Clarins Pore Minimizing Serum: Review

 Clarins Pore Minimizing Serum - £22.00 for 30ml

In the quest for flawless looking skin I have recently started trying Clarins Pore Minimizing Serum. The lightweight formula contains a combination of Alpine Willow Herb, Hibiscus Flower extract, Dead Nettle and Soft Wheat Proteins to reduce large pores by repairing skin cells, tightening the walls of the pores and subsequently refining skins texture and firmness. Whilst instantly tightening pores, this product also helps to deliver all day shine control by reducing sebum to create a smooth, matte skin texture alongside a fresh, flawless complexion. 

The light formulation of the serum means that it glides smoothly onto the skin; this, paired with the delicate scent makes the application effortless and enjoyable.

Although this serum has immediate effects, it also works as a treatment for the pores and, therefore, best results are seen after a few weeks use. With this in mind, I have been using this for 3 weeks before writing my review and I have found my skin to be noticeably smoother and the appearance of  pores has been dramatically reduced. 

Pore minimizing products or treatments is not something used by everyone, but it is something that I have started to enjoy using to help give me a more flawless base and improve the look of my make-up-less face. I would recommend this product to anyone who, like me, wants to effectively reduce the size of pores as this is a more longer lasting treatment compared to other products which just mask their appearance.

Do you use pore minimizing products and have any recommendations?

Ali xxx

Top Summer Beauty Products: Face

1. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser - £33 from House of Fraser

2. Laura Mercier Secret Camoflague- £26 from Space NK

3. Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder - £6.99 from Boots

4. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle - £21.50 from MAC

5. Urban Decay Primer Potion - £14.50 from Beauty Bay

6. L'oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara - £9.35 from Feel Unique

7. MAC Costa Chic - £13.50 from MAC

8. Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner - £2.59 from Boots

During the summer months,  I hate feeling and looking like my face is caked in heavy make-up, so I turn to lighter products that are sun and heat friendly. When the weather gets hotter, I tend to stay away from foundation and lean more towards tinted moisturisers or BB creams.  One particular product I am a fan of for summer is the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser. This sheer and lightweight product adds a hint of colour to even out the skin tone, whilst creating a natural and glowing look to leave you feeling like you are wearing no make-up at all. It also provides the the added protection of a sun cream, with SPF 20 to protect from the harmful UVA and UVB rays.

When using a tinted moisturiser, if you have any blemishes that may not get fully covered, I find a good concealer can work wonders so you don't feel like you have to layer on the foundation. My favourite product for this is the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage concealer which provides a great coverage on the necessary areas. The product also comes with two different shades which is perfect for summer when you get that bit of extra colour to the skin.

To give a golden glow when the sun comes out, I like to apply a bit of bronzer to add warmth and brighten up my face. I tend to stay away from a shimmery bronzers when I'm in the sun so I use the Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder as I find that the colour is great for my skin tone and I love the matte finish. 

To go alongside bronzer, a trusty highlighter can create a fresh and dewy look for the summer when applied lightly to the top of the cheekbones, on the tip of the nose and cupids bow.  There are quite a few to choose from and it is personal preference when deciding between powder, cream or liquid highlighters. At the moment, I am loving MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle as I find powder highlighters so easy to apply to create that natural glowing look.

For longer-lasting eye-shadow in the summer months, I find that using a primer is necessary if you want it to last throughout the day. Urban Decay Primer Potion has been loved by many and is really great at preventing smudging and improving staying power.

Waterproof mascara is a must have item for me when I go on holiday, but I am starting to use it more often to prevent smudging when it gets hotter. I usually love to apply lashings of mascara but, again, I have started to opt away from this and create a much more natural look. For this, I love using L'oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara as it seperates and adds length to the lashes without clumping, but can also be built up if you want to add thickness too.

A great bright lipstick can help to finish off a summery make-up look. My favourite shades at the moment are bright corals and I think that Mac Costa Chic is prefect to add that pop of colour. I have written a more lengthy post with swatches here. Alongside this, lip protection is also necessary to stay clear of nasty blisters! I would recommend Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner as it has SPF 15 and leaves the lips feeling silky smooth.

What do add to your make-up collection in the summer? Do you have a 'go-to' make-up product?

I really do hope the sun starts to come out and all of you have a really great summer!

My Top Summer Beauty Products: Body

 1. Garnier Ambre Solaire Golden Protect Shimmering Protection Lotion SPF 20 - £.8.30 from Feel Unique 

2. Origins A Perfect World Intensely Hydrating Body Cream with White Tea - £27 for 200ml from Boots 

3. Origins Modern Friction Scrub - £30 for 125 ml from Boots 

4. Redken Colour Extend After Sun Mask £17.25 from Feel Unique, Mark Hill Holiday Hair Cover Up! Protection Spray £5.99 from Boots

5. Fake Bake Flawless £26 from Boots 

6. This Works Perfect Skin Miracle £28 from Boots

7. Essie - Fiji and Tart Deco £7.99 from Boots 

8. YSL Elle Summer Edition £35 for 90ml from Boots

Without competition, the most important beauty product for summer in my opinion is sun tan lotion to protect from the harmful and premature aging effects of UVA and UVB rays. This new shimmering protection lotion from Garnier adds a golden shimmer to the skin whilst adding a radiant glow. It has a non-greasy formula and holiday fragrance enriched with Monoi Oil which leaves you protected and hydrated throughout the day with a glistening pearly glow.

A good exfoliator is key when trying to prolong and maintain that gorgeous sun-kissed glow. Without this, skin can become dry, peeling and uneven after sunbathing. This skin-refining exfoliator from Origins eradicates dead skin cells, uneven patches and signs of skin damage and discolouration to produce smooth and polished skin with a natural-looking tan.

An essential step after exfoliation is moisture replenishment, to help to maintain your tan whilst hydrating the skin after sun exposure. Origins intensely hydrating body cream is perfect for this as its rich and creamy texture sinks into the skin beautifully to prevent it from peeling and create a healthy glow.

If you are not a fan of baking in the sun, but love having a natural-looking tan, then a good fake tan can look just as good without the harmful effects. My favourite fake tan is the Fake Bake Flawless tan (full post here) because, as stated in the name, it creates a flawless even looking tan. If fake tanning is not your thing, I would recommend This Works Perfect Skin Miracle to even out the skin tone whilst giving a bronzed sheen to the legs, helping to give you that extra bit of confidence in the hotter weather.

Protection for your hair can be just as important as your skin if you want to keep healthy-looking and hydrated locks. To protect, this spray from Mark Hill is perfect; with SPF it helps to protect from the suns rays and prevent a dry scalp or fading colour. To intensely treat sun-damaged and dry hair, this moisture rich hair mask from Redken helps to reverse existing damage and prevent colour fading.

To complete the polished look for summer, a pretty nail varnish is at the top of my list. My favourite colours for summer are bright corals or pretty pastels. I absolutely love Fiji from Essie as it looks light, feminine and polished whilst Tart Deco adds a bright splash of colour.

A light summer spritz of perfumeis the final step in my summer and holiday preparation. I have always been a fan of YSL Elle perfume, so the summer edition is great for me!

What are your essential summer items for the body? My next post will be my favourite summer beauty products for the face!

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

I have seen numerous articles and opinions about this cleanser, on the internet, magazines, from my Mum and other bloggers, yet I was yet to try it out until a couple of weeks ago!

This product has quickly jumped right to the top of my all-time beauty favourites and is now my essential daily cleanser because, to put it simply, it just works! I have had issues with my skin in the past and I can still find it to be really unpredictable, whether it be with blemishes, dry patches or uneven skin tone and since using this I have noticed huge improvements. I also have quite sensitive skin and I don't like to use products on my face which I think will be too harsh and strip my skin so this gentle formula, with naturally active ingredients including eucalyptus, chamomile and cocoa butter, is just what I needed.

There are two stages to the Hot Cloth cleansing process, as you might have guessed from the name, these are cleansing and polishing. The cleansing stage removes all traces of make-up from the face and eyes, and by using the muslin cloths, the polishing stage gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells and produce clean and radiant skin.

To use, you firstly need to apply the cleanser to dry skin (I find that one pump is enough for me) and massage onto your face and neck in circular motions working from the centre of your face outwards. After rinsing the muslin cloth in hand-hot water and wringing out until the cloth until it is damp, all you need to do is gentle wipe off the cream, using a clean part of the cloth for each part of the face. After a few splashes of cool water and a gently patting with a soft towel, you will be left with the cleanest, softest skin! This may seem to be a lengthy process but it is actually rather quick and simple and I find it quite relaxing, but this may have something to do with the soothing eucalyptus scent of the cleanser, which I love. I also adore the consistency - it's rich and creamy and feels beautifully luxurious to apply.

This Liz Earle cleanser has worked wonders at bringing my skin back to a healthy-looking, blemish-free and moisturised state. I whole-heatedly agree with each claim made by the product, it works perfectly, it is gentle and gives obvious results.  I purchased the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit which includes a 100ml bottle of the cleanser and two muslin cloths, as well as a detailed guide of how to use the cleanser for £14.25 from John Lewis.  The stater kit is great for any first-time buyers like me and comes in a great bag which is perfect for traveling. I think that considering the results I have seen, the price is reasonable and I have really struggled to find one fault! 

What are your skin saviors? 

Outfit of the Day

Jacket -  Miss Selfridge

Top  -  Zara

Scarf – Topshop

Jeans – Topshop

Bag – Topshop

So, the weather is back to its usual gloominess and dull skies in the U.K and the beautiful sunny days seem to have sadly come to an end for the time being! Just as everyone else, I have been enjoying the past few days of sun, having barbeques and spending my days outside. Now, even though it is still quite warm, it is back to jacket and jeans weather and I thought I would do another outfit of the day post!

I recently bought this jacket from Miss Selfridge to replace my Zara Trench Coat, which had got me through most of the cooler weather. I think this style of jacket is great for spring and summer in the U.K as the temperature can be quite unpredictable. The light beige colour also makes it great for this time of year for me as it brightens up most of my outfits.

Leigh jeans from Topshop have to be up there with my favourite style of jeans as I find them so comfortable and easy to wear. They are really lightweight which, again, is perfect for this warmer weather when it’s not sunny enough for bare legs. I also love the baby pastel blue colour as they are colourful and bright but still manage to go with so many other colours which makes them perfect for me.

I have had the Topshop scarf for a little while now after posting it in a wishlist and I still love it! I never usually wear purple, but the scarf stood out to me so much and I bought the Zara t-shirt recently to go with it! I think the colours go well together and the outfit overall is simple, yet summery and really comfortable and easy to wear!

I Just want to say a big hello to all of my followers (new and old) - I really do love reading and discovering all of your blogs! I hope everyone is having a really great week - I would love to hear what everyone else has been getting up to! 

Perfume on a Budget: Zara Femme

After my last perfume post on Zara Rose perfume, I have fallen further in love with a few other Zara perfumes!

I have carried around the small bottle of the Zara Rose perfume in my bag constantly since I purchased it and I still love it, but sadly it is beginning to run out due to repeated use! Whilst shopping in Zara recently, I decided to have a look at a few of the other perfumes and couldn't resist this: Zara Femme Eau de Toilette Natural Spray.

This is much more musky than the Rose perfume, and has less floral undertones. It is still beautifully delicate and feminine and smells as good quality as a high-end perfume. As with most cheaper perfumes, however, it doesn't last very long but it does leave a subtle scent all day. I love the pattern on the bottle, however, I am not too much of a fan of the wooden lid but I certainly can't complain for the price.

This bottle was £9.99 for 80 ml which is an absolute bargain! I am certain there will be a Zara perfume for everyone as the range is quite diverse, with loads of choice. Even the Zara Man aftershaves have proved popular with my boyfriend and are definitely as high quality.

What perfume do you go for on a budget?