Fresh Skin for Spring

My current skincare routine

Walking to Uni this morning, the weather was a lot more fresh and mild than it has been lately and I finally felt like Spring might actually be around the corner!  Inspired by this, I thought I'd share my current skincare routine with you as it's pretty Spring-friendly.

1. Every morning and evening I use the universally adored Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish cleanser, rubbing it into my skin in my bedroom then by the time I reach the bathroom it's had a chance to work it's magic.  It's probably worth mentioning that I remove my makeup first with any old facial wipe (currently Nivea) so my skin gets all the benefits of the ingredients directly.
2. Following this I use a cotton ball to wipe my skin with the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic to remove any residual cleanser and close pores.
3. I smooth about half a pump of the Estee Lauder Idealist Serum on to my face only in the mornings and before moisturiser.  This gives such a lovely, velvety texture to my skin and really has made a difference to any scars I have, mainly on my cheeks.
4. I use Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for Normal/Combination skin every morning which is great for hydrating without leaving a greasy finish. In the evenings, if my skin feels comfortable, I won't apply any moisturiser and let my skin breathe.
5. I read so many glowing reviews about Origins Spot Remover that I had to try it, and my God, it's incredible! Tiny bottle, amazing results.
6. Finally, a recent purchase; Liz Earle Superbalm.  I bought this because I've had a couple of random dry patches and I thought this would do the trick.  Thankfully I was right and a daub of this in the evening smooths out and flaky bits and I use it throughout the day to banish dry lips.  The only problem is possibly the smell (strong, herbal and lavender-y), which sent my friend into a sneezing fit in a lecture.  Not for everyone.

And there you have it! Clean, beautiful skin that's the perfect basis for a pretty Spring look.  Take a look at Fleur and Tanya's Video on Spring makeup for inspiration or head to Liz Earle, Estee Lauder and Origins if anything's taken your fancy.

Sophie x

Beating the Winter Chill

It's not the nicest subject, but let's face it... We're all snuffly at this time of year. Instead of suffering with a bright red nose, here are some simple ideas that really help.

Kleenex Balsam Tissues - £2.89 - Boots
For when you've got a runny nose but want to prevent the dry, flaky skin.  The pocket packets are great for throwing in your bag.

Multivitamins - £5.75 - Boots
Take one every morning to make sure you're taking in all the necessary vitamins.

Berocca Vitamin C - £4.99 - Boots
Boots own brand are just as good, and they usually have offers on around this time of year.  Provides extra protection against the sniffles.

Vicks Inhalers - £2.49 - Boots
Fantastic to keep in your bag when your sinuses are blocked.

Olbas Oil - £3.99 - Boots
Pop a couple of drops on a tissue and leave it on your pillow as you sleep to clear your nose and help you breathe during the night.

Night Nurse - £5.45 - Boots
Bringing out the big guns.  Night Nurse will knock you out and ensure you have a completely peaceful sleep, no matter how bad your cold.  Not recommended if you have an early start in the morning - It will make you find getting up more difficult than Lauren, and that's saying something!

And there you have it! Your armour against a nasty cold, and all for £25. Of course, you could also indulge in a trip to your favourite cafe for a toastie and a hot chocolate, try the old English custom of walking it off in the countryside wrapped up so well you can barely move your arms or lying on the sofa and letting your other half nurse you back to health.  All very effective!

Breathe easy, Sophie.

From Simply Stressed, to Beautifully Relaxed.

<3

                         

When it comes to stressing and procrastination I'd say that I was an expert.  Not only do I find it very hard to completely put my mind at ease, but I also have adapted the wonderful skill of putting things off till the last minute.

Tea is obviously one of the most obvious drinks to have when you want some home comfort, however recently I've discovered the art of wasting 30mins to an hour soaking myself in a ridiculously luxurious hot bath can be equally satisfying!

I've always been a fan of The Body Shop products (I have at least 5 of the Body Butters in my bathroom); but I have never really considered them as luxuries... Until now that is!

I had seen the 'Satsuma Body Polish' recommended in Vogue and I have been putting off buying it for a while, so deemed it necessary that now was the perfect time to buy.  This product once applied, formed a sensuous lather with the Satsuma based scrub.  It smells amazing, and left my legs feeling silky, smooth and moisturised.  Along with this purchase I also bought 'Earth Lovers: Watermelon and Eucalyptus Shower Gel', which smelt utterly divine in the shop.

To top my bathing experience off, I made sure I included a generous helping of Abahna's 'Lilac Rose and Geranium Bath and Shower Gel'; the heavenly perfumed scent fills your bathroom and completes the atmosphere needed for that all important de-stressing hour.

I am also a great lover of  Pintail Candles so felt the need of indulging in a 'Raspberry and Papaya' scented tin candle too.

Best Buy: The product that I was most impressed by was probably the 'Watermelon and Eucalyptus' shower gel, because in the bottle it appears to be quite watery.  However, I was definitely impressed with the product once in use, as it lathered up nicely and a benefit of it is that it contains no soap (perfect for sensitive skin)!

Lauren-Eloise x