Tropic Skincare Face Lift Brightening Tightening Mask : My New Favourite!

If you have read AlohaKirstie for a while now you will KNOW that I am a total sucker for a face mask. Whether it be a 99p sachet or a £50 glamorous concoction of gold flakes and god knows what else.
I love to give my skin a total pamper and detox at least once a week and my favourite way to do this is with a face mask.

Sukin Skincare : First Impressions

Do you ever get bored of your skincare routine? 
The same products day in day out? It's not that they are doing anything wrong - they work perfectly fine, but there really is nothing like trying something new and experimenting with new products.

Current Skincare Favourites | Winter 2016

Winter plays havoc with my skin, so now is the best time for trying out new skincare products!
Over the last couple of months I have slightly switched up my skincare routine and have been loving using some new finds along with some old favourites that are back in my life!

Antipodes Manuka Honey Day Cream*
I've never been one for day creams, I've always worried they make they skin look greasy and my make-up never seems to sit as well, but when I was sent this a few weeks ago I thought it has to be worth a go.
I have heard so much about the Antipodes brand but never actually tried anything so I was really looking forward to getting my hands on it and trying it out. I have used this- every.single.day. since receiving it!
Firstly, I am in love with the scent, anything honey scented and I'm a fan, even that old lady royal jelly stuff in Boots, I loves it! This is such a rich cream one on the skin feels so ! Once I've popped it on I leave it around 5 minutes to sink in after this my skin feels matte and ready for any make-up I want to throw at it!

Antonia Burrell Forest Dew
My holy grail for no make-up days..... which now I work at home most of the time seem to be very frequent! I got this way back before the Summer and seriously have fallen in love over these last few months.

Just 6 pumps and some relaxing massaging into the skin later and my skin looks hydrated, more even and in the mornings I look slightly more human #bonus! This stuff is also meant to be great for reducing wrinkles so I think it's about time I started using it everyday.... I need to get rid of those horrible lines that seem to be taking over my face!

Liz Earle Skin Tonic
I couldn't even tell you how many years I've been using this for now but it is a total favourite for life! I use this every morning and every night after cleansing to refresh my face and give it that squeaky clean feeling and I can tell you now if my bottle runs out I tend to see the difference in my skin almost immediately... I'm praying this is never discontinued!

Tropic Super Greens Nutrient Boost Serum*
Last but not least is the newest skincare product to hit my ever-growing beauty shelves!
Topic Skincare is a new brand to me, I have actually been trying out quite a few of their products over the last week or so (which I'm sure you will hear about soon!).
I don't think I've ever meant 'a little goes a long way' as much as I do with this serum!
The bottle comes with a pipette dispenser and with just 2 or 3 drops I have more than enough product to cover my (huge) face! I'm actually curious as to how long this will last me and I feel like it will last years.
The serum has such lovely fresh and 'green' scent... not planty but you can tell it's natural! It's really lightweight and although sometimes it feels like you have loads of product on your face it doesn't take long for it to all sink in! I love using this as an overnight treatment - my skin always looks that little bit brighter and awake in the mornings, which is something I seriously need this time of year!

What skincare products have you been loving lately?

Summer Beauty Prep

Wow - how fabulous has the weather been recently? Yes it's been a little on and off but when the sun is out it has been gorgeous and it definitely made me glad that I have already starting my summer prepping for this year!

Yup - I have started to add in a few extra products into my daily routine to help prepare myself for the heat and dreaded skin showing of the year! (Yes I dread it..... but I'm working on my body confidence!)

So I thought I'd share with you guys some of the products I've been using to try and get myself in tip toe (ish) condition for summer!

1. Nivea Good-bye Cellulite Gel-Cream
No-one likes cellulite, no-one at all! So if there's a product out there telling me it can improve those wobbley bits of mine.... I'm going to try it! I've only been using this for a week so far so I mean I don't look like Jessica Alba yet but it feels lovely and I'm definitely going to keep track to see if there's a difference by the time I'm getting into my shorts!

2. Ameliorate Body Lotion*
This has been a life saver - a cure for 'chicken skin'! Yes those bumpy red lumps on the backs of my arms which ruin my life.... this body lotion has actually started to reduce them, *cries with happiness*! I just need to keep remembering to slap it on twice a day! I will have toned, even arms by summer and won't be conscious of being in a tank top at the gym anymore! 

3. Vita Coco Coconut Oil*
HOLY GRAIL PRODUCT - the stuff of dreams. You can literally use it for anything.... my favourite use being for my hair. (which I've actually done for years... before it was cool!)
I'm currently waiting to get my hair re-done... 3rd June cannot come quick enough.... and this is the perfect weekly treatment to ensure my hair is still feeling soft and smooth. 
I normally cover my hair root to tip in this stuff either in the morning when I know I'm going to be at home all day or before I head to bed - then 8ish hours later wash it off. Try it ... you won't regret it! I have to say aswell Vita Coco has got to be the best coconut oil I've used so far.
I've also just started using this for baking which is so much fun!

4. Bio Oil*
Well.... if it's good enough for Kim K? It's good enough for little old me!
I've been trying to use this on my skin as much as possible over the last couple of months, I have numerous stretch marks which I won't lie... I HATE - the downfalls of being fat and then loosing weight. 
For years they made me SO conscious and I wouldn't get my legs out, ever! Even in 30 degree heat I'd be there in my tights or leggings melting from the inside out - but over the last year or two I've slowly realised, it's actually only me that cares!
 No-one else notices but me, I shouldn't let me rule my wardrobe and what I feel comfortable wearing.

What have you been doing to get summer prepped? I know for a fact I need to start fake tanning soon.... this milk bottle legs aren't going to want to be seen by anyone!

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Madara Detox Ultra Purifying Mud Mask Review

If you've been reading A Yellow Brick Blog for.... well..... however long - you will know I am a  huge lover of a face mask. Just once a week I love to cleanse my skin deep down and help it get a bit of a refresh.

These past couple of weeks I have been using this - Madara's Detox Ultra Purifying Mud Mask. Madara are a fairly new brand to the UK - they are based in Lavita and oh my good gosh some of their imagery is just stunning.... Latvia is now on my bucket list! (Check out their Instagram!)

This detox mask is made with Nordic Forest Lake Mud (snazzy huh?) it tightens pores, absorbs excess oils, binds toxins, hydrated and conditions leaving the skin revitalised and fresh - the perfect end of week pick me up.

I was a little weary when first reading the directions though - it mentions on the packaging that it is highly effective so therefore may cause temporary tingling or redness. With my track record of mask fails (I've had a couple of literal red faced moments) this put me slightly on edge. But... beauty is pain?! .... and I wouldn't know unless I tried.

It says to use for 5-10 minutes so to ensure the least amount of redness I went for just over 5 minutes.

I popped on a thin layer around my face and was pleased to see it drying within just a few minutes - I hate masks that take FOREVER to dry and get all tight and crusty.... I just like the feeling okay?
So after that 6 or 7 minutes I wiped off the mask with a warm muslin cloth and splashed my face with cold water - no redness no scary side effects... my skin felt and looked amazing.

I'm so impressed with the results this mask has given me. The perfect product to use pre-foundation free week and I've decided that this is now firmly in my Sunday night ritual. 
A relaxing evening with skincare prep for the week ahead, yes please. (Lets throw a Disney movie in there too, because... why not?!)

Because I only use a thin layer across my face each time I really don't have to use alot of product so I think this 60ml tube will last for months!

What are your favourite skincare treats? It's so nice to feel comfortable in my bare skin, this summer is definitley going to be more about going make-up free!

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A Week Without Foundation : How Did I Cope?

You may have spotted over on social media that for 5 days this past week I decided  to test myself.... can I live without foundation?

I have worn foundation more or less daily since I was about 14. Yes.... that is a long time, 12 years in fact, of slapping on a face full to hide bits and bobs about my face that I'd rather others didn't see.

I am lucky with my skin (*touches wood*), I've never been a big sufferer of spots or blemishes but I still use foundation like a security blanket, hiding redness here and there and creating an even toned base to work with.

As I'm getting older I'm slowly becoming more confident with my skin and the thought of going without foundation isn't actually that daunting or scary anymore. And after having a few of these thoughts last Sunday I thought I would give it go..... head to work and spend my week totally foundation free, how bad could it be?

Lets start of by talking pros.

1. Time Saving. Holy moly I didn't realise how much time cutting this step out of my make-up routine would save! I did cut down the products I use by half whilst going foundation free and it cut my make-up routine to just 5-10 minutes - perfect for when I'm running out the door each morning. 

2. Saving on products. Because I wasn't using foundation I also cut out my primer and bits and bobs for contouring and highlighting! The perfect way to save on my expensive products that I do like to use daily, not just foudantion. Plus.... it takes alot less cleanse and polish to remove the few products I was wearing, making that end of day ritual alot less of a pain in the butt!

3. My skin got to breathe! It was quite nice knowing that I didn't have a face-full of make-up just to go to work. Don't get me wrong if I still worked with the public I probably would feel a little different about this experiment but now I'm in an office with 3 other lovely ladies (1 of which I've known since I was a teen) I felt like it wasn't a big deal! My skin wasn't clogged to the brim with slap, it was nice.

Now.... a couple of cons.

1. My redness. The number one reason I wear foundation. I don't have rosacea (I don't think) but my skin does have red patches and it does have a tendency to go red - at the most annoying times!
 Our new office seems to be like a greenhouse so I have been SO warm and my skin has definitley been resonating it haha! Going to gym classes and on runs have really been showing aswell haha - my boyfriend couldn't believe how red I was the other night and all I could say was - this is what it's like with no foundation! Saying this.... it does feel alot nicer breaking a sweat without a face full of make-up clogging up my pores.

2. PALE. I felt SO pale.

My Foundation Free Routine
So I suppose you all want to know what products I WAS using? So let's chat.

I started off each morning with my using cleansing routine then popped on some of the Madara Ultimate FaceLift Day Cream (I thought if I wasn't going to be using a foundation I might aswell try and improve my skin in a different way.... I was aiming for ten years younger!).
I then used my Recover concealer which is made for redness to tackle around my nose and my eyes. I have to have a bit of a glow/shimmer as my dull skin is totes boring so I then dabbed a bit of MAC strobe cream on my cheek bones, down my nose and on my forehead. It was then just my eyebrows, which I use MAC eyebrow pencil and my lashes - Maxfactor Masterpiece Max mascara. They are two things that I definitely couldn't go without. 
That was it, my morning routine done and dusted - seriously.... so much time saved.

The Verdict

From now on I think that for normal work days and just day to day life.... I don't need foundation - I can't believe I'm saying that!
 If I'm off out with friends or spending the day somewhere then yes I will feel alot more comfortable with it on but for work int he office/the gym/popping out here and there - I'm going to go foundationless! (Bring on summer when I have a bit more of a tan though!)

What do you think? Could you go #FoundationFree for a week?

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Montagne Jeunesse Chocoholic Mud Face Mask Review

It's that time once again - another mask review!
Now..... if you saw my tweets last weekend you may know what I'm going to say about this one!

Another Primark sachet and this time it's - Chocoholic Mud.

Now this stuff was thick, it actually felt like proper mud which made it so lovely to apply. It was so easy to spread and gave a nice thick, even layer with just half the sachet. (A little bit like smearing Nutella all over my face!)

The smell, of course, was super yummy - very much like the Hot Chocolate MJ mask. (which is one of my favourites!)

I left this on for about 20 minutes (the sachet says 15-20 but I was watching Harry Potter so I did leave it on a little longer than I normally would).

When I went to wash it off it was totally set. I love this feeling! But as I began to take it off with a warm muslin I noticed my skin underneath was red and feeling quite warm.

At this point I thought I'd better get this thing off me and ASAP.

I took of the rest of the mask and then got a new muslin cloth, soaked it in cold water and laid it over my face for a out 30 seconds.

This seemed to bring down the temparute of my skin a little but I still looked really red!

I was heading out a short while after this so I started to worry but once I had applied my Nivea hydration primer and got some air to my face it calmed down alot and was nearly unoticeable!

By the evening my skin was looking so clear and glowing - I think maybe I just left the mask on a little longer than I should have for my skin - I've had a similar reaction to 'mud' masks in the past - I think 10-15 minutes is probably better for me!

What mask should I try next?

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Montagne Jeunesse Candyfloss Scrub Face Mask Review

You may remember my Instagram posts and tweeting about my trip to Primark late last year. 

During this trip I managed to nab some fabulous Montagne Jeunesse face masks which I had never tried before! 

All Primark exclusives of course, I was so excited to see lots of sachets I'd not heard of so naturally I bought them all. (They were only 90p each - bargain!)

The one I was most looking forward to trying was this - Candyfloss Scrub. Made with Passion Flower and Lotus Blossom this was said to be a sweet treat for sparkling skin. 

Everyone know how much of a sweet fan I am from everything from food to scents to well.... skincare so I couldn't wait to find a new relaxing time to give this one a go.

With this being a scrub mask I thought what better a time to try it out than after a heavy week of partying, eating rubbish and having a pants sleeping pattern (aka the end of December). Something to help totally refresh and rejuvenate my face ready for a new year (and new job!).

I was surprised by the consistency of this to be totally honest, I had pictured a thick, creamy pink scrub but instead I was greated with a clear pink gel with scrubbing beads. 

Putting this on my face felt... weird. It smells so yummy - alot like rubbing sweets onto my skin which made me feel like I shouldn't be doing it!

The first step on the sachet is "warm mask" .... there are no details alongside this though so I just rubbed it in my hands for a bit, although I probably should have popped it into some hot water but my brain only told me this AFTER I'd started using it... opps!

After the 15 minutes I took it off with warm water - it went to a kind of creamy white shade once the warm water had been applied so I wasn't sure if that's how it should have looked like when heated but it still seemed to do the job.

My skin felt really soft and any signs are tired, dull skin were gone - yay!

For 90p these masks really are such a skincare bargain - I think people can be put off by the cheap price but the quality of this collection is amazing - I will always be a fan! Now..... when can I try the rest of the ones I bought......

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Make Up Revolution Pro Primer Aqua Priming Base Review

Make Up Revolution Pro Primer Aqua Priming Base*

It was only a few years ago that primer became a 'thing' in my make-up bag. 

I remember stumbling across the Smashbox photo finish primer whilst travelling the US back in 2012 and wondering how I have ever put make-up on without that game-changing first step.

Since then I have tried SO many. From your everyday bargain drugstore brands to the products with prices that make your eyes water!

This, however, is something fairly new to me. A priming spray. 

I've only ever tried one other and I hated the scent so much I only used it once so didn't really get to see how well it worked!

This, Aqua Priming Base from Make-Up Revolution is one of their snazzy new products which they were kind enough to send to me to try out!

This lightweight spray has been working wonders, it's so easy to use and has been making my morning routine that little bit shorter each morning as it sinks into the skin so quickly which I love!

I can't wait to use this during the hotter months too (remember those?) it keeps my skin feeling hydrated without seeming to add any excess oils and seems to do the job of keeping my make-up on!

For only £6 this is definitely worth a try, especially if you're someone who doesn't wear alot of make-up throughout the day or wants a product to help freshen up your skin.

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White Chocolate.... for your face!

Well, well, well, it's been a while since one of these sachets graced a post for a review but here we are again!

I know you all know how much I love these bargains face masks from Montagne Jeunesse (now known as 7th Heaven by the way!), at only £1 each they really are a beauty gem and one of my favourites finds of the last 10 years! 

This week I decided to try out the ever-so-yummy-looking White Chocolate mask.
This had been sat in my bathroom drawer for months and I have no idea why I decided to wait so long to use it, so foolish.
I think this may have come in a gift pack I got from co-op a long while ago.... or I may have picked it up in Primark - I can't be certain.

With cocoa butter and cream - this mask smells amazing. I love the scent of anything cocoa butter so I happily slapped a thick layer of this stuff all around my face - which still left half the sachet left so this is definitely one to share with a friend/partner/mum!

I left the mask on for about 15/20 minutes, it got to that lovely stage of being so hard it cracks a bit - I love this feeling so much, anyone else? 

I washed it off gently with warm water and a muslin cloth and was pleased to be met by fresher looking Kirstie than 20mins prior, with skin looking a little bit more awake and feeling super soft.
Another fantastic mask by the team at 7th Heaven, I'm going to have to see if I can pick this one up again for when I'm looking a bit dull and tired... .or I may just have to do an online order..... although my wishlist is so ridiculously long I don't know if it's a good idea haha!

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Biore Self-Heating One Minute Mask Review

It's beauty review time once more!

If you've read AYBB for a while you probably know how partial I am to a pampering session - I love a bit of 'me' time.

The number one thing on my pampering list is always a face mask and when I spotted these in the clearance section of Boots last week for only £1 I just had to have them! (Usually priced at £7.99 I got a right Barry bargain here!)

Self-heating masks are probably my favourite kind of masks - I near enough always use the Montagne Jeunesse/7th Heaven sachets so I was looking forward to trying something at a slightly higher price point.

You get 4 sachets in the pack - a good months worth for me as I only tend to do a mask once a week!

What's special about about this mask you ask?

Well.... the clue is in the name - it only takes a minute! (*girl... to fall in love, fall in love.* - sorry Take That moment!)

Anywho - yes! 

This is a one minute mask - all you need to do is dampen your clean skin (I usually do this just as I've take my make-up off so my face is still wet) and pop the mask on with your fingers, your skin must be wet as the mask is activated by water!

The warmth along with the natural charcoal ingredient help to open up your pores and draw out deep down dirt, oils and impurities leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed.

As you massage the sachet over your face the warming is activated and you can feel your skin getting a deep, healthy cleanse.

After just a minute all you have to do is wash the mask off with warm water - the mask does not dry. 

This was so super easy and I found that the mask, unlike others I've used, comes off so quickly and effortlessly leaving my skin feeling completely rejuvenated. 

The size is actually perfect, most of the time when I use a sachet mask I only use half or 3/4 of the mask and because they tend to be a bit messy I always chuck the rest away. These sachets are slightly smaller than normal but the actual perfect size for a one-use mask.

The consistency of the mask is fairly thick until you mix it with the water on your face/fingers which makes it thinner and easily to massage across your face.

Scent wise.... I have a bit of blocked nose at the moment haha so didn't really smell anything to be honest!

I'm really chuffed by the how well this worked and how handy they are - for the price I got them I'm blown away.

 Perfect for a quick fix me up, you really do only need a minute.

My skin hasn't felt this cleansed for weeks - I'll definitely be using the rest of the packet on the lead up to Christmas this year to insure flawless skin. 

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Simple Skincare Haul

When I saw that Boots had the whole of the Simple skincare range at half price last week I thought it would just be plain RUDE not to invest in a few bits for myself.
I love Simple and have been using it on and off since I was probably about 14- alongside Nivea they have got to be my favourite drugstore skincare brand.
Being on a bit of a budget for the next year ( you can read about about that here) I will be splashing out less on more expensive high end products/brands and sticking to barry bargains which I know work well!
I picked up 7 products from the range and wanted to tell you all about them as I have been so excited about how cheap they are right now!

L2R : Facial Wash, Facial Toner, Facial Scrub, Light Moisturiser, Illuminating Cream, BB Cream & Handwash.

Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel - Was £3.39 Now £1.69

This is a product I've used before, but not for a long while! I have to have a facial wash in the shower for every morning, something to wake both me and my skin up and prep my skin ready for my morning skincare routine and make-up!

Simple Soothing Facial Toner - Was £3.29 Now £1.64

This is always my back-up when I run out of my Liz Earle Skin Tonic. This is something I use every morning and every night - I feel grotty without a toner!

Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub - Was £3.39 Now £1.69

I'm a scrub addict. Especially during the summer months when I feel I can notice build up so much more! For the price this is a total bargain - great to keep in the shower and use 1 or 2 times a week!

Simple Protecting Light Moisturiser - Was £4.35 Now £2.17 

I'm such a naughty girl when it comes to moisturising... after trying out a few thicker creams and my skin not reacting well I have become very distant from this everyday step. I used to use this as a teen and I thought for this cheap price - why not try it again! (So far so good...)

Simple Illuminating Radiance Cream - Was £6.59 Now £3.29

I have wanted to try this for so long, but my stingy self has refused to pay out the missley £6.59 for it haha! My Mum bought this months and months ago and said how much she liked it and I'm really glad I have finally bought it as it is lovely!

Simple Perfecting BB Beauty Balm - Was £6.29 Now £3.14

Again... I've wanted to try this since the day it came out! BB/CC creams are a favourite of mine for this time of year and I'm looking forward to using something a little lighter than my usual high coverage foundation. The only thing that worries me is that from what I saw there is only one shade... I haven't tried it yet so I'm hoping it will be okay!

Simple Handwash - Was £2.10 Now £1.05

Last but not least something for the kitchen/bathroom (which ever one runs out first!) I wash my hands alot so having something which is kind to skin is really good for me and for half the price I thought it would be a nice treat!

Do you use anything from Simple? What are your favourite products?

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Montagne Jeunesse 7th Heaven Banana & Honey Masque Review

I don't think I've ever taken a photo with such a white background haha, it kind of looks like a stock image but I assure you I took it.

Anyway... back to what I'm actually meant to be talking about..... a new face mask!

 I mentioned this 7th Heaven mask a few weeks ago and I said I'd let you know how it was after I had tired it on.

This is the Banana & Honey Masque, aimed to clean and soothe your skin in just 15 minutes. At only £1 I feel like these masks are always worth a go and even if you find you don't really like it then just pick up another and try again.

Usually I'm pretty lucky and get on with most of them, this being no exception. I've learnt that I'm not one for peel off masks so I tend to steer clear of those and go for the wash off versions instead.

The mask itself was a clearish gloopy consistency...which obviously smelt like bananas. In fact it was like rubbing really, really smooth mashed banana over my face.

 I added a generous layer evenly all over my face and left it to dry, while I got on with a few household chores.

Once the time was up I washed it it off with warm water and patted my face dry. Now I'll be honest my skin didn't feel different, sometimes with masks I feel like my skin has had an overhaul with it feeling softer and smoother, this didn't do that. BUT I have to say I could seriously see a difference, my skin was was bright and had a lovely healthy glow about it. 

So if you're having a good skin day and fancy just giving yourself a bit of a radiance boost, this is definitely a cheap treatment to try out.

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Montagne Jeunesse 7th Heaven Coffee Mocha Mud Mask Review

I'm really sorry if you are getting fed up with me talking about £1 face mask sachets but I love a bargain and giving myself a little pamper so I feel the need to tell you all. In all seriousnes though, if you really aren't interested in these sorts of products please let me know!

So Montagne Jeunesse - my one true love for a good face mask - have a new collection/name - 7th Heaven! You may have spotted these on my instagram or my recent Boots haul already and I've finally got round to giving some of them a go, wahoo.

I'm not a coffee drinker but the sound of 'coffee mocha mud' sounded fab so £1 was spent and I had once again another mask to try out.

Whipped together ground coffee beans, kaolin clay and macadamia oil help to lightly exfoliate the skin before giving an intense cleanse.

The scent was okay, not my favourite of the MJ masks, if you love coffee you'll be a fan for sure. After applying in circular motions to fully exfoliate I let the mask set for 15 minutes.

Unlike other masks I've used this set fairly quickly which I loved, I'm a bit of a werido and love the feel of a hard clay mask on my face .... okay now I sound like a creep.

After the 15 minutes were up I washed it off and was left with fully rejuvenated skin. Although it felt oft, it did also feel a little dry so I'm not sure weather it was a bit much for my skin, but after applying my Liz Earle Skin Tonic and a bit of moistuiser it was fine and dandy once again.

The next mask I'm going to try is the 7th Heaven Banana & Honey mask and I cannot wait.

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Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator Review

Being an Isle Of Wighter born and bred, Liz Earle are a brand which feature heavily in my skincare routine. If you didn't know the brand was formed here on the island in 1995 and I have used it for years and years now - I don't think I could live without my daily Cleanse & Polish session.

Because I am such a fan of their products I'm always open to trying more from their constantly growing range and recently I have fallen hook, line and sinker for their Gentle Face Exfoliator.

To be honest I don't know how it's taken me this long to try this particular product out, I'm a big scrub fan and tend to try and use one at least once a week.

I don't have many skin problems, I have been very lucky in that sense, a few spots pop up now and again but come and go in a matter of days, but I like to have a good skincare routine I always have done.
Alot of the time the scrubs I use are fairly abrasive, e.g. the Nip + Fab Glycolic Scrub Fix, which are great but tend to be a bit much/harsh to carry out weekly so seeing this had the word 'gentle' in the title I thought it would be a great product to have as a weekly treatment.

The scent of the scrub is lovely, and reminds me of a few other LE products - but for the life of me I can't think which ones.
It is made which a range of natural ingredients (something LE are known for) including jojoba beads, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil and eucalyptus oil.

The Gentle Face Exfoliator is for 'congested or flaky skin'. This time of year with the hotter weather coming in I feel like my skin needs a good de-congestion now and again to get rid of build up and excess oils.
I have been using this about twice a week for the past few weeks. I keep it in the shower and once my face is clear of my grotty make-up I squeeze about a 5p sized lump onto my fingertips and gently massage it in circular movements around my face.

The jojoba beads help gently buff away dead skin cells while the cocoa butter is there to make sure the skin stays soft, moisturised and hydrated.

The results have been great and my skin has been looking fab with this added into my routine.
The version I have of this scrub is the 50ml tube, there are a range of sizes and tube/pump alternatives for it, but this is a great size when just trying it out.
Saying this I think I'll be investing in the largest pump version to get the best value for money once this is finished with.

Have you tried any Liz Earle products before? I highly recommend them!

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My Top Highlighter Picks Under £7

 Highlighters are probably one of my favourite make-up products. For years now I have been obsessed with getting a pretty glowing complexion and the amount of products I have bought, tried and tested is endless! 
Some of the best highlighters I own and use most seem to be ones which don't break the bank - which is a total win-win situation right?
I've picked out 5 of my favourites to chat about today... and they are all under £7 ... most of them under £5! *Barry Bargain Alert!*
I've choosen a mix of brands plus a mix of both liquids and powders, as I know some of you are more of a fan of one than the other!

First up my ultimate favourite - 1. Seventeen's Skin Wow! Highlighter - £5.99. This is a product which I have raved and raved about since it was released in 2013 now! The amount of friends I've made buy this is countless now haha! The bottle of this stuff literally lasts me for months on end even though I use it daily and it is a great dupe for Benefit's High Beam at just the fraction of the price!
The most expensive of the bunch is the 2. Sleek Contour Kit - £6.49. Being a bronzer and a highlighter you can forgive it for being a little pricier than the others I'm featuring. I've already gone through one of these kits and had to buy a replacement, so for me this is a keeper! With the amount of different products I own and test to use one up completely is not something that happens regularly. The highlighter is a gorgeous alongside the matte bronzer, it's a lovely peachy shade, great for summer.
Next is the newest on the block which I actually did a review on not too long ago. 3. Rimmel Good To Glow Highlighter is only £4.99, a great price for one of the best high street brands in the UK. The shade I have is Notting Hill Glow and it is a lovely pearly liquid highlighter which I have been wearing more or less everyday under my foundation to highlighter certain areas, if you are a Rimmel fan this is a must-have for your collection.
The last two are both from one of the most popular bargain brands out there at the moment - Make-Up Revolution. 
Number 4. is the Make-Up Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter and at only £3 is it the cheapest product. The shade I've shown here is Pink Lights and my favourite of the bunch. The lightest and pinkest of the lot this is a beaut... although the product pattern itself is a bit off-putting... let me know what you think it looks like.
Lastly we have 5. the Make-Up Revolution Radiant Lights Highlighter* - £5. These super pigmented powders are amazing value for money and with a range of shades there is a highlight for every skin tone. Pictured is the shade Exhale, a pretty creamy colour perfect for contouring aswell as highlighting.

What are your favourite highlighters? Do you like buying cheaper brands aswell as high end?

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