Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel

As someone who is never satisfied I'll often flick from one product to another, always thinking there must be something better out there. So, I hid my much loved Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish away and took a trip to the Elemis counter in Debenhams.

 

It didn't take much persuasion to make me buy the Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel.

 

 

Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel is a hybrid formulation; it has a gel to oil formula. It's described as an "ultra purifying dual-phase cleanser perfect for challenged, tired and stressed skin".

 

Although it's described as a gel, it isn't at all like one. There is no tackiness, instead it resembles a runny balm, a delicious smelling one at that. Though it claims that the cleanser is suitable for all skin types, but the scent may mean that it is not suitable for everyone  such as those who have sensitive skin or react to fragrance. Personally, my skin is a little sensitive and I didn't have any problems with it at all! The tangerine and citrus smell is amazing, very soft and not overpowering. It's one of those smells that I love, no matter what my mood is.

 

 

To use you only need a small blob, about the size of a 10p coin, so not very much at all. Although it doesn't seem much, this is enough to whip off my full coverage make-up and eye make-up with ease. As you would with an oil or balm cleanser, you massage into the skin. It's advised that you do not use this around the eyes, but I did and it was absolutely fine.

 

 

You can tell if you have massaged the gel in enough as it turns into an oil-like consistency, and your face will look a mess. But fear not; simply remove all the cleanser and grime with hot water and a muslin cloth. I find it's best to remove it in sections and then rinsing the cloth out before starting on another section of the face, that way I can ensure it's been removed thoroughly. I'm left with a clean and radiant complexion, that doesn't feel tight or oily.

 

A bonus point of this product is the lack of sulphates or parabens which can sometimes work against my skin.

 

While the packaging doesn't scream 'luxury' like it should with the Elemis brand, it does look simple and chic. Elemis are all about the effectiveness of their products and so this reflects in their packaging, as it is created to make sure the product can be used easily and ensure that you use every last bit of the product. After all, being unable to reach the bottom of a product is one of my pet hates. 

 

Although £21.00 is quite a hefty price tag for 125ml of product, but I think with Elemis you pay for quality and luxury. This brand always lives up to my extremely high standards!

 

Anyone else fallen in love with the Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel?

 

xox

OPI Nail Envy

I reached a point where I was fed-up of constantly painting my nails to hide my short, peeling, breaking and splitting nails. It wasn't pretty, believe me.

 

Nail Envy is a product that my Mum had used in the past and had raved about. Plus, I was reaching the end of my list of potential remedies. I needed to find something that was going to work, fast.

 

OPI Nail Envy comes in a variety of formulas; there is the original clear version plus a matte and pink version. I originally tried the OPI Nail Envy in the original formula which is where I saw the magical results. But, as you can see from the pictures, I repurchased it in the matte finish.

 

 

You apply two coats of the treatment to bare nails, and then apply another coat everyday or every other day; this can be on top of any coloured nail polish. Admittedly, I didn't quite stick to the route. I was just applying the two coats onto my bare nails every time I painted my nails, this was usually every few days.

 

 

But, without following the routine I noticed a dramatic difference within six weeks. Now, three months on, my nails are like new. They grow, no longer peel, split or break. Basically, they look like healthy! Brittle, dry nails are no more, and it is all down to this product and this product alone.

 

OPI Nail Envy can be purchased from a variety of places from QVC UK to Boots. This retails at £18.65 but you can find it much cheaper on eBay so it's worth shopping around.

 

Is OPI Nail Envy your holy grail too?

 

xox

Tangle Teezer

It's hard to imagine that there could be anything unpleasant about having a shower. There isn't, till I have to try and comb my knotted hair. And, it appears not matter your age it isn't an experience that gets easier or less pain free.

 

The Tangle Teezer isn't particularly new; I've often wandered past it in shops. However, the appearance of the brush left me unmoved; as the bristles seemed to be rather hard and painful looking. After picking the packaging up and giving the information to read I thought why not, if it doesn't work then I have still got a hairbrush out of it.

 

 

Tangle Teezer said, "Tangle Teezer Original professional detangling hairbrush is loved by hairdressers and used in professional hair salons. It's a super smooth operator that works the minute hair is lathered and rinsed. Glides through wet, vulnerable and colour treated hair with no pulling, tugging or yanking. Hair peace at last!"

 

From the first use I was amazed. My big knot ball hair was able to be brushed without me uttering an 'Oww!' With a few strokes my hair was completely tangled free, what's even more incredible is that this was on wet hair! Although the bristles look quite hard and sharp they aren't, they do have flexibility to them.

 

 

As first I wasn't keen on the fact that it didn't have a handle. But, after using it I soon realised a lot of work had gone into the design of this brush. It was easy to hold and enabled you to have a lot more control than a comb would. I've also used the Michael Mercier Detangling Hair Brush in the past, but the Tangle Teezer seemed to work better without as much effort.

 

If I was going to be picky then the only complaint I would have is that if you use this in the shower you do need a tight grip as otherwise it can slip out of your hand.

 

 

There was no question of doubt as to what colour I would purchase the Tangle Teezer in, but if you aren't a pink girl like me then there are other colours, designs and patterns available.

 

I cannot imagine being without this product now! At £10.99 this isn't just an ordinary hair brush.

 

Can anyone else not live without their Tangle Teezer?

 

xox

Lee Stafford Poker Straight Flat Iron Protection Shine Mist

I confess, when it comes to styling my hair, I am a sinner. For as long as I can remember I put my hair through the daily challenges of blow drying and straightening. I cringe when I think about it. What makes it worse if that I've often forgot to protect my hair, usually because I hate the feel of products on my hair. A good lecture from my friend telling me all about the consequences of heat damage on your hair and I was soon perusing around Boots seeing what I might like.

 

Heat is a crucial part of my routine, and one that I am not willing to miss out. So, I decided to head to my favourite hair brand range, Lee Stafford. I picked up the Poker Straight Flat Iron Protection Shine Mist, I thought this would suit me seeing as straight hair is my signature hairstyle.

 

 

When it comes to hair care brands I don't believe you necessarily need to spend a fortune to find a good, effective product. Obviously the professionals may say different as I am not hairdresser, but from trying a huge range of products they all near enough do the same job.

 

For a reasonable price of £5.99 this protection mist lives up to my expectations. Firstly, I feel like it is protecting my hair as compared to other brands it does leave my hair feeling silky and soft without a residue or sticky feeling. Another bonus is that it  leaves my hair straighter for longer, especially in humid conditions where my hair begins to kink.

 

 

As far as heat defence sprays go this is definitely top of my list. This isn't a miracle product that has changed my hair dramatically, but it does what it sets out to do. Remember it's a protectant not a cure. A simple spritz onto damp hair is the only added step needed in your regime to create silky, undamaged hair.

 

 

That's all I can really say on a heat protectant, but I've been happy with the results so far and I promise to use it every day from now on. Now the thought of using heat as high as 200 degrees makes me shudder.
 

Do you always make sure you protect your locks from heat damage?

 

xox

Benefit The Porefessional Primer

When it comes to my skin I will always claim that I was born a very unlucky child. I won't bore you with my long list of flaws (I wouldn't have enough battery life on my laptop), but believe me, I have my fair share of flaws.

Using foundations is a real challenge in itself, not only do I have to trawl the shops and online trying to find the perfect pale shade, it has to also last on oily skin. Oh, but that isn't all. I have extremely noticeable open pores. I guess it's like having puddles on my face.

I give you one guess to pick the most recommended product to disguise open pores. Yes, you've got it. The cult beauty product, the Benefit Porefessional Primer.

The lightweight, oil-free primer is designed to minimise the appearance of those mammouth pores when it’s either worn as a primer beneath makeup, where it creates a smooth canvas for foundation and powder, and/or applied on top of your face paint throughout the day, where it softens the skin with a matte finish.

Not one to go on about my pale skin, of course, I was a little worried of the primers brown tint. Despite its appearance, it appears fully translucent once applied, and blended very easily and dried in no time.

(Swatched)

(Blended)

The lemony floral scent can at first seem quite overpowering, but once it had dried I didn't notice the scent once. Overall though, it smells really nice so wouldn't have minded if it had lasted the whole day. But, scents are personal.

The product does contain silicones, so if you like Smashbox Photofinish Primer like me, then you’ll probably love how The Porefessional feels on your skin. The Porefessional has a silky, lotion-like texture you get with a lot of products that contain silicone. Often with silicone based products it can feel like you're wearing a mask, but it didn't feel any different to my product free skin.

The tube packaging makes this very easily to dispense you're required amount without wasting the product. Word of advice though, dispense many small amounts instead of few large amounts. This way you don't use to much and don't clog up the nozzle.

Didn't I notice a difference? Yes, the size of my pores had visibly reduced which I was chuffed with. The only criticism is that this primer does not leave me oil-free as a lot of my other favourite primers do. I guess I have to choose which I would prefer on the day.

The Benefit Porefessional Primer isn't cheap at £23.50, but if a primer creates the flawless foundation base it could well be worth it.

Anyone found the dream product for large pores?

xox