Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Stress Control Daily Scrub Review

Dear Beauties,

Hope you are are enjoying the cool weather. As the seasons change, I like to alter my skincare regimen accordingly. As you may know I suffer on and off from acne, pimples breakouts, zits whiteheads, blackheads, whatever you want to call it :-(..

I am forever looking for a cure for acne, and its no use treating the symptoms you actually have to look at the causes.

One of the causes of acne is stress, whether it is from school, exams, work, deadlines, family obligations and general day to day life stress can cause acne.

One of the best ways to reduce stress is to

• exercise,  
• stop worrying and
• finding sometime to unwind and relax on a daily basis.

In order to help us fight stress related acne, Neutrogena has come with a face wash called Visibly Clear Spot Stress Control Daily Scrub.

I have been using this for a few months now and I can say it is the strength, light enough to be used daily and strong enough to make a noticeable difference.

Suitable for acne prone oily/combination, sensitive skin. I have combination skin which is crazy sensitive and this didn't irritate it so I am super pleased!

What it claims to do:

The NEUTROGENA VISIBLY CLEAR® Spot Stress Control Daily Scrub contains microbeads to gently exfoliate skin whilst the powerful Microclear®technology unclogs pores allowing the formula to penetrate deep down and help clear spots. With green tea and cucumber it soothes the skin and it is gentle enough to use every day without drying the skin.

Pros:

The green tea and cucumber combo smells great and has revitalising and relaxing effect. The skin tingles a bit so you can actually feel it working but it does not irritate. 

Skin feels squeaky clean and fresh

Daily usage will rid of black heads and white heads.

Cons:

There aren't really any cons. i just want to say it doesn't completely rid you of your acne, but if the cause of your acne isn't skincare/topical causes it is not the product's fault. For example, if you have adult/teenage acne caused by hormonal changes/imbalances then it will not cure it- you will need to see a dermatologist for that.

Pro tip:

Apply it on your face before you brush teeth, and leave it on your face to do its magic while you brush your teeth you will feel your skin tingling,  rinse for super soft smooth skin. 

Rating:

4.5 /5 It is one of the best face cleanser product I have tried in a while and for a very reasonable price.

You may also like to check out my other reviews of Skin care products below:

http://saudiarabianights.blogspot.com/search/label/beauty%20product%20review

Get answers to your burning beauty problems and email me at mishaican@gmail.com

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XOXO

Misha

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore and Shine:Daily Facial Scrub and Wash Review

Dear Readers,

The humid summer weather makes my skin look as greasy as the Jeddawi favourite fried chicken-Al-Baik.  The excess oil clogs up my pores and lo and behold we have an ugly break-out right before the Eid/weddings/party *insert public occasion of choice* and not only that it often leaves behind ghastly annoying scars- which have to be camouflaged by makeup under the artful (mis)direction of famous makeup artists. 

This summer I was looking for a face wash suitable for  my combination acne-prone sensitive skin- to avoid the above described scenario, no easy task I tell you. 

Therefore, I was very pleased when *I was received these Neutrogena face washes  to try out* previously I had tried and fallen in love with Neutrogena's Oil Free Facial Wipes and Lip Balm so I was excited to give these new products a go.

Neutrogena's face washes from the their Visibly Clear range ideal of you are have blemish prone oily/combination skin type. Dry skin types that tend to get oily in the humid summer months will also find this product useful.

I always like to use the products for a reasonable amount of time before posting a review. In this case I used the facial washes in the hot and humid summer months (August and September) and so with further ado on to the reviews.

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore and Shine Daily Scrub

First up is the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore and Shine Daily Scrub, which won the Cosmopolitan Award for best facial scrub in 2013!

What it claims to do: 

Helps tighten pores: with its exfoliating micro-beads and salicylic acid, it cleanses deep down to unclog pores for visibly refined-looking skin.

Pros: 

• I have sensitive skin and this scrub can be used daily without irritating the skin or causing breakouts, or over drying, it is very gentle and the micro beads feel great on your skin. 
• Has bright energising scent of lime and tangerine- very uplifting to wash your face in the morning.

Cons: 

• I'm in the habit of using something a bit stronger, like St. Ives Apricot Scrub for sensitive skin used a couple of times a week, or a DIY sugar scrub, so after having used it daily for a few weeks, I have to say that it is not my fave. I felt it didn't clean my skin enough or maybe it was too gentle?! However,  I would advise you to try it out as everyone's skin is different and I know some people love it.

Micro beads in action

Pro tip: 

If after massaging the scrub onto your face, leave it on for a while while you brush your teeth, then rinse after your finish brushing your teeth- you will find it works extra time and leaves your skin oh so soft!.

Rating: 

Although it did not irritate my sensitive skin I felt it was not strong enough of a scrub..might be just me so I have to give it a 3 out of 5.

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore and Shine Daily Wash

My favourite was the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore and Shine Daily Wash, it is a gel wash which you use twice a day.

Squeaky clean skin with the Neutrogena Visibly clear pore and shine daily wash

What it claims to do: 

Helps unclog pores: the formula cleanses deep down for visibly refined-looking skin.

Pros: 

• I usually use it in the morning, and then after working out later in the day and I absolutely love it. It is a great dupe for Dermalogica's anti-bac gel wash and I really feel it deep cleans and mattifies the skin without over-drying it. I noticed a clear difference in my skin, it looked smoother and non-greasy. 
• It also brings any painful under-skin pimples to a head faster and also shrinks them faster. 
• Like the facial scrub it has a zingy citrus fragrance the lime and tangerine perfect to energise you in the morning.

Pro tip: 

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore and Shine Daily Wash is also great for cleaning makeup brushes, esp useful for declogging foundation brushes leaving them clean and soft and smelling lovely. I have found that if you use other cleaning products to clean the brush and there is any residue of the cleaning agent left  it can irritate your skin. However, the  Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore and Shine Daily Wash is great it causes no problems as it perfectly gentle on your skin.

Rating:

I love products that multi-task therefore Neutrogena's Visibly Clear Pore and Shine Daily Wash is here to stay as part of my skin-care regimen and I give it 4.5 out of 5. 

Have you tried any of these products let me know below.

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Brands that I miss in KSA Part 1: Bobbi Brown

Dear Readers,

Oh I was absolutely in love with Bobbi Brown,  I love all their make-up, I think I used to drool at Bobbi Brown’s Selfridges counter on a weekly basis.  I find their make-up does what in my opinion make-up should ideally do and is that enhances your features upgrading you to a prettier healthier, ‘I eat , drink and sleep well and am in love with the essence of life’ version. 

I find some of the popular makeup brands here are rather heavy-handed, and  mask your skin  making it obvious to everyone within 5-10m radius (depending on eyesight) that your face  is painted, and IMHO the vibe I get is that you are going for the ever ready 'God forbid that acid rain should descend and leave you with a bare face, because your self-esteem requires  that you must hide behind  such an opaque foundation' look. 

I find that girls here often wear make-up suited to photo-shoots but which in my humble opinion looks out of place in normal life.I guess all the selfie-mania has turned everyone into a self-conscious celeb.

Oops I digress, as I was saying I miss Bobbi Brown make-up. I adore their BB cream with SPF35 the medium shade is perfect for Asian skin tones. Their blush, oh my, it gives your cheeks a natural gorgeous colour so much so, that when I first noticed my friends rosy cheeks I thought it was because she had been running upstairs to meet me. So to the great people at Bobbi Brown please set up shop in Jeddah, the fashionistas need you ASAP!

If any one would be interested in full reviews of their stick foundation/bb cream/lip liner/blush  please leave a comment below and I will do it in future posts.

 If you haven't signed up for my email list yet, sign up now for FREE so that you won't miss my reviews and posts– they will come straight in your inbox. Oh and do stay in touch on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Pantone Colour of the Year for 2014:Radiant Orchid Part 1 Makeup

Dear Readers,

I know it is already April but  as I have just recently started blogging again I had to do a colour of the year post. As most of you already know the creative movers and shakers of the colour industry come together ever year at a clandestine meeting in European capital every year to choose what shall be the colour of the year.. This year they have chosen one of my favourite colours..radiant orchid as can be seen above.

The colour of the year will be seen in clothing, accessories also in in furnishings, and interior decor items, make up and in the print in industry.

You can incorporate this gorgeous colour into your life, see how below:


Use these beautiful shades as eye shadow by YSL

Luscious lipstick shades in radiant orchid can be found to suit all skin tones and budgets as compiled by the lovely lady at lipstick dupe, I personally love Lancome Violette Coquette and YSL's Fuschia in Rage both suit Asian and Arab skin tones particularly well.

Check out the top ten radiant orchid nail polish shades as shown by the blogger at polish insomniac
like her, I also love the Don't Violet Me Down colour by OPI

Courtesy polish insomniac

If you are more daring you could dye your hair purple and magenta a give off a Katy Perry vibe

Purple and magenta hair courtesy:

Neutrogena Deep Clean Make-up Remover Wipes and Lip Balm Review

Dear Readers,

I am back after a taking a year off from blogging as I was in London doing my Masters. I am now eager to get back to my blog, and would like to start off with a review of these two essential skincare items for everyone, facial wipes and lip balm from Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Facial Wipes

Neutrogena Deep Clean Make-up remover oil free wipes leve your skin clean and fresh.

Firstly, I have to say that I am a huge fan of facial wipes as after you come home from a long day or night out, all-night wedding parties, you just want to crash into bed as soon as possible without having to go through a lengthy skin-care regime. These deep clean make-up remover refreshing oil-free wipes are perfect for the job, they remove your foundation, eye make-up and even water proof mascara without being greasy or harsh on the skin. A few quick wipes and you're done!

I have sensitive and combination skin which is prone to breakouts, but I found Neutrogena's formula to be suitable for my skin, there was no irritation and I woke up the next morning to find my skin soft and smooth, it did not clog up my pores so there was no break-out.Long story short-I am a fan.

Rating: 9/10

Neutrogena Lip Balm- 6 hour hydration

The dry winter climate and air-conditioning all lead to chapped dry lips which can be painful and unpleasant to look at, as well as preventing you from achieving the perfect pout when you put on lipstick. A lip-balm that works and lasts is something I'm always looking for. 

The Neutrogena lip balm promises 6 hours of hydration, and although it does leave my lips looking soft and supple, I feel the effect doesn't last 6 hours, this is probably because I tend to lick it of or it gets wiped off when I eat or drink.  The balm has a pleasant  flavour a slight vanilla/ caramel like sweetness...explains why I lick it off, I like the tube applicator it allows you apply the right amount and it glides on easily.

Rating 8/10

Thank you to the lovely people at Neutrogena and Tish Tash for sending me these items as a gift, they have become an integral part of my skin care regime.

أنا مرة أخرى بعد أخذ اجازة لمدة عام من التدوين كما كنت تفعل في لندن بلدي الماجستير . أنا الآن حريصة على العودة إلى بلدي بلوق، و أود أن تبدأ مع استعراض هذه العناصر الأساسية للعناية بالبشرة اثنين في مناديل الوجه الجميع و مرطب الشفاه من نيوتروجينا .

مناديل الوجه نيوتروجنا

أولا، أود أن أقول أنني مروحة ضخمة من مناديل الوجه كما بعد العودة الى الوطن من يوم طويل أو الخروج ليلا ، حفلات الزفاف طوال الليل ، كنت ترغب فقط في تحطم الى السرير في أقرب وقت ممكن دون الحاجة إلى الذهاب من خلال نظام العناية بالبشرة طويلة. هذه منعش مناديل نظيفة خالية من الزيت العميق الماكياج مزيل هي مثالية لهذه المهمة ، فإنها إزالة الخاص الأساس ، والعين الماكياج وحتى المياه المسكرة دليلا دون أن يكون دهني أو قاسية على الجلد. وهناك عدد قليل مناديل سريعة و عمله الخاص بك !

لدي حساسية الجلد و تركيبة والتي هي عرضة لل هروب، ولكنني وجدت صيغة نيوتروجينا ل تكون مناسبة لبشرتي ، لم يكن هناك تهيج و استيقظت في صباح اليوم التالي للعثور على بشرتي ناعمة وسلسة ، لم ترس المسام بلدي حتى لم يكن هناك كسر التدريجي . أنا معجب .

التقييم: 9/10

نيوتروجنا بلسم الشفاه 6 ساعات الماء

مناخ الشتاء الجاف وتكييف الهواء كلها تؤدي إلى تشقق الشفاه الجافة التي يمكن أن تكون مؤلمة و غير سارة لننظر، وكذلك يمنعك من تحقيق الكمال العبوس عندما كنت وضعت على أحمر الشفاه.  الشفاه بلسم الذي يعمل ويستمر هو شيء أنا دائما أبحث عنه.

و مرهم الشفة نيوتروجينا عود 6 ساعات من الماء، و على الرغم من أنه لا يترك شفتي تبحث ناعمة ونضرة ، أشعر لا يدوم تأثير 6 ساعات ، وهذا هو الأرجح لأن أنا أميل إلى أنه من لعق أو يحصل على محو تشغيله عندما كنت تناول الطعام أو الشراب . بلسم له نكهة الفانيليا طفيف لطيف / الكراميل مثل حلاوة ... ما يفسر لماذا أنا لعق تشغيله ، وأنا أحب قضيب أنبوب أنه يسمح لك تطبيق الحق في مبلغ و الانزلاقات على بسهولة .

شكرا للشعب جميل في نيوتروجينا و التش طاش لإرسال لي هذه العناصر كهدية ، لأنها أصبحت جزءا لا يتجزأ من نظام بلدي للعناية بالبشرة .

التقييم8/10

Taylor Swift Trouble With a Twist

Dear Readers,

As you know I'm a huge Taylor Swift fan, but when I watched this new 'remix' I laughed till tears came out of my eyes. Check it out, and let me know what you think. :D

Just Peachy- The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Range Review

                     

Dear Readers,

I apologise for the lack of posts this months as life gets in the way of blogging and even my NaNoWriMo challenge of the month.

The Body Shop's latest range's fruity flavour fragrance is vineyard peach. At the moment I'm very confused I have my Strawberry days and Peach days, I can't decide which one I like better!

The Body Shop Vineyard Peach range

Vineyard Peach Cream Body Scrub

Vineyard Peach Cream Scrub

I can tell you that my favourite product in the range is their gorgeous Peach body scrub. It has a peachy yet nutty fragrance, and sloughes away your dry rough skin leaving your skin soft and supple to touch, it isn't too harsh or drying, perfect for all skin types. Use daily on dry areas otherwise limit to once or twice a week.
Contains Wild peach extract Mediterranean peach kernel oil Community Fair Trade organic soya oil from Brazil Community Fair Trade organic babassu oil from Brazil Community Fair Trade marula oil from Namibia.

Vineyard Peach Shower Gel

Vineyard Peach Shower Gel

                                                        

The perfect way to start the day is to use this shower gel in your morning shower, its burst of tangy peachiness is invigorating and it easy lathers lusciously leaving you squeaky clean and buzzing with energy to start the day. Contains Wild peach extract Mediterranean peach kernel oil Community Fair Trade honey from Ethiopia.

Vineyard Peach Body Lotion

Vineyard Peach Lotion

My second most favourite product from the range, this delicious smelling lotion transforms your skin into sweetly fragrant silk. I love it, and as I'm an obssesive hand washer, use it to moisturise my hands a hundred times a day.

Vineyard Peach Body Butter

Vineyard Peach Body Butter

                                     

Another great body butter from TBS, again great for your dry areas, and full body moisturising as winter dry weather approaches. Great scent refreshing not overwhleming. This may seem strange to some people but I like to mix a bit of strawberry body butter for fun fruit fragrance.

Please be sure to try out the new Vineyard Peach range products made from real peaches, at your nearest The Body Shop or Pulse Boutique.

To stay up to date with new product launches, special offers and competitions be sure to follow The Body Shop on Facebook and Twitter.

The Body Shop Voyage Scents of the World Collection Review

Dear Readers,

The Body Shop recently sent me their Voyage 'Scents of the World' collection to review.

The exotic scents take you on a fragrant journey from east to west, and I’m sure there is something to suit every taste. I love floral fragrances and most of the EDT were quite floral, so I'm very pleased with the collection as a whole. 

Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey as you discover the inspiration behind each of the scents below and what I thought of each one.

Japanese Cherry Blossom

A deer grazes among the fallen sakura or cherry blossoms photo credit:narastoryteller.blogspot.com

Our fragrant voyage starts in the Far Eastern gardens of Kyoto.  Picture yourself strolling underneath with the delicate yet elegant Japanese Cherry Blossom trees as the soft petals gently fall around you, infusing the air in a fresh scent with light floral notes on a fruity musk and sandalwood base.

This light fragrance is perfect for daywear and can be easily mixed with other scents. It is a very pretty feminine scent, perfect for a gift as I think its the sort of soft fragrance everyone will like.

 

Indian Night Jasmine

Taj mahal by moonlight photo credit:saffronmarigold.com

Imagine walking in a moon lit palace garden, the soothing patter of the fountains play in the background, as the mystical Indian Night Jasmine scent envelops you, the perfect fusion of floral and oriental notes. This is my favourite from the whole Voyage collection, very feminine and pretty long lasting.

Madagascar Island Vanilla

Madagascar photo credit: 4photos.net

Escape to the tropical island of Madagascar, and feel the zest for life return to your body as you drink in the sun’s rays and breathe in the warm scent of vanilla flower- my mum really likes this one.

Atlas Mountain Rose

La Rosarie,Morocco photo credit: insidethetravellab.com

Feast your eyes on the sunrise in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, as the birds start their morning chirping, the air is filled with a bright dewy fragrance of a thousand blooming roses- a romantic’s heaven. (This one is my second favourite, reminds me of a bouquet of red roses)

Amazonian Wild Lily

Giant water lily photo credit:shutterpoint.com

Close your eyes and with a sniff of this EDT, you will be transported to the lush green jungles of the Amazon still wet from the rain, the aquatic scent of the wild lily is refreshing and cool, it reminds me of the smell of rain in spring.

All the fragrances have a range of accompanying products such as shower gel, and body lotion which you can use to layer the fragrance for a longer lasting effect.

Be sure to try out these gorgeous ‘Scents of the World’ next time you visit the The Body Shop   and tell me which one is your favourite?

Stay up-to-date with new product launches, offers and competitions by following The Body Shop on Facebook and Twitter.

You may also like to check out reviews of The Body Shop's other popular products:
 
All in One BB Cream review

Strawberry body butter, body mist, dry oil review

Honey Bronze Dry Shimmering Oil review
Sources:

The Body Shop

The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream Review

Best kept beauty secret: TBS All In One BB Cream

Dear Readers,

The Body Shop recently introduced me to a game-changing beauty product which is making waves all over Europe: All-In-One BB cream.

The BB cream comes in three shades 01 for fair skin tones, 02 for medium skin tones, and 03 for darker skin tones.

TBS BB cream: Out of the tube it looks white..which intially surprised me I thought it would like the colour on the tube

It is a white cream which upon application adapts to your skin tone. Pigment-filled capsules burst when applied to the skin, releasing the colour inside leaving your skin moisturised with a dewy finish. It provides a light level of coverage suitable for day-time and everyday wear for work or uni when you don’t want to plaster your face with heavy foundation.

I have combination skin and it worked well without being overly greasy. I used the 02 shade and it did not turn me orange which some BB creams do.

Pic 2: As I started to blend it turned a pinkish hue

Pic 3: When completely blended znd absorbed ,it gives a sheer dewy effect and leaves the skin  feeling soft to touch

If you have very dark very noticeable blemishes/scars you may need to use a spot corrector/concealer, otherwise the BB cream alone corrects any patches and smoothes out skin tone, and makes pores look smaller.

It is perfect if you want to achieve that natural no make-up look, and have fairly good skin, this product will moisturise and give you a healthy glow.

 Please note this product does not contain SPF so please apply some before you go out in the sun.

The Body Shop regulary run contests and special discounts are introducing new products all the time, to ensure you don’t miss out follow them on Facebook and Twitter.