Origins Zero Oil Moisture Lotion and Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel

(left Origins, right Clinique)

I couldn't count the amount of face creams I have used over the years. I never used to pay attention to the ingredients in them and I was probably using the wrong things for my skin. One the problems I have with my skin is that my T-zone can get quite oily. I use a primer as a base and powder on top to set my makeup, but I find that throughout the day, I constantly have to touch it up and I become quite fed up of the shine. So whilst I was in America a couple of months ago, I thought it was the perfect time to invest in a couple of creams aimed at oily skin as it's a lot cheaper there. After reading some reviews, I decided to go for Origins Zero Oil Moisture Lotion and Clinique's dramatically different moisturising Gel.

Origins Zero Oil Moisture Lotion

A little while ago I posted about an Origins product, their Drink Up Overnight Intensive Overnight Mask and as I was really impressed with it, I thought I would give some of their other products a try. They have a whole range of zero oil products including cleansers, toners and spot treatments. After using this cream for a few days, I did notice a reduction in oil after using this cream, but I wouldn't say loads. I do love the mint smell of the cream though. It's quite a thin cream to so it's not heavy on your skin. Origins Zero Oil Moisture Lotion is on the rather more expensive side at £23 for 50ml, especially considering the size and unfortunately it doesn't come in a bigger size either. I have to day that even though he did help a bit with the shineAvailable at 

www.origins.co.uk

Clinique dramatically different moisturising Gel 

I heard a lot of good things about Clinique's dramatically different moisturising gel (winner of The Sunday Times Beauty Award) and Clinique products never really fail me. When I first used this gel I noticed straightaway how much it took the oil out of my face, in fact it almost felt too dry at first. However, after using it again, it didn't feel dry and I noticed the difference throughout the day. My makeup lasted longer and there was a lot less shine. It didn't get rid of it completely and I didn't expect it too, but there was definitely a difference to when I used a moisture for normal skin. You only need to use a small amount and it lasts for quite a while. Clinique's dramatically different moisturising gel costs £17 for 50ml or £29.50 for 125ml, available online at www.clinique.co.uk

Personally I feel that Clinique works better for me. I did see a reduction in shine from the Origins, but for me I found the Clinique works a bit better. As I said, Clinique is more drying, so I think that this would be better for those with quite oily skin, and for those that have only slightly oily skin Origins maybe better suited as it's not so intense. Maybe if I used some of Origins other zero oil products, it may have an even better result as the cleanser would take out some of that extra oil. Also, Clinique is better value for money and gives you a choice of sizes.

Do you suffer from oily skin? What would you recommend to fight the shine?

xoxo

Birchbox- January

A new year brings a new Birchbox and today I received my January one, actually this is my first one ever! I don't really know what took me so long to subscribe to them but I'm excited to see what I get over the coming months. For those of you who don't know what a Birchbox is, it's a subscription service where you sign up to receive a beauty box each month that contains a selection of 4/5 sample luxury beauty and lifestyle products. When you sign up, you can create your beauty profile and your box will be tailored to that. If you like a product that you get, you can purchase the full sized version on the Birchbox website.

What I think is great about Birchbox is it gives you the chance to try lots of different products and discover something that you really like and maybe try a brand that you've never used before. It's also a great way to build up your beauty collection. You can also cancel your subscription at any time. Your products come neatly wrapped in a small box and also comes with a card that gives you a description of each product received and the full sized retail price. 

In my first box I received:

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer- Hair mask that strengths, nourishes and prevents breakages.

Benefit The Porefessional- erases pores and leaves skin velvety. I have used this before and I find it a really good base for a makeup and evens out my skin.

Laura Mercier Body Butter Ambre Vanilla

Premae Anatomy Nutrients Instant Renewal Body Oil- Moistures, tones and detoxifies   the skin.

Delarom Acquaconfort Mask- a smooth hydrating mask to nourish skin and restore suppleness and vitality

It also included an extra lifestyle product which was Bircbox Eye Mask- a gel filled mask to cool the eye area and decrease puffiness.

I'm looking forward to trying these out and seeing what I get in Februarys Box.

Birchbox costs £10 a month plus £2.95 postage and and. Sign up at www.birchbox.co.uk

xoxo

New year, New start!

It's that time of year again where millions of people decide that the new year marks new changes in their lives. Whether it's to get a new hobby, lose weight, quit a bad habit, many of us make a decision to change something.

Looking back at 2013, I can't say it was the best year for me. I felt like I didn't really achieve anything great and I also had a couple of personal losses too. I'm not saying it was terrible by far, as I did have a lot of good times, but I want to make 2014 memorable for the right reasons and accomplish more.

I could be writing an endless list of resolutions, but I have narrowed it down to 5:

1) Live a healthier lifestyle

Probably the most common new years resolution for people is lose weight and get fit. I say this to myself nearly every year and I try a new diet that I can't stick to long term and feel depressed that I've failed. The difference for me this time is that I'm not going to try a fad diet, I'm just going to eat better. It sounds simple and it's something we all know, that eating right will help you lose weight and maintain it. I'm not the most unhealthy person, but I'm not the healthiest either. For me, I've started to look at things differently and to make lifestyle changes, you have to be committed and stick to it for the long haul. I do have weight to lose and I have a goal in mind, but I want to do it the right way this time and not try and "drop a stone in 2 weeks " or something silly like that. I will start by eating less calories to kick start the weight loss, but I won't be cutting out food, just cutting down on the amount of it I eat. If I  fancy some chocolate, I will have it, but just a small amount instead of a big bag of Malteasers. 

I've been into exercise for a long time, but unless your diet changes, the exercise only does so much. I've slacked in the last couple of months as I only been going to the gym twice a week and I stopped swimming, which was a mistake as it really made a difference. I have written out a exercise plan and it's quite intense, but this is for the initial weight loss, and I will cut it down once I've reached my goal and can maintain it. I have also just bought a yogalates DVD. I done a course of Pilates once and I really liked it. I have never done yoga before and I am hoping it will help me relax and also tone up. The DVD I bought was "yogalates for weight loss" by Louise Solomon, that claims is the healthy way to lose weight in 28 days.  It had really good reviews so I'm hoping it works (I will review this after the 28 day period). I will be doing this along with swimming, fitness classes, gym sessions and Insanity workouts (DVD). I have also noticed that my skin as taken a bit of dive lately too which is a bit depressing, but with exercise and eating right, hopefully I will notice a change quickly.

2) Get a colonic and regular detox

Ok so this isn't probably a popular choice and might sound a bit of a strange thing to say as a resolution, but I really want to get a colonic irrigation/hydrotherapy. Every now and again we all have a clear out of our wardrobes and get rid of the rubbish, so why not do the same with your body. The thought of it might make some peoples bum cheeks clench together with fear, and when I say I really want to get one, I don't mean I'm looking forward to having a tube poked around my back door. I'm definitely feeling the Christmas bulge and feel like a bloated lump and I think my body needs a complete cleanse. 

Colon cleansing is said to have many benefits, such as :

• Increases energy
• Increases the body's absorption of vitamins and nutrients
• Kick-starts weight loss
• Improves concentration
• Improves whole-body well-being
• Decreases risk of colon cancer
• Strengthens the immune system

If I notice any significant chances, such as some of the things mentioned above (my immune system definitely needs improving, I'm currently starting the new year with a cold) then it's something I would make a regular thing (providing it's not too painful that is). I think a regular cleanse and detox is what our body needs after all the crap we fill it with. I might also look into doing some home cleanses, such as a juice detox.

(picture from google images)

3) Get a new hobby

There are lots of ideas floating in my head of things I would like to try, but at the top for a while has been to do a makeup course. I love makeup and beauty and I always wanted to do a course to improve my skills. Now seems to be the right time for me financially so as there's no time like the present, I booked my course for the end of the month. I'm doing "Introduction to Beauty Make-up" at the London College of Fashion and I'm really looking forward to it. My job couldn't be further afield from this, but I feel that you don't have to stick to one thing in life and if you have other passions and interests, then you should pursue them. I'm not saying its going to be a career change, but you never know what the future holds. 

4) Blog more

This is something that I am determined to stick to. Since starting my blog, I tried to post regularly, at least once a week, but sometimes that wasn't always the case. To be honest, there wasn't really an excuse for not doing it more often, I guess sometimes other things get in the way and when you're not feeling great about life, sometimes you let things slack. But I really want to make this work and I'm going to try and hardest to do more posts. If there are any particular posts you would like to see on here, let me know and I will try and do it.

5) Take care of myself

Looking after yourself is very important. You're responsible for taking care of yourself I think we all need time to do the things we enjoy and relax. The amount of times I've said to myself, "I really want to get a massage"  and haven't done it. Well now I'm actually going to do the things I talk about and do things for myself. Taking time out from work and life stresses to do something that makes you feel good or relaxing is something we all should do. Making yourself happy and making sure you are in good form will inevitably effect your mood and the people around you. Maybe it's taking up a new hobby, getting a manicure, anything that makes you feel good then do it; that's what I intend to do. 

So those are my new years resolutions and I'm determined to stick to them as 2014 is all about change for me. I also just wanted to thank all of you for taking the time to read my blog, it's very much appreciated. I was nervous about starting it, but knowing that people  are reading it and having the support has made me glad I started it. THANK YOU!!

What are you new years resolutions for 2014?

(picture from google images)

xoxo