Last Chance Picks

You know those products that you just don't fall in love with... but don't exactly hate either? Or the ones that you had such high expectations for, didn't get on with, but can't face admitting your distaste for? This post is all about those guys... being give one last opportunity to hold their own, or else move on out to pastures new.

First up is one that many, many bloggers seem to love, but my face just didn't seem to get on with. The Clarins Exfoliating Toner contains tamarind fruit acids, which are meant to brighten, exfoliate, and even reduce the appearance of pores. For some reason, I felt like this was just doing the opposite - my skin felt unpleasantly tighter, duller as opposed to brighter, and I swear to you, my pores just looked more noticeable than ever... I gave it three weeks to prove itself and my skin is now looking significantly better now this guy is no longer in my skincare rotation. I am gutted.

Another fail, even on the second time around, was Benefit's Porefessional Primer. I have mentioned previously that the first time I used this, my cheek decided to celebrate by breaking out spectacularly. It was not pretty. Quite the opposite in fact. Prior to testing this primer again, my skin had been a blemish free zone for at least three weeks... A day later, and a few little beauties had erupted on my chin. Thanks for nothin', Benefit. It also failed to win me over with amazing primer power. It's not a keeper for me.

This post does have a happy ending; all this facial abuse, courtesy of last two products - most especially the Clarins toner - meant that my final pick, Liz Earle's Brightening Treatment Mask, was at last given a chance to shine... and shine it did. It's not a Whoa-there-you're-glowing-like-a-disco-ball kind of product, but if your face is looking a bit drab and dour, a minute or so of this might add a little life to your skin. I had considered hoofing this guy, but for now he's passed the test and will be on reserve for duller days and maybe even hungover skin.

Are there any products that you just can't fall for, no matter how you try? I'd love to hear about them in the comment section!

Raiding Momma B's Beauty Cupboards

I reckon if you guys saw the size of my momma's beauty stash, I am pretty sure you'd agree that my love for all things beauty-related is most definitely hereditary. Mum has been a very generous donor of products to review since I moved home from France, so here's a post of the bits I've been liking and loathing...

THE RATED
I was so impressed by the Clarins Hydra Drench Mask. It's perfect for the dehydrated skin on my cheeks as an overnight treatment and has only been beaten for this role by my lovely bottle of Origins Drink Up Intensive (which smells of apricots, so was only ever going to come out top...)
I also really got on with the Sanctuary Body Wash - to the point where I'm surprised it was less than £6 - as it's a really nice, somewhat hydrating little gel. I even got on with the smell of it too; I may pick this up for myself sometime...

THE HATED
A big name here - and not one I thought I'd be slamming given its price and reputation - is Glam Glow. Cashing in at around £40, I had hight hopes and I have to say, I didn't think it was all that... I'll save my thoughts for my more in-depth face masks comparison coming soon!
Also a serious no go for me was the Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile. This really doesn't stand up against my beloved Guerlain Super Aqua Lotion in terms of hydration and the smell... to me it whiffs of baby shampoo, not the most pleasant or luxurious of pongs I must say!

THE TOLERATED
They do the most beautiful, on point colours around (besides Essie - I love you Essie) but the formulas of Chanel's nail varnishes are just so awful. They sometimes really do chip within hours of application... it's just a hard pass for me. Mum has since said that some of the newer colours have better formulas - stay tuned for a Nailed It post when I let you know my thoughts! (They're saved from being in The Hated section as those colours... they're so good...)
A product I've read lots about is the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - and I think on this occasion, I just don't get it. It is another Clarins product whose sent reminds me of baby shampoo (curse you, Clarins!) but aside from that, I just think the claims it makes are a bit ridiculous... Brightening and tightening? Really?! Perhaps if you do have dry skin and you want a boost of hydration, you'll like it more than I do... as long as you can figure out how to make it work, that is...

I hope you liked this post - I am positive I'll be helping myself to more from Momma Bananas' collection in the future (sorry Mum!) but in the meantime, what products are you lovin'? I'm always down to know (and Mum is too!)