Taking A Look At Bioderma

Beauty lovers rejoiced all over Ireland last month when the French brand Bioderma was launched here. For year another going to France or just 'away' where you could get your hands on it, they would be weighted down with a list as long as their arms to bring back things from this skin care brand. I myself have been one of those people and there have been many a phone call and whatsapp message to the sister when shes over in France for a holiday. I'm delighted that the brand is finally here so everyone can try it out. I was kindly sent some things to try out, so I thought I'd give a brief look at them all, having tried them out over the past few weeks.

First is the iconic and much raved make up removing micellar solution. If you have never heard of the brand before, you will still have seen a bottle of this roaming around a beauty lovers house at some point. This is a tiny 100ml bottle that you can get for €5.50, 250ml for €11.50 or a 500ml for €16. This is in the sensitive range, although its perfect for any skin type. Its definitely one of the best micellar waters I have ever used, it takes away make up quickly without irritation and you don't need as much product as you do with other make up removers. I have to say, if Garnier wasn't an utter babe with their 400ml bottles for under €6, I would all over Bioderma like it was the sexiest thing alive, But it has to be said, I do use a hella lot of Garniers to get off a full face before bed, compared to far less with Biodermas. Plus its fancy be being fragrance, alcohol and paraben free, as well as hypoallergenic. 

I've not been wearing makeup daily over the past few weeks with it being warm, so I still have loads of this left, but with a full face of make up I would use far more of other micellar waters then with this in order to remove everything completely. I'd recommend picking up a little bottle to try out.

The rest of these products are all new to me and I have mixed feelings on them. I was really excited to get the Anti-Redness skin perfecting care BB cream. It looked to be a great full coverage and it was in Light which is my perfect shade. Only on applying it, it was far too dark for me, which I was really disappointed about. I did try to blend it down my neck but I'm still far too pale and it showed up almost orange in comparison. I'd love if this came in an ivory shade so I can properly see if this did get rid of redness, but right now I think theres only three shades available. I have mixed it with lighter foundations and its worked alright, but the whole point of BB cream is to be quick and easy with a minimum amount of make up. So thats a bit of a fail, but for those with darker skin it could well be worth trying out as it is a lovely texture. For €17.50 its a tad pricey and for us pale girls, we'll have to stick to other brands.

I'm never too bothered with any type of sun creams on my face as I use a lot of products with SPF already in them and lets be honest, how in the name of god are rays going to get through the amount of make up I cake on! But joking aside, I now reach for this almost daily and its a really lovely product. Aquafluid very high protection SPF 50+ for sensitive skin and a little goes a long way with this. Once you apply it and rub it in, it absorbs really well into the skin and there has never been any shine from it. Its water resistant and although it claims to be fragrance free, there is a definite smell of almost plastic off it. Not the most pleasant scent to be putting on your face, but once it sinks in its not as strong and eventually fades. Its also perfect to use with make up and doesn't effect that application at all, once its left for a few minutes to sink right in properly.

 This is surprisingly reasonable at €13.50 considering that its SPF 50+ and a little goes a long way, so 40ml is going to last you a really long time, - Its expiry date is 6 months after opening, but if like myself your using it almost daily then it will be well used by that time.

  

 And lastly is the Pore Refiner corrective care for enlarged pores. This white gel-like stuff is going to be fab for some people, but I could take or leave it. I have really big pores and a lot of the time my makeup will set into them, but when using this pore refiner I didn't see a massive difference. Maybe my pores just need something a little more heavy duty, I'm not too sure. Personally I think this is a bit overpriced at €18.50 for what it is. Though if its a good match for you then with it being 30ml, you'll get plenty of use from it.

Overall I think at times Bioderma can be a bit over hyped and expensive. I've used a lot of their products prior to this and some are really brilliant, but others are a massive let down. Do try to find testers or get samples of the products before buying them, as theres nothing worse then forking out for something that ends up not working for you. Personally I keep buying the cleansing water and the facial sun cream when they run out in local chemists and Sam McCauleys, but for everything else I might want, I'll still be handing a list to who ever is popping across to France where Bioderma is far cheaper. 

*I did not pay for this item, it was a PR gift.  Please see my disclaimer here.

The Micro Pedi Nano

I god damn hate feet, just don't get me on the topic or I will think about it too much and be sick. Its been known to happen. So this is going to just be a quick post to tell you about the *micro pedi and why I got up the courage (balls) to be able to use and talk about it for a few minutes, Purely because my feet are in such poor condition did I try this out and I can tell you lads, I took a drink before I attempted it, I've no shame in it!

This is the nano version and I like that they come in several different colours and that its small enough to throw in your bag if your off on holidays. I was stumped to begin with because you need two AA batteries, but naturally being someone who has a lot of sex toys, I always have plenty floating around, but just take note that you will need batteries! All you do is take off the plastic top covering the exfoliating roller and push up the on button, then put it where ever you have some hard dry or calloused skin. Don't leave it on for more then 3 seconds on any piece of skin, but other then that, you'll have softer feet in under a minute - or however long it takes, depending on the condition of your feet. 

After your done, use the tiy white brush that comes with the micro pedi to brush off any pieces of skin (sick, I know. Why do you think I needed a drink?) and put it away. The most off putting thing about it besides the whole feet thing is the noise of it. Like an electric razor, but the thought of it going near my feet or hurting has me doubtful. Luckily it didn't hurt at all, but I can see how it could damage your skin if you were leaving it on too long, so do watch out. I'd recommend using a moisturiser after this, just to make sure that your feet are going to stay soft as exfoliating them will only go so far before they go rough and dry again.

I do like this product, handy for traveling and I know that I'll pick up the extra packet of exfoliating rollers once I use them up, but this micro pedi is €39.95 which for me is a big steep. I've seen other ones like this for less in the chemists around, so do a bit of a price hunt before you buy one. Other then that, I like this a lot, but drink is still needed to use it and even talk about it! 

Would you use this? Or do feet drive you to drink like myself!

*I did not pay for this item, it was a PR gift.  Please see my disclaimer here.

Boots Haul (Soap&Glory Inspired)

Back at Christmas I got a lovely Soap&Glory set - the one that was the big boxes on special offer one of the weeks? And inside it had a voucher for €4 off once you spent over €15, which is no bother to someone like myself who is a big fan of the brand and going into Boots to spend in general! The voucher was expiring on April 1st so I couldn't let it go as it was a decent (enabling) amount of money off. Boots had a lot of stuff on offer and 3 for 2 on nearly all their make up too, so I'm going to give their normal prices first and then their on offer price. Just so you know what they currently are verses what they are now!

As you can see above I got myself a lovely big bottle of Smoothie Star Body Milk (€13.99) as I love their almond scents the most and really wanted something that I hadn't tried from the range before. I also got a repurchase of Hand Maid Hand Sanitizer (€3.49) as I'd almost run out of the one I keep in my hand bag. For years I never got why people raved about it, but now that I've become more almost overly aware of making sure my hands are clean, I use these a lot when I'm out for the day. 

I ran out of all my makeup removing skincare at the same time so I've been stocking up on it a lot. I always need backups of my backups! Garniers regular eye make up remover (€2.99) always keeps me happy so I picked up one. I find it never stings my eyeballs and gets rid of heavy eyeliner and mascara without having to rub the eyelids off myself. 

I also picked up some Boots own brand cleansing milk (€3.79 - €1.90) and a toner (€3.79 - €1.90) that both have aloe vera in them for sensitive skin. I got some face wipes from the same range (€3.99 - €1.99). I never use face wipes but their handy for taking off lipstick to eat or wiping away make up from the back of your hand. I've not used this range before as far as I can remember, or if I have they weren't in as nice looking packaging. I'll report back how they are on my skin once I get around to trying them out. 

This is the essentials pile of bits. Who doesn't need a few good razors (€6.99) to keep away the crazy forest like legs! I have been hairing (- see what I did there!?) my way through nail varnish remover recently as I've been redoing my nails loads, so I got a bottle of Cutex (€2.25). I think this is one of the best brands on the market as they take way less time to totally get rid of the product then other ones I've used. I can't speak much for them being nail strengthening or whatever claims they have but there good at the physical getting rid of bit.

Also got some Nivea rolls ons that were 2 for €4, normally €2.99 each. I'm a big fan of roll ons in recent times as they don't clog up air if you want to freshen up before bed and they also don't effect my asthma. Saying that, I picked up my favourite Impulse (€2.79 - €1.39) too as I'm a fan of having a body spray in my handbag if I'm out and about.  

Lastly I couldn't go into Boots and not pick up at least a few make up bits! I was on a mission for a cheap eyeliner as I had only earlier lost my own to my sisters clutch in the car. I got a Collection one (€2.49) in black that does the job grand. 

I was on the hunt for a Barry M (€5.99) light blue nail varnish after I saw it on Instagram. I think this is called Green Apple but I could be wrong! I've misplaced my bottle so I can't double check, but no doubt I'll put it up on Instagram or twitter soon enough!  

And I've saved the best for last. Just look at that Sleek lipstick!! (€5.99) its in the shade Mystic and it was made for me. I haven't even swatched it yet as I wanted to take photos of it in perfect condition for this post. Man I'm so restrained! It is just beautiful and even before I try it I want everyone to have it. It just makes me happy.

Well thats all of it! I actually saved €16 and got triple points on my Boots card too so I'm extra delighted! At the til I came across the most lovely lady called Cathy who recommend products to me (which I picked up!) and talked about the things I was buying. She gave me some baby wipes as I had a lot of swatches on my hand and gave me loads of brilliant vouchers for things in the shop (and some handy tips too!). I've come across some lovely staff in the Boots at Liffey Valley in the past, but this lady went above and beyond. Just had to give her a mention, she was so friendly and I left the shop feeling extra happy after such a nice chat.

Ziaja Cocoa Butter Body Scrub

Its well known by my family and friends that if I really like something, I'll utter the words 'Ah no, I'll have it. You wouldn't like it' all of the time. And that was the first thing that came into my little pea brain when I opened this in the shower and tired it. Honestly, you really wouldn't like it. If you've bought some recently, then I'm sorry. You could send it to me and I'll dispose of it in the best possible way. By using it in the shower every single day. Muahahaha.

Ahem. Well, now that the moment of pure crazy is over, let me tell you about Ziaja. This brand is feckin hard to get your hands on if your like me and only pop into Boots the odd time to stock up. Since going on a mad hunt one day in town I did find a chemist on Talbot St that does a good lot of the range. I'm seriously impressed with the amount of products that Ziaja do, take a look yourself at the full range here. They cater for all skin types as well as for babies, a hair care line and lines for specific ingredients. And if you think thats a little bit great, then you'll be delighted to know that their products are all cheap and cheerful. Man I love it! I'm really surprised that I've only recently heard of the Polish brand, considering they are a family owned company that have been around since 1989.

I'm going to be banging on about this brand a lot in the next while, let me just tell you that now! But today its all about the cocoa butter body scrub that I was delighted to get in a goodie bag from a blogger meet up I attended recently. If you want to have a nosy at what went on then have a read of Robyn's blog post (from Robyn Rants And Raves) all about it over here! I was excited to try this body scrub out as its more then half the price of some of my most loved Soap&Glory scrubs and I wanted to see if I had found a new favourite. 

I have to admit, this scrub is really giving the Soap&Glory range a run for its money. It smells sweet and has a lovely thick texture to it. Once you wet it, it foams up slightly so its easy to rub across your skin and theres no clumps of it falling off like some scrubs I've used. There are tiny little bits in it that I can only describe as sand-like, with out it actually being sand just to say! It does a great job of exfoliating all the horrible bits of dead skin away without being too harsh either. Its perfect for using every day as it doesn't strip your skin at all. 

The packaging is plain, plastic and to be honest it just does the job. Theres nothing needlessly fancy or over the top and there doesn't need to be to draw people in. It works so well and the brand is fast becoming well known for their amazing products that don't cost the earth. I'm happy to stock up the entire bathroom with this brand over a high end one any day of the week. (and may be starting to do just that as I type!) You can get this body scrub for roughly €4.99 in a lot of chemists around the country. 

The Best Of Beauty Challenge: Skin Care Saviours

A few weeks ago Samantha from All The Buzz put out some feelers on the twitters to see if any bloggers would like to take part in a beauty challenge, the best of beauty. Each week she would email us all a theme and we would write about our bestest, most loved and banged on about products. And maybe even a few hidden jems. Naturally there was great feedback and a list as long as your arm of bloggers who are taking part, I'm so excited to be one! So every Thursday at 7pm for the next 8 weeks expect one of these best of beauty challenge posts! 

So what are my beauty skin care saviours I hear you ask? Nothing too fancy at all I am sorry to say. But if something is easy to get and cheap it doesn't always mean its not amazing, as I'm sure every knows. I have five to start with, my deserted island grabs before I leave in the boat.Yes, I did spend too much time with my imagination on this, what can I say?

Bepantiseptic (formally known as Gernolene)

My face is a surface for a childs join-the-dots game, full of spots, blemishes and painful things that aren't welcome. To combat these I use this antiseptic cream. Its the only thing I have ever found to genuinely work over night and be able to get some relief from painful swelling on spots, without a bad reaction from the cream. Now were not talking spots one night and magically immaculate face in the morning, those sort of things only happen in fairy tales or anti aging cream tv adverts if the company thinks its been sneaky. But for less then €4 from any chemist, this has helped me for years. 

E45 Moisturising Lotion

When I think of 'skin care' I always think of my face, but what about all that other skin covering me? E45 works for all sorts. Dry skin, to ease slight burning or itching, as a general moisturiser or for sensitive skin. I have got all of the above at some point or other and this cream was just what I needed. For about €5 you wont break the bank and your skin will be saying thank you. 

L'occitane Hand Cream

I've never had anything from this brand before as its expensive and 'fancy' to me. But I got this dry skin hand cream free in a magazine late last year and it is the best hand cream I have ever used. I would be willing to fork out for another tube when this one is empty. Not only do I use it on my hands - they are uber dry, crack and have a touch of eczema on them - on my elbows and sometimes if I'm really bothered, on my knees. A little goes a long way, its a beauty.

L'oreal Micellar Solution

I bang on about this to fmaily, friends, people in the street. Oh mammy this is the best makeup remover I have ever come across. It gets rid of everything, including caked on mascara. It might just be that I'm lazy and have found a product that does 3 things in 1 bottle, but its true love. I've a full review of it here.

The Body Shop Shea Lip Butter

Ugh I like this oh so much! There is nothing I crave more then this when my lips are sore, cracked and feeling crappy. I got this as part of a set and know when its all gone I will be picking another up, maybe even a back up for that one too! It's €7.95 a pop which I would normally think is day light robbery for a tiny jar, but now that I have used and seen the full soothing and smoothing effects, I would almost pay double - almost. My lips love it and I love my lips, as you do!

So that is my the best of beauty challenge done for this week, I can't wait to go and read everyone elses to maybe find something new to try out! Make sure and read this post by Sam to see who else is taking part in this challenge. You might find a new blog to read and love! You can follow the fun on twitter with the hashtag #BOBBlogChallenge. As always, hope everyone is having a great week, its nearly the weekend!!

  

P.S. Sorry for the dreadful photos I am the biggest boldie this week and writing this post with 10 minutes to spare before 7pm. I'll do better next week I promise!

Lush Tea Tree Water Toner

Lovely people of the internet, I have found a new love and I have a feeling it is going to be quite a solid relationship. I'm never one for toners as they tend to be full of harsh alcohol infused nasties that burn my skin worse then when I try to make toast. No sir, a toner is not for me. That was until I asked a staff member about LUSH tea tree water toner one rainy day when I was stalking about their shop smelling everything in sight. I bought it (€5.75?) just for the hell of it and have never looked back since.

 Oh me oh my is it my skins bestest best friend. It doesn't sting, not even on my eyes. I think I have all the dirt, make up and horrible stuff off my face after using my cleanser? Quick wipe over my face with this toner and it tells a different story. I have oily and spot prone skin so this is just the thing for me. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties with tea tree oil. grapefruit water and juniperberry water. 

 Long story short? It works, smells fresh can be used any time to clean your face or just to freshen up. The 100g bottle I have is perfect for travel and its got nothing in it that will harm your skin. I'm using it with my Nivea refreshing cleansing lotion (just to use it up!) and after I will be using a LUSH cleanser to see if they work wonders together. I have been converted to toners and I am not afraid of stinging skin any longer. My skin looks and feels so much better after using this toner, I'll be stocking up on this stuff again. Get yours here.

Have you tried any of LUSH's skin care products?