Cleansing with the Foreo Luna Mini | Review

The whole skincare regime, double cleansing and hot muslin cloths still does phase me, I only learnt the true importance of a proper skin care routine once I had acne which was duly caused by not cleaning and looking after my skin properly. I think I've come a long way since back then, but I still do suffer from regular break outs and live in fear that my acne will one day return, so I'm constantly looking for more ways to improve my skin. I have heard a lot about facial cleansers from other bloggers so when Look Fantastic sent me the Magenta Foreo Luna Mini* RRP £99 (exclusive to Lookfantastic) to try out I couldn't let my skin miss out on this fabulous looking device. They also come in 4 other gorgeous colours, the pastel blue and pink Luna Minis are to die for!

So what exactly is the Foreo Luna Mini and how is it different to other facial cleansers? The Foreo Luna Mini is a smaller version of the original, and it is a T sonic facial cleansing and and ageing device which promises a mini facial with every use. It aims to cleanse much more efficiently than by hand, remove 99.5% of dirt, oil and makeup residue, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help to achieve smoother looking and more radiant skin. The reason that this is different to others on the market is that NO replacement brushes are needed, it's ultra hygienic and it is waterproof, it only needs to be charged once every 7 months and because it's mini you can have a facial wherever you travel to! It all sounds pretty amazing right?! 

The anti ageing surface

Step by step cleansing instructions, if  you're anything like me you'll always pick the simpler version with pictures. But there is a full sized instruction booklet included too if you want to learn the ins and outs of the device.

How do you use the Foreo Luna Mini? The Luna Mini is incredibly easy to use, once you've charged it up you don't need to worry about it for another 7 months, I actually charged it by the USB port on my laptop! You simply press the middle power button on the device and away you go, it's that easy. The little instruction booklet is incredibly helpful as it outlines how many seconds you should be cleansing each area, the pulses then take a quick pause every 15 seconds as an indicator of when to move onto the next area so you don't over cleanse a specific part of your face. It pauses 3 times when you've reached one minute of cleansing your entire face, it's truly ground breaking stuff! As I mentioned before there are two sides to the device, but the cleaning brush surface is the most technical if you like..The silicone brushes don't collect dirt like normal bristles so its super easy to clean. The device can be used for all skin types too, the top bristles are for those with more sensitive skin whilst the smaller/finer looking ones are perfect for use on oily/combination skin. After cleansing your skin you simply wash your face with water and pat dry.

So what is the Foreo Luna Mini actually like? I am always 100% honest in my posts regardless of whether something has been gifted to me or not, as you'll know from the Click N Curl review.. But I cannot imagine my life without my Luna Mini now, it has truly changed my skin care regime. Before I began using it I was dubious, as I know from other devices on the market that people had said they are too harsh, caused break outs and even broken capillaries. But, comparing this between another market leader I can see why it could cause that and these two devices couldn't be more different. The Foreo is so gentle and it charges up to 8,000 pulsations per minute which are very gentle, nothing harsh here. I have been taking my makeup off first with the above cleanser with a muslim cloth and hot water. I then massage another layer of cleanser on and let the Luna Mini do the rest. I haven't used the anti ageing side as I'm focusing more on getting clearer skin but have been using this twice a day in conjunction with the new cleanser Cetaphil as used by Amanda Holden, I started using it with the Luna Mini and have been so impressed by it too, it's great for those with sensitive and spot prone skin. I have been using it for almost a month now and although I haven't had ground breaking results yet in the skin department my skin is no worse and it is definitely a lot smoother. I have had a few spots pop up here and there but I always do anyway, it seems to be clearing out the rubbish in my skin first which will hopefully lead to better, more clearer skin in the future. Just by adding it into my skincare routine I feel like my skin is so much cleaner after taking my makeup off for the day and it really does feel like a mini facial in a minute. For that reason I could not stop using this device now as my face would just feel too dirty without it! However, I do feel that I need to use this for a few more months to get a more accurate picture as to how much it's helped my skin, but the first month has been fabulous and I cant bear to live life without it again.

There really are far too many amazing benefits to this product, even more than I can write on this blog post, I think you would be reading it for a day! The battery life is a big winner for me as is the fact that as it's a mini size it can be taken away with me on holiday, this will probably be the first year that I don't use face wipes whilst I'm away, a massive improvement! As it's also waterproof it offers the ultimate convenience, no excuses for not having time to properly look after my skin anymore as I can just jump in the shower or bath with it and cleanse away! Now we just need an Iphone to be designed that only needs one charge for every 7 months, then we'll be talking...

Have you used the Foreo Luna Mini? Do you use facial cleansers? Would you like to add this into your skin care regime? Whats your favourite cleanser?

*Products marked with an asterix (*) have been sent to me for review. However, all opinions in this post are 100% my own

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Origins Drink Up 10 minute mask | Review

The worst thing about winter is definitely the dry skin that comes with it. Despite having quite oily skin i get a really dry nose which becomes so obvious and flaky when i apply my makeup. I was on the look out for a mask which would help add the moisture back to my skin but something that wouldn't make my skin more greasy. After asking a few lovely bloggers on twitter for their opinions i headed into my local boots store for the origins counter. I was also interested in the clear improvement charcoal mask  but i was afraid of it making my skin drier than it already was. The shop assistant was so lovely and explained what both of the masks do thoroughly, but the Origins Drink up 10 minute mask was the winner as it was to help target and combat my dry skin and it is also meant to help skin that suffers from breakouts due to stress and this is definitely appropriate for me, when i'm at uni stress is my middle name! This mask costs £22 from Boots, but I was lucky enough to have enough boots points saved up so i was able to treat myself to this before Christmas!
I have used this for about a month now and maybe once or twice a week and i am so in love with this product!! I have never spent much money on my skincare regime and usually stick with trusty Simple which i know works. This mask is probably the most expensive skincare product i have ever bought but my gosh it works and you really do pay for what you get, the only problem this brings is the urgent need to try other expensive skincare items, i see an addiction coming on!!
Anyway onto the mask itself. It is lightly scented with apricot yet it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin at all which is always something of a concern to me. The formula is really rich and nourishing, but its not greasy at all. I apply quite a thick layer of it to my skin and leave on for 10 minutes but i leave it on for longer if my skin is really dry. As you leave it on you can see that the product sinks into your skin hence it being called a drink up mask! After washing it off i apply a thick layer of my favourite moisturiser to lock it the moisture in. It is a brilliant quick fix for dry skin and i have taken to using this before nights out because my make up goes on incredibly well afterwards because i have no dry patches of skin in sight. This is definitely my favourite mask for the winter and for my dry facial skin and i will definitely repurchase this! I am also looking into more of the Origins products now to see what i can try next so if you use any of their other products which are  good do let me know in a comment below!
What do you think of this product? Have you tried it before? Do you have any other origins recommendations?

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My skin care routine

Despite not even knowing what a cleanser was last year i have tried to get a good skincare routine going now. I suffered from bad acne last year which i have discussed in previous posts, so for me the skincare products i use are cheap and simple but overly effective.  I always fancy trying the more expensive attractive skin care people blog about but they often have fragrances and can cause your skin to be worse than it already was. So, If you suffer from acne/skin prone to spots or have sensitive skin then i cant recommend these products to you enough.

Simple facial wash gel - Most of my skincare includes the Simple skincare products. I started using these when i developed acne last year, i know people will spend a lot more money on skin care than me but I've found something that works,it keeps my acne from coming back,cleans my skin,contains no nasty smells or chemicals,it is simple(excuse the pun) but it works fabulously if you have sensitive skin or just want something that's cheap and it is still just as good as more expensive items.

Simple light moisturiser - I have combination skin and can get quite oily so the light moisturiser is perfect for me,i used this moisturiser while i lived in Finland and my skin was never dry despite the temperature being -30!! It does the job and that's all i want and need from a moisturiser.

Simple cleansing face wipes - I know that face wipes are branded as lazy and not too good to the skin but if i am ever on holiday,had a late night then these are perfect and they remove your makeup quickly and easily,after nights out i used to sleep in my makeup so for me face wipes are the best for a lazy person like me when i'm tired, and again no nasty chemicals in these and they don't irritate my skin. 

As you can tell i love Simple skincare and i will never stray from these products to more expensive and fancy items that i must admit look great but i know what works for my sensitive skin, i haven't had acne again since using them and the products are so cheap and often on offer for 3 for 2 at boots that you just cant go wrong!

Aqueous cream - Most people have probably heard of aqueous cream at some point in their life. I use this when i have particularly dry bits on my face and body for that matter. I apply it after my normal moisturiser in the desired parts and usually by the next day my skin is back to normal,i used to apply this all over my face but its so thick that it clogged up my pores so i recommend using this on just the odd patch when and as needed.As for the body its brilliant as a daily or an intensive moisturiser every now and again,its so cheap too at only £1 for 500g tub in Savers!

Skin therapy cleansing lotion - I used to use the simple cleanser but then i discovered this one from Wilkinsons costing only 98p!! Very cheap but it literally is the identical to the simple one,its plain,simple,has no fragrance but it does its job and is really effective at removing my makeup with the aid of cotton wool.

Acne Killer mask - If you've been reading my blog recently you'll now how much of a fan i am of this product, you can read my full review on it here. I use this mask once monthly now that my acne has gone just to prevent my pores from clogging up and the return of it. It is a peel off mask and it is painful, but if you are looking for a quick solution then this is it!

I hope you enjoyed reading about my cheap skin care routine! I am now off on holiday to Menorca for a week yey,but i have lots of posts lined up for you when i am back,and if you have any questions in the meantime i will reply to those as soon as i am back,i hope you all have a lovely week!What do you think? Have any of you tried these products before?