Review: Clinique Tinted Moisturiser and No. 7 Make up Base

Hi folks! Sorry for the lack of posting! I've been having a drought of doing anything other than work really, so not much to post about!

However, it was my birthday last week (22! scary!) so I thought I'd review some lovely products that I was given as pressies.

First up, the much longed for Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser in Shade One. This product is amazing. Soft, smooth, moisturising and a great colour coverage. This is the only foundation product I've found so far that hides blemishes and doesn't show dry patches! I'm in love.

The packaging is cute and girly, and I was given some lovely free samples (more reviews coming soon!) too. The only downside is the product is only 30ml and I can see myself going through it quite quickly. I'll let you know how long it lasts!

Next is No. 7 Beautifully Matte Make Up Base. This product acts like a primer and I was hoping it was going to stop my face looking quite so shiny when I apply tinted moisturiser. However, once I apply it it seems to act as a barrier to my Clinique which means that the product causes those irritating dry patches to reappear.

I think what I need it a soft powder to go on top of my tinted moisturiser to keep it from looking shiny, but still keep those dry patches at bay. What do you think?

Review: Nivea Night Cream

Today I'm reviewing Nivea Rich Regenerating Night Cream. It was on offer in Superdrug last weekend and as I am always on a quest for something to keep my dry skin at bay, I thought I'd give it a go!

It's a lovely smooth cream that smells great. I thought it would be super heavy on my skin but it's not. No greasy feeling either!

After using it for a week I have to say, my skin is so much better. Even though it is much less dry, I have noticed that I've started getting a few blemishes though, but unfortunately I think it's always the case that moisturisers block your pores.

Do you have any recommended skin products to keep dry skin or blemishes away? 

Samples

I have waay to many samples! And I was going to work my way through reviewing them all, but I keep collecting more and it's going to take up to much time.

So, I'm asking you my lovely readers, which one you would like me to review! Vote on the comments below and I will get to it!

Here is the list:

1. Avon Glimmerstick Eyebrow Pencil
2. Avon BB Cream
3. Elemis Fresh Skin Daily Moisturiser
4. Percy & Reed Volumising No Oil Oil (I'm intrigued how this is a no oil, oil?!)
5. ESPA Lift & Firm Intensive Eye Serum
6. ESPA 24-hour Replenishing Eye Moisturiser
7. ESPA Skin Radiance Moisturiser
8. ESPA Refining Skin Polish
9. Phil Smith Argan Hair Oil
10. Benefit they're real Mascara

Vote Now :)

Product Review: ESPA 24-Hour Replenishing Moisturiser

If you read my last product review, I was explaining how I came about a sample of an ESPA product and was given a lovely gift voucher for the brand.

Well, this is what I chose:

ESPA 24-Hour Replenishing Moisturiser

 £17.50

I was hoping to revive the dry skin on my face with this product. This is how they described it on the website: 

"A richly hydrating face cream to help diminish early signs of ageing"

"A deeply replenishing moisturiser to nourish even sensitive skin while it helps delay the early signs of ageing. Potent Myrrh, Frankincense and Neroli stimulate cell renewal, while Vitamin E-rich Peach Kernel Oil protects against environmental aggressors. Nourishing Evening Primrose and Jojoba moisturise for soft, comforted, supple skin."

This sounded perfect! Deeply moisturising, that can deal with my sensitive skin AND prolong ageing! Perfect!

I was so excited when it arrived. I was also sent some more lovely free samples (reviews coming soon!).

So, down to the review. Like the other ESPA moisturiser I've tried, the cream is rich, thick and smooth. It does the job perfectly, making my skin feel smoother after one night. 

However, I've only ever used this product once. This is because, again, of the unpleasant smell. It is a very natural, almost wheat-like kind of smell. But it is very overpowering. Even the boyfriend noticed it! I will use it again as I think it is a really good product, but I personally don't like the smell. 

Have you tried any ESPA products and do you find the smell overpowering? 

Beauty Review: ESPA Skin Radiance Moisturiser

While at my internship, I was lucky enough to be invited to a hard hat tour of the building that is soon to become the Bedford Lodge Hotel Spa! 

The beautiful Bedford Lodge Hotel in Newmarket is luxurious and welcoming. Before our tour, we were led into their spacious and sumptuous conferencing room to be told all about the new spa. We then headed over to the nearby mansion where the spa is under construction. 

I was pleased to see that the house is retaining lots of it's original features and you can still sense the history there (the cellar was used in WWII as a back up for the town council meetings). I can't wait to see it when it's all ready, it sounds like it's going to be an incredibly tranquil place to relax and get expert beauty treatments. 

The Spa manager Anna, explained to us that the products they are going to be using are by a company called ESPA, who I hadn't heard of before. They specialise in salons and spas, and they use natural ingredients to achieve the relaxing, refreshing environment of a salon. At the end of the tour they gave us a goodie bag with some ESPA samples, a gift card and a lavender plant (lavender is the theme of the spa)! So kind of them!

I thought I'd do a review of the moisturiser I received, and I've already spent the gift card so expect more reviews soon! 

Skin Radiance Moisturiser Review:  
Here's the lovely pink and purple packaging that the moisturiser came in, along with a refining polish that I've yet to use.

The moisturiser is lovely, it's rich and thick but extremely soft. I noticed a difference in my skin after one application. If you're a regular blog reader you'll know that I have extremely, extremely dry skin! Especially on my face and hands. This winter has not been good for my poor skin and I was in desperate need for a moisturiser that would relive my chapped complexion. 

After application to my face; the next day my cheeks were so much softer, although I think it's going to take a long time for it to be back to normal, and some sunlight would certainly help! Natural Vitamin D please!! 

The only downside to this moisturiser is the smell. It smells like you are in a salon, which I can understand as ESPA are spa products, however, for home use I would prefer something a little more floral or fruity, or even no smell at all! 

But all in all, a very good moisturiser for helping dry skin, something I think we could all do with as the spring seems nowhere in sight!