Micellar Waters: Tried & Tested

Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the last few months, you will most likely have heard about micellar water. Pronounced  "me-sellaire", the French brand Bioderma was the first one I came to know of over a year ago. However since then, bloggers and YouTubers have also been raving about one high street brand or another that has introduced this latest make-up remover/cleansing product to their line.

I am ashamed to admit that before I came across micellar water, I was a fan of good old baby wipes to take off my face at the end of the day. I'm not talking about a once in a blue moon type thing, after a few too many drinks, when wipes are the only conceivable option. Let's face it, after a night on the vino, removing any scrap of make-up at all deserves a high five, how you do it is irrelevant. No, in my case I am, WAS a lazy sod when it came to my skin care routine. I'm not going to pretend that I am a whole lot better, however now in my household, baby wipes are for the baby, kids and removing make-up swatches from the back of my hand. The new and (slightly) improved me, uses my new skin care favourite product to wipe away the grime before bed.

As someone who has very sensitive skin, the fact that there is no alcohol in this product meant I could confidently work my way through a range of different brands without caution. Regardless of which brand I have tried, I haven't been left with a stinging face or eyes.

So which brands have I tried and tested? Well, not a whole lot as I found my perfect brand early on in my mission to find the one for me. I began with L'Oreal's Skin Perfection Micellar Water, followed by Nivea's 3 in 1 Cleansing Water and ended with Garnier's version of the product.

Dipping my toes into the adult world of appropriate skin care, L'Oreal's water was a nice place to start.

There was no redness or discomfort during the removal process. My only dislke was that my face felt a little tight afterwards (and I do mean only a little), though nothing a moisturiser didn't sort out. I happily finished the bottle before moving onto the next brand. And that was...

Nivea. As a fan of their moisturisers I looked forward to giving this one a go and I wasn't dissappointed.

As with the L'Oreal one, there were no downsides when using the product and there was no taut feeling once I'd finished either. In fact, I would say my face felt like it had a layer of protective film over it and the feeling of clean skin and moisture felt comforting.

My journey ended with the Garnier Micellar Water.

It was the only one out of all three that gave me a sensation whilst using, and not a good one I might add. It wasn't bad or awful by any means, however given how the other brands felt on my face, I just didn't like the mild tingly feeling it gave  me, nor the tightness of the skin I was left with when done. I also found that my face became a tad red in appearance too so I didn't even get half way through this product, never mind finish the bottle.

After seeing the results of the Garnier brand, I realised how well the Nivea 3 in 1 Cleansing Micellar Water worked for me and haven't looked back since. 

The only thing that can tear me away from my favourite make-up remover would be the Bioderma brand. However at around three times the cost to purchase (which is still not expensive for skin care), I'm in no hurry to turn my back on something that works so well for me just yet.

What brand do you use? Let me know!

Lou xxx

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer Review

Since the arrival of baby number three 8 months ago, and surviving on around 5 hours broken sleep a night, my make-up has become more of a mask to hide behind rather than using it to enhance my face. So as someone who is more than happy simply to look human nowadays,  my main priority when searching for a primer, was finding one that would keep my make-up in place, making it long lasting. On my hunt for a new base, I came across the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer by chance as it was on special offer so the illuminating quality of the product was neither here nor there for me. Reading other reviews on this item, it has been described as a glow in a bottle. Until recently, the only glow I had considered from a bottle, was that of fake tan as, in my mind, products promising dewy, glowing skin were reserved for teenagers up to the twenty something's. Either that or those blessed with amazing skin. Now I have found that is not the case.

I love this product, not only for its illuminating qualities, as I also mentioned in my February Favourites, but as well as for the moisture it provides. This is great when tackling dull, tired skin as I also find a lack of sleep causes my skin to become dry as well.

Before applying, I shake the bottle then use one pump, putting the primer on the back of my hand and begin doting it around my face. It comes out looking pearlescent, this helps with it's application, making it easier to see where you have put the product and if it is rubbed into the the skin properly. I find it blends easly and absorbs well. On ocassion, I have also mixed in into my foundation which creates a nice effect however I prefer the first method.

Looks wise, the effect is subtle enough, given my fear of all things illuminating, yet brightens up my often lacklustre looking skin. In terms of longevity, my foundation stays put for the day for me allowing me to go about my day without touching up. I would definitely recommend the L'Oreal Magique Primer to anyone looking for a primer and illuminating product combined.

Lou xxx

My Top 5 Favourite MAC Products

I first started using MAC products just over 10 years ago and whilst I happily use other brands, I always find my way back to using their products. Here are my 5 favourite MAC make-up items I use on an almost daily basis.

1. STUDIO FINISH SPF35 CONCEALER (In shade NW20)

If I had to choose only one make-up item to use for the rest of my life, it would be this concealer. As someone who suffers from under-eye bags and dark circles, this water-resistant, lightweight product has been my saviour after many late and sleepless nights. It is also great for concealing any discolouration or blemishes I may have. Having only discovered a couple of years ago that it has an SPF in it means, that even in my early 20's when tanning was more important than looking after my skin, I had at least some protection from the sun. With its creamy consistency, a little goes a long way so I definitely get my moneys' worth out of it therefore, whilst being a bit more expensive than the average drugstore concealer, it lasts a whole lot longer than some at half the price.

2. FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION (In shade N2)

Nowadays, I am happy to go without foundation as long a my skin is behaving itself however there are days when I need a little something on there to act as my security blanket. That is where this fab, water-based foundation comes along to save the day. Providing a natural, sheer coverage, it is just enough to give me that little extra confidence without looking or feeling caked, making it perfect for the summer months when I want to look as natural as possible.

3. POWDER BLUSH (In shade Sincere)

Whilst preferring the minimal look, I am a fan of a little contouring to provide my face with some cheekbones. I had initially gone to Mac looking for a cream based product but was talked into buying this instead and I love it. It is highly pigmented so you only need a little and it stays put too.

4. CREMESHEEN LIPSTICK (In shade Creme Cup)

I'm not a major lipstick kind of girl, especially during the day so if I do want a slight pop of colour on the lips then this is my favourite. The consistency is quite thick, making it long lasting, so I apply a small amount with a light hand to begin with, leaving me the option to build it up depending on how I feel. I love the texture of this, along with the glossy finish.

5. MINERALIZE SKIN FINISH ( In shade Soft and Gentle)

Whilst I don't wear this all the time, its is my go to item when I'm looking for a bit of a glow. It acts as a great highlighter which I like to use just above my cheekbones and under the arch on my brow bone. It glides on smoothly, blends well and yet again, goes a long way. 

What are your favourite products, Mac or otherwise, that you just can't live without?

xxx