Caroline Burke | Burkatron

I've been meaning to write this post for a while.. 

I made a decision to clean up my act when it came to looking after my skin and it's really starting to pay off. my skin feels more hydrated, my make up looks better and breakouts are few and far between. I introduced a few newbies into my regime and they have quickly become my go-to products.

first up I have to show you my new wash bag* from catseye london; it's a roomy little number that has become my current place to stash all my skincare! they have the most awesome range of quirky and kitch designs which are available in bags, home decor and even stationery (personal fave!)

there were so many designs from pups to vintage ladies it took me a while to decide but I eventually opted for this kooky doll bag because I'm a big kid and it made me chuckle! you can see their ranges here if you're after some christmas gift inspo..

so what's in my bag? I use all of the following products on rotation (I switch between some on alternate days) these are my definite must have items for brighter more glowing skin:

alpha h liquid gold:  this glycolic acid containing wonder product is one I use every other day; it leaves my face tingling which always makes me feel like it's working some kind of magic! designed to treat minor skin complaints just apply with a cotton pad after cleansing and before moisturiser (or you can wear it alone as an intensive overnight treatment) one for that elusive glowing complexion

hydraluron: this little serum with it's hyaluronic acid increases the skins ability to hold moisture thus giving you more re-hydrated skin.. winner! (hydraluron is a vehicle to help your skin retain moisture ..you still need to slap on the moisturiser after!) I was expecting to wake up with plump hydrated skin the day after using this so was disappointed at first... the only time I realise how good this is is when I stop using it and my skin takes a nosedive! 

ren t-zone balancing day fluid: a simple light and non irritating moisturiser, I also have the facial wash in this range and they are a great duo. I really want to try some more ren products (especially the masks)

estee lauder advanced night repair* I can not express how much I seriously LOVE this product (it comes with a pipette so it's immediately brings back fun memories of science class) pipette fun aside this is one of the products that I think has really boosted my skin,  nourishing and luxurious I apply this without fail most evenings. there's a reason this is a classic in the skincare world.. it's a keeper. 

(I have the 100ml size from world duty free- it's a travel exclusive and will last me at least another year maybe even longer if my bf stops stealing it!) 

clarins one step facial cleanser: a good all round cleanser to remove the make up residue in my cleansing routine. I would be more than happy to repurchase this one although I am tempted to switch over to the exfoliating cleanser or pixi glow tonic (if I can ever find a bottle!) 

dermalogica daily microfoliant*  I'm still using this from my harvey nichols beauty bag, it lasts for ages! this is my absolute favourite for sloughing off dead skin! the most gentle non invasive powder you mix it with water to create a paste so it's perfect even when my skin is at it's most sensitive. if I use this in the morning before I apply my make up I guarantee my foundation applies better and stays put longer. 

clarins beauty lash balm* at first this threw me; it was richer and heavier than I'd anticipated and the instructions not to rub it in left me scratching my head in confusion? jesus how do you apply moisturiser without rubbing it in? (eventually I just rubbed a small amount between my hands and just patted it on.) commonly used to prime skin before make up; I find it takes too long to sink it so I tend to use this at night instead. 

smiths rosebud salve: always left within reach of my skincare to sooth my chapped lips overnight; a lovely little multi use balm that I may have to transfer into my handbag now winter has arrived (a good one to pat onto cheek for a lovely dewy finish too!)

so these are my skincare saviours, I've found after a few months of using these products my skin has taken a turn for better! I hope you've found this post helpful.. have you tried any of them?

if you have any recommendations let me know; I'm thinking of popping a few skincare products on my christmas list this year!

caroline x

warning... serious temptation to shop lies ahead!

I've been lucky enough to receive this amazing treat to share with you; a sneak preview of the limited edition harvey nichols beauty gift with purchase! the bag and it's goodies will be online and in store from april 16th with every spend of £110 on fragrance, beauty, skincare or cosmetics.

it's a little bag of treasures... opening the contents was like christmas day deja vu! there's something so timeless about the harvey nichols brand, pulling back the tissue paper to reveal the contents was rather exciting!

the products total up to £130 which is pretty darn impressive for a beauty gift and they're all from our favourite luxe brands. 

I've been trying out the various potions and lotions (hmmmm not exactly a hardship) so I'll show you what's included:

firstly there's the bag; a limited edition cosmetics bag with beautiful illustrations designed by fifi lapin.

next up are the clarins firming neck cream and elemis tri enzyme resurfacing facial wash.

I'll probably use the neck cream for my face as well (tut tut caroline) I've already used the facial wash which is cleansing and gently exfoliating which I prefer as my skin tends to be quite sensitive. I'm quite impressed with the size of these two products; I would never have tried them usually so I'm pleased they're included as they'll make a nice addition to my skincare regime!

I love this product; the dermalogica daily microfoliant. I've previously had a sample that I used whilst I was in new york and I've wanted to invest in one since. 

the microfoliant is actually a loose powder; you add a little water and make a paste to exfoliate with! it's not grainy like I expected, it's actually incredibly fine and leaves your skin feeling really clean and polished. 

also included; a full sized bare minerals eye shadow (mine was a pale green) and a gorgeous butter london nail polish. the one I have here is 'west end wonderland' a gold glitter with hints of red but there's five shades in total so you could receive another colour. 

bliss triple oxygen mask: apply a layer and let it foam for five minutes to refresh your face (it's quite fun I have to admit!) also included is a small espa replenishing moisturiser; just enough to test out as a skin treat.

eve lom cleanser and muslin cloth, this is a pretty little packet of cleanliness. massage in the cleanser and use the cloth with hot water to remove all the remnants of your days make up; you can probably get a few uses from this if you're careful!

whats left in this bag of tricks? a shu uemura 3 in 1 cleansing oil.

I used to be quite scared of cleansing oils as I was convinced they'd lead to breakouts! they're actually the most effective way to remove all the dirt and grease from your skin. this one smells lovely and is a perfect travel size to take on trips.

laura mercier radiance foundation primer; one of my favourite items in the bag I was so excited to try this as I've heard so many good things.

I tend to buy primers and then not use them as they make my make up feel too heavy! this ones a keeper as it's light and kept my make up place really well. so far so good; I may be repurchasing this little lady.

mini lancome visionnaire serum; this serum is light and easily absorbed. it makes my skin ridiculously soft; something I appreciate now that my skin and I are getting older! it's a corrector so aims to even tone and reduces pore size amongst other things.. I just wish there was more as I'd use it from head to toe aha!

ysl volum effet faux cils luxurious mascara; a dinky handbag size mascara for lashes on the go! lastly there's also a small serge lutens, la fille de berlin fragrance included in the gift (shown in the top picture) this is quite a rich deep scent so it's not one I'd use as I tend to prefer light fresh fragrances. 

overall I really love this gift, it's fun and feels like an indulgent little treat to open. I'm impressed with the range of the products, I love having a choice of skincare to try out as I've discovered brands that I wouldn't have purchased myself... hurrah!

I often tend to stock up when I know there's a beauty gift on offer and this is by far the best 'gift with purchase' I've came across to date. 

if you've been considering treating yourself or splurging on some perfume or cosmetics I would definitely advise you to wait until the 16th and buy them whilst this free gift is available!! you can browse through the departments included in the offer here beforehand (be warned I think they'll go fairly quickly!) the offer details are in full here! 

purses at the ready....

what do you think.. what's your favourite item in the beauty gift?

caroline x

*beauty gift online and in store from april 16th with every spend of £110 on fragrance, beauty, skincare or cosmetics.