REVIEW: Dead Sea Black Mud Soap

They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem and I will be the first to admit that I'm a skin care addict. I am always on the hunt for newest product that will give me beautiful skin, continually searching the web for the newest trend in skin care. I'm not one to wallow in self pity, but I have awful skin. I have combination skin which creates blackheads, particularly in my T-Zone and I suffer from cystic acne around my chin. Anyone who has 'problem skin' would agree that, as shallow as it may seem, it greatly affects your confidence and self-esteem. As a result of my skin I'll wear more makeup which leads to more spots and so on; its a vicious cycle!

However, I've found a product that really seems to work with my skin, helping it to clear and reduce the redness. It is the DEAD SEA NATURAL BLACK MUD MASK SOAP (definitely a mouthful!). The people behind the product claim 'the Dead Sea has long been a source of health and beauty and possesses properties that may help with skin ailments like eczema, acne, psoriasis, stimulate blood circulation and restore water to body cells.' It's also incredibly affordable, retailing in a variety of stores, ranging from £2 – 4, depending where you purchase it from. (FYI: I bought mine instore form Boots for £3.39) So after seeing reviews online, I was definitely intrigued.

(Image courtesy of Boots) 

So, first impressions? Upon opening the box I discovered the soap was literally black, but fear not, it lathers and applies just like a normal soap. The smell isn't that appealing, an almost herbal smell, but don't let that put you off either. When I began using it, it left my skin feeling incredibly clean, without any tightness or 'squeakiness' that you sometimes find with cheaper soaps. I immediately began to see improvements; within a week, my redness was reduced and within two weeks, my skin was clearing. I've now been using the soap for a month and my skin is definitely looking its best.

So you must be thinking it's the new miracle product? Unfortunately, it's not. While my skin has cleared to a degree, my spots haven't vanished. Also, as I mentioned earlier, I have combination skin which means I have an abundance of oil within my pores (boo!) so it didn't dry out my skin. ButI do think it would be incredibly drying to those with normal, sensitive or dry skin, so beware. Overall, despite it not being the Holy Grail of skincare, I still love this product and will continue to use it.

What are your favourite skincare products?

effjaydee 

Hello all! Incredibly sorry for the ridiculously long absence; I'm now back at university and back into the Masters frame of mind (essays, reading and more essays). But thank you for the wonderful comments on my post and it's my mission this week to try and blog as much as possible.


effjaydee

REVIEW: Benefit's 'they're Real!' mascara

Dubbed as the 'mascara that is beyond belief', does Benefit's 'they're Real!' mascara live up to the hype? 

I found this little gem in my Christmas stocking and was incredibly excited to try it. As a self confessed mascara addict, I am always on the lookout for that new product that will give me eyelashes to rival my favourite falsies. Benefit claims that 'they're Real!' will lengthen, curl, volumise, lift and seperate and its long wearing formula won't smudge or dry out. It almost sounds perfect, but does it keep its promises? 


Firstly I adore the packaging; it greatly highlights that sometimes success lies in simplicity. But, as with any other mascara, the area of interest is the wand and I was undeniably intrigued.  The wand is narrow enough that it won't poke you in the eye (always a plus!) but it will provide great length. The real selling point of the wand are the bristles, particularly the pointed star tip, which can not only create amazing definition but gets the product onto every lash. But as the tip of the wand uses a huge amount of product, it creates a huge amount of waste which results in the mouth of the mascara getting covered in clumpy, dried product; not pretty! 

BEFORE

AFTER

So, does the mascara actually deliver in volume, length and curl? The formula definitely creates a  length but only with the help of 3 or 4 coats. However, even with so  many coats, the formula is not drying at all and doesn't create the dreaded 'spider lashes'. But, unfortunately, I found that the mascara did not create volume or curl and even after curling my lashes, it didn't particularly hold well.  If you're looking for length, then this is definitely the mascara for you, but for volume or curl, then steer clear. 


Would I repurchase? In all honesty, no. This mascara retails for £18.50 and I don't think it's worth the money; I have used several other mascaras that are both more impressive and cheaper. I will continue to use it as I do like the length it creates but my eyes are still peeled for my holy grail of mascaras. What are your favourite mascaras? 


effjaydee 

Brand new year, brand new blog; here we go!