Monday 30 April 2018

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Review and Photos

Clinique Take The Day Off Balm Review
Cleansing balms have become quite a thing over the past few years and if you're not familiar with this dreamy product then this may change your life when it comes to removing your makeup in the future.  

I've already tested out a few of these types of balms but today I wanted to share with you this Clinique version as I've heard so many wonderful things about this cleanser from other blogger friends. So here's everything you need to know about the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm...
Price
The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm retails for £24 for 125ml of product. The balm is actually part of the Take The Day Off collection which includes,
- Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips £17.50
- Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk £22.50
- Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil £22.50
- Clinique Take The Day Off Eye Makeup Remover Stick £16
- Clinique Take The Day Off Face and eye Cleansing Towelettes £16
Packaging
All of the Take The Day Off Line is packaged in a subtle purple wrapping so it's clearly identifiable from other products within Clinique's skincare collections.

Most balms you will find come in a pot form so you can easily scoop out how much you require to remove your makeup with.
Application
If you're not familiar with this type of product then the aim of the balm is to break down any oils, makeup and general build up from the day. Additionally Take The Day Off is also wonderful at removing sunscreens and it's fragrance-free, ophthalmologist and allergy tested.

I scoop out a 2p sized amount of the balm and rub it together in my hands to warm up the product. I then apply this directly to the skin massaging it into the whole face including all over the eyes and neck. I then go in with a warm flannel to wipe away the excess. The balm should be the first step in your nighttime routine.

The consistency of the balm is very smooth and once massaged into the skin it turns into a silky oil that helps break down my makeup quickly. You also really don't need that much as a little goes a long way.

If you want to see a live demo of the cleansing balm in action, then I have made a short Insta Video on how I use this here.
Longevity
Once opened the balm has a 6-month shelf life and as I mentioned above you really don't need that much, so ultimately I do think you get your money's worth over that 6 month period.

I've been using this for 2 months now and I have to say my skin definitely feels hydrated and glowy after each use.










Overall Thoughts
I'm truly hooked on this stuff, as not only do you get your money's worth but it works tremendously well at breaking down your makeup so quickly. It's also a nice alternative to a Micellar Water if you don't want to faff about with cotton wool and a second cleanser afterwards.

Now although I'm fond of skincare with a scent or added oil benefits there's something so pleasant and appealing about this fragrance-free, non-offensive balm. I think the consistency and the fact it feels so satisfying when you massage it into the face, combined with how lovely and glowy your skin feels afterwards makes this a winner in my books. I'm now sold on trying out the whole Clinique Take The Day Off Collection so I will keep you posted!

So all in all if you're after a no-fuss, get the job done make-up remover that's time efficient, fragrance-free and just an overall pleasure to use, then the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm may just be the one for you!

I award the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm a 4.9 out of 5

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Sunday 29 April 2018

Skincare Empties 2018 UK - Best and Worst

Best and Worst Skincare UK 2018
Over the past couple of months, I've been collecting a varied array of skincare empties. You guys know how fond I am of skincare lately and so I thought I'd share with you a bunch of skincare products that I would re-purchase again and a few I wouldn't...
PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
MAKEUP REMOVERS - (Watch at 1.29)
- Garnier Micellar Water
- Aldi Lacura Caviar Facial Cleansing Wipes

CLEANSERS - (Watch at 3.23)
- Una Brennan Vitamin C Brighten Cleansing Oil: Boots
- L'Oreal Pure Clay Detox Wash
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser*
- Nip + Fab Glycolic Cleansing Fix*
- Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish*
- Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser

TONERS - (Watch at 7.39)
- L'Oreal FIne Flowers Toner
- Superdrug Vitamin E Skincare Hydrating Mist
- Caudalie Beauty Elixir*

GLYCOLIC ACID - (Watch at 9.30)
- Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme*
- Superdrug Optimum Glycolic Overnight Peel

FACE MASKS - 10.59
- Una Brennon Salicylic Acid Pore Purifying Clay Mask: Boots
- L'Oreal Pure Clay Detox Mask*
- L'Oreal Pure Clay Purity Mask*
- L'Oreal Pure Clay Glow Mask*
- Neutrogena Visibly Clear  Pore & Shine In-Shower Mask*
BEST DRUGSTORE FACE MASKS 

EYE CREAMS - (Watch at 2.37)
- Superdrug Optimum Anti-Wrinkle Swiss Ice Wine Eye Cream

SKIN PROTECTANTS & TANNING - (Watch at 13.03)
- Elizabeth Eight Hour Cream*
- St Tropez Self Tan Express Sheet Mask

OILS - (Watch at 14.18)
- Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate*
- L'Oreal Extraordinary Oil*

MOISTURISERS & SPF's - (Watch at 15.16)
- Soap & Glory Speed Plump All-Day Super Moisture Marvel
- La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 SPF 50*
- Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced SPF 50*

For more Skincare Inspiration, Demo's and New in Beauty be sure to follow the PPB Instagram here.


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Sunday 22 April 2018

Aldi Charcoal Clearing Mudmask and Charcoal Mud To Foam Cleanser Review - The New Glamglow Dupes?!

Aldi Charcoal Mask and Aldi Charcoal Cleanser
Over the past couple of months, I've been testing out a ton of supermarket skincare from Aldi and today I wanted to share with you some of Aldi's newest releases, the Aldi Lacura Charcoal Skincare Collection. The collection consists of a Cleanser, Wipes, Micellar Water and Mask. I have two of the four items to share with you and I think you'll agree these look very similar to a certain high-end brand! So here are my thoughts...
Price 
As I mentioned the Aldi Charcoal Collection consists of fours skincare items including,
- Aldi Lacura Charcoal Mud to Foam Cleaner £5.99 150ml
- Aldi Lacura Charcoal Clearing Mudmadk £5.99 50ml
- Aldi Lacura Charcoal Micellar Water £1.99 200ml
- Aldi Lacura Charcoal Facial Wipes £1.29 25pk
I picked up the Mud to Foam Cleanser and Mud mask to test out.
Packaging
I think I'm in the majority vote when I say that the packaging for this collection looks very similar to the cult brand Glamglow. And what's even more exciting is that about half ingredients are the same!(I'll explain in more detail down below).
The Aldi Mud to Foam Cleanser is very comparable to the Glamglow Supercleanse Cream to Foam Cleanser that retails for £24 for 150ml also. The only difference being the original Glamglow version comes in a tube and the Aldi Cleanser has a hygienic pump applicator for ease of use.
Ingredients wise I have listed all the ingredients that are exactly the same below,
- Aqua
- Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
- Glyceryl Stearate
- Glycerin
- Charcoal Powder
- Kaolin
- Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- Sodium Chloride
- Xanthan Gum
- Lactic Acid
- Glycolic Acid
- Parfum
- Phenoxyethanol
The Aldi Charcoal Mud Mask is a worthy dupe for the Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment. The original Glamglow version comes in a white hexagon shaped box but the similarities are clear to see as half the ingredients are indeed the same...
- Aqua
- Kaolin
- Magnesium Aluminum Silicate,
- Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf
- Lactic Acid
- Glycolic Acid
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- Xanthan Gum
- Parfum
- Limonene
- Linalool
- Phenoxyethanol
- Potassium Sorbate
- Sodium Benzoate
- CI 77499
Just like the Supermud, the Charcoal Mudmask comes in the conventional glass jar, but I actually like using this with a flat foundation brush for a more precise and hygienic application.
Application
Charcoal Mud to Foam Cleanser
WHAT DOES IT DO? - The Mud to Foam Charcoal Cleanser is designed to not only remove makeup but to help exfoliate, mattify and improve the overall skins texture. This is also power packed with some fantastic ingredients including Eucalyptus Oil, Glycolic and Lactic Acid as well as Clay and Coconut Extract.

HOW TO APPLY - Now, although this can remove makeup I really wasn't keen on using the cleanser around my eye area so I first went in with a micellar water to remove my eye makeup and then I used one pump of the cleanser for the rest of the face.

This to me is actually like using a more watered down charcoal face mask, it feels gritty to the touch (but not harsh you can just feel that it has a bit of texture) and it has a fairly thick consistency. You can also smell the freshness of the Eucalyptus oil coming through as you wipe the cleanser over your face. To finish all you need to do is wet your fingers to really massage the product in and then rinse well with a damp flannel or cloth.

One pump is adequate if your using this to cleanse with and one and a half pumps is a sufficient amount if you're using this to take your makeup off. It's also recommended you wear an SPF when using these products but you guys know that I consider an SPF a vital part of my skincare routine anyway.

OVERALL RESULTS -
Afterwards, my skin felt super clean and almost like it had stripped off every ounce of product I had on my skin, thus it felt slightly drying and tight at the same time.

I actually prefer this in the evening as a one-step cleanser if I don't want to faff around with cream and oil cleansers, but overall it does a great job at removing anything from your face quickly and I have personally become obsessed with how clean it's made my face feel.
Charcoal Clearing Mud Mask
WHAT DOES IT DO? - The Mudmask aims to balance out problem skin and help improve not only the skins texture but reduce imperfections if used on a regular basis, but it's worth noting both of these products are not suitable for sensitive skin.

Just like the cleanser, the mask is full of the same terrific ingredients that draw out impurities and make the skin feel clean and fresh overall.

HOW TO APPLY - Again this has that lovely refreshing Eucalyptus smell and a slightly gritty consistency. As I mentioned above I used this with a brush to get a more precise application, as a little does go along way.

It is recommended you leave this on for 5-10 mins, I left this on for 10 mins and I have to say it dried down pretty quickly and felt tight on the skin. To me this actually felt like you could feel the product working away, it wasn't tingly but you could definitely feel the mask on the skin.

OVERALL RESULTS - Afterwards, my skin looked mattified and felt smooth, but just like the cleanser, my skin felt taut and dry because of the potent ingredients within the mask nevertheless, after using this for two months I'm happy to report my skin feels clean, clear and balanced.
Overall Thoughts 
Charcoal Mud to Foam Cleanser - I'm such a big fan of this as not only is it ridiculously affordable compared to the Glamglow Cleanser, but it does exactly what it says on the packaging. It removes makeup like a dream, exfoliates the skin and overall makes the skin feel smooth, clean and refined. So if you're after a no-nonsense, no fuss cleanser that's nourishing and power-packed full of skin clearing ingredients, then this may be the cleanser for you.

I award the Aldi Lacura Charcoal Mud to Foa Cleanser a 4.8 out of 5.


Charcoal Clearing Mud Mask - Again this is a fantastic skin clearing clay mask full of potent ingredients to help reduce imperfections, detox the skin and draw out impurities. And if you're looking for a pretty incredible and affordable dupe for the Glamglow Supermud, then this is the one for you!

I award the Aldi Lacura Charcoal Clearing Mud Mask a 4.8 out of 5

The Charcoal Spa Collection was a limited edition collection but I have seen this still available in some Aldi's and I am hoping they may bring this back in the future as I have seen other products come back once in a while. So if you like the sound of these and you do find them I would snap them up right away! 
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Tuesday 17 April 2018

Makeup Revolution Fast Base Stick Foundation Review and Conceal and Define Concealer Review and Photos

Makeup Revolution Foundation Stick and Makeup Revolution Conceal and Define
Ever since I discovered Makeup Revolution a few years back (thanks to a viewer on YT actually) I feel like they have gone from strength to strength. With a total re-brand last month as well as the launch of Revolution Pro it's easy to see why Revolution Beauty is dominating the drugstore market.

This year also saw the launch of two new face products from the core Revolution brand in the form of the Revolution Fast Base Stick Foundation and Revolution Conceal and Define Concealer. I initially did a First Impression video (that I've linked down below) on both of these but now after testing them out for a good month, I thought it was about time I share with you if they really are worth the hype...
Price
The Revolution Fast Base Stick Foundation retails for a modest £5 for 6.2g of product which isn't a lot compared to a drugstore liquid foundation, however, this is still super affordable and it's also Vegan and Cruelty-Free.

Additionally, there is a wonderful selection of 18 shades to choose from and if you're unsure on which colour to pick up then there's a really useful rundown on who each shade is for over on the website here.
The Revolution Conceal and Define Concealer retails for an insanely affordable £4 for 3.4ml of product. Again you don't get as much compared to some other drugstore concealers but this is a versatile full coverage conceal and contour product.

Shade wise there is 18 shades also and just like the foundation you can find a handy list of every shade and who it is right for over on the website here.
Packaging
Fast Base Stick Foundation - I love the beautiful nude packaging and copper accents, plus it's also perfectly compact especially if you're on the go or travelling.
Conceal and Define Concealer - This is gracefully adorned with rose gold, my favourite kind of makeup packaging! Inside you'll find a large doe foot applicator for ease of application.
Application
Fast Base Stick Foundation - Upon application, the consistency is really creamy and glides on like a dream. I used a damp Beauty Blender* to blend this all out but I have since tested this out with a brush and I have to say I prefer the sponge better as it helps give a more even, flawless coverage. If you are using this on the go then you can use your fingers also.

I picked this up in F2, however, I did find this to be slightly too light for me, nonetheless, I really enjoyed the efficiency of this and the fact it gave great coverage and a wonderful flawless finish. You can also use these to contour and highlight too.
Conceal and Define Concealer - This is a full coverage concealer that has a thick and creamy consistency. Upon application, this covered my dark circles and redness perfectly and blended out flawlessly with the help of the Real Techniques Mini Eraser Sponge*. The only thing I would say is I'm not overly fond of putting this right up to my under eyes as I do find it creases a little, nevertheless this is a great one to conceal, contour and highlight with.

I have since tried this on its own also and I actually really like this for no foundation days if you just want something that's quick but still covers up anything you need it too.
Longevity
Both the Foundation and Concealer lasted a good eight hours which was great. The foundation I actually loved, even more as the day went on, but because this has such a creamy consistency I would recommend setting this with a little powder. All in all, both felt totally comfortable on the skin.
Overall Thoughts 
Fast Base Stick Foundation - If I had to sum up this foundation I would say it's easy to use, versatile and compact, plus it's also creamy and feels lightweight on the skin. Yes, you don't get as much compared to a liquid foundation and you may have to set this with a little powder but, overall this is a fantastically affordable foundation with a remarkable shade selection.

Finally, I think this is best suited to anyone who loves time-saving products, that are full coverage and compact, especially if you're a mum on the go or you're travelling.

I award the Revolution Fast Base Stick Foundation a 4.8 out of 5


Conceal and Define Concealer - This is such a great full coverage concealer and the fact it's under £5 and very accessible is always a bonus in my books. I admit, this does crease on me a bit and it's a shame you maybe don't get slightly more product, however, this is perfect for covering up a multitude of sins as well as being great for contouring and highlighting if you prefer a cream product instead.

All in all, this is a great one for anyone who likes again a full coverage, creamy consistency that's matte, versatile and affordable. 

I award the Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer a 4.7 out of 5

If you're in the UK you can find these at Superdrug and on the Revolution Website here. And if you are in the US you can shop the concealer below.


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Sunday 15 April 2018

Glossier Phase 1 Set Review and Photos - Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, Priming Moisturizer and Balm Dotcom

Glossier Skincare
Today my skincare obsession continues with a closer look at the Glossier Phase 1 Set. I've been using this set since January 2018 and I finally feel like I can share with you my thoughts on another cult brand making a dent in the world of beauty. Also if you're interested in the Glossier You Perfume, then I have a review I have linked here for you guys too. So without further ado here are my thoughts on the Phase 1 Set.
Price
The Glossier Phase 1 Set consists of your skincare essentials. This includes the Milky Jelly Cleanser, Priming Moisturizer and your choice of Balm Dotcom which retails for £35. All of the products can be purchased separately but if you're after a bit of a saving (£8 to be precise) then the kit is a great way to try out the brand if you're a newbie to Glossier as a whole. I've listed each item separately below if you want to know how much they retail for individually also.
Glossier Milky Gelly Cleanser* 177ml £15
Glossier Priming Moisturiser* 50ml £18
Glossier Balm Dotcom* 15ml £10 - This also comes in 6 different flavours including Orginal, Birthday, Mint, Cherry, Coconut and Rose. I picked this up in Birthday.
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
Glossier Priming Moisturizer
Glossier Birthday Balm Dotcom
Packaging
Not only do the products look aesthetically pleasing but Glossier certainly have an eye for detail when it comes to their packaging...

If you're ordering online then your products will come in a pink-lined box, that you can actually turn inside out so that you can re-use it as a pink storage box, genius!  The Phase 1 sets also come in its very own additional white box and everything comes wrapped in a pink bubblewrap wallet that can be re-used again and again. (These pink pouches are actually wonderful for travel). Then if that wasn't enough every order comes with its very own sheet of cute stickers so that you can customize your Glossier products to your heart's content!
Application
The Phase 1 Set includes a handy how-to guide so you can get to know how to use each product with ease. I actually like the fact that Glossier make everything simple and easy to use and actually if you navigate through their website you won't find masses of skincare to choose from, just the basics to help you unleash your best skin. Glossier is all about dewy and glowing skin.
Milky Jelly Cleanser - This has a pump dispenser and can be used both in the morning to cleanse and the evening to remove makeup. I've found that one pump is generally enough to gently cleanse my whole face and neck in the mornings.

Additionally, I have tried this out at night to remove makeup and as it implies this does help melt away my makeup like a dream, however, for me personally, I've been loving incorporating this into my morning routine... I massage one pump onto dry skin and then I add water to gently turn it into a milk, then to finish I go in with a damp flannel to wipe away the excess.

Priming Moisturizer - The Priming Moisturiser comes in a tube and can be used to hydrate the face before makeup application. Ingredients include Vitamin's A, C and E as well as Hyaluronic Acid and Anti-Redness Complex to help soothe, hydrate and reduce redness.

I have been using this as my daily moisturiser and I adore the lightweight texture and the fact it sinks into the skin quickly. The only thing I would say is as much as I like the tube, sometimes it's hard to control how much comes out and if you do accidentally squeeze too much out then there's no way of putting it back in the tube. Nevertheless, this is a fantastic moisturiser that works especially well with the Milky Jelly Cleanser.

If the Priming Moisturizer is not enough for you then there is also a Priming Moisturizer Rich which retails for £29 for a 50ml jar. This has all the benefits of the original but in a more nourishing formula with ingredients such as  Lavender Oil, Red Algae and Murumuru Butter. The PM Rich is a wonderful power packed moisturiser suited to anyone who needs that extra hydration boost within their skincare routine. This is also a great one to use of an evening.

Glossier Birthday Balm Dotcom - The Balm Dotcom is a versatile balm that can be used not only on the lips but on the skin to hydrate and restore dry skin. All six of the balms smell divine and include Beeswax, Castor Seed Oil, Rice Bran and Rosemary Leaf Extract.

Just like the Priming Moisturizer, the Balm Dotcom does come in a tube, however, I don't mind this as much because the balm is easier to control when you squeeze it out of the tube.

As you know I picked up Birthday and all I can say is if you love the smell of vanilla birthday cake with a hint of subtle shimmer then you will love Birthday Balm!
Longevity and Overall Thoughts
Milky Jelly Cleanser - This for me is one of those dreamy cleansers! It's inoffensive, pleasant smelling, convenient and totally gentle on the skin. Plus I've been using this for three and half months and I'm only just halfway down the bottle! What more can I say other than this is a winner for me.

I award the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanse 4.9 out of 5


Priming Moisturizer - Again this is one of those wonderfully convenient products for during the day. I think actually the whole Phase 1 Set is such a great skincare starter kit for anyone who is new to Glossier or maybe someone who wants to take good care of their skin but they don't really have the time to be faffing about with endless steps and products within their skincare routine. This would make the perfect gift actually.

The Priming Moisturizer has not only a beautiful consistency, but it's a great base moisturiser as the name suggests to prepare your skin for makeup. Despite this being in a tube, I adore the power-packed line up of ingredients and the fact it works really well with the Milky Jelly Cleanser to give you soft, clean, refined and hydrated skin.

I award the Glossier Priming Moisturizer a 4.7 out of 5


Birthday Balm Dotcom - I adore this versatile balm as it lasts for ages, smells divine and it really does moisturise my lips a treat. I'm also addicted to the subtle shimmer that runs through the balm too. I now feel like I need all of the flavours in my life as they are perfect to keep anywhere and everywhere!

I award the Glossier Birthday Balm Dotcom a 4.9 out of 5

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