Steamcream - My New Find

I've always been a fan of those products who do a bit "more" than what they are just supposed to do. A bit like Rodial Glam Balm, I've used it for years, it's perfect hydrating mask, dry skin moisturiser, treatment for sunburn etc, so I was very excited that there's another product that can be used in many ways. Except this one is a bit different and comes in super cool retro packaging - a tin. 

So why is it good? 

I like that it contains proven moisturisers such as cocoa butter, glycerine (palm free), almond and jojoba oil. In addition to that there are some lovely essential oils that as well as making the product smell nice, they are soothing and antiseptic, then orange blossom water that balance oily skins and also there is oatmeal which is so good for soothing sensitive skins. Not too many ingredients and it's made in traditional way, by fusing all the ingredients by steam. How cool is that???

Why do I love it? 

It's lightweight, it just sinks into the skin and leaves it nourished. You can use it on the face and body. Makes a good hand cream. You can take off make up with it. You can use it as a mask, mix it with oat flakes and use it as a scrub. You can massage your skin with it before a facial steam and cleanse. And you can mix it with foundation to make your own tinted moisturiser or BB or CC cream or whatever they choose to call it these days. I'm sure you can think of more ways to use it... And best of all, it's pretty much a bargain £12.95.

BB Creams, What Are They and Why You Don't Need Them

Some time ago the beauty world was buzzing with the new breakthrough in make up, aka the "blemish balm" (blemish base) or BB creams. Garnier seems to be at the forefront of the game in this country and they also brought the oil free version not long ago. It was also only a matter of time for the other companies to join.

So what it is supposed to do, this cream?

Apparently it gives coverage, evens out the skin, illuminates, provides SPF protection and speaks five languages while at the same time ironing your clothes and doing the food shopping online. Ok, I'm kidding, but you get the picture.

My opinion? Save your money. Why, you say, as such product is supposed to be good and kill a few birds with one stone?

Here's my opinion, you may like it or not.

1. The coverage is not good, it covers just like a tinted moisturiser. If your skin is not flawless you'll still need concealer. If your skin is flawless then why bother with BB cream anyway?

2. The shades are limited, mainly light, medium and dark. We all know how "lovely" those high street shades can be. Orange or pink anyone?

3. They can be a bit on a greasy side.

4. The "glow" can be a bit too shiny.

5. Too many ingredients mean too easy to get an irritation as it's more difficult to know what's for what.

My suggestion: get a good SPF moisturiser. A proper one WITH skincare benefits. It should leave your skin silky and not oily.

Get yourself a MAC Strobe Cream. It doesn't shimmer, but it has skin brightening agents that make your skin look fabulous. It just works.

Whether you decide to proceed to the next step or not is up to you.... Next is a tinted moisturiser if you want some colour and coverage. And that's it!

Yes I know, it's buying more products... But, they will last three times as long as one cream will and you'll get tailor made products that actually work and not a substandard "jump on a bandwagon and let's make some cash as everyone is doing it" cream.

And remember the two in one shampoo and conditioner.... do you actually still use it?