Showing posts with label best skincare products. Show all posts
Showing posts with label best skincare products. Show all posts

One of the worst things in the world -okay, it probably isn’t- is when you discover your favourite moisturiser or cleanser is on its last legs. Or when you’re getting ready for a night out and fighting with the pump on your primer to get the last of it out. First world problem, I know. However, there are some positives when it comes to finishing a product. I am a massive beauty junkie so for me, it's the perfect excuse to try a new skincare product out. 

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish // I love this product! I purchased it on Boxing Day last year and this product has been my saviour for when I’m too lazy and cold to take off my makeup or wash my face. This product can be put on directly to a dry face, covered in makeup or not, and you wipe it off with a warm muslin cloth. I’ll definitely be buying this again and I’ll write a full review so keep your eyes open for that. I also tried the special edition version with Lavender the other month. However, it caused my skin to break out all over my forehead so I had to donate it. 

Pixi Glow Tonic // This product is raved about all the time and personally, I’m on the fence. The only time I noticed a difference is when I stopped using it for about a week and my skin was totally different. One thing I will say is that the tonic contains a micro-exfoliator which with regular use, I find myself reaching for my exfoliating scrub less and less. Read my full review here.

Avéne Rich Hydrating Creme // Someone recommended this to me in passing about four years ago and I’ve only now just picked this up. This creme is super hydrating especially after I've washed my face and it's in need of a little boost. However, my skin is oily and as this creme is quite strong and rich in hydration, I tend to use this creme at night. 

Revlon Photoready pore reducing primer // I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with this primer. There’s something about it I don’t like but it’s the best I’ve come across, so I kind of like it. Having a moisturised base is key with this primer otherwise it doesn’t sit properly. Other than that, it’s a great primer and is a great barrier between my skin and makeup. Read my full review here.

La Roche-Posay Effacular Face Wash // If you’re a long term reader, you know the deal with this. I buy this product on repeat and it’s great for my oily skin. I've had a lot of breakouts recently so I decided to go back to the basics. You can read my first impressions here and an updated review here.

What products have you finished recently? 

Love, Aoife xo 

It’s been almost two years since French brand La Roche-Posay revolutionised my skincare routine and my skin has never felt or looked healthier. I wrote a review on the Effacular range last year, which you can read here. The review is one of my most popular posts so I thought I’d come back to do an update of what my year has been like since using them.

I was introduced to the brand when they kindly sent me an email asking if I’d like to have some of their products. They didn’t want anything in return but they did turn me into a convert. And more importantly, a French skincare convert. All of their products are made with special thermal water meaning they are filled with goodness. <- My interpretation. 

In my current routine, I use the Effacular face wash and Effacular corrector cream. As well as their BB cream for light coverage. The Effacular range is targeted at acne-prone oily skin. The price range is in between high street and luxury. The most expensive thing costing you £16 for a BB cream and also the corrector cream. 

Before I started using La Roche-Posay, I had a lot of chin acne that would often flare up and I’d also get these annoying pimples popping up on my forehead or my cheek. I was really self-conscious of how red the spots would be against my pale skin so I did end up wearing a lot of foundation. Don’t get me wrong, I still get spots around my chin and other parts of my face like you can see in the picture but very rarely are they clusters of massive vibrant red volcanos. They are more like little bumps that never quite form into proper spots. 


The face wash is £12 or £18 depending on the size. I bought the £18 bottle for uni and I have to say, it’s lasted me longer than a year! You only need a coin-sized amount of face wash as it foams up really well. It’s my favourite product from the range and I feel it really helps to reduce the amount of excess oil my skin produces. It leaves my skin feeling a lot more balanced and actually cleaner from within. 

This review is similar to my last one as I love all of the products. I still buy the corrector cream even though it is the most expensive part of my routine. But that and the BB cream are my little splurges. In my last review, I complained that I didn’t feel the corrector cream was hydrating enough and the instructions on the packet confused me. It still does. However, I’ve figured out how to use the cream- yay! I only use a small amount as it is expensive and apply it to the key problem areas on my face such as cheeks and chin. I also find it easier to use and it glides on when my skin is healthier and not dry.

I occasionally use the Serozinc toning spray but only when I feel my skin is feeling really oily. When I first started using these products, my face used to feel so oily but it's definitely calmed down since. Something I accredit to a mixture of these products and a better diet. I don’t really eat greasy fast food or dairy as much as I used to and that’s really improved how my skin feels and looks. The spray contains zinc, which is common in a lot of oily skin products. It’s a very cooling and refreshing spray.


I’m still amazed at the Effacular range and how well it still works. Sometimes I find products become less effective the more you use them. However, I feel my skin has found balance with these products and I still recommend them to anyone with oily skin. My skin definitely feels fresher and free of oil (without that dry feeling) after every wash. They are pricey but they’re definitely worth the coin and you can see results within a week of using them. Plus, the face wash lasts you ages so it probably works out cheaply per wash.

Please note that my skin has cleared up from a mixture of these products, other skincare products I use and a change in my diet. I have cut out as much dairy as I can and I eat dairy-free alternatives. I also wash my face twice a day and a regular routine will help make a noticeable difference. 

La Roche-Posay is available online or instore in Boots and it's often on special offer. Also, if you're a student you can get 10% off. Bargain!


Love, Aoife xo