Feel unique Beauty Box February 2012

At first glance, I'm not sure why, but I wasn't all that fussed about this months box. After chatting on the phone with Lucy about her February Glossy box, which is really great this month btw, I felt like maybe I would have been better of with a Glossy box subscription. Then I sat down and went through the product descriptions and  I realised that actually I will use most, if not all the products included in my Feel unique box. I think the thing lacking from this months box is simply the absence of a "wow" product, theres not that one product that really stands out and makes you want to sample it straight away this time, not for me anyway. However overall, after closer inspection, I do like it. 

The product I'm most looking forward to is Philip Kingsley's Elasticizer, one because I am a sucker for anything the promises to help repair my damaged hair, and two because there was a lot of hype around it when a sample was included in a GlossyBox a few months back. It's a intensive, super-moisturising pre-shampoo treatment that adds elasticity, manageability, bounce and shine. I'll let you know how I get on with this one!

Also included are a decent sized (100ml) Elemis Lime and Ginger body wash, this will be going into my travel wash bag because of it's handy size. The mini Leighton Denny nail polish in Steel Appeal is a lovely deep midnight blue with with a slight silver shimmer and will make a nice addition to my polish collection. A product which I have sampled before is the Nuxe multi use dry oil. This can be used on face, body and hair but my favourite thing to do with it is slather it on my legs post-shower to make them silky smooth and moisturised. Im a little dubious about the Decleor Phytopeel, not because of the brand but because I'm pretty dedicated to my current Skincare routine. This spa-smelling iridescent cream is an exfoliating peel mini-mask to be used twice a week, as I don't have a mask in my routine I think I might just give this a whirl!

The one and only sample I don't like is the Jean Paul Gaultier Kokorico fragrance, for me it's just far too musky and masculine. 

So after second thoughts on this months box, whilst now bowled over by any of the products, I am quite looking forward to trying them out!

 The Feel Unique beauty box is available on subscription from feelunique.com for £10 a month. 

Today's Face: Lana Del Rey inspired

Lana Del Rey- Born to Die Video

This week I've mainly been listening to the new album from Lana Del Rey, which get the thumbs up from me! After seeing the video for Born to die and realising that Lana's make-up is generally always lovely, I decided to re-create her make -up from the video. The products I used are pictured above and listed below, I left out the false lashes as I thought it might be a bit much for a trip to Nando's!

Make-up used:

Jemma Kidd Light as Air foundation in 02    Collection 2000 Concealer in 02 light    MAC blush in Melba    Bobbi Brown Corrector in Bisque    Sleek i-Divine Natural Palette    HD-Brows palette    Bobbi Brown Gel Liner    Shu Umera eyelash curlers    Lancome Definicils Mascara    Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara    Topshop Lipstick in Hazard (could have done with being a bit darker really)

Skincare Routine

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish 100ml + 2x Muslin cloths £13.75   Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic 200ml spray £12.50  Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for Normal/Combination skin 50ml Jar £18.25

Origins Eye Doctor Cream 15ml £25

No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator 75ml £11    Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate 10ml Rollerball £19

Recently my skin has considerably improved in condition and I have been receiving a fair few comments on it. Im pretty sure it's down to this skincare routine which I have been using for around 8 months now. Before I started using these products my skin was very dry and recovering from a bout of adult acne which started a couple of years ago, my skin was dry, dull and covered in acne scars, yuk.

The cleanse, tone and moisturise    (picture 2)

You've probably seen this range of skincare a million times by now but I cannot stress enough how brilliant it is. Every morning and evening I slather my dry face with the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish hot cloth Cleanser and massage into my face until it almost disappears. Taking the muslin cloth under a hot tap, I start to buff it over my skin in circular motions until all the cleanser is gone. This cleanser leaves my skin feeling really soft and clean, the creamy formula contains rosemary, chamomile, coco butter and eucalyptus which smells delicious. Using it with the muslin cloth ensures a gentle daily exfoliation which has seen my acne scars almost completely disappear. 

After patting my skin dry I spritz the Liz Earle instant boost skin tonic all over, this is my favourite step,  with no alcohol, infused with cucumber and containing vitamin E this refreshing toner leaves my skin feeling super fresh and soothed, ready for moisturiser.

Before using my face moisturiser I dab a tiny amount of the Origins Eye Doctor Eye cream under my eyes. I then take a 20p sized blob of the Liz Earle Skin repair moisturiser and massage it into my skin. This moisturiser feels really rich and luxurious, it does take a little while to sink into the skin but once it has, it leaves my face feeling soft, balanced and non sticky. It contains natural actives including borage and avacado oil to moisturise and protect. 

Eye Cream  (picture 3)

Ok, so I know I'm only 21 but honestly I'm hugely scared of looking old before I need to, so last year I made a promise to myself to start taking good care of my skin. This included purchasing an eye cream to keep my under eye area hydrated. As an ex suffer of dry skin and eczema I felt this was essential. I say "ex sufferer"of dry skin under my eyes because thanks to this little (expensive) pot of loveliness I no longer get dry skin or eczema under my eyes, result. Origins Eye Doctor cream contains cucumber, rosemary, ginseng and green tea to help fight free radicals, hydrate and soothe the sensitive skin around the eye area. I dab this around the eyes orbital bone morning and night just before I moisturise my face.

Weekly treatments (picture 4) 

Because I use a muslin cloth on my skin everyday I already get a soft exfoliation, however once a week I like to use the No7 Total renewal Micro-dermabrasion exfoliator to help my skin renew and repair.  This is basically a home micro-dermabrasion treatment. The super finely milled micro-crystals work to take away the top layer of (dead) skin to improve appearance, tone and texture. I have been using this product for a few years now and it's one I will continue to use for years to come, the texture and appearance of my skin after using this is dramatic. It leaves my skin feeling so soft and has seen most of my acne scarring diminish, it really is amazing! 

The other product in my weekly treatments is the Liz Earle Super Skin Concentrate, this is a an intense blend of aromatic plant oils including softening argan and organic rosehip oils, soothing neroli, lavender and chamomile essential oils plus antioxidant natural source vitamin E. One night a week I skip moisturising in favour of this skin oil, I roll it all over my face before bed and leave it overnight to restore and balance my skin. In the morning my skin feels smooth, plumped and soft. 

So that's it, My skincare routine. Im really happy with all the products I use and feel no need to change or add anything new. Mainly thanks to Liz Earle it's no longer dry or dull, my acne scars are becoming more reduced everyday and I now very rarely get any breakouts, thanks Liz!!

Liz Earle Skincare is available at uk.lizerle.com or at John Lewis stores.

Origins can be found online at origins.co.uk or at Boots and House of Fraser Stores. 

No7 is available at all Boots Stores. 

Everyday Make-up

 select 720p HD for best quality by clicking this little cog here ^^

This is a quick video on my everyday make - up routine, hope you like it!

the weekend post - Cornwall

 Last weekend was spent in St. Ives Cornwall with Lucy and Lucy visiting Little Lucy's Mum. We spent our days pottering around the town, spending money in the Cath Kidston sale, eating too many cornish pasties and pony trekking around the cornish countryside, lovely.

what did you get up to this weekend?

In & Out Jan 2012

Rather than do a monthly favourites post I thought I would mix it up and do an In & Outs Video, letting you know what I've used up and have replaced this January. Hope you like it.

today's face

BareMinerals original foundation in Fairly Light     Nars bronzer in laguna     MAC eyeshadow in Rice paper     Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner     Rimmel Scandal eyes mascara     HD Brows palette     Maxfactor Lipstick in Red