March 2015 Favourites : Skincare

Hi

Here where my skincare favourites for March 2015.  I have already posted my Makeup favourites for the month of March. Click here to see my March 2015 Makeup Favourites.

Age Perfect Intense Nutrition Repairing Eye Balm 15.0 ml Repairing Eye Cream
My Clarins Eye cream that I love (and still do) was finished. I was browsing in Foschini and saw this baby.  I picked it up because it said it contains "Royal Jelly"  which is a very hydrating ingredient.  My under eye area is very dry so I look for hydrating ingredients and this is very thick and hydrating. I also have sensitive eyes and this does not irritate them at all.  It feels thick and luxurious.  Although it says "Eye Balm" is feel like a cream instead, which I prefer.  I can't use eye lotions and gels, or balms as they do not do the trick for me.

Loreal Revialift magic Blur Instant Skin Smoother Anti-Ageing Eye Cream
Honestly, I should have put this product under my makeup favourites instead of my skincare favourites.  Reason being, I use it as an under eye primer before applying concealer. I mentioned that my under eye area is very dry, and this seems to have moisturising properties with the added benefit of being a skin smoother.  I apply it after eye cream and before concealer.  I am enjoying this combo. In my honest opinion, I find this product way better that the Smashbox Under Eye Hydrating Primer, which was a waste of money.

 

IQ Sun Care Face and Body SPF 50 Daily Defence UVA & UVB Protection

Product description - A non-oily water resistant cream that helps protect skin from ageing UVA and burning UVB rays.  

The fact that it prevents premature ageing and helps protect collagen and gives wrinkle prevention is everything I want in a sun protection cream.  I went swimming with this on my face and I did not have to re-apply.  It is also mineral oil free.  The IQ skincare range is developed by dermatologists so I know my skin is in good hands. 

Eucerin Even Brighter Night Cream

I have been using the Clarins Bright Plus Night Cream which I love.  I was going to re-purchase but, at the Dischem's big sale last month, I decided to give the Eucerin one a try.  It was on sale for R170 - what a bargain.  It claims to do the same thing that Clarins Bright Plus does.  Let me tell you, I do not regret buying this product.  It is supposed to be Dermatological Skincare, which is plus for me.  Things that don't clog my pores (which I am prone to) are welcome in my stash.  This is very comfortable on my skin.  It has picked up where my Clarins cream has left off.  My face and neck are practically the same tone now, so foundation does not look funky on me. Acne scars go away even faster.  My complexion is brighter.  I am hoping with continue use that my pigmentation marks lighten up considerably as well.  

Clarins Bright Plus Serum (Intensive Brightening Smoothing Serum)

Because I had already replaced my Clarins Bright Plus night cream with the Eucerin Even Brighter night cream, a purchased the Clarins Bright Plus Serum instead.  Although I gave my Clarins anti-ageing range a break, this serum also provides for that as well.  It is supposed firm facial features and smooth away fine lines.  Not forgetting its main function to minimize the appearance of dark spots  and prevent their re-appearance.  Kkin is supposed to glow with youthful radiance.  I am all about that.  This has definitely been the boost I need to use under the night creams.  My marks are going away even faster than I had hoped.  I love that it is non greasy.  I am currently using this at night only for now.

Thanks for reading

Haul Clarins Xmas Collection - Skin Smoothers

Multi-Active Collection

To date, the Clarins Multi-Active Line is my favourite.  It just agrees with my skin.

I needed a new day cream and these collection packs are such good value because you only pay for one full size product and you get the two travel sizes free as well as a great bag.

* Multi-Active Day Cream (50ml)
* Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum (10ml)
* Multi-Active Night Cream (15ml)
* RRSP : R610 (Value : R1050)
* Available at all leading retailers

The bag in this gift set is much larger than their normal cosmetic bags.

The first thing I tried from this pack is the multi-active serum.  I have had samples of this serum before and couldn't wait to have more.  I love the fact that this serum is not greasy and just melts into the skin.

I am currently using the Clarrins Bright Plus Night Cream, so the Multi-Active night travel size will be used after that one is finished.  These travel sizes last unbelievably long once opened.  There is soo much product in them.

I use the day cream every morning after cleanser and toner.  I follow with an SPF 50 sunscreen.

Skinare Haul - Clarins Bright Plus Night Cream & Extra-Firming Eye Wrinkle Smoothing Cream

For the last year or more, I have been religiously using and loving the Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream.  Clarins has introduced their Bright Plus skincare line and I thought I would try it out the night cream once my normal night cream was finished.  Besides anti-aging, which the Multi Active line takes care of,  I also want to brighten my skintone and get rid of any hyper-pigmentation.  

Clarins Bright Plus HP Night Cream

Beauty Benefits

An exceptional cream combining freshness and comfort.

The Clarins Bright Plus HP Night Cream soothes, regenerates and moisturizes the skin.

The dual active brightening ingredients, Sea Lily and Daisy Extract, help to repair any harm caused by UV rays and daytime stress and slow the production of melanin during the night.

As a result, your skin will appear brighter and more radiant in the morning.

The Bight Plus Range is very light on the skin, so it is perfect for summer weather.  Now that i have tried the night cream, I really want to try the serum and the day cream.

Clarins Extra-Firming Eye Wrinkle Smoothing Cream

Anti-wrinkle and comforting action for a soothed, more youthful-looking and smoother eye area.

Beauty Benefits

The anti-wrinkle comforting cream that helps keep skin looking youthful and firm. Smoothed, nourished and comforted, this soothing cream helps eyes retain their expressiveness without any fine lines or wrinkles.

This cream is geared to woman a little older than me, however my under eyes are very dry, and I like a thick cream for my eyes.  Concealer also dries my skin under my eyes, so a good thick cream helps in that regard.

When Clarins have their promotion, if you purchase two products, you get to choose 3 or 4 travel size products.  You also get a really nice quality cosmetic bag.  I always choose things I need from the free gifts.  The counter I buy Clarins from, always gives me over and above in free gift and samples, so I always walk away happy.  Clarins travel sizes are not the same as sample sizes, they are way bigger.

Empties: Products I have used up

Hi there

I have another empties post of products I have used up in the last few months.  I will let you know if I enjoyed the products or not.  So here goes...

Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Wipes

I received three packets of the trial size packs, 7 wipes in each, as a gift with purchase offer.
I enjoyed using them, they get the job done and are just as good as the Clicks branded ones I like.  I have not purchased more as the Clicks ones are cheaper.

Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

I have already purchased another tube of this Simple face wash.  I have always believed in being gentle on my skin in the morning by using gentle face washes as part of my morning skincare routine.
I also use this face wash as night as my pre-cleanse, thereby cutting out the use of pre-cleanse oils, cleansing milks, followed by makeup wipes.  Using this at night has saved me time.  It removes all my makeup. I rinse it off with warm water.  I then follow with my salicylic acid cleanser with a facial brush.  My evening cleansing is then done. In winter, I just want to get finished as fast as possible.

Simple Kind To Skin Soothing Facial Toner

I know, there is a lot of simple Skin care in this post lol.  I have re-purchased this toner many times over.  It is a staple product for me.  I empty some into a fine mist spray bottle and spray some onto a cotton pad to use on my face.  I love this product.

Oxy Wipeout Pads

Oxy Wipeout Pads is another product I have always repurchased and you guys have seen over & over on my empties posts.  During Summer I use it almost every night.  In winter I try and use it only when I feel I need to, as it can dry out the skin.  Like if I am feeling greasy and feel a breakout under my skin about to appear.  This really does dry out any pimples before they surface, and If I have a breakout, it dries them up over night.  This product contains salicylic acid, so be sure to wear sunscreen during the day.


Left: Garnier Pure Active Daily Cleansing Gel Wash
Right: Pure Active Intensive Deep Pore Gel Wash

I have used up both these face washes and have repurchased the Garnier Pure Active Daily Cleansing Gel Wash (left) 3 times.  The one in the white bottle is supposed to be "intensive" but I find the one in the blue bottle is more "intensive"  The blue bottle is also cheaper for some reason.  It contains salicylic acid and purifying zinc for oily to combination skin prone to imperfections.  It eliminates oil & imperfections & tightens pores.
The white bottle has 2% salicylic acid & herbasoothe for oily to spot prone skin. It fights spots & fades marks.
I always use a salicylic acid face wash at night only with a facial brush, after my pre-cleanse.

Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream

I absolutely adore the Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream.  I agree, it is a comfort cream and its very soothing.  I first tried this product when I received a travel size last year (75% the size of a full size). I used the travel size, which lasted me forever, then I cracked open the full size.  Both of them lasted me from last year summer, to the beginning of winter this year.  You only need to apply a tiny bit.  It is supposed to be for normal to dry skin.  I wore this product through all types of weather, cold and hot, and its safe to say that I can use this product all year round, regardless if my skin is oily or dry.  I seldom find night creams that do not  block my pores and I am sensitive to fragrance.  This one is awesome on me.  Who doesn't love a good anti-ageing cream?

Magi Clear Even Skin Plus Bio-Active Cleansing Gel

This product is by the Institute Science At Work.  The whole Magi Cleat Range is sold in Clicks.  This should have been in an old empties post, but I did not include it.  I found the empty bottle the other day and decided to add it to this post.  The Magi Clear range includes a Cleansing Cream, Smoothing Cream Scrub, Gentle Skincare Soap, a Moisturiser and an Anti-marks Serum (which I would love to try)  They are affordable, dermatologist tested and is suitable for all skin types. 

I found this face wash to be very gentle.  I feel it would be better for winter time when the weather is colder.  I used this in the mornings only.

Softi Round Cotton Pads 80's

I always repurchase these over and over.  Most of the time there is a special on at Dischem where you get two packs for R19.99 or 1 pack for R12.99.  Dischem has changed the packaging to blue now, but the quality is still the same.

Bergamotessens

This is another recurring product on my blog.  I pour half a bottle of this in my shampoo and the other half in my conditioner.  It was recommended by a hairdresser and works like a charm.  I like the smell and my hair is healthy now because of this.  No more weak, damaged hair,  The only thing, is that it makes the shampoo watery in consistency (not effectiveness) I can live with that.  It does not do this to the conditioner at all.

I also finished a tub of Perfect Touch Shine & Hold Wax - Shape & Definition.  (No Picture Sorry)

I have repurchased this.  I use it to help give my Pixie cut some definition and shine every morning.

Essence Sun Club Oil Control Paper

These are great to keep in your purse especially in Summer when its hot.  I use blotting papers less in Winter time.  These are inexpensive and a good staple to keep in your hand bag.

Charlie Mega Wink Lash Enhancer Mascara

I bought this mascara because it was on sale for R39 at Dischem.  Wow, I should have bought more than one.  I like it more than the other mascaras that I have raved about.  I would have never purchased this if it was not on sale.  But I think I discovered it too late because it looks like it has been discontinued.  When I went back, the ones left in the sale section, had been opened.   Have a look at the brush.  it kinda looks like the brush on the Revlon Grow-Luscious mascara (the original one).  There was zero clumps, awesome separation of lashes, volume and extended length. .  I have short lashes and believe me when I say that I received compliments when wearing this, even while wearing reading glasses.  I am sad that this is now finished.

Charlie Mega Watt Volumising Macscara 

I bought the Charlie Mega Watt mascara the same day I bought the Charlie Mega Wink Mascara.  Sadly, this one didnt do anything for me.  It was just an "okay" standard mascara.  I would use it as a base coat under other mascaras.

The other products I used up consist of hand wash, soap, tooth paste etc., the usual stuff, nothing exciting.

Sorry for the long post, but thanks for reading.

Natalie

Clarins Haul & Gift With Purchase x2

Hi there

I have really being trying to invest in some good skincare.  My Bee Natural Rich Hydrating Face Balm was almost finished and it has not been restocked for at least two months now.  I reviewed this balm in a previous post, and was impressed by it.  It has anti-ageing properties and is even better under a serum, not to mention perfect under my eyes.  However, I was now left without a night cream or an eye cream.

Clarins is a brand I have come to love.  I only started purchasing from Clarins from the end of 2012.  Almost all high end brands have their GWP in different stores form time to time.  I didn't post my last GWP I received from Clarins.  Let me tell you, I loved the products I bought , the GWP and the ton of samples I received.  

So how Clarins works their GWP is that you have to buy two products (one of which must be a moisturiser or serum) and you get to choose two travel size products free.  Bear in mind that a travel size product is 30ml and a full size is 50ml. That is damn good in my opinion.  Also, this time around, besides getting to choose the two free products, you also receive a stylish bag two free products in it as well.  

The products I purchased to qualify for the GWP

Clarins Everlasting Foundation in 110 Honey

This has no doubt become a holy grail foundation for me.  I LOVE IT!

I use a damp beauty blender sponge for natural medium coverage and a small stippling brush for flawless full coverage.  I never need a concealer with this foundation.  It is also great on my sensitive skin and is a great colour match.

Clarins Eye Trio

This was my serum purchase.  The eye serum alone was more expensive than buying the trio.  It blows my mind that trio with a full sized serum is priced cheaper than the serum on its own. Which I am not complaining.  The trio contains:

- Serum Super Lift Multi Regenerative Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Serum - Full Size

- Instant Eye Makeup Remover - 30ml

- Advanced Extra Firming Eye Contour Cream 3ml

Like I mentioned before, with your purchase you get to choose two travel size products.  The bag with the two products in front of it are part of the GWP that you also get free, which is a 100ml Clarins Eau Dynamisante Mositurising Body Lotion as well as a sample of Clarins Eau Dynamisante fragrance sample.  Here are the choices for the travel size products:

My 2 choices where a no brainer:

I needed a night cream so I chose the Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - This is a back-up for when my other tube finishes.  Looks great under the Clarins foundation.  It brightens and Tightens. I cant say enough good things about this product.  

But it didn't end there......

Edgars / Red Square offer - You walk away with a stylish bag, full of fabulous treats when you spend R750 or more.

So I received a second bag free with four lovely samples:

-  Paco Rabanne Lady Million Eau de Parfume 

- Carolina Herrera 212 Men NYC Eau De Toilette

- CK We Are One Eau De Toilette

- Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate

Those where my Clarins purchases and free gifts.  It was like opening a gift at Christmas and no doubt brightened my day.  I received things I really needed, being the night cream, eye cream and foundation and was pleasantly surprised with all the other goodies I received.

xoxo

Nats