PIXI SKINCARE STAPLES*

How is it November? I swear it was only yesterday I opened my weekly planner at January 1st. Every year around this time my skin can become very dry and difficult to work with, slacking on skincare is definitely not an option. In ways I enjoy dedicating more time to looking after my skin, I can definitely see the benefits and it makes me feel all snug in the cold winter evenings.

Over the past month I have been trialing some new skincare products which have left my skin unrecognisable. I have always had weird skin that does not work well with foundation and tends to look problematic 99% of the time, however I have been so happy with my skin over the past month and it's all down to 3 skincare saviours.

I love Pixi, their products always impress and the branding is beautiful, blush pinks, greens and gold. I love products that perform well and look pretty on my desk - it sound's mad but it just makes me happy! I was so excited to receive some Pixi goods in the mail last month and have been resisting the urge to write this post earlier - I wanted to get a month of use first. I was going to write a separate review of each product but I feel that they work so well together it would be better to write one big review. Each product has it's own merits but together they are the dream team. 

Firstly I want to talk about the Pixi Cleansing Balm. I have used cleansing balms in the past, in fact, they are my favourite type of product to remove makeup and cleanse the skin. This product smells absolutely amazing, think of the most relaxing and luxurious scent, this is it, very fresh and light. On first use, the first thing I noticed was the consistency of the product, very silky and more of an oil texture than previously trialled cleansing balms. The product is thin despite the chunky look and melts into your skin beautifully, I could spend hours massaging this into my face. I honestly feel like a goddess when using this product, it's so calming and enjoyable. Once I've persuaded myself to stop massaging this product into my face, I dampen some cotton pads in warm water and wipe away the product. I have found the cleanser to be very effective at removing all traces of makeup, leaving my skin feeling fresh and clean. I love that it doesn't strip my skin, there's a really nice residue left which makes my skin look so dewy and supple.

After cleansing I let my skin relax for about 15 minutes before I go in with the Pixi Glow Tonic. I have raved about this product in the past after receiving it as a christmas gift, it is an amazing product. I have realised that all Pixi products smell gorgeously fresh and the Glow Tonic doesn't fall short, it has a very distinct smell. I apply the product to a cotton pad and sweep it across my face and neck, it leaves my skin looking very even and calm. Since using the product I have seen my skin texture improve so much, I think this is down to the subtle exfoliation that the tonic provides. I would definitely suggest trying this out if you maybe suffer from difficult skin that prevents your makeup applying how you'd like, my pores and skin texture are much smoother looking than ever before. 

To finish off, I apply the Pixi Rose Oil Blend. This is my favourite step in my skincare routine, it's such a relaxing product to use. Since using the Rose Oil Blend my skin has been so clear, next to no blemishes have popped up! After applying to my face I get a very even skin tone with a hint of rosie cheeks, it's so calming and leaves my skin looking so healthy. The product comes in a beautiful bottle with a beautiful gold pipette - so pretty. The product is perfect when applied before makeup and sometimes I mix a few drops into my foundation for a flawless application. I would definitely suggest this product if you are looking to increase skin hydration and overall skin health - mine hasn't looked better. 

I would 100% reccomend these products for those who is looking to add some high performing skincare staples to their collection. The products are brilliant, my skin is cooperating with me and i'm seeing improvements daily which is so lovely! I keep waking up and feeling my skin in the morning and it's such an amazing feeling after having acne for years on end! I have used all three products religiously both morning and night and shall continue to do so, the difference I have seen in a months use is so impressive.

Let me know if you've tried any of these products, I would love to know your thoughts!

*This product was sent to me for reviewing purposes, all opinions remain my own regardless.

GOODBYE OIL - THE TONER WE'VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR

ZERO OIL™ PORE PURIFYING TONER WITH SAW PALMETTO & MINT | £16.50

To me, toner is one of those products that I put on the "meh, I don't need it" shelf. I was very wrong about this and have discovered so after using the Origins Zero Oil Pore Purifying Toner with Saw Palmetto & Mint. The product retails at £16.50 which is not too bad considering the brand have a wide range of variously priced products.

I began using this product both in the morning and at night time between cleansing and moisturising. I saw my first initial improvement after the second day of using whereby I began to notice my makeup was staying put and skin was less oily during the day - a miracle. I apply the product with a cotton pad and brush it over my skin with a slight pressure, it's so refreshing and the smell is lovely.

I have noticed a number of changes in my skin since using the product over the past few months. Firstly, my skin is less oily and there is definitely less of an oily sheen. This means my makeup applies much better and stays put for longer which is convenient during a long day. Secondly, I have noticed my skin tone has become more even and my blemishes have been  much less aggressive and painful, my face feels cleaner when using the product and gives me faith that it's working wonders. Lastly, I have seen my skin become brighter and more healthier looking which is always a bonus, especially when the months are becoming colder and skin is becoming drier.

If you're looking for a product to reduce oil and boost the feel and look of your skin, this ones for you. I really have enjoyed using the product and will definitely be repurchasing once it becomes low. Let me know if you have tried it, i'd love to know what you think about it!

Nip + Fab Kale Fix Clay Mask

NIP + FAB KALE FIX CLAY MASK | £6-12

Now I will be the first to put my hands up and say I should probably eat more greens, however, I feel I should at least get some credit for using a kale face mask. (I am aware of how embarrassing that opening line was but I still enjoy the slight awful humour of it). In all seriousness, this face mask sounded too good to ignore, I needed a skin saviour asap. I was away from home for a few nights and realised I had not brought along my face mask, my skin was beginning to feel dry and needed a little TLC. I dashed into super drug and scoured the shelves until my eye was caught by the NIP + FAB Kale Fix Clay Mask, I love their brand and I find their products work well with my skin. 

THOUGHTS

I really, really enjoyed this mask. The consistency is very silky and smooth, not like most clay masks which are quite thick in consistency. I applied a thin layer of the product after cleansing and left it on for 30 minutes, this is longer than suggested but I love face masks so i'm going to drag it out as long as possible. The mask instantly calmed my skin and felt very soothing whilst applied, I like how it didn't leave my skin feeling tight like most clay masks. To wash the mask off you simply massage your face with luke warm water which turns the mask into a silky cleanser like consistency. The following day my skin felt moisturised and restored, any blemishes I had also felt less irritated. I love products that restore hydration and the NIP + FAB Kale Fix Mask definitely does this, I feel like it also gave my skin a nice glow which is always a plus. I can definitely see myself reaching for this mask on days where my skin needs an extra bit of love, and for the price it's definitely a winner. 

Let me know if you have tried this mask, I love the benefits of the clay without the stiff and tight feeling during application, it's refreshing and a lovely product to use during a pamper day.

June: Beauty Empties

I don't think I have ever done an empties post in all the years I have been blogging, and so I feel it's about time! I have been using some amazing products recently, both skincare and makeup. I have 6 products that I have been reaching for so much over the past month, they've really stood out. So without further ado, here's what I've used up this month!

Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Optimale Rich
I have been addicted to this moisturiser, it's amazing. I suffer with patches of extremely dry skin along with an awful texture, this product has seen me through the worst and tackles it every time. I really love the smell too, it's very spa like and not too overwhelming!  I have fallen in love with Avène and hope to try more from the brand along with a repurchase.

Mitchum Advanced Women 48HR Protection Powder Fresh Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant
I have used this deodorant for months now and have to say it far out-performs any alternative I have tried. The product is everything you could want from an anti-perspirant and smells so fresh, It's definitely worth the extra money as it last forever and is very durable on hot days!

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti Chip Top Coat
After opting for some acrylic nails a few months back I have found my nails to be more prone to chipping and peeling in the after math. I decided to pick up the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri and it is probably the best nail product in the world. It dries nail polish within a minute and works brilliantly as a top coat, it's definitely a manicure essential.

L'Oreal Paris False Lash Sculpt Mascara
I am obsessed with this mascara, it's amazing. I love the sculpt range, but the mascara is definitely my favourite! My lashes look so long, black and curled when using it, I haven't experienced these effects to the same extent with any other mascara, it's fab.

Body Shop Shade Adjusting Drops
I have reviewed this product before, but it just keeps impressing. I always keep this product on hand and this month ran out - it's essential for those of us who struggle to find a shade that matches. I will definitely be repurchasing asap as it plays a vital part in my daily makeup routine. I may also purchase the darker drops too for days where I decide to fake tan - I feel both the dark and light shades would be very handy!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer
I purchased the brow definer after falling in love with the brow wiz. I love the longevity of this product and how amazing it makes my brows look. The shade range is amazing and it does not budge - It's also amazingly easy to apply! I haven't seen my brows look the same without this product so it definitely is unique, the consistency is perfect and allows you to gain the desired look within minutes.

Let me know what your empties are this month - I need to repurchase asap because these products have wowed me time and time again!

The Hero Project*

Hyasoft £19  | Glow Drops £21

I love skincare, I would probably go as far as saying I love it more than makeup. To me, having a good skincare routine is vital, especially if you have problematic skin like mine. When offered to trial new skincare products, I jumped at the chance! I had never heard of The Hero Project before, so as expected, I was very intrigued. I was sent both the Hyasoft Instant Moisture Boost and the Glow Drops Dry Oil. 

PACKAGING

When both products arrived I was immediately obsessed with the packaging. Both products come in sturdy boxes with a very sleek and minimal design. The boxes aren't covered in unnecessary information, instead they have the important stuff such as application, ingredients and intended outcome. I like products that don't bombard you with irrelevant waffling, so this packaging was a breath of fresh air. The Glow Drops feel very luxurious as the bottle is quite a heavy glass. The pipette has a really handy button on top so getting to the product is extremely easy! I have never seen this before, but there is a dimple at the bottom of the product so that the pipette picks up every last drop once the product is finished, such a lovely idea! I really like the look of the Glow Drops and the feel of the Glass bottle, it's really nice to use and also lovely to look at! The Hyasoft Moisture Boost comes in a long tube with a sturdy screw cap, simple and effective. 

INGREDIENTS

The Glow Drops have some wonderful sounding ingredients, including 10 natural essential oils and vitamin C. I love natural products so finding out that this product is 93% naturally derived makes me a very happy girl! Because of the essential oils, this product smells absolutely dreamy, it's especially perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere before bed! The Hyasoft Moisture Boost is made from a blend of multi-molecular hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. This sounds very fancy but to cut it short, this helps lock in moisture on multiple levels of your skin. 

THOUGHTS

After cleansing my face, I applied a 10p sized amount of product all over my skin and immediately, the product felt like nothing I had ever used. It's a very thin, silky gel which absorbs very quickly. I like that the gel isn't sticky because it's a pain having to wash your hands if a product leaves a horrible residue. I then massages 2-3 Glow Drops all over my skin, using soft, circular motions. The glow drops felt very luxurious and absorbed really nicely into my skin, leaving a glowing, soft finish. When I woke up the next morning, my skin felt amazing, as if I'd had a facial. I have nothing but positive comments on these products because they have really given me such an excited reaction. 

After using both products for a week, I have seen an increasing, ongoing change in my skin. My skin is brighter and smoother than before, I also seem to have a natural glow which is amazing! I find that my makeup has been applying far better than usual, I normally find that foundation sits on my nose in an awful way but now makeup looks much more natural and flawless. I can't praise these products enough because they are very lovely in every aspect, packaging, application and finish. It's always nice to find a product that works and these work very well together. I will definitely be using these products daily as I can't get enough of them, I love it when a product makes me this excited!!

Let me know if you have tried any of these products! I'm obsessed and very happy to have been introduced to such a lovely brand! 

*This product was gifted to me for review, however, all opinions remain my own

Summer Skincare Essentials

I have always loved reading or watching beauty gurus talk about new products. I would go through numerous posts about "the best foundations" thinking it would make me look exactly the same as the flawless girls in the photos. Oh how wrong young Sophie was. It only hit me over the past few years that the key to such skin was all down to the skin care routine. Suffering with acne throughout my teenage years, I realised very quickly that there is no foundation/concealer quick fix. There is only so far makeup can go and unfortunately, photos do not always represent real life (not to mention the use of skin smoothing apps nowadays). 

Over the past few years I have invested so much into researching the best creams, exfoliators and treatments. I have probably been through every cleanser, moisturiser and treatment on the market, searching for my holy grail. When you find something that works it's such an amazing feeling and even better when you find products that work well together. I have recently traveled abroad and so I was limited in terms of what products could travel with me. Due to my overspending on summer clothing, I really had no choice but to only take essential skincare. I love all of these products and they work well both on their own as well as together.

LIZ EARLE - CLEANSE & POLISH 

This product is perfect for summer in so many ways. Firstly, I love the refreshing smell and feel you get when applying, the application is very relaxing and removes all traces of makeup. I find that having fresh feeling skin in hot weather is vital, especially due to the change in weather. The product is also nicely sized so it will last you a long time, for an inexpensive price.

PIXI - GLOW TONIC

For a while I let this product sit on my shelf, I just didn't see the hype. I decided to start using it again when my skin hit a bad patch, and suddenly I had a healthy glow again. I love using this product in summer because it really leaves your skin feeling bright and exfoliated. I use this daily and feel it gives my skin a soft exfoliation that helps keep skin from clogging up.

NIP + FAB - GLYCOLIC SCRUB

I absolutely love this scrub - it's by far the best I have ever used. It leaves skin feeling like you've just had a facial, removing any rough skin. I love the buffed finish you get after using this product, it's wonderful. I use this twice a week in order to give my skin a deeper exfoliation and I feel it does just that.

SOAP AND GLORY - RUB YOUR NOSE IN IT 

I like to use this product for my nose as it is by far the most problematic area in terms of dry skin and texture. I love this scrub as it removes all rough skin, leaving a glowing, smooth finish. I can see such a difference in skin texture after using this scrub, my makeup applies much better and lasts much longer. I feel that this product works best with my nose, better than a general all over face scrub.

INDEED LABS - RETINOL REFACE

I had debated buying this product for so long, and I finally gave in. This product is brilliant, perfect for those of us who suffer with acne scarring. I have seen such a decrease in acne scarring since using this product which is something that has given me so much more confidence. I had always worried about resurfacing products, thinking they would cause peeling and sensitive skin, however I didn't experience any of this whilst using this product. I would definitely advise this product for anyone who is anxious about scarring or uneven skin.

AVÈNE - RICH HYDRATING CREAM

This is my new favourite moisturiser, I am obsessed. Avène is a brand which I have only ever had positive opinions of, every product has impressed me over and over again. I love this product as it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and supple, just what I need during the summer. The product is a thin cream and absorbs quickly, something that is useful during hot summer days.

GARNIER - PROTECTION LOTION SPF50

We all know how important sun cream is, especially when it comes to your face. I apply this product before makeup as a pre-primer to make sure that I don't burn or damage my skin. I found that this product was really nice to work with in terms of applying makeup, it left my skin feeling very supple and fresh. I like that it's not too thick like most sun creams, I hate the feeling of unabsorbed products! A little went a long way with this product which is very impressive, as it's only a travel size!

BLISTEX - INTENSE MOISTURE LIP CREAM

Dry lips on holiday or at any time really is just a big no no. I like to wear lipstick most of the time and so I feel this product is absolutely vital. It's quickly absorbed and really does moisture very well. I love the fresh smell and the plump finish I get after using the product.


Most of these products are repurchased as I enjoy using them so much, I really love finding a product that works and makes me feel confident in my skin. Most products mentioned are extremely affordable too, which is always a positive! Let me know if you have tried any of these products or if you have any suggestions for new products, i'm always on the look out for new products to try!

LIZ EARLE CLEANSE & POLISH

I have seen this product name pop up all over the internet for years, in fact, both my Mum and Nan had used it for years. I am actually quite surprised it has taken me so long to actually give this a go, it's a beauty blogger favourite and go-to cleanser for most. When browsing Feel Unique I decided it was about time to see if this product really did work wonders. 

The first thing I noticed when opening up my order was how sleek and pretty the product was. It feels and looks very spa like which makes taking makeup off such a treat. I look forward to the few minutes of calm I feel when removing my makeup, It's the best feeling. Before applying the Cleanse & Polish, I removed my makeup with a micellar water and some cotton pads. I always cleanse twice at night, once to remove makeup, and a second to cleanse the skin. I really appreciated the pump which provides just enough product, I hate trying to judge how much is enough! The little things really make the biggest difference. When pumping the product onto your fingers, you'll find it's a white cream with a slight stiffness to it. Once you apply it to the face it massages out perfectly into a silky consistency and feels very moisturising. I really love the smell of the product, really fresh and not too overwhelming. I massage the cleanser into my skin in circular motions, I could do this all day, the product feels so lovely on the skin. To remove the product, I used the provided muslin cloths. They feel like high quality and they are also quite large which is nice. I use a different section of the cloth for the removal of the product on different areas of my skin. The cloth is soft enough to feel gentle but also gives a slight feel of exfoliation.

Since purchasing the product I have been using it both morning and night, regardless of wether I wear makeup or not. I have seen a few alterations in various aspects of my skin. Firstly, my skin feels very moisturised and supple. I used to have an awful problem with keeping moisture in my skin but this seems to do the trick, it doesn't strip the skin at all. Secondly, the overall texture of my skin is ten times better. Since using the product my skin is much more even and smoother. My makeup has also been applying better due to the improvement in texture and moisture.

As you can see, I have three bottles of the the Cleanse & Polish. I had noticed on the Liz Earle website that they were on offer for £9.50, and so I thought I would stock up. I felt this price was amazing as it also included the muslin cloths. I am really happy that I finally gave into the urge to purchase this product, it has proved itself to be a staple in my skincare routine. If you're looking for a gentle cleanser with effective results on both skin texture and moisture levels, this ones for you.

EMBRYOLISSE LAIT-CRÈME CONCENTRÉ

My skin is odd, one minute it's dry and the next it's oily. I can't win! I decided to invest in a new moisturiser as I found my old one was not doing the best of jobs. I had spotted the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré a few times but had never purchased it. There's something about french skin care that really draws me in, I don't know what it is! 

LUSH SKINCARE ESSENTIALS

On a cold winters Day last December, I walked into Lush during my yearly last minute Christmas gift shopping spree. Little did I know, the products suggested to me would be life changing staples. Lush has a brilliant reputation in the UK and from what I've read, in the USA as well. I love lush, there is something so lovely about walking into a Lush store and being surrounded by beautiful products and smells. I was suffering from such awful acne last year and had reached the point where I couldn't find a gentle yet effective cleanser to tame my skin. The lovely sales assistant recommended that I try Ultrabland, a cleanser made from almond oil, rose water, beeswax and honey. 

This cleanser really is amazing, it is a god send. At the end of the day, I softly massage the product into my skin until my makeup has melted, I then take two large cotton pads soaked in warm water and wipe away any product from my skin. I have never experienced a cleanser so effective in removing makeup and dirt, it is such a lovely experience too! I love how spa like the product is, it is so soft and gentle with the skin, leaving a lovely feel to the skin. A lot of cleansers can leave your skin feeling stripped and dry, however, this leaves your skin dewy and moisturised. The pots contain more than enough product to last you weeks, a small amount will surprise you in terms of how much makeup it removes! I love the smell of the product, it's odd, nothing like I've smelt before! The consistency is so silky and soft, it feels lovely on the skin.

I have also been loving their Eu Roma Water which is a toner. The two main ingredients are rose water (to reduce redness and calm skin) and lavender water (to balance and soften skin). I apply this product after cleansing and every morning too. I love this product as it smells amazing and leaves me skin calm and soft, as it describes. I feel so refreshed after using this and my skin doesn't feel overly dry or striped! Using the Eu Roma Water is a very relaxing experience due to the smell and application, I either spritz my face and wipe with a cotton pad, or I will spritz the cotton pad directly.

I couldn't live without these two products, they really are staples in my skincare routing. I see so many posts and YouTube videos talking about high-end expensive skincare and these two just prove how over spending is not necessary. Using both of these products has contributed to taming my acne and looking after my sensitive skin. I am happy to have found such wonder products! It makes life that little bit easier!