Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Overnight Peel

I used to be a scrubber, one of those ones that would get the grittiest thing and rub until it was bright red. I then wonder why my skin was sensitive to everything put on it, I was on the philosophy that if I could feel it working it was doing it's job. I wish I could go back in time and slap that person.

When I was pregnant I had to rethink my whole skin care due to the hormones going on a rampage. I had fallen in love with Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel after getting a sample of it in a pack. I was looked glowing and freshly exfoliated, people complimented on my glow and smooth skin. I was sold apart from the £30 price tag. Being on maternity leave it was too much for me.

I was peel less for months, using a scrub but felt that it wasn't the same now I had been spoilt by peels. I had some money and wanted to splash out on some skin care, pursuing Superdrug I came across the Naturally Radiant range, radiance is exactly what I needed and in spade loads.

The peel was on offer and I took the plunge because the price was right, I wouldn't spent a fortune if it didn't work out (at the time it was half price, normally £5.99. Currently on Buy one get one half price). It uses Kiwi Fruit and Mulberry Extracts to even skin tone and revive, with Glycolic Acid, a powerful Alpha Hydroxy (AHA) and a Fruit Acid blend to refine and re texture.

You apply over the face, avoiding the eyes, and leave overnight. It's a clear gel so there is no way I was going to be scaring Hubby at bedtime or Beth during night feeds. In the morning you wash off and apply a SPF moisturiser (as it can make the skin sensitive to UV rays). It fitted in with my routine perfectly.

I am smitten, it leaves my skin soft and smooth, I am very surprised with the results and could even give Elemis a run for it's money. It doesn't make me look younger, but it does make me look like I've had a few nights sleep when I've actually been up until 3am trying to get Beth to sleep. That's a win in my book.

Available at Superdrug stores and online.

You Can Do More With Clay Than Build Pots

I, as probably the entire female population at some point, has worn a face mask, and I would beat some money that most of them are from Montagne Jennesse. I am a big fan of them, they're mud face masks are not only a skin savour but I find for the amount of product you get in a sachet they're also very good value for money.

Founded in 1987 after founder Greg Butcher was mixing products in his kitchen, Montange Jenesse has grown into one of the front runners in the beauty markets.They are sold in over 80 countries around the world and now have 50 products in their range including hair masks, feet treatment and even cellulite treatments. All are one use products and can be mixed and matched to what you require at the time. All within an easy price that any pocket can suit and can be nicked by your male boyfriend/husband.

Their latest range of products combines two of their most popular ranges, the clay masks and tonic cloth masks. I adore the clay masks, leaves my skin feeler amazingly fresher and that cleaned feel that I want when using a mask.

There are two with the range, The Dead Sea Mud Spa and the Glacier Clay Spa. Both are infused into a bamboo fibre mask that you sit onto the skin rather than the traditional method of massage it onto the skin. The mask already has all the holes cut in, and you will get a little over your hands putting it on but no where near as much as if you were applying it directly with your hands. A word of warning this mask is made for you to lie down and relax in, not move around and it will fall off.

It's hard to smile in face mask :)

After 15 minutes you then remove the mask, I actually put it into a ball and massage the slight textured material as a light exfoliate. Rinse off the left over mask with warm water and use your normal skin care. My skin looked a lot more refreshed and even toned, the next morning (I use mine before bed) it was still very smooth to touch. I was given these to try, but I still would of brought them as they still appealed to me and my skins needs.

You can get your hands on it's website www.MontagneJeunesse.com (It might be worth checking out their Facebook Page first for a discount offers...shh). It will then be in Boots mid-August and ASDA's in September at the cost £1.49. They are all vegetarian, PETA and BUVA (leaping bunny) approved, made from natural ingredients and paraben-free, as well as environmental friendly where-ever they can be.  

Belated Masterclass - Face Masks

Face masks are a preparation of different ingredients to give a short term treatment for the skin. They provide a deep cleansing, toning, nourishing or refreshen effect through the following actions:

• If it has ingredients to absorbed, dead skins cells, sebum and debris will be adhere to the mask when removed.
• If it has ingredients that are an astringent on the skin, the pores and skin will tighten.
• If it contains emollient ingredients, the skin will then fell softened and nourished.
• If it contains soothing ingredients, then the skin can be desensitised to reduce skin irritation.

There are two types of mask, a face mask which will dry and set and a face pack which remains soft and doesn't set.
Setting Masks are applied in a thin layer over the skin and then allowed to dry, a dried out mask can be become uncomfortable and difficult to remove. They come in different commerical varieties:

• Clay masks - Absorbs serum and debris from the skin surface, leaving it cleansed. It can also stimulate the skin depending on the ingredients used. There are different variety of clays that have different uses, they start off a powder form and is mixed with a liquid to create a mask.
• Gel masks - is a mixture of biological ingredients like gums, starches or gelatin. As soon as it is applied to skin it then starts to dry and then can be peeled off.
• Thermal masks - More mineral based as they warm when put onto the skin to enlarge the pores, making it easier to clean the skin.

Non-setting masks stay soft when applied, others do become firm but they do not contain the tightening functions of the setting masks. Non-setting masks include:

• Oil masks - is warmed then applied to the skin, after a period of time the excess is then removed.
• Gauze mask - is a cloth that has eye, nose and lip holes cut in. The cloth will has some liquid/oil infused into it then placed over the eyes for between 10-15 minutes.
• Natural masks - are made of fruit and vegetables which in themselves have astringent and stimulating properties. Usually crushed up and applied onto the skin.
• Cream masks - are prepared treatments similar to moisturise cream, can be left to absorb in or have the excess wiped off.