Best of 2013 | Skincare

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

Time for my 2013 favourite skincare products now, my penultimate 'Best of' post!

Looking back over my blog posts this past year I can't believe I have never spoken about the No.7 facial brush before! You know those products you run over to, throw in your basket and pay for straightaway just incase someone says you can't have it?! This was one of those! I was luckily enough to pick it up on an introductory offer early last year for £15 but even at full price (£25) they are great value. I am very surprised I actually haven't heard more about this on blogs. I've always coveted over the Clarosonic but could never justify the price tag so from what I can tell this seems like a great dupe. I like to take off my make up first and then use this for a deep cleanse, I don't use it everyday unless my skin is going through a bad patch but I can notice such a difference just using it 3-4 times a week. It's battery operated and splash proof- even enough to take in the shower and has 2 speeds. The first speed is really gentle and what I use most, especially over sensitive areas of skin and the second more harsh. If you've wanted the Clarisonic I would REALLY recommend trying this as I can't fault it!

I can't now remember life before Bioderma, face wipes who? Bioderma has changed my skincare dramatically and I religiously use it every night to remove my make up before cleansing. I stock up every year I visit France or if I'm running low beg family to pick me up more! I love how they do 500ml huge bottles that last me 3/4 months even when using it everyday. There have been similar products now released in the UK which are much easier to get hold of but for me Bioderma is at the top. A gentle micellaire water that removes even the most stubborn mascara without stinging or having to scrub my eyes. A super convenient way to take off the day even when you are feeling lazy!  

Origins products have been big this year and after trying a few of them throughout the year I can see why. Not only do visiting the counters make you want three of everything but their products are great. A brand where the product is just as great as the packaging. The 'Out of trouble' mask is a 10 minute mask that helps rescue problem skin which I reach for when my skin is exactly that, a problem. Its a smooth, cream facial mask that applies easily onto the skin leaving it fresh and calm. If you're after a one night wonder this isn't going to do that but it will help to restore you skin by giving it a deep cleanse. I will just mention the smell as if you aren't great with them this might be a problem. It does give off a strong clinical smell which personally I don't mind as I just feel like it must be doing something but I can see how others may not! 

L'oreal Gift Set

        

        

        

       

        

        

        

        

First things first I am not a gift set girl. I much prefer to receive an item I really want than a few items I'd use up but this L'oreal set I spotted during my weekly Tesco shop was an offer to good to pass up. All gift sets were half price making this one £5, the micellar water retails for £3.72 alone and the moisturiser £6.89 alone so you can see why I grabbed one! 

Micellar waters made an almighty splash onto most bloggers radar earlier this year with Bioderma. I've been a huge fan of Bioderma for the past year or so but it is expensive and hard to get hold of so when this similar L'oreal version was released earlier this year I'd been meaning to pick up. A micellar water is an alcohol free make up remover that contains water and oil. Although it contains oil its by no means greasy and no oily residue is left on the skin making them great for all skin types. The L'oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Micellar solution claims to do 3 things; dissolve make up, unclog pores and remove impurities whilst toning. I would agree with 2 of the claims but I can't say I've seen a difference in my pores. I use it by applying some on a cotton pad, holding it on my eyes for a few seconds and then sweep the make up away. Once all my eye make up in removed I then like to use another cotton pad with some on all over my face as a pre cleanse, you do end up going through a lot of cotton pads but in my opinion its worth it. Even though some eye make up removers have irritated my eyes in the past I've had no problem with this and it seems to remove even the most stubborn of waterproof mascara! For under half the price of Bioderma and being much more readily available L'oreal has defiantly won me over on this one, if only they did it in a bigger bottle! 

The triple active day moisturiser is something I've tried before and being included in the gift set made it a lot cheaper than buying it alone. As you can probably guess but the name 'triple' this moisturiser offers three key elements; hydration, protection and comfort. Hydrating it most certainly is, I almost find it too hydrating for the day time that my make up finds it hard to stay put on top so prefer to use it as a night cream. It's rich and luxurious texture could be mistaken for a cream of much more expense. The smell is my only criticism, its not the scent itself that puts me off but the amount it smells. I've always been skeptical with skincare that is strongly fragranced as I instantly relate it to being the cause of breakouts but so far so good with this one so fingers crossed! 

If you've wanted to try either of these products I highly suggest getting yourselves down to Tesco and trying to grab this set as I'm sure it won't be around for long!