Review: Effaclar Duo [+]

After reading so much about the Effaclar Duo I was more than keen to put the new Effaclar Duo [+]* to the test. I haven't tried the original so I can't make any comparative comments, but I will say now that the Effaclar Duo [+]* has seriously impressed me thus far. I've been using it for about five weeks now and the effects that it has had on my skin have been noticeable (if not dramatic). I'll begin by explaining how I use it and then explaining the results it has had for me.

The Effaclar Duo [+]* is a pretty light feeling gel-creme and I apply it all over my t-zone (which is where most of my clogged pores and blemishes tend to occur) and under my chin, and then I topically apply it to my cheeks as and when any blemishes occur. I use it in the mornings and evenings but I do use a facial oil on my cheeks and on the skin between my eyebrows because I have combination skin and, unlike my t-zone, those areas need intense moisturisation which the Effaclar Duo [+]* alone doesn't offer. However, on the rest of my face I have found it to be sufficient to use by itself.

What I have found is that over the last five weeks my open pores (especially on my nose) have noticeably shrunk in size and my skin has been left looking a lot smoother and clearer. I've also noticed that I've had fewer breakouts on the areas of my face where I apply this - the only actual spots I've had have been on my right cheek, an area which I only topically apply the Effaclar Duo [+]*. However, when I've used the product on these blemishes they have faded more quickly and the dark marks that I often find get left behind by spots have been less severe and fade much more quickly than I'd normally expect. The Effaclar Duo [+]* hasn't broken me our or dried out my skin, it has just worked as a very gentle spot-fighting agent and my previously very congested skin has been eased considerably. 

For the price, £15.50 in Boots (link here) or £10.33 on offer in Escentual (link here), I think it is a remarkable product and I would highly recommend it to anyone suffering from congested pores or frequent blemishes. My skin still behaves as though it were a teenager and the Effaclar Duo [+]* has managed to get it seriously under control and to me that speaks volumes!

Have you tried the Effaclar Duo [+]? What do you use to banish spots and refine pores?

Review: Macadamia No Tangle Brush

I've been using a TangleTeezer for about nine months now and as much as I love it I think I've stumbled across a better option…

Macadamia's No Tangle Brush* has really impressed me so far. For one, it has a handle which makes it  easier to use than my TangleTeezer but I also think that the plastic bristles on the Macadamia No Tangle Brush are better suited to my mid-length/long hair as the bristles are a little bit thicker and longer than the ones on my TangleTeezer. I don't have have thick hair but I do have a lot of fine hair and I feel as though the Macadamia No Tangle Brush works its magic more quickly on my hair. I use it on wet and dry hair - when my hair is damp (after I've towel dried it) I use this brush before applying any hair oils or serums and when my hair is dry it works perfectly well at taming my unruly locks. It's an all round good egg and it's become the brush I reach for every day. 

I really like Macadamia products, I've reviewed Macadamia's Healing Oil Spray (link here) in the past which I've since used up along with an entire bottle of their Nourishing Leave in Cream - both of which I'd recommend. The No Tangle Brush hasn't left me disappointed and it has very quickly become a daily essential of mine. You can find it at HQHair.com for £7.95* along with the other Macadamia products I've mentioned (link here).

What hair brushes do you like using? Have you tried any of Macadamia's products before?

Deborah Lippmann Polish in 'Flowers in Her Hair'

It might still be a bit of grey and gloomy outside but spring has officially sprung on my nails! I was very kindly sent one of the Deborah Lippmann polishes from their spring collection called 'Flowers in Her Hair'* and it has sent me into a pastel reverie. It's a very light green shade with just a touch of blue to it and it has a gorgeous glossy finish. I had to layer it up (my swatches show three layers) but I think to achieve the best finish four might have been best. However, the polish dries quickly and I had no problems with streaking or smudging. When it's time for sandal weather here in the UK I'm going to be lacquering up with this over and over again. For me, 'Flowers in Her Hair' is just the perfect spring shade and you can find it on LookFantastic for £16* with free world-wide delivery.

If you're looking to make a transition into spring shades I'd highly recommend Deborah Lippmann's nail polishes, they're wonderful quality and the bottles look really adorable and dinky among any polish collection. There are other gorgeous colours too - another one which has caught my eye is 'Build Me Up Buttercup', a gorgeous milky, pastel yellow which you can find here.

What spring polishes are on your radar?

Review: Bourjois Happy Light Serum Primers (Luminous and Matte)

When these two primers were first released I practically skipped out of the house to pick them both up. Although I have combination skin I can really testify to the powers of illuminating primers - they have the power to cover so many sins, especially the chronic sleep deprivation that post-graduate study has led me into. For instance, I've been incredibly impressed with L'Oreal's Magic Lumi Primer which has been an almost daily staple of mine for the last year. However, there is something a little off about these two Bourjois primers. I really don't feel as though they perform at the same level as I've come to expect from Bourjois products. I love Bourjois' Clubbing Eyeliner and their mascaras but these two primers just don't do that much for my skin. They don't really extend the wear time of my make-up and if anything I find that they both are detrimental to it! The matte primer was especially disappointing as it really did very little to help my oily t-zone, whereas because I didn't expect the illuminating primer to help mattify it couldn't let me down in that way. 

When I wear the matte primer without foundation I find it works better at controlling shine but it doesn't seem to perform all that well when layered under make-up. The illuminating primer offers a very pretty pink glow (which is different from L'Oreal's primer which offers a white, opalescence) and it does brighten up the drier areas of my face quite well. I will continue to use both of these products albeit somewhat half-heartedly. I had very high expectations (and this may be to blame) so I can't help but feel a little bit let down. Whilst these are by no means bad products I don't think they testify to Bourjois' normal high quality and I wouldn't repurchase them. 

Have you tried either of these primers? What make-up primer would you recommend I try instead?