The one where I've resorted to the best.

Since I started my blog I've been trying out a few cleansers/face washes.  First there was the Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser which had a lovely texture and didn't dry my skin out but definitely didn't help to get rid of or prevent blemishes.  I then tried the Superdrug face wash designed to clear up skin (Superdrug Tea Tree and Peppermint Facial Wash) which seemed to be helping my skin but by the end of the tube my skin was so dry it was clearly not the right one for me.

After these failures and a long while of snooping around blogs and vlogs, the only thing that I have seen repeatedly recommended is the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser.  I cringe at the price but if it works, and keeps my skin clear and not dry, I'll be happy.

It cost £13.75 for an 100ml pump starter kit (which included 2 muslin cloths).  Delivery cost £3 which bumped up the price even more but it only took a few days for it to arrive and it came packaged in a lovely way.  The parcel had a fragile sticker on it and then when I opened it there was lots of goodies inside.  The actual cleanser and cloths were in a pale green, pencil case style case and I was also sent a 50ml Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic, some samples of the Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint in 3 different shades and a booklet of the Liz Earle products.  There was also a letter welcoming me as a buyer, they definitely give you lots of love for your money!

I got all of this yesterday and started using the cleanser immediately.  This morning when I woke up my skin actually looked good, now I don't know whether this is because of the cleanser or just because today is a good day but we shall see.  I am going to try out the Sheer Skin Tint when I next wear makeup which I suspect will be tonight when I go out.

The one about self improvement.

I've told you about my continuing hair and skin problems.  Greasy hair, oily spotty face, it is, sadly, as simple as that.  Now that I'm back in my university town of Cheltenham, I have access to Superdrug and after pouring over blogs and vlogs could have easily spent ridiculous amounts on products that people have recommended.  I did restrict myself though!  Here's what I bought.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in medium and brunette

Batiste Dry Shampoo XXL volume

TRESemme Restructuring Deep Conditioning Treatment Masque

Scandalous Big and Beautiful Voluminising Shampoo

Scandalous Big and Beautiful Voluminising Conditioner

Tea Tree and Peppermint Facial Wash

Tea Tree and Peppermint Exfoliating Cream Wash

I've already gushed about dry shampoos and on discovering that the Batiste ones were 'better than half price' I decided to stock up a little.  They didn't have any of the 'dark and deep brown' variety that I am currently using so I decided to try the 'medium and brunette' and, ever on the hunt for volume, the one designed to give your hair volume.  They usually cost £3.99 but I got them for £1.95 each instead, bargain!

I've never really been concerned about deep conditioning my hair because it's never really dry, however I recently ombred it and so I thought I should probably start taking care of the ends.  I chose the 'TRESemme Restructuring Deep Conditioning Treatment Masque' because it is a whacking great pot of 500ml and sounded good!

I have seen the 'Scandalous Big and Beautiful Voluminising Shampoo and Conditioner' being recommended for volume and although I was originally going to try the Fat Hair range, the Scandalous ones were on a £2 off offer.  The shampoo and conditioner cost me £2.99 each which I thought was pretty good value considering they are supposed to be quite good.

I think my experiment with the Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser from Superdrug has to be judged as a failure.  I've had more breakouts than I did over the summer where I was working all hours, eating badly and not using any products on my face.  I love the creamy texture but the results just wern't good.  I thought I'd try the Superdrug washes for problem skin instead to see if they did any better.  One is just a gel while the other one is more creamy, with exfoliating bits in it so here's hoping one will do the trick!

I might do some reviews on these products if anyone wants to read them, or if they actually have an affect on my hair and skin!

The one with the skin care challenge.

I read this blog post from Steff about her miracle acne cure and was inspired to try out the product she recommended product.  Because of my job I know lots about skin care products and I have tried many (only cheap ones though because I can't bring myself to spend much on beauty products).  I came to the conclusion that nothing I tried was working, I have oily skin and have suffered from acne since I became a teenager.  My sister suggested the old 'soap and water' thing so I tried that for a while and I think I noticed an improvement although as soon as I started working again and the stress started, I suffered from more breakouts. 

Today is my third day using the Superdrug Hot Cloth Cleanser.  This is what it looks like on the shelf.

It is a quite large tube of cleanser with a muslin cloth.  It feels lovely and creamy when you rub it into your face and then the muslin cloth gently exfoliates your face as you wipe it off.  After a day or two of using this I did come out with some new spots which I was not pleased about however I have just moved into a new house so that might be from stress rather than because of the product.  I am going to persevere with it as today (on the third day) my skin is looking a little better than it did yesterday.  The other problem I am having is that we are having a few problems with the hot water at our new house so unfortunately I am having to use it as more of a cold cloth cleanser!

Can anyone recommend any products to help my skin?  I am nearly 20 and completely sick of spots!