Friday 25 January 2013

exfoliators aren't half bad

Skincare has been slowly making it's way up my list of priorities and it's got to the point where I *almost* like it more than makeup, I'd much rather treat myself to a new eye cream than mascara. Of course, the problem is that I can't switch up my skincare regime too often or my skin will decide that nope, it's not having any of that and break out. 
So my plan of action is to keep everything bar one type of product the same for a few months and test out as many of my chosen type as I can get my hands on, then incorporate the best of the lot into my regime - and this month it's exfoliators!
The St Ives Apricot Scrub is pretty basic, it's good if you're starting out with exfoliators and want something cheap and cheerful that gets rid of dead skin cells, but on the other hand it is quite harsh so I'd avoid it if you have sensitive skin. It efficiently gets rid of any dry skin but I don't feel as if it cleans out my pores or helps with any breakouts.

Neutrogena's Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Scrub is less harsh and also comes with a cheap price tag however it's my least favourite out of the bunch. The grapefruit scent might appeal to some, but for me it just makes me aware that I'm putting chemicals on my face. It lathers up slightly but feels more like a cleanser than an exfoliator as the "micro-beads" that the bottle promises are virtually non-existent and don't exfoliate at all, and it doesn't leave my face feeling clean after I've rinsed it off. Avoid.

I've had two samples of the Ginvera Green Tea Marvel Gel in beauty boxes and after a lot of um-ing and ah-ing over whether I should buy the full size just before I gave in and bought it, I was lucky enough to find it in my christmas stocking. This stuff is amazing, it comes out as a gel and as you massage it into dry skin it forms into clumps that are actually your dead skin cells! Slightly disgusting but you can really see it working and it's great at helping with spots too, if I use this in the evening the next morning any blemishes will have decreased significantly - 100% worth the money.

The Elemental Herbology Facial Glow Radiance Peel is an enzyme peel that you apply like a mask, then rinse off after five minutes. There's no scrubbing involved and is great for when I have any dry patches that won't go away as well as leaving my face feeling smoother and looking healthier and less dull - it definitely delivers in the radiance department. As the brand's name would suggest, their products aren't overly laden with chemicals which I'm a fan of.

Last but not least is the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. This is actually a powder that you mix with water into a paste before using it like a normal scrub, which can get a bit messy but as you only need a small amount of the powder it will last you a long time. I personally wouldn't use it daily but as the product is so gentle to the skin you certainly can if you wish to. From the first time I used it I noticed that it left my skin feeling extremely smooth, and after a few uses it has a brightening effect too. I also found that my serum and moisturiser absorbed a lot quicker after I used this, and my pores were less visible.

My favourite of the lot is the Ginvera Green Tea Marvel Gel, followed closely by the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.
What's the best exfoliator you've ever tried?

9 comments:

  1. I like to use Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant occasionally, it isnt something I use all the time as I find it a bit harsh on my skin xx

    http://beautyqueenuk.blogspot.co.uk/

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  2. Ooh the dermalogica one sounds interesting :)
    Ive tried the neutrogena one and I wasn't a fan either, the smell made me feel a bit sick! Xx

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  3. I used to use the St Ives one as a teenager, it's a cheap and cheerful option. Now I like the No7 Beautiful skin scrub for oily skin, or Soap and Glory scrub your nose in it :) xo

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    1. i really want to try soap and glory's skincare, i've heard such good things about it and i love their bodycare! x

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  4. Thanks for the review! The longest time ago I used St. Ives and it broke me out. I not have sensitive skin by any means, but who knows?! Such a shame about the Neutrogena one as that was the one I read about first hoping highly for it to work! The Dermalogica one sounds awesome! I wish I could get their products cheaper here in the US :(

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    1. Dermalogica is quite expensive, isn't it - shame as i love so many of their products! x

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  5. I dont* have sensitive..... not too sure what I was thinking when I typed that one ;p hahah

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  6. i was going to try the st ives but i have sensitive skin so probably not, i have the dermologica one and it look so interesting!:)

    http://laurenlovesmakeupxoxo.blogspot.co.uk/

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  7. Thanks for the review! I have recently been wanting to swap exfoliators and this has been so helpful in helping me decide. Tempted to invest in Ginvera but might try out Dermalogica!

    Abby x
    http://beyoubebeauty.blogspot.co.uk/
    Be You and Be Beautiful

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