Skincare routine for dry combination skin!

I guess every girl attempts to achieve healthy looking skin which allows make up to glide on effortlessly! It's also a plus point if the make up stays put throughout the day, especially when working under bright lights and for long hours... this is a must! Well this weekend I've been trying a different skincare routine, having come to the end of my Clinique Cleanser and Toner, I've been trying random things that I have lying around my room..... and nothing has quite compared to this weekend's finds! (I tried the face wash courtesy of my Mum and Sister... hehe!)

I have tried this Garnier range in the past and hadn't been too impressed with it, but this time round, teamed with some other products it seems to be working well!

This cleanser is soap free, which means there won't be any soapy residue left on the skin, which can lead to clogged pores and spots! It's really refreshing, and can be used morning and night. It really makes my skin feel soft, I am SO impressed!! 

I follow with these wipes from Garnier. I opted for the 'soft essentials' as I felt like I shouldn't strip my skin of too much moisture, as that would be done with the gel cleanser! These wipes are great for removing any excess make up!

It's a little tough to get eye make up off with them though, they aren't wet enough! No problem though as I just use some Simple eye make up remover to get rid of any stubborn mascara!

To finish off the routine, this moisturiser is a great Oil Free one! It's a little pricey at around £25-£30 per tub, but it really is great for dry combination skin which can be prone to oily areas/spots! :) 


A good finger tip's worth should do the whole face, it glides on and goes really far I find! Just dab it on each cheek, the nose, forehead and chin and then blend. It's heavenly to apply! Moisturising enough to replenish during the night, and light enough to sit nicely on the skin as a primer before make up!


My true test of make up is when I go to work, and this weekend I've been at work with no problems. Usually my face is an oily mess by about half way through my shift, but I have felt comfortable with my skin all weekend! This regime seems to be helping my skin to calm down and just generally look and feel better!

It's only been a few days, but I'm hoping that this routine will keep giving me these results! :)

Thanks for reading and please feel free to comment below! Lucy xxx



** update: I went in Sainsbury's today and their Garnier range was on special offer!! The face wash usually £3.50 was £1.70 :D and the same with the face wipes!

MAC dupe? And blusher collection

I think that the MUA blush £1 at Superdrug is a great dupe for MAC Pink Swoon, and a fraction of the price! I've only just started to take notice of this range in Superdrug but the stuff seems really good for the price! 


I know a lot of people find that you have to be careful with Pink Swoon when applying it, but I really do have to apply a lot to get a result! Also I think it's slightly too light for my pale skin, as I prefer a deeper pink (the MUA shade 2 is slightly deeper) I should also say that MUA does a lighter shade of the blush 'shade 1' which could be even more like Pink Swoon... worth trying for only £1! 

The only thing about MUA is that it's very powdery, so you have to be careful using your brush.One swipe of the brush should be enough to do one cheek, and the excess powder from the first swipe for the second cheek :) I was finding with the pink swoon that I had to run the brush around the pan for a while before getting a suitable colour.... the upside is that it's not powdery so I don't feel like I'm wasting the product!

On the right is a pic of my blush collection. Various makes and shades, and the MAC Mineralised blush and Clinique (came with two eyeshadows) are my favourite! here's a list of the blushes going clockwise from the MAC Mineralised....

- MAC mineralize blush 'conjour up'
- Accessorize baked blush '6 scandal'
- MAC Sheertone blush 'pink swoon'
- Clinique blushing blush 'iced lotus'
- Boots natural collection 'blushed cheeks'
- MUA blusher 'shade 2'
- 17 blusher 'plum puff' (love this one!!)
- No7 Natural blush '20 honey'


Really good collection of blushers I think, although I'd like to get a few more 'honey' toned ones, as I tend to go for the same sort of colours! I really want to try MAC mineralised skin finishes as an overall colour and bronzer so I'll do a review once I've tested a few of those out :) It's all about finding cheaper version too as MAC etc can be very expensive, the 17 blush is really good for every day, I've used it a lot and had it for ages!

If there's any blush you can recommend for me then please leave a message! 


Thanks for reading! Lucy xx 









                                                                                       

Custom Clinique 3-Step

For Combination skin (Dry & Oily)

So if you've read some of my other posts, you'll have seen that I've tried various Clinique 3-step systems, including the Anti-blemish range and skin type 1. I've tried sticking with these regimes, but haven't noticed significant differences whilst using them... so I've decided to ditch their suggested ones and create my own, swap products around and that sort of thing :)

This came about when I tried my friend's Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel out of curiosity. I have used the lotion in the past, but have found it too greasy, despite having dry skin. I have noticed that I'm a bit oilier than I used to be, so thought I'd give the gel a try. This stuff feels amazing on the skin. Super hydrating but also non greasy. Great base for make up, makes the skin so soft and supple :)

I still need to be careful what I'm using on my skin, as I am acne prone and have quite sensitive skin. So I decided to go with the Mild Facial Wash. To satisfy my dry areas, I have chosen Clarifying Lotion '2' For Dry Combination skin.

So far so good with this regime.... I've been using it for a couple of days now, and my skin is feeling really soft and supple. Make up goes on better and I think some of the spots on my chin are clearing up (will have to do an update on this!) all I know is that this regime isn't making it worse! Which is great as products often irritate my skin and cause me to break out!

Wishlist: Clinique Exfoliating Scrub

Heard a lot of good reviews on this scrub, and apparently it's effective enough to get rid of dead skin, but also the beads are gentle enough not to irritate the skin too much, which happens if the grains are too rough!

Thanks for reading and I'd like to hear about your skin regime!

What works well for you?
Lucy x

Product of the moment....

Clinique Moisture Surge 'extended thirst relief' 

I've recently gone back to this product, as I was finding regular moisturisers too heavy and I was breaking out loads. I sampled the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel and found that it gave my skin the moisture it needed, without being greasy. I usually think that my skin is really dry, so I need heavier lotions, but I really do think that Gel is the way forward as within about two days of sampling this I noticed a difference in the condition of my skin and my break outs. 


I'm currently ordering some Clinique products from work, and while waiting, I've been using the Moisture surge in place of the DDM Gel and it's working really well! My skin is super smooth and hydrated, make up goes on really well and doesn't get as greasy throughout the day. 


I used to think that this could only be used on my skin after a different moisturiser, for added hydration, but my skin has been more combination dry, with a tendency to get oily, so this moisturiser is great on its own before make up and also before bed.


This product retails at £30 on the highstreet, which is pretty pricey! I got mine in a set with the face spray and eye cream and it was under £30 from Duty Free at Manchester Airport. I would say though, that the only product I actually use from this set is the Moisture Surge itself, the others are just extras that I don't really need\remember to use. The eye gel might come in handy after heavy nights though, but we'll see.


Really recommend this product for all skin types, it's an excellent primer for the face and all round hydrator.

Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue
refreshing gel cream

I've seen that Garnier have come out with a gel moisturiser which looks interesting, so I might try that on pay day :)




Thanks for reading! :D Lucy x

Recent buys!

So I’ve been wanting to try a few more M.A.C products, after trying a few eyeshadows, blushers and lipglosses & liking them (in particular ‘conjour up’ mineralize blush!). I was in the market for a new concealer so I went for Studio Finish Concealer in nc15. I was matched for MAC foundations as an nc20/25 so decided to go for a lighter concealer, as I tend to use them under the eyes as well as on blemishes to brighten the eye area up! This concealer is SPF35 which is great for protecting the delicate eye area, and also blemishes which can be irritated by sun exposure. This concealer feels heavy enough to cover imperfections, but not too heavy as I’m worried about clogging pores and leading to more acne etc…. but we’ll see how this goes and I’ll post an update :)

Also on my little haul, I got my hands on a Clinique Moisture Surge 3 Piece set which is a travel exclusive and I bought it from an airport. You can get this for around £30 at an airport (usually tax free) and it’s such a bargain! I’ve been looking online, and unless you can find a really good deal on eBay or something similar, then you’re going to be paying over £30 for this set. I think this is a really good deal seeing as the Moisture Surge extended thirst relief cream 50ml is usually around £25-£30 alone. In the set you get the cream, which is a 75ml tub (bigger than the one I’ve already got) a refreshing eye gel (not tried this yet) and a hydrating face spray! I LOVEEEEE Moisture Surge and really recommend it as a primer for the skin before make up. Creates a sort of layer on the skin which allows make up to go on like a dream! :) I’ll be trying the face spray and eye gel in the next few days and I’ll make sure to update on my verdict!

That’s all from my little skincare spree, please feel free to ask me anything about these products, and if you’ve used any of these before (especially the concealer) then please let me know what you think! :D

Lucyyy xx

Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser spf15

High hopes......


After trying the free sample in Glamour Magazine a few months back, I really liked the result of using this tinted moisturiser. I felt that it gave great coverage for a moisturiser, and having acne scars and some current blemishes, this was an essential thing for me. However.....having gone out and bought this product, I have completely changed my mind! I really regret buying this product (£21), and feel that the tester somehow didn't provide me with an accurate feel for the product.

Tinted Moisturiser spf15

"Smooth on an instant moisture boost with SPF protection and a hint of skin-perfecting colour. Refreshingly lightweight formula provides a no-makeup look and feel, yet covers imperfections with a natural, hydrating touch. Oil-free."  - Clinique


This product leaves my skin feeling greasy and my pores feel clogged. I am aware that the point of this product is that it would give you a burst of moisturiser, but the feeling never goes away. My face feels wet to the touch, even after using a mattifying powder. This product claims to be oil free, but it doesn't seem that way to me, as it makes my face super oily! I would have thought this would have been perfect for dry & oily skin, but my friend has tried this product (she has oily skin) and it is no good for her either.


This is a real shame for me, as I absolutely love the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief and was hoping to find a lightweight foundation perfect for the summer.  


Recommend to a friend?
No!

Clinique review

How good is Clinique? Do their products actually work?

I have been using Clinique on and off for about three years now, and I have to say their products really do work for me. The trick is, to be persistent with your Clinique products, and give them at least a few weeks (perhaps 2) to start working properly! The main thing you should notice straight away using Clinique products is the really clean feeling your skin will have, even from the first time you use them!

I have acne prone skin. In terms of Clinique products, I have combination-dry skin which needs acne fighting products, whilst giving me the moisture I need! This can be problematic with other products, as they either give me too much oil for the moisture, leading to acne.... or strip my skin of all the oils to fight the acne, leading to drier skin! Luckily Clinique seem to have found that balance so that I can have the best of both worlds! :)


I have to admit, I get nervous going to any cosmetics counter, as I just know the sales assistants are going to pressure me, and in the end I'll end up buying nothing or the entire shop. This frustrates me! I took a trip to Boots in Manchester, and my aim was to get some Clarifying Lotion and some Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion. Success! I came out with these two products, regardless of the sales assistant's attempt to try and get me to buy the Anti-Blemish moisturiser & Moisture surge!


I'm not doubting that the moisture surge is good, but on my student budget I'm just not prepared to fork out! She was suggesting these because I told her my skin concerns were dryness but also acne. She suggested using the clearing moisturiser, and then moisture surge on top if my skin is feeling a bit dry. I honestly don't believe you can't mix and match thr 3-step systems. Find something that works for you, and for me that is Anti blemish cleanser/clarifying lotion & dramatically different moisturising lotion (not the anti blemish one). I really find it annoying when you're telling the sales assistants what works for you, and they're just arguing that this isn't how you use their products! They seem very 'by the book'!


My perfect 3-step system is as follows:

Anti-Blemish solutions cleansing foam £13.00 125ml 

Anti-Blemish solutions clarifying lotion £16.50 200ml

Dramatically Different moisturizing lotion (around £15/tube)

I don't see the need to buy an additional moisturiser, the dramatically different moisturising lotion is great! I make sure that I buy the lotion, rather than the gel, as it's better for dry skin.

Clinique products can be pricey, but if you want to invest in some great skincare, which should make your skin feel and look amazing (with continued use) then I would really suggest trying Clinique! Sometimes if I'm away, or I run out of my clinique products, I can really feel my skin getting drier, especially around the nose area, and this makes make up look terrible (& therefore I feel terrible throughout the day!) It is definitely something I've bought, stopped using, tried to find a cheaper alternative, but always gone back to! The price is nothing considering I've battled with my skin since the age of 12, if this expensive stuff works, then why not! :)

Feel free to let me know of your experiences with Clinique! Have you had a bad experience? A good one you'd like to share? Please leave comments below, or tweet me! :) @thebeautylink

Lucy x

Clinique 7 day scrub cream REVIEW

Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream

I had been looking for a decent exfoliator for a while, the dry weather has been wreaking havoc with my skin. Make up goes on blotchy and my nose area has visible dryness! A couple of people suggested using the 7 day scrub cream, and I was willing to try it, and pay the £16.50 price for something which was going to work. THIS STUFF WORKS! :D


What is it like?


This product is quite thick, and you don't need much at all! So even if you think £16.50 is a lot, it will last you a while so it's well worth it! I often end up with excess on my palm (I really need to take my own advice and use less!!)


It's a thick cream with fine grains which doesn't lather. The directions don't suggest that you wet the face before you use the product, but personally I do as it feels like the product can go further and really buff the skin! It can take a little while to rinse the product off as it's so thick, but it's worth the wait! As I dry my skin, it feels so soft!


I thought that with persistent use of this product I would feel the effects decrease with use, but this isn't the case! It's like I'm using it for the first time every time I use it (I use this product up to twice a week to freshen up my skin!) I use it in conjunction with my 3 Step skincare and have found no problems, just great glowing skin! My make up goes on really smoothly and stays put without drying that you can get with other scrubs such as Clean & Clear blackhead daily scrub. I find that this is too harsh for my skin, and being combination/dry, it strips my skin of the moisture I need for the day, making my make up dry up on my nose/chin areas!


Alternatives?

I really like St Ive's apricot scrub, but I would use this less, as it can be quite harsh on the skin! It does the job, but it's not as gentle and nourishing as the Clinique 7 Day scrub




I'm still on the lookout for more scrubs so please if you know of any that might be suitable for my combination/dry acne prone skin then just leave a comment below!


I hope this review was helpful :) thank you for reading!

Clinique 3-Step Anti-Blemish Solutions Product Review

Product Review for Clinique's 3-Step Anti-Blemish Solutions

I'll start of first of all by telling you that I have dry-combination skin. My skin is acne-prone (I have suffered with acne since the age of 12, and I still get the occasional flare ups almost ten years later! Sucks eh?) My flare ups are pretty much confined to the chin area and forehead. My face tends to get greasy around the chin/nose and dry on the cheeks/forehead, nightmare if like me you like wearing everything when it comes to make up (foundation, powder, bronzer, blusher!)

Trying Clinique for the first time:

I have been through all the standard 'drug store' skin care ranges, and found myself getting frustrated at my skin, make up just never applied smoothly, and I'd end up greasy and spotty by the end of the day. Luckily, I was in my local Department Store, and browsing the Clinique counter, when a helpful assistant offered me trial sizes of the Anti-Blemish Range, this included: Cleansing Bar for Face and Body, Clarifying Lotion (15ml) and Clearing Moisturiser (15ml). I had never considered Clinique before, as it was quite out of my price range, being a student with no part-time job!

The Clinique Anti-Blemish 3-Step skincare system actually works! (well, for me it does!) It dries up those greasy areas, and horrible spots! I have to say though, with having dry areas, I find that the Clearing Moisturiser does not nourish my skin as I would like (because of its spot fighting ingredients which inevitably dry up the spots/skin) I use in its place Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion (not gel). This moisturiser works really well for me, as part of my Anti-Blemish system, as now I have the best of both worlds, spot fighting treatment & moisture in those dry areas, perfect! I also prefer the Cleansing Foam rather than the bar (for convenience really!)

How do I use my 3-Step Skincare System?

I find that I get the best results when I use my 3-Step Anti-Blemish solutions twice a day, every day! It prepares my skin in the morning for make-up, which then glides on and stays on longer! At night I can see and feel my skin looking more refreshed and moisturised, with no traces of make up left (essential to keep that skin free of clogged pores which can lead to a flare up of acne!) This is my routine morning and night:

1. wet the face and neck

2. one pump of cleansing foam, lather in the hands

3. smooth over face gently (avoiding eyes) and rinse with warm water

4. pat face dry

5. apply Clarifying Lotion to cotton pad and wipe over face and neck

6. follow with Dramatically Different Moisturising lotion, face and neck 

Alternatives?

I've found that a cheaper alternative to the Anti-Blemish system is the Superdrug Tea Tree range, but again, if you have dry skin, I would suggest using a richer moisturiser, as the blemish ones can be quite drying. Another alternative, from Clinique, is the 3-Step skin type 2. They currently do starter kits (smaller products in a set) for £20. I bought this set, because they unfortunately do not do an Anti-Blemish starter kit! Skin type 2 caters for dry-combination skin, so I thought I'd give this a try! If you don't mind the slight tingling sensation that the Clarifying Lotion gives, then this is certainly worth a try! I have found that it works just as well as the Anti-Blemish, but the lower price gives it the edge! 

I hope you found this review helpful and please ask any questions you might have and I'll try to answer them! Thanks for reading and feel free to leave a comment about your own experiences with Clinique!