Holland & Barrett 'Herbal Authority Tea Tree Oil Soap'

I remember using pure tea-tree oil on my spots when I was about 11. My dad swore by it, and whenever I got a spot or an insect bite, he would be there dabbing it onto the affected area, telling me about the antiseptic properties. The magical thing was that the spot would be dried out and nearly gone by the morning! But that was before I suffered with the acne that I still tend to struggle with to this day!

I have never used tea tree oil on my current acne, I never even thought of it to be honest, I just think about AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, fruit acids, glycolic acid etc. I wandered into Holland and Barrett a few weeks ago, and saw this soap. I remembered all those times that my insect bites/spots had disappeared overnight, and bought it immediately. It was another route to go down in my acne management!

Using it on my oily skin, it foams up beautifully and leaves skin really baby soft and not dried out at all. It cleans so well, it removes every single trace of makeup from my skin, leaving it so clean, but without feeling tight. In regards to my acne, I would say it has definitely helped. I am still on my medications, but whereas the medications help from the inside, the soap helps from the outside, removing all grime and grubbiness and also acting as a antiseptic. It's fantastic.
When I used the soap whilst using my Retin-A at night, I did find that the soap really stung my skin like hell and left it feeling so irritated and full of rashes. I learnt the hard way!
In light of this, I would say that if you do suffer from acne but have really sensitive skin due to medications or whatever, steer way clear of this because it's not worth all the soreness. Use something a little bit gentler.

I would say if you are using the soap, make sure you are using products which moisturise and hydrate your skin well, since tea-tree oil does have a tendency to dry out skin and we are getting into colder weather which will give your skin a bit of a beating too! Personally, I always use Aquaphor overnight, which is an extremely moisturising and hydrating face balm and sort of counter-acts the drying action of the soap but doesn't impede the anti-bacterial properties!

It does smell quite strongly of tea-tree oil, so if you don't like the smell of tea-tree or any strong fragrances, don't get this!
Personally, I quite like the smell, it really makes me feel so fresh and invigorated.

It only cost me £1.49 for 70g of soap, which I think is a fantastic little bargain.

I will definitely repurchase because when I'm not using my Retin-A, this soap is fantastic at cleaning skin without drying it out completely. It's cheap and easily accessible (if you have a Holland & Barrett near you!). And it seems to keep my acne at bay! Win!

Pamper sesh/Mini-facial.

Once a week I like to treat myself to a little facial, so to speak. No, I don't go out and get it done professionally, I do it by myself on myself, in the comfort of my own room. Perfectamundo.

It is one of the most pampering things you could do and your skin will love you for it, and you don't really need fancy expensive products or equipment. For example, stage 1 is cleansing. Any cleanser would do, depending on your skin type. Stage 2 is a repeat, so essentially a double cleanse, and you could use the same cleanser as before or go for a different one if you fancy. I find that my oily congested skin appreciates a double cleanse and I find this really effective at leaving skin prepped and primed. If you don't want to double-cleanse or don't feel your skin needs it - don't. I only do it because I definitely need to! Stage 3 is exfoliation. Any exfoliator will do, just make sure that the exfoliating matierial within the product isn't natural - peach kernels or nut shells aren't naturally round and therefore can scratch the skin, which isn't good. Man-made beads or crystals in exfoliating products are better because they can be refined down and rounded so they have a less harsh effect on the skin but are still effective. Step 4 can be carried out over a bowl of water. You don't have to own a steamer! Step 5 can be carried out again with a preferred cleanser. Stage 6 can be carried out with any mask you like - hydrating, chemically exfoliating, cleansing, whatever you want!. For stage 7, use your favourite moisturiser, and hey presto.
Everyone does their own facial differently, but mine is through trial and error, and this method and these products work for me!

I have written out what I normally do once a week facial-wise. Sometimes I skip out a stage if I'm feeling pushed for time, but normally I don't feel like I'm doing my skin justice unless I do the whole caboodle!

1) If I have a full face of makeup (which is rare), I take it all off with a baby wipe first and then I cleanse my face with the Neutrogena 'Visibly Clear 2 in 1' face wash to remove all the impurities and oil from my skin, leaving skin already feeling fresh and so clean.
2) I cleanse my face again with my Clarisonic and a foaming face wash (I am loving Neutrogena's 'Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash'), and then follow with Boots' Botanics 'All Bright Cleansing Toner', just to ensure I have cleaned every last trace of grime from my skin.
3) I follow the double-cleanse with micro-dermabraison courtesy of No7's 'Total Renewal Micro-dermabraision Exfoliator'. This is hands down the best exfoliator I have ever used. I haven't yet found one to beat it (yet). It removes all the dead skin cells, revealing new skin, ensuring all my products are ready to be absorbed well!
4) Then I steam my face with my own steamer - I've had it 6 years and it's still going strong! I add Boot's own 'Glycerin and Rosewater' or tea tree to the water. It really depends how my skin is feeling, if it's a wee bit sensitive I opt for the rose water, if I have a massively huge breakout I opt for the tea-tree essence just to clear out my congested pores.
5) Then I cleanse with a foaming cleanser, to make sure I have removed all the micro-dermabraison crystals from my skin.
6) I then apply a mask; this could either be the Neutrogena 'Visibly Clear 2 in 1' used as a mask (I love those multi-purpose products I do) or the Elemis 'Papaya Enzyme Peel'. I normally alternate but if skin is feeling congested, I will plump for the Neutrogena mask above the Elemis one, and if skin is looking dull and lifeless, I'll opt for the latter!
7) I then apply Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum, followed by a nice big sticky layer of Eucerin's 'Aquaphor' to ensure my skin is moisturised like hell - and I'm done!

I do think it is important not only for the skin, but also for the mind to completely de-stress and focus on yourself - I don't have much 'me-time' at the moment so this is the one selfish thing I revel in.

Kiehls 'UV Protect' SPF 50.

One thing you should know about me is that I'm completely batty about SPF. It's the one skincare thing I am massively enthusiastic about, and I will talk to you for hours about sun-cream and why I love high SPFs and why it's good for your skin and why you should wear one everyday and don't you know the sun is dangerous, blah blah blah.
I won't get on my soapbox regarding sun-damage (I'll let these guys do it for me) but I know that sun-protection is a vital part of my skincare routine every day, and it should be part of yours. And if it isn't, then why the hell not?! Especially now the sun is finally showing it's face and it's the time of year for not wearing very much.

Now, I got this back in February, so this post has been a long time a'comin! Before, I had had my eye on the Kiehls 'Ultra Light Daily Moisturiser' SPF 50 for ages, and was just waiting for the email announcing 'free shipping' before I could buy it online.
However, I was in Cardiff for the 14th and 15th of this month for Craig's interview at Cardiff University (fingers crossed he gets in), and whilst wandering around the city I found myself in John Lewis', and spotted a Kiehls counter. Just imagine my glee!
So after a wee bit of browsing the counter I found the cream I had my eye on, and I also found another suncream, which was the Kiehls 'UV Protect' SPF 50. The 60ml tube of the 'Ultra Light Daily Moisturiser' cost £30 (I'm not sure why it says £31 on the Kiehls' website, because the girl confidently told me it was £30), and a 160ml tube of the 'UV Protect' cost £19.

Now, as far as I'm aware, the only difference is the fact that the latter is marketed as a sun cream rather than a regular facial cream, whereas the former is marketed more as a daily face moisturiser rather than as a suncream.
The woman behind the counter did say that the 'UV Protect' is a little heavier on the skin, and may not be suitable for oilier skins. However, since I haven't got a money tree growing in my back garden, I opted for the 'UV Protect', thinking it would be fine.

I am really disappointed to be honest. I won't blame the product at all because it's not marketed as a face cream you can use day to day, and this is how I used it. It is marketed as a suncream to wear when you're in the sun in Jamiaca. Not England for pottering around town.

It is a heavy suncream, and when applied in the morning, by midday I was looking shiny and greasy and felt very sticky. Not a good look on anyone. It also leaves a sort of white cast over the skin, which made me look a little paler than I naturally am. Again, it would be fine if I was in Jamaica (if I say it enough it will happen!) and was lying around in the sun all day, but it wasn't really appropriate for wearing on my face as of February!
It did cost more than I would normally spend on a suncream, and I didn't really notice anything different. It wasn't spectacularly different from brands like Soltan, La Roche Posay, Ultrasun etc. However, I did like the fact it was more of a moisturising sunscreen, and with my sometimes peeling skin, I felt this would be a benefit. However, if anything it just made the suncream a lot heavier, which outweighed the positive of it being moisturising!

Overall, I am not a fan of this. It is too heavy and sticky upon the skin to be used daily on the face. Again, on holiday it would be great, but not for the rare sunshine that England experiences.

The search for the best suncream ever continues...

Ultrasun "Ultra Sensitive 50+".

The search of the perfect suncream has led me high and low. I dread to actually calculate the amount of money I have spent trying all sorts of sunprotection: from the expensive to the cheap, I feel I have tried most suncreams.

I can't remember where I first heard of the brand Ultrasun, but I remember seeing it on a website, and contemplating buying it for weeks and then finally caving in and buying it, and I'm truly glad I did!

If you want to know the full blab about why I need to wear a suncream: you can click here and read the essay, but in short: my medication makes my skin fall off, and the new skin underneath that gets exposed is really sensitive to light and gets easily damaged, hence why I need to wear suncream. Also, I think it's a little bit psychological, I have convinved myself the sun is 'bad', and Summer really freaks me out (yes I know I have issues). This may explain why most of the time I am 'glowing' or look more shiny than the other 99.9% of the population.

I have to say, "Ultra Sensitive 50+" has been one of the best suncreams I have ever used. And believe me, I have used A LOT.
Obviously, the first thing I like about it is that it offers me amaxing protection ("UVA 99% and UVB SPF50+" to be exact). It protects against UVA and UVB rays, which is nice, because so many skincare products either don't have SPF, or just protect from UVA or UVB rays, and not both. It's reassuring that both types of nasty sun rays won't be able to get through!

What I also like about it is that it's single use, which means one application in the morning and I'm done and protected for the day. It also saves me looking like a fool, and after 4 hours of whatever having to rush to the toilet to re-apply suncream. And plus, I don't really want to go into details of my peeling skin when people ask me why I'm applying suncream when it's not Summer.

Another thing I like is the pump. Just look at it. Such an ingenious bit of technology. It is such a neat, simple, non-messy way from bottle to hand. It is also hygienic, after that little plate closes, no germs/bugs/fluff can get into the bottle.

With some suncreams, all they do is create a barrier on top of the skin, without providing any moisturising benefit and sometimes leaving my skin quite dry. However, this suncream moisturises my skin as well as protects, and leaves my skin feeling quite soft afterwards!

I also like the fact that the Ultrasun make sure that their products "are free from oils, emulsifiers and perfume reducing the risk of allergy and making them especially suitable for children and sensitive skins".My skin can be sensitive at times when I'm using my medication, so it's nice to know that even when my skin is at it's worst, it won't sting. Having red skin that needs to be protected from the sun, but finding suncream stings like hell is the worst experience ever. Also, having acne, I like the fact that this product doesn't have any oils or emulsifiers in it, which may irritate or cause my skin to clog up.
This suncream contains Provitamin B5 and Vitamin E, which have been known for their moisturising properties. There is also a free radical scavenger in the mix (the company call it 'SOD'), which is great. If you haven't heard of free radicals, Google them because I could write an essay on the bloody things which won't be interesting at all. But all you need to know is that something that neutralises free radicals is something great to have in a cream.

100ml of the product costs me £19.95, which I think is great value. Of course, you can buy cheaper suncreams, but this product feels better quality than the suncreams you can buy from drugstores or pharmacies. Plus, 100ml is a practical size, and will keep you going for a long time without having to repurchase every month because you've run out!

This product is the best once-application suncream I would say I have ever used. I know I can look a little shiny/greasy, but no matter what suncream I use I think I will always find that. I mean, the flash in the photos above won't really help (I'm sure anyone would look shiny in front of a flash!), but it doesn't look as greasy as other ones I've tried.

In terms of how it fits into my routine and how I use it: in the morning, I apply a really thick layer onto clean skin, and then go and get dressed/have breakfast/bide my time, and then after fifteen-twenty minutes of letting it soak into my skin as much as it wants to, I take a tissue and just blot my skin to remove the excess.

Overall, I really like this suncream and it's really got on with my skin.
I will definitely repurchase because it works, it offers amazing protection, the price is fantastic, it lasts for ages, it moisturises as well as protects, it doesn't sting, it doesn't contain any nasties, and I know it doesn't make me as shiny as other suncreams. Well done Ultrasun, I'm sticking with you!

Korres 'Milk Soap' and 'Calendula Soap'.

Actually, the products are called 'Milk Soap for Stressed Skin', and 'Calendula Softening Soap', but I thought that would make the blogpost title far too long.
I bought the soaps off Feel Unique here, and, after a little bit of a palava, they arrived. Basically, I bought two things, my Darphin cream (which I blogged about here), and the set of the two Korres soaps. I was made aware that they would be dispatched seperately, to which I wasn't bothered about at all. My Darphin cream arrived quickly, however after about three weeks I still hadn't recieved my soaps. At this point my boyfriend emailed them (it's his account) asking what the problem was. They replied saying they would send out another pack of the soaps, and I finally got my little mitts on yesterday! Hopefully the other pack of soaps is just lost in the post, and finds it's way into my hands as well into the future (wishful thinking, a tramp in Sweden is probably enjoying washing his bits with them).

(I used these products straight away, and I didn't really want to take a picture of used soap, it wouldn't be the most appealing thing in the world, so I stole this photo off the Feel Unique website)

I had never used Korres before, but I knew they were a well-respected brand. As per usual, I never did any extensive brand research before ordering, but only when writing up this blogpost. I didn't want to let any pre-judged opinions get in the way of making up my own mind about the product!
But I did read the packaging inside the soap container, and that gave me all the background knowledge I needed to know; they use natural ingredients (win), they are clinically tested (win, but what are the results?), they are reasonably priced (win) and they are pleasing to the senses (win).

I don't normally use a soap on my face (apart from in a definite emergency where Dove soap will suffice for the occasion), and normally use a foaming facial wash. However, I was intrigued when some innocent window-shopping led me to the Korres soaps, which can be used on the face and body.

Normally facial washes get used really quickly in my house (my little sister uses insane amounts of face wash on a flannel, it makes me wince), and the attraction of a soap was that they normally last longer than facial washes in a tube.
The 'Milk Soap for Stressed Skin' is described on the Korres website as

"Milk has been used as a cosmetic since antiquity for its moisturising, purifying and nourishing properties. It is still considered an invaluable skincare ingredient due to its rich composition and skin compatibility. Thanks to their excellent absorption and water-binding ability, milk proteins have excellent moisturising properties, offering more than 40% essential amino acids that cannot be synthesised by human cells. They play a vital role in the maintenance of normal cellular metabolic activity, participating in the synthesis of collagen, elastin and keratin. They have a high affinity with the skin’s natural components and are acknowledged to be true epidermomimetic substances, remarkably biocompatible, and therefore perfectly well tolerated. "

It didn't sting, and that's when I used it on my Retin-A ravaged skin (I overused it this week, definitely feeling the effects of that!). It left the skin soft, comfortable and without that 'tight' feeling soaps can often give. However, despite it being very gentle upon my skin it cleaned my skin effectively, removing all traces of mascara/cream/dirt and grime from my face.
Although it doesn't sting the skin, if you get it in your eyes then may the Lord be with you. It hurts like hell.
As far as any sort of routine goes, I wet my face with warm water, lather the soap up on my skin, and use my 'Mia' to whizz over my skin, giving it a nice deep clean.

Unfortunately I couldn't find a product description for the Calendula Softening Soap on that wesbite, but I found one on the Feel Unique website...

"A glycerine-based mild soap suitable for both the face and whole body. Calendula possesses emollient and mild antiseptic properties, while vitamin E protects and conditions the skin."

Out of the two I don't really have a favourite, I am in total love with them both! I haven't been this excited about anything skincare related since I got my Clarisonic 'Mia' in January!

I also really love the plastic container they arrived in. It is so handy, especially when you're going places and need to take your soap with you! I love it, practical things like that really make me happy! It's a lot more compact, smaller and thinner to put in your suitcase/handbag/holdall that a fat tube of facial wash.

I paid £4 for the pack of two 40g soaps, and I really feel it's worth it. That's about the price you'd pay for a standard-sized tube of facial wash, plus the soaps will last longer. And I can never forget the girl at Lush say to me many years ago 'think about all the chemicals that help keep soap liquid, cause soap is naturally solid'. Whether true or selling-spiel, those words are always at the back of my mind, and now that I have found a solid facial soap, I am never going back!
So YES YES YES, I am definitely going to re-purchase these, and I would possibly like to try the others, maybe the 'Wheat Face Soap' or the 'Echinacea Soap for Oily Skin'.

Any other products from Korres I should try?