Facetheory Skincare: Cleansers and moisturiser review

I did a Facetheory skincare haul back in January. 

Having picked up a few products in the sales and have been trialling them since then.

I kept it simple and picked up 3 items. 
2 cleansers and a moisturiser.
Things that I knew I could test throughly and really see results with.

Gentle Skin Cleanser C1 (signature)
Containing avocado, coconut, silk and apricot.
This is targeted towards dry and combination skin- which fits my skin perfectly atm.

This is my favourite cleanser out of the two I bought. I really like how moisturised my face feels post cleanser.
It's very gentle yet oh so effective. It has just the right amount of creaminess and glides on over the face easily. 

You need a pump and half maximum for face and neck coverage so it lasts a long while.
I found the signature cleanser very easy to remove and it didn't leave any residue.
 I have also been leaving this on my face as a mask for about 5-10 mins whilst I potter about and it leaves my face hydrated and silky.
I really do see a subtle glow every time I use it.-Bonus!

Glycolic Exfoliating Cleanser (E1) 

Has natural micro pumice stones. 
As well as glycerin, glycolic and salicylic acid.
This means that the cleanser helps to keep skin moisturised as glycerin is a humectant but works 2 fold as a chemical exfoliator and a physical one.

I reach for this cleanser less than the other as the formula is a lot more runny.
I prefer a slightly thicker consistency but I have tried mixing the 2 together for a more substantial consistency.
Which works, so when I buy my next batch, I will mix the leftovers into one container.

I do however like the ingredients and how they make my skin look when I do use it.
My skin feels fresh, bright and soft.
This leaves a really even surface to work with and was a great help when testing out the Madam LA LA bronzer in my February blogger beauty box.
I have found that my skin responds particularly well to bark extract after testing out the Madara  clarifying toner and a few other products, So the willow bark in this formulation is a bonus.

The pumice stones are not abrasive and don't leave my face feeling sensitive or scarred. 
They are used sparingly which I like.
This is also a great gentle exfoliator for hands and feet!

Moisturiser for Oily Skin M3

Packed full of hyaluronic acid, vitamins E & C and passion fruit extract.

I really, really, really like this moisturiser!

I actually have combination skin but this is so nice.

It has a whipped quality, which works well with my skin.

From the moment I tested it , I liked it. 

It works well as a day and night cream and really helps to keep the cold weather from battering my skin.

I am experiencing light dryness on my cheeks and chin atm as explained in my Pampering and treatments: Facials- 7 things you need to know post,
 atm so having a moisturiser that is rich and nourishing but doesn't make my face greasy as heck is important.

It is very hydrating yet absorbs to a dewy matte finish.

This is just perfection!
One pump or even half a pump is enough to moisturise my face and neck. 
I also use this a hand moisturiser and find it to be excellent also.
This is a must have in my next order.

Overall I am soooo expressed with the quality and can't wait to stock up.
Being able to customise with natural fragrance. 
As well as having skincare questionnaire to offer you solutions specifically for your skin type really appeals to me.
I am also looking forward to seeing if they bring out any new releases to add to the range.
I think a serum and eyecream would be a great edition.

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

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Marilou Bio Cleansing Gel review

My face feels so unbelievably silky and soft!
The Marilou Bio Cleansing Gel is another buy from my finding natural skincare haul 
and I am really enjoying it.

I didn't start using it until after I had finished reviewing
my Alba botanica Hawaiian facial range bits and The balm balm frankincense deep cleansing balm which I seriously adore.
Then I got on to this one asap.
It's has been a few months now so I think it is a perfect time to review how my is feeling / reacting to this product.

First of all I have to say my skin always looks radiant after using this and after about 4 days I saw a clarity to my complexion.
I don't have dull skin per se but I do notice when my face isn't as bright as usual.
So I love products that add luminosity and this does the job especially as it is winter.
I found that using the Marilou bio cleansing gel and My Madara clarifying toner*  after kept my complexion bright and smooth even if I had a few blemishes.

Derived from 98% natural ingredients.
This light cleanser has great slip whilst allowing grip for massage.
Once smoothed over the face it doesn't have a traditional foaming which I like and quickly gets working on the skin.
Only a small amount is needed and if you want a more visible lather of sorts,
 it is best applied to damp skin instead of wet as recommended.
My skin feels clean but not dry as with some other gel cleansers and can confirm it really is formulated for all skin types.
There is no dryness or tight feeling and my face just feels lovely.
The lack of dryness is especially useful now that we are experiencing snow and super cold weather.
It is incredibly gentle and non stripping.
The minty cornflower fragrance is subtle and the glycerin definitely ups the moisture
and glossy feeling post cleanse.
I would definitely say this is a second cleanser for me once I have removed any makeup and want to ensure my face is totally impurity free.

This is a great everyday gel cleanser and can be used daily.
Which is a plus as some gels are very drying on non oily skin.
I have normal/ combination and have really enjoyed it.
 It lasts a good while and I still have more than half  a bottle left.
It is very affordable yet effective so I would definitely buy this again and am looking forward to trying other products from the range.

Have you tried the Marilou range?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Facetheory Skincare haul

So if you haven't heard about the natural UK personalised skincare brand Facetheory, likelihood is you have been doing a good job of living under a rock!

I came across Facetheory early last year when there was considerable hype surrounding the brand.

Especially in the bloggersphere! 

As with most bloggers I have a long and extensive list of products I really like the look of and want to try and  Facetheory was one of them.

 I didn't order straight away as I wanted to see how the company progressed and see reviews from a variety of bloggers. 

As a blogger I think it's important to be aware of what is out there/ cutting edge but I also think it is just as  important not to jump on the bandwagon and keep your content authentic.

Which is why I waited for the hype to settle a little bit.

I really like their simple message and the fact that they use natural ingredients (check out my finding natural skincare post), are paraben free, against animal testing and another of their usp's being that they have a questionnaire to ensure your skincare is catered to you. 

Of course you don't have to stick to their results, if you think something would be better suited.

However it steers you in the right direction and gives you a place to start.

Facetheory also often have pretty good discounts, which is just dandy for a savvy shopper like me!

And so after that intro lets get into the actual haul.

I picked up 3 items and with a 40% discount code all 3 came to under £20!

Can't beat it.

Gentle Skin Cleanser C1
Containing avocado, coconut, silk and apricot.

Glycolic Exfoliating Cleanser (E1) 
Has natural micro pumice stones. As well as  glycolic and salicylic acid.

Moisturiser for Oily Skin M3

Packed full of hyaluronic acid, vitamins E & C and passionfruit extract.

I have just started using these and I have to say the signature cleanser and supergel moisturiser are standing out to me so far.

The moisturisers texture surprised me as I expected it to be more of a gel like consistency but having tested it I like it a lot and I also think it would make a really nourishing hand cream.

 I noticed after using it on my hands it didn't deteriorate or change after washing my hands a few times.

Obviously that is my first impression and I will be doing a proper trial. 

So far I like the quality of the products and as I know my skin thrives on natural oils etc I am excited to get started.

Have you tried Facetheory?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays

Natural skincare: MADARA Clarifying Toner Review*

As you know I have been dabbling with natural skincare brands,
see my finding natural and organic skincare brands haul and have really enjoyed discovering effective new products.
I have had my eye on the Madara Clarify Toner* for a while and couldn't wait test it out.

Madara is a Latvian natural cosmetics brand using the forests and certified organic farms in the Baltic area to create unique formulas. 
They are organic, vegan, nut free, gluten free and ECOCERT certified.

The first thing I noticed apart from the lovely packaging was the scent.
It smells like an autumnal cocktail. Somewhere between sweet elderflower and spicy figs.
 I really like the fact this toner leaves my face matte as opposed to dry and there is a marked difference
in the two feelings!
My skin feels refreshed, smooth and supple and most importantly moisturised.

As I have combination skin it is great to find, a non abrasive exfoliant toner that balances
the skin and gives me an even surface to apply my serum to.

The Madara Clarifying Toner* is made up of a few natural ingredients such as Northern oak bark, Rose water and sweet flag which have been formulated to clarify, minimise pores and exfoliate the skin.
I was a little apprehensive about it having a naturally derived alcohol on my face but it hasn't been stripping at all and I have not had any stinging which is great.
In fact it is very gentle and soothing.

I have been using the toner for just over 4 weeks and think it a really nice toner for normal/ combination skin.
The main areas it has targeted for me is clarifying and pores.
 My blemishes were reduced and my overall skin looks clearer and a little more glowy.
Along with using my Alba Botanica products which I reviewed.  I have seen further improvement
to the small area of visible pores.
They are constantly tight and hydrated which helps to minimise their visibility.
They are definitely a great combination.

I experienced really good results on how my skin looked overall.
I still have the occasional blemish but I love the results.
Autumn onwards can be very harsh on the skin and some toners are very stripping,
 however the clarifying ingredients in this really help to balance the skin.
I have really enjoyed using this toner and can't wait to see further results.
I would definitely buy this in future, as it is so mild and nourishing.

*Lucyrose kindly sent me this product to review. However all views expressed are my own.
 Please see the  Ms. Wednesdays Girl disclaimer in full here.


Until next time..................

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays