First Impressions: Superdrug BB Cream and Hot Cloth Cleanser

 

I've been trialling these products for a couple of weeks now and I'm so excited about them, I decided to do a first impressions post. This isn't a full review as because they are both skin products, I like to wait about a month before I comment on them to see how my skin reacts to continued use. I'll do a short 'follow up' post in a few weeks to tell you guys my final thoughts on them.

Anywaaay, the long and the short of it is I've been loving both of these products. I haven't picked up another base product since I bought the BB Cream and the hot cloth cleanser is one of the first I've tried and I'm really impressed. 

BB Cream

I was on the hunt for a BB Cream as Spring/Summer is coming up and I like to wear a lighter base in hotter weather. Not only so that my skin can breath but who wants to be sweating off a full face of make up? Not me, that's for sure! I first headed straight to the Maybelline stand as I wanted to try their Dream Fresh BB Cream but alas, they had stopped stocking my shade. That's when I went on a mad dash around Superdrug in an attempt to find an alternative. I stumbled across the Superdrug BB Cream and thought I would give it a go. I actually decided to pick up the anti ageing one in the end as it had a higher SPF than the other ones Superdrug offered. It promises to conceal age spots and imperfections, improve the look of wrinkles, improve smoothness/firmness of skin, boost radiance (another attractive purpose for me, Queen of Dull Skin) and even out skin tone.

I can't really comment on the anti-ageing side of it but I definitely feel as this product adds a glow to my skin as well as having a light coverage that even outs my skin tone and hides my hyper pigmentation.

Hot Cloth Cleanser

I mentioned in a post a little while ago that I'd like to try a hot cloth cleanser. I've got quite dry skin and felt that face washes were just drying out my skin further. If you read this haul post, you would have seen that I picked up this hot cloth cleanser. I decided to go for Superdrugs' Vitamin E range as Miss Budget Beauty was raving about it at the time and I wasn't sure how much I would like this sort of cleanser so was playing it safe on the price range.

I really like this cleanser, it leaves my face feeling really smooth but not over stripped. It also comes with a muslin cloth which I feel gets rid of the impurities better than your average face wash.

All round thumbs up! Have you got any BB creams or cleansers that you like? Have you tried any of these products?

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The Scrub of Your Life

Oh my goodness, the scrubby limey goodness that is in this tub will blow you away. I'm actually struggling to write this post as there are no words for this heavenly scrub.

I'll get down to the deets. The Sugar Crush Scrub is fresh smelling lime, with mixed size scrubby sugar particles. Despite the oil you can see in the above picture, this scrub doesn't leave an oily residue. Instead it feels quite moisturising to the skin as if it's stripping (not in a bad way! just ridding you of the dead skin) and replenishing at the same time. What drew me to the scrub (as with all Soap and Glory products) was the scent. I feel as if this scrub wakes me up in the morning as it's so fresh. It is a strong scent, so bear in mind if you have sensitive skin or don't like an overpowering fragrance. The mixed size particles mean that it isn't overly abrasive but still gets the job done. It's the right balance of scrubby with mildness.

Overall it's my favourite scrub! I've been sniffing The Breakfast Scrub also from Soap and Glory and love the scent of that. I'm a bit hesitant as it's extremely sweet though (think maple on sugar on honey sweet). I do love me a sweet scent though so that might be one I pick up next! Do you have any scrub recommendations or love this one?

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Happy Birthday Alex Georgie! & Skin Care Haul

 I'm having a little melt down that I've been blogging a whole year! When I started my blog, I had no idea that I would still be doing it a whole year later, and I hope, I will be blogging for many years to come now! I have to admit I only really joined the beauty community in October 2013. That's when I realised typing away on my own little space of the internet wasn't enough, I had to get engaging with other bloggers! Since then I've got Twitter for my blog, as well as Pinterest, and have had a ball (never used that saying before!) chatting to other like minded people. My lovely followers have slowly been expanding and I can't thank anyone who followed, read, retweeted, favourited etc enough!

As well as the mini blog celebration, I've also got a skincare haul to share with you! I actually picked these up over about three months. I seemed to think I was running out of skincare but I really wasn't! They've been waiting patiently in my drawer ever since so I thought why not haul them before I crack them open.

If you can't tell there was a little offer on NSpa, and that was what initially drew me to all their products. However the fact they smelt delicious had me wanting to pick up the whole range! My plan was to get the whole peach range but unfortunately they didn't have the body spray. I picked up the NSpa Peach Shower Gel and Nspa Peach Body Butter. I switched in the NSpa Mango Body Mist  instead of the peach one as it smelt very similar and I thought it would layer nicely with the body wash and body butter (spoiler: it does!) The NSpa Passion Fruit Shower and Bath Gel was another lovely smelling one; very fresh. I absolutely love fruit scents so all NSpa's products were right up my street! I'll definitely be checking out more from the brand. Does anyone remember those Boots fruit gift sets that everyone used to get everyone for Christmas? I'm sure I was the only one who loved receiving those!

The other bits were to replace my not so dwindling skin care products. I really wanted to try some sort of eye serum so picked up this Botanics All Bright Refreshing Eye Roll- On and so far I've been quite liking it. I get really bad dark circles so hope this will go some way at helping them. I'll keep you posted! I see you're questioning my need for the Simple Regeneration Anti Age Resisting Day Cream. You can never start with the anti-ageing products early in my opinion! No point using them when you've already got the fine lines! Saying that, I have got a few lines on my forehead...hitting my peak at 19!! I also picked up the Boots Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Cleansing and Toning Lotion. I've actually had this before and it was a little drying on my skin but I figured with spoaradic use, it may keep my breakouts at bay. Hopefully! The last thing (well it was actually the first) thing I picked up was Superdrug's Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser. I mention in THIS post that I was looking to get one and this is the one I decided on!

I don't know how this ended up being SUCH a long post but I do love my skin care! Have you found any skin care gems recently?

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Simple Purifying Cleansing Lotion

 

As much as I want the blogger acclaimed Emma Hardy Cleansing  Balm, I just can't justify it (like most things, booo!) so when I found this in my stash, I thought it'd be perfect to ease myself into cleansing instead of using my foaming face wash (see my favourite one HERE).

With this lotion, you simply put it onto a cotton pad, wipe over the face and it removes make up and cleanses. I like it as recently I've had quite dry patches on my face and have been finding water a little drying so this is a lovely moisturising alternative. Its says on it to use it twice a day but I only use it once as I sometimes don't feel as if the cleanser is getting deep enough to get all of my make up off. Great all round, affordable cleansing lotion!

Feels like a super short post today! What cleansers do you like? I want to try the Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser next as spoken about my MissBudgetBeauty. Affordable and hot cloth? Sounds right up my street!
Order from here

 

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Winter saviour? | Quick Fix Facials Mega Moisture Gel Mask

 

I picked up this mask from Quick Fix when I was perusing Boots about a month back. To give you some info, I've got quite dry skin but am prone to oiliness through the T-zone. I thought this would be great to try and combat some of that dryness; which is made worse in the winter.

On application, the mask is very creamy and feels a lot like a moisturizer. I put a thick layer over my whole face and leave it for as long as comfortable to get the best effects (it starts to dry, it doesn't get tight like a clay mask however). This mask has hyaluronic acid in it which is said to help pull moisture into the skin. I think this mask definitely achieves that.

 

I wouldn't say it makes a huge difference to my skin long term but it does plump and rehydrate it for about a day. This mask is marketed as a "quick fix" so I don't hold that against it too much. I think it would be great as a mask a couple of hours before going out to really plump the skin and make it look it's best.

A perfect party season product! What masks are you currently using?

 

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Spot Treatment

Hey!

I've had spots since I was about 12 and unfortunately, I can't say that I left them alone! I picked at all of them and have been left with an uneven skin tone and scarring. Even now, I haven't learnt my lesson. I wouldn't recommend picking spots as it both spreads them (no one can just pick one!) and if you continuously pick them, they will scar.

My mum recently bought some Aloe Vera Gel for cuts and scrapes and suggested me putting them on my spots. I've found that, whilst using this,spots calm down and if they have scabbed, heal so much quicker with this gel. I apply it at night to the spots and gently pat it onto the skin. You really only need the tiniest bit as it spreads easily. I feel that it would be better applied twice a day, however I once put it on in the morning and then powdered and the powder clung to the gel so just be wary of this.

My mum bought this at work so I can't tell you exactly how she got hold if it, however with a little research I've seen that you can pick some up in Boots (not the same brand). I believe that anything with Aloe Vera in it will give you some sort of benefit as its know as a healing plant.

It's marketed as a non irritant but please ensure you're not allergic to anything in the product.

Have you got any spot treatments that you like to use?

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Soap and Glory No Clogs Allowed review

Hey!

I've got a review for you today! If you read this post- LINK- you will have seen I recently picked up a few Soap and Glory bits, including the S&G No Clogs Allows Super Self Heating Deep Cleansing Face Mask (woah, that's a bit of a mouthful!)

First thing I can say is this product gets HOT. I couldn't believe how self heating this was! Before I'd even started rubbing it in, my face was really heating up. I thought this was really good as many products marketed as self heating hardly give off any heat at all. To be completely honest, the thing I was really looking forward to was my face turning blue (me, childish? nope). Unfortunately I was disappointed, I was a pale blue at a push. I understand the change in colour was more of a gimmick to fit with the '[doing something] until you're blue in the face' so I shan't mark this product down on that.

I decided to leave the mask on (you can wash it straight off for a 'refresh' or leave it on for 5 minutes). It was really easy to rinse off as it hadn't hardened, just dried. Another plus as I absolutely hate it when you have to take hours to scrub off a mask. My skin felt SO smooth and fresh afterwards. What drew me to this product was the 'no clogs allowed' aspect as I have a few lumps and bumps on my face which are a tad stubborn. I feel that used regularly this product could improve those as I noticed an improvement after just one use.

Next time I use this mask, I'd only apply it to the areas that have the blackheads as I did find it dried out parts of my T-Zone. Nothing a good moisturiser couldn't sort out however! In short, I love this product and it will definitely be added to my skin care routine once or twice a week.

Have you tried this product or want to? What masks do you like?

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Soap and Glory haul!

Hey!

I don't know if 3 products can really constitute a haul but I wasn't sure what else to name this post! If you follow my Instagram (@alexgeorgie_), you will have seen that a 3 for 2 offer in Boots lured me to pick up these products, so here they are!

Soap and Glory Face Soap and Clarity

I reviewed this product earlier in the year-LINK- I was given it for Christmas and have repurchased it now that mine has almost ran out. I love S&G products but do find them quite expensive so I make sure to use them sparingly. This product really brightened my skin and reduced blemishes.

Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean

I bought this because of Miss Budget Beauty, who absolutely raves about this product. She uses this product as more of a mask than a cleanser to get more use out it. She says it leaves her face feeling clean and really smooth in the morning so I thought I would pick it up. I intend to use it in the same way as its the most cost effective. I've found that I've got quite a lot of under-the-skin spots on my cheeks that never seem to properly go, although they're not always red and sore. I'm hoping that this product along with the next one will give my skin a real refresh.

Soap and Glory No Clogs Allowed Deep Pore Detox Mask

As well as the above reason, this product damn right intrigued me! It's marketed as a self heating mask that when rubbed into the skin turns blue and helps clear pores. I haven't tried a self heating mask before so that was another reason to pick this up. I intend to use this in the bath to help the heating further and open my pores more.

Do you like S&G products? What would you have picked up on this offer?

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Good Things Skincare Range

Hey!

Recently I have been getting quite bored with my skincare regime and I was itching to try something new. Seeing how much I loved the Soap and Glory Face Soap and Clarity (review here), I thought I would see if I could try more of their skin range.

To my disappointment they don't do a full skin range (missing toner; which I like to use) but they did do moisturiser. I toyed with the idea of buying it, until I came to my senses, remembered I was a student and most importantly that my mum would kill me if she found out I spent £12 on a moisturiser!

In Boots and newly on the hunt, I ran around manically until I came across the Good Things range. I will admit I was drawn by the pretty packaging at first, but the pricing and the fact they were in the 3 for 2 section didn't hurt either.

Good Things is a range that is aimed at young skin and uses 'superfruit beauty boosters' in their formulations. It is also suitable for vegan and vegetarians and free of all the nasty stuff, which is parabens, mineral oils, sodium laureth sulphate and animal ingredients, if you're interested ;)

Seeing as I already have a face wash that I love, I ended up picking up the Face the Day SPF 15 Moisturiser (with Goji Berry and Papaya), the Deep Pore Anti- Blemish Cleanser (with Fig and Wild Strawberry) and the Bright Eyes Eye Cream (with Raspberry and Lychee). I needed both of the former as I was running out but I was interested in the eye cream as I have never used one before.

 I've only used them twice but so far, so good. I'm really hoping that they calm my prone-to-breakout skin and make it look more bright, as winter has really dulled my skin and dried it out.

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Soap and Glory Face Soap and Clarity review

Hey!

When Soap and Glory added make up and extended skin care to the their range, I became increasingly interested. I love Soap and Glory as I feel they have some of the best smelling products on the market. They're lovely, fresh and clean smelling.

I have reviewed an eye shadow palette of theirs here and I'm reviewing part of their skin care range today. I was lucky enough to be given some Face Soap and Clarity for Christmas from a friend. This face wash is a fruity smelling face wash with small pink exfoliating beads suspended in it, to make your face extra clean!

Me and my skin have been absolutely loving it!

As usual, S&G didn't disappoint on the smell. This face wash claims to have "Superfruit Plum" in it and I don't know if this really attributes to the smell but it's lush anyway! I love love love the packaging that Soap and Glory have, from their retro look to the quirky sayings on them. I recently found out that consumers send in the pictures for the packaging, so if you have an old retro snap of your nan to send in, you could see her face on millions of bottles!!

Anyway, I can't pinpoint exactly what ingredient my skin likes in this product but it's definitely been benefiting from it. My skin has cleared up, I have less blemishes and my skin seems a lot brighter.

The retail price is £6.99 which isn't exactly expensive but more than I would pay for the average face wash. I do feel S&G have been cheeky in making their new ranges as expensive for being new on the market with them but, c'est la vie. Saying that, for how much my skin has benefited I do think this wash is worth repurchasing.

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