Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Holy Grail Beauty



It's not often that I will go so far as to declare a beauty product a 'Holy Grail' item, and in oder for me to do so it really does have to be something special. There are so many fantastic products out there, but often I am left with the feeling that there must be something better out there, even when it comes to the products that I love. Let's face it, there's not really such a thing as a miracle product. But upon thinking about my own beauty collection and which products I really, truly couldn't live without, I came up with these six little gems. If I love them that much, then it's only right that I should share them with you, so here goes.

Topping the list, it has to be the Elemental Herbology Eye Elixir Reparative Serum. Of all the products I own, this one has made the single most dramatic difference to both my appearance and to the way I feel about myself, and a good eye cream is most certainly not easy to find. Generally, they tend to be over-priced and promise the world, but when it comes to delivery there is usually a lot to be desired. This little beaut, however, does exactly what it claims to on the tin, reducing the appearance of dark circles and taking down puffiness like no other. The only area in which I haven't noticed as vast a difference is in the reduction of fine lines, but in my eyes (excuse the pun) there really isn't much that can be physically done about those once you've got them. I'd highly recommend this eye cream to anyone who struggles with any under-eye issues, and will continue to buy this again and again. Unfortunately it is rather pricey, but it lasts for months on end, and I'd rather pay out for one cream that actually works than five cheaper ones that don't change a jot. Full review here.
Next up is the MUA Pro Brow Kit, which at just £3.50 is an absolute bargain. Now, I know you're going to be annoyed with me for not showing you the inside, but trust me, you really wouldn't want to with the current state it's in. Let's just call it well-loved, and I'll refer you back to my full review here if you want to see it in all it's brand-new glory. The kit contains two brow shades (one lighter, one darker) and a contour which can be used beneath the browbone. There is also a rather handy pair of mini tweezers, as well as a flimsy slanted brush which I must admit, I never use. What I love about this product is that the darker brow shade is an exact match for my own, and once applied it stays put all day. I love how sculpted and groomed it leaves my brows looking, and how natural the finish is. I suppose the fact that I literally just use the one colour and the pair of tweezers is a bit of a shame, and perhaps doesn't say a lot for the product as a whole. But at a bargainous price, it gives me exactly what I want as does the job to perfection. It's rare that I will pick up the same product, day in, day out, but that's exactly what I do with this little kit, so for me it deserves HG status.
Two blushes I can always rely on to perk up my complexion no matter what are Nars Deep Throat (review here) and Mac Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Peachykeen. Deep Throat is a soft peachy pink which would flatter any skin tone, and Peachykeen (review here) is more of a dusky burnt peach. Both add a subtle, glowing sheen to the cheeks without making you look like a glitterball, and when I am feeling really tired and run down, or just generally having a bad face day, one of these two can always manage to sort things out and get me looking alive and awake again.
Last up, two skincare products. I reach for the Ren Clearcalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser every single morning, and it works wonders at keeping any excess oil at bay. Even better, it leaves kin feeling soft, smooth and comfortable - not dry or tight as you might expect. If you've got an oily t-zone or blemish-prone skin then this one is a must-have (full review here).  The Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner is another daily necessity for me, as containing AHAs, it gently exfoliates the skin, removing any pore-blocking debris which as a result, keeps blemishes and breakouts to a minimum. It's not a miracle worker, but then I don't think there is a product in this world that can curb hormonal breakouts completely (if there is then please do let me know!). It has, however, made a noticeable difference since I first began using it, and it leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft to boot.

Which products would you be willing to give the coveted Holy Grail Status?

xx

15 comments:

  1. I've wanted to try the Clarins product for so long! The Elemental Herbology eye cream sounds great too, I've given up on them as they just never seemed to work but it may be time to dig them back out....xx
    LaurasHaven.com

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    1. Yeah, most eye creams are pretty rubbish to be honest, makes me angry considering the prices of them! I would still like to find one that helps with fine lines, but as I say, I~m not convinced anything can really make a difference to those. xx

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  2. Not tried any Nars products yet but their next on my list

    Carrieanne x

    http://beautiesunlocked.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. I must admit, I haven~t tried that many either, but I am keen to get my hands on some more. Wish they were more affordable though. xx

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  3. I'm impressed by the REN cleanser so far - my skin is definitely less oily since I've started using this in the morning.
    I'm glad you've found an eye cream that works! I really am loving Elemental Herbology right now - using their Cell Food Serum and the Facial Detox Mask. xx

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    1. So glad they are working for you! EH is my favourite at the moment, their masks are just the best. I~ve just run out of the detox mask though, and my face is not happy about it! Ha xx

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  4. I adore the Ren Clarifying Cleanser so much :) I still need to pick up some sort of chemical exfoliant.
    Amy x
    -A Little Boat Sailing-

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    1. It~s fantastic for morning time, isn~t it. I find it especially helpful if I~ve used a facial oil the night before and still have the remnants of it left over in the morning.xx

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  5. I will have to try the Elemental eye serum, anything which will help with dark circles and puff eyes and I am there! Holy grail for me would have to be YSL touche eclat. I swear by it x

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    1. I~d really recommend it Kay, as I say, I am not at all easily impresswed by eye creams and am a complete sceptic about them, but this one really does the trick.xx

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  6. Ooo I really want the Clarins toner. Love the sound of that. I love how peachykeen looks on you! M xx

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  8. I really have to give the Clay Cleanser a go. My skin has been horrible ever since I went on holidays (I blame the humidity and many plane rides). x

    9 out of ten| follow me on

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