L'Oreal Pure Clay Face Purify and Glow Masks - One Love and One Hate

Even though I have about 10 face masks in my skincare stash, I just couldn't resist the new L'Oreal Pure Clay releases. I got sucked in by the hype, sponsored Instagram posts from bloggers and the introductory sale price.

I picked up two from the trio available, the Pure Clay Purify Mask and the Pure Clay Glow Mask. The only reason I didn't pick up the other option called the Pure Clay Detox Mask, is because I have a few other charcoal based masks in my stash already.

The first mask I tried was the Pure Clay Glow Mask, I was expecting a chemical exfoliator but the product actually had scrub particles in the product. I don't love scrubs as I feel they irritate my skin so I've swapped them out for chemical exfoliators like Pixi's Glow Tonic, which gives such better results. I wasn't a fan of this mask, just because of it's old fashioned scrub formula.

However, I did fall in love with the Pure Clay Purify Mask from first use. What drew me to this product was it's claims to mattify the skin. Once applied the mask feels very cooling and soothing, perfect for when you are suffering from a painful breakout. I noticed my skin felt soothed and calmed instantly after using the mask and it lived up to claims of mattifying the skin.

The one thing I don't like about these L'Oreal Pure Clay Masks is the packaging. The product is housed in a glass jar with a squared lid, it's not very travel-friendly and I can imagine if you dropped it on bathroom tiles it would smash. I much prefer squeezy tubes to dipping my fingers into pots.

If you were going to buy any of the Pure Clay Masks, I would fully recommend the Purify option.

Have you tried this new face mask launch?

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Unifiant in Light Review

I have been through countless tubes of La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Duo and Effaclar Matt. The French brand have an amazing selection of products geared towards acne and problematic skin. 

The newest addition is a tinted version of their cult Effaclar Duo lotion, called Effaclar Duo Unifiant. It promises the same spot fighting skincare ingredients but with a touch of colour.

This product is ideal for me right now, I’ve stopped wearing makeup to work but this gives me a hint of colour and coverage so I don’t feel bare faced. I have a few blemishes around my chin so Unifiant works to reduce them as well as covering the redness.

I usually cleanse and tone, then apply this in a thin layer. I have found it also works well over moisturiser if I am having a dry skin day. The formula is super light and it’s available in two shades, I have light. I am very pale and I do find it does leave a light orange tone to my skin but I blend it down my neck to make sure it doesn’t look crazy.

I use my fingers as the formula is so light but you could use a Beauty Blender if you wanted a very, very light coverage. You can add concealer and powder to create a full base of makeup or just leave the product on its own for a very light covering of the skin. I do notice that some of my oil shines through by around midday but I just lightly blot and the product stays put.

I thoroughly recommend this product if you are looking for a light base that can help reduce acne. If you need something more full coverage you could add layers and concealer but I'm not sure how this would affect the skincare properties.

Have you tried La Roche Posay's Effaclar Duo Unifiant?

*This post contains a PR sample

Adding Glow Without a Highlighter

A beautiful glow is achievable without 4 layers of cream and powder highlights like Youtubers would have you believe! Instead of frosty metallic sheens, these products will give you a ‘glow from within’.

Starting with a primer, opt for something with a sheen like Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfector. I first discovered this in Anna and Lily’s Cult Beauty Box, and loved it ever since. As I have oily skin I don’t apply this all over, I just apply on the cheeks and use my normal mattifying primer on my T-zone.

You can opt for a glowy foundation to give light to the complexion. For oily skin, I recommend Armani Luminous Silk, and for dry skin, I’ve heard amazing things about Becca’s Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation.

I would usually opt for a matte bronzer or contour but when adding glow, I reach for the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow. The bronzer has a very slight shimmer running through it, which gives you the most wonderful, natural sunkissed look.

You can also use a shimmery blusher to add a healthy pink glow to the cheeks. My favourites for this are the Soap and Glory Love at First Blush or the Kiko Modern Tribes Baked Blush, both give a lovely rosy sheen.

The Naked Palettes have some stunning, shimmer eye shadows options to create a glowy, wide awake look to the eyes. I use a fluffy brush to sweep the light coloured eyeshadow over the lid and then build the colour up under the brows to add a highlighted effect. You can also use a pencil brush to add an inner corner highlight with your eyeshadow of choice.

By now I bet you are dying to whip out your highlighter of choice, but trust that these products can provide the glow you want! Subtle is the new metallic!

What products do you use to add glow?

Banish Those Bags

When you wake up in the morning looking like a zombie, you can count on these products to banish the dark, dark bags under your eyes. Before you know it you will be looking bright eyed and bushy tailed.

Hydration is key to making the eyes look less puffy. I adore the Origins Eye Doctor, its super moisturising but doesn’t unsettle makeup you apply over the top. Tap this in using your ring finger to get rid of the collected fluid around the orbital bone.

The Urban Day Naked Concealer has a handy doe foot applicator, so I just do a quick swipe under each eye. My favourite way to blend is with a damp Beauty Blender, it leaves a seamless finish.

A recent addition to my collection, the NYX Banana Powder has quickly become a favourite. It’s super finely milled and feels weightless on the skin. I sweep this under the eyes to set the concealer and brighten the area further. Don’t worry the yellow hue in the pan doesn’t transfer onto the skin, it’s translucent.

Now that the dark circles are disguised, you look less like a zombie and more like yourself!

What are your favourite under eye concealers?