My Winter Skin Savers

Empties

I really like reading empties posts but I haven't had an opportunity to do one myself, as I actually needed to finish some products (I'm not so good at that) and remember not to throw them away! 

So here it goes...

1. Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

By far the best 'drug store' foundation I have used in a long time. For a while I was loyal to the No.7 instant radiance foundation, but this is almost £5 cheaper and it is so much better. A great level of coverage, for the dewy glow that we all so crave. I have to say that putting this on with my real techniques stippling brush has if possible, made it even better. Re-purchase? Already done.

2. Botanics All Bright Soothing Eye Make Up Remover

I am planning to review this soon - damn just given away that I have re-purchased! It has 2 layers, and you have to shake it up before soaking a cotton pad and sweeping over the eyelids. This is great at removing all make up including waterproof mascara, and gel eye liner. It does leave an oily residue which is fine for me at night, as I have quite dry skin and I do find it quite nourishing. However, it does mean that you need a full face wash if you are hoping to re-apply make up. Currently my top remover, but of course Bioderma is totally on my wish list. 

3. Aussie Dual Personality Heat Protector

This is starting to sound like a total love in, but I really liked this product. I'm not actually a massive lover of hair care products (perhaps I just haven't found the one's) but using this before blow drying and straightening made my hair much smoother and much more manageable. After this ran out, I picked up what I thought was the same product from my local Boots, but it most definitely is not the same, and I've been on the look out and cant seem to find exactly the same thing, which is massively rubbish. Yes, I would re-purchase if I could find it!

4. Liz Earle Gentle Face Exoliator

The only face exfoliator I've used for years. Wouldn't go back. Creamy and gentle (no hint of scratch here) and doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or dry after using. My skin is definitely too sensitive to use this everyday although that would probably be OK for people with more 'normal' skin, and I can sometimes find my skin almost craving this at times.

5. Simple Nourishing Eye-Make up Remover Cream

I progressed onto this after finding the standard eye make up remover a little drying and sometimes a bit 'stingy' (is that even a word?). I had this at the same time as the Botanics and it made it difficult to try and finish, as the Botanics is so much easier to use, and smoother to use, if that even makes sense.

6. Liz Earle Hot Cleanse and Polish

I recently reviewed this, although the special edition in aid of The Princes Trust. Seriously love love love this and there is not too much more to say about it!

7. Boots Clean Off Nail Polish Remover

It is hard to get excited about a nail polish remover, and don't worry I'm not about to either. Cheap and totally functional, this also makes relatively light work of glitter nail varnishes which are oh so pretty but usually a complete pain to remove.

Have any of you tried these products, what are your thoughts on them?

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Special Edition

 

This is not me jumping on the bandwagon, this has been a 7 year love affair! I was first introduced  to this in 2005 by my best friend at university. She had been using the product for a while, as she suffered with acne, but had heard that it was also suitable for people with sensitive and dry skin. So I made my first on line order and that was it, I was hooked!

It's difficult to remember what I used before this cleanser, but I don't think it was anything special, possibly something from Simple or what I could steal from my mums dressing table!

To be fair, there isn't much I can say about this product that isn't already all over the blogosphere. If you want gentle, yet effective cleansing then this is the product that you need to try. There are literally no alternatives. In a bid to be thrifty, I have tried the Superdrug version, the sanctuary version and the No.7 attempt at a hot cloth cleanser. They were all left unfinished, because they were too harsh for my skin, or didn't give quite the same results!

I love; the smell, the texture, it's ability to remove all my make up in pretty much one sweep and the way your skin gets a fresh glow after using it. 

I actually follow with the Liz Earle toner and then a moisturiser of my choice, which is currently the Botanics Facial Oil (review to follow) because I had an allergic reaction to the Liz Earle moisturiser the first time I used it. 

The last time I went online to re-purchase some of my key products, I saw that they had this limited edition cleanse and polish available. I love the smell of lavender and I know that rose is brightening and calming for sensitive skin. We also do a lot of fundraising and volunteering for The Prince's Trust at work so I figured it was a win:win situation.

Personally, I do prefer the smell of the original over this limited edition, but the formula is still perfect. The bottle is also double the size of the normal pump bottle, so I certainly got a lot of product for my money. 

Tempted to give it a go...I cannot recommend this enough.

Katie x