Origins GinZing Eye Cream

I took my first dip into the Origins pool at Christmas. As a student, I never spent a large amount of money on skin care but since graduating, it's been a new focus. I am taking on board the thought process of the French: invest in products that will help your skin; not just cover up the problems.

With that in mind, I believe a good eye cream is an essential product. They say your eyes are the window to the soul and with none of us getting any younger, a product to help delay those tell tale lines is truly a girl's best friend!

I decided on Origins' GinZing offering I will admit, mainly due to 'blogger enabling'. I had read and listened to numerous reviews that sung this product's praises. I was entranced by its promise to de-puff via its caffeine-loaded formula and instantly brighten dark circles. As a sufferer of the dreaded shadows, it seemed like a potential HG product. 5 months down the line and unfortunately I'm not so sure....

I have to give GinZing its due - it does what it says on the tin. It's brightening and refreshing; it makes your eyes feel soothed and drastically more awake looking than when you first rolled out of bed. However, I feel it does this in more of a cosmetic way than an actual skin care way. The reasoning for this is that it is packed full of light reflecting particles which results in it being basically a creamy highlighter. Used sparingly it has the effect of brightening the eyes but if you apply too much, you look like you've smeared a cheap shimmery product all over your eyes in an attempt to cover your dark circles. Not ideal!

I find it also has limited moisturing power and by the middle of the day, my eyes look very dry - making those little lines a tad too pronounced for my liking! This is however, not really Origins fault as it never promises GinZing to be anything more than an instant fix.

Overall, this product is not for me. It doesn't live up to my new French ideals as it is purely a top layer product that will have no lasting results. I do like it, and with a four star rating, it's safe to say many others do too but at £21.00, it is nowhere near as heavy duty as I would like.

And so, the eye cream search goes on. I have been trialling a few different lotions and potions but that's for another day...!

NB Apolgoies for the stock photo; technology is proving to be a bit of an issue at the moment. Normal business will resume shortly!

Body Beautiful

My name is Georgina and I am an addict.

An exfoliating, buffing, moisturising, tanning addict.  Honestly, I cannot go a few days without scrubbing my skin and slapping on the body lotion or I feel somewhat lacklustre.  Oh well....there are definitely worse things to be addicted to, right?!

These are my favourite products to use at the moment to keep my skin as bronzed, soft and supple as possible.  Even though I have used these basically every day during the Summer months, I know that they will keep a permanent place in my routine throughout Autumn and Winter too....

If you fancy a full blown review of anything, please say so in the comments!  xxx

The Hot Cloth Cleanser Battle: Soap & Glory vs The Sanctuary

I bought the Soap and Glory version all the way back last Summer - if you've been with a while you may remember my review...  

Everything I said in that still stands - it really is a gorgeous product!  It is gorgeous to apply, smells lovely and leaves me skin looking healthy and polished.  I'm definitely going to purchase a few more tubes as it has a third off at the moment - can't resist an offer!

After my success with the S&G equivalent I was really excited to try this Sanctuary version.  I had a £5 off voucher just as I ran out of the S&G - it seemed meant to be!

Unfortunately, it does not live up to its rival... 

1) It smells herbally which is so off putting - especially in the morning - compared to the fresh, lavender scent of the S&G.

2) It applies so thickly that you really need to scrub the muslin cloth into your face to get it all off.  I know, I know, this is kind of the point but I just feel it's slighty too much effort?  If I was in a rush, I could just wash the S&G off however if I do that with this, I'm left with a greasy balm all over my skin.

3) It doesn't really cleanse - it leaves traces of my make up everywhere.  In comparison with the Soap and Glory - that got every scrap of my make up off, including waterproof mascara.  It also didn't sting my eyes which this Sanctuary one does.

4) It has absolutely, no effect, whatsoever on my skin.  After using it, my skin doesn't feel soft, smooth or clean and definitely doesn't look healthy or radiant.

Sorry The Sanctuary but you just don't cut it this time!

Soap and Glory - you are the winner! 

(Which I seriously love - the packaging is too cute to not have in my bathroom..)

Next up to try: Liz Earle and No 7...

The Essentials

As a self-confessed beauty product and cosmetic junkie I have a myriad of lotions and potions.  I always have numerous hair sprays, lipsticks, moisturisers etc on the go at any one time.

However, there are those special few items that I will never be without.  The loves of my life in the cosmetic world.  The items I stress about if I potentially lose or use up and don't have a back up.

Let me introduce you to:

THE ESSENTIALS

Clockwise from left:

Sudocrem - The only thing that clears my skin up when I break out.  My saviour.

Nivea Young Tinted Moisturiser - My daily essential to even out my skin tone.  Amazing on its own or as a base for foundation.

Olay Regenerist Thermal Skin Polisher - I should probably dedicated an entire post to this beauty.  Makes my skin feel incredible.

Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo - I've talked about this before - thoroughly rids your locks of a multitude of products, leaving your hair clean and full of life.

Olay Complete Care Multi-Radiance Moisturiser - This is the only moisturiser I've found that provides a matte but radiant finish whilst keeping my moisture levels topped up WITH an SPF.  This deserves a medal!

Seche Vite topcoat - I honestly won't do my nails without this.  No waiting around for half an hour for polish to try and leaves my nails so incredibly shiny.

Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 - I stopped using this for about 2 weeks and my skin went insane.  The moral of the story?  I will never be without this again!

Olay Eye Make Remover - My mum has used this for as long as I can remember and she turned me onto it a few years ago.  It just easily removes all my eye make up and doesn't sting my very sensitive eyes - all round winner!

Exfoliating Glove - Just turns any old shower gel into an exfoliator - perfect when my St Moritz turns me all patchy..

No 7 Créme Touch Powder - I have never tried MAC's MSF Natural (call myself a make up enthusiast?!) as  this provides me everything I want a powder to - slight coverage with a semi-matte finish that lasts hours.  I'm not taking the MAC off my to-buy list just yet though... ;)

If you want me to provide a full review for any of these, just let me know in the comments!  

As for me, I'm off to watch The Vampire Diaries.  Stefan, Damon, just how do you choose?!

Review: Soap & Glory Hot Cloth Cleanser

A few weeks ago my skin decided to break out in the worse rash to man.  I think it was just an allergic reaction to Rescue Oil - Bio Oil's cheaper imitation - and it did clear up after a week or so but I decided to use it as an excuse to shake up my skincare routine.

I don't know about you but sometimes when I go into Boots/Superdrug I become totally overwhelmed with the choice, faff around looking at everything and usually leave perplexed and empty handed.
WELL, this time I decided to pick one brand and try all the products - yes I'm a bit OCD like that...!

The final choice?  The famous and fantastically girly Soap and Glory.

Obviously I didn't buy all the products in one go but I'm working my way down the list..!

First up we have..

The Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser

What Soap & Glory say...

It cleans, it smoothes, it melts away makeup! A 3-in-1 concentrated deep purifying formula with a natural blend of revitalising aromatic essential oils for an all round FAB PORE™ complexion.

What’s inside that counts?

• A blend of cleansing and invigorating essential oils, orange, lavender, clary sage and rose geranium help to cleanse and refresh the skin, leaving a smoother, brighter and clearer complexion.

• Rich nourishing and conditioning oils of sweet almond, cocoa butter and coconut help to smooth and moisturise the skin

• Conditioning panthenol and vitamins.

Suitable for all skin types

Squeeze out a generous splodge of Soap & Glory The Fab Pore™ Hot Cloth Cleanser, divide it between the pads of your fingers, and then massage onto your face and neck for at least sixty seconds. (Concentrate most on your nose, chin, or other clog-prone spots.) Leave on for another minute (if you're too 'type A' to wait, fill the time by flossing) then rub it all off with a warm, wet muslin cloth.

What I say...

It does exactly what it promises!

The products comes out of it fantastically retro silver tube in the form of a luxuriously thick cream.  I put a pea sized amount on my chin, cheeks, nose and forehead and massage in before rubbing a generous amount into my eyes to get rid of all that shadow, liner and mascara.  Will you look like a panda?  Yes.  Will it sting?  Not a bit - and I have really sensitive eyes.

I leave it for a minute or so to then wipe it all off with the muslin cloth included.  I think this is what makes your skin feel so soft as you are technically exfoliating your face at the same time.  Also, as you rub it into your eyelashes you can get every scrap off mascara off.

I then splash my face with some water and voila!  My skin is left feeling squeaky clean and gorgeously soft.  I can honestly say my skin has never felt so soft or looked so good in a long time.  I've also had no breakouts at all since I purchased it...touch wood!

RRP £8.99 at Boots

Has anyone else tried this?  How does it compare to Liz Earle's version??

xx

Next up .... No Clogs Allowed Deep Pore Detox Mask

Soap and Glory Haul and Challenge

Afternoon ladies!

I was contemplating doing a skin care routine but on Monday my skin decided to come out in the most terrible rash known to man.  I have absolutely no idea what caused it but decided to use it as an excuse for some brand spanking new products.

I was contemplating waiting a few weeks to start my new job and invest in some Liz Earle.  But, the reality is, the Soap and Glory range excites me much more and the products will look so much prettier lined up in my bathroom!

When I got to Boots I decided on two products for now but that I will attempt to buy all the products - suitable for my skin - by the time I go back to Manchester in September.  

[This very much pleases the OCD side of my personality and I cannot wait to start ticking my way down the list...!]

The products I did purchase are the brand's take on a 'Hot Cloth Cleanser' and a deep cleaning face mask.  I want to use them for a few weeks to see how they really work but for now I can say the packaging is gorgeous and so far, they products are helping to clear my skin up.

Keep your eyes peeled for full reviews soon :)

Marathon project 20 pan update

Well, I'm not quite sure when I started this little experiment but it feels like a lifetime ago and I am well an truly fed up with it.  Yes I broke down today and bought some new goodies - haul time soon! (Smiles all round..!)

Did I reach 20?  No

Did I learn some things?  Yes

Here's a little run down of what I did manage to use up:
(beware - it is a LONG post.  I completely understand if nobody makes it to the end..!)

1. Aussie Dual Personality Curl Definition and Soft Feel Serum

Meant to 'revive and separate curls & keep your hair soft and curvy.' 

For me, I like the smell (typical Aussie) and it does make my hair soft.  Softer then any other serum?  Well, no not really.  As for the curls - I have come to realise my hair is more wavy than curly and I sadly don't think any product will give me the movie star curls of my dreams.

Will I repurchase? NO

       2. Olay Beauty Fluid

A classic product that is suitable for all skin types.  

I just found it a bit blah.  The fact that it is suitable for all skin types just makes me think that it doesn't really do anything??  It didn't mattify, didn't really hydrate, it was just there.  In the end I just ended up using it for my elbows etc when in a rush.  I think this is more suited for a more mature skin that doesn't really a specific type of skincare.

Will I repurchase? NO (Until I hit my 60s anyway...!)

       3. Tek.nique Straightener Spray

This bottle which I picked up from Sally's promises a multitude of things.  Smooths and detangles; adds body and lift; protects from heat; sun protection - to name just a few...

In reality, the heat protectant is its only real use for me.  I most definitely still had to use serums and hair sprays etc to get the smoothness and volume I so wish for..

Will I repurchase? NO

      4.  Nivea Goodbye Cellulite - Anti-Cellulite Gel Cream

I actually won this from a magazine a good few years ago so I can't really give a definitive review as any active ingredients will have faded away in that time.  What I will say, it does feel lovely and cooling on the skin but I'm not sure I believe a product can help with the dreaded cellulite.  I personally saw no results but then I only had enough product left for a week's worth of usage.  I'd love to know if anyone actually had any real results..

Will I repurchase?  Probably not

    5. L'oreal Elvive Styliste Non-Stop Volume Mousse

Unfortunately this had no effect on my hair whatsoever :(  I really couldn't tell the difference if I used it or not and backcombing and hair spray was still a necessity.  I do have quite long, heavy hair though so for all you trendy girls with pixi hair cuts, this may work wonders! 

Will I repurchase? NO

    6.  John Freida Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Perfector

Oh my days I hate it.  I rarely say that but I honestly hate it.  It just turned my hair into a horrible crispy mess. Not even a slightly-crispy-beachy-I'm-cool-with-my-Ke$sh-inspired-hair-mess.  Just a crispy, crunchy mess.

Will I repurchase? NO

    7. Fructis Bamboo Flexihold Hairspray

I actually...wait for it....really like this! Wheyyyy!  It smells like Apple Sourz and gives me hair lots of volume and hold.  Perfect!

Would I repurchase? YES!!!!

   8. Boots Time Delay Gradual Tanning Moisturiser

I think I bought this on a whim with one of those £5 off vouchers that are always floating about.  This actually smells like a really expensive cream and does make my skin feel soft and rejuvenated.  Unfortunately, it makes my eyes water an insane amount and does not give me any hint of a tan.

Would I repurchase? NO

  9. L'oreal Perfect Clean

I absolutely love the scrublet that comes with this product but that is as far as the love goes.  I am technically cheating with this as I haven't used it up at all but it unfortunately broke me out so I don't want to risk using it again.  I have heard great things about this though so don't take my word on this.  I do really want to try the other versions for sensitive skin and exfolation.

Would I repurchase? Not this version

  10.  Simple Oil Balancing Moisturiser

I bought this years and years ago when I had quite oily skin as a teenager.  It therefore is no surprise that this smells very weird as it most probably went out of date a long time ago.  I did give it a try for a few weeks though and I have to say it is very good at mattifying the skin.  However, as my skin is now more dry than oily, it just holds no use for me anymore.  I would recommend it though to anyone with an oily complexion.

Would I repurchase? NO

   11. Dior Capture Totale

This was thrown into a bag when I made a Dior purchase and I never really gave it a second thought.  I have used up the entire pot now though and it is a gorgeous cream.  I think it is probably aimed at an older age group than myself but it did feel really luxurious.  It is very thick and for this reason I only applied it at night to allow it to sink it.  It smells amazing and I did wake up to amazingly soft skin in the morning but for right now I  cannot justify actually buying a full size pot.

Would I repurchase? Perhaps in the future

  12. Superdrug Natural High Brightening Eye Cream

I love this eye cream.  It is cheap as chips, really readily available and makes my undereyes visibly more moisturised.  It contains arnica which is typically used for bruises and therefore really reduces the blueness than can occur under the eyes.

Would I repurchase? Absolutely yes

Conclusions?

All pretty negative really?!!  I guess the reality is, the fact that I didn't use up these products in the first place speaks volumes.  If I had liked them in the first place, they wouldn't be sitting gathering dust.

What have I learnt?

A)  My hair is wavy; not curly.  It therefore will always require heat to achieve any sort of desirable style.  Any products I buy from now on will therefore be for keeping my hair in tip top condition, protecting it from heat styling and for keeping it set in a style for as long as poss.

B) My skin is now basically normal but on the dry side.  I need to focus on protecting it from the sun, keeping it hydrated & plumped up and attempting to even it all out.  I am not 16 anymore! Don't I know it...!

Got this far?!  I salute you - I am bored with myself!