Review: Clinique Sonic Brush

This really is long awaited, but for one good reason only. I like to try skincare products for a good few months before actually giving a honest review. Purely because you might try it for the first time, and think 'oh my goodness my skin looks incredible!' which it may possibly do, but the product can get used to your skin. Or it might just not work out, and you've reviewed a product saying it's amazing where in actual fact its because you didn't test it and now you don't like it.

The Clinique Sonic Brush has actually stood the length of time I wanted. I did briefly mention it in a recent favourites. But I wanted to go through and give you all my thoughts in one blog post, just because it is an expensive product, it is an investment and there are quite a few different points I wanted to make.

How to use the Clinique Sonic Brush:

• Apply cleanser the brush and circulate onto wet skin. The cleanser I have actually been using is the Garnier SkinActive Gel Cleansing Wash
• Massage in a circular motion for 15 seconds on cheeks using the white bristles
• Massage in an up and down motion for 15 seconds on the T-Zone using the green bristles
• Rinse the skin with water to remove the foam and rinse the brush after each use

The way I have been using this brush is for the first week I used it for 30 seconds. Then after a week, I went up to a minute of using the brush. This is twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Reasons why I love it and recommend the product: 

1. As I've mentioned the brush has different bristles. Some are white and some are green. The green bristles are more exfoliating bristles. So they should be used on the areas you want to exfoliate more (on your T-Zone). I think its great there are two different types of bristles because you have the option to exfoliate. 4 out of 7 days I just used the white bristles over all of my face. But the other 3 I do use the green bristles. I do this because I don't want to over exfoliate my skin, because my skin is quite sensitive. 
2. This brush is super easy to use. 30 seconds or 1 minute of your morning/evening just to cleanse and clean your skin. It's not got loads of settings. Just press once for 30 seconds and press again  for another 30 seconds. 
3. I cannot believe the battery life on this brush. I have only charged my brush once, yes, ONCE. I've had it since the start of December and we are now in February. It works just the same as when I first purchased it. 
4. The most important reason for me, is that the product actually works. Every time I use it my skin looks and feels amazing. So smooth and soft. I used the brush on my boyfriend and even he said it loved the way his skin looked (this is a boy who literally uses zero skincare).

Downfalls on the product: 

1. Before I purchased this product I read so many reviews, just because I didn't want to waste my pennies. A few reviews did say they thought their skin was amazing in the first month but after that they found it didn't work as well. I do slightly agree with this point, because my skin really was amazing when I first started using it. Now, it still is super smooth and soft. But my skin isn't as clear anymore, I don't know whether its because the brush has gotten used to my skin, or I've used different skincare lotions and potions or what. But I still am happy with the results, I just think that it's a point to bare in mind. Your skin isn't going to be perfect after using it for a while.
2. The product is expensive, well its £79. I think I paid a little bit more, because I got it around christmas time. So they had different sets, and I got a free full size cleanser and some little bits thrown in. However I do think it is worth the money, there are a lot of cleansing brushes out there which are a lot more money.
3. I really need to include this point, because you have to remember that your skin isn't going to clear up over night and be amazing. It takes time for the skin to clear. For me personally, it has helped my skin a lot, and I did feel like my skin looked amazing after the first use, and it was defiantly smoother and softer. But it's not a miracle worker, also everyone has different experiences with skincare, because everyone is different. 

Overall I am really happy with this product and I would recommend it to someone who is really struggling with their skin or just wants something which is going to thoroughly clean their skin. Well done Clinique, you've got me hooked!

♥

December/January Favourites 16/17

I wanted to call this post 'December and January Favourites' purely because I didn't upload a 'December Favourites' because it's the time of the year, where I post a yearly favourites. I didn't want to miss the month completely, because  in December I did find some amazing products, and I still wanted to share them with you. I do actually have more favourites for December, because I feel like December a lot happened, a lot came out and I just got caught up in all the Christmas spirit. January for me, is a stationary month, quite boring and I just have to sort my life out and clean.

The Body Shop Spiced Apple Shower Gel

I was obsessed with this scent in December, I used it everyday, EVERYDAY in December, Obsessed. It's just Christmas in a bottle. I still have a little bit left, but I don't want to use it because I know its limited edition (I THINK?!) for Christmas.

The Body Shop Spiced Apple Hand Cream

From the same range as the previous shower gel. So as well as the scent being amazing, the actual hand cream is insane. It doesn't take ages to dry, it just soaks in lovely, leaves that amazing scent and really helps to nourish my hands. I did actually go back and buy more of the hand creams in other scents. Highly recommend those.

Clinique Sonic Brush (MORE INDEPTH REVIEW COMING SOON)

I did give myself quite a big Christmas present, a few weeks before Christmas. Which I haven't really spoken or mentioned until now. But I'm not going to say too much, other than I love it, it has changed my daily routine and I'm not sure how I ever cleansed my skin without this brush. My family and friends laugh at me, because I literally don't go anywhere without this brush. My boyfriend hates it. BUT I used it on him yesterday, and now I think he' s converted. But a full review will be up in a few weeks, once I've had it a bit longer.

Urban Decay NAKED Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette

I received this as a Christmas present from my parents, if I'm honest it was on my list. They would be 'parent goals' if they knew I actually wanted this. But I am so happy and grateful that I received this. I have the original palette from Urban Decay and love it, so I knew I would love this palette. Its all matte, apart from the shade blow, which has a slight shimmer in with my eye sight. The shades I have been using the most are nude, commando and tempted. I've been running those in the crease of my eye as my transition colour.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation

For the whole of the winter period this has been my go to foundation. I would say 99.9% off the time, this foundation is the one thats been on my face. I absolutely love it, its a full coverage foundation, with a matte finish. I'm sure you would of read about my raving about this before. Its just a brilliant foundation. I am the shade NC15 for your reference.

Clinique Contouring Stick

With Christmas and New Year, I have been going out more, going for more drinks and meals and just generally dressing up a little bit more than I do on my average Saturday night. Therefore, I have been wearing a bit more makeup, so I have been using my Clinique contour stick, in the standard shade. Its such a lovely formula, its very creamy and blendable, I either use my Louise Young LY30 brush or  a Real Techniques Complexion sponge to blend it in. It creates a natural contour, or you can really build it up for something a bit more intense.

Gingerbread Latte Instant coffee drinks

Winter time is that time of the year where you just want a nice hot drink. I have been using the Nescafe Gingerbread latte instant drinks. These are just perfect for me, I really stocked up on them in December because I knew they would be a limited edition for the Christmas time. All I do is put the powder in a cup, add hot water and stir, then you leave it for around 30/45 seconds and stir again and it goes all creamy and tasty. SIDE NOTE - Costa Honeycomb lattes were just my addiction when I was Christmas shopping. 

 Bondi Sands Gradual Tan

In January, I don't know if you are the same as me, but I just feel a bit down and gloomy. Christmas is over, we've got the Christmas blues and you just want to get out of the cold weather and feel a bit more glowy, but you don't want to make too much effort. So this is where I have been using Bondi, their gradual tan, this is just fab. I apply it all over the top part of my body and let it sink in over night and then I wake up in the morning and I'm a lot more tanned. But it's not like fake tan, its just a gradual healthy glow. Its got the most insane coconut smell as well, its gorgeous.

Barbour jacket

My main present for Christmas was a Barbour jacket off my parents and boyfriend. I literally haven't taken it off this month. I wear it every time I leave the house. It keeps me super warm, its very stylish and I don't think it will go out of fashion. It's a very timeless piece. I got the classic olive green Beadnell wax Barbour jacket. It's got two studded vents at the back, two normal front pockets and then above those front pockets are slanted pockets which are just the most useful pockets ever! Love, love, love! 

Cowshed shampoo and conditioner

I have been using a new shampoo and conditioner from Cowshed in January, I picked it up in T.K.Maxx which if you didn't know if fab for getting great finds in the beauty section. They do loads of different brands, like Cowshed, Bed head and bumble and bumble. This is a smoothing shampoo and conditioner. Its got lavender in, so its great to use at night so it relaxes you before you sleep. The conditioner can be used as a normal conditioner, or it can be used as a treatment if you leave it on longer. Personally I wash my hair, apply the conditioner, leave it on whilst I cleanse my face and body then rinse.

I feel like this is the most favourites I have ever wrote about before in a post, but it was two months in one. So what do you expect? Hope you had a fabulous first month to 2017, and we've only got 11 more, until 2018... haha, sorry, it had to be done. 

♥

October Favourites 2016

Welcome to another monthly favourites! I love writing these posts because I just love looking back on the month, seeing what I have done and all the products I've been loving!

Clinique Chubby Stick in 02 whole lotta honey

I have been meaning to tell you about this product for a while, but I keep forgetting to put it in my favourites or another post. But this is basically a very moisturising lip crayon. Its the most gorgeous colour, goes with any makeup look, a very natural colour. Slightly browny shade (very on trade at the moment). Its very balmy and just beautiful to apply. I use this literally everyday, because in the morning I can never decide on a lipstick. I throw this colour on, then when I've arrived at work I will probably change to a more pigmented lipstick, so it lasts.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita

I haven't worn this an awful lot this month, if I'm completely honest. But I did a little shop on Debenhams my last post and I did fall in love with this shade, its a very similar shade to the Clinique Lip balm, a very on trend shade. The lipstick lasts for hours and hours, normally I have a lipstick in my bag to reapply, but I forgot to put this one in one day, and I actually didn't need to re-apply anyway, the staying power is amazing. I love the wand on this too, its very long so its quite easy to apply. My only downfall on this, is it takes me a while to apply the lipstick, to make it perfect, especially around my cupids bow. 

Loreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara, Feline

I love mascaras which have a curved wand, so it really curles my lashes because mine are very stubborn and straight. The brush is the thing that sold this mascara to me. It creates a lot of length and separation which is what I love. There is some volume, but not crazy volume. Its just a gorgeous mascara for a curl that is very natural.

Kat Von D Lolita (left) & Clinique Chubby 02 (right)

Zoeva Cocoa Blends Eyeshadow Palette

I apologise for mentioning this palette again, but Oh My I love it, so much! I reach for this daily. I wasn't planing on mentioning this palette this month, but I was like 'what have I been using on my eyes this month' and it was this. Normally I use 'bitter start' and 'sweeter end' as you can see, I've hit pan, haha. But this month I have been using the 3 shades underneath them, 'pure ganache' 'substitute for love' and 'freshly toasted' for the most amazing autumnal eye. AND, for my halloween makeup I used this palette so much, 'freshly toasted' was just the stand out shade, and the black shade in the palette 'beans are white' to create the contoured halloween makeup!

Estee Lauder Clear Difference Serum

This product is one I have used for a while now, but its amazing. If you suffer from blemish prone skin, then I would defiantly recommend investing in this. You just use it as a normal serum, so underneath your moisturiser. Its got a pump, so its easy to apply, I just use one pump in the morning and then another at night. It just clears up my skin and prevents blemishes. This month has been a spotty month, because the weather has changed so much and my skin just freaks OUT. But this has seriously been a life saver! I have a 50ml bottle, it is a pricey product, but totally worth it in my opinion. 

Elegant Touch False Nails, totally bare

I have really been loving applying false nails this month. I'm normally super scared to apply them, and I would just prefer to go to a salon. But they honestly last about a week, and they are around £5. Where as if I went to a salon, they will last me around 3 weeks, and they are getting on for £30. So its just been a no brainer for me this month. They don't take me long to apply, and I can paint these ones any colour I wish, because they are bare. The elegant touch nails come with glue, and have all different sizes in them. For me, I do run out of the smaller nails first, which is annoying, but what can be done, haha. 

Candles

I have been loving candles this month, every evening I light them all around the house and make the house all cosy and smelling insane. I don't have a particular candle which I have been loving, but I have been lighting my Yankee Candle - Snowflake cookie candle and I have discovered these cute little candles from Boots, super cheap and on 3 for 2!! Christmas pudding and Apple Crumble, amazing smells and I just love candles!

 ♥

Summer Staples

I thought I would share with you some of the products which shout out 'SUMMER' to me. Products which I use more in the months when its hotter and products which are basically more suited to summer, wether it be because of the colour, consistency or just the type of product.

Summer basically shouts out to me, bright colours, light wear foundations, dewy/glowy/bronzed skin, bright nails and a lovely plump lip. So all of these products to me I just absolutely love and I believe are just perfect for the warmer months. 

No7 Naturally Sunkissed Gradual Facial Tan

MaxFactor GlossFinity Nail Varnish - 119 Forever Glam

Barry M Gelly - Huckleberry

Rimmel 60 Seconds - Coralicious 

Barry M Coconut Infusion - Aloha

Revlon - 715 Privleged

No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour - Cheeky Chops

Barry M Speedy Quick Dry - Pole Position 

Sleek Highlighting Palette 

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

MAC Impassioned 

Soap & Glory Matte Lip - Pretty Muted

Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm - 210 Unapologetic 

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream - Ibiza

Clinique Moisture Surge Gel

The Body Shop Indian Night Jasmine Body Butter

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic

Dove Derma Spa Summer Revived Body Lotion 

Estee Lauder BB Cream

NYX Dewy Finish Spray 

All of the products that I've mentioned are just my summer staples, some are new products I have loved and others are ones I crack out each year. If you want me to go in depth about a product, maybe a review or just a quick explanation of why I love it so much, drop me a comment and for sure I will get back to you! Thank you so much.

♥

Morning Skincare Routine

heyyyy my little fuzzy bunnies! I thought I would chat skincare today, I am no where near a skincare expert. I don't use loads and loads of products, because I feel like if you use lots on your skin it just gets complicated and your skin will get confused. For the record my skin type is Normal/Combination. I get some dry bits around my cheeks, but throughout my t-zone I am quite oily.

But I thought this would be a perfect time to do a skincare routine, because I like to change my skincare seasonally because my skin gets used to products and tends to break out when the weather changes. Also, its now officially SPRING!

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish and muslin cloth

I absolutely love this cleanser, it leaves the skin so soft and its just so perfect to use in the mornings. It has eucalyptus in so it makes you feel so awake and just makes your airways more open (does that make sense) - it's great if you have a cold. I use it in the morning as well because its great for just getting rid of any dirt from the night or even some makeup from the night before.

Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Cleanser

I then go in with another cleanser, just to make sure my skin is super clean. I have been using this cleanser for a year also now, it leaves your skin with that squeaky clean feeling, which at first I didn't really like, but it's quite nice after a while and I have got used to it. It doesn't break my skin out, and it just does the job of cleaning my skin.

La Roche-Posay Serozinc

This is an anti-blemish toner. Which is amazing for drying out and getting rid of spots. This is my most recent addition to my skincare routine, but its one I feel will stay for a while. I really have been impressed using this, and it's such a refreshing mist which you apply on your face, wait a few seconds for it to sink in, and its done - so easy and works!

Lancome visionaire serum

This is quiet a new edition to my skincare routine, before using this I used to use Estee Lauder Clear Difference Serum which is amazing, but my skin just isn't that spotty anymore, I only get a few blemishes around the time of the month (TMI). I have rambled on about how amazing this Lancome serum is in my March Favourites, but it is honestly amazing for minimising pores and you have got the anti ageing in there too.

Clinique turnaround daytime - rosy glow

This is a lovely moisturiser and I believe moisturiser is the most important aspect to skincare, your skin needs moisturiser even if its oily or dry or whatever your skin type is. This moisturiser comes in two shades, rosy glow or golden glow. It gives you a lovely natural glow, so if you aren't wearing makeup you won't look dull, but its amazing for makeup application on top, because it gives you that 'lit from within look'

Estee Lauder advanced eye repair

Eye cream is something I do struggle with because my eyes get so dry, on the lids and around them. This is the only product that sorts them out. But I don't apply it every day, its normally every other day. Apart from if my skin is going through that very dry period where it does go dry all around the eyes.

Vaseline

I just apply vaseline on my lips, to make them soft and hydrated for when I apply lipstick at the end of the makeup application.

I hope you enjoyed seeing what my skincare routine is like. Obviously it depends on how my skin is behaving to see what products I use. But I have been sticking to this routine for quite a while now, and I really like it. Thanks so much for reading!

♥