The Dark Eye's Post (taking a side step from clothes for a moment) & A Contact Lens Saving

One of my Facebook followers posted a desperate plea for help in the eye area.  Let me start by saying I am by no means a beautician/therapist/beauty blogger, but I am a Mummy who does suffer from many sleepless nights and therefore need help 'faking' it for work that day.  Funnily enough Gemma couldn't have asked at a better time.  I recently ran out of my eye gel that I use so have been finishing other products I have, more creamy based ones.  I must say I have noticed a massive difference.  I prefer a gel around the eyes first thing as feel my make-up stays on better and it also wakes my eyes up.   No matter how long I've left the cream to soak in, I've still had make-up leaking in that area throughout the day.  On top of that, (and I will admit, I rarely look in the mirror and think my eyes look dark so something must have been working) I really have noticed my eyes looking puffier, darker and more tired.  Yes, I am tired but nothing I haven't gone through before.  I put it down to not using my gel.  It's not cheap at £29 however, it lasts for ages and it has made a difference, unbeknown to me at the time, only until I stopped using it!

About 3-4 years ago (and I think I may have written a blog about it) I was really struggling with under eye concealers.  On both occasions I went into two different department stores and was told that I had to stop trying to cover up the problem and start treating it…….well!  Armed with a sample of the Clarins gel I never looked back.  I use a cream at night around the eyes (always a eye cream, never just my night cream) as feel this is their time to really hydrate.  When applying I was taught to dab/pat really gently, never rub.  The skin around your eyes is so delicate and rubbing it ages and damages it.  So this is my research Gemma!

I'm not normally that loyal to one brand but Clarins seems to be a winner for me (their hand cream is my number one).  On a separate occasion I also tried their Instant Light for under eye coverage.  I found it lighter than it's rival the cult YSL Touche Eclait but not as light as the Lancome offering.  This now is a firm staple and is replaced as soon as it runs out. 

On a final note about the dark eye area, ultimately diet & health play a huge part.  I know I don't drink enough and definitely don't get enough sleep so I'm not starting well.  The two above products however  have helped me.  There is loads out there to try and unfortunately pennies will be spent in sampling them.  A good counter at a store will give you samples to try.  Devote a little time like I did years ago and you will reap the rewards one day when you find 'the one'.

Whilst we are on the subject of eyes, I was recently introduced to a new contact lense company.  I wear lenses pretty much every day, they are monthly disposables.  This year I have vowed to get my eyes lazered, October is my deadline!  Until then, I needed more lenses.  My last lot cost me around £24 for 3 pairs (I have to have a toric lense in one eye before anyone tells me that is pricey!) so I was pleasantly surprised at Lentiamo's price of £39.48 for 6 months supply.  What I liked equally as much is that I didn't have to wait in or collect them from the post office as I'd missed the delivery.  Their boxes are designed to fit straight through your letterbox.  There is 10% off your first order of over £20, a free phone helpline number and free deliveries over £30.  Just thought I'd share them with you in case any of you are lense wearers like me.  

For My Fellow Bloggers!

I love to read other peoples blogs, it's an instant connection to 'real people' and it's great to see how other people work their wardrobes.  Whilst reading through some of my regular's I felt I wanted to share not only them but respond to some of their posts with one of my own.   So here goes.

Beth (Style Guile) had just invested in some products after being advised so at a beauty counter.  After being left with a rash (and returning the said products) she is left sceptical about the beauty business.  So I thought I would photograph some of my trusted favourites. I mostly go on recommendations and magazines reviews as I believe them to be un-bias.  'Look' magazine always do a review on products and use readers to test them.  Failing that some larger boots have sample sizes next to products or I just ask for the samples!  Here are some of my favourite facial products.

1. Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Face Wash - I always use in the morning,  not only is the scent amazing but it's under £5 and usually on offer.
2. Decleor cleanser and toner - I stumbled across this as it was reduced to £18 for the two on Amazon Black Friday deals last year.  I use at night and I would definitely buy again (but not full price of course!)
3. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - I use on my lips daily but pretty much on any other part of my body that needs hydrating or repairing.  That includes the kids and husband!
4. Clarins Eye Contour Gel - I use this in the mornings, it makes my eyes feel so fresh and wakes them up.  I initially had a tiny sample (which lasted ages) given to me by the sales assistant from their counter.
5. The Body Shop Camomile Eye Make-Up Remover - I spent years trying to find one that didn't smear across my eyes so my vision was hazy or so weak that it didn't do what it said on the tin.  This I am pleased to report works perfectly for me!
6. Garnier Wipes (dry skin) - I recently bought another brand due to price (why when these are such good value anyway is beside me) but I've gone back to these now.  I find that even though my skin isn't sensitive normally I tend to be a bit rougher when I use wipes so perhaps that's why these work well for me.  I alternate at night between these and cleansing and toning.
7. (Not pictured - sad face) my beloved Lancome Hydra Zen day and night creams - currently sat with a friend who sourced them half price in the sales for me!  I have broken out in those horrible lumpy under the skin spots and I know exactly why - I've been using a (much) cheaper night cream and samples of day creams.  Yes these are pricey (£40 ish each but I managed 2 for 1!) but I think if you find a product that suits your skin, then so be it.  I am not impartial to try different products - like I currently am, however after nearly 2 months of doing so, my skin has had enough! 

Sue (Susie So So) recently shared her day outfit, being jeans, jumper and scarf combo, she likes to keep it real!  So in a bid to be real back, here is my school run look from Friday.  My age old skinnies from Gap, I don't feel like they make them the same these days.  A Banana Republic jumper I found at a sample sale for £5.   As it is a v neck I put my Temperly Panther scarf around to keep out the cold.  Finished with my my old faithfuls, Timberland boots.  These have worn so well, they look better with age.  Had they been reduced sufficient enough in the black pair, I would have bought them again.  Looking back I think I definitely should have worn my darker jeans but needs must (as in 'clothes') when your rushing yourself and two kiddies out the house for school in the morning!

Avril (School Gate Style) has made a New Years Resolution to remember to put her eye cream on before bed.  I have my night creams right next to my bed ready to apply before I sleep.  I am religious with doing them, I like my skin to really hydrate at night as it's a great make-up free time for it to renew and replenish (I sound like a beauty ad!).  Here is my little display, yes it means more to dust around but it's a small sacrifice to pay to keep my skin in good condition!

1. Clarins Hand Cream
2. Boot rose cuticle oil (not every night!)
3. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
4. Cyclax Eye Cream
5.Olay Night Cream
6. Bath and Body Works Pillow Mist

And just for you Avril - my 'pajama pants' as my husband called them!   M&S for anyone interested, they looked loads better on the model, but are now only £8 in their sale if your after an alternative to black to go out in.  Back to store tomorrow to return, but they were worth a go!

And finally a little shout out to my lovely friend who launched her fabulaous on line Homewares shop.  She has a wealth of background knowledge in interiors and I'm sure when you take a look, you will all agree the products she is selling are just beautiful.  Introducing The White House Interiors.

My Beauty Must Have's!

Clarins Hand cream - always on my Christmas list as an indulgent hand treat. I love love love the smell, not too greasy. Cheaper alternative The Body Shop's Hemp Hand cream - great for the Winter months and just tried their Rose and Almond versions too, lush!

Lancome Hydra Zen Nuit (Night!) Cream - a random airport purchase from my hubby (pre hubbyness!) as he knew I liked the brand, I now won't be swayed on this. I recently purchased the day version in the duo pack and also rate this. Always have a separate night cream, skin laps up the extra moisture at night.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - a cult miracle product - even just recommended it to my friend for her 4 year old's chapped skin. Use it on anything! I apply on lips before bed, hang nails, sores, you name it, I apply it!

Elnett hairspray - Been using for 6 years + now. Recently tried a free trial sample of another brand, gave me sticky hair! A golden (literally in the packaging!) oldy that doesn't skimp on quality.

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash - I love this smell! It wakes me up in the morning, refreshing and cleansing. Great price, doesn't dry out my skin. Easy pump for shower use, cheap and fab!

Clarins Eye Contour Gel - after being told to start 'treating the problem' of dark circles under my eyes (several blogs down!) I was given a sample and I am hooked. I only use in the morning as is so refreshing and I really do believe in it. Doesn't crease under make up and my darkness with time has faded. Yet to hit the spot with an eye cream for the night, still work in progress.

Shopping list item; (aside from my London Fashion Weekend date this Friday, wooohoo!) is a colourful lipstick. Lipgloss, wind and long hair = a nightmare. Noticed that am just slicking on a gloss in ease, they are pale and do nothing for my complexion. Have a Boots voucher so am off to the Chanel counter for a pocket treat of luxury colour!