Mask Mondays : Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Charcoal Face Mask

Today I am reviewing the Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Charcoal Face Mask.
I bought this product after reviewing many reviews raving about how good it was
and I wanted to see what the hype was about. I was on the look out for an inexpensive charcoal mask to help cleanse my skin. Charcoal masks are very good for detoxifying the face, cleansing pores and clearing away dirt. Priced at £3.59 this product is excellent if you're on a budget like me, the only down side is that it is only a 50ml tube however it's usually on  a 3 for 2 offer so you can make the most of it.







The formula is a very dark grey, almost black colour as you would expect being charcoal. I found I had to use quite a bit to properly layer it on my face, however it's down to preference you could use a thin layer if you wanted, but I tend to feel I get more out of the products benefits if I am abit heavy handed with it!

The mask tightens a little and is drying but not overly so. It is recommended to leave it on for a maximum of 15 minutes but I feel like because its not overly drying I can leave it on longer whilst I watch a YouTube video or something, when you notice it cracking I would take it off.

The product has definitely helped to smooth out my skin, once washing it off my face felt clean and fresh. My blackheads are worse around my chin area and I did notice a reduction but not as great as I expected, however it made more effect in other areas such as my nose and forehead which I am pleased about.

I am happy with this product, it does what it says on the tin and it is great for oily/blemish prone skin. I feel it is the kind of product you need to use regularly to see a big change.

Overall this mask is a nice treat for your face when in need of a deep cleanse, it's very affordable and for a boots own brand it has good results.

I would recommend!

Skincare Diaries

Dear Readers,

Today I have decided to start a skincare diary to record how I care for my skin on a daily basis, I will talk about my routine and what products like I use, some new products and some old favorites that I feel are a good staple to have.

I have acne/blemish prone skin, everyday feels like a battle with a skin as I try better to understand what it likes and dislikes. My skin has been breaking out a fair bit recently, I get spots, blackheads, whiteheads and pimples, these aren't pleasant and they do really affect my confidence sometimes.I don't like to wear makeup often as it isn't great for my skin so covering up with excessive amounts of concealer on a daily basis isn't something I want to do.

I have tried many products and methods for calming the affects of acne and some are more effective than others but there is no miracle cure and expensive products aren't always the most effective. I am a poor student on a budget and try to make a saving when I can.

Now, blemishes are caused by a build up of bacteria on the skin, the bacteria will hide in your pores and often get trapped resulting in nasty blackheads. I have learnt that anything that is anti-bacterial is your friend, and at the moment tea tree oil and lemon juice are my best friends. Tea tree oil is great for fighting bacteria and can be purchased in a variety of different ways, pure tea tree oil is great to use but it has to be diluted, I keep a mixture of water and tea tree oil in a dispensing pump bottle and use it as a cleanser every morning/night to wash my face. As for lemon juice, I like to slice a fresh lemon and with my water bottle infuser place two slices inside and fill with water, refiling throughout the day, lemon is another good anti-bacterial, the acidic acid helps break down bacteria and is great for the skins complexion.


Going back to the title of this post 'Skincare Diaries' I am going to journal my skincare routine, talk about what I do, what products I use, new breakouts and how my skin is generally feeling

Today I am using four products to wash, cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise my skin

1. Garnier Pure Active Micellar Cleansing Water 
2. Boots Botanics Purifying Face Scrub All Bright
3. Simple Spotless Skin Triple Action Face Wash
4. Simple Spotless Skin Anti-Blemish Moisturiser

I feel like micellar water has been everywhere this year and has really grown in popularity encouraging many brands to start using it. This special water is targeted at removing makeup whilst cleansing and purifying the skin. For me it is a product I will use for just about everything, I fin it great for taking my makeup off, but I especially like to use it as a morning/night cleanser after washing my face I apply it using a cotton pad and tab around my face, I like it as you don't have to rinse it off so I feel like leaving it on my face I am constantly benefiting from it.

Once I've cleansed, I then exfoliate with the Boots Botanics Purifying Face Scrub All Bright, this smells and feels really nice on my face, it uses crushed apricot seeds to scrub away impurities, I make sure to massage into my skin, taking care around delicate areas and concentrating on areas I feel need more attention, which at the moment is my chin as that is where most of my breakouts occur.

I feel then wash this off using warm water, once all the product is gone off my face I will then wash my face with the Simple Spotless Skin Triple Action Face Wash, this is a new product I have introduce to my routine, after being a fan of the Simple Spotless Skin Anti-Blemish Moisturiser for so long I decided to try it in combination with the face wash to see if this would enhance the benefits. I am a massive fan of Simple products, they are a brand I have used for many years, as my skin changes from being dry, oily and sensitive some products have chemicals that can be irritable, I have always from Simple great if I know my skin needs cleaning and moisurising but I just don't know how other products my affect it, the Simple range has been a staple in my skincare collection.

I liked using the face wash, it was easy to use, it felt a little like a gentle scrub as it felt like it had little beeds in it, which were great for targeting my pores, but having already used the face scrub I feel in future I would not use both at the same time. 

The moisturiser is great for my skin, I love! it doesn't irritate my skin and it is very absorbent, I like to use it on days I go to the gym. I don't notice results from day one but I interested to try use the face wash with the moisturiser over time to see results.

Once my skincare routine is done I will try find the energy to leave my cosy bed and face the day. If I am going to the gym I will make sure to wash my face afterwards, usually with a splash of water and micellar cleansing water and then reapply my moisturiser.

Thank you for reading, 

Anndrea

Mask Monday: Origin Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

Hello Beauties


Today's post is going to talk about Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask which I received in the BBB Origins Mix & Mask Box and I have to say I am in love with everything!

I have dry/blemish prone skin and this mask is a lovely intense moisture boost for my skin. It is very much the type of product where a little goes a long way, as it is not the full size product I am using it sparingly but I feel I am using the right a mount, if you apply too much it does tend to feel a little greasy so only a little is needed. 

I applied this after cleansing and using a hot cloth on my face as to work with a clean base and open my pores. It smells and feels amazing! Which makes it feel like a luxury, this is my second time using the mask and I do believe my skin has benefited well from it and is left feeling very soft and smooth after use. 

My skin drinks up this mask, it is absorbent but not too much, it feels very hydrating and pleasant on my skin whilst going to sleep. Although it is a night mask you can use it if you are staying in and want something to hydrate your skin, I think being asleep is good for the mask as you don't come in to contact with bacteria or pollution as you would if you were outside, and also you aren't touching your face and removing the product, so I like to put it on just before bed. 

 

The only down side to this product would have to be the price at £24.99 from Boots, it is abit pricey however it I do genuinely believe is it worth it if you suffer from dry/dehydrated skin or simply enjoy face masks and want a luxury pamper every now and again. A little really goes a long way with this product which means it should last a long time so an investment of £24.99 is not to bad.

Overall really enjoy using this product and incorporating it into my skincare routine. 

Let me know if you've tried it and what you thought below, or if you've tried any other face masks!

Monday Mask: NEW Garnier Skin Active Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask

Hello Lovelies

Today's face mask of choice is the all new Garnier Skin Active Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask, a "Super-Hydrating Revitalising Mask" which claims to give you one week of hydrating serum in one mask! All sounds pretty appealing, I was stocking up on the Garnier Pure Active Micellar water when I came across this product and for the special offer price of £0.99 I could not resist! The mask is said to be the equivalent of one weeks use of the Garnier Moisture Bomb 3 in 1 Day Cream.

"It acts like a hydration wrap that continuously diffuses all the effectiveness of the serum intensely hydrating your skin" 

Whats in it? 

Pomergranate Extract
Hyaluronic Acid
Plant Serum

Application

For the application I got a cloth and ran it under hot water and patted it around my face to open up my pores, I then cleansed face with the Garnier Proactive Micellar Cleansing Water, using a cotton pad I splashed a few drops of it on and patted it around my face.

It's a 15 minute face mask however like all face masks I usually give them extra time, I normally like to watch an episode of something whilst I wait, this makes me feel like I get the most of the product.

The mask was a little fiddly to put on, its one size designed to fit all and I found it the wrong shape in some areas but it's easy to adjust so I would not left that out you off. There are holes for the eyes, nose and mouth and then two slits on each side to fix the mask in place from behind your ears.

It felt very gently once is it on, unlike most face masks it does not dry and tighten which some people will love, especially if you have sensitive skin.

It felt SUPER moisturizing and refreshing whilst on my face and after I'd taken it off. There was a little tingly sensation but this made it felt like it was actually doing something, which I love, I like when you can actually feel a product working.

Result

After use I feel like my skin is in much better condition, it has definitely helped to even out my skin and give my skin moisture, It's a face mask I would definitely buy again, its a very easy and quick application  and I am now interested in trying the day cream to compare.

Night Night Skin: What I use on my skin before bed

Hello Lovelies,



Today's post is about my skincare routine before bed/when you don't have to leave the house and aren't worried about appearances! Currently I am in my pj's, sitting in bed, Netflix on in the background (Pretty Little Liars to be precise) with hair in a bun and makeup free, having done my cleansing routine.

Right then here's what I like to do

Step 1: Run a cloth under hot water
(Optional) Step 2: Add a couple drops of tea tree oil onto hot cloth- Tea tree oil works as a great anti-bacterial agent and helps combat blemishes
Step 3: Place hot cloth over face for about 1-2 minutes- This will open up your pores for a deep cleansing
Step 4: two pumps of the Boots Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Foaming Cleanser, gently massage into skin. Leave for about a minute then wash off with hot cloth
Step 5: Apply the Botanic's All Bright Hydrate Night Cream
Step 6: (Most Important step) Settle down and watch Netflix in bed


 

I have blemish prone skin therefore regular cleansing is essential for my skin aswell as finding a good moisturizer. I tend to change my moisturizer depending on the current needs of my skin.

I am in the process of trying to take better care of my skin and trying to regularly keep to a set skincare routine as it can be hard. Sometime we wake up late and have a busy day and head and just don't have the time to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize and the same for bedtime, sometimes I will just get to cosy in bed and become too tired, so I will just use a face wipe and put whatever moisturizer I can find on but my aim is to get into a better routine.

Products mentioned:

Botanic's All Bright Hydrate Night Cream- this is a wonderfully rich moisturizer and feels so nice on my skin! It's one of those products that you can just feel working and adding something positive to your skin. It's very easy to apply and feels non greasy. Helps to promote healthy looking skin. It does claim to brighten skin but I have not experienced that benefit but it definitely works as a hydrating night cream, your skin will feel wonderful in the morning.

The Boots Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Foaming Cleanser- works well for my skin, as I experience blemishes the tea tree and witch hazel help to clean out nasty and unwelcome bacteria. it s easy to apply and not drying like some tea tree products. It's a good product to use as part of your skincare routine.

Face Mask Friday: Superdrug Witch Hazel Mud Mask

I've recently become a little bit obsessed with face masks, I love incorporating them into my skincare routine, a luxury pamper or to tackle skin problems. There is something nice about sitting down after a long day with a face mask on and catching up on your favorite program (Pretty Little Liars for me at the moment!)

Today I am going to talk about the Superdrug Witch Hazel Mud Mask. I purchase this product a few months ago and thought I'd finished it but alittle goes along way with some face masks and I've managed to squeeze an extra mask out!

 
Now I have to apologize for the dreadful selfie, it's impossible
for me to take a good picture wearing a facemask!

Double apology because I have just looked on the Superdrug website and could not seem to find
this face mask from the Refreshing Face Mask Range,  they do still sale Cucumber Peal Off Mask and Vitamin E Moisture Mask from the same range.

Now on to face mask!

Before applying any face mask or treatment I always cleanse and pat my face with a hot cloth to clean and open up my pores as to get the most of out the product.

In my opinion a good face mask is one that completely dries out, this makes it feel that is it actually doing something.

I suffer from problem skin from time to time and so I am consistently looking for something to treat and help prevent blemishes. This product has witch hazel which does wonders for the skin, mainly helps to fight spots and blemishes, it helps to reduce inflammation and soothe skin.

I do like this mask, it takes a few applications to see results but after one use I definitely feel a difference in my skin, it feels refreshed and smoother.

I have read reviews that claim this product irritates and causes redness on sensitive skin, so I wouldn't recommend this if you have sensitive skin, or perhaps only use it for half the time.

Thank you for reading!

Let me know below some of your favorite face masks at the moment! :)

Tested Review : Simple Spotless Anti Blemish Moisturiser

Today I will be reviewing the Anti Blemish Moisturiser from Simple's Spotless Skin range.


I have always liked Simple products for their gentle and pure formula, they are clear from harsh chemicals and artificial perfumes, making them great for most skin types, specifically sensitive skin.

I have used the Simple Rich Moisturiser for years and I love it, however I have been suffering from blemishes recently and I wanted a good swap in moisturisers to keep combat my outbreaks.

This product incorporates Zinc to absorb excess oils, Corn Starch to mattify shine throughout the day, Aloe Vera which softens the skin and Chamomile to work as an anti irritant. It also contains  natural antibacterial agent Phytosphingosine which helps to fight spots and blemishes.

All in all sounds pretty good, especially for the bargain price of £2.29 at Superdrug down from £4.59! SO It claims to show results from day 1, which I did not experience but it definitely moisturises and helps mattifiy my skin well, now I have been using this for about a month now , I've actually just repurchased a new tube! after about a months use I can say I've noticed a considerable improvement to my skin, I still suffer from blemishes but I find this product definitely helps to reduce size and appearance and also to clear them. 

I do find with this product being matte the consistency of the formula isn't ideal as a base for makeup so I would tend to use a more moisturised base if I knew I was wearing makeup for the day.


All this being said I do use this in combination with skin cleanses, scrubs and other moisturisers, I also try to live a healthy lifestyle to help treat my blemishes, by drinking enough water, regular exercise and healthy diet.   

Thanks for reading. 


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Skincare Haul/Mini review Superdrug/Boots

Little Skincare Haul 

Superdrug Skincare Haul

Recently my skin has been suffering from spots and dryness, I purchased I few products from Superdrug to help save my skin! 

The first product I want to mention is Witch Naturally Clear Blemish Stick with Witch Hazel Extract, this has been my savior! I'd heard good reviews but was skeptical, I have to save it is a must have if you suffer from blemishes and unwanted spots, this gets to work quick I noticed a improvement the next day. By all means this is not a magic wand, the product dries out spots and blemishes leaving your skin fairly dry  therefore a good moisturizer is needed. I can't really fault this product, it's a compact size to carry around in your daily bag, a little goes a long way so I see this lasting a while before I repurchase.

I am also IN LOVE with Burt's Bees lip range, I never did understand the hype until now! I bought  Burt's Bees Refreshing Rafraichissant with Pink Grapefruit. This leaves lips beautifully soft and feeling healthy. I love the scent too!

Recommend! 

Witch Hazel Blemish Stick £1.79 from Superdrug. 

Burt's Bees Lip Balm with Pink Grapefruit £3.69 from Boots

To combat my dry skin I wanted a good moisturizer. I pick up Garnier  Moisture Plus Protect and Garnier Moisture Match.

Moisture Plus Protect is a daily protective moisturizer with SPF 20 

with 24 Hour Hydration. A few benefits..."Enriched with Vitamin E, SPF 20 and Calrdula Extract and Lemon Extract"

All these things sound pretty good, I've used this once since purchased, it was not as soothing as other moisturizers I've tried however I am going to give it a chance, it has alot of the key things our skin could want, lets just put it to the test!

Moisture Match for combination oily skin is a 24 hour mattifying fresh cream with green tea extract. I have not tried this yet but hoping to use both Garnier moisturizers in rotation to see which works best for my skin. It's important to remember we;re all different, what might work for someone may not work for someone else but it's important to try and test and find whats best for you.

Lastly I have Dove, Purely Pamering Beauty Cream Wash and Simple Cleansing Lotion 

Dove was a last minute counter buy at Superdrug for 75p so I could not resist 

I love anything with shea butter, theres a luxurious feeling about the scent to it. 

I have always been a fan of Simple products, they have always liked my skin and helped make it softer. They tend to work for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.

Just a haul and little review of some of the products I have tried this time

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