A few weeks ago and for perhaps a fortnight long, I had awful skin, like really awful, at least for me. I don't typically get many spots and fortunately never went through that spotty stage when I was a teenager so for my face to suddenly arupt, I was quite concerned. I had to take serious action to tackle my face that was fast becoming a fleshy dot-to-dot.
I hadn't altered my skincare and I couldn't find a cause from my diet or another factor so I marched into Boots and picked up some La Roche-Posay bits I'd heard and read so much about hoping they would clear up my sorrowful skin.
I couldn't quite remember which product had received such rave reviews so I plumped for two that sounded promising. Effaclar Duo and Effaclar A.I, the Duo serum like moisturising treatment claims to correct and unclog imperfections overall in your skin whereas A.I is specifically for targeting breakouts. I have been using them both in conjunction along with some regular skincare I have in my routine, more so the Effaclar Duo which can be used morning and night, which I've been doing and I have to say, this is my favourite of the two and a very impressive product in itself. It really has helped my skin and I'm happily back to a blemish-free face (well, I do still get the odd one- I'm human). I will definitely repurchase the Duo, I was even tempted the other day while I spotted an offer but seeing as it isn't too expensive full price, I'll hold off until I use up this tube. I would really recommend this product!
Effaclar A.I I'm a bit 'meh with- I'm sure it helped my skin and I like to know I'm trying with my skin and using a targeting product on a spot if it needs one but I don't like the consistency of this product- it is really watery, even when I shake I give it a shake and I find it difficult to concentrate the product directly onto a blemish. I can't see myself using this up anytime soon so a repurchase won't be in order but I do have to give it some credit, as it did sort out my skin, though I'm certain Effaclar Duo is where the magic happened.
Have you tried La Roche-Posay? Any recommendations to try out?
Rachel xo
I am a sucker for a sample and have been lucky in the past to have an big sister working in 'The Industry' to give me goodies galore so much so that I have only recently felt the blow of paying full price for my favourite 'high-end' makeup and skincare.
But when the beauty bug has bitten, there is no going back. I've become hooked on some delicious products and I've never been good with goodbyes. I enjoy the slight twinge when I pass over my card, butterflies for the anticipation of getting my mitts on a new product and the slight nausea caused when I'm handed the receipt, crikey that's a a lot of numbers. This is when I become really quite excited and grateful for a good sample, we mere mortals can dip our toes, though fingers would be much more hygienic, into the latest beauty buys with a host of serums, creams, gels and mousses all without parting with out hard-earned cash. I have discovered many a miracle product along the way and have been happy to go ahead and purchase full-size with confidence in my decision and in the product, thanks to a sample. Equally it has saved me from the odd mistake in the past.
Some beauty counters can be a bit tight and don't offer samples but I've found with a little perseverance, remembering your Ps and Qs and a smile which never goes a miss, you can try out an array of makeup and skincare and who know's what you'll discover?
Rachel xo
Skincare is important because with as much money you spend buying all the MAC collections, limited edition lipsticks and essentially, the entirety of Boots, having good skin and a beautiful base is the key to achieving a GFD- Good Face Day, and my weapon of choice? Clarins!
I can have dry skin and when I was a teenager it could be quite sensitive, so I always opted for Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser and even now, I tend to have a bottle of it laying around as it does what it says, it doesn't irritate my skin and it is a rich formula. However, around 2 years ago, my older sister introuduced me to Clarins and I haven't looked back. I love their HydraQuench Cream and rave on about it to anyone that will listen. It is for Normal to Dry skin and it does have a slight perfumed scent but it doesn't irritate my skin, my skin actually loves it.
Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum is a skincare dream, I have had a few bottles of the stuff and it is a firm favourite, it is unbelievably hydrating and you feel it straight away on your skin.
The final member of the HydraQuench family is the Cream-Mask for Dehydrated skin, which you are meant to leave on your skin for 10 minutes. I find I leave this on a little longer and I may have even slept in it once, I am all for a little extra hydration, and it didn't affect my skin badly at all.
I tried my Sister's Lotus Oil by Clarins, which is actually for Combination/ Oily skin and I just enjoyed using an oil on my face and I had before used Bio-Oil as I liked how rich an oil is for my skin, so I went and bought the right facial oil for me, the Santal Face Treatment Oil which is designed for Dry skin. I love this product and I have even mixed a little with the HydraQuench cream before and it seemed to work quite well.
My last favourite from Clarins is their Gentle Peeling cream, which works as an exfoliant. You spread a thin layer over your face, be sure to work quicky, this stuff sets almost instantly. Then let it sit on your skin for a mintute or two then use warm water to wipe it away, I like to use a cleanser after to get rid of any bits that may be lingering.
I really do reccomend anything from the Clarins range, they have something for everyone. I like their makeup too, in particular their bronzer.
So to recap, girl loves Clarins. Girl may have also made her boyfriend quite the fan of their Men's range. Shh!
Rachel xo
