Winter Workers

Come this time of the year, I get lazier and lazier when it comes to skin care and makeup. My constitution is not built to withstand the cold. In the mornings, I can barely get myself out of the warm cocoon of my bed, let alone be bothered to wash my face and slap on makeup. At night, I need the simplest and most efficient way to get rid of the day's gunk and hydrate my face so it's not completely ravaged by winter. Here are the products I've been relying on to work their magic.

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Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
After literally years of hearing about this cleanser, I'm finally using it. It's okay. I'll give it 7/10. Slightly better than a lukewarm reception, but not undying love. I prefer Radical Hydrating Cleanser. It reminds me of a version of Dr Lewinn's Multi-Moisture Balm (also a distinctive orange colour) that can be washed off. It has a thin, oily texture that emulsifies when mixed with water. My face doesn't feel dry or tight after patting dry with a cloth, but it doesn't feel super plump and moisturised either.

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream
Had a 8.9g sample from the First Class Flirts Travel Set which I've used up. This did the trick in keeping my face pretty happy during the day after cleansing in the morning. It's super rich but not greasy. The only downside is its overpowering scent of chemicals and apples, like a high octane, somewhat putrid variant of Ralph Lauren Ralph. Still, once it's applied to the face, it feels like a smoothing, emollient layer between the skin and foundation. I noticed when I used this as my daily moisturiser, my face showed no signs of the dryness and flakiness that comes hand in hand with winter.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips
Nothing much to harp on about except to say this is a solid, effective lip balm. Instant soothing relief for chapped lips. Doesn't sting (no menthol), not oily like Vaseline, not ultra matte like Nuxe Rêve de Miel (still has some slip). I can see this being multipurpose — you could definitely use it on dry patches on the skin or even as a hand cream if desperate.

Avene Soothing Moisture Mask
One of my all-time favourite moisturisers (I don't use it as a mask). Currently I use it as a night cream, though I could easily use it for the daytime as well. Texture is superb, absorbs super well, feels immediately moisturising on a deep, satisfying level, never balls up when you apply it or otherwise acts up. Just perfection.

Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask
Mainly trying to use this up as I received this 30ml tube as a gift with purchase in late 2013. I alternate with the Avene as my night cream, after getting off all my makeup in the shower with Muji Cleansing Oil (which I'm increasingly disliking, mainly because once it's anywhere near the eyes, it stings and irritates). This one takes a bit more effort and time to thoroughly work into the skin, and isn't as hydrating as the Avene, but delivers similar results. Right now, I'm not using any other serums, face oils, or masks, I skip all toners and chemical exfoliation, just cleanse with an oil and apply this or the Avene at night. My drastically pared down routine has been working fine for me even in the thick of winter.

Weleda Skin Food
Possibly the richest cream I've encountered, and I say that in the best way possible. Wouldn't recommend for the face, but it's an amazing hand cream (though needs to be used sparingly if you don't want greasy fingers). Perhaps better as an overnight hand or foot treatment to avoid transfer. Botanical scent is heaven and very reminiscent of higher end skin care brands like Aesop.

NARS Madly
I've come around from my initial 'meh' review of this blush. Madly applied with my Morphe E4 is a lifesaver these days. 99% of the time in the frigid, dim mornings I can't be bothered with separate contouring or bronzing, so it works well as a matte all-in-one bronzer/contour/blush. It instantly enlivens the complexion and is an invaluable time-saver. The neutral shade also works with anything and looks natural while still injecting colour into the face.

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Creamy Beige
Another product I initially wasn't that into, but I've since warmed up to considerably. Lately, I've been favouring a vastly simplified, minimal makeup approach. I used to use at least two eyeshadows (one for the lid, then a deeper shade concentrated closer to the lash line and blended up and out for a subtly smoked out look), but now I stick to just the lid shade. I like the matte quality of Creamy Beige for sophisticated, office-friendly, subdued definition, though if you really scrutinise, it is slightly satin. I used to think it was still too cool-toned for my colouring, but I've been finding it more neutral-toned the more I wear it. It's quick and easy to apply with the fingers, lasts all day and doesn't crease or fade. Swatch and original review here.

July Favourites

Super late, I know, but better than never. Surprisingly, there were a whole bunch of new products for July, with only one item I've previously featured on the blog. A few skin care bits and bobs (the majority courtesy of the Priceline skin care gift bag) to ameliorate the damage of winter, learning to make use of my most indulgent brush purchase, and finally adding to my collection a couple of popular makeup products I've been meaning to try for ages. Thankfully, they didn't disappoint.

Bioderma Hydrabio Sérum
Sure, the scent of this is a bit too reminiscent of shampoo for my liking, and the texture is like a lightweight, gel-like hair conditioner, but I do think my skin is appreciating what it does. I apply a dollop to my freshly cleansed/toned face in the morning before going in with my regular daytime moisturiser. The extra step boosts plumpness, hydration and protection, resulting in smoother, more balanced and supple skin. I much prefer this to Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum which I'm not sure ever did anything for me. I liked it so much I even bought a whole 40ml bottle (I'm currently using a 15ml sample) during Priceline's latest 40% off skin care sale.

Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serum
I can't really comment on the skin-brightening and tone-correcting claims (mainly because I haven't seen any noticeable difference, and/or I haven't been using it consistently or long enough), but I have been enjoying using this as my evening serum. The consistency is unlike anything I've experienced. It's extremely watery upon contact with the skin, but before then, it's somewhat gloopy and thick. Coagulated, even. I'm used to either oils or runny serums, so it took a while to adjust to the entirely new texture. When it is applied, it does feel refreshing and hydrating, sinking into the skin quickly and effectively without the slightest hint of greasiness or heaviness.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche
I use this as a nourishing, plumping night cream after my toners and serums, and it's like a drink of water for my skin. Instant, comforting hydration. Infused with their Thermal Spring Water, it's very moisturising but not unpleasantly thick or oily (unlike Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream). Suitable for dry, sensitive skin, I like that it's very basic (scentless, non-irritating, clinical ingredients), with a creamy texture that spreads out and absorbs well, providing vital protection and moisture.

theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer
I resisted valiantly for a year and a half, but finally caved. Honestly, I don't know why I didn't just buy it earlier. I still prefer the cult Mary-Lou Manizer, simply because the colour is more universal and versatile, but Cindy-Lou is a beautiful, worthwhile addition to my highlighter wardrobe. It's not so much a highlighter in the traditional sense (i.e. belonging to the champagne/pearl family), but pure peachy-pink shimmer. Depending on the rest of your makeup, a strongly pink highlight might be incongruous with the rest of the face, but when it does work, it's eye-catching, unique, and damn pretty.

SUQQU Cheek Brush
I've barely recovered from the amount of money I paid for it, but at least in July, I've been reaching for it daily. It was being neglected for a while because it's not my preferred brush to apply blush, but for highlighters, it's perfect. Especially ultra pigmented, smooth, easily blended, high impact highlighters like Cindy-Lou, Mary-Lou and Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow. I wouldn't have thought to use the Cheek Brush primarily for powder highlighter, but it was Christine of Temptalia that recommended it. The small shape and unrivaled softness of the brush places and diffuses product effortlessly and flawlessly.

l-r: Shimma Shimma, Glamorous, Cosmopolitan, Roulette, Homecoming, Cocoa Bear, Grandstand

Makeup Geek Eyeshadows
FINALLY, I become acquainted with Makeup Geek shadows. Could I have called myself a lover of eyeshadow without having tried these earlier? When I heard the company was holding a free shipping promotion (thanks to the AustralianMakeup subreddit, of all places), I couldn't get onto the site quick enough. After waiting an age and almost giving up hope my order would ever arrive (though realistically, shipping time was less than 3 weeks), my precious cargo arrived safe and sound.

Sure, I basically have all the warm-toned, orangey/bronzey/rose goldy colours in a combination of Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar and Morphe Brushes Jaclyn Hill Favorites Palette, but who's counting. I love all the shades I picked out, but especially Glamorous, Homecoming and Grandstand. Roulette is the only one that I'm slightly iffy about, in that it's a bit too brightened, in-your-face red for everyday wear, and extremely similar to a few existing shadows I have (LORAC Garnet from the Pro Palette and Morphe Mysterious ES11 come to mind). Still, the shadows are incredible quality: beautifully pigmented, vibrant, smooth, easy to blend, and complex in their colours and finishes. I'm honestly impressed and despite not needing any more eyeshadow for the next 3 decades, I want to order more.

Skin Rescue Routine

About a month ago, my skin inexplicably started to go crazy, culminating in some of the worst skin I've experienced in recent memory about a couple of weeks ago. I'm not sure if it was a reaction to a foundation or a skin care product, or hormonal, or mainly diet/lifestyle related, but it wasn't pretty. As soon as pimples appeared to be calming down and fading, a whole new crop sprouted. My skin was spotty and angry in a way that was largely foreign to me, with scarring and bumps in various stages of development. I needed urgent skin care intervention. Along with the help of time, here are the products I used every single day to vastly improve and clear up my skin. The results were so encouraging that the same products now comprise my normal evening skin care routine.

l-r: Dove Foaming Make Up Remover, Dove Cleanser & Toner in One, Pixi Glow Tonic, La Roche-Posay Serozinc, Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturising Cream, Sukin Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil

Taking off every scrap and trace of makeup at the end of the day seemed of utmost importance, so I begin with three pumps of Dove Foaming Make Up Remover. This comes out in a cloud of white foam, but applied and worked into the skin, I imagine it's similar in consistency to a cleansing oil that's been emulsified with water. This stings if it gets in the eyes, so it's not ideal to take off eye makeup on the lower lash line, though it's fine for eyeshadow, eyeliner on the upper lash line, and mascara. While the Foaming Make Up Remover takes off mostly everything, to get rid of remnant eye makeup and ensure nothing's left, I double cleanse with Dove Cleanser & Toner in One. That's probably going slightly overboard with the cleansing, but the lather it produces is creamy and rich, and it thoroughly and effectively cleanses my skin without leaving it feeling dry or stripped.

Next, I strictly adhere to Caroline Hirons's recommendation of two toners post-cleansing: one exfoliating and one hydrating. Both products were purchased as a result of her influence (her rave about Pixi Glow Tonic, apparently a cheaper dupe of Biologique Recherche P50 Lotion, here, and rant on La Roche-Posay Serozinc not being available in the UK here). I use two pumps of Pixi Glow Tonic on a Daiso cotton pad all over my face. I like that it seems to calm and balance my skin, while gently exfoliating it and giving it a smoothness and softness. I then follow up with a liberal spritzing of La Roche-Posay Serozinc. I purchased mine from Paris during my holiday last September after succumbing to incredible hype, and originally felt a little underwhelmed. It seemed virtually indistinguishable to my beloved Avene Thermal Spring Water, except with more sodium chloride and zinc sulfate. I'm no chemistry whiz, but from experience this doesn't do much if your skin type is normal and relatively blemish-free. It's designed more to be an astringent toner for oily, problem skin. I find it helps to soothe and hydrate my skin, reduce redness and diminish the appearance of pimples with regular use.

I tried to keep it simple with moisturiser, treatments and serums. I opted for the most "natural" cream in my skin care stash, Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturising Cream. Free of supposed chemical nasties and designed for sensitive skin types, it's not something I'm absolutely in love with, but at least I know it won't break me out or result in an adverse reaction. To boost moisture and add extra nourishment to my cream, I add a few drops of Sukin Rose Hip Oil and mix the cream and rose hip oil together with my palms before smoothing it onto my face. I'm a renewed believer in rose hip oil after using it every night for a couple of weeks straight. Forget other face oils, rose hip oil does the job and does it brilliantly. I'm most impressed at how it genuinely leaves the skin appearing softer, smoother and well-rested the morning after. It seems to target discolouration and scarring and generally improves the texture of the skin. I feel that more than any other product mentioned here, it's been instrumental to bringing my skin back to a much happier state.

Packing for the Outback

I'm headed for a short trip to Alice Springs and Uluru a few days after Christmas and a part of me is already anticipating scorching temperatures, rainfall, flies and sunburn. With my face melting in those conditions, makeup isn't exactly a top priority. Still, I figured packing a few items "just in case" wouldn't go astray. The only criteria the products needed to meet were to be able to withstand or assist in controlling heat.

Sun protection is vital so my La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluide Extrême SPF 50+ is the first thing I'll be packing. Not forgetting the lips, I've also included ChapStick Ultra SPF 30+. For my base, I picked Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector (Combination to Oily Skin) in Light, previously featured in my February Favourites and as one of the five products in my Go-To Low Key Makeup look. I could've opted for Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser instead, but I'm giving it a rest after taking it with me to Europe. The fluid-like Garnier is lightweight with decent coverage and a brightening finish, as well as excellent oil control. I've developed a somewhat alarming number of dark spots around my chin from pimples that have left scarring, which I've been attempting to selectively conceal where foundation hasn't provided enough coverage. Maybelline Fit Me concealer in Sand is a fairly good match for my skin tone which is especially important for camouflaging imperfections, and its creamy texture is easy to blend and doesn't cling to dry patches.

For eyes, I've decided on the absolute minimum (for me, at least). I doubt there'll be time for brushes or powder shadows or even cream shadow pots, so I've chosen Rimmel ScandalEyes Shadow Stick in Bad Girl Bronze for my lid and/or lower lash line, Savvy by DB Luxury Liner in Shimmering Slate for defining the upper or lower lash line, and Revlon CustomEyes mascara, which is just something I'm trying to use up. The Savvy by DB pencil is nicely black, has good staying power and is much easier to wield than a felt tip, gel or liquid eyeliner. The Rimmel eyeshadow crayon may be a bit too dark for the daytime, but used sparingly and blended with the fingers, it should be a quick and fuss-free way to add some depth to the eyes.

In summer heat, Avene Thermal Spring Water is a thing of beauty. This fine mist is refreshing, soothing and cooling. It's probably counterproductive to restoring the skin's hydration to have water evaporate off your face, but I don't care. The instant, calming relief this provides is addictive. It feels like the skin taking a drink of water from a pristine source. I use it for pretty much everything: when I can't be bothered washing my bare face, as a revitalising pick-me-up for dull or tired skin, after hair removal, after makeup removal, to cool down in hot weather, to dampen the skin in preparation for face masks or Bioré nose strips. It does it all. Another staple I'm planning on bringing with me is a mini bottle of Bioderma Créaline H20 to take my makeup off and refresh and cleanse the skin, short of properly washing it as I usually do in the shower before I head to bed.

I'm bound to get shiny no matter how oily/combination skin-targeted my foundation is, which is where The Face Shop Oil Control Film comes in. This is the proper, soft, ultra thin, filmy, blue facial blotting paper. None of that segments of baking paper that other brands manufacture. Finally, I thought to pop in Korres Lip Butter in the reddish-coral Pomegranate for an easygoing slick of colour on the lips. Pomegranate can also double up as a cheek tint, not that I imagine requiring any kind of blush when it's 40°C outside.

Almost Half Price ... Again

Following Priceline's 40% off all cosmetics sale in April, last Tuesday and Wednesday, they held 40% off all skin care. This kind of unprecedented sale rolls around rarely, so even though I just bought a load of skin care to qualify for their skin care goodie bag about a month ago, I simply had to take advantage of such a generous discount. It's almost embarrassing to enter my local Priceline these days, since I visit so frequently I'm sure the staff are judging me and my consumption habits. I hauled in two parts across consecutive days, first picking up Trilogy Age Proof Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream, Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System, La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluide Extrême SPF 50+ and Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, then the following afternoon, purchasing two Apivita Express Beauty Face Masks (Orange and Pomegranate) and the Sukin Cream Cleanser. I was contemplating buying a backup of Indeed Labs Hydraluron, but it was totally sold out. I was also keen to get my hands on this Trilogy pack with a bottle of their rose hip oil and a complimentary 30ml tube of their Vital Moisturising Cream (ideal size for travel, and good value considering the full size is 50ml and $39.95), but once again, sold out.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluide Extrême SPF 50+
A conspicuous lack of SPF was pointed out to me by several people in my Winter Skin Care Routine: AM post. Naturally, this had to be remedied immediately, especially as I've started to use Alpha-H Liquid Gold every third night or so. I'm a happy camper now that a brand like La Roche-Posay is readily stocked at Priceline, though the Australian retail prices are (surprise, surprise) not cheap. This sunscreen is normally $25.99, discounted to $15.60 at 40% off. Scrutinising the ingredients, alcohol denat is fourth on the list, which I found a little surprising. You need to shake the bottle vigorously before applying the product. It comes out quite thin and liquidy, but absorbs easily into the skin and feels completely weightless.

Sukin Cream Cleanser
I was umming and ahhing over whether to repurchase this, now that I've finished the 50ml sample I was using. My main issue was paranoia over the shea butter in this (apparently something that acne-prone skin should avoid, at least in moisturiser), and the fact that while it was pleasant to use and worked perfectly fine, I wasn't enamoured with it enough to rush out to the shops to buy it again. In the end I thought, it's $6 for 125ml. Who cares. I would really struggle to find anything more affordable, functional, and packed with natural, nourishing ingredients, including sesame seed, rose hip, jojoba seed, avocado and wheat germ oils.

Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System Specialty Cleanser
This was a totally unplanned purchase. There were about three boxes left at my Priceline, and the guy working there was telling me how it was under $20 after discount, and how he was thinking of buying one for himself. I remember reading about this "facial cleansing device" (also known as the poor man's Clarisonic) from Heather Honey ages ago, but I never expected it would eventually make its way to our shores. My curiosity won out in the end and I took home this oversized electronic toothbrush for my face.

When I opened up the battery compartment, there was this bizarre/gross greasy leakage in it, which I tried to clean up as best as I could with a tissue. Apart from that manufacturing defect, I've used it several times in the shower at night, and let me say, the novelty wears off real quick. There's two settings (one slower, one faster) and the brush head rotates (rather than vibrates) to clean and exfoliate your skin. It doesn't feel rough, scratchy or overly abrasive as the bristles are quite soft. The sensation is basically like a pressurised buzzing against your face. Because the head rotates, there can be a bit of resistance moving it around the various parts of the face. A major downside is that it's operated by batteries, meaning another ongoing cost apart from replacement brush heads. I'll wait and see how long two AA batteries last in terms of number of uses, but if it's anything less than 60, I'll be sorely disappointed.

Trilogy Age Proof Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream
I bought this mainly because of the fruit enzymes in it that reminded me of the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. Both contain papaya and pineapple fruit extract, said to help "break down and remove the build up of older skin cells and impurities which dull [the] complexion". On my second visit to Priceline on Wednesday, I saw that Trilogy recently repackaged this cleansing cream so it's in a fatter, darker-coloured tube (they also offered a free 20ml tube of the Line Smoothing Day Cream with it), but I'd already purchased it the day before in the older packaging. The blurb on the box says it has a "silky, mousse-like texture", but it's more thin and watery which I really don't like. I was hoping it'd have a delectable fruity scent but it just smells faintly sweet and chemical. I've been using this in the shower, putting a generous amount all over my damp face, then following up with the Olay facial brush for about 1-2 minutes, then washing it all off with my hands. It's not at all drying and my skin is left feeling very smooth, soft and thoroughly cleansed.

Apivita Revitalising & Radiance Mask with Pomegranate, Apivita Revitalising Mask with Orange
I've tried a few Apivita face masks (Aloe, Cucumber, Carrot, Cereals) and found them uniformly good (with the exception of Cereals, which smelled sickly sweet and broke me out), so 40% off these pricey sachets was something I couldn't pass up. These are normally $8 for 2 x 8ml packets, which is fairly steep on a cost per millilitre basis ($50 per 100ml). Since it takes a long time to use up an entire tube of face mask, and I can get at least 2 uses per sachet, these Apivita masks are an enjoyable and convenient way of experimenting with different face mask ingredients and properties. The two I bought seem mostly to be hydrating masks designed to add some vitality, nourishment and plumpness back to the skin.

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
I've been meaning to pick this up for the longest time, but wasn't prepared to shell out $15 for a 17g tin. I was thinking of purchasing LUSH Lemony Flutter instead (not so bad at $16.50 for 50g), but felt content with my Sally Hansen Radiant Hands, Nails & Cuticles Creme. The Burt's Bees smells deliciously lemony but has a hard and waxy texture, so it's a bit difficult to get any product on your cuticles and nails. Unlike the LUSH, it doesn't have shea butter or lanolin in it, so it's not as soft and greasy. You definitely have to warm up the product with your finger to melt it with your touch before applying it. The small tin is cute and portable and because you use so little each time, it'll last an eternity.

5 Products I'm on the Fence About

I thought I would love each of these products, but for whatever reason, I haven't been feeling them. While none of the products are completely abysmal or things I actively despise, my opinion ranges from still undecided (with the potential to be swayed in the positive direction) to mild dislike and the certainty that I won't be repurchasing. It's not so much these products weren't "worth the hype", but rather I feel they're not suitable for me, or I had inaccurate expectations of how they'd perform. I don't necessarily regret purchasing them, but they simply didn't turn out to be the fabulous, must-have additions I envisaged.

l-r: Illamasqua Naked Rose, Sleek Rose Gold

Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Naked Rose
Since my full review in April this year, I haven't worn this blush once. Let that be indication of how inclined I am to reach for it. I just don't think the colour works on me, an issue compounded by the fact I find it nearly impossible to get the application right. It's so pigmented that I have to be super careful with the amount and placement, otherwise it looks ruddy and overdone. Basically, too much work for something that mainly makes my cheeks look red and patchy. It's such a shame that I don't get along with Naked Rose, because it looked so promising the first time I swatched it in person. I was so excited when I bought it and planned on getting a tonne of use out of it. For me, NARS Douceur is the closest to what I thought Naked Rose would be.

Sleek Blush in Rose Gold
Frequency of use even worse than Naked Rose. Since I bought this early last year, I don't recall ever using it. Maybe once or twice playing with my makeup at home, but to the best of my knowledge, never outside the house. Once again, it's a case of the colour simply not working for me, combined with unreal pigmentation making application a daunting task indeed. Rose Gold was one of those products that I absolutely needed and coveted with a burning, sleepless intensity back in the day. As soon as it arrived at my doorstep and I tried it on, I quickly realised we simply weren't meant to be. This is just way too red on me. The shimmer is also on a whole 'nother level, making it difficult to pull off unless you want to sport glistening, reflective cheeks packed with gold shimmer. The shimmer is what makes it special, but not suitable for the daytime, i.e. the majority of occasions that I wear makeup.

Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia
It's true, these do smell scrumptious, this flavour particularly. But when I think of "lip butter", I think of the Korres ones, or even the Revlon ones, though they're closer to moisturising lipsticks. I expect a plush, cushiony, thick, comfortable and hydrating texture. These aren't like that at all, which honestly surprised me the first time I used them because I'd read so many glowing reviews about how amazing they were. They're more like Vaseline. White Vaseline. The product sits on top of the lip (rather than sinking in) and feels like a waxy coating. It also has a white cast which can look unsightly if you use too much. I will not be repurchasing.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
Another product I purchased because I kept seeing this touted as some skin care wonder product and of course, I needed to get my greedy little hands on it. I honestly don't know what I was expecting when I bought this. This is recommended for "mild to moderate acne-prone skin", which doesn't really describe me. I get some pimples now and then, particularly after consuming whole packets of Kettle Chilli chips, but I wouldn't say I've ever had any acne issues. Regardless, I thought it might be a good treatment to keep spots at bay and refine my skin (minimise pores, even out texture). I first experimented using this as an all-over serum under my regular moisturiser before foundation. I didn't notice anything particularly different when I did this, so eventually I just couldn't be bothered. Then I started to use this more as a spot treatment over any breakouts I had. That was a bit more effective, as the next day the area had generally diminished and become less inflamed, but it hardly cured all, and it certainly didn't make everything disappear completely, even over the course of weeks. I think this is a nice, soothing, non-irritating lotion (though personally not moisturising enough to be used on its own), but I just haven't found any kind of noticeable success with it. I have no idea how to use it in a consistent enough manner that I would see results.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir
I do like this and it's undoubtedly in the "nice to have" camp, but at the same time, I'm a bit iffy about it. If we look past the absolutely gorgeous packaging and the hype it's received, what is it anyway? As far as the ingredients list reveals, it looks to be water, alcohol and a bunch of essential oils. Alcohol is the second ingredient. Perfume is the fourth! I can never spray this directly onto my face as invariably, a tiny amount will get into my eyes and sting like crazy. I have to adopt the Lisa Eldridge trick and spray it on my hands first, rub them together, then press my hands all over my face. The instructions on the bottle suggest to apply the Beauty Elixir before your moisturiser. Maybe I'm just a skin care ignoramus, but when I've remembered to do this, I couldn't see how it made any difference whatsoever. If anything, it made my skin feel a bit drier and tighter before I slapped on my moisturiser (unless that's a good thing?). I think it does fare a bit better as something to use over makeup to refresh it and inject a bit of glow back into the face, and also as an instant mood/sensory booster due to the invigorating herbal, menthol scent.