Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture Cream* and Exfoliating Cleanser*

Hello everyone :)

Hope you're all ok and not getting too down with all the crazy weather! Today I have a little review post for you of some lovely products I was lucky enough to receive from the people at Murad.

I've posted before (here) about a few Murad products and raved about how much I loved them, so I was excited to try these out. I was sent some information about the brand with these, going in to the science behind the products and how the ingredients work well to not only look after the skin and improve it's appearance, but also look after it. But it wouldn't be like me to go into all the sciencey stuff, so instead, I'm just going to talk about how I found them to use. 

I've been using them for around 2 weeks now, and couldn't be happier. The Exfoliating cleanser is something I've been using around 3 times a week to give my skin a little pick me up. The product is thin like a serum, but contains tiny exfoliating beads to get rid of dead skin in a gentle way. This is perfect for me, as I tend to get dry patches in winter, and struggle to find products gentle enough for my sensitive skin. This works really well. I haven't had a problem with dry skin since I started using it, and it doesn't leave my skin red and sore afterwards. It just feels really clean. 

The only downside for me personally is the consistency. The fact that it is quite runny means its hard to get a small amount of product out without wasting some, and it can be a bit messy. This didn't bother me too much, and is more a matter of personal preference. 

The moisturiser on the other hand, I can't fault. Both products are fragrance free, and feel kind and gentle when used. This makes it perfect for use around the delicate eye area and nose, which is where I mostly suffer from dry skin. This cream completely soothes my skin without feeling greasy, leaves my skin hydrated and soft, and as its quite thick, a little really does go a long way. The 7.5ml pot they sent me has lasted 2 weeks and I still have some left! I really don't want it to run out, so have already placed my order for the full sized version! 

The full sized version cost me around £64, but you can probably get it a bit cheaper if you shop around. This is a lot more than I would normally want to pay, but I really do think it's worth every penny! If the tiny pot lasts more than 2 weeks (I will probably get just over 3 weeks out of it) then I think it is worth the money. 

I am so happy I got to try these products out, and they were just as good as I expected!  

Thank you for reading, and as always all comments appreciated! 

Love to you all x

Illamasqua Cream Foundation Review

Hello everyone!

Hope you're all having a good week. The weather has been crazy, so I've been lucky enough to be at home the last two days, dog sitting for my sister and catching up on studying. Although my water did get cut off due to the flooding (not sure how that works?!) but all is good now :)

Anyway, on to the post. Today, I am doing a review of the Illamasqua Cream Foundation that I purchased a couple of weeks ago in the sale. For only £5, I couldn't resist! Normally, this is £23, which is more than I'd normally spend, although saying that I have tried their liquid foundation in the past and loved it, so I had high hopes for this!

To start with, I was pleased with the amount of product you get. You get 8g, which I have found to be plenty. As you can see from the picture, I wasn't smart enough to take a picture before I used it, but this does at least show how long it lasts. I have used this about 10 times since buying it, and as you can see, there is not much missing. I can see this lasting a long time! 

It is a full coverage foundation, which I like, as I get red marks on my cheeks from burst blood vessels, and it covers these completely without the need for concealer. In terms of the wear, it lasts quite a long time, around 8 hours without needing a touch up, and that is good for me. The product blends well, and has a lovely smooth finish. It manages to make my skin look fully covered without it looking fake... This is a bonus from a full coverage foundation! 

I have mainly been applying this with my Real Techniques sponge, and much prefer the finish I get with this than I do when I use the sponge provided, however the sponge that comes with it is perfect for little touch ups if you're out and about, and is better than I would have expected. 

I like the packaging, which is pretty much the same throughout their whole range, with the sleek lines, shiny black finish and a little mirror included. 

The main thing I was worried about with this foundation was the consistency. I tend to get dry patches around my nose in winter, and I was worried that a thick foundation applied with a sponge would enhance these rather than cover them. However, I've actually found this foundation to be quite moisturising. It doesn't dry my skin out at all, and the product glides on so easily that it doesn't drag over dry patches. 

Over all, I have been very impressed with this product. I can't think of any faults for it. I can't see me needing to replace this any time soon, and I am also still loving using my Rimmel Stay Matte Mouse Liquid foundation, but when I do run out, I would be happy to pay the £23 to replace it. 

Have any of you tried this, and if so what did you think? 

Love to you all x

Soap & Glory Glow Lotion Review

Hello everyone :)

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Sorry about my drunken ramblings on here and twitter Friday night.... Oops!

Well today I have a little review post for you on the Soap & Glory Glow Lotion. I love S & G. Everything I have ever tried by them has been amazing, so I had high hopes for this little product.

Before I start, can I just say how much I love their packaging! Always makes me smile! Now, on to the product. The idea is that this is an all over body moisturiser that is designed to add a touch of shimmer to your skin. I have been getting fed up of my pale wintery skin lately, but am not ready to fully give in to the commitment and maintenance of fake tan, so I've been looking for something that might help brighten up my skin without being too much work (yes I am lazy!) This did not disappoint! 

It is a lovely creamy lotion that isn't too thick, but is just enough to work as a moisturiser on my whole body. The consistency is great, and isn't greasy at all. It has a shimmer to it, which I was worried would make me look a bit too glittery, but it blends into the skin to leave a light subtle hint of shimmer, which doesn't look fake, it just makes your skin look healthier! 

Can I also just say how amazing it smells!! I didn't have to wear any perfume when I wore this, as it smells so fruity and gorgeous, and the smell lasts on your skin for hours. As a moisturiser, it works brilliantly at keeping my skin hydrated, and when used on accent points (such as legs, or your neck and chest) it helps to add definition just as a bronzer or blusher would.

To be honest, I can't fault this product at all! It makes my skin look healthy and hydrated, gives me the subtle glow I was looking for (and just to note I have a medium skin tone, and I can imagine this would work just as well on other skin tones), and it smells beautiful. 

I think I paid around £5.50 for this from Boots, so it doesn't break the bank either. For what you get, I always find S & G products to be very reasonably priced. 

Have any of you tried this, and if so what did you think? 

Love to you all x