First things first, LIZ EARLE. I have heard SO many bloggers and friends rave about this skincare brand. The thing is, I was introduced to Liz Earle by my boyfriend's mother, who gave me the Instant Boost Skin Tonic. Oh. my. gosh. I never turned back after that experience. My skin absolutely LOVES this stuff and is suitable for sensitive skin (like mine, which is impossible to find a good product which won't break you out). My boyfriend later brought me this set for my birthday (love him)! and I was shown how to put this products on properly by one of their lovely staff. Thank you, Rachel (i think)! In this set, you also receive two muslin cloths which really help exfoliate your skin and i have seen such great results with my skin! *thank you god*.
The Cleanse & Polish is applied first to start your skincare routine off. I like to combine a pinch of water with this and it makes your skin feel really smooth, then take off with a muslin cloth. This also helps take off makeup and you can apply this product to a dry face, so you don't have to wet your face before. Amazing, right?
Secondly, the skin tonic. This is personally my fave, not just in January but since I ever first received this (last year). I personally think God sent this to me because I am now HOOKED on Liz Earle. You use this product with a cotton pad and you honestly don't need much. You just wipe off all the dirt and excess from your face and you would be shocked as to how much dirt is actually on your face-yuck. This makes your skin feel sooooo fresh, I can not even deal.
Last but not least, the moisturiser which smells heavenly and ensures you are ready to either start the day off or to end the day. I apologise for this little Liz Earle passionate speech I just gave, but I am hooked on Liz Earle, it honestly deserves the credit given to her. This set was £45, including a Liz Earle exfoliator (which is fab too, but this post will be way too long if I carry on). I am all for natural products!
For Christmas, I received this cute jewellery plate with the letter 'E' from my cousin, and I have been putting little hairbands, rings, necklaces on it and i just think it glams up the room a little. I had actually spotted this in Marks & Spencers for £6, but I didn't actually want to buy it myself, hoping somebody would for me.
Also, lets talk about this NYX Baked Blush. Okay, I haven't seen much rave about it and to be very honest, the blush colour is a little scary, but when applied its more shimmery than anything. It's subtle and a little goes a very long way. It's not sensational, but I find that it does add a good colour to my cheeks. I also recently purchased the NYX lingerie in Satin Ribbon, a nice nude colour. Initially when I applied this to my lips (when there were no testers so I had to risk buying it), I HATED IT. It made my lips look white and I honestly wish I never brought it. It made my lips look SO dry, you can see the skin and it was not a good look. However, I actually grew to like it, but not by itself. I use my Bourjois Paris in Praline lipstick (my ultimate nude), you can see my rave about that here and it makes a great nude colour! LOVE. What I will be critical about is make sure you moisturise your lips and bring it with you if you're going out because it isn't very long lasting on the lips, and we all know dry lips ain't cool!
The Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel is HEAVENLY. It smells, obviously, like papaya and makes your skin feel so refreshed and ready for the day. You place this on your skin and leave for 10-15 mins then wash off with lukewarm water. Sometimes, i get lazy because of the wait, so I always use this when I feel relaxed and want to treat myself. Sometimes you need a bit of 'me time', you know? This was actually a present from my boyfriend's mum (I think she was hinting that i need to fix-up on my skin), haha.
On the top of the picture above is an Origins facial cleansing brush. Oh. my. gosh. This, used with a cleanser, (i like to use the Origins checks and balances) and it makes your skin feel so flipping' good! You honestly feel productive using great skincare, and in return, your skin thanks you for treating it so well.
Lastly, the Benefit products. They are amazing! The High Beam highlighter is the shiz. It gives you the perfect glow, but it isn't too 'in your face' highlight. It comes looking like a nail-varnish applicator but I find this great in choosing how much you want to apply to your cheekbones. Amazed.
Secondly, the Benefit 'they're Real!' mascara. Hm, I mean this mascara is life-changing for me in the sense that I have never seen my lashes look that long in ages. It is great in volume, but can also create this 'spider lash' effect, which some people don't like. I personally don't mind, but obviously, not an excessive amount. The problem I have with this mascara, is taking it off. It is SO hard to actually remove all of it. You will assume all is gone but you will wake up in the morning with panda eyes. The thing is, you can not use a basic drugstore make up remover for this, I like to use my Lancome Bi Facil make up remover, which does a great job. Also, I have heard and have seen often, a few eyelashes fall out when using this mascara, thus I occasionally put this mascara on. Be warned if you are planning to buy!
The next two is the Benefit Dandelion blusher which I find to be quite light, subtle and great if you want a natural look and the Benefit Hoola, which gives you a great bronzed, tan, golden look. This would be great in the summer, more than the winter. It also makes me wish it was Summer again, am i the only one?
I hope you enjoy this post, happy sunday and have a great week!
Big love,
Elaine Chu
