Morning Skincare Routine

Over the past year I've been trying out a lot of skincare products to find products that really work for me. It's extremely hard seeing as I have some trust issues when it comes to skincare. I always have that fear that when I buy a new face wash, it's going to make my face explode and I'm going to look like I've been in a fight with Stallone. I have had the pleasure of this in the past with a Garnier moisturiser, it wasn't pretty. 

After a bit of experimenting I have figured out what types of products work for my skin. I have oily/combination, sensitive skin and I'm prone to a lot of breakouts. I like to use cleansing milks for my morning cleanse, I find them gentler on sensitive skin and this one from Clarins really controls my oil throughout the day. I like to wash this off with a muslin cloth as it's a bit gentler than a normal face cloth. I then like to follow it up with a splash of Bioderma to make sure I've got all the cleansing milk off, I like to use the giant cotton pads from Boots as they make it super quick to do the whole face. I then finish off with my Simple Rich Moisturiser, this is really gentle on sensitive skin which is ideal for me. I will say now that winter is coming, I may have to look for something a little more moisturising, as my skin gets really dry.

What products do you love for waking up in the morning?

Vichy Normaderm Micellar Solution

I've been a little obsessed with Micellar solutions lately and after falling head over heels for the L'Oreal Skin Perfection Solution, I decided I wanted to branch out and try a few more. I managed to pick up the Vichy Normaderm Micellar Water and was excited to see if it could match the much cheaper L'Oreal version.

The Vichy Micellar Water claims to be sensitive on skin, which I can say it definitely is! I haven't experienced any sort of reaction or irritation when using this and it's also nice and gentle on the sensitive eye area. 

The smell is a little strange though. Compared to the L'Oreal solution, which has a nice soft floral fragrance, the Vichy water smells a little chemically. It's by no means overpowering and you really have to give it a good sniff to be able to smell it, but it is there. 

I tend to use Micellar waters to take my makeup off rather than as my main cleanser. This does as good a job as any when it comes to removing makeup. My eye makeup always comes off easily and I don't have to scrub them with a cotton pad to get all the stubborn mascara off. 

I can't not compare this to the L'Oreal Skin Perfection Solution, as it's the only other Micellar water I've tried. The Vichy water comes in at £10.50 whereas the L'Oreal is a bargain at £3.33. When you compare the ingredients of both, they are pretty much identical, apart from 2 or 3 extra ingredients in the Vichy water. The main difference I saw in the ingredients lists is that the Vichy contains citric acid, which I'm guessing is what makes this product aimed at acne prone skin, as citric acid is a good antioxidant.

Overall this is a perfectly gentle and pleasant Micellar water which is tough on makeup but not on your face. However at £10.50 and with such a cheap, equally as effective product on the market, the L'Oreal Micellar Solution is still my number one. 

Have you tried either the Vichy Micellar Water or the L'Oreal Micellar Solution? Which is your favourite?

July Monthly Favourites

I finally had time to film a monthly favourites video woopee! You may have already seen these products in previous posts or videos, but they have been 101% loved throughout this rather scorching July. 

First up is the L'Oreal Skin Perfection Micellar Water. This stuff has been building a very positive reputation since it's release. I couldn't tell you if it is a dupe for Bioderma, as so many bloggers and YouTubers claim, but what I can tell you is that it is a demon at removing makeup. This has changed my whole routine, switching me from using my Simple wipes to take my makeup off, to this much gentler water solution. 

I've already done a review of the Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm from Clinique here, but I really am super impressed with it. It really cuts through stubborn makeup and doesn't dry out my sensitive skin. 

Moroccanoil is loved by one and all, and now by me! I fell in love with this the very first time I used it. It's not greasy and makes your hair feel so healthy and soft it makes me want to cry a little. 

The Bourjois Delice de Poudre is the only bronzer I own (yes I know, I'll get shopping right away) It's not too muddy and not too orange (as long as you don't go crazy with it) I love it and I love the smell, It's been in my collection for a while and it's not going anywhere any time soon. 

The Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer had me confused, I couldn't decide if I loved it or hated it. I definitely think it's too dark for me in the winter (I have the lightest shade available FYI) but in the summer I love it! When I put it on I always cringe because it looks too dark for me. Once blended out it looks completely fine and really brightens up the eye area. 

And finally we have a little sample of mascara I got free in 'In Style' magazine. This little Rituals Perfection Volume mascara has been doing me proud. It is such a lovely day mascara, super lengthening, just the right amount of volume and zero clumps. It reminds me of the Chanel Le Volume De Chanel mascara in its overall finish only the formula is less thick and prone to clumping. 

What products have you been loving this month?