Garnier Pure Active 3 in 1 Charcoal Anti-Blackhead Review

I've always struggled with blackheads and big pores. I can never seem to get rid of my blackheads, I've only ever been able to reduce the appearance of them. Garnier Pure Active is a 3 in 1 product; wash, scrub and a mask. I've been using this product for a few months now and tried each way in using it to see if there's any difference in the results. 

The uses:

Wash - apply daily to a wet face.

Scrub - Every day, gently massage to exfoliate the skin.

 Mask - Up to three times a week, apply to a clean dry face. 

I have personally found that there is no difference whatsoever in what way you apply this product. I feel like each way gives the exact same results. This product definitely reduces the look of pores and blackheads. It does also mattify the skin which is perfect if you have super oily skin like mine! I have found that I don't need to use blotting paper as much throughout the day anymore.

My favourite way to use this product was doing the mask method as you can always see the dirt and impurities being drawn out of the skin. I was worried about my skin becoming really dry after doing the mask technique so many times a week but my skin was absolutely fine. 

Overall, this product does work and reduces the appearance of blackheads and pores. It's definitely not a 3 in 1 product though as all the uses do the same job and give the same results. 

What can you recommend for blackheads and oily skin?

Garnier Anti-Ageing BB Cream Review

I've never really been fond of BB creams, they've never interested me at all. I've only recently started using the Garnier BB cream instead of using foundation on my 'lazy days'. It's quite a standard sized tube, you don't need a lot of product to cover your face. The box it comes in has all the information you need to know on the back of the box (always handy).

I bought the BB cream in the colour 'light' and believe it or not, it is the lightest colour they do. It's honestly not great for the palest of people as it has an orange tone to it. But, it's a very thick creamy product which applies evenly and easily. I'm not too keen on the smell but it's not terrible. It feels lighter on the face than foundation does. The anti-ageing side to it definitely works for me as it evens out the skin tone, hydrates and firms the skin. It also lasts near enough all day which is just what we need when we're having a minimal make-up day.

In the long run, I wouldn't recommend this BB cream to the pale bunch as you'd look like new recruits to Willy Wonkas Chocolate Factory. It also goes patchy and groups into different places on your face whilst applying make-up on top. Apart from those bad things, everything else is good - including the UV protection SPF 15, anti-ageing and how it applies.

Have you tried any of Garniers BB creams?

Currently On The Bathroom Shelf...

It was so hard to take decent photos for this post due to the lighting being behind my products. How annoying! Anyway let's ignore that, I'm going to mention what's currently on my bathroom shelf and maybe I'll make a series out of it.

First on the shelf is my body lotion from Ted Baker which I got for Christmas. Yep, I still haven't used it up! Mainly because it smells amazing and I just don't want to part with it. Let's hope to get some more this Christmas. Next is my No7 body exfoliator, I only use this prior to fake tanning. This is very gentle for my sensitive skin and it smells absolutely wonderful. I feel so refreshed and brighter after... until I slap on my tan.

When I saw the Pinita Colada range come out at The Body Shop early this Summer, I just had to get something. All of their new range smells gorgeous and Summery. I have been using this every time I have a shower/bath. I just can't get enough of it, I will definitely be buying some more.

Soap & Glory's Sugar Crush is another Summery body wash. If you love citrus scents, then you will need to buy yourself one of these. It's such a strong smell but it's not too much. Honestly, the bathroom smells of limes afterwards.
I'm usually a sucker for Herbal Essences but since my sister has been using these Tresemmé hair products, I couldn't resist giving them a go myself. With coconut milk and aloe vera included, I bet you can already smell the goodness of my hair. They simply do the job.

I have recently come across Garnier Ultimate Blends. When my hair is feeling a little dried out, I will use it as a deep conditioning treatment to get the moisture back. I use this twice a week after shampooing my hair and leave it to work for five minutes and then rinse it off. I have gone through this very quickly so I'm glad that this is sold at such a reasonable price.

July Favourites

The last monthly favourites post I wrote was in March. I say it every month but honestly... where has the year gone? It won't be long till I'm on a countdown until Halloween and Christmas. As if I just mentioned those two events in a July favourites post.

No pair of sunglasses EVER suit me. But, after years of searching, I finally found the perfect pair from River Island. I love everything about them; the colour, they're so comfortable and I don't look like a fly. For only £10, I'm glad I found these! Hopefully they last me foreverrrr.

When I heard about the new Pinita Colada range in the body shop, I was beyond excited. I personally love pina coladas and I thought it would be perfect to add to my bathroom shelf. It's such a sweet summery smell, I just can't get over it. It's only £5!!

Ok, this month was the first time I've ever tried the Garnier micellar water. I know what you're thinking... "you have a beauty blog, how have you not tried it?" or "you've missed out!" I know. I don't have a clue why I hadn't tried this sooner, it's AMAZING! I won't go into too much detail about this product as you've probably read hundreds of reviews. It's gentle on my sensitive skin, it doesn't irritate my eyes and I find it quicker than using makeup wipes. I only bought the 125ml to see what it was like and because it was £1 in Boots.

I have never tried the Urban Decay setting spray before, although I have been eyeing it up for over a year. On nights out, my best friend always let me borrow her UD setting spray and I was completely satisfied every time. So I took the plunge and splashed out £22 on this setting spray. It's better than Makeup Revolutions, to be honest, you and I would be surprised if it wasn't. It has been fantastic in the hot weather that the UK has recently had. When I thought that my makeup was melting off, it didn't budge once! I'm so pleased with this and I will definitely be buying a second one.

Next is my favourite contour kit from Sleek. It's the perfect contour shade for pale skin, it blends easy and stays on all day long. The highlighter is very pigmented and illuminating. This duo compact is my fave and it's travel friendly! I have used this every single day since I've purchased it and I've had quite a few compliments on my highlight. I have written a separate post on this product (here) if you would like to read a bit more about it.

I recently bought Lee Staffords Coconut Spritz from his Coco Loco range. If you love coconuts then I guarantee that you'll love this! It's a quick and easy moisturising spray that you spray before blow-drying your hair. And, I also spray it in my hair throughout the day if my hair looks a little dull and dry. I use this all the time, I literally smell of coconuts. I'm so tempted to just buy the whole Coco Loco range.

What have been your favourites for this month?

Keeping Your Hair Alive This Summer

We have officially hit Summer here in the UK, terrible weather or not. I find that taking care of your hair in the Summer months is especially important as your hair can become dry and the sun can even change the colour of it. Going abroad to warmer countries whilst relaxing on a sun lounger or the chlorine in swimming pools can also damage your hair. So, I've put together a list of affordable products you can use to keep your hair alive this Summer.

Yes, the ground is wet as it was raining before I took these photos. So much for our British Summer ay?

L'Oréal Elnett Satin Heat Protector -
It's like any other heat protector - it protects your hair from heat damage up to 230 degrees. It also smells AMAZING. When there is a breeze outside I can always smell this product and I also get so many compliments on how good my hair smells. Heat protector is obviously a must, not just for heated equipment but it's also great to mist in your hair whilst in the sun/hot weather.

Garnier Ultimate Blends -
This product is specifically for dried out hair. Every now and then I like to give my hair a deep conditioning treatment, I usually like to do this more in the Summer as my hair is a lot more dry and brittle. I use this twice a week and leave it on for five minutes after shampooing. My hair instantly looks brighter, softer and it smells FABULOUS. I do go through this product quite quickly so luckily it's sold at such a reasonable price.

Lee Stafford Coco Loco Coconut Spritz -
I like to spray this before drying my hair and let me tell you, I'm surprised I haven't yet ran out of product. It smells so good that I keep spraying and spraying just to keep smelling coconut. This is also great to give your mid-lengths and ends a quick refresh in the day if your hairs feeling and looking a little dry. It softens my hair straight away and it smells lush. You can't go wrong with this product.

Lush Marilyn Hair Treatment -
This product is very similar to the Garnier Ultimate Blends. I got this treatment a while back and I do love it. You simply coat your hair with the hair treatment and leave it to condition for 20 minutes. Then, you go in with your usual shampoo and conditioning routine. It has made my blonde locks look brighter, shinier and softer. Those three things are a must for this season. Marilyn is made for blonde hair to get rid of any unwanted orange tones. I do believe that you can buy other hair treatments for certain hair types from Lush stores.

Are you using certain products to look after your hair this Summer?