What are Skin Acids?

Skin Acids? Scary right.
No need to be scared, honestly.
Skin Acids are a products we should all be incorporating into our weekly skincare routine at the very minimum.
They suit all skin types as there is actually an acid for each one.

Skin acids recently reached up to the hype late last year, doctors were already prescribing them way before we could get out hands on them in our regular beauty stores.
So of course they are all safe.
Just because they are 'acids' does not mean these are bad chemicals or unnatural for our skin on a regular basis, that is not the issue here at all.
The main point it that these absorb into a deeper surface than any of out daily products and work to the best ability to leave our skin looking and feeling flawless from the in and outside.

I have been using acids for a year now, and I massively see and feel a difference in my skin, as far as to say, better than after a microdermabrasion.
The acids I regually use on my skin are AHA's, Gylcolic Acid, and Hyaluronic Acid
Don't worry, I am now going to explain
- What each acid does - including more than the 3 I use.
- Explain what acids are best for what skin types
- Where to incorporate the acids into your skincare routine
- Products you can buy with these acids in - available in all beauty stores.

Acid Descriptions

Salicylic Acid - Exfoliates the skin, cleans pores, helps reduce acne.

Targetted to skin concerns around 'Pigmentation' such as Acne, Acne Scars, Melasma, Sun Damage, Age Spots and also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Salicylic Acid can be found in Cleansers and Serums with amounts from 0.5 to 2% concentration which is enough to help towards the listed skin concerns.

Glycolic Acid - Anti-ageing must have!
Glycolic is the most popular acid, mainly known as AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) This acid comes from the sugar cane, which has the smallest properties which helps it penetrate deeper into the skin.
Its direct approach to dealing with exfoliating the skin, to help reduce lines again reducing acne and pigmentation, evens skin tone and depth of skin thickness - which makes this a great all in one.
This concentration is will be found below 10% in skincare products, from toners and serums.
Glycolic acid is also known to be used within skincare peels such as microdermabrasion and micro-needling treatments.
An important point about this acid is that it does increase sun sensitivity so you must daily use sunscreen before your makeup or within your moisturiser to protect the skin from sun damage.
(I love these unexpected top tips on how to use this acid- via Pinterest)

Mandelic Acid - Have the dreamy even skin you've always wanted!
Another AHA acid which is derived from bitter almonds. This is an exfoliating acid that is useful for evening out the skin tone and helping with pigmentation/redness from acne.
Due to its large molecule it does not sink as deep as Glycolic Acid which makes it less irritating on the skin - perfect for more ethnic skin tones to prevent too much sensitivity flare.
It penetrates the skin slower and more gentle than any other acids.

Azelic Acid - Pimples no more!
One of the main treatments to finally saying goodbye to moderate acne and spots regularly occurring on the skin which is found in many prescription creams. It kills bacteria, clears pores and reduces inflammation.
Another benefit that this acid can be used to is a skin-lightening treatment that can help with hyper-pigmentation and acne scars too.
This concentration is usually around 15-20% strength within day & night creams.
Azelic Acid can sometimes effect people with VERY sensitive skin which can cause redness, stinging or peeling of the skin due to the link this acid has with Retinoids (explained later on)

Lactic Acid - Another AHA that is great for exfoliation of the skin to remover dead skin cells and improve the radiance and brightness of the skin. Which narrows down to purpose for pigmentation and ageing benefits.
This is great for drier skin types since it buffs the skin texture and puts the correct moisture back into the skin.
Lactic Acid is more gentle that Glycolic Acid, so better for more sensitive skin types, as this again is a great all in one - It is derived from milk, which is why its more gentle, so has a moisturising element to the acid.

Ferulic Acid - A great antioxidant acid, for lovers of Vitamin C & E this is used in conjunction in serums.
This is a powerful antioxidant which helps protect the skin from free-radicals which are damaging the skin on a daily basis through the UV exposure.
A highly recommended acid for fighting benefits of all the bad pollution that our skin suffers from daily, so if you are wanting an acid that cares for the skin, this is the gem in your skincare bags.

Hylaruolic Acid - The ruler of the moisturising game!
The one acid, that does the opposite to what an 'acid' sounds like it would do…
Hyaluronic Acid is a highly hydrating ingredient for the skin, which helps your cells to attract and retain moisture/water in a deeper base of the dermis.
It also soothes, plumps and softens the skin on a visible basis leaving your skin looking healthy and hydrated.
Hyaluronic Acid is in a variety of products available on the high street such as cleansers, moisturisers and serums.
A new favourite in using this acid is using in a re-fresher mist throughout the day, to hydrate and perk the skin up.

Retinoid Acid - The highest form in Vitamin A which targets fine lines and wrinkles to a massive benefit, but can also be very reactive on sensitive skin.
Mainly known to be used within eye products, to combat the signs of ageing around the eyes.
Also know as Retinol, is highly revolved around, and used for anti-ageing only.
Small amounts of Retinol work its magic overtime, and you will reap benefits. As over usage can cause bad irritation.
What I love about Retinol is that it builds collagen in the skin, to build a protective and stronger cell bonds to boost this skins barriers to slow down and keep on top of ageing.
When you start using Retinol, start with the lower strengths so that you adapt your skin at a slower pace to prevent the irritation that may occur.
It is also important to maintain your skins moisture whilst using this product as it can heavily dry your skin out.

Which acids are best for which skin type
Oily Skin - Salicylic Acid, Azelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid
Dry Skin - Lactic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Retinol
Combination Skin - Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Retinol
Sensitive Skin - Hyaluronic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid


When to use your idea acid and important usages
Each acid is prescribed different usages, mainly once a day, or every other day if its a higher concentration.
It is also important to know that the hight the concentration percentage the more likely to irritate the skin - so don't always assume the stinger the better/faster it will work.
Acids should be used at a slow pace to overtime, work and enhance the skins texture and appearance.

When buying skincare products, acids are most commonly found within Cleansers, Toners and Serums but when checking the ingredients be sure that it reads in the top 5 order, as the lower down states barely visible effects.

NEVER mix acids, thinking you will reap extra benefits. This will cause irritation, problems within skin sensitivity.
Avoid AHA's with Retinol at the same time.
AHA's = DAY
Retinol = NIGHT

An ideal regime for a normal skin type…
- Lactic Acid Cleanser
- Glycolic Acid Toner
- Ferulic Acid Serum
- Hyaluronic Moisturiser
- Retinol Eye cream/serum

These products wouldn't be used one after the other.
Ideally, alternate, day/night, 2-3x a week with a mixture of natural based ingredient skincare products.

Products with these acids incorporated
Salicylic Acid

Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel

Murad Clarifying Body SprayBoots Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Purifying Cleansing Wash

Glycolic Acid

Alpha H - Liquid Gold
M&S Pure Women's Instant Radiance Glycolic Toner
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads - 60 Pads
Pixi - Glow Tonic

Mandelic Acid
Vivant Skincare - 15% Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Wash
Sesderma Mandelac Serum Ampoules
BeautyMaker Mandelic Acid Deep Cleansing Water           
                                 
Azelic Acid
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Sesderma Azelac Lotion
Rodial Super Acids Daily Azelaic Acid Serum 1oz

Lactic Acid
SUNDAY RILEY Goof Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
The Ordinary - Lactic Acid 10% HA 2%
Skinstitut - L-Lactic Cleanser

Ferulic Acid - 

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic and Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Overnight Serum

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum

Hyaluronic Acid -

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Balance Me Hyaluronic Plumping Mist

Retinol - 
Olay Retinol Eye Serum
REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil
Chantecaille Retinol Intense


I absolutely hope you learnt so much about Facial Acids, that are taking over the skin scene right now.
I have a massive passion for 'Behind the scenes' when it comes to makeup, and skincare is my number 1 recommendation for good makeup no matter what.

Do you use any Skincare Acids?
Are you thinking of purchasing some Skincare Acids into your routine now?

Love Sophie xx

REVIEW: Guerlain Gloss d'Enfer

I wanted to dedicate this product review into the Guerlain gloss range, not a specific shade.

I don't know if its just me, but I majorly avoid wearing and buying sticky lip glosses.

I just don't enjoy the texture and feel of something so tacky on my lips. Im all about the smooth, moisturising, radiant look and feel of a gloss.

Trust me, non-sticky lipglosses are like finding pearls in clams! Minimal options, and brands fail to bring out glosses that are not sticky.

A few years back, I was Guerlain's account manager in Debenhams Derby, and before then, I had never really invested my time into trying their products. Mainly due to the fact that the brand back then were quite classic/old fashioned in my eyes and I only wanted the top, popular products in my collection - but gosh was I missing out!

There are so many hidden gems within Guerlain, and their branding, background and meaning of the products still make me feel connected to the brand years later - I will forever have a love for Guerlain above many others!

Of course whist being with Guerlain, I used their Gloss d'enfer range.

They actually got me back into using lipglosses again and finally found a formula that I loved.

These glosses are mineral and botanical oil infused, letting the formula glide smoothly over the lips and any other lip product.

They amazingly hydrate the lips, keeping them soft and looking luminous with the oil ingredients and added shimmer which beautifully define, plump and shape the lips.

The applicator is the perfect shape, sitting on the lips comfortable and adding enough product in one application.

Guerlain have over 20 shades in their gloss range, and have a variety of shimmers and non-shimmers.

The best part about this range, aside from the non-sticky texture is that they are all fragrance infused, which make you want to use them even more!

I love how they are so detailed when it comes to their product creations.

These glosses have a vanilla, floral scent.

From warm Vanilla and Tonka Bean in the base notes, 

Rose and Iris to sweeten the heart 

Lemon, orange and bergamot to sparkle on the top.

(Heres the fragrance consultant of me coming out)

How much better can these glosses get!

Its time to treat yourself and add one of these shades to you Spring Makeup Bag.

Love Sophie xx

FINAL Powder Beauty Boxes - Feb/Mar

As I went away throughout February, I received 2 Powder boxes as they come within the first week of the month, so since Ive been back I have been testing and trialing both boxes.
Luckily both boxes were quite different when it came to products so Ive been able to do them throughout March to give you a full review this month.

The most important news of all… Powder Beauty Drawers are officially ending.
And March was the last box that I would recieve.
I did receive an email explaining why, which was so they can work on exclusive and seasonal boxes more direct to bring you the best boxes with fabulous brands - just like their special NARS edition box that they released late last year.
I totally get the reason, and maybe they do not collaborate with enough brands to feed us different products every month.
So I am upset, as i LOVE receiving monthly boxes with new and unknown products that I can try and discover for myself, clients and my blog readers.

I will be looking for another makeup/beauty month box, but I want to do my hard research first so that I get quality products worth my money.
I will keep you all in the loop.
I definitely will also invest in Powders exclusive boxes that they will release in the future.

Anyway, let crack on with my February and March boxes and update you on what products i recieved, they sure were amazing too!

First - FEBRUARY….

DR Paw Paw - Soothing Balm (Limited Edition Red Sparkle)

A massively popular brand when it comes to UK makeup artist kits! These products are saviours for dry, broken, irritated skin that may be visible on clients/models.

Miller Harris - Tea Tonique 

Shower Wash - These are soap-free washes, so im sure thats a win for sensitive skin types. Its a lovely fresh smelling wash that is easy to work into the skin in the shower, leaving your feel clean and perked up.

Body Lotion - Again, same smell, beautiful scent to feel refreshing and clean straight after the shower. A lightweight cream that sinks quickly into the skin and feels silky soft.

Sleek - Matte Me Lip Cream in 'Rioja Red'

It actually look me ages to find the brand of this products until I saw the blended name tag on the lid which was black on black…

Anyway, once i found out it was Sleek I automatically thought, 'Yes this pigment is bound to be amazing!' 

Im afraid this wasn't a favourite… It was so dry on the lips within minutes of applying and was a little hard to build the colour up as the applicator tip did wipe off previous layers.

Although the colour was lovely and a great statement lip, with a great warm pink undertone, which I love in my reds.

Cetaphil - Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil is a favourite amongst lots of people, the fact that it is scientifically well researched with the ingredients made me excited to use.

It really does mean it when it says 'Gentle'. For me this didn't feel enough of a cleanse for me, as I am 'foam' girl!

Although, for people that hate or are scared to use new cleansers on their skin, this would be one that I would recommend as it works for the skin without it feeling powerful.

Rodial - Suade Lip Crayon

Rodial is a LOVEEEEE of mine when it comes to skincare, I literally want to buy so many of their skincare products, even that I don't need, BUT my first impressions on 'Makeup collections' I was not pleased with. I was so guttered that I didn't like their makeup product, it really was just sooooo dry, and I definitely did not see or feel any benefits from this product. Its a massive no from me. 

Context - Micro-derm Regenorator

Anything Mircoderm worded for me gets an 'oooo' I love what these products are designed for… Removing and exfoliating dead skin cells from on top and below the surface.

This was a gel like texture with black tiny beads within the clear formula. 

The beads did not feel harsh or rough on the skin which is a bonus but it definetly felt like my skin was getting a light exfoliant, and felt amazing after.

MARCH BOX

This box massively surprised me with the amount and size of these products! 

I was so excited to get starting!

Hyraluron - Moisture Soothing Mask 

You all know I love a good mask, and to discover a Hyaluronic Acid Moisturising Mask on a sheet was a highlight for my eyes.

I somehow resisted using this, saving it for a Skincare Sunday afternoon.

The mask is a full face sheet which lays on to of the face, with holes in the eyes, mouth, nose and even ear covers.

The sheet felt absolutely drenched in product, which could actually be used more than once with the remainder of product/liquid left in the pack - please make sure your skin is fully cleansed before you use if you want to reuse.

I left this mask on for a recommended 15-20 mins, whilst I read a magazine and let my skin soak up the goodness.

It was pure goodness. I removed the sheet and my skin felt baby soft! Hydration restored!

Bee Good - Honey and Propolis 2in1 Cream Cleanser

Another cleanser to test out. I was using this before my gym sessions in the morning, so as soon as i woke up I washed my skin using this cleanser, having a bonus of 2in1, with a quick dash of moisturiser after, before my skin got sweaty. 

So for 1 this was a great morning cleanser and definitely cleaned the skin after a night of my skin producing oils, it softly replenished the oils for the day ahead.

This also came with a mini muslim cloth to make your skin feel extra clean.

Although again, this wasn't foamy enough for me, but it did the trick. Also honey products don't seem to have a tendency to foam anyway. It is too make your skin feel smooth and input antibacterial properties.

I love the honey/bee properties in skincare so this was a gentle and soothing cleanser for me. It is also made from British Bees.

Roger & Gallet - Replenishing Body Lotion with Fig Bud

Im forever searching for my favourite moisturiser… Honestly I could repurchase this one forever.

For 1, I love the smell of Fig, which won me over straight away, and of course this fully moisturised my skin so well, actually claiming 24hours on the bottle; is true!

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Colour in 'Devouement' 600

Another Lip Cream… with this one being Matte also, i expected drying again.

But i was really impressed with this one, it was really creamy on the lip, great colour pay off and lasted well.

The colour was very bright pink on me, but I would for sure buy other colours from the Revlon HD range.

Nuxe - Precious Scented Shower Gel 

This has been in a previous box; Decembers… It sure was a love of mine in the past when I was using it. Its such a glowing products that leaves your skin silky after your shower with a slight shimmer in the gel that actually stays on the skin when you have dried off. 

Perfect for weekends or occasions you want a bit of glow.

PopBand Go Girl - Hair Bobbles

When I saw these I was a little skeptic. I usually use basic hair bobbles as I only wear my hair up at the gym, and any blonde bobble will do in my eyes. My hair is in amazing condition and im not going to stress myself out when it comes to harmful bobbles at this moment in time.

But PopBand bobbles are not only for the hair, but actually described as an arm accessory too.

The most simplest thing was actually a genius idea. I do always have a bobble on my wrist for emergencies, so I swapped to wearing one of these on my arm and they looked so cute and a lot more prettier than a basic bobble.

But the main point is, they work great holding the hair and the elasticity is very giving, which is a great all rounder!!

So I have officially been converted and will actually buy these bobbles in future.

Neutrogena - Hydro Boost Water Cleanser

The size of this beauty!!! 

Neutrogenas NEW Hydrating boosting water cleanser is lovely and cleansing, finally a product that foams, and made my skin feel squeaky clean. Ok, some people hate the feeling of squeaky clean skin, and it sure felt like that but not with a static finish, it was more of a matte finish which I thought would suit best with oily skin types.

I love how it has Hyaluronic Acid in which is known to keep skin hydrated but overall left my skin feeling clean and supple.

I used this as a 'double cleanse' in the evenings, starting off by removing my makeup with an oil balm then washing the excess with this cleanser.

So like i said, there will be no more Powder box reviews as of yet :( but will be looking for a new monthly box.

There sure were some fab products that i have received from powder, and I have definitely discovered some amazing brands and products that I sure will be re purchasing! 

Love Sophie x