Shay x Quay or Cole Haan?!

It's official, today is the day - the clocks have gone forward, which technically means its spring, but the weather hasn't quite caught up yet..mind you I have so much work to do so going out an enjoying the sun wouldn't even be an option, so on second thoughts stay cloudy and grey until my hand-in on the 23rd of April...k?

As we are creeping into sunglasses season, I wanted to take a look in TK Maxx to see what they had to offer, before I went and had an unnecessary splurge. I have had my eye on the Shay x Quay collection that Quay brought out a couple of months ago and especially the "Midnight Runner" style. So when I saw an almost identical pair for £12.99 I had to get them! 

They are a flat top square shape with a Chanel-esq black and see through combo. Now, usually I feel black sunglasses just don't suit my complexion so I tend to stick to tortoise shell, but as these do have the fade on them I feel like they are a good inbetween. This is the first time I have ventured out of the usual big "Victoria Beckham circa 2005" sunglasses so it was a little bit of foreign territory, but after a read up of what shapes suit my face shape, and trying them on AND the fact that they were £12.99 I was sold! 

The brand of sunglasses are by Cole Haan who aren't so big over here but are an All-American brand, similar shapes to Ralph Loren and even Jack Wills back in the day. I can't find a name for the sunnies but the code is "C612210" if that helps, an additionally they were originally $78.00! WIN! So overall I am a happy bunny, not only are these gorgeous but they have saved me a fair amount of money! 

TK Maxx can be so overlooked, and I put my hands up to not really considering it when shopping, but if your prepared for a serious bargain shopping trip TK Maxx is 100% a one stop shop for everything!

Have you found any goodies in TX Maxx? 

I feel a may become obsessed! 

Clinique Anti-Blemish 3-Step System Review - My Skin Savior

About two months ago now I began my journey with Clinique, I was at my wits end with my skin being so temperamental with little to no control over breakouts and when they would occur. I had tried almost every face wash on the high street, doctors creams and nothing seemed to have the desired effect, then I read about the 3-step system. Now, there are a lot of mixed reviews online, but in my mind everyone has different skin, and what may not work for one individual may work for another. So I took the plunge and headed to my local counter in John Lewis. 

After a conversation with the lady we agreed that with my super oily and very blemish prone skin, I needed the anti-blemish range. I began my months trial for the ever so reasonable £25,and in the trial you receive your three steps - Cleansing Foam, Clarifying Lotion, and All Over Clearing Treatment (It's a Moisturiser)

So 2 Months in, my opinion? By far the most amazing acne product out there! But being honest it wasn't all fun and games for some time, the lady did warn me that this product does make you skin worse before it gets better, and my goodness it definitely did! I was getting spots all around my mouth - which is an area I have never before got them. In addition these weren't your average run of the mill spots, they were deep sore spots that take forever to go and are impossible to cover up, but I remember being told this is the product working giving your pores a deep clean! I feel like this is the point where a lot of people give up on the system, as it is really a horrible phase, but I was determined that It was going to work for me and plowed on. Now at about the 3/4 week mark, to my delight, they all of a sudden disappeared. Unfortunately I am still suffering with the scarring from these but they are fading slowly but surely. I am now at a point where I do feel comfortable enough not to wear foundation on a day to day basis, which to be honest was my aim from all this, so I am over the moon!

I've now got my eye on a few more of the Clinique skin care range to explore the benefits of the brand!

Here is a quick in's and outs of the products within the range -

Step 1 - Cleansing Foam 

This removes any make-up your wearing in addition to any oils on the face, with one or two pumps at the most, I am able to do my whole face and neck area. I was a little apprehensive as to if it would actually take my make up off, but it really does with the added affect of leaving a lovely clean feeling to the face. It has no fragrance but does have a slightly medicinal smell to it which I love!

Step 2 - Clarifying Lotion 

With the ingredients of Salicylic acid and alcohol this acts as both a toner and an exfoliater. I've read that some people find that this drys their skin out, but for me with extremely oily skin this dry feeling is what I want. If you do have a spot it does sting a little but that sting lets you know its doing its job! The lady told me to apply it in a downward motion so that the optimum amount of product gets into the pores. Again it has a slightly medicinal smell. In addition, it is very important to give the bottle a good shake before use since the Salicylic acid tends to sit at the bottom. 

Step 3 - All Over Clearing Treatment

I have no idea why they call this a clearing treatment, its a moisturiser! As you may be able to see from the first image, I have no full size third step, no clearing treatment. For me, this was a pointless step, it was nor aiding or hindering the spot clearing process, so I've swapped it out for a bio-oil based moisturiser to help with my scaring. 

Have you tried anything from the anti-blemish range? Has it worked for you?

You can buy your trial here for £25, or buy just take a browse at their full range here.

Clinique 3-Step Anti-Blemish System

Clinique 3-Step Anti-Blemish System

Having Suffered on-and-off with my skin for the last 6/7 years of my life, I was at my wits end. I mean, I don't have the worst skin imaginable but I do suffer constantly with at-least 2 or 3 spots (if I'm lucky), open pores, oily skin and acne scaring which overall has really knocked my confidence, I'm too embarrassed to go out make-up-less, always having to have a full foundation routine slapped on my face. Which with summer fast approaching I really don't want to be doing. The goal is to be able to pop on a bit of tinted moisturiser and mascara and be on my way. 

I Have tried exfoliation, all the face washes under the sun and creams from the Doctors. All seemed to work for a while but after a few weeks maybe more, it was as if my skin 'got used' to the products and they became less effective. 

Now, after endless google-ing, reading blog reviews and watching YouTube videos I finally decided to take the plunge and head to my nearest Clinique counter for a consultation. Within a couple of questions from the Clinique dermatologist I was matched to the Anti-Blemish system, which I kinda guess i'd be matched to anyway. I was offered a 4-Week Trial for £25 which for some may seem a little pricey but for me and the lack of confidence my skin often gives me it was worth a go. 

As the name suggests the system is split into 3 easy steps. 

- Step 1 - Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam. 
This is the deep cleanse, removing make-up (but from what I've noticed only if not heavy make-up)

- Step 2 - Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion. 
Which Unclogs pores that can lead to spots.

-Step 3 - Anti-Blemish Solutions All-Over Clearing Treatment Oil-Free. 
Fancy Name for a moisturiser really!
                                          

I've only been using it a few days now so not really in a position to write my full opinions as of yet, but what i can say is so far so good. The lady did mention that sometimes skin can get worse before it gets better but luckily (so far) that is not something I have come across. 
I Have an appointment after my 4-week trial is up early May so no doubt by then I will have a better insight into this product! :)     

                

Chloe xx