Review: L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3-in-1 Micellar Solution

Hello lovelies,

I was in two minds whether to review this, as everyone and their dog has tried it and there has been so many reviews of it flying around. But I thought I'd add my tuppence for what it's worth, L'Oreal Micellar Solution is the very first micellar water that I've tried, I've been toying with the idea of buying Bioderma to do a comparison. Let me know if you beauties are interested in that!

In case you've completely missed the bandwagon. a micellar solution is simply a very light fluid which feels like water but is designed to effectively dissolve makeup, unclog pores and tone without causing any irritation. Unlike other makeup removers, a micellar solution is non-greasy and removes makeup rather than moving it around your face. Supposedly your skin should feel soft, moisturised and toned after using it but is that really the case?

I think I picked this up in Superdrug on an introductory offer, and at the time, it was causing quite a stir in the beauty world as it's considerably cheaper than Bioderma and easier to get hold of. I tend to use this as a pre-cleanse, I squirt a bit onto a cotton wool pad and sweep it over my face. It does a good job at removing and dissolving the face makeup but when it comes to eyes, I'm sorry to say it let me down. I found it left residue and although I do wear waterproof eyeliner, this is designed to be 3-in-1 and I shouldn't have to use another product. Saying that, I always cleanse, tone and moisturise after using the micellar water, so it's not really a biggy for me, maybe I'm just too picky?

The micellar solution doesn't have much of a scent (well to me anyway), but that makes sense as it's marketed as being suitable for sensitive skin, which is always an added bonus. My skin always feels clean after using this but I can't help finding it slightly drying. My only other niggle is the top, I find you end up squirting it all over as the hole is just too big...I'm getting into dodgy territory, so moving on... 

I suppose my review is a mixed bag, I'd recommend it to someone who is looking for a quick and easy makeup remover or something to pre-cleanse with but personally, I wouldn't use it on it's own. That's just my personal preference.

You can find the L'Oreal 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution in Boots and Superdrug for £4.99, and both stores currently have offers - 3 for 2 and £3.32 respectively, which is great for anyone who wants to stock up.

 Have you tried L'Oreal's answer to micellar water?

Review: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Gel Cleanser

Hello lovelies,

As you all know I've really been getting into skincare and I'm prepared to pay that little bit more for it. French skincare is renowned for being the best in the World, it is known for its highly effective formulas and its reasonable prices. And as I'm moving to France in a month's time- eeekkkkk!- I decided that it was time to work out which products I would stock up on whilst over there. 

The Effaclar range from La Roche-Posay is aimed at people with oily/sensitive skin. My skin is combination, I have an oily T- zone but dry above my eyebrows of all places, so I have to be careful with what I use. I don't want anything that is going to be too drying but neither anything that is going to aggravate my skin. This La Roche-Posay range is designed for blemish prone skin so I decided to try it anyway after loving their moisturising fluid from the same range. Too often I find products that are labelled as being gentle, they turn out to be ineffective and I want to see a change.

The Effaclar Purifying Gel gently purifies the skin by using specially selected ingredients that are designed to be kind to sensitive skin. It eliminates excess oil and sebum (the stuff that causes spots) leaving skin squeaky clean. 

(Ignore all the marks inside the lid, it has been inside my bathroom for ages!)

I use this wash every night to take my makeup off. I wet my face and then rub the gel in, which creates a slight foam, I then wipe off with a hot flannel. I find this removes all my facial makeup and light eye makeup. It isn't designed to be a 2 in 1 remover so it doesn't disappoint me that sometimes I have to follow up with a specific eye makeup remover. You only need to use the smallest amount of gel and it lathers up crazily. 

I've probably been using this for 3 months + and I have noticed a difference in my skin. It's a lot clearer and I visibly have less blemish marks. I don't want to say it's all down to this product as I have been chopping and changing my skincare routine, drinking more water etc. But I definitely feel that it helps to keep breakouts at bay. It leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh, I don't get any tightness.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Gel Cleanser 200ml is available at larger Boots store or available online at boots.com for £10.21. This may seem a little steep but it seriously goes a long way. If you're struggling with blemishes, I would without a doubt recommend this.

Have you tried this? Is there any French skincare that you could recommend me to try?

JANUARY BEAUTY HAUL

I know this is a teensy bit late but I've been waiting for my new camera to come, which still hasn't wahhhh!

So I thought I'd just go ahead with this anyway, all the stuff I've bought, I haven't needed, I just wanted it... so I got it.

1. No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Brush - (£15 normally £25). I bought this in the vain hope that it would be a dupe for the Clarisonic which I can't afford as I'm a poor student. I haven't seen that many reviews on it so thought I'd would try it. My only worry is that the head fully oscillates whereas the Clarisonic half-twists, so it might be a bit rough.
2. Nip+Fab Shine Fix - (£9.95). I 've heard great things about this brand and my current primer just isn't up to scratch when I have uni then work. No one wants to look like an oil slick.
3. No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Water for Normal/ Combination Skin - (£9) I really love the No7 makeover as they make the same product but specifically for your skin type. I've been wanting to get into a better cleansing routine and instead of using face wipes when I just can't be bothered at night, I thought this would be quick and easy to swipe over my visage (oh la la) with a cotton wool pad.
4. Nip+Fab Spot Fix - (£9.95) My skin is really bad at the moment, I think it's a mixture of the weather and too many late nights
5. Bourjois Express Eye Make-up Remover - (£4.99) This just appealed to me as you get to shake it up and down and the two part mix together. Fascinating science.
6. Nspa Deep Hydrating Facial Oil - (£7) The first thing you'd probably think is "woah there Holly, you've got oily skin, why do you want to go putting oil on it?" This claims to be suitable for all skin types and although my skin gets oily, I think there is a difference between over moisturising it and nourishing it.

What have you been buying?