Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum Review

It took me a long time to realise that oily skin could indeed feel dehydrated.You would think it is common sense to know this but nopes, I just thought there is no way my skin would ever need any extra hydration in its oily state. I could never have been more wrong. I would say my skin is fairly well behaved during A/W season but it just goes bonkers during summer. It feels a little more oily but at the same time I can tell it is dehydrated because it just looks dull. Of course, I always up my water intake but somehow moisture still leaves my skin one way or the other. I have a post here where I spoke about how to keep your skin hydrated this summer and I featured this serum. However, I thought it deserved its own review because I have really enjoyed using it this month. I received the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum* along with other lovely skincare products from the Vichy PR team and I was really pleased to finally try it.

Vichy- Brief Overview

I am sure you all know I am crazy about French skincare products because they work really well with my skin.  And of course, they have one of the best pristine packagings ever! I don't know what it is about them but they work for my acne/blemish prone combination skin. Vichy is a premium brand which stocks makeup, skincare and anti-aging products and the brand was founded in 1930. The water used in the production of their various products is obtained from their Thermal Spa water in the hot Springs of the town Vichy in France. Vichy is one of the biggest beauty brands in the European skincare market and are well known for their makeup range, Dermablend. I have always been intrigued by the Dermablend range especially after watching various videos on YouTube where it was shown to completely cover spots, blemishes, tattoos and even Vitiligo. It's seriously incredibly and I may just need to try it out if they have a shade  that matches my complexion. Vichy is stocked in Boots and other online stores like Escentual, Dermacentre, to mention a few.

Packaging

How elegant is this packaging? I think it looks so much more expensive than it is. The Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum comes in a 30 ml glass packaging complete with a pump. The bottle is a lovely sky blue shade and it is transparent so you can see how much product is left. I really like this transparent feature. There is nothing as annoying as finding out your beloved skincare has run out when you least expect it especially if it is housed in an opaque bottle. I just love everything about the packaging and I am so pleased it comes with a pump. The pump helps to dispense the right amount of product although it is easy to be wasteful because the texture of the serum itself is slightly runny. The bottle is a slim one which makes it easy to travel with as it is under 30 ml. The lid is also well secured so it is not one of those serums that would spill all over your luggage if you travelled with it.

What does Vichy say about the Aqualia Thermal Serum?

The Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum is described as a dynamic hydration power serum which is designed to hydrate and plump the skin. It also promises to provide 48-Hr lasting hydration and provide a fresh and radiant complexion. In order to make this serum as dynamic as possible, the Vichy Thermal Spa Water is combined with sugars  in an energizing formula. Now, that's a lot of strong claims so you can imagine how curious I was to try this little power serum and see if it lives up to its claims.

First Impressions/Thoughts

The first thing I noticed was how refreshing and hydrating it made my skin feel immediately after cleansing my skin. I find that no matter what how gentle my cleanser is, my skin still feels slightly dry afterwards. I always combat this with a toner to rebalance my PH and add back some moisture but sometimes there is still that slight dehydrated feeling. This is where this serum shows its prowess. On application, I noticed an immediate hydrating effect and it does not disappear after it sinks in. I think this is really important because many serums provide an immediate hydrating effect but it disappears before you are even done with your skincare routine. This did not happen with the Aqualia Therma Serum and I am really pleased about it. It has a lovely fragrance which reminds me of very high end brands like Lancome which I love. I know some people don't like fragrances because it bothers them or their skin. If you are under this category, you may not like this serum because it is has a fragrance (although it is rather lovely). However, it is not one that lingers and it has definitely not broken me out at all. It's worth trying a sample/tester, maybe in Boots, to see how you get on with it before purchasing or writing it off.

Application/How I use

It is a slightly runny serum as mentioned earlier so I start with one pump and then use a second pump if need be. I am careful not to waste it because one pump appears to be enough. If my skin feels slightly stripped than normal, then I go in with another pump. I just apply it to the back of my hands and gently massage across my face. I think it is best to use your fingertips but I just prefer to put it at the back of my hands first before using my fingertips.  It really feels refreshing and hydrating and I can't emphasise enough how much I have enjoyed using it this season. I try to concentrate around the areas of my face where I have more pores because I feel it helps them stay minimised. I use this serum in the morning and night or one of the other depending on how my skin is feeling. It does not interfere with the rest of my skincare products instead I believe it helps them work better with my skin.

Results

I decided to trial this for a full month so I can give a proper in depth review on the results. I am aware that everyone's skin is different and people all have different experiences. However, I have only heard good things about this serum and it has been featured in many reviews and product favourites. This is simply because it does what it says on the tin. It really keeps my skin plump and hydrated. One thing I notice every time I apply my makeup after using this serum is that my makeup goes on really smoothly. My skin just feels soft, supple and radiant and I am impressed with it. I won't go as far as saying that it provides 48-Hr lasting hydration as it claims but it does provide an evident long lasting hydration. I am not surprised at all because it contains Hyaluronic Acid which helps keep the skin hydrated for a long time. Also, I have not had any breakouts except for the few hormonal ones near my cheeks (the bane of my existence)

Cost//Link

I personally don't think it is an expensive serum at £22.50. I say this because it has such amazing quality with immediate benefits that you can see. Many serums out there cost a whole lot more and I don't think they offer as much benefits as this. I really recommend this serum if you are looking to start using a serum but don't know where to begin. The best thing is that there are always offers everywhere so you don't have to ever pay full price. Whenever I want to purchase any product, I just go to Google Ads or shops and do a price comparison because any offers or sales always come up at the top. As of today, Escentual has a 20% off everything on their website so you would be paying only £17.50 for this serum. 
Chemist Direct have it for £16.49. When I find other discounts, I would update this post. I honestly can't think of anything I don't like about this serum. 

Overall Thoughts

I can't help but gush about this serum because I have really enjoyed it and it is on my repurchase list when I run out. This was one of my first Vichy product I have tried and I am really impressed. I was also lucky to receive the Vichy Idealia Serum* which is equally amazing in fact I have a comparison post and review coming up soon  in case you are torn between choosing one. It's a hard choice but I guess it would depend on what kind of skin you have and what your needs are. That's it folks!! I hope you enjoyed this review and have a lovely weekend. Have you tried the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum?
*PR Sample + Affiliate Links used, read my full disclaimer here

Budget Skincare Haul (Drugstore)

It has been a moment since I posted a drug store skincare haul and I have quite a few products to show. I think I may do a video instead because it may just be way too long a post. However, I wanted to post a few gems I have been recently been enjoying. Well, I use the word drug store very loosely because I actually bought them from Sainsbury's when I was grocery shopping. The Sainsbury's near my house is just amazing when they have deals in their beauty section. I buy majority of my skincare products from Grocery shops because they are much cheaper and I also get loyalty points as well. Win-Win!!. Besides, all the products I purchased were all under £5 each which makes me so delighted especially as their regular retail prices are more expensive than £5. Majority of the products are from L'Oreal because they had a massive offer on L'Oreal skincare products. I love L'Oreal makeup and skincare because they are such good quality and I'm not surprised seeing that they own many high end brands. I also picked up an old favourite- The Neutrogena Grapefruit Facial Wash only because I adore the packaging. Right, let's stop the ramble and just jump right into these mini reviews.



L'Oreal Extraordinary Facial Cleansing Oil// Link // £7.99 (currently on offer for £4.75)
I still think the easiest way to effectively remove all your makeup is by using a cleansing oil. It may not feel like the best way at all because it does feel a bit weird but the results make it worthwhile. I have tried quite a few cleansing oils and enjoyed majority of them. I have seen the L'Oreal facial cleansing oils in store a few times but I never bothered to pick it up until it was on sale for £4.75. I was drawn to the packaging of this bottle and I wanted to know what was "extraordinary" about it as the name suggested. The first thing I noticed is that it almost feels like a dry oil because it is not too greasy. I just dispense about two pumps on my palms and massage my face gently. I rinse off with warm water which turns the oil into an emulsified mixture and I have a clean face. Of course, I still go back to do my second cleanse but it makes my skincare routine much shorter. It really works well and rinses off easily which I am delighted with because I don't want to be stuck with extra grease.


L'Oreal Skin Perfection Miracle Cleansing Oil// Link //£7.99 (currently on offer for £4.75)
I am sure you are wondering why I had to pick up two cleansing oils. Yeah, I have asked myself the same question but I don't have any sensible answer. Actually, I was going to pick up just one cleansing oil but I got derailed. I liked the packaging of the Extraordinary Oil but the Skin Perfection Cleansing Oil promised to remove waterproof makeup so I just had to get both. I know that sounds super shallow but at £4.75 each, I could hardly be burning a hole in my pocket. I prefer the L'Oreal Skin Perfection Cleansing Oil because I think it works more effectively than the other version. It feels a little more nourishing on the skin which I prefer for the warmer months. I have to say it also removes my makeup a bit better than the Extraordinary version but it is hard to tell if you are not looking out for differences. It is amazing at melting my makeup off including waterproof makeup which I have been reaching for this Summer. If you are thinking of getting one of these cleansing oils, I really recommend the Skin Perfection Cleansing Oil.


L'Oreal Gentle Eye Makeup Remover// Link // £3.65 (on offer for £2.50)
I was going wait to put up a little post on drug store eye makeup removers before talking about this makeup remover. However, it's too precious not to mention. I absolutely love this eye makeup remover and I think it may be one of the best drug store version I have tried. I still love my Rimmel Let it Go Eye Makeup Remover but this L'Oreal version seems much effective at removing my eyemakeup. It  easily takes off waterproof makeup including mascara and eyeliners. It does not matter how dark my eyeshadows are, it still goes away with this eye makeup remover. The best part is it does not leave any oily or greasy feeling and it does not sting my sensitive eyes. I really recommend trying this. I got it on sale for only £2.50 and I regret not picking up another one.


Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash// Link  // £4.69 (on offer for £3.00)
This is a real throwback purchase for me because I got this last in 2011/12 or so. It's been a really long time but I remember enjoying it when I last used it. It smells so amazing and it really does a good job at cleansing my skin. I am a huge fan of Neutrogena products and I love that they always have offers in the drug store. I always stock up on my favourites from the brand especially their Visibly Clear Range. I already said I purchased this mainly because it has such a pretty packaging and I would do so again in a heartbeat. It's so pretty and it is really summer appropriate. However, the product itself works really well with my skin. It feels smooth on application and my skin is really cleansed (not stripped) after use. The Grapefruit fragrance smells so amazing and I always want to use it every chance I have. It's perfect for a quick morning skincare routine and it just gives my face a nice zesty feeling to wake it up.


Biore Charcoal Pore Minimiser// Link // £5.99 (on offer for £4.99)
I think this is the only product within this haul that I am undecided about. I think I need to test it out a little more to make a final decision if I love it or not. I purchased it because I was looking for a charcoal cleanser similar to the Glam Glow Mud Cleanser. I don't think the Glow Mud cleanser is available in the UK or if it is, I have not come across it. I love using anything with charcoal in it, be it a mask or a black head peel off mask. Charcoal helps in adsorbing and absorbing dirt, grease, grime and any impurities on the skin. The idea of a cleanser with charcoal in it was more than enticing. The Biore Charcoal Pore Minimiser comes in a really interesting package which is very similar to Colgate Toothpaste but I actually like it. The product dispenses really well but I think it can be a little wasteful if you are not careful. However, it does a decent job of cleansing my face and I was surprised at how much lather it cooked up. My face feels quite clean after using this but I have not noticed any much difference in the size of my pores. As I said, I am still testing this product so I would report back maybe next month. It was only £4.99 or maybe £4 so I don't think it's a bad amount to pay for this.


Overall Thoughts
I am really pleased with my mini skincare haul from Sainsbury's. I highly recommend checking out their beauty section because they always have amazing deals. I purchase majority of my drug store skincare stash from there because I also get loyalty points with my grocery shopping. I also recommend checking out ASDA and Tesco for their beauty sections. They all have amazing deals which you would never find in regular drug stores like Boots and Superdrug. The only snag is that only really large stores have a good beauty section. The smaller Sainsbury's and Tesco don't have a dedicated beauty section with deals. I am really loving all the L'Oreal products I managed to pick up at such a bargain. That's all folks!! Have you tried any products in this mini haul?...xx
*Affiliate links used above and below, read my full disclaimer here

Rimmel Kate Nude Lipstick Review

I usually opt for Nude lipsticks for work or everyday wear because there is something so classy and understated about them. However, it is quite difficult to get a lovely nude lipstick that would suit my complexion and I think it is the same with many ski tones because people have different undertones. Besides, my lips have two different colours which makes things slightly complicated. My upper lip is slightly darker or maybe more pigmented than my lower lip which is light pink. This means a lip colour which is nude for my lower lip may end up looking ashy on my upper lip. However, there are various ways around it. I tend to mute out my lips with a concealer or foundation so most lipsticks would pop or appear evenly on my lips. Majority of my nude lipsticks are from MAC and Estee Lauder and a few other high end brands because they are more pigmented and offer a wider range of shades. I am not a huge fan of many drug store nude lipsticks because there aren't many shades that are actually nude on my lips. When I heard and saw that Rimmel had launched their Kate Nude Lipsticks and Nail polish range, I was curious. First off, I was pleased they tried their best to cover a wide range of skin tones. I really like Rimmel lipsticks because their formula is amazing particularly the Kate range. I popped into Boots for a little swatching session and I ended up picking three shades from the five shades that were available. I did not pick up any nail polish because I have way too many nail polishes in my collection but they looked pretty. I am not going to lie; the lipstick packaging lured me in completely. They look amazing in pictures and in real life but more importantly, they work really well. I am sure you would notice from the picture that two of the shades look similar but they are not that similar in real life.


Overview
I am sure everyone knows about the Rimmel Lipstick Kate Range because this range has been around for a long while now. I own a few lipsticks from the Kate range and I love the formula and packaging design. In case you are wondering, the Kate range is created by the lovely super model Kate Moss whose taste and style is so chic and she is one of my favourite models. Her signature can be found on the packaging of all the Kate range lipsticks and it adds a really personal touch to the design. The Kate Nude Lipstick was launched last month (or maybe this month) and there are five shades of lipsticks to choose from and they aim to cater to a range of skin tones. The shades don't have any names but they do have numbers and they start from -040, 042, 043, 045 and 048. Yeah, I know the numbers are not quite in sequence but maybe they plan to release more shades. Who knows? In Boots, there is a helpful chart in the Rimmel Makeup stand which is useful for choosing shades. Some of the shades have warm undertones and some have cooler undertones but nevertheless, I think you can choose whatever you wish like I did.



Packaging
Isn't the packaging the classiest thing ever? I have always loved the Rimmel Kate packaging but this creamy beige packaging is just divine. I even spied a lip balm in a similar white packaging and I know I am definitely purchasing it even though I don't need it. Well, I could use my Boots points for it instead of shelling out. I am sure many people are inclined to try this because it has a pretty packaging and of course, the lipstick is also lovely. It has the typical Kate Moss signature inscribed in white as well with a little heart. The colours of the shades and shade number can be found underneath the lipstick and I think they are quite close to the actual colour pay off of the lipstick. The best part of the packaging is that it has a click when you close the lipstick. Yes, I am one of those crazy girls obsessed with packagings that have a satisfying click. On a more serious note, packagings with clicks mean the products are secure in your handbag and there are minimal chances of any spillage or damage.



Shades I chose
It was a little difficult to choose what shades I wanted because they all looked pretty. I knew 048 (the darkest) was definitely going to suit me and 040 (the lightest) was a huge no-no so it was between the remaining three shades. There was also an offer on- I think it was 3 for 2 or maybe buy one get one free so I had to get one more lippie. I eventually settled for 043, 045 and of course, 048. I almost did not pick up the 045 because it was designed for people with cooler undertones but I still wanted it. In a way, I think it reminds me of the Kate 03 Lipstick (allegedly a dupe for MAC Velvet Teddy) but it has a pinkier hue to it. I am really pleased with the shades I purchased and I think I may just buy one nail polish when pay day arrives because the darkest Nude shade looked so lovely.



I have to mention that the way these lipsticks swatch on my hands are not the same as they look on my lips. If you can, try and get a swatch in store. It is always important to disinfect the tester, swatch it on your hand and then onto your lips. I say this because you may be surprised that it may come up differently on your lips as opposed to the swatch. Never EVER use a tester lipstick directly on your lips; it's super gross and disgusting. Generally,I go by the swatch on my lips but if I have to test it on my lips, I use a wipe (I always have one in my bag) and wipe the lipstick before swatching on my hands and transferring the swatch to my lips. It seems like too much of a hassle (which it is) but you can't return drug store products here in the UK so it's better to be safe than sorry. I would try my best to describe the shades as well as I can. Also, I used a lip liner before applying all the lipsticks but I don't think it is necessary with the 048 which is perfect for my lips.


043- I would describe this lipstick as a light brown peachy nude shade with slight  hues of pink. I really like this lipstick a lot and it reminds me of MAC's Shy Girl. It's a perfect everyday lip shade for me and I think it would work well with many skin tones particularly if you have olive skin tones or light brown skin tone. As mentioned, I always line my lips first before using this shade because it looks super ashy without using one. My favourite lip liner for this lipsticks (and all the other lipsticks in this range) is MAC Lip Liner in Cork. I absolutely enjoy it and I think it's my favourite one from this range.


045- I would describe this as a pinkish nude shade with a cool undertone. I thought I would love this more than any shade because the swatch looked amazing. However, it looks way different on my lips. It is borderline ashy on my lips which is why I have to really line my lips well but it does look lovely when I manage to sort it out. Don't get me wrong; it's not difficult to work at all. This would definitely be more suitable for anyone who has a light skin tone with cool undertones. I also think it has more of a lustre compared to the other shades which makes it stand out a little more.


048- I find this a little difficult to describe this shade because it looks different every time I wear it. I don't think this is particularly nude for me but it suits me much better than any of the shades. I would describe it as a reddish dark brown shade with warm undertones. It is the most pigmented of all the colours and I do think it looks very pretty. Although it is designed for darker skin tones, I do think it would suit other skin tones. I really like  it and I think it would be suitable for Autumn/Winter because it reminds me of  a vampy shade.



Formula/Application/Longevity
I have always liked the Rimmel Lasting Finish formulas because they apply so smoothly and they do last well. I won't say they last for 8 hours as advertised but it does wear well even when I eat or drink. I have to say the lighter nude shades (043 and 045) don't last as long as the darker shade (048) bit that's not a surprise as 048 is well pigmented. They have a slightly sweet scent (I think it's vanilla or something similar) and I love it. I heard a few people don't like it but I don't think it is overpowering or annoying. These lipsticks glide on easily and they have a slight lustre finish. I don't have to bother with a lip gloss with them although I sometimes use a lip gloss with the 043 so it looks better on my lips. If you have dry lips or cracked lips, I think you can get away with these lipsticks because they are quite forgiving on the lips.


Cost// Link
I don't think they are pricey at all at £5.49 a pop. Most drug stores like Boots and Superdrug always have offers and you would be hard pressed to actually pay full price. I know I never do even if it means getting an extra shade which is precisely what I did. I think I may have paid £10 or so for three of them which is pretty affordable if you ask me. I think they are really good value for money. If you are not fussed about the other shades, you can also pick up a matching nail polish so you have a complete Nude collection. I do really recommend trying them.


Overall Thoughts
I have really enjoyed using them especially for normal everyday wear. As mentioned earlier, I love Nude lipsticks because they always seem so classy and elegant. I am really pleased I purchased these affordable lipstick and I know I am going back to pick up at least one nail polish. Have you tried the Rimmel Kate Nude Lipsticks?...xx
Affiliate Links used above, read my full disclaimer here.

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil Review

Facial Oils are skincare products people either love or hate because they are scared it would leave their face all greasy and shiny. However, not all facial oils are created the same or equally. I am a fan of Facial oils but I always choose super carefully because I have combination oily skin. I've had pleasant experiences using facial oils and they have brought the best benefits to my skin. When it comes to oil, I always go for oils that are at least 90% natural because I don't want anything clogging up my pores. I find that the few times I have used dodgy oils, my skin has just gone berserk with breakouts because it could not handle it at all. I was delighted to receive the Balance Me Radiance Face Oil* about a month ago and it has been amazing testing it out. To be fair, it is not completely new to me because I got a mini roller ball version in a Latest in Beauty Box- get the Gloss Edition (reviewed here) so I knew I would love the big bottle.  Balance Me in itself is not a new brand to me because I have tested quite a few of their products and I love majority of them. They are very generous in including deluxe samples in magazines especially during Summer. I have tried various Balance Me Samples in magazines including the Balance Me Cleansing Balm, Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash, Balance Me Radiance Face Mask, etc. I love this brand because they use very natural ingredients and I think that's really commendable. I won't say all the products I use are natural and organic but I always choose anything natural when and where possible because it is best for my skin.




Packaging
You all know I had to talk about the packaging. I love that the Balance Me Radiance Face Oil is housed in this beautiful glass packaging complete with a pipette. It takes me back to when I was in university studying for my Pharmacy degree. We had so many lab experiments where I always hoped to get the right titre value because failing to get this meant starting the experiment all over again. Those days were so much fun and I actually miss them!!. Anyway, let's not digress from the topic at hand. In this bottle there is 30 ml of oil which may sound small but trust me a little goes a long way. I have used it for almost a month now and I still have a lot left. The pipette dispenser ensures that only the amount you need is dispensed thereby minimising waste. I just love everything about the packaging because it is pretty and practical.


Formulation
The first thing I do when I get a new product, especially an oil, is to check out what the ingredients are. You see our skin is biggest organ in the body and any and every thing can get through really easily. One has to be super careful with what you put on the skin because it is quite permeable and things just go straight into the body. I was delighted to see that all the ingredients in this lovely facial oil are 100% natural and they are oils I have tried separately at some point. The Balance Me Radiance Face Oil has an excellent mix of hand picked oils including Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Oil, Buriti Oil, Moringa Seed Oil and Camellia Oil. It is also enhanced with ancient skin conditioners including Yarrow and Benzoin. You can't get more natural than this, trust me. I am not a skincare expert by any means but I do know that Rosehip oil is amazing for blemishes and scarring. Sweet Almond oil and Jojoba oil are all amazing for improving the skin's natural lustre and they add some radiance to the complexion. One thing I am impressed with is the texture of the oil. Let me explain, you know how some oils sit on top of your skin leaving you with a greasy feeling. Well, this is not one of them. It feels moisturising when you use it and it absorbs really quickly. You can see an evident lustre to the face but there is no greasy feeling whatsoever and I am really impressed with it.



Application
It is straight forward to use because the pipette makes it super easy. It can be used in the morning and at night but I mainly use it at night during Summer. I know I would be reaching for it both day and night once the season changes so I can still maintain my plump radiant skin and complexion. At the moment, I just dispense two drops in my palm and warm it up a bit by rubbing my palms together. Next, I massage my face and neck (don't forget your neck, people) with it and I just love the glow I get. The good thing is my skin still feels so plump with a glow the next morning and this always amazes me. When I just had the roller ball, I just applied it directly onto cleansed face and it was still super easy to use. If you have specific blemishes you want to target, you can just apply it directly to the spot and massage it in. It is recommended that you use this on its own or under a moisturiser and I have tried both methods and enjoyed the results I got. However, I prefer using it just on its own at night without any moisturiser because I feel it does a good job by itself. One thing I would say is I am not a huge fan of the way it smells. I am a fan of lovely fragrances but this smells very organic which I am sure many people would like. I am used to the smell now and I don't think it bothers me as much as when I first tried it. However, I appreciate the fact that no added preservative or fragrance was used in this product which is why it maintains its natural fragrance.



Results
I have read quite a few reviews on this lovely Balance Me Radiance Face Oil and every body agrees that there is an evident glow the next day. It is not called Radiance oil for nothing because it really lives up to its name. Once I massage my face with it, I see an immediate radiance and I don't mean shine by any means. It is not uncommon to get a shine when you use any oil but radiance/glow is totally different from a shine. A shine feels reflective and greasy while a glow/radiance feels like you are lit from within and you just look very healthy. Another benefit I have noticed is fading of some of my blemishes. I had a really dark blemish from a naughty  spot a few days before I received this facial oil. Upon using it regularly, I have noticed an improvement in its appearance but I would not say it has completely faded. I find that natural oils and ingredients fade blemishes slower but in an even way that leaves your skin supple and not stripped. I actually prefer it this way. I am looking forward to still using it continuously because I know it is effective and I am keen to see good results. If you suffer from dull skin or dry skin, I really recommend using this to add some oomph to your complexion. I also find that it is really useful to layer it on top of hydrating moisturiser or serum to lock in the moisture all day.


Cost//Link
I am sure you already guessed right; it is not a particularly cheap oil at £30 for 30 ml. However, I already mentioned that you need so little for your face. I have used this for a month now and I have hardly made a dent (well, not a dent but you know what I mean). The pipette really helps you manage the amount you use so there is little chance of waste. I see this bottle lasting me for at least 6 months even if I use it every morning and night. I think it is really amazing value for money. However, if you want to give it a test-drive before investing in it, I suggest trying out the 15 ml Roller Ball for £15. It is smaller and easier to carry around but I think it may dispense the product a little more than the pipette does. I also recommend checking out beauty boxes to see if there are any samples included because you would pay way less to get the 15 ml version. I already mentioned I got mine from the Latest in Beauty Glamour Power Box (now sold out). I also saw they have a 15% discount on the Balance Me website if you sign up to their newsletter. 


Overall Thoughts
I am so pleased I had a chance to try the Balance Me Radiance Face Oil. I take the 15 ml sample with me when I travel because it is so travel friendly and I have not had an issues with leakage from it. It is well secured and I think the roller ball allows you apply it to areas that may be difficult to get to. I love the results I get and it really helps balance out the production of oil in my skin. I know many people with combination or oily skin shy away from using any extra oil but this oil helps balance out the oil levels. I have thoroughly enjoyed using it through this season and it is an essential staple in my skin care routine for all seasons. Have you tried the Balance Me Radiance Face Oil?
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Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier (EDP) Review

Let's just say I am slowly turning into a perfume/fragrance junkie and I am not ashamed to admit it. I remember last year, I had a sizeable collection of fragrances but this year that collection has doubled. An updated perfume collection will be up soon but I wanted to have some reviews of those fragrances first so it is not a super long post. I was lucky to be sent this lovely Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier EDP* and it is one fragrance I have absolutely enjoyed. Roger & Gallet are well known for their amazing fragrances used in their shower gels, body creams and body mists.They are one French brand that has always been quite close to home because they are stocked in Marks and Spencer and other online stores.  However, this is the first EDP they have ever produced so you can imagine my delight when I received this fragrance almost a month ago. I am not sure you may remember this post where I told you about its launch back in May. It was called the #distillinghappiness campaign where samples of this fragrance were given to people outside High Street Kensington Station along with bouquet of flowers. Sadly, I missed all the fun because I was away in Scotland but I heard it was such a lovely campaign and many people were surprised with bouquets of flowers.Who wouldn't be? I love flowers and I think getting one for free would definitely make anyone's day.



Fragrance Overview
As mentioned earlier, most of their other fragrances are mists (Eau de Toilet-EDT) so they are not quite as concentrated as EDP although they still smell amazing and last a good while compared to other EDTs. This fragrance was designed by Francis Kurkdijian and there is actually a whole video where he speaks about the process behind creating this amazing fragrance. I found this out by scanning the QR code at the side of the fragrance packaging and I thought it was pretty cool. I always scan QR codes when they are available on packages.



Packaging
I absolutely love this packaging because it screams Spring and Summer. It looks very feminine but in a classy "not in your face" way. The fragrance is housed in 50 ml Glass Flacon which is transparent (I think it may have pink hues to it) and it has some pink and purple flowers details on the label. The outer packaging is so pretty with the same pink and purple colour scheme going on.  I enjoy looking at it and I am seriously considering getting a small stand for all my fragrances especially ones with pretty packaging. I know people say it is not ideal to expose your fragrances to light but some bottles look too pretty to be hidden. The Fleur de Figuier is one you would definitely want to show off on your dresser as you can tell from the pictures.


Notes
You all know I am useless at expertly describing fragrances and notes so I would go by what the website says. The name Fleur de Figuier translates to Flower Pear (according to Google) and yes you guessed right, it has Fig as one of its notes. I am very partial to Fig, Tuberose, Patchouli and Musk because they are classy and sensual notes. I knew I would love this especially after I tried a sample in Marks and Spencer.  Its top notes are  precious essences of Mandarin and Peppercorn and of course, Candied Fig. I am not surprised at all because the first impression I got was a really fruity almost-citrus fragrance. Once it gets absorbed, you get the middles notes of Violet Wood and Fig Pulp and then it finally settles to its base notes of Musk, Patchouli and Fig Nectar. It is a really interesting fragrance and I love how the notes are expertly combined to give such an amazing scent.



Who is the Fragrance for?
I would definitely describe this fragrance as a sweet fruity fragrance which surprisingly settles into a sensual musky scent. If you are into fruity or sweet fragrances, you would definitely like the Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier. If you also like woody or musky fragrances, this is one fragrance you need to try. I am not overly enthusiastic about very sweet fragrances because I think they may be too girly but this one is so different because it is infused with Musk, Moss and Patchouli in its base notes. I think the typical age range for this fragrance spans across a wide range/spectrum. I think many ladies/girls/women would love this although I guess it depends on your scent preference. I am slightly inclined to think that its woody and musky base notes would make it more appealing to people in their late twenties and onward as opposed to younger ladies. However, as mentioned, I guess it all still boils down to preference and I don't see why any one can't wear any fragrance they like irrespective of their age range.


Cost// Link
I have seen several prices for this fragrance but they all start from £39.50 which I think is reasonable given the quality you get. I think its original RRP is £40.50 (as sold in Marks and Spencer and Escentual) but Feel Unique has it for £39.50. However, Escentual has 20% off everything on their website so it is a really good time to buy it if you were considering it. I know it is one I would definitely repurchase because I have absolutely enjoyed using it. I think it would be ideal for travelling especially if you are off to an exotic destination.


Overall Thoughts
I am so pleased I got a chance to try this lovely fragrance. One of the main reasons why it has been one of my top and most used scents is the longevity. OMG!! It really lasts a long time on my skin and I can still catch whiffs of it all through the day and at the end of the day. Many fragrances smell amazing but they fade through the course of the day. With the Fleur de Figuier, I have never had cause to re-spray at all. Once I use it in the morning, that's me done for the day. People always ask me what I am wearing because it is really impressionable but not in a strong way at all. It's just simply lovely and embodies what a true EDP should smell like. That's it folks!! I hope you had an amazing weekend and I would see you in my next post. Have you tried the Roger& Gallet Fleur de Figuier EDP?
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*PR Sample + Affiliate Links used, read my full disclaimer here