Review: La Roche-Posay Serozinc Toner

Hello lovelies,

I'd heard so much about this product and on a recent trip to the pharmacie, it just fell into my basket. For those of you not in the know, Serozinc is  a Zinc Sulphate solution formulated with just that and little else, it can be sprayed on a cotton pad and swept over the face post-cleanser and used as a toner.

Serozinc is anti-bacterial and purifies the skin, as well as soothing irritations and prepping the skin for moisturiser. Zinc is a natural astringent so it's great for my combination skin. I've been getting dry patches with this weather but this really soothes them. I've found that I've been suffering from less blemishes and any existing ones are quickly fading. I wouldn't be put off even if you have sensitive skin, as the zinc is a natural element and it's actually really gentle. 

I tend to use this every couple of days, I wouldn't use it everyday as the zinc acts as a natural exfoliater and I like to switch this up with my beloved Botanics toner. I originally used this by spraying Serozinc directly onto my skin but I found that I was wasting quite a lot of product, so now I spray onto a cotton pad and sweep it across my face.

La Roche-Posay Serozinc can be picked up in the French pharmacies for around the 6 euro mark but if you're not planning a trip to France any day soon, then you can order Serozinc off Ebay for £13.75 including postage. 

Have you tried Serozinc?

October Favourites

Hello lovelies,

Now I know this is a bit late but I was at home last week and although I thought I would have time to blog, I just didn't. It really hit me just how much I miss being at home, being able to understand what's going on the majority of the time and seeing all my friends and family but heyho...I'll be back at Christmas!

H20 Plus Aqualibrium Marine Toner - $17.00

I picked this up several months ago and it seems to be discontinued in the UK now but it's available in the USA. I tend to lean toward alcohol free toners and this has really helped to keep my skin clear and calm. It's a lovely toner that doesn't strip the skin but removes all traces of dirt. I still have a couple of bottles left... don't know what I'll do when I run out!

Ren T-Zone Balancing Day Fluid 50ml - £26.00

I've only got a 15ml sample size but I have really enjoyed using this and it would definitely be something that I would consider repurchasing. This product claims to reduce shine and balance combination skin and as you all know, mt T-Zone can get very oily throughout the day when wearing makeup. I find that I don't have to worry about my skin getting oily and it really calms my skin down. Ren is a brand that I'm definitely going to explore more.

Seventeen Supreme Shine Lipstick in Bon Bon - £4.99

I only picked this up as I had a half price voucher from the Boots machine and looking at the shade in the bullet, I wouldn't have gone anywhere near it. Bon Bon is a nude pinky brown shade which I really love. This lippie applies semi-sheer but it's easily buildable, it's not quite as glossy as the Mirror Shine range but the colour is more pigmented. I found this lasted about 4 hours before needing reapplying but wore well. What really draws me to this range is that my lips can get quite dry, especially during the Winter months and these are so moisturising. 

Revlon Nail Art Moon Candy in 280 Orbit - £7.99

I remember there being a huge amount of hype when these were released and I never really got it. But now I do. I love the way Revlon have matched up a dark base coat with an iridescent holographic top coat, they make a perfect pairing for Autumn. I will be doing a NOTD post at some point to show you the true effect.

What have been your October Favourites?

Review: Boots Botanics All Bright Cleansing Toner

Hello lovelies,

I've always thought that toner was the last step to cleansing - to remove any residue or makeup left behind. So I have never been too fussy over what I use and would pick up anything on offer but as I've been getting more into skincare, I found out via Caroline Hirons blog, check it out if your haven't already, that toner has other functions. I wouldn't say my skin was particularly sensitive but with combination skin, I tend to try to avoid toners with alcohol in as they dry your skin out. But this is an exception to the rule.

I love any product that claims to be brightening, I tend to use quite harsh products on my skin to keep it under control and anything that can inject a bit of radiance or a glow back into my face is definitely on my radar. I just love having a fresh and healthy looking complexion. You may already know that products which contain AHA's (Alpha Hydroxy Acids, yes I most definitely looked that up!) are amazing for boosting our skin. They work by chemically exfoliating the top layer of skin away, revealing newer fresh skin underneath. Most products that contain them are out of my price range, so when I spotted this little gem, I was all over it.

Botanics claims that 'this revitalising toner helps visibly tighten pores and instantly brighten skin'. Now those are some pretty strong promises and I think it lives up to them. A toner is never going to dramatically change your skin but I think working in conjunction with other products, this freshens and brightens up your face. I tend to use this every night after cleansing, using a few drops on a cotton pad all over my face. I use a different toner in the morning that doesn't contain alcohol just to set up my face for the day. 

The natural AHA's, which I believe come from fruit acids, help to tighten up your pores and brighten up your skin. I think this is a cheaper alternative to products such as Pixi Glow Toner as long as you don't mind the alcohol. It will be something that I repurchase and I don't say that about a lot of products! 

Botanics have not long ago redone their packaging and changed some of their formulations. I know with some of Botanics other products, there has been mixed reviews regarding formulas but I have no qualms over this toner. 

Boots Botanics All Bright Cleansing Toner is available in Boots at a purse friendly price of £3.99 for 250ml but is currently on offer for an even more affordable £2.69. Bargain!

Do you use toner? Have you found any drugstore hidden gems?