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...

Foundation Trial: Collection 2000 Naturally Radiant

Out of the products I'm giving a second chance to, this foundation was one that I was really excited to use again.  As a foundation junkie, I've used many in the past but this stuck in my mind as being really good.  So, what's the verdict?!

I'm been trying this out all week and I am so, so impressed!  For a mere £4.19, this performs somewhere in between Colorstay and Double Wear and it therefore comes highly recommended from me!  It's not just me that thinks so as well - with a 4* rating on Boots.com, Collection 2000 are obviously doing something right!

Availability: Boots and Superdrug - the usual!  £4.19 for a bottle hopefully makes this accessible to anyone and everyone.

Colour: One of its downsides - only 6 shades to choose from.  There is a mix of pink, yellow and neutral tones though so hopefully most people can find something to suit.

Consistency and Application: The product comes out of its squeezy tube - hygienic and practical - with a usual liquid foundation consistency.  There are no gimmicks of air whipping etc - just a straight liquid.  It applies smoothly on the skin with an average blend time - no need to rush as with the likes of Colorstay!  

Coverage: Marketed as a low-medium coverage, I would say that is true.  It can however be built up to a medium-full coverage without looking cakey at all - one of its definite plus points!

Finish: My preferred semi-matte/satin finish.  With a primer there is no real difference - it just glides onto the skin nicely if you use one.  When topped with powder, the finish can look a little heavy which I personally don't favour but it did stay looking fresh for a few more hours than if left without. 

Lasting Power: Here is why I prefer it to Colorstay - it stayed put for hours.  A true test of a foundation is when I work all day on Saturdays.  I'm pleased to report that after 12 hours, with a slight touch up of powder, it looked pretty much as good as when I applied.  It had faded slightly but no where near to the extent of the Colorstay.

Overall: This foundation has many claims including its ability to give skin a new lease of life; leaving it fresh and flawless with a formula that hydrates and energises.  I wouldn't say it lives up to these as the finish is a little too matte but I do still really, really like it.  The coverage is not as heavy and obvious as the Double Wear can be but lasts longer than Colorstay and therefore is the perfect happy medium.

I would recommend this to someone with a normal-combination skin who require a buildable coverage with an average lasting power that can be extended once powdered.  It also contains an SPF of 15 which, combined with the low initial coverage, makes it the perfect foundation for the coming Summer months!

At £4.19, it'd be rude not to give it a try..!

I'm planning on creating a separate page collating all these reviews, adding in extra information and photos etc - if you think this is something you'd like to see, please let me know!

xxx

TAG: 11 Most Reached For Products/March Favourites

My eleven favourite products change constantly but these products have been consistently used day in/day out for the whole of March...so I'm killing two birds with one stone!

Skin care, hair care, tan and bases

St Moriz Dark Mousse

John Frieda Serum

Olay Multi-Radiance Fluid

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Estée Lauder Double Wear Concealer

No 7 Creme Touch Powder

Eye and lip products

Collection 2000 Big Fake Lash Mascara

NAKED Palette

MAC Tempting Quad

MOR Passionflower Lip Delight

17 Beehive Mirror Shine Lipstick

As you can tell, these products have been loved to death and is seen by their completely battered packing!  If there is anything that catches your eye for a full review, just say!

What have been your favourites recently???

xxx

Inspiration: Kim Kardashian

The hair.  The make up.  The figure.  The clothes.  The shoes.  The handbags.  

 

Kim may be controversial but there is no denying that she's bloody gorgeous!  She is always glamorous and perfectly put together in stylish and classic outfits that show off her amazing curves - she can get it wrong sometimes but then, none of us are perfect...! 

Are you a KK fan or not?! 

Nail Varnish Wishes

For some reason, all of my nail varnishes have decided to become overworked and gloopy all at the exact same time.  I've tried my OPI thinner and regular nail varnish remover but to no avail...they are all pretty much useless.

But what a perfect time to invest in some gorgeous new colours!  Spring heralds the arrival of beautiful yellows and peaches; blue and violets; corals and pinks..

Here are just a selection of the beauties I've spotted and will hopefully get my hands on over the next few weeks...

Revlon's latest offerings in Blue Lagoon and Sunshine Sparkle

Currently on offer at 2 for £8 in Boots

Barry M's new Blue Moon and Peach Melba

Models Own Lilac Dream and Coral Reef

MaxFactor Mini Diva Violet and Diva Coral

17 Candy Collection:

 Orange Soda, Sherbet Lemon, Fairy Cake, Mint Choc Chip & Parma Violet

What nail colours are you lusting after this season?!

xxx

Drugstore Brand Spotlight: L'oreal

As much as we all love high end beauty products, they do have a (sometimes ridiculous) high price tag attached.  I have therefore made it my aim over the past few years to weed out the best products from the drugstore (I hate that phrase as much as the next person but it is standard in the beauty community..!) that don't cost an arm and a leg.

Over the next few weeks I'm hoping to put a spotlight on some of the best products found in Boots/Superdrug that I've personally bought and loved and the odd few that have disappointed... Because, at the end of the day, a low end mascara may cost £5-ish but if you end up buying 4 awful ones, you may as well splash the cash on a YSL..  So, hopefully I can pin point the best products to save on and, with some recommendations from you beautiful people, build up a resource of the best cheap products out there!

Please note: I am not affiliated with any companies whatsoever - these are my honest opinions, as always.

First up....

L'oreal

Bases

True Match Foundation and Powder: Blendable.  Good shade range.  Commendable lasting power.  Adapts to skin. Don't bother with the roll on - very much a gimmick!

Infallible Foundation and Concealer: Great lasting power.  Nice shade range. Concealer thick but blendable - great for under the eyes!  The foundation now comes with the option of an attached brush - I would say stick with the original packing - more product for your money! (30ml vs 25ml)

Studio Secrets Primer and Foundation: Primer makes skin feel gorgeous and helps any foundation to glide on.  Foundation applies beautifully with attached brush and sets with a gorgeous dewy finish.  

Touch Magique concealer: Light reflecting brush on concealer.  Light coverage but nice effect under eyes as doesn't sink into fine lines.

Eyes

Voluminous Mascara: Gives long, thick lashes. No flaking or smudging to note.

Telescopic Mascara: Amazing length!

Carbon Gloss Super Liner: Precision nib that can great desired thickness. Glossy black line that stays put all day.

Lash Renewal Serum: Brilliant mascara primer.  Over time, lashes look longer, healthier and thicker.

Lips

Glam Shine Lipglosses: Glossy gorgeous colours - great shade range.  Heart shaped wand smooths and plumps lips.

If you have any other recommendations please comment - I will then add them in!

xxx

Second Chance Saloon

Sometimes, for no real reason, a make up purchase - although made with initial enthusiasm and excitement - fails to live up to the expectations.  These sad and unloved products get shoved to the back of the drawer whilst some new and fancy item gets all the attention...

It was a complete overhaul of my collection that made me realise that I own some products that got such a limited look-in that I'm not even sure how they fare as I never even gave them a chance...

Well, here and now they are getting a second one!

Over the next few weeks, in a bid to cut down my spending and to appreciate what I do own, I'm going to put these products through their paces.  Some may remind me why there were never loved and will be waved goodbye to; whilst, hopefully, some will win back my affection and secure a place in my collection for good.

It has to be said that most of these products were purchased before my immersion into the blogging world - and subsequent increase in product knowledge - meaning that none are new or particularly exciting.  However, within this pile of Clinique to Rimmel, Jemma Kidd to ELF I'm hoping something will change my mind!

Here's to second chances....

xxx