29.8.16

Guilt Free Face Wash: Good Things Pore-fectly Clear

I'm as guilty as any other beauty addict having fallen in love with luxury beauty products and whilst they can transform your skincare routine, they're not all cost-effective. But battling pesky breakouts and tackling combination skin, doesn't have to leave you broke. And Good Things Pore-fectly Clear Face Wash has proven just that, having become my go-to cleanser since having packed it in my case on my recent holiday and costs just £4.99. 

This natural purifying and reviving face wash from Good Things combines pomegranate extract, willow bark to help smooth skin, charcoal powder to draw out impurities and absorb excess oil and caffeine to help reduce skin redness and tighten pores. And I think it's important to note that Pore-fectly Clear is free from the ingredients we all wish (or should wish) to avoid including: Parabens, Mineral Oils, Sodium Laureth Sulphate and animal ingredients.

The gel face wash (ideal for combination to oily skin types) is dark in colour due to it's formulation of charcoal powder and whilst those of you with sensitive skin may squirm as many drugstore facial washes can be stripping, Good Things Pore-fectly Clear doesn't aggravate dry patches and never irritates. In fact once massaged into damp skin and rinsed with warm water, it washes away dirt and oil gently, leaving my skin looking smooth, fresh, clearer and more even in tone. And the fact I've been reaching for it over the likes of my Elemis face wash is testament to how good it truly is. 

Designed for young skin and developed by award-winning beauty writer Alice Hart-Davis I wouldn't hesitate to repurchase. And this isn't the first time Good Things has made an appearance on BBA and I can't imagine it will be the last. So before spending big bucks on on a fancy face wash, I urge you to try Good Things Pore-fectly Clear Face Wash available at Boots for £4.99 - not only does it work, it's guilt free.

Have you tried any products from Good Things?
Emily
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20.8.16

Summer Hair Saviour: NUXE Sun Moisturising Protective Milky Oil

Summer Hair Savour: NUXE Sun Moisturising Protective Milky Oil
When on holiday you'll often find me on the beach reapplying and smothering my skin in sunscreen. But up until now I've never paid attention to my hair and scalp and have often returned home with a sore (and rather red) head, not to mention slightly frazzled hair. But post-holiday hair and scalp damage can be prevented with sun protectant sprays for hair. And I've found the summer hair saviour that ticks all the boxes. The NUXE Sun Moisturising Protective Milky Oil for Hair* fights fade, is a sun screen for your scalp and acts as an after sun. 

Firstly the fragrance is beautiful, enriched with flower oils the legendary scent of Huile Prodigieuse follows me all day. But not only does it smell delicious, it protects the hair and scalp from harmful UV rays, salt and chlorine thanks to its combination of three sunscreens. It also repairs thanks to a rice protein extract and delivers an injection of hydration thanks to a combination of water hyacinth oleactive and coconut oil. 

I ensured my locks were coated before I hit the beach by misting the oil (from a distance) onto my damp, or dry hair. The milky oil is lightweight despite its rich formulation, but can leave the hair looking a little greasy if you apply too much. But having said that the non sticky hair oil protects and repairs without weighing my hair down and washes out well, leaving my hair shiny and soft to touch. In fact, my hair has never looked or felt better! 

The NUXE Sun Moisturising Protective Milky Oil for hair is quite simply a hero hair product. And a one that should make its way into your beauty stash whether you enjoy spending time in the sun, or boarding a plan sometime soon. NUXE Sun Moisturising Protective Milky Oil RRP £12.00 is available online at Feel Unique for £9.60 (currently 20% off). 
Have you tried a sun protectant spray for hair? 
Emily
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18.8.16

NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams - Are They All That?

NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams - Are They All That?
Drugstore brands are starting to master the art of a matte liquid lipstick formulas, no longer do 'liquid lipsticks' translate to crusty, dry lips. And one drugstore brand in particular that slay with their lip product line-up is NYX. The American brand flooded Boot's stores earlier this year (at last!) and my heart skipped a beat when I spotted their double sided counter in Boots, High Street Kensington. NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams were one of the very first matte liquid lipsticks available to buy for a price that doesn't leave you penniless and have been branded as one of the best drugstore mattes; but are they all that? 

Unlike traditional liquid lipsticks NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams have a mousse-like formulation and their stiff straight wand applicator makes precision easy (perfect for any liquidlipahobs). And due to their silky, mousse-like formulation the product is comfortable on the lips - you'll forget you're wearing anything. It does however take a few minutes to set and has a satin-matte finish. So hold off on smooching the other half immediately after application, as it's not totally budge/kiss-proof! 

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in 'Milan'
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in 'Stockholm'
Top: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in 'Milan' / Bottom: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in 'Stockholm'

However, I found the colour payoff, application and wearability can vary depending on your choice of colour. Generally speaking I found the brighter, darker shades carry more pigment than their nude offering, which are a little trickier to apply. They tend to be a little uneven and streaky and require multiple coats to get a good finish. And whilst they don't last on the lips from dawn to dusk, they do last 3-4 hours, smudging on coffee cup lids and fading gradually leaving a light stain on the lips. NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams don't flake, peel, crack or emphasise dryness and have a subtle vanilla scent - I can see why they're a drugstore favourite.

So whilst there may be a few minor inconsistencies in formulation, I have little to no complaints and might just head back into Boots and host a swatch-a-thon on my right arm! Plus they're great value for money costing just £5.50 and are available in a bevy of colours, so you won't feel guilty buying more than one.

Have you tried the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams? What's your favourite liquid lipstick?
Emily
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