Review: Caudalie Beauty Elixir.

Caudalie Beauty Elixar (30ml) - £9.35

I bought this on a whim about a month ago, even though I'd never seen a review on it before. I like the sound of it and thought the price was great. I'm really glad I did as I've been using it most days since.

Caudalie's Beauty Elixir works like a toner to freshen skin and give it a glow while tightening pores and smoothing skin. It contains extract of grape, orange blossom and mint to give an "instant burst of radiance" to the skin.
I use this in the morning after my shower (before moisturiser) to wake up my skin and give it a boost. The peppermint (I really don't like peppermint after drinking a lot of peppermint tea in recent years) is quite noticeable and makes me feel a bit queasy first thing in the morning but I look past this as it really does add so much to my skin. It's a lot easier than a toner also, as you simply spray it on and skin is instantly more radiant.

I know this product has a big celebrity following, Victoria Beckham apparently sprays it after applying her makeup to set it for the day ahead and add an instant glow which is something I'm yet to try.
I find just spraying this on my face in the morning leaves my skin so much more brighter and awake.

For the price, I think this is an amazing product to add an instant boost to skin. The peppermint helps to wake up skin and create the perfect base. It's one of those products that doesn't seem like it will do a lot, yet you're pleasantly surprised each time. I'd say it's absolutely worth the money, I use one or two sprays each morning and I still have almost a full bottle so I know the 30ml will last some time.
If you're suffering from dull skin that needs a bit of radiance, or something to set makeup and wake up skin then this is for you, it's quickly become one of my favourite products and I know I'll be purchasing this continuously as it really is an amazing product.

What do you think of Beauty Elixir?

Review: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation - £26.50

After all the hype surrounding this foundation, I decided to purchase it earlier this year to see what all the fuss was about. I like a medium to full coverage foundation buffed in really well and one that stays all day without looking cakey.
I've heard mixed reviews about this foundation, especially regarding the "ghost face" it apparently gives due to the SPF, but I've never experienced this (I'm pale anyway so I suppose it doesn't matter).

Double Wear is a "stay in place" foundation which is lightweight, provides a natural finish and lasts up to 12 hours. I think this is the perfect description for this product, it provides excellent coverage without looking too heavy (providing you buff it in well) and lasts all day without transferring or separating.
I don't require a top up during the day, although as my skin is a little on the oily side, I usually add a touch of powder to my T-Zone.

This has been my perfect foundation over the last few months and I've recently purchased another bottle. It's perfect for me in terms of coverage, lasting power and finish and I'm yet to find something that works for me better than this. My skin hasn't been great recently but this foundation really covers all without looking like a mask. I love the natural finish that it gives which is slightly more matte while still looking flawless.

I am shade 1N1 (Ecru) but I recommend that you get matched up. I've been using this since January and my first bottle is almost empty (I think, I can't tell how much is in there which is annoying but it's feeling lighter) and that's after a fair bit spilt in my makeup bag, so it does last quite some time as I wear this every day. I apply it with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush and buff it in well to give a flawless base.

Overall, this is the perfect foundation if you like medium to full coverage which stays all day. You only need a small amount and buffed in it creates a natural base which lasts all day.

What are your thoughts on this foundation?

Review: Liz Earle Brightening Mask & Hot Cloth Cleanser.

Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask - From £13.50 

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - From £12.75

I've been using Liz Earle products for some time now, I first used the Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser probably over a year ago and I've been loyal ever since.

I regularly use this product in the evening to cleanse my skin of makeup and other dirt and I think it does a great job of removing everything whilst also keeping skin soft and reducing blemishes.

I do get the odd spot here and there, I've always had problem skin and I have no idea what causes it or helps it so I can't really say if this product helps at all as I tend to use my skincare products in cycles, but I think Cleanse and Polish agrees with my skin and I've been using it for a while now so it certainly helps keep my skin in good condition otherwise. 

To use this, I apply one or two pumps to dry skin in the evening. I wet the muslin cloth with warm water and place over my face for about 30 seconds and then use to gently remove makeup and exfoliate skin in circles. I use this over my eyes also and have no problem with it as it's so gentle. 

I think this is a great product and it removes all makeup (although I tend to take off my eye makeup first or do a double cleanse). 

I've recently been using the Liz Earle Brightening Mask as an added extra to give my sometimes dull skin a boost. I usually use clay masks as I think they do a lot more for my skin, but once or twice a week I will pat on this Brightening Mask to give my skin a bit of radiance. I do notice a difference with this product, it's a quick and easy way to make skin look more awake but I do use a more potent (usually clay) mask for a deep cleanse also. 

I saw that Ruth often mixes Cleanse and Polish with the Brightening Mask and leaves for 30 seconds before wiping off as usual. I've been doing this occasionally in the mornings when I don't have eye makeup to remove as it's a great way to skip a few steps and still have cleansed, radiant skin. 

Overall, I'm a loyal Liz fan - the products are always excellent quality and I'm yet to find something I don't like. 

What do you think of Liz Earle products?