Clinique in TK Maxx - run do not walk.

My sources (aka YOU) tell me that Clinique have dumped the discontinued original Mild Clarifying Lotions into TK Maxx.

It's there now.

FLY MY PRETTIES FLY.

SPF: the post-holiday breakdown

After the recent City SPF video I had quite a few questions about what products I would use to actually sit on a beach/go on a sunny holiday, so just before we left for the airport, I fired off these pictures of our lineup.

A few notes on my experience/surroundings:

• We went to Greece for one week. Me, the Mr, Ava and Max. Four people of varying sizes and skin gradings on the Fitzpatrick scale. I would say Jim is a 3, Max is between a 3 and 4, Ava is a 4 and although I would identify as a 4, I tan like a 5 due to my background.

For your reference

• I reapplied at least every hour, on myself and Max. Ava took care of herself and reapplied more often as she was in water 90% of the time.
• The temperature was between 26 and 30 degrees daily (85 fahrenheit approx)

Left to right:

Vichy Ideal Soleil SPF 50 (spray) - this was Ava's favourite by far for the body. It was empty by around Day 4. Very good. She's extremely sporty and wanted a spray for ease. I supervised the first few applications to make sure she wasn't cutting corners and after that she was fine. She didn't burn on her body and I would definitely repurchase/recommend.
Available from FeelUnique.com and Boots.com

Sisley Super Soin Solaire Facial Sun Care SPF 30 - rather excruciatingly, this was Ava's favourite for face. In the spirit of fully disclosing, Sisley sent this to me for review, and although it is absolutely beautiful, I winced at the price tag. If you can afford it, it's lovely, if you can't, don't sweat it. (See what I did there?)
Absolutely no burn, no sting and great texture.

Available from Liberty and John Lewis

Clarins has been my choice of SPF for nearly 20 years. The smell of it alone reminds me of holidays and puts me in a good mood. I used the 50 spray on top of the 30 cream in some hard-to-reach areas and we all used the SPF50 (not pictured) for face for the first few days (we used it up) and then moved to the 30 around Day 4. The body products were similarly good, the spray being very handy for the kids and Jim and I both found it helpful for backs of legs, feet etc. The 50 spray was mainly used on Max, who had no complaints and did not burn at all.

Available from John Lewis and Nordstrom

Clinique make brilliant SPF products that are also fragrance-free. We had an issue with the packaging though. The lids on the larger body bottles kept popping open in transit. Luckily I am anal and pack SPF in ziplock bags so when we arrived to find one had opened and spilled out, it was just a case of cleaning the other bottles, not all our clothes. It did it again in our bags when we were out in the town, meaning we ended up only using it poolside because it couldn't be trusted.

Having said that, the SPF in the bottles is so good that I would still recommend. Jim would only use the 'little white one' on his face and we had three body, which all got used. Brilliant, brilliant SPF with packaging that you need to sellotape. :)

Available in the UK from Clinique.co.uk and then Clinique.com for other countries. The new mineral sunscreens that we used seem to be sold out in a lot of places - you may have to hunt around for them.

Hair-wise, I've used Phtyo Plage since I was first trained in it in SpaceNK twenty years ago. Some old habits die hard. :) I gave Ava the one on the left, I used the one for ultra dry hair. Sprayed on hair liberally, although I generally only reapplied once more during the day, usually after lunch.

Available from Sephora and lookfantastic.com

I found the next three in Greece. I've loved Hei Poa ever since I first found it in Paris years ago, but this was the first time I bought the SPF. I loved it. The smell, the texture, not too oily, absorbs nicely and is not extortionate. Available on Amazon so probably in most countries.

You can't talk about SPF without mentioning Lancaster. Lancaster has an almost iconic status in SPF land (certainly in Europe), but their distribution in the UK has never been organised very well and between pulling out of the country altogether years ago and then coming back far too quietly (I'd have been screaming it to the press), they have kind of slipped off the radar. Not in Europe however, every pharmacy in Paris carries pretty much the whole range and in super sizes (how rude).
The Dry Touch Gel SPF20 won 'Best Packaging' hands down on this trip. Soft touch tube, pump dispenser, no mess anywhere, and not runny. Excellent product, excellent packaging. The SPF15 Silky Milk Sublime Tan was used the last couple of days on holiday and although great as an SPF, it's incredibly runny and the opening at the top is too large for the texture of the formula, leading to a lot of (entertaining) incidents with Mr Hirons swearing and asking us if we needed anymore SPF as he had half the contents of his bottle in his hand. Great product, annoying packaging.

Available on Amazon

After Sun:
Mixed results and reactions with these. The Clarins Creams were more popular than the Gel, and the Clinique Rescue Balm was easiest the nicest one to use. Calming, soothing and hydrating. The Clarins Facial After Sun stung at the end of the day so we switched to La Roche Posay Toleraine which I had luckily thrown into the case at the last minute.
The Toleraine was pretty much the perfect after sun. Used in the evenings before bed, the skin was left hydrated and nourished with no spots the next day. Also obviously a brilliant moisturiser for dry skins...

Clarins After Suns are available from John Lewis and Nordstrom
La Roche Posay Toleraine Ultra Nuit is available from Look Fantastic









*For those of you already asking - it all went in Max's suitcase. He's small, he only packs shorts and vests and even WITH the sun creams his case was 8kg. :))



I sometimes (not always) use affiliate links. If you are happy to click on the link and support this blog in that way, thank you very much. If you would prefer not to, just google the brand and the item, it's all cool. :)
I do not use affiliate links on products belonging to brands that I work with on a professional basis.
See my full disclaimer here:
http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq

The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

Fave Fives: City SPFs - August 2016

Hi Everyone!

Some city SPFs for you. All my previous SPF videos/blog posts are here:

SPF with Dr Marko Lens Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIxMaRj9z6U

SPF with Dr Marko Lens Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEhRhDt1Pco

SPF Cheat Sheet: http://www.carolinehirons.com/2015/07/spf-cheat-sheet.html

All my SPF posts: http://www.carolinehirons.com/search/label/SPF

Products Discussed:

ZELENS DAILY DEFENCE:
SPF30, no tint.
£55.00/$85.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2beT5lo

USA: http://bit.ly/2be7k8W


RADICAL SKIN PERFECTING SCREEN:
SPF30, tinted.
£38.00/$55.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2beTuEG

USA: http://bit.ly/2aQ5qHN


CLARINS UV PLUS :
SPF50, no tint.
£32.00/$42.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2bpJPaA

USA: http://bit.ly/2aSSeEU (closest to it - SPF rules are different in the US)


CLINIQUE CITY BLOCK SHEER:
SPF25
£18.00/$24.50

UK: http://bit.ly/2beTR21

USA: http://bit.ly/2bpJViA


CLINIQUE SUPER CITY BLOCK:
SPF 40
£18.00/$24.50

UK: http://bit.ly/2bfDduY

USA: http://bit.ly/2bpK9WI


CHANEL UV ESSENTIEL SPF 30:
No tint.
£42.00/$55.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2aSUgou

USA: http://bit.ly/2be9aqa


CHANEL UV ESSENTIEL SPF 50:
No tint.
£42.00/$55.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2bpKVmQ

USA: http://bit.ly/2bsjHjy


LA ROCHE POSAY ANTHELIOS:
SPF30, no tint, although tinted versions are available.
£16.50

Worldwide: http://bit.ly/2bpKZCN


SKINCEUTICALS MINERAL DEFENCE
SPF50, tinted.
£39.00/$34.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2bpL5KJ

USA: http://bit.ly/2bpMn8I  (different in USA)


ARMANI MAESTRO UV SPF50:
No tint.
£40.00/$64.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2beVxbu

USA: http://bit.ly/2beURDb


KATE SOMERVILLE DAILY DEFLECTOR SPF50
No tint.
$48.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2bpLMUm

USA: http://bit.ly/2beVigW



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Caroline Hirons c/o
Gleam Futures
6th Floor
60 Charlotte Street
London W1T 2NU
caroline@gleamfutures.com  (skincare queries cannot be answered at this address)

I sometimes (not always) use affiliate links. If you are happy to click on the link and support this blog in that way, thank you very much. If you would prefer not to, just google the brand and the item, it's all cool. :) For absolute clarity: I do not use affiliate links on products belonging to brands that I work with on a professional basis.
See my full disclaimer here:
http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq

The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion vs Clarifying Lotion 1.0

There was a moment of panic earlier this year when Clinique very quietly stopped restocking Mild Clarifying Lotion, and equally quietly, slipped 1.0 Clarifying Lotion out with the standard 'we've just improved Mild Clarifying Lotion! This is an updated/cleaned-up version!'.

Let's be clear, the only thing these two products have in common is that they are both by Clinique and both called 'Clarifying Lotion'. They are completely different. It is not the case that Clinique have cleaned-up Mild and revamped it with 1.0, they've just deleted Mild Clarifying Lotion from their range and brought out 1.0 as a replacement, which is obviously their right to do, but it doesn't make much sense to me.

For ease of comparison I'll list things side by side with comments below each comparison:

Mild/1.0

Salicylic listed as fifth ingredient/ Salicylic listed as ninth ingredient

In the US, ingredients do not have to be listed in order of quantity in the product, in the EU, they do, so by this standard there is a lot less salicylic in 1.0 than there was in Mild, rendering this almost pointless for oilier skins looking for a glycolic-free acid to target spots.

Packaging

The packaging is see-through on Mild, and green coloured plastic on the new 1.0. This has eliminated the need for the synthetic colourings present in Mild. A good thing.

Ingredients

1.0 is in a witch hazel base, an improvement on the high amount of butylene glycol in Mild, but still seems to be a large amount for a product aimed at dry to very dry skin.

Listed for 'Delicate' skins/Listed for 'Very Dry to Dry'

I'm unsure why a dry to very dry skin would need salicylic acid. They'd be better off with lactic. This makes me think that the salicylic acid content in the new 1.0 is very low.

So how do they compare when used? 

Although the sting factor was very low on Mild - I mean you literally had to use it on an open spot to notice there was an acid present, there is absolutely no sting factor on 1.0. Which is great for you if you don't like a sting, and love Clinique toners. Sadly, this moves this product out of the realm of 'acid toners'.

Clinique are one of the few brands that have the means and resources to bring out proper acid toners, the current Clarifying Lotions have long needed revamping, they could remove the alcohol content and replace them with different acids suited to differing skin issues, instead of offering what are essentially 'traditional' toners graded from 'drying' to 'nail varnish remover' in the case of Clarifying Lotion 4. 

If you have combination skins and would like a toner with a little salicylic, this is for you.

If you are dry to very dry, which this is targeted towards, there are much better essences/toners out there for you. Witch hazel can be drying used at such a high percentage, and will surely cancel out the hyaluronic content.

Clinique have a lot of brilliant products. This is not one of them. 

Clinique 1.0 Clarifying Lotion is £26.50 for 400ml and available from all Clinique stockists. I would ask them if they still have Mild Clarifying Lotion in the stock room and buy that instead. And even better, if you can, buy it in the US. The exchange rate on this is unforgivable at £26.50 vs $24.00. Shocking. 

Clinique.co.uk

Clinique 1.0 Clarifying Lotion - Sephora

*Excuse the photographs of the ingredients. Not one site listed them, including Sephora.

**This post contains some affiliate links. If you are happy to click on the link and support this blog in that way, thank you very much. If you would prefer not to, just google the brand and the item, it's all cool. :) For absolute clarity: I do not use affiliate links on products belonging to brands that I work with on a professional basis. 

See my full disclaimer here:

http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq

Two Minute Double Cleanse and the second reveal from the upcoming Cult Beauty Box

Two Minutes is all you need!

Just a quick video showing just how easy and speedy it is to do a double cleanse. This routine is the same whether or not you're removing makeup, SPF, both, or just a plain old dirty face at the end of a long day! Any Qs I'm happy to answer in the comments.

Products used:

Clinique Take The Day Off Balm - available in the UK here: http://bit.ly/1qCzIVv 
and in the USA here: http://bit.ly/1qCzv4T

and

Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser available in the UK here: http://bit.ly/1W9YE4J 
and in the USA here: http://bit.ly/1TBkYSr

The Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser is the second item in my upcoming Cult Beauty Box - you can sign up for the waitlist here:  www.cultbeauty.co.uk/caroline-hirons

And I haven't forgotten the masks - was just a little overwhelmed by the responses/requests so am spending more time on those posts! This week - promise.



*Some links may be affiliates - although I am not using affiliate links to any products via Cult Beauty for the duration of the box promotion. Also happy to answer any questions relating to affiliates and how I run the blog in the comments.
Full information can be found here: http://www.carolinehirons.com/p/about-me.html

SPF BODY Recommendations Round-up

I've had some urgent requests on social media and in the comments section from people going away on holiday imminently that want SPF recommendations 'NOW'. LOL

So let's make like speed-dating and run through some of my favourites - I don't want to get shouted at for being too slow! ;)

It is worth remembering that:

SPF items are the most widely-varied legislated beauty products on the market. An ingredient that I mention in a product might be completely different in the US or Australia. Do your research in your own country before you buy. The main differences are between Australia, Europe and the US. For the rest of you it will depend where the brands that are sold in your country are made. 

Things to look out for: fragrance or alcohol really high on the inci list - probably best avoided if you're sensitive.

Try and avoid methylisothiazolinone if you can see an ingredients list and are particularly sensitive - it's one of the biggest allergens around at the moment in leave-on products and although Europe is ahead of the game, it's still readily used in the US in particular. I tried to include Ulta own-brand SPFs in this overview because they look good from the outset but they all contain it so I left them out.

Once-a-day formulas. Not a fan of promoting once-a-day SPFs. And frankly, using them on children and actually not reapplying them throughout the day is tantamount to child abuse. What I would do, is use them in the morning and top up with a spray. But only applying SPF once a day and never reapplying is too dangerous, especially on children.

Supermarket/chemist (Boots/Superdrug/Sainsbury's etc in the UK) products are incredibly cheap, but can come with more fragrance and higher levels of alcohol - do your research - and by all means if you find a great one, share in the comments! The huge exception is below in the overview as a Star Buy.

If in doubt, don't go over a 50. I personally tend to stick to 30 on my body these days as I know I have to reapply it, whereas a 50 makes me think 'It'll be ok'. The difference in strength between a 30 and 50 is between 1% and 4% depending on the product - its not an 'extra 20'.

This is an overview and obviously won't be in-depth, but if you are happy to roll with my recommendations (plus boring stock pictures) and check the details out for yourself - I'll provide links - then off we go:

What I take on holiday for me:

Clarins
I know they've been on the blog already with the face, but this is an evergreen product range for us. We've never burned or had any issues. Broad Spectrum. This SPF30 is the best IMO. It's £19.50 for 125ml.

There is also an SPF20 that comes in a 200ml size for £21.00. Both great and available here. 

Clinique

Ava has just been dispatched on her hols with this SPF35 stick by Clinique - fragrance-free and perfect for kids as they seem to find it easier to apply that a lotion. She has creams as well of course, but she actually enjoys using this and with children/teens, that's half the battle right there.

Clinique SPP body products are especially great for those of you with fragrance issues. Being Clinique, all of the sun products are fragrance and oil free (check your region) and Broad Spectrum (across the board). Available here.

Marks & Spencer - *STAR BUY*

This is the exception to the own-label warning in the bullet points at the beginning. Good old M&S list their ingredients, have all the appropriate warnings, are Made in England, in an eco-factory, BUAV approved (cruelty-free) at source, vegetarian and HALF PRICE at the moment. 

UK people: run, do not walk, to your local M&S and clear the shelves. Also available here.

Decleor

Decleor have long made great sun products and I know it's not relevant, but their red, soft touch packaging is easily my favourite. The 50 for body is a good place to start. It's £24.00 for 150ml and available here.

Hawaiian Tropic

I include this as I've probably used a bottle of some sort of Hawaiian Tropic every year of my life. What we won't do is talk about/recommend the SPF4/6 etc because that's just crazy talk. Stick to the 30s and 50s, enjoy the scent and reminisce and laugh about my generation that would lie on foil and use baby oil. Or you know, don't. *fries* Available here.

Coola

Coola has one of the best websites I've seen for descriptions, warnings and clear ingredient listings. It puts everyone else to shame. They're clear about nano, fragrance and give true water-resistant times. The 30 in the picture above is particularly lush. Available here. 

Bioderma

Available everywhere in mainland Europe and not extortionate, stick with the 50s as the 20 and 30 only come in sprays. Available here. 

Hampton Sun

I've worked with Hampton Sun for nearly 5 years. Just putting that out there. I stay with them because I love the products. That's why they are listed here, not the former. This in particular, is wonderful as a baby body SPF OR facial SPF for an adult. I use it on Max, Ava and myself. Available here.


If you have any other quick yes or no questions do please leave me a comment below and I'll do my best to answer them in a timely fashion! :)

SPF - CITY - FACE - Clinique Super City Block 40SPF Ultra Protection

N.B. - The front of the EU version says '40 SPF Ultra Protection'

Broad Spectrum? UVA symbol (in EU)?
Yes

Physical or chemical?
Both

SPF active ingredients (in order of %)?

Octinoxate 7.50%, Octisalate 2.00%, Titanium Dioxide 5.20%, Zinc Oxide 6.00%. 

Other Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau, Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Laureth-4, PEG-100 Stearate, Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Porphyra Yezoensis (Algae) Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract\Extrait D'orge, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Gentiana Lutea (Gentian) Root Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Plankton Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pantethine , PVP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Acetyl Glucosamine, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyethylene, Caffeine, Isohexadecane, Methicone, Nylon-12, Zeolite, Lecithin, Polysorbate 80, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Isostearic Acid, Calcium Chloride, Alumina, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

Cream/gel/spray/oil?
Lotion to cream consistency.

White/ash residue on darker skins?
It has colour on application but that rubs away.

Absorbs well even at high SPF?
Yes

Potential to block pores based on the above?:
It shouldn't do, it's quite a powdery finish.

Works under makeup?
Yes

Does it leave you shiny?
No, it's powdery.

Is it sticky?
No

Contains fragrance?
No

Suitable for all skin types?
Yes, including very sensitive,but very dry may prefer the sun product as it feels a little more emollient on the skin.

Water resistant/waterproof/sweat resistant?
Sweat resistant, but i'd still reapply on the top of the forehead if you're out in the heat.

Suitable for beach and city use?
Yes, but I would be tempted to stick to the designated areas as it were, as the beach products have added benefits for sun damage.

Antioxidants/any further skin benefits?
Yes

Additional info?
I love Clinique suncare. The beach and city products are both great and I personally have never had any adverse reactions to them.

The Super City Block 40SPF is one of my most requested product reviews so I thought I would lead off with that.

Price?
£18.00 for 40ml available from Clinique.co.uk

This week's MVP. Clinique Moisture Surge

I hit the Clinique store with a bang on Wednesday evening. Thank you so much to all of you that came out to say hello and talk all things skin. 

And a huge thank you to the team at Clinique who stayed an hour after closing so that we could see some very important latecomers. 

Whilst recommending this to nearly every person on Wednesday, I realised that I have never actually talked about it on here.

So this week's MVP is Clinique's Moisture Surge. 

Do you need it?

If you are perpetually dehydrated/dry/acne/dull etc then I would definitely have a look at it.

It's a 'wet' moisturiser, so not only is it great for giving you a quick shot of moisture if your skin feels 'tight', you only need to use the smallest amount to see/feel the benefit. I recommended it to a lot of people. Boys and girls.

And: it's £34.00. Check it out here: www.clinique.co.uk

This evening! Clinique Great Skin Lab Meet & Greet

Hi Everyone!

Just a reminder that my Meet & Greet at Clinique's Great Skin Lab is this evening between 4pm and 9pm at their beautiful Great Skin Lab in Covent Garden.

I'll be there to answer all your skincare questions and more for 5 hours. Five hours of pores, doors, Take the Day Off and more!

Hope to see you there!

Clinique Great Skin Lab
4A East Piazza
Royal Opera House Arcade
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 8HD

*This event is sponsored by Clinique.

Meet & Greet at the Clinique Great Skin Lab

I'm so excited and thrilled to announce that I am teaming up with Clinique in their Covent Garden Great Skin Lab to meet as many of you lovely readers as possible and talk all things skin and let's be honest, play for hours with Take The Day Off - in its various forms. ;)

The store will be kitted out with all of my favourite picks from Clinique and there will be some nice extras available for those of you making purchases on the day.

When: Wednesday 13th May
Time: 4pm - 9pm
Where:
Clinique Great Skin Lab
4A East Piazza
Royal Opera House Arcade
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 8HD

Based on my experiences at previous events, we've tried to make this as accessible as possible for everyone - and give you as much notice as we can.
This is a non-ticketed event, there is no charge, and I wanted to make sure we spread the time out as much as possible to ensure you can get to the Lab either during the 'normal' working day or after work.

I'll be posting reminders nearer the time but I'm looking forward to seeing you there.

*This event is sponsored by Clinique.

Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing

Clinique are adding to their massively successful Turnaround range with this new franchise coming to stores this month.

Turnaround Revitalizing is made with radiance in mind - and is designed to restore glow and luminosity to skins that are showing signs of fatigue and environmental damage. That would be all of us then.

I'll be testing them out this week and reporting back in due course. On that note, I'm up at Mum's for a few days so will be testing out a lot of products, on both my skin and hers. Need to take advantage of her being a guinea pig for me while I can.

Clinique Turnaround Revitalising is on counters nationwide from 17th April. Prices start at £30.00.

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (extra mild!)

What is it?

'All the benefits of Clinique’s famous dermatologist-developed facial soap in a new liquid formula. Cleanses without stripping protective lipids.'

Who is it for?

Ok it says 'very dry to dry' but personally I would say all skin types except really dry. Sorry Clinique. 

Oilier skins will love this as a 'milk' cleanser option - especially in the hot months/climates.

And boys. Definitely one for the boys to check out.

What’s in it?

Water Purified, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Cholesterol, Sucrose Stearate, Sucrose, Caffeine, PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether, Urea, Sodium PCA, Linoleic Acid, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria), Pentylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-51, Trehalose, Caprylyl Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Glycols

Silicones 

(but they're both fine if you ask me)

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Man made

Tested on animals/sold in China?

No/Yes

What's not in it?

SOAP!

Foaming Detergents/SLS

Fragrance

Mineral Oil

Parabens

How do you use it?

Apply to skin, massage through, remove with flannel 

What’s good about it?

So here's the thing. This is another product that does itself no favours with its name. I would never normally even look at something called 'liquid soap'. It gives me shivers.

This, however, intrigued me because it said 'extra mild' - and I wondered how a 'soap' could ever be considered extra mild - so I grabbed it.

Well, it's extra mild because it doesn't contain any of the usual foaming/detergent/salt ingredients that cause me the aforementioned shivers.

It's a milk texture with ever-so-slight of a nod towards something more gel-ish.

What’s not so good about it?

I wouldn't give this to someone with really dry/rosacea skin, I think it would prove too drying - especially if used the recommended twice a day.

Where to use in your routine?

As always, although it says it removes makeup, this is a skin cleanser for me. Second cleanse or morning cleanse. I'll use it more in the hot weather - it's quite refreshing. And by 'refreshing' I in no way mean 'stripping'.

Similar products?

Hard to say.

Milk cleansers such as Clarins Gentian perhaps?

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (extra mild) is £16.00 for 200ml and available at all stockists/counters including www.clinique.co.uk make sure you state/pick 'extra mild' though.

Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray

What is it?

'Water your skin. Take along a refreshing face spray for showers of thirsty skin relief.'

It's a hydrating, moisturising spritz with a major kick.

Who is it for?

Everyone. Especially dehydrated and dry skins.

What’s in it?

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica (Hydrocotyl) Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure, Caffeine, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Trehalose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sucrose, Sorbitol, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Not really.

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Predominantly MM with natural elements.

The product is completely vegan, however...

Tested on animals/sold in China?

Clinique do not test on animals, but they are sold in China, who 'reserve the right to test imported products on animals'. Doesn't mean they do, just means they can if they want to. Ironically, you are much more likely to be tested in this way if you are a smaller, niche brand that is unknown to the Chinese authorities. Something Estee Lauder Companies usually don't have an issue with..but there we are.

What's not in it?

Synthetic fragrance

Parabens

Mineral oil

Animal derivatives

How do you use it?

Spritz when needed. 

What’s good about it?
Everything. It's an oil-free hydrator that actually does the job without dehydrating your skin ten minutes after you've sprayed it...
Much more than a 'spritz', this is really a liquid moisturiser. Essential for people with dry or dehydrated skins, great for helping really shiny skins calm down a tad, can be used over makeup and is 100% the first thing I am packing for my next flight anywhere.
Fragrance-free, so you're not spraying essential oils in your eye, which, let's face it, is always a bonus.
And as an aside, the best 'spray' function in a product, ever. Even distribution all over the face, no soaking of your clothes or hairline.

What’s not so good about it?

From a formula perspective, nothing. 

Where to use in your routine?

After acid toning or as and when you need it. I carry mine around like the sad woman that I am. 

Similar products?

Not really. This is kind of on its own. Serozinc is water with added zinc (albeit great for that purpose), Melvita's Pulpe de Rose contains oil, so is not great for over makeup or the already-shiny. 

I can't think of any - if you can, leave a mention in the comments and I'll check them out.

Available priced £21.00 for 125ml from all Clinique counters and Clinique.co.uk (which incidentally, is still one of those Lauder Companies websites that I'd like to get my hands on, but I digress).

Budget Week - Day 4

So I'm thinking this could maybe become a regular fixture - mini-reviews of the products I show in Instagram - thoughts? It won't take the place of anything else - it'll be in addition to the other usual stuff. Let me know what you think. :)

Anyway, without further ado:

Una Brennan Vitamin C+ Skin Renew Cleansing Oil - £10.99 - formerly known as 'the good product with the packaging from hell'. This is a great cleansing oil, it removes all of my makeup, doesn't leave any residue and doesn't sting my eyes. It is only hindered by the fact that it is a runny oil, in an open-neck bottle. No pump. The new ones at least have a snap cap but still, you have to pour this into the palm of your hand, put it down and get most of it on your face before it dribbles down your forearm like a cold lolly on a hot day. Other than that it's great. *stabby*

Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion - see previous post

Nuxe Gentle Toning Lotion - £14.00 for 200ml - this is a perfectly lovely and affordable toner for all skin types. As an aside, it has one of the worst 'ingredients' pages that I think I've seen on a website. I'm not joking. Check it for yourself. What's the point? Taking none of that into consideration because it's hardly reflective of the actual product, which is why we are here, have a look at this the next time you see it instore. You may like.

Soap & Glory Make Yourself Youthful Serum - £16.00 for 46ml - A great price for a serum containing a lot of ingredients found in much more expensive  products, albeit maybe at lower %'s as they are near the end of the inci list. Feels good on teh skin, and does give an immediate plumpness to the skin. A good budget buy.

Organic Surge Extra Care Replenishing Facial Oil - £23.50 for 30ml - taken from Organic Surge's more premium line 'Extra Care', this smells and acts very similar to a lot of other high-end oils but it does have a slightly 'gritty' feel that the more expensive oils don't. If you're an oil addict you'll know what I mean. It's a good oil, just not great.

Organic Surge Overnight Sensation Night Cream - £12.95 for 50ml - this, from Organic Surge's original line, is much more like it. Completely worth checking out if you're in the market for a night cream, as promised on the box, this does make you wake up with refreshed skin.

Budget Week - Day 2

Ooh, I'm a couple of days behind so you'll have to excuse me. Busy with work and I'm skin prepping behind the scenes for London Fashion Week as well so will be playing catch up for a few days. :)

The above routine is actually my favourite of this week so far (I'm a few ahead as I write this obviously). This was an A.M. routine.

The Ultimelt Deep Purifying Hot Cloth Cleanser - £10.00 for 100ml - Soap & Glory's foray into the 'Hot Cloth' domain is easily one of my favourites. I'm obsessed with the packaging, which is akin to a large toothpaste tube and the product inside doesn't disappoint. Although it says it is 'deep purifying' and it contains clary sage, I don't find it too strong at all. It does not leave my skin red and instead leaves it subtly refreshed, ready for the day. I would also use this as a second cleanse in the evenings.

Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion - £16.50 for 200ml - this caused some shocked reactions when it went up this week. This Clinique MCL is used as an exfoliating acid and it's a brilliant one - especially if you can't/don't want to use glycolic. It contains 0.5% salicylic acid and has a ph of 2.9 - making it one of the stronger exfoliating acids on the market. It's also, for those of you that were horrified, alcohol-free. Dive in my friends, it's lush.

Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes - £24.50 for 15ml - not particularly 'budget' this one, but one I am asked about a lot, I think because these french pharmacy brands can always be found on offer or used with Boots points for example (in the UK!). As it is designed to increase the strength/length of the lashes - you would obviously need to use this up to the end to see the results, but for texture and usage purposes, it has a great slip/feel to it and is incredibly soothing and hydrating....

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Serum - £17.00 - well Hughes is right. This is a great hydrating serum, that instantly imparts moisture without greasiness and a feeling of relief without stickiness. At £17.00 it's also considerably more affordable than others in its genre, including Hydraluron.. If you are dry/dehydrated and haven't already, try this out. You'll probably love it.

Twas a good face day!

(Note: I am trialling some embargoed moisturisers that can't be photographed yet. I did use a moisturiser after this serum, as brilliant as it is, it wouldn't have been enough for me on its own)

What's New this month?

Hi Everyone!

Back in the land of the living albeit looking roughhhhh. It's a long one - but if you are borderline/full-on obsessive about all things beauty you may make it to the end.

Enjoy!

A full list of the products discussed are in the video description box.

Clinique Smart Custom Serum Campaign

So: a couple of weeks ago I filmed a video to support the brilliant new Clinique Smart Serum. Even though I've done a few videos recently, nothing - nothing prepares you for seeing yourself on screen in this fashion.



The serum itself is brilliant (I wouldn't have done this otherwise) and warrants a full review so for now I'll just leave you with this and go and hide behind the sofa.

Clinique Smart Custom Serum starts at £48.00 and is available here: www.clinique.co.uk

Official Statement from Clinique

I've received a lot of comments lately stating that this balm, beloved by so many of us, is being discontinued. I asked Clinique for a statement - and received this today:

'We can confirm that Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is not being discontinued. We are extremely sorry for any confusion caused at counter.

Due to the overwhelming increase in demand of the Balm, we are constantly working to increase supply to fulfill orders.

We have over 3,000 units of the Balm due into our warehouse at the end of April, and stock should begin to hit the majority of stores w/c 12th May.'

Hallelujah! Also: anyone who says blogs don't sell product is CRA-ZEE.

Instagram Saturday

Mother's Day present from my babygirl. A defaced picture frame of us at her Christening.

Said 'Babygirl' loving the new One Direction fragrance 

Revisited this album from Everything but the Girl - sublime.

Hit pan on my favourite blusher. NARS Sin - simply the best blusher ever made.

I do love a bit of Ole.

THE most beautiful gift box from Tory Burch - if you're struggling to give a good gift - this is effortless. It's now holding the necklaces from my last Instagram catch-up. 

Clinique's new Lash Power mascara - water-resistance without the allergic reactions to waterPROOF.

OSKIA Restoration Oil - in testing now.

Peacocks delaying me on my way to work!

Trying to keep 4 kids full is never-ending. There was a time when our fridge was always empty. I never, ever take it for-granted.

I can't help feeling like my Nana (in the picture behind) is laughing at the craziness of my family - and joining in - wherever she is.

One of the best reviews on Amazon.

My new lovely blues.

THIS. Especially this week.

This. To keep me going through NEXT week.

That was Summer.....

Probably the best summer fragrance....

US shopping resulted in very few finds. Sorry girls! This one wasn't altogether heinous. 

The Promised Land

Real Techniques making an appearance in Grand Central - yes, I got stared at....

Fresh make-it-at-the-table guacamole 

Love New London Pharmacy in Chelsea

I love NYC.

Made this happy purchase....

C O Bigelow - bliss!

Lovely cleanser - unfortunately impossible to use - make a pump please!

Had the teeth whitened - and scared small children.

Tried to relax on hols. Tried.

Saved my face with Clarins....

And did the Perricone 3 Day Diet to kick-start healthier living after the summer excesses....

The face that says 'What? So I love ravioli - WHAT?'

Enjoying post-hols skin - while it lasted!

Beautiful new Jo Malone fragrance

A present from my brother. I love you too.

Assouline - my favourite bookstore.

The kids watching Nana put her make-up on... :)

Mum's 'regular' make-up. *eyebrow*

Stolen by Mum who was obsessed after one use.

My Mum is the only person I know that can grow grapes up North. 

Sorry I just had to. Source unknown - but I love it.

We said Happy Birthday to this chap....

We said Goodbye to Amica

We said Hello to a new addition in the family (she's not mine!)

And I went back to work - let the testing begin....

I hope you all had a wonderful Summer - I don't know about you but I'm looking forward to Autumn.