra dry, all with different scents.. I love them all but the cocoa butter is my favourite. 

Body Shop Shea Body Butter £12.50

I've never been a big lover of these cult body butters. I know everyone revs about them but I just don't think they're great value for money. I bought this one on a deal recently so only paid £1 and I've been really pleasantly surprised. The Shea Butter version is much thicker, it's almost balm-like in consistency, smells divine and goes a really long way. I would absolutely repurchase! 

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula £3.25

This is a must have for everyones body care arsenal. I am never without a tub on the go, it's the solid formula I'm talking about not the lotion. It can be melted to an oil to use on the skin or as a deep conditioner and what I love most is that you can rub it in indefinitely without getting those rolly bits you do with a lotion. Perfect for a much needed foot massage after a day of Christmas shopping.

Hand Therapy Concentrated Hand Balm (unable to source online)

I couldn't find this online so I'm not sure whether you can still purchase it but I'm sure there are equivalents out there. This is a Superdrug's own brand hand balm. It's super thick and leaves a protective layer which is great for combatting the cold and even better for those of you that can stand to wear gloves for the occasional overnight hand pampering. This never leaves my handbag.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream £25.00

I doubt I really need to say much about this best seller. I'd tried samples many times over the years but only recently purchased a full sized tube. I use it on my lips, I use it as a moisturising face mask once a week, I use it on my elbows or any dry areas and even on the ends of my hair. It is one of my more expensive products and so I don't go crazy with it but it really does the job when nothing else will.

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector - Light £9.99

Okay so this isn't exactly skincare but I just love it and It's transitioned in to winter when I really didn't expect it to. I thought I'd return to full coverage foundation but this stuff leaves my dull winter skin glowy and fresh. If you feel you need a fuller coverage I'd still recommend this as a base as it does boast some skincare properties as well and every little helps.

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner - Petting Pink £11.00

I've looked high and low for the best lip treats and this is one of my all time favourites. It has that delicious MAC lipstick smell and taste (yes, taste!) stays on my lips that little bit longer than your average balm and offers a subtle tint of colour. I always carry this with me and although it might not be the most moisturising lip balm it's a joy to wear and I never mind applying more... yum!

So I hope that helps any of you out there that are looking for some winter skin treats. These are some of the best I've tried but I'm always on the look out for bigger and better so please feel free to share your own favourites in the comments. 

Miss BB

The Secret To Super Clear Skin?

In the late stages of my pregnancy I wasn't sleeping so well, I spent hours watching YouTube videos on the widest variety of topics imaginable but one I randomly stumbled upon I actually found really useful. I love Ruth at AModelRecommends.com but I'd never watched her videos before. I trust her advice when it comes to product recommendations as she's tried so many different brands and seems to really know her stuff. I will link said video at the bottom of the page, it's really insightful but as she says she has combination skin and is 30.. not everyone's skin will react the same way to the products she uses. I am not 30 but I'm not teenager and children definitely take their toll so I think what she recommended will work for me.

I have recently started using my Liz Earle cleanse and polish again after writing it off as too much hard work and not really seeing a marked improvement in my skin. I have used it for about 3 weeks and in that time the closest I've come to a breakout is a little, rash-like patch of blemish "threats" on my chin which never developed in to anything. I have always suffered with hormonal breakouts and they are usually around my chin so if this cleanser can prevent those it is absolutely a winner in my book. Of course the true test will come now that I am no longer pregnant and benefiting from all of those lovely hormones that give you glossy hair and great skin... will it continue to work so well? I am ready to persevere.

Anyway... Ruth mentioned Liz Earl as one of her favourite deep cleansers, suggesting you leave it to soak for several mites before buffing it away with a muslin cloth or Clarisonic (I wish). She attributes her clear, healthy looking skin to this daily deep cleanse and one more thing...

Overnight Exfoliants.

I'll admit I am a total skincare novice. Just as I think I have it sussed I hear something like "overnight exfoliants" and realise I am still so far from well educated in that field. There were a few bits and pieces she mentioned that I was already aware of, one of which was that if you totally strip your skin of oil it will then over-produce more to compensate.. leaving you with a much higher chance of break outs. It took me a really long time to realise how important it was to replenish the moisture in your skin even if you are oily. I am so used to my night-time moisturiser that the thought of using anything that leaves my skin feeling tight or dry is definitely out of my comfort zone but if a model recommends, what can we mere normals do but follow, right?

The main point Ruth was trying to get across in the second half of her video was about cell renewal. As we get older this slows down and leaves our skin looking dull. Since she's used exfoliants she has found it appears brighter and her other products are allowed to penetrate her skin more deeply and therefor work more effectively. The exfoliants she talked about were all Glycolic acid based. Now as i said.. I'm no expert (which is why I am linking her video) but I've seen a lot of products on the market recently trading off this ingredient so I was already semi-aware of the benefits. Lot's of bloggers have reviewed the Sanctuary's peel off mask (part of a 30 day skin renewal system) which I've been dying to try and after Ruth's video I am absolutely convinced it's what's missing from my routine.

I am probably going to start off with that as it is a mask and allows me to still wear a regular moisturiser to bed but if I see any results whatsoever I am almost certainly going to have to try Ruth's "Hero Product", Liquid Gold. She had already raved about it on her website and for those wanting her full review as well as great places to buy you can find that here.

I understand I'm not giving you any new information here, it's a lot of regurgitated recommendations really but for those of you that don't follow amodelrecommends.com I couldn't let you miss out on her fantastic advice, you really must get over there for yourselves! I also wanted to let you know this is the new skincare I will be following over the coming weeks/months (we'll see how it goes) so if you see a great improvement in my skin you'll know why. I will of course review the routine once I have first hand experience but for now.. here's what I'll be using...

As it is I use my Liz Earle and alternate my Clean and Clear moisturiser with Soap and Glory's Wish Upon A Jar so the only changes I'm making are introducing a facial brush (I don't feel the muslin cloth really leaves my skin as smooth as it could be) and the Glycolic peel. I am very interested to try the liquid gold but I'll start with the Sanctuary mask and see how I go. 

*for stockists click on the photos to be taken to the website*

Here's Ruths video as promised...

Have any of you tried Glycolic Acid on your skin?

Miss BB

Soap & Glory - The Righteous Butter

This stuff truly is Righteous! It was the gateway Soap & Glory product for me. I was sent it by their PR, I'd never tried anything from S&G before and since then I've spent a FORTUNE chasing that divine scent  up and down the aisles of Boots. It's just this week run out and it's top on my weekend shopping list to be replaced. I received this at the time I was considering purchasing Mama Mio's tummy rub and I'm so glad I didn't waste my money now. I did a post about it on my baby blog you can see here. 

It's a luxurious, thick formula that you can rub for long enough to get a bit of massage action in before it absorbs. The true test for me is always how moisturised I feel the following day and this is great, not only does this leave you feeling totally hydrated but the S&G signature scent lingers on you (and your bedding) all day. I love waking up to that smell... anyone else? This is also available in a pump action bottle as a lotion which does tempt me but I don't know how it could be better than this version. The only thing that appeals is it could be a lot quicker and easier to use which will be valuable once bubba does arrive and I have less time to treat my tired skin. Perhaps I'll try that out next.

Have you tried the butter or the lotion? 

Turns out you get 500ml of the lotion for £10 and just 300ml of the butter for £10.21 

I don't know if the thickness makes a difference to how well they last but i think I'm going to have to try the lotion now I've seen the difference in volume.

Weleda Regenerating Body Oil

I got thisa few months ago in my Glossybox and have just used it all up. I must say I wasn't expecting much but it really went a long way. It's kind of herbal in scent which I wasn't uber keen on but it left me feeling moisturised for longer than your average baby oil or equivalent. Being pregnant I've become a touch obsessed with all things oil and so this came at just the right time for me to enjoy it. It directs you to use it on wet skin to lock in that extra moisture and I think that's why it lasted me so long.. it was almost diluted. It claims to promote the renewal of ageing or tired skin to leave it more elastic, smooth and supple. Overall It's a nice product, I didn't see any lasting difference in my skin or any major improvements so I'm still of the belief that a body oil is a body oil wherever it may be from but if you have particularly dry skin and a larger budget than I then I would recommend it as it does hold moisture that bit longer.

You can buy this from Weleda.co.uk here for £19.95

A few of you have asked recently where my pregnancy blog went... well I changed the name. I figured as he's soon to be here and no longer a bump "missbbsbabybump" wasn't really going to cut it much longer. I changed it to missbudgetbaby but am very much open to other suggestions as I'm not 100% happy with that one.

 

Skincare Giveaway Winner

Last week I held a mini giveaway for my favourite skincare products. I intended to hold a series of mini giveaways over the coming weeks but have decided to give away one item that has been most requested when I've asked what you'd love to receive at a discount price. That giveaway will be up in the next day or two so keep your eyes peeled!!!

In the meantime the winner of last weeks giveaway is....

Congrats! Contact me with your adress etc.

Favourite Skincare Giveaway!!

Would you believe this is my 400th  blog post?

To celebrate that and also my just hitting 9000 subscribers on my YouTube channel I am starting a series of giveaways of my favourite products. This week... SKINCARE! 

You may have read my skincare post yesterday... well you could say I was inspired. I've wanted to do a big giveaway of all of my favourite things for a while but have put it off for several reasons. One is that I hate to have to choose just one winner when I run a giveaway and Two... it would be very expensive! This way I can split up the cost as well as the winners :)

This weeks prize...

T&Cs

You must be a subscriber to my YouTube channel or my blog

Leave me a comment letting me know your favourite drugstore skincare product

This giveaway is International

You must be allowed to give out your address if you win

You must leave me a way of contacting you in your comment

This giveaway will last for one week, closing date is 03/10/11

GOOD LUCK!

Skincare Switch-Up

Above are all of my old skincare favourites. My go-to face mask, cleanser, toner and moisturiser. They had been recommended to me and I truly believed they were giving me my best possible skin... not so!
Here's a run down of what I spent on my skin care...

Clinique Pore Minimizer Refining Mask - £16.50
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish - £13.75
Botanics Pore Perfecting Toner - £3.05
Clinique Clearing Moisturiser  - £16.50

For the past few months I've been using this combination of products instead and have absolutely found the right regime for me. Happily I discovered them all at drugstore prices...

Avon Clear Pore Thermal Mask - £4.20
Garnier Pure Active Exfo-Brusher Wash - £5.99
Tea Tree Cleanser & Toner - £2.99
Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturiser - £2.99

Let's not forget my separate daytime moisturiser

L'oreal Triple Active Day - £5.12
Clean & Clear Morning Energy - £3.99

Overall my every day routine used to cost me £54.92. It now costs just £20.16, that's a saving of £34.76!!!

But how do the products compare?

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I'll start with the masks. These are not technically every day skin care items but I do use them two or three times a week so close enough. They don't claim to do the same job so it's hard to compare but I realised that clearing my pores was more important for me than shrinking them so I think the Avon version works better for that reason. I will say the Clinique mask is effective and if you have enlarged pores I'd recommend giving it a go.

On to the cleansers, I do like the hugely hyped Liz Earle Hot Cloth but it's so much effort! At least a couple of times a week you need to wash the cloths which is fine but just another thing to remember. I like to know that everything I need to wash my face, hair etc etc is ready and waiting for me when I get in the shower. I love that the Garnier cleanser has the exfo-brush attachment built in, very effective and a time saver.  

Toners... I thought a toner was a toner, again I like the Botanics one just fine and the idea that it includes oil-absorbing clay really does appeal but I had forgotten the wonders of Tea Tree Oil. When I was pregnant with Ella I was addicted, I carried a bottle of it wherever I went and smothered my face in it every night, in hindsight I probably had my best skin then.. I don't know why I ever stopped. I love the smell and it gives me such a squeaky clean feeling. This is definitely the one product I've switched up that's made the most difference to my blemish problems.

Everyone knows how much I love my Clean and Clear. I don't really know why I ever thought anything would do a better job. I hated the smell and the taste (it migrates to your mouth, I'm not crazy) of the Clinique moisturiser. It seemed to make my skin feel smoother and more moisturised but it did absolutely nothing for my blemishes. The Clean and Clear is miracle lotion that I will never stray from again!

The daytime pre-makeup moisturisers are totally different. The loreal is thick and rich and not ideal to sink in to skin directly before applying makeup/primer. The Clean and Clear is oil free and dries quickly, ideal if you are going to use it to prep your skin before a tinted moisturiser and don't want to be left too oily. 

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So I've found a routine that works for me, don't let that fool you I will never be satisfied and am always on the look out for bigger and better things but now I know what works for me I am looking for variations on what i have already. I will not change my night-time moisturiser unless Clean and Clear release a new, improved version because I just love it so much but everything else.. you never know!

What are your holy grail skincare products?