Recent skincare empties

In the past few months, I have really tried very hard not to buy skincare products. I have been attempting to use up what I have before buying anything new as well as trying to save my pennies for a very exciting move that’s going to happen next year, watch this space!

So that being said, today’s post is going to be all about my recent skincare empties…

 

Zelens Luminous Brightening Serum

This has to be one of my most expensive purchases even though I got it as bargain for nearly half price it’s RRP! Whilst I do love skincare, I really can’t bring myself to spend extortionate amounts on tiny little jars (even though secretly I would love to go crazy sometimes!).  I’ve had it since Christmas eve and having used it only a few times a week as it’s so precious, I have just finished the bottle.  

I have actually mentioned this already in my February favourites where I raved about it. Now that I have used it all up, I can still say that it’s a great product. Until the last drop, it gave me a serious glow. My skin felt and looked so radiant, there was a noticeable difference on the days I used the serum to when I didn’t, it’s that good. As I seem to be developing increasingly sensitive skin, I can confirm that this gave me no irritation whatsoever. It is very gentle on the skin but powerful, a perfect mix!  

This is a product where you can almost justify spending so much. As the serum  markets itself for being  high in niacinamide, I noticed ‘The Ordinary’ range by Deciem offers a niacinamide and zinc serum and immediately I was attracted it.. I thought it would be the answer to my prayers at only £5 compared to £135 for the Zelens. Unfortunately from what I have used so far, I am disappointed. I feel like it doesn't do much for me compared to my beloved Zelens. I think those of you that can compare the two would probably agree … annoying isn’t it?

Repurchase? Yes (only if I had more pennies L)

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash

I picked up this face wash whilst browsing in John Lewis. It was 20% off (normally it sells for £16 for 125ml) at the time which is probably the reason why I bought it. I used it every single morning until the bottle was empty and it’s one of the nicest cleansers I have used. It has some fantastic ingredients which get to work on congested skin as well as calming and reducing existing blemishes.  For me, it does exactly what it says on the tin. The fact that it is 99% natural is an even bigger bonus I reckon.

Now that I have used it up, I really do miss it. It seemed to keep my skin under check with my blemishes being under control. I have noticed that lately some angry buggers have reared their ugly heads and this has made me realise what a good job it did.  

Whilst the cleanser is effective, unlike others, it didn’t leave my skin dry or uncomfortable in any way. I was always left with clean, supple and calm skin…. Just how I like it! However, don’t expect it to do a good job at removing your make-up. It’s definitely one for a second cleanse or morning cleanse (which is when I prefer to use it). 

Overall, for the price and it’s performance, its definitely worth trying out if you are on the look for an every day cleanser. I am beginning to really like this brand and having loved their radiance face mask too, I will probably be picking up something else from them!  

Repurchase? Yes definitely 

 

Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm

I enjoy using cleansing balms and I’m all about trying out new brands and formula’s alike. Of course, I have the famous Emma Hardie in my stash which I love but as I do like switching it up, I decided to try out the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm. I got a mini size from eBay so it only cost me a few quid (that’s pounds for you non-Britishers!).

 The balm contains echium oil high in omega’s, sweet almond oil and fruit extracts. As with all balms, it is recommended that you remove it with a muslin or wash cloth.

I have seen many bloggers and skincare enthusiasts talk about how fab this product is, but unfortunately, I don’t think I’m going to be one of them. On my first time using it, I really enjoyed the lovely melty texture and the fabulous scent. I thought it did a good job  at removing my make-up and my skin felt soft too. However, it was the next morning when I realised it wasn’t suited to me. My skin just looked ‘bleurgh’. Let me explain, it didn’t look glowy and fresh which is how it should look when I’ve done a good routine the night before. And on top of that I had some small spots pop up. Nonetheless I preserved with it thinking it may have just been a one off, I mean how bad could it be? Each time I used it, I had issues. I know I hadn’t done anything different in my routines or used any other new products so I could only put it down to this. 

Having had a closer look at the ingredients, as its more synthetic then natural, I think this may be one of the reasons why my skin didn’t like it. Luckily, as it was a trial size I didn’t have much left to use up so I ended up reserving it to remove my eye make-up only.. I didn’t let it touch anywhere else on my face! 

Sadly, while this wasn’t for me, I am still hopeful for the other products in the Merumaya range and I have my eye on their eye cream J  

Repurchase? Unfortunately not 

 

Superdrug Vitamin E Toning Facial Mist

First and foremost.. this is £2.99 and it's 150ml. I think that alone is justification to go and buy it.

One a serious note, this has been the only toner I have been using recently. As I have mentioned before, my skin is becoming hyper-sensitive to just about everything, what I could happily use on my face before now causes big lumps to appear on my face.. not pretty. All my other toners are rather to astringent (lavender and tea tree) or chemical exfoliators, salicylic and glycolic acids are really not my friends right now.  Therefore this toner ticks all my boxes. It is super gentle with vitamin E and soothing aloe vera which is ideal to replenish dry and irritated skin.

It also comes in a handy spritz bottle which gives you an instant refreshing and hydrating boost, its lovely to use at any time during the day or night.  You can also use it on top of your makeup for a dewy finish. It has that classic sunscreen smell which is present in the whole Vitamin E range, which I personally really like.  My verdict is that this whilst this is a simple toner, I think everyone should one…your skin will be very happy.    

Repurchase? Yes definitely