Skincare Updates #2 | Mid-Range Products

It's time for the second instalment of my little skincare trilogy and this time I'm talking mid-range products I've been testing out for the past few months. You can read Part 1 with High-End Products here and the third and final Budget version in a fortnight.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar 3-Step Anti-Blemish System, £32.50 

A couple of months back this was on sale (at the time of publishing it's on offer again at £21.65 - a bargain!). I always have the Effaclar Duo + on the go so went for this as it was only about £5 more for two additional products. In the evening, after removing my makeup, I use the Effaclar Purifying Foam Cleanser. It comes out as a clear gel and you really don't need too much as it foams up quite nicely on damp skin once you massage it in. Then after rinsing I pat my face dry with a fresh towel and apply the Effaclar Clarifying Toner. Finally, the Effaclar Duo + is not a new product to me however I'll still share my thoughts on it with you as part of this system. It's a light creamy lotion I apply just before a richer night cream (though I do know some people use this in place of moisturiser). I was going through an inexplicable breakout a couple of weeks ago so it was the perfect time to give the full set a go and I was very impressed. 

Within a couple of days my skin was back to normal and by the end of the week it was clearer than average. The cleanser and toner do leave my skin a tiiiiny but drier than I'd like. FYI my skin is combination so oiler types may not experience this whereas drier types may want to follow this up with an oil-free, water-based hydrating primer (like the one we're coming to later...) or a face spray (ditto). However once I've applied the cream it feels calm, soft, smooth and moisturised but matte. I've also found that after long-term use of the Effaclar Duo + a lot of the older blemish marks have improved slightly in appearance. The cleanser and toner are products I'll keep for when I need them whereas the cream is an everyday staple.

Ingredients include Glycerin, Zinc and Citric Acid.

Vichy Aqualia Thermale Serum, £17.50

This is another one currently on sale at an incredible £11.65! This is a relatively new product to my stash but when you know, you know... Although my skin is combination and prone to shine, it's also severely dehydrated and I've realised that water-based formulas are perfect for injecting some much-needed moisture without creating excess oiliness. This serum sinks right in giving my skin immediate hydration, vibrancy and also a slight plumping effect. I use 1-2 pumps morning and evening. The only negative of this is that the formula is very watery so I can see myself getting through this quite rapidly. However given that even full price it's under £20, I don't think I'll resent the re-purchase too much! Also the fact the bottle is clear means I'll know when I'm running low.

Ingredients include Glycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate.

Body Shop Vitamin C Glow-Boosting Moisturiser, £16

Another recent purchase but one I've already fallen for. This is a gel-type formula as opposed to the traditional cream moisturiser. Again this means it absorbs quickly and without leaving behind any stickiness or excess but is really hydrating. If you have dehydrated skin, look out for 'Sodium Hyaluronate' and its variants in skincare as it is capable of retaining over 1000 times its weight in water! This moisturiser brings my dull skin to life and at £16 I couldn't be happier. The Vitamin C and fruity contents give my skin a bit of much-needed natural glow whilst quenching its thirstiness. I can't recommend this enough as something light for summer.

Ingredients include Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Fruit Extract.

Body Shop Vitamin E Night Cream, £12

I've been using this one for a few months now and it's from the Body Shop's fantastic Vitamin E range. It's one of the few rich moisturisers in my routine and it's very intensive. I try not to slather on too much but I find this extremely nourishing. The only downside for me is that this is quite fragranced, which whilst ok for me, may aggravate very dry and sensitive skin.

Ingredients include Glycerin, Wheat Germ Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter.

Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil, £13

Whilst this oil isn't a patch on the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery, it's a good alternative if you're on a budget and also comes in jar with a dropper so you only dispense the amount you need. Whilst I don't find it hugely replenishing, I do find it very hydrating and use it perhaps once a week. My dull skin certainly looks and feels much softer, plumper and healthier when I wake up the morning after using this. One thing I also really like about this product is how lightweight it is (especially compared to the Kiehl's). If you find that heavier oils break you out then give this a try as it doesn't suffocate your skin in the slightest. It also sinks in very quickly, which is always a plus.

Ingredients include Wheat Germ Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Sesame Seed Oil.

Body Shop Tea Tree Oil, £7

Tea Tree Oil is one of those ingredients my skin just loves! This oil is a great way of getting it on your skin without drying it out. I apply it using a cotton bud to blemishes and places where I can feel a breakout bubbling underneath the surface... I use this before bed and leave it on overnight before cleansing in the morning and my skin looks clearer even after just one use. It's not a product I use regularly, more to clear up breakouts as and when needed, however I really recommend this. Obviously it smells quite strongly of Tea Tree, however I find this really clearing and refreshing personally.

Ingredients include Castor Oil, Citral, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir, £11 (30ml)

This face spray is a seriously hyped-up product so I thought I would sample it by picking up the reasonably-priced 30ml bottle. It has a really nice, refreshing fragrance and produces a slight tingling sensation. It does provide a nice little perk-up to my skin and a hydration boost, however I'm not sure the skincare benefits are particularly concrete for me. My skin looks a little perkier and more awake but I can't say it does anything life-changing for me. All in all it's a nice-but-unnecessary step in my routine (I spritz this just before applying my makeup).

Ingredients include Grape Water, Bitter Orange Water and Peppermint Oil.

Caudalie Grape Water, £6 (75ml)

Another, if slightly less luxurious, Caudalie face spray but one that's a little finer and less fragranced. This is grape water and very little else in spray form and I actually quite like it. If I've used something to treat blemishes or a product that's a little stripping, a quick spray of this eases any tightness or discomfort. It's worth owning simply for this purpose.

Ingredients are Grape Fruit Water, Grape Juice, Plant-Derived Nitrogen.

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think of them? 

 

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