Effeclar Duo [+] Review

So when this first came out Boots ran an offer where you could buy it for around £11 rather than the usual and since the original Effeclar Duo has been on my list of things I really must try for probably around a year now I finally bit the bullet and picked it up.

La Roche-Posay describe this product as 

La Roche-Posay introduces new Effaclar DUO[+] anti-blemish cream, specifically formulated to target the key signs of oily, blemish-prone skin. Clinically proven to correct the appearance of blemishes. Unclogs pores and refine the look of skin texture. This daily skincare solution is suitable even for sensitive skin.

I've been using this for probably around a month now, in the evenings, though I may have occasionally missed a day. Spoilers, I am not amazed by this product. Especially not for the price tag. I have been trying to improve my diet too, more water and fruit/veg, not doing amazingly but still. Either way, my skin hasn't improved all that much. I got one massive sore under-the-skin type spot soon after I began using it, but with these things they can brew for a while, and I did think for a little while my forehead was getting less bumpy and maybe it has, but not drastically so, and my chin is as bad as ever. As far as the claims it can be used on sensitive skin go, this made my cheeks burn - though my cheeks can be pretty bad for products as I believe I have rosacea (redness and broken veins there...). But do be careful.

It's not all bad! As I say there may have been some improvement in my forehead area, and it does help keep my skin more matte throughout the day. Plus it feels great on application, totally non-greasy and sinks into the skin quickly and easily. I do think my skin feels nicer to the touch. It isn't actually a moisturiser (hence why the La Roche-Posay website says this can be used in combination with a moisturiser) so it's a good idea to use a moisturiser as well. I mostly just apply this to my problem areas - chin, nose and forehead - especially with the reaction on my cheeks.

But overall I am not impressed. It didn't deliver the results it promises and while it feels nice it isn't something I can justify spending the full price of £15.50 on.

This is going to be a controversial post isn't it? Everyone loves this product... oops!
Please remember that, as with all skincare reviews, this is totally subjective and what doesn't work on my skin might work wonders for you (as proven by the vast number of beauty bloggers who call this a holy grail). Maybe one day I'll come back and try this again when I have my diet properly sorted out and I'll love it, but until then I'll use up this tube and not repurchase for now.

Effeclar Duo [+] retails at £15.50 from Boots, several Chemists including Loyds and online in places such as Amazon.

Quick L'Oreal Micellar Solution Review

L'Oréal Paris Skin Perfection Purifying Micellar Water, high performance cleansing for sensitive skin. Used by make-up artists, the 'micellar' solution swiftly removes all traces of make-up and acts like a purifying magnet on skin's surface to capture and draw out excess oil and impurities. So gentle, skin feels soothed and toned. Hypo-allergenic. No Alcohol. Dermatologically tested. 

I love this product, it's one of the few I've gone out and repurchased as soon as I've run out. Micellar Water is a massive deal now and while most on the market are fairly pricey, this one is suitable for any budget. I purchased mine for £3 at Asda, but I believe the RRP is £4.99, which is still very low if you compare to something like bioderma.

This is really gentle on the skin but still removes even stubborn makeup. It takes off my Maybelline Colour Tattoo in one swipe and only takes a quick soak to remove waterproof mascara. I've managed to get some of this in my eyes and it doesn't sting, though maybe if you have very sensitive eyes it could hurt a bit. But eye makeup removal is no problem.

I haven't broken out using this, nor has my skin become any more dry or oily. It feels cleansed and as the name says, purified after use. I really reccomend this as a makeup remover and cleanser.

Skincare Tag

I was once again tagged by the beautiful Sami at That Redhead Said..., this time to do a skincare tag!

1. Describe your skincare routine in 5 words... 
 I just cleanse and moisturise.





2. What is your skin type? 
 Combination, leaning oilier in Summer, and spotty

3. What is your favourite skincare product? 



I don't really have one, but I'm loving the L'Oreal Micellar Water at the moment
 
4. Top blemish zapper...Freederm, though I plan on giving Skinetica a full run

5. Facewipes - yay or nay... Yay. They're great for lazy days.

6. Toner - yay or nay... I'm eh about toner, some products make me feel like I need it, but mostly no.

7. High-end skincare or high-end make-up? 
Neither? I know I'm supposed to say skincare really, though I guess I wouldn't mind giving the Effeclar Duo or Bioderma a try.

7. What is the most unusual skincare product you have tried?Nothing really. I'm pretty boring and lazy skin care wise.

8. You're in a French Pharmacy and can only pick one item - what would it be? 
Effeclar Duo. Failing that, Bioderma I guess.

9. Top Skincare Tip... 
Always take your make-up off at the end of the day. 

Not tagging anyone this time, but if you fancy doing this then feel free!