La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat

La Roche-Posay is a famous French skincare, known over here for the Effaclar Duo. The product has hundreds (literally) of reviews online so, even though I have it, it wouldn't make sense to review. In a nutshell, it's good. What I am going to review is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat.

To put it simply, it is a sebum-controlling moisturiser. For those who don't know, sebum is the oily substance produced from sebaceous glands (which come from the tiny hair follicles found on our face). Too much sebum results in the sebaceous glands becoming enlarged, thus forming spots/acne. Due to the fact it reduces oils means it also mattifys the skin to help control shine.

It's targeted at people with oily skin prone to imperfections and shine, also those with sensitive skin and it is recommended to use morning and/or evening to the whole face.

What I think...

So far, I really like it. I've been using it for roughly two weeks and I definitely have noticed an improvement to my skin from using this product in conjunction with the Effaclar Duo. My skin appears much smoother and the shine which used to form on my t-zone has considerably been reduced.

Price: £12-15 depending on where, and when, you buy
Stockists: Boots, escentual.com, pharmacies

Definitely worth it.

Suzanna xoxo

PS. Happy february! <3

Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion Gradual Tanner

Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion Gradual Tanner, £4.99

Summer is literally just around the corner which means the weather is drastically starting to heat up. Over the weekend, in London, it was two of the hottest days of the year reaching heights of 30c. This means shorts and t-shirt weather and, unfortunately for me, isn't good. I wouldn't say I'm super-albino pale, but I'm not the tannest (?) of people and I certainly am not the quickest tanner in the world. Which is why I turn to fake tans!

Now because I'm still in school and have got around seven weeks left before I break up for the holidays, I didn't want to get a full-on instant just-been-to-the-Caribbean type tan. It would look just a bit too fake and unrealistic. I was looking around Boots the other day to find the cheapest yet decent gradual tanner I could find. I say cheapest because I am going to try out more and spending over £20 on something I'm not crazy about is just a waste, in my opinion. Anyway, I found the Dove Summer Glow gradual tanner which, on the bottle says it works wonders.

On the bottle is says that the Dove Summer Glow is a "moisturiser with a subtle self-tanner to gradually build a beautiful tan". Great! Moisturising the skin whilst making it look nice and golden.

But, does it actually work?

Yes, I believe it does. For starters, my skin is so much softer from using this product when, previously, I have been using the cocoa body butter from the Body Shop. It also does make me look much brown than I was before. I apply it after I have a shower, everyday, and literally whack it on everywhere rubbing it in circular motions (like suggested).

Tips and advice:

• Make sure you wash your hands INSTANTLY afterwards. You don't want to wake up with bright orange hands do you!
• Don't apply much onto your knees or elbows as small fake tan lines will start to appear and that is  not a cute look.
• Be patient! Wait for it to dry before getting dressed!

Overall, I really like this product and would most definitely re-purchase.

I'm sorry for the lengthly review, but I hope it does help some of you out there. If you would like to buy this product, click here for Boots or here for Superdrug. Boots currently have a 3 for 2 sale on at the moment, so I'd check there first, yet Superdrug have it on discount.

Talk to you soon :)

Suzanna x

UPDATE

I have a new favourite gradual tanner: read about it here!