Beauty || La Roche Posay Skincare for Dry Skin

I have rambled on about La Roche- Posay before and it`s one of my favourite pharmacy skincare brands.
 

I have been using the *La Roche-Posay  Physiological Cleansing Milk of a morning.  This is a white, light milk cleanser which has a very clean none offensive scent. Pretty much what ya want first thing. A nice light cream lotion that is just washing away any dirt that has built up overnight. 

 

It is Physiological pH, soap-free, alcohol-free, colorant-free, formulated without paraben.

Yes, yes, yes so it is just perfect for sensitive skin.  

 

My skin has been loving this, it feels soothing and hydrating on application. I love the pump dispenser and overall for me it`s pretty much perfect.  This can also be used to remove make-up of a night and has rave reviews that it 100% does, but I haven't personally tried it in my night time cleansing routine.

My skin kicks up a fuss if it doesn't like something. It`s extremely sensitive. It will go red, spots will descend and it is just a nightmare so I am always genuinely sceptical trying new skincare, but this is an affordable cleanser that I just couldn't be without. My favourite product out the three.

Onto the *La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water Spray. I could imagine this is just perfect in the more warmer months to freshen up, without having an actual wash and all your make-up sliding off your face.

It`s a light spray mist of La Roche-Posay`s specially formulated thermal water dispensed like an aerosol that feels soothing and cooling, personally I spritz after I have used an exfoliating toner in my skincare routine.

I feel it just refreshes the skin and moistens things back up a tad before I apply a serum. 

*La Roche-Posay Hydreane Rich Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin 40ml this product has everything you would want out of a moisturiser. It has a deeply nourishing formation that is perfect for dry skin. It is a white rich cream that feels super soothing on application and doesn't leave a greasy residue behind. I use the word soothing quite a lot as people who have dry skin know that's all you ever want to feel when applying a product.

 I especially love it in the morning before I apply my make-up. It feels so rich on application and feels like it is protecting the skin, (love when you can feel a product doing its thang) with the colder months creeping in I just couldn't be without a product like this. The harsh elements and increased exposure to central heating start playing havoc with our skin. So we need to be prepared. This will be a product I will repurchase and use daily.

So to surmise La Roche-Posay rocks! It`s an affordable French skincare brand (and we all know the French have skincare nailed anyway) that offer a range of products catered for all skin types, and well if you haven't tried anything from them I 100% recommend you should.

Escentual currently have a 1/3 off all French Pharmacy brands, so go take advantage.

As if it wasn't cheap enough, well now you have no excuse.

Escentual website here

 

 

Food || Pumpkin, Apple and Cinnamon Slices.

Beauty || La Roche - Posay New Effaclar Anti-Blemish System

 

 

 

Last Christmas I rambled about the La Roche - Posay Effaclar Duo. My skin was in a bad place and I had read such good things about this product. Instead of linking the whole post I thought I would take a chunk from that post (of the best bits) and put it here so you can read my thoughts. 

Ohhh you think am a being lazy?? Wellll, am gonna stop you right there and explain. I ain't being lazy or cutting corners, I just truly think I hit the nail on the head the first time round, no point fixing it if it ain't broken huh? 

 

La Roche-Posay claim " Pores are purified, and imperfections appear reduced. Skin looks smoother and clearer. It appears to regain a long-lasting balance to help recover the qualities of more healthy-looking skin."

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My Thoughts!

" This is a white light serum like fluid, with no scent that springs to mind. Once on the skin it absorbs super quick. I could see the difference in two days using this cream. My blocked pores had reduced drastically. No other product has ever done this. Any blemishes I had were not as vicious and had calmed down in half the time it usually takes the little scoundrels to go.

I was using this every day, morning and night for around 5 days and It did dry my skin out. It's targeted for oily skin, which it does say all over the packaging my skin is not - it`s dry as a bone.

 I now use it soley on the area where the breakouts are (chin in my case) as a treatment, as it is just too drying for my dry skin to use everywhere.

I use it at the stage when a serum is used, i then apply a nourishing moisturiser after. This process works great for me. I can highly recommend this to anyone who is having problems with their skin, in regard's to spots and acne this is sure to help. I wish I would of took photos to show you the difference, I just didn't expect it to be so good. It calmed the area and dried it up quicker than anything else I have tried."

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Ok, so yes as you can see I love this product. This was a year ago and I still use it when my skin kicks off. There is no denying this helps clear spots and breakouts.

 

Readers of this blog will know I have dry and dehydrated skin, so unfortunately this skincare set and the whole shibang isn't tailored for my skin. I have just got my skin back in shape, (punch emoji) so wasn't risking using a skincare set that is aimed for oily skin.

 

 I already have a stash of the Effaclar Duo Plus ( far right product on picture) in my stash (Boots 3 for 2 I am looking at you). 

 

As I can`t use this  * New Effaclar Anti-Blemish System in conjunction with La Roche - Posay I would love to give my readers a chance to win this fantastic set, so people with oily/normal skin and/or suffer with breakouts get involved, this is gonna show them little rascals who's boss.

 

Just fill in the rafflecopter below. This giveaway is worldwide. 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beauty || Clarins Multi Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream

 Oh here we go again, it wouldn't be my blog if I wasn't rambling on about something from Clarins. But if something's good, then I gotta be telling you all about it.

Food || Eggs and Avocado - again.

Ok, I am an egg and avocado fiend. If I don't have them BOTH in, well things can get ugly.

But why would you change something when it works so well?

How you make this beauty:

1) Slice half an avocado into chunks.

2) Dice some red onions, cherry tomatoes and cucumber.

3) Toss in a little olive oil, lemon and oregano.

4) Poach an egg for 4 minutes, pop on top of the avocado and salad then season with salt and cracked black pepper. 

5) Lightly sprinkle some paprika over.

Simple, but pretty damn good.

Lifestyle | Paris

I finally got to go to a place I have wanted to go to for so long, PARIS. It was exactly how I imagined. Bistros on every street corner, people on tables huddled together eating amazing pastries, and sipping most possibly the best coffee I have ever tasted. 

Shop windows full to the brim with cakes, fresh bread and pastries.

Asda George Quick Dry Nail Varnish!

So you pop into thee Asda for some milk and the colour nail polish you have been on the hunt for, for like forever is winking at ya! "Oh hiya you gorgeous bluey/turqiosie metallic thang wanna jump in me basket and I will show ya a good time!" 

Yeah that's pretty much how it went.  

Fruit and Nut Frozen Yogurt Slices Recipe!

I seen this on Pinterest (what a place, soooo addicted to it )and just had to try. It was just a picture, so I kind of guessed what to do and it worked! I have tweaked the ingredients a little, and I am so impressed with the outcome. It's so simple to make, low fat and tasty. How perfect would it be, munching on one of these in the garden whilst the sun is shining? 

What you will need:

Low fat vanilla yogurt. (I used Yeo Valley)

Frozen small berries or dried fruits.

Seeds or nuts.

Method:

• On saucers scatter the fruit and then pour the yogurt over.

• Scatter some more fruit over the top and then the seeds or the nuts, or both.

• Freeze on the saucers for 4-8 hours.

• Boil kettle and pour water into a bowl. Then place the saucers on top to loosen the discs from the saucer.

• Then cut Into chunks and eat ASAP before they melt.

Such a fabulous low fat snack, perfect in the Summer months. Do you think you will try? 

Recipe || Spicy Stuffed Tomatoes

Bulk cooking lunches for my little rascal yesterday, I realised at about 3pm I hadn't ate anything sufficient all day. (So, so unlike me) Being the scavenger that I am I started using leftovers from the meals I had already cooked and came up with this snack/lunch, it was pretty damn good. 

As the whole chillies are cooked in the sauce, opposed to slicing them up (was far to hungry to do any more chopping) this approach added a lovely warmth to the dish, without the spice being overpowering. The paprika adds a gorgeous depth of smokiness, and the avocado is much welcomed, as it freshens up the dish and is creamy and cooling on the palette. 

So let's crack on you little starvers! 

Food || Breakfast-the way it's supposed to be!

Through the week, breakfast is always rushed,a couple of crusts from my boys toast or a smoothie. Weekends I love being in the kitchen and making something new and delicious, because a couple of crusts with a bit of peanut butter Monday to Friday just doesn't cut it.

Always wanting to reduce my red meat intake, I adore chicken or turkey sausages. Currently an avocado fiend (it`s on my plate every other day) this breakfast was just perfect. Served with some grilled mushrooms, sliced beef tomato and pumpkin seeds, was quick and filling. Plus I got to sit at my table and eat it. That was the absolute best part.

What`s your favourite weekend meal?

Food || Low carb breakfast, made for champions!

Food || Spiced Baked Eggs

Sings at the top of my voice! 

"How do you like your eggs in the morning?  I like mine with a kiss, boiled or fried i`m satisfied as long as I get my kiss"

Sorry about that just couldn't help myself to a bit of Deano on this Monday morning.

It`s Monday and the weekend is a distant memory. Well it will soon be back around again and this recipe is perfecto for a lazy weekend brunch. It packs so much flavour.

Carnivores don't fret you won`t miss the meat at all. There is so much going on and so many flavours you will be licking the plate clean. 

You will be needing: 

3 free range or organic eggs.

70g mushrooms

Half a red onion sliced thinly 

Smoked paprika 

Cumin

Dried coriander 

3 sliced garlic cloves

Tin of tinned tomatoes 

Salt and pepper 

Olive oil.

Method

1) Fry the mushrooms, onions and garlic in a tablespoon of olive oil on the hob and on a low heat for 10-12 minutes. Add a tablespoon of smoked paprika, coriander powder and cumin.

2) Add tinned tomatoes and salt and pepper and simmer on low for 10 minutes. 

3) Crack 3 eggs on top of the mix and then cook on the hob for a further 8 minutes with the lid on. You want the eggs to be cooked but still a little runny. Garnish with parsley.

4) Serve with a tortilla, bagel what ever takes your fancy. I served with a mixed salad and some feta cheese. 

This recipe serves 3 people, just add more eggs if you are feeding more people.

You could also add Parma ham on top or fry some pancetta with the mushrooms and onions if you really, really need some meat. Add chilli flakes if you want to add an extra spicy kick.

What do you think? Will you try?

Beauty || Review || Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in "Ole Flamingo"

I had seen a couple of YouTube gurus rave about the new Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Matte Lipsticks, the colour " Ole Flamingo" just looked like It should be sitting on my make-up stand already! With it being compared to dupes of the YSL Rouge Per Couture lip stains I felt I was needing it in my life A----SAP!!

Bang, the order was placed and the next day it landed on my desk!  Oh and what a gorgeous bit of cerise pink it is. It's bold and bright and well pretty much has my name written all over it!

Food || Mexican Chicken Lettuce Trays!

Gathering family and friends round for food and feeding them up is one of my favourite past times. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I love how It brings everyone together to settle down and get their munch on, whilst having a good gab and a laugh.

With Summer (yes Summer I said, not that it feels like we are EVER going to see the sun anytime soon) and the idea of squeezing into a bikini just around the corner eeeeeek most of my friends are on diets moaning about their weight! (Oh yes, and me too)  So this weekend when it came to food, not wanting to be blamed for any pesky weight gains, I decided to keep the food as low fat as possible. But never, ever jeopardising the flavour.

The idea for these little delights just sprung into my head one night (don't you just love when that happens?) and they was a hit. I LOVE Mexico and hope to travel back one day (plus the Doritos Mexican themed adverts are just bloody marvellous) The cuisine incorporates all the flavours and ingredients I love!  

This is my version of the "taco" dish minus the taco shell.

Mexican Chicken served in Gem Lettuce Trays

Ingredients.

400g diced Chicken breast

Smoked Paprika

3 crushed Garlic cloves

2 Lemons or Limes

Salt and Pepper

Gem lettuce (around 25 leaves will serve 6 people)

1 Avocado

Dried Thyme  

5 tablespoons of Sweetcorn

10 Cherry Tomato's diced small.

Tomato salsa

Sour cream

Fresh Parsley to garnish

Method

Dice the chicken breast into small bite size strips. Squeeze a full lemon over the chicken, a tablespoon of smoked paprika, three crushed garlic cloves, tablespoon of dried thyme and salt and pepper mix up well and leave to marinate in the fridge for 2 hours.

Separate the gem lettuce leaves, wash and put to one side. 

Just before you fry the chicken. Cube an avocado, dice cherry tomatoes and mix in the sweetcorn. Squeeze some lemon over, season and put to one side.

Fry chicken in a little olive oil until it's crispy and golden. Around 10 minutes. Load a tablespoon of the chicken into the Gem lettuce tray and then spoon some of the avocado mix over the chicken. Carry on until all lettuce trays are loaded. Dollop a teaspoon of salsa and sour cream in each tray. Garnish with parsley or coriander and lemon wedges and da,daaaaa (jazz hands) it's done.

All my friends tried and LOVED them! I served with sweet potato wedges some dips and some bread for the non dieting ladies! A beautiful colourful and tasty dish as we are moving into the summer months,and one that you won't feel guilty about devouring. Result. 

Will you give these a try?

Beauty || Clarins Teint Haute Tenue Everlasting Foundation

So if you read this blog regularly you will know I am a BIG Clarins lover- but more so their skincare. I hadn't really tried anything from their make-up range, the odd lip glosses and mascaras that were part of any free gifts I received. I had never went and bought anything from their make-up range as I always got so carried away with their skincare. I didn't even dare venture into the make-up part ,scared my debit card may explode at any given time.

I have developed a bit of a foundation obsession and browsing online picking up my regular Clarins essentials I stumbled across this foundation. The claims were big.

Clarins state: "This foundation offers 15 hours of impeccable coverage and total comfort. Formulated with a "high-fidelity system," a light, invisible veil sets your foundation, leaving it looking perfectly even, and gives a long-lasting wear. Clarins exclusive Light-Optimising Complex instantly captures, diffuses and magnifies light. Fine lines and small imperfections are visibly minimised and the complexion appears even and radiant"

Beauty || This Is War- Spots! The Essentials.

Bad skin days grace us all with their presence and make us feel pretty down.  (Oh ok,I would even push it and say I have actually cried and refused to leave the house, such a drama queen)

I wish I had the option of living under a rock until it sorts itself out, but unfortunately every day life doesn't let that happen and you can`t just stop everything because the mother of all spots has descended bang in the middle of your fod. 

Beauty || Oh Asos I adore you.

Who doesn't love Asos? It literally has everything you need to create any look your heart desires.

I find my nights just scouring their website wanting nearly everything. With free delivery and returns it also makes it a little easier to HIT that checkout button.

At the moment there isn't a promotional code knocking about. I have looked EVERYWERE but Asos assures all us shopaholics one will be available soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

It`s very rare they don't have a code of some sorts and the majority are pretty decent ranging from 10% to 25% discounts.

So for now you can drool over "my picks". I think this gorgeous spring/summer ensemble is just perfecto for any occasion from a trip to town shopping, a dinner out or a BBQ.

Beauty || Review || Charlotte Tilbury Velvet Underground Lipstick

As part of my clearing everything out quest and developing a habit of selling everything I own on eBay. (Literally everything, my baby boy grows out of something and I have it off him, papped and listed on eBay in one minute flat) So a little note if you have anything you want to sell, well please do hide it before I get to it first! 

 

Beauty || Review || The Body Shop Vitamin E Serum in Oil

This serum in oil by The Body Shop has took the beauty world by storm the past couple of months since it's launch. With all the major YouTube gurus and Caroline Hirons marking their stamp of approval for this serum in oil I had to give it a go. 

My skin prefers an oil to a moisturiser of a night but I was a bit confused, what is a serum in oil? Well apparently it's just that, a two in one that offers the benefits of a serum and oil in one product. Marketed for all the lazy bones out there (me).

 
The Body Shop say:

Wake up to beautiful skin with new Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil, a technical innovation combining the power of a serum and oil to indulge, replenish and recharge skin with moisture overnight.

• 8h beauty sleep for your skin
• Skin feels recharged, replenished and softer
• Skin looks fresher, rested and more radiant
• Our highest concentration of wheatgerm oil
• Non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula

I just love the scent of the Vitamin E range by The Body Shop and this is no different it's scent is so fresh and lovely (maybe a bit much of a scent) It's a light oil that dries a lot quicker than any oils I have tried before. I am thoroughly enjoying using this and for £12 I don't think I will be without a bottle now. 

It`s a oil that I could use every night opposed to the thicker and more intense ones I own (Clarin`s Lotus Oil I am looking at you, You know I love you) This is targeted for night use but you could (if you want) so use this of a morning as it dries on the skin a lot quicker than usual facial oils.

My skin is super sensitive and if it doesn't like something well it tells me loud and clear with spots and dry skin calling my face their new home (yak) but no complaints as yet. My skin is feeling rehydrated and smooth. My skin feels and looks pretty much the same as when I have been using other more high end oils. I really like it and I have been using it every night for the past 10 days and can highly recommend giving it a whirl for the bargain price that is £12. My only complaint about this product is all the fragrance ingredients jam packed in it. There is 10 YES 10 no wonder it smells so frigging good! Replace these with some ingredients that are more beneficial to our skin The Body Shop then I think this would just be perfecto. 

Lifestyle || Easter Ideas

I am so looking forward to Easter.(18th April to 21st April) In our house we always had a egg hunt and to this day my Dad still gets us all personalised eggs from Thorntons. Everyone has their own traditions, but I thought I would pick out my favourite things that you might find interesting.

Beauty | | Why use a facial oil?

Do you use a facial oil?

I must admit its pretty newish in my skin routine. I was scared to try one I always thought an oil on my face would be the ultimate cardinal sin for my skin, resulting in an outbreak of spots and making my skin appear oily. I obviously didn't have a clue what I was going on about.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Corrective and Unclogging Anti-imperfectioncare.

Since giving birth to my little boy 13 months ago my skin has never been the same. It is prone to more blemishes sore spots and clogged pores have become a lot more common. I don't know if its to do with a shift in hormones, but being a person who was used to having clear skin it can really get me down.