Morning Skin Care Routine

Hey Guys and Dolls

Today I'm sharing with you my morning routine.
 (Minus the incessant pressing of the snooze button and gentle screaming encouragement at my boys to GET READY FOR SCHOOL!!!)

It looks like a lot doesn't it?
I guess it is but it's all part of my bid to tame the queen of bitches that is my skin! Seriously it still hasn't decided if it wants to be sensitive, spotty, oily or flaky... often it can be all of those things at once!
LUCKY MOI!

I just know my Grandma will see this and say  (in your best Geordie accent please)
 "eeee al av ever used is watta nd a flannel nd av nivva had a spot yit, folk use owa much noo-a-days"

Clearly Grandma I've not been blessed with your genes!
Anyway...

CLEANSE
So basically I use a gel or foaming cleanser in the morning to freshen my face and help wake my ass up. Currently using Elemis Fresh Skin Gel Wash which is lovely and brightening and satisfyingly tightening! It's also aimed at younger skin so I find it a delightful little ego boost that it works well for me!... makes me feel all young and precious! 

I use the Clarisonic religiously and love the deep cleaning, pore emptying results it gives. That said I really must improve my attitude to replacing the brushes though... oopsie! 

QUIRK ALERT

I ALWAYS ALWAYS splash my face with cold water before allowing a towel to touch it. (or come within 10 metres of it actually... can't be too careful!)
 I've done it for years and it's an odd little 'quirk' but I was told many moons ago that ice water closes your pores and stops any dirt getting in. (I know i know) I'm set in my ways and it's too late trying to change me now :)

TONE

After washing  I give my face and neck a quick sweep of Clarins Exfoliating toner then Yves Rocher Clarifying lotion. I wouldn't be without the Clarins (I have stock) and the Yves Rocher is a mattifying gel that probably doesn't qualify for repurchase status.

OILS AND SERUMS

Tea Tree Oil is always a standard, I'm not sure I ever (EVAAAAH) have a day where there's not blemishes... yes plural *throws self on floor and sobs*  

If I'm having a no make up day then I use my Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules or my Decleor Aromessence Neroli Face Oil. I find these boost hydration and leave my skin supple. 

There's certainly nothing in the myth that adding oil to oily skin makes it worse... quite the opposite for me.

(That may of been another pearl of Grandma wisdom)

MOISTURISE

Sakare Eye Cream- I picked this up in London and the story behind it will require a post of it's very own. It's good though. If I can face the ordeal again I'd quite like to get another.

I rotate a few moisturisers at any one time (to keep my skin on its toes) and currently it's Elemis ProCollagen Marine Cream and Decleor Hydra Floral that are floating my boat. They are both UHMEZZING and PCMC is most definitely a holy grail product.

FINISHING TOUCHES

La Roche-Posay sunscreen- I always wear this if I'm doing the bare faced chic 'look' as I find it beautifully mattifying as well as being a shield against all the nasty UVAs and UVBs... apparently those guys penetrate even the darkest clouds on the coldest days so we aren't safe even if it's minus temperatures outside.

Bit dramatic like but that's how I roll!!

Aaaaand finally a bit of Blistex Relief Cream. The perfect lip protector. It smells satisfyingly medicinal so you know it's working. I do about three tubes a month. (excessive) 

So there we go. That's my morning routine which in fairness is keeping my complexion as near clear and flawless as I think I'll ever get, as finding the perfect skin care routine is something I'm yet to conquer. 

I've done it all, from just using face wipes to throwing triple the amount of products at my face!

Maybe there's a magic potion?Is there a miracle product out there? Is there? Is there?

I BET YOU I'VE TRIED IT :)

I know the answer doesn't lie within facial wipes though and I'll leave you with Caroline Hiron's theory about face wipes... they are for the THREE F's... festivals, flights and fannys!

On that note... Taaaaaaraaaaaa

Love 

k xxxxxxx

Ps  remember you can follow me on  bloglovin HERE and do keep in touch by following me on twitter here Oh and come over and see me on instagram HERE

Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules

Hey Guys and Dolls, how is everyone? Hope you are all as fabulous I know you look :) I'm generally fine and dandy but still decorating (I'll be saying this come June next year at this rate) and I'm struggling with interior creativity, so things can feel a tad stressy from time to time... And when Kate is stressed her smile can hide it but boy oh boy does her skin show it!!! (Random bit of third person there... sorry about that!)

So on to me and my temperamental skin... the time of the month, hormones and stress levels play havoc with what should be (by now!) a perfectly flawless complexion. 

So what specific havoc do these components play?? Well breakouts are more stubborn and are difficult to treat because my skin is so sensitive... we are talking FRAGILE and HANDLE WITH CARE!!

An example for you...

Now what? Now what? When my skin is screaming out for hope and love then Elemis Skin Bliss Recovery Capsules are my actual saviour, my Goddesses of skin therapy. 

Slightly off topic but these silky little capsules remind me of bath pearls that you used to get in bath gift sets from The Body Shop. These were the only acceptable present to give/receive if you went to my middle school... espesh if you were 'going out' with someone! If you were lucky you got Dewberry or Ananya set, but for me and a canny lad called Sean, a White Musk basket meant we could no longer be exclusive!! Sorry Sean!

Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules contain pure moringa oil and anti oxidents to cleanse and erradicate the harmful and damaging effects of everyday pollution on your skins delicate cell structure.

Morniga oil is hailed as the oil of the moment and Emma Hardie fans will know what I mean! 

Moringa oil is jam packed with anti-aging properties working to rejuvenate skin tone, improve elasticity and blast them toxins out of the water.

You'll notice that there's a mix of pink and green capsules. 

The Pink Rose is your day time treat and the Green Lavender is your night time indulgence. 

Super easy to use you just twist to open and the perfect amount for your face and neck is dispensed... massage in after cleansing and toning then apply your moisturiser (Pro Collagen Marine Cream if you are after further miracles!) and let the healing commence.

I find that my skin is calmer, clearer, fresher and certainly gets it glow back after using these. They fix the redness and dryness and actually combat the breakout by repairing the skin so quickly.

The idea is to use every morning and every night but to be honest with me having combination skin it can feel a little excessive plus I like to keep them as an intensive kiss of life when my skin is dying

Spot the little cat hair... invisible to naked eye but captured on camera!

I discovered these in a set bought from QVC and they have a ton of Elemis products which are always great value.

Oh and in case I didn't make it abundantly clear... these are (and have been already) a repurchase!

What's your sos product? Have you tried these before?

Looking forward to your gorgeous comments and I reply to all

Love k

xxxxxx

Elemis TSV QVC May 2013- Top to Toe Collection

Howdy Lovelies, I've got a little bit of skin care for you today, thought I'd show you some Elemis goodies that I ordered from QVC last week (as I am a complete SLAVE to the channel!).

Now this delightful bundle of treats was a TSV and sold under the glamorously long title of the 'Elemis 7 Piece Top to Toe Luxury Radiance Collection' and I got to welcome this home by simply handing over a mere £51.72 (plus p&p) and my mini spa kit was with me three days later. Considering the amount of full size products included, it is (in my book anyway) a canny little bargain indeed.

The kit contains 

Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm (50ml, full size)

Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm (30g... special qvc smaller size)

Pro Collagen Marine Cream (15ml, travel size)

Skin Nourishing Shower Cream (300ml, full size)

Pro Radiance Hand and Nail Cream (100ml, full size)

Frangipani Monoi Body Oil (35ml, travel size)

Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules (14 capsules)

Cleansing Cloth

And a smart little cosmetic bag to keep it all together 

Great vals eh?

I didn't NEED any of this stuff reaaaally as I have the marine cream, the cleansing balm, the shower cream and monoi oil BUT Elemis always gets my attention and I get muchos anxiety when  my stashes of products I love start to diminish, (hence my drawer stuffed full with neatly packed with FOUR 'spare' pots of Pro Collagen Marine Cream... you know, just in case) You always need 'back up' guys and dolls... always. 

Once I realised the kit contained the new flash balm and cellular recovery capsules I couldn't of been held back by anything, not wild bulls... (or even the inevitable potential eye rolling reaction from thee husband)

Now I'm going to save gushing about my love for the Cellular Capsules for another post... seriously need to give them pearls of joy their own spotlight :)

I have to share my love (AGAIN) the Pro Collagen Marine Cream, its a beautiful rich consistency yet it's air light on the skin, it sinks in immediately. You want fresh plumped up hydration? Then this is the magic potion. I have sensitive combination skin that's prone to break outs (yes a full house of perks!!) and the marine cream does not aggravate nor clog my pores which is an absolute first... And I've had flings with many a moisturiser like!

The Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm is a fairly new love affair, twas only launched in April and I of course ordered on its launch date... look I'm loyal to what I love peeps :) Its like waxy buttery formulation in the tub but it warms and melts to an oil on your skin, which in turn when mixed with water is transformed to a milky cleanser. Make up and and any nasties on your face are dissolved and disintegrated and your skin is left nourished and deep down clean.
Oh and it can be used as a mask too... full on pamper sesh in bath, apply to face and cover with hot cloth... inhale the aromas and just imagine you are anywhere you mind wants to take you... aaaand relaaaaax!

I will give a spesh mention to the Flash Balm which can be used as a light moisturiser or as a primer before make up... I've only used this a few a times so couldn't review this fully yet but I'm loving the fresh citrus scent and it does seem to reflect the light from your face- not in a shimmery glitzy way (god no) think more dewy and glowy... a picture of radiance from within! (so disappointing that the mental images I have of myself can often be shattered when my eyes meet a mirror like but heeey that's how the balm makes me feel and look!)

Surely priceless?

For anyone who hasn't tried the Frangipani Monoi Body Oil before I urge you to do so... Not being bossy here BUT you so need it in your bathroom and I think it will improve your life! Ok ok so perhaps I'm being a touch dramatic there (it's me nature!) but it really is a lovely product. It's a solid wax like formula in the bottle that you melt down (turn hot tap on... fill sink... simples) into the most deliciously aromatic oil that can be used in your bath or on your body or as luxiourious cuticle treatment.

 I tend to apply it to wet hair after washing (skip conditioner) then go to bed... wake in the morning and wash/condition as per and you will have the softest, shiniest sweetest smelling hair EVAAAAH! I only do this like once a fortnight and a little really does go a long away so even this travel size can see you through a good while.

The Nourishing Shower Cream is a staple and a constant in my cupboard, leaves skin ultra clean and super soft, its my 'go to' when I fancy a little extra loving... And I'm still talking skin care here (mucky pups!)

The Illuminating Hand Cream I'm excited by and I'm going to use it today for the first time... hopefully it will do as it promises (I have every faith Elemis!) and my Nails of The Day posts will be over run with comments like... "ooh Kate, forget that gorgeous new colour you're wearing, how the hell do your hands look so spectacular??"  A girls got to set the bar hasn't she?

So what are our thoughts on this? Anyone tried anything? If you're new to the brand or fancying trying anything you can read more and  my review on the Pro Collagen Skincare Set HERE

Also I'd love to chat with you on twitter...  to follow me CLICK HERE TWEET TWEET only if you want to of course :)

As always I love and appreciate all of your commments, I read and reply to every single one... If you want me to check out your blog then please leave me your beeeeeeowdifal link.

Merci et Au revior

k xxxxxx

Collagen? Yes Please!

OK so like anything else I've ever done the whole blogging thing sort of slipped after it's initial top speed momentum! Typically as with any fad my attention span has faded and my mind has wandered before I even have the chance to dust myself down and decide what to do next BUT not in this case. My blog is still very much my baby. Infact I've found myself thinking of my baby with every purchase and application of something that promises to make beautiful!

My lack of typed thoughts can be blamed on a one HELLUVA chest infection. Which I also hold entirely responsible for ruining my 30th birthday weekend (more about that in an upcoming birthday blog...) Back to this though...

So I guess this post is a little review on a recent Elemis Pro-collagen set bought as a Qvc Tsv.
First off as I've previously mentioned my skin is prone to tantrums and huffs, it's stroppy and difficult to keep a balanced control of. So like me it takes some impressing...

The set itself contains pro-radiance cream cleanser and face cloth, PC Marine Cream (day pot and night pot), PC Quartz Lift Mask and the PC Advanced Eye Treatment. An extra little wow factor is the PCMC being in limited edition packaging, looks fabulous on the dressing table ladies.

I'm a huge fan of elemis products as I tend to think they do as they promise, and they can create that spa from your own humble bathroom sort of luxury. That said I'm giving the cleanser to my Mam as it's a tad heavy on my skin for every day use. I've replaced it with Elemis Tri Enzyme Resurfacing facial wash and the occasional Neutrogena blackhead eliminating scrub.

The PC range is hugely popular and there has been many a blog letting us know we should bow down to the greatness that is Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (and we should) however the stand out product for me is the PC eye treatment.

Why?

BECAUSE ITS FREAKIN MAGIC!... That is why.

I've just turned 30 (my hands took on a tremor as I typed that!) So I'm starting to think about prevention in a massive way, I'm lucky enough not to have any wrinkled wrinkles as yet but don't want my fine laughter lines spoiling my fun in the future :) HORRIFIC THOUGHT, enough about growing old now please.

So the application is simple, two drops patted gently around eye area morning and night before moisturiser.
There.
Done.
And it hasn't even made you late for work as it drys within seconds. Skin feels a lil tighter initially (thats the magic working its er magic)! but not uncomfortably so and within seconds the skin around eyes is plumped up and smoother than it was before (cast your mind back to photos circa the millennium!)

The PC Quartz Lift Mask is a treat too, i have been leaving on my face once a week under the PC night cream and I must say my skin is peachy plumped up and perfect upon wakening (am I giving the image of little birdies bringing me my dressing gown too ala snow white?)

Anyway before I digress to Disney Princesses (warned you about the attention deficit didn't I!) Its safe to say I'm loving this set, skin is looking the freshest it has in months and a few people (ok so just my mam and husband but I have been poorly so haven't been able to show my results off to the wider world!) have commented I have a bit of a glow. (and no I'm not pregnant!)

Anyone else a diehard Elemis fan? Or have you found something entirely different to what I did?
Would love to know what you all think :)

Kate xxx