I had the honor of doing a beauty swap with fellow beauty blogger & UK resident Jess, from the lovely blog MakingItUp. We met through instagram, having in common our obsession & love with all things skincare and makeup. We instantly hit it off, got to chatting, and she asked if we should do a beauty swap not soon after, with a quick & excited YES, we got into even more chatting.
During the chatty process, we were able to get a feel of what each other's skin types were, what products we were looking for (& any special requests) before we headed off to shop. The point of a beauty swap such as this is to find beauty products to send to your person that aren't available or as easily accessible in their country, & vise versa; as well as things you personally love yourself, and to share that love with someone who will (hopefully) appreciate it as much as you do.
I seriously had such an amazing experience, her & I have talked about doing another one in the future, which I can't wait for. If any of you get the chance to do a beauty swap with another beauty blogger, do it! It introduces to you a whole different world of beauty, & if you're lucky enough, you end up making a great friend in the process. :)
I will post links to where you can find Jess on all her platforms so you can follow her & read her blog (which I am obsessed with as well) at the end of this post.
*Note: Most of the products I have already given a little go; some may have little reviews, some may not because I haven't tried them yet. Full reviews for all will come later, though.
On to the UK products....
SKINCARE
Liz Earle 'Instant Radiance Collection' for Normal/Combination Skin: Liz Earle is a very popular UK-based skincare line. I have heard of them before, especially their renowned product, the 'Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser', which was one of the products that came with this set. The other products include 'Instant Boost Skin Tonic', 'Skin Repair Moisturizer', & the 'Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion'. I have given all of these a try, and must say, 3 out of 4 products are a win for me. I fell in love with the 'Hot Cloth Cleanser' almost instantly, it has done such a noticeable improvement on my skin in the short time I've been using it (been using it once a day for almost 2 weeks now) that I have already added it to my 'skincare wishlist' once I run out. Thankfully, Liz Earle has a US website which you can purchase all of these products above, as well as Birchbox which carries a good amount from the line, also shippable to the U.S.!
My second favorite product from this set is the 'Eyebright'; have been using this every morning & its so gentle, soothing, cooling, & hydrating! Its a marvelous little concoction that has also been added to my wishlist. I have used the 'Tonic' only twice now, its very calming & hydrating, but its nothing out of the ordinary. My least favorite product was the moisturizer; I found this too light for a moisturizer, though this is based off from one use. The moment I put it on, I know I didn't like it. I may or may not go back to this to give it a better chance but, we'll see.
Masque Bar 'Brightening Sheet Mask': By reading the box, this seems to be a Korean beauty brand which I've never heard of before, which is exciting! I know the craze about Korean beauty, they always seem to be 10 steps ahead of everyone else in terms of the technology they put forth with their skincare products. I don't own any skincare thats from Korea, so I will have to wait and see how this one fairs. Sheet masks aren't usually what I grab for either, but again, they seem to be all the rage nowadays so, I can't wait to give this one a go soon!
Super Facialist Una Brennan 'Salicylic Acid Anti Blemish Pore Purifying Clay Mask': You know I love myself a good clay mask, & this is turning into a new favorite of mine! With just a few uses, I have seen any angry red spots subdued. Its not an overnight miracle worker in the sense that you wake up with blemish free skin the next day...give it about 2-3 days (at least with my frustrating skin!) for that to happen. I'm not aware of the percentage of salicylic acid thats in this, but my skin hasn't had any irritations while using this (recommended 1-2 times a week). It may or may not make the skin purge a bit; so if you're dealing with some blocked pores, you may see 1 or 2 new ones pop up & go away within a few days times, just a heads up! I like using this on weekends and/or on nights where I know I have the following day off, just in case my skin does develop any bumps.
La Roche-Posay 'Serozinc': This spray is that 'I can never live without it now that I know it exists' kind of product. A complete turnaround on my skin, which has been unbelievably frustrating this summer. After I'm done cleansing and/or an acid toner, I give this a quick spritz on the face or cotton pad & pat it on and let it dry for about minute or so before I apply my oil/serum/moisturizer. I love using this just at night so I can get the full benefits & wake up with clearer skin the next day. With just 3 ingredients: water, sodium chloride, & zinc sulfate. The ingredients benefit those with oily, blemish prone skins by targeting the pesky spots & helps rid of them, as well as help keep excess oil at bay with its mattifying properties. You can really use this any time of day but, since this isn't available for purchase ANYWHERE in the U.S., I don't have that luxury of being able to that, just yet. Looking at you, La Roche-Posay!!
BODYCARE
Sanctuary Spa '2 Day Moisture Shower Oil': Could this be a dupe for L'Occitane's 'Almond Shower Oil'? Not completely, but it can definitely be a more inexpensive substitute. Like L'Occitane's shower oil, this one smells absolutely divine (when not in use, I like to take a quick sniff from the bottle because its so relaxing. don't pass judgements unless you smelled it first!). I have only used this once so far, but it is very hydrating on the skin & your bathroom smells like a luxe-spa palace after. Its so wonderful to use after a long day to relax or everyday if your heart desires, like mine does (though trying to savor the product since its not sold here)! I can't wait to be able to give this one a full review soon.
Soap & Glory 'The Scrub of Your Life Smoothing Body Scrub': First things first, the smell is absolutely phenomenal. I've only tried one other S&G product before, and that also smelled just as fine This one has a floral, yet citrus aroma without being overpowering; I can't put my finger on the other scents I'm getting from this, but its lush and wonderful. I'm actually super glad Jess scooped me up a body scrub since I am almost out of my fave Clarins 'Exfoliating Body Scrub' (going to have to be cutting open that bottle to get the last remnants out). With one use of this, I was in love; it felt like my skin has never felt smoother, hating to admit that this might be better than my beloved Clarins but, only time will tell with more use.
MAKEUP
Collection 'Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer' shade 'cool medium 2': As you can see, most of the label has rubbed away already, thats how often I've been reaching for this concealer. Every single day I've done my makeup, this has been going on along with it. This is probably, hands down the best concealer I've used to help conceal redness, blemishes, & darks pots without feeling heavy or cake on the skin; as well as being exceptionally blendable. I'm going to have to ask Jess to stock me up on a few more of these next swap around!
Bourjois 'Cream Blush' in 'Nude Velvet': Haven't tried it yet, though the color looks right up my blush alley.
Soap & Glory 'Solar Powder': Have yet to try it, only because I've been currently obsessing over my Charlotte Tilbury's 'Filmstar'. I'll have to start putting that down so I can give this one a try. I have swatched it already on my hands a few times, the colors look subtle, yet smooth and buildable, very exciting.
Where you can find 'MakingitUp' beauty blogger, Jess!
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