Product Empties - Spring/Summer 2018

Rather than doing individual products I have been hoarding lots of empty bottles in order to give an accurate representation of what I ACTUALLY use up. I try a lot of products so if something is empty it means its good, or at least I've given it a bloody good test.

Lets start from the top. A lot of these products will have been reviewed or featured in other posts and if that is the case I will link them for you!

Row 1

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo +

Reviewed in my Roaccutane Survival Guide but in summary, a triple whammy of spot fighting ingredients in one handy cream/serum. LOVE IT. I will always have at least 1 of these on the go however after the Roaccutane and getting my skincare routine down, I find that I have less need for this am am using instead Paulas Choice 4% BHA serum as a once a week treatment on clogged areas or as a more specific spot treatment if one appears.


Ren Vita Mineral Eye Cream

Came as a freebie with something. I'm not even going to bother linking it as it did sod all from my under eye area. I have done a post all about my feelings on under eye care so have a read of that for much better options

Monu Skin Recovery Balm

Again, another gift with purchase. This was...OK. It was too drying to be classed as a balm, yet contains oil so isn't suitable for acne prone or oily skin. Hence I won't be using it again, in fact I used up the rest of the tube on my hands. Nuff said. 

Hyaluronic acid capsules

Love these. I have in fact gone through far more bottles than shown here. There is no need to buy fancy ones, similarly, there is also no point buying them in combination with anything else as there will always be better sources of - for example - zinc, or if combined with collagen you will simply pee it out as the collagen molecule is too large to be absorbed from the digestive tract. 

I have (of course) done a post all about my favourite supplements so head over and have a read if you want to cut the crap and see what really is worth your time , money and digestion. 

NIOD Multi Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Complex

This is the Ferrari/Lamborghini of the hydrating serums. Thin, watery, rapidly absorbed with no pilling. You can therefore use a much smaller amount of this than cheaper and thicker serums so yes, this is pricey but it lasts far longer than say, The Ordinary version. Different molecule weights of hyaluronic acid mean all the layers of the epidermis can be targeted as different weights mean different sizes which can pentrate to different extents. Which is exactly what you need for well hydrated, bouncy, glowy skin. The fact that it is so light yet so effective means I am often able to skip moisturiser and go straight to SPF, which is amazing in this weather. It was also a god send during Roaccutane treatment. 

Row 2

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser
Fantastic oil free moisturiser. Super lightweight, great for men. The only issue I have with this it is SUPER fragranced , enough to cause sensitivity if you are prone. It did sting on me on occasion especially around the eyes so I will not be repurchasing, there are far better light yet hydrating, oil free options. Guess what....there's a post on that too


Footner exfoliating foot mask/socks

My second box. I have done a full post here. 

Boots Sun Swim Gym protection mask

I probably get through one of these every 2 weeks. I put it in before swimming (EVERY TIME) and without fail will have incredibly shiny, none damaged hair afterwards. Amazing. Washes out super easily too. Swimming post here

Dirty Works Buttery Salt Scrub. 

At any point in time I have at least 5 of these in my bathroom cabinet. The best body scrub I have every tried. It actually scrubs without scratching, leaving oily residue or generally making a mess. Great before fake tan, to remove fake tan, for bumpy arms or legs, before shaving etc. Wouldn't be without it, plus, its only £3!!

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads 60 packs extreme
These are a fantastic affordable daily peel pad. Yes you can buy a lotion (like Pixi Glow Tonic), however I like these as they contain glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid which is ideal for all skin types but especially those struggling with blocked pores especially at this time of year. I wouldn't bother with the daily version of these as even those these are labelled as "extreme" they are still only a low percentage of AHA/BHA.
Learn about acid toners/peeling here


NeoStrata Skin Active Retinol Plus NAG Complex 

This is extremely pricey and extremely strong. Although it is only 0.5% retinol it performs in the same way a much stronger percentage product would. Everyone who uses this experiences peeling. In my case I could use twice a week, and without fail on the third time I would wake up with a burning red face which would peel off 2 days later. Not pleasant. It contains NeoGlucosamine™ (which is the NAG bit) which supposedly reinforces the skins protective barrier, however no amount of this could protect my skin. I used it up because of the price tag but will definitely not be buying again. I now use Retriderm Max 1% retinol. Amazing effects, absolutely 0 irritation. 

Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion

This was my 4th tube and I will not be without it. With a lactic acid complex not only does it really hydrate, it also exoliates. Great for bumpy skin on the back of the arms, amazing for use on legs particularly after hair removal. Cannot race enough about it. It also comes in a cream form and fragrance free. Perfection. Look out for it on offer at Escentual as they often to 1/3 off.
(Yes, its so good I cut the top off to get the remnants out)

No7 Laboratories LINE CORRECTING Booster Serum

Second tube. Will be buying more immediately. Find out more here but if you are a wash and go kinda girl but you want to have a dabble in anti ageing without the faff - this is the one for you. You can use all over or on targeted areas
Row 3

Colab dry shampoo spray hype galactic 200ml

I mentioned this in my hair care post. Smells incredible, not great oil absorption but great if your hair feels "too clean" or if it just needs a bit of oomph/texture or to use almost as a hair perfume


CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

I am currently working through my second bottle of this. Fragrance and nasty-free cleanser. Will not remove eye make up but will happily remove light foundation, spf, grime etc. I always do a double cleanse when wearing make up so this is simply just to clean the skin itself. Non stripping, non irritating. I am fairly fickle with my cleansers so will keep you posted. 

Listerine Total Care Zero Mouthwash

If I am fickle with my cleansers then I am an absolute floozy with my mouth wash choice. Mouthwash for the most part should simply be used as a top-up of fluoride or freshness. Not to be used within 30 minutes of brushing. I use this if I have had a lot of citrus and cant brush just yet, or have been on the garlic. As long as it is gentle (no alcohol if possible) and contains a decent amount of fluoride I will simply buy whatever is on offer. 

Xentan dark lotion

I cannot rave enough about this stuff... so to save you from boredom..head to my summer survival post. Already have another one on the go and one in the spares box.

Soap and Glory Smoothie Star Body Milk

This. Smells. INCREDIBLE. Like coconut, sugar, and almond with a tiny hint of lime. Extremely moisturising. Love it. The matching body wash is also completely yummy.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% and Zinc 1%

I absolutely adore most of Deciem's products and am constantly trying more every week. This however has been a stable. I feel no need to buy any other brand or spend more money to get better results as this works perfectly. See my post on niacinamide for why....and also I have done a review of The Ordinary products I have tried so far (there's a lot)



Top 5 of my empties that you should try:

1) Dirty Works body scrub combined with the Footner mask because feet need extra help (yes that counts as 1!)

2) The Ordinary Niacinamide and Zinc for the reasons mentioned here 

3) XenTan Dark Lotion (the original not Luxe). Best body fake tan hands down. I never have any streaking, and it doesn't fade leaving you looking like tiger bread

4)Hyaluronic acid supplements to keep all the good stuff trapped in and retaining all that lovely dewy moisture in your skin. As a side effect it also helps joints etc

5)Sun Swim Gym protection mask. Without it my hair would have turned to straw and fallen off years ago.
IF YOU DON'T SWIM (bonus product)
5) Nip Fab exfoliating pads. Great entry level into AHA and BHA exfoliation. Very affordable. Work amazingly well especially in the heat

Swimming dramas - my endless quest to find the perfect goggles

I started swimming around 6 years ago. At this point I maybe did max 50 lengths, breast stroke, head above water, stopping every 10.

This required no specialised equipment beyond a swimming costume (at this stage I probably wore the dreaded tankini)

At a year in, I decided goggles would be quite helpful to stop other people's splashing causing chlorine blindness, and so for this purpose, any old goggle would do.

It was around 4 years ago that things got serious, I was swimming 4 or 5 times a week (although it took another year for me to be able to swim front crawl properly), and my hair, skin and eyes were suffering.

After MANY ear and sinus infections, I decided that it was time for a swimming cap, ear plugs, and nose clip to add to my swimming armoury - which at this stage only consisted of goggles and now a swimming costume.

It was at this point that I realised even all these items were not made equal.

I had ear plugs that fell out, degraded after a weeks use; nose clips that pinged off after the first length and snapped when placed back; swimming caps that disintegrated on contact with chlorine, developed holes with the stretching needed to get it over my hair, tugged said hair and rode up so I resembled Tommy Cooper by the end of my swim; and goggles that left indents so deep they looked like bruises or didn't suction so leaked and rendered them pointless.

After much research I found various solutions

Ear plugs

No contest - Speedo ergo ear plugs. They last ages even if they do discolour slightly.

Nose clips

Yet again, they have discontinued my favourites. I managed to bulk buy a few from America but sadly not enough. It was the Speedo liquid comfort nose clip - check regularly as sometimes the Ebay listings reappear!

I have had to go back to the Speedo universal nose clip, which works well, but loosens fairly quickly. Not a patch on the liquid comfort though.

Swimming caps

I now only wear long hair swimming caps. There is a strange extra bump at the back which your bun fits nicely into. This means that your hat and hair stays in one place, isn't tugged or damaged, and if your hair doesn't move, your goggles don't move.

I used to be a die hard fan of the ishka long hair swimming caps but they have since been discontinued. I have found an amazing alternative by TYR which is available from Proswimwear (where I make many swimming purchases)...here

Googles

This is an ongoing quest. The issue with swimming for long periods of time on a regular basis, is that the constant force of plastic on sensitive areas (around the eyes) will lead to some nasty looking dark circles, and long term, can actually move the fat around the eye and create permanent indents, as well as creating extra tension on the delicate skin leading to wrinkles.

I therefore decided to switch some mask goggles which instead exert the pressure over the cheeks and forehead which can take a lot more force with no long term negatives (you just look like a bit of a wally during the swimming time)

For four years I was in a monogamous relationship with my Aqua Sphere vista goggles. However around 9 months ago when I changed to a new pair (perfectly normal, the rubber degrades with all the chlorine after 6-12 months of use), and they leaked. Usually the first wear of a new pair of goggles is a joyous experience so this shocked me.
I wondered if I had a dodgy pair. I ordered FIVE more. They all had the same issue.

I concluded my face has undergone some sort of meltdown and have since tried EVERY PAIR OF GOGGLES THAT EXISTS ON THE PLANET. I have only found 2 that work. The goggle marks are slightly worse than the Aqua Sphere but they fade and cause no lasting damage.

My new faves are:

Nabaiji Swimdow goggles (in small - because I have the head of a 5 year old)

Costumes

Speedo Rippleback. They are comfortable, don't ride up your bum, stay in place and cause minimal resistance but they are SKIMPY so beware. The alternative for good hydrodynamics is to do a full triathlon suit. Either is fine.

Hair and skin protection

As I discussed in my hair care post, I use a leave in mask (Sun Swim Gym) before I swim, and always do my first shampoo with the Paul Mitchell Shampoo 3

I use my Snowfire ointment as lip balm every time before swimming without fail , my lips are always protected and love me for it.

I apply something on my skin before swimming to protect it. This seems to have helped not only with dryness but also with recovery from the goggle marks and with acne. Seems drying out spots with chlorine is not a valid acne treatment.

I have tried many things. What to avoid.

1. Anything oily
2. Anything fragranced
3. Anything tinted - including tinted SPF, it mixes with the water, destroys your goggles, clogs your vision and stings
4. Anything acidic - vitamin c, AHA's or BHA's

I have found my La Roche Posay Toleriane fluid and the No7 Line Correcting Serum perfect. It means my skin gets a little treat on the way to the pool and is protected during my swim. 

I also protect my eyelashes with a strengthening serum  - I like Revitalash and LiLash. 

After my swim, I wash my body with the chlorine shampoo because regular body wash still leaves your smelling of chlorine by the end of the day. I then moisturise with a heavy duty moisturiser. 

Enjoy your swim, please feel free to ask any questions, I have tried A LOT of swimming products. 

Mini Look Fantastic Haul

 

Quick one today!

I teased on instagram a video of me opening this (@smilesbetterskins) and here is what it contained!

PUREOLOGY STRENGTH CURE COLOUR CARE SHAMPOO,CONDITIONER AND SUPERFOOD TREATMENT TRIO

I have decided that my shampoo and conditioner game needs upping now the sun has started ravaging my hair! I use the Pureology shampoo and conditioner once a week when I am washing my hair at home (as opposed to the pool) and every time I am amazed by the difference it gives. 

Last week in fact, I used these products on the Sunday, washed my hair again on the Monday and could STILL feel the difference. So I went for it and re purchased. Also thought I would try the mask because...more is more right?

THE ORDINARY AHA BHA PEELING SOLUTION

If you haven’t read my mask post – where have you been? I declare my love for this product and my current one is running low, and the thought of being without this and having to deal with having multiple layers of skin rather than my product-thinned one, fills me with dread.

(checkout the post here) 

HYLAMIDE LOW-MOLECULAR HA BOOSTER 30ML

After indoctrinating all of my friends and colleagues in the importance of hyaluronic acid, I started them off on The Ordinary version, they are now ready to step it up, and Hylamide is the next level up in the never-ending sky scraper that is the Deciem company base.

This is runnier than The Ordinary version, but not as runny as the magnificent NIOD one. This means it absorbs more readily, and the low molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid molecules means it can absorb deeper into the skin, leading to increase plumpness!