Current daily skincare regime

My current skincare regime hasn't changed much since my post about Clinique's anti-blemish solutions, the only thing is that I've found some alternative products to replace this 3-step regime! The Anti-Blemish range is really good, but its always best to try and shop around, especially if you are on a budget! My regime may seem quite random in terms of products, but I feel that they work really well together!

Current products I use daily:

- Boots tea tree & witch hazel foaming face wash (cleanse)
- Clinique Anti-blemish clarifying lotion (exfoliate/tone)
- Clinique dramatically different moisturising lotion & moisture surge (moisturise)
- Freederm Gel (blemishes)

This list of products is basically the order in which I would use them, morning and night (Freederm only at night, although you can use it under make up but I find it goes patchy). I am currently using the last of my Anti Blemish clarifying lotion, and will probably try the boots range again for another toner as the face wash is brilliant! The foaming face wash is definitely giving me the same results as my Clinique one did, but at a fraction of the price! I am still using my Clinique moisturisers because they are the best that I have found!

Also for an extra boost to get my skin glowing, I use my Clinique 7 day scrub cream (rinse off formula) around once a week. This gets rid of any dry skin build up. Be careful not to use it to often, although it is a cream and isn't too drying, it's not a good idea to use any exfoliator too often as they can be too harsh.


This skincare regime is good for a combination dry/oily skin with a tendency to break out frequently. I really recommend the boots tea tree (or even Superdrug's tea tree range). I use the Freederm for an extra confidence boost if any annoying blemishes pop up! 

Favourite Fragrances

My top Fragrances

I have a varied selection of fragrances and I find that I reach for each one depending on my mood, the weather that day, where I'm going....and all sorts of factors like this! It may seem unusual, but I actually prefer to use a flirty smell in the evening, and a more 'mature' smell during the day.... I really don't know why, but I always seem to do it this way round! :)

Smells like teen spirit

Let's start with the fragrances of my teenage years, only one has made it in to my permanent collection of about three. I started with Versace Pink Jeans, Amor Amor by Cacharel and 'M' by Mariah Carey. I wouldn't usually go for a 'celebrity' scent but I tried 'M' in Boots and LOVED it! It's a really sweet fragrance with a hint of marshmallow and it reminds me of my first few times out on the town when I turned 18! This one has made it in to my permanent collection and I always get it given to me on birthdays and Christmas etc :) I always have a bottle on the go!

my current daily fragrances

- Dior Addict by Christian Dior (100ml edp). Quite a heavy fragrance but I like to wear this during the day. I really like this one and my 100ml bottle has lasted me well over two years! It's best when applied sparingly as it can be overpowering. A lighter version that I have is Dior Addict Eau Fraiche.

- Nina by Nina Ricci (30ml edp). Fruity and light, perfect for the summer!

- Coco Madamoiselle by Chanel (30ml edp) The most recent addition to my collection, I LOVE this perfume! I got it for my 21st birthday and I feel really glam wearing it. It's a mature scent, but perhaps with a younger twist. I tried Coco Chanel but I guess I'm not ready for it yet :)

Others in my collection: Yves Saint Laurent Elle, Sarah Jessica Parker NYC and my cheap and cheerful favourite is So?...Sinful edt (I carry this with me everywhere just in case I've forgotten to put any on!)

My wish list - Miss Dior Cherie, Flowerbomb, D&G The One!

These are just some of my faves! Feel free to leave me a comment, let me know what your faves are or any you recommend! Thanks, Lucy x

Products I'm loving! Haircare, skincare and other beauty

Products I'm loving! March 2011


I've recently been having MORE problems with my skin, and was doubtful that I would be able to find products to help me!

Skincare:

I went to my local Clinique counter and asked about anti blemish products, but also mentioned that I have dry skin. The assistant suggested that my skin was actually dehydrated and this was why I was getting more blemishes than usual (as the skin was dry, it was producing too much oil, therefore clogging my pores and resulting in acne!). She gave me a little tester pot of 'Moisture Surge' and I was doubtful that it would work. I tried it for the first time without using any other moisturiser (mistake!) Moisture surge is not heavy enough to be used on its own in my opinion, it is really good when applied over another moisturiser though. I started trying it over my Dramatically different, and the results are amazing! It smooths out my skin, and a small amount really goes a long way, a small blob on the end of your index finger should do your whole face (amazing!). My face is much more under control since using the tester of Moisture Surge, and the tiny pot lasted me well over a month. I was pleased to see this product on offer in a set for £27 (RRP £30 on its own). The set came with a  make up bag, moisture surge, moisturising lip gloss and all about eyes serum, a great little package!


Haircare:

My scalp has been UNBELIEVABLY dry and flaky these past few months. I think I put it half down to stress, and half down to the constant change in weather we keep having. I have found that harsh scalp treatments are actually making my scalp worse, and that I needed something much more moisturising. I was quite nervous of trying E45 shampoo, as I had a vision of it basically being E45 I'd be putting on my hair! Well this wasn't the case. £5.10 from boots, not bad, and it seems to be working wonders! I have used it twice this week, and from the first use, I could tell that it was going to work even when applying it in the shower. It instantly soothed my scalp and after drying it, I could see visible improvements. This shampoo is great, I really recommend it for dry, itchy and flaky scalps.




This was just a quick update on some products I've used this past month!
Feel free to comment or send me a tweet @thebeautylink
Lucy x