French Fancy: BIODERMA Sensibio H20 Micelle Water

I've heard A LOT about this product, itseems to be a staple for make-up artists and enthusiasts. However, as I rarelyhead across the English Channel, it's been pretty difficult to get hold of, until now. Whilst perusing on escentual.com, I discovered the much-coveted micellar water was at last available to us in good old Blighty and ordered a bottle tout de suite. I've been using this for a goodfew weeks now and thought it was about time I shared my thoughts . . .

BIODERMA Sensibio H20 Micelle Water (also known as Crealine H20 ) is available here intwo sizes - 50ml and 250ml . I'd say the 50ml is more for travel, so, I opted for the 250ml, which was £9.99. This micellar water is for sensitive, normal to dry skin (also available for oily skin.) At first, I was not wowed – I expected big things given all the rave reviews I have heard from various bods in the beauty world, but after using for the last few weeks I’ve realised what all the noise is about. This is a super-mild cleanser, when swept across the face on some cotton wool, leaves my skin soft, clean and soothed. It’s alcohol and soap-free, so doesn’t dry or irritate the skin. It’s so gentle, it can be used to remove eye make-up (excellent time-saver, no more separate eye make-up removers), but so effective, it takes away every last scrap of my waterproof mascara.

My only negative,  I find need to use twice or three times to get rid of all my make-up and know my skin is completely clean, no bad thing for my skin, but the bottle has gone down pretty fast. I find I am preferring this to my usual cream cleanser – my skin justfeels so clean and I can skip a toner.

I’m now on the lookout for the 500ml bottle, as I think this is going to be repurchased many times and has found itself well and truly at home on my bathroom shelf. A big, fat recommendation from me! Have you tried this product?

Crème Jeunesse des Mains: Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream

It's a tradition in my family, every Christmas my dad buys me a mini-torch (even though I've lived in London for the last decade, they've proven useful once or twice, lost keys etc, but I'm not much of an adventurer ) and my mum buys me a tube of Clarins Hand Cream - guess who I take after more?

So, having consistently used this since I was old enough to appreciate the wares and fares Clarins have to offer, I reckon I'll be giving a pretty fair review. Firstly, if I wasn't gifted this year in year out, I would definitely spend the £20 to invest in a tube. It's worth it for the scent alone - ummmmm, pleasantly floral and distinctively Clarins. It's light in texture and not greasy, leaving the hands soft , smooth and nails hydrated. It softens skin around the nails and makes it easier to deal with, less snagging of little rag nails. I don't tend to use this if my hands are in a complete state, I would use something a bit more waxy in texture that survives a few hand washes, but it's the perfect hand cream to have in your handbag for every day use. You don't need to use a lot, one 100ml tube will see me through until at least October, so again, worth the money. The packaging, as ever with Clarins, is simplistic and elegant. If you haven't yet tried this hand cream, I'd recommend – its on offer at escentual.com for £16.00 - bargain!

Elizabeth Arden – Visible Difference Skin Balancing Lotion

I find it difficult to get a Day Cream that's perfect for under my make-up. With combination skin, I find that some just aren't hydrating enough for the drier areas of my face. I have the common problem of an oilier T-zone and dry skin on my cheeks so getting the balance right is essential if I want hydration in the right places and a good surface to apply make-up over.

I am a massive fan of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, as this was such a hit with me (see my review here), I thought I'd give some more products a go. This product has been a god send. Visible Difference Skin Balancing Lotion for combination skin is SPF 15, so is perfect base under foundation. It's light but hydrates the skin perfectly, not forgetting the dry areas and not overloading the oilier areas. In essence, it does strike the perfect balance for me and my skin feels great all day long. I love the packaging, it looks great and has a handy pump-dispenser. It  is slightly fragranced, it's a fresh not overpowering scent which doesn't last long.  The only negative is the price, it costs around the £30 mark, however, as I only use as a day cream, I have had this for quite a while and find 1–2 pumps are adequate. I would highly recommend, if you want to spend a little more. Its available here for £27.50 at Feelunique.com, which slightly less than I paid and in my books, worth every penny. I'll definitely be trying out a few more products from this range.

Vichy Laboratoires Normaderm

I like to try skincare products for a few weeks before I feel i can give them a fair review. I bought these two Vichy products a month or so ago,  mainly to feed my addiction to French pharmacy brands. I have loved everything i have tried from Vichy, so with a bit of a February-lackustre complexion, I knew they'd be a good choice.

Vichy Normaderm Anti-Ageing – Anti-Imperfection – Anti-Wrinkle – Resurfacing Care 

As suggested above, this product does many different jobs, targeting fine lines, wrinkles and imperfections at the same time. I'm very conscious about ageing, though I don't use a lot of products specifically for anti-ageing, it was really the ingredients that drew me in – having previously read that LHA and glycolic acid promote cell renewal, together with Vitamin C, Vichy claim that these ingredients work well together to target the skins imperfections, such as texture and enlarged pores. To add to these brave claims, this is also paraben-free and hypoallergenic, so suitable for sensitive skin types. I have combination skin and find this product gives me just the right level of hydration, it's definitely not drying, I wouldn't recommend it for those with dry skin. It leaves my face feeling moisturised, but not greasy. The cream has a lovely rich formula and feels luxurious when massaged on to cleansed skin. I mostly use this in my evening skincare routine – it has no UV protection which I look for religiously in a day cream. As recommended, I don't use this on the eye contour area, sticking to a separate eye cream. Since using this product, my skin feels smoother and looks good, I've also found my t-zone less oily. It's a nice product, I'd definitely repurchase. It's around £15 in Boots, but I feel Vichy quality it's worth the money and it's currently on offer  here Escentual.com! 

Vichy Normaderm Exfoliating Gel Scrub

I tend to exfoliate just once a week, my sensitive skin can't take any more often than that, but once a week gives me a more glowy skin and keeps any dry patches smooth. The gel is soap, paraben and alcohol-free. The 'micro-beads' in the gel formula, when gently massaged on to damp skin remove dead skin cells and help unclog pores. I don't find the gel scratchy or abrasive like I have with other exfoliating products. For me, the best time to use this is after a shower or bath when my pores are open, it leaves my skin feeling refreshed, smooth and clean. I'd recommend to those looking for a gentle exfoliator, it's around £10 in Boots and again on offer at the moment here at Escentual.com

Budget-Friendly Skincare from Nivea

We've all been there – spending what feels like an age trying to remove stubborn mascara, sometimes it just will not budge. As I see the years rack up, I am becoming much more conscious about the delicate skin around my eyes, dragging a cotton wool pad relentlessly over mascara clad lashes is just something I simply do not do and the use of an eye cream has become part of my daily skincare routine. If you have a similar philosophy, these two budget-friendly buys from Nivea will see you right.

Nivea Visage Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover
I LOVE this product. Nivea® Daily essentials Double Effective Eye Make-up Remover has a 'two-phase extra strength formula' and is suitable for all skin types. It really does the job and doesn't sting the sensitive skin around my eyes. Give it a good old shake and the two parts mix resulting in a refreshing formula, that when applied to a cotton wool pad and wiped gently across the eye, removes every last scrap of mascara and doesn't leave you with the oily residue some other eye make up removers do. For extra stubborn waterproof mascara, I tend to lightly press a soaked cotton wool pad and after a few seconds it just melts away! At £3.29 from Boots, this is a real bargain.

Nivea Visage Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
The next from the Nivea line-up is an eye cream, I'm not ancient, nor am I massively into anti-aging products, but as I get older I am particularly conscientious of dreaded crows-feet and fine lines appearing around my eyes (who isn't just a little bit worried?). I believe that taking care of yourself – getting plenty of sleep, eating well and staying hydrated play a bigger factor in the anti-aging process, but as most beauty addicts, I am a sucker for a product. This eye cream is light and refreshing - you only need a little, patting under the eyes and gently towards the nose, overloading this area of the face with any product won't do you any favours. It leaves the skin under the eyes soft, smooth and moisturised. Whilst any fine lines I have around my eyes have definitely not disappeared and I do still require a touch of concealer for dark circles - my eyes do feel happier. Who knows, maybe with more prolonged use, I might even look younger! I bought this for around the £10 mark in Boots, much more purse friendly than most eye creams on the shelves.

Have you got any skincare recommendations for the eyes?

Dr Jart+ Pore Refine: Bubble Foam

We've all heard of the Dr Jart+ BB Cream, it's been raved about incessantly on blogs since it's launch in the UK, a super product that's worth the hype in my humble opinion. However, I hadn't read much on other Dr Jart+ products, so when I saw this and was in the mood for filling my basket with all things skincare, I thought I would give it a go.

A deep-cleansing face wash, this product claims to use a 'dual-bubble mechanism' to remove dirt and clear pores. The formula is thick, creates a creamy lather and feels luxurious to massage into the skin, rinsing off with water. I have to say - I'm not seeing two types of bubble when I use this product, but I am seeing clean, refreshed skin. I was pleasantly surprised to note that Dr Jart+ lists a number of herbal extracts – Witch Hazel, Sage and Rosemary as key ingredients - which may contribute to why this wash feels gentle and non-irritating on the skin. I haven't noticed any difference in my pores, though only use this once or twice a week to give my skin a deep clean - maybe with more consistent use, I would see a visible effect.

I do really like this cleansing wash and I can't wait to try some of the other Pore Refine products from the Dr Jart+ range!

Eau Thermale Avène : Extremely Gentle Cleanser and Skin Recovery Cream

In the chillier months of the year, I find my skin is sensitive and more prone to redness and dry patches. Needing a lot more TLC than usual, I reach for more gentle products, that don't strip my skin of the little moisture it has left. My favourite super-sensitive cleanser and moisturiser duo are from Eau Thermale Avène, having just repurchased - I thought I'd write a quick post.

Eau Thermale Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser is just what it says it is, this cleansing milk is, gentle. The formula is oil-free and more of a liquid than a cream - which you would expect, as the highest ranking ingredient is the spring water it's named after. It feels refreshing to massage into the skin, melting away make up. It's a rinse-free formula, so just needs wiped away with some cotton wool, leaving the skin soothed and moisturised. It's also gentle enough to use to remove eye make up, so no need to use a separate product. As someone with sensitive skin, I really rate this product, I like the fact it is soap free and made from mainly natural ingredients. The only bad thing I have to say about this product is it can take more than one application if you wear a lot of make up. I find after just one, I do need to repeat the cleansing process to get rid of every last scrap of make up.

I tend to use Eau Thermale Avène Skin Recovery Cream alongside the Extremely Gentle Cleanser. I find when I do need to be a bit more careful about what products I'm using, this is the perfect duo to calm and soothe any irritation. This is a rich and hydrating cream, that aims to restore the skins natural moisture levels. I definitely see a difference in my skin when I use this as a moisturiser, I haven't noticed to have any impact on redness, but it does make my skin soft and supple. I probably wouldn't use this cream if your skin type is more on the oily side, it's definitely more suited to the drier complexion due to the richness of the formula. As above, I only have one negative - the lack of an SPF sways me to use this as a night cream, I'd just prefer my day moisturiser to offer UV protection. Saying that, Eau Thermale Avène do have daily moisturisers with sun protection, so I should probably invest.

In all, having sensitive skin is a bit of a bore at any time of the year, I think this is a fabulous brand for those with suffer with issues such as dryness and irritability, especially in winter. Do you have any recommendations to combat any dreaded winter skin problems?

To The Rescue: Eau Thermale Avène

I picked this up out of curiosity, I've been experimenting with Avène products, loving them (more reviews to follow) and wanted to try this. This Thermal Spring Water spray claims to be 'essential soothing care for sensitive, hypersensitive, allergic and irritated skin'. I have to say after buying the 50ml can, it's something I will definitely repurchase in a larger size. I use in the morning and evening after cleansing, before moisturising. It's soothing, calming, refreshing and feels amazing on the skin. Perfect to wake you up in the morning. I also use to set my make up - it makes it last longer and stops it looking powdery or cakey. At this time of year when the air is cold outside and heating blasting inside - this product is my twice-a-day necessity. What do you use to calm irritated skin in winter?

Winter Essentials

I am sure, like me you've noticed the start of December has seen a drop in temperature and a bit of a chill in the air - it's FRRREEEEZING! So, I thought I'd write a post on three of my winter handbag must-haves.

I'll start from the top ...

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream - Skin Protectant
This cult product is something I simply won't leave the house without, especially when there is a bite in the air - it claims to soothe and calm irritated skin, and that's exactly what it does. During the colder months, when the central heating is blasting, I notice I get dry patches on my skin (and as scaly is not such a good look), dabbing this on moisturises, eases itching and quickly sorts out any such problems. I also find this is good as a lip balm and on any dry or cracked skin on my hands. It is quite costly, though lasts absolutely ages - I've had this tube for over a year as you can probably tell from the packaging, which has been updated. One of the only downsides to this products is it's strong smell. I don't mind it's almost herbal scent, it smells like it should be good for you! I think I have read somewhere Elizabeth Arden have toned it down slightly.

Vaseline Lip Therapy - Rosy Lips
This is my go to product for those low maintenance days, all the goodness of Vaseline Original with a hint of a rosy colour. I love the pinky feminine twist on the classic blue and white tin, it's a perfectly sized for pockets or make-up bags and keeps my lips moisturised and chap-free throughout the colder weather.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
This is the absolute daddy of hand creams! I seem to be able to tell winter is round the corner by the state of my hands, the minute the temperature drops, I see chapping and cracked skin, especially between my fingers and on my knuckles. I have tried SO many hand creams - ranging from high end to own brand cheapies - this, my friends wins hands down - if you'll pardon the pun. Just a little bit, goes a very long way - sorting out all the winter skin problems above and leaving my hands soft and smooth. I also have to mention, it has a slightly 'waxy' texture, which I think is it's winning formula, you can still feel it working even after giving your hands a good scrub. If you don't have a tube, don't wait, get yourself some of this budget-friendly wonder cream!

What are your favourite winter must-have beauty items? I'd love to hear what your winter saviours are!

The Soap and the Glory

I have had a recent splurge on some Soap & Glory goodies - well, they are currently on a 3 for 2 offer in Boots, so why the hec not, eh? I will review the other two I bought soon, but today, I've picked out my favourite - The Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser. And I have to say, it is exactly that - fab. If I'm honest, I'm not a skin care junkie and generally opt for the same brands every time - creature of habit I guess. So, straying away from my usual, I didn't have high hopes for this product, but decided to give it a whirl, I'm both surprised and thrilled with the results.

This product claims to clean, smooth and melt away make up, and that it does! The super-luxurious balmy cream is a dream to massage into the skin, it contains panthenol, lavender, sweet almond and orange oils - it smells divine and clears the airways to boot. Concentrating around the nose, cheeks and chin - where pores clog. Leaving it on the skin for a minute or two, dampen the cloth provided with warm water and wipe away. It gently removes every last scrap of make up and leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed - not squeaky clean and tight and I can honestly say, my pores actually have shrunk. Amazing!