Thought I'd give IGTV a bash! We all have to start somewhere, right? Come dumpster diving with me as I go through my empties from last month. Let me know how many times my voice cracks or I mix up my words because this bish is an unedited one take 🤣😵

New in skin (and hair) care! This is a #carolinehironsmademedoit post as I got these from her brand offers after her Summer Kits launched. I had to control myself and only order these instead of the Zelens and Kate Somerville products I wanted as well. Pictured: Pestle and Mortar NMF Lactic Acid Toner: This has been on my Wishlist for a while now so 20% off seemed as good a time as any to buy it. I'm hoping this helps hit the sweet spot in terms of strength without testing my barrier too much. Pestle and Mortar Erase & Renew Double Cleanse Facial Cloths: While bougie flannels aren't a necessity, it makes a nice change from my usual TK Maxx flannels. Mother Dirt Shampoo: A free gift from the brand after a boo boo with their pricing. I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth but I won't expect miracles from this as it's literally surfactants (sulfate free) and a couple of hydrating ingredients. Mother Dirt AO+ Mist: If you watched my story you'll know that I bought this to potentially help with maskne. Fundamentally it's designed to help balance you microbiome because Ammonia Oxidising Bacteria has been stripped from our skin because of modern hygiene  . I'll keep my expectations realistic but reviews I've seen so far say it's good. Has anyone tried these? Let me know in the comments!

Flexitol Hard Skin and Callus Balm Review How does the brand market it? Formulated to soften and exfoliate hard skin build up on the feet. Notable Ingredients: 22% Urea Glycolic Acid Salicylic Acid Lactic Acid Why did I buy it? I've always suffered with hard skin on my feet and I've tried lots of foot creams in the past but always been disappointed with the results. I was in Boots one day (let's be honest, I'm in there nearly every day) and saw this. The blend of Urea and acids looked promising to help shift the chronic dry skin on my trotters. How did I find it? I started off using this all over my feet every night, applying it before going to bed and putting on cotton socks that help to lock in moisture and so you don't smear half of it on your sheets. As for texture, I didn't find it too thick and it spread easily but your hands definitely need to be washed as it does leave a residue. As you're probably aware, I prefer fragrance free skincare when it comes to my face but I'm less fussy when it comes to foot care. The smell of this is OK, nothing offensive. Flexitol claims you'll notice a difference in 3 days, when brands do this I usually think “Sure, Jan” and don't hold my breath. However, they weren't lying because after three days, my feet felt a lot softer and the hard skin on my heels, big toes and balls of my feet were starting to diminish and that's more than most foot creams I've used for weeks. This did catch me by surprise because after a week or so I started getting little blisters on the middle of my feet. I think this is because it does such a good job of exfoliating that it had left the skin on the softer parts of my feet quite thin. After that, I was more careful with applying it and just kept it on the outside of my feet, avoiding the middle section. The hard skin has pretty much gone and my feet are softer and smoother than they've ever been, This is one of the best foot care products I've tried and it's a gentler way to do a foot peel without having your skin shed like a snake. Verdict: Now my feet are soft enough for me to start selling foot pics! #MotherMarcusApproved

Paula's Choice C-15 Super Booster Review How does the brand market it? A concentrated serum to reveal brighter, radiant skin as well as improving fine lines and wrinkles. Notable Ingredients: 15% L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin E Ferulic Acid Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate Why did I buy it? There will always be a Vitamin C serum in my day time routine and my favourite so far has been Skinceuticals C E Ferulic but it isn't always the most affordable so I thought I'd give this a try. How did I find it? I knew going into this that I'd like it because of the similarities to C E Ferulic as they have the same active ingredients, while the pH is likely to be different in both, I know that with Paula's Choice, that it'll be in an effective pH range. Where this differs slightly from C E Ferulic is they have different solvents but they both have a similar texture that's fine for most skin types unless you're very oily. Both leave a slight residue behind and make my nose look shiny but it's something I'm willing to overlook because the benefits of using L-AA outweigh the cons. The other thing that's different is that this has a peptide that the manufacturer claims that it apparently also speeds up cell renewal that results in fresh, glowing skin, it intensely hydrates, refines skin texture and reduces wrinkle depth. I won't hold my breath on those claims but this serum is worth it even without the peptide. I used it in the mornings as I usually do with L-AA serums and previously I was using a 10% concentration. While I didn't notice a huge difference (probably because I always have an L-AA in my routine) in my skin apart from improved clarity, I like the reassurance of a higher strength L-AA in summer. I've been using this for about two months now and I'm about halfway through it (5 drops per use) and haven't noticed any oxidation, but I do keep it in the fridge to help prolong it. This is a good one to have around and something I can fall back on as there's still a few others out there that I'd like to try. Verdict: This manages to get out of the shadow cast by C E Ferulic and is easier on the bank balance. #MotherMarcusApproved

The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment Review How does the brand market it? A balancing formula that helps to relieve itchiness and dead skin build up and redness as well as helping to control oiliness. Notable Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid 2.5% Fluidipure 8G 1% Panthenol Why did I buy it? The main thing that I was intrested in was seeing if it would make my scalp less oily. Washing your hair can be a tedious process and I usually need to do it every 3 days so I was hoping this would at least give me an extra day between washes. The other reason I wanted to try this is because my scalp can be temperemental, prone to breakouts and itchiness and Salicylic Acid is one of my favourite skincare ingredients. How did I find it? I used this as the instructions said, 2 pumps for 10 minutes (or a little longer... 🤫) before washing as normal. It says you can add some into your shampoo or conditioner but I didn't bother. This lasted about two months used 2-3 times a week. The pump is a bit of a pain to use because she's a bit of squirter and it can be difficult to aim. Now they've changed the packaging to a flip top lid but I'd rather it be something like a hair dye bottle where there's a pointed end to be more precise with applying it to the scalp. After about two to three uses of this my scalp felt a lot less inflamed and nowhere near as itchy and while the odd spot cropped up,they were a lot less than before. There is some debate out there that the pH of this isn't low enough to exfoliate but @kindofstephen has shown that BHA can still exfoliate at a higher pH. Curious to see how much difference it made, I stopped using it and switched up my shampoo and conditioner and my scalp went wild and improved when I started using this again. Ok, but did it make my scalp any less oily? Unfortunately not. Well, maybe slightly where my day 3 hair didn't look quite as ropey as it did before. I couldn't stretch an extra day out of it which is a shame but you win some, you lose some. Verdict: While it didn't do everything it claimed it would, it was still beneficial to use for how much it helped to soothe and calm my scalp. #MotherMarcusApproved

Today's AM Routine: Keeping it to the absolute essentials today due to it getting warmer and I hate looking like a melting Madame Tussaud's exhibit 🥵🥵🥵 . - Products pictured: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: Switched back to this after trying the Paula's Choice Resist Hydrating Cleanser as it's a bit too rich for me right now. The lightweight gel texture is exactly what I needed this morning. Hada Labo Premium Hyaluronic Acid Lotion: Still going strong but getting low. Gives me the hydration I need without residue or stickiness. Paula's Choice C-15 Super Booster: The all rounder AOX serum, especially for summer. Review coming soon. La Roche Posay Serozinc: Cooling and calming so I might take one with me to spray throughout the day 💦💦💦. Purito Comfy Water Sun Block: The mineral sunscreen that doesn't feel like a mineral sunscreen. This is empty now. Will definitely be repurchasing. Altrient Vitamin C: Y'all know that #carolinehironsmademedoit already. Back on these after a month as they are a bit spendy but worth it if it's in your budget.

Paula's Choice Daily Replenishing Body Cream Review How does the brand market it? Delivers intense hydration in a non greasy formula. Replenishes, softens and smooths. Notable Ingredients: Ceramides (AP, NP, EOP) Grape Seed Oil Willowherb Vitamin B5 Why did I buy it? I wanted to see how this held up against other body creams I'd tried like the CeraVe and Drunk Elephant body lotions. How did I find it? Having going from Drunk Elephant's Sili Body Lotion, this was a lot thicker in comparison but I wasn't put off. Without comparing it to DE, it has a good middle of the road texture that would be suitably moisturising for most people unless you were VERY dry. It spread easily and went a lot further than I was expecting it to so it took a little while to get used to how much I needed to use. This doesn't take long to absorb either as it had soaked in about 5 minutes after application. It left a velvety texture on my skin, almost similar to a smoothing make up primer which I liked. With continued use, my skin was defintely soft and smooth and my KP prone upper arms were improved but still, a product containing salicylic acid makes the biggest difference. As I can be lazy with body care (with the exception of sunscreen on exposed skin, of course) this still left my skin feeling soft on the odd occasion I forgot to apply it after showering. I stopped using this as the weather got warmer as I started to get sweaty and greasy behind my knees and on the inside of my elbows which I hate. This is typical of most body lotions so I'm not singling this one out. As for the antioxidants, they're a bit of a longer term investment and you won't see an immediate benefit/result but they're always good to have around. Not the cheapest option on the market and even though it's a few quid more then DE's Sili, I use less of this so it's swings and roundabouts to be honest. Verdict: I'll go back to this when the weather gets a bit cooler and I'll most likely be repurchasing. #MotherMarcusApproved

Last night's routine: For the past few nights I've laid off acids and retinoids because the mini heatwave we've just had and the extra sun exposure I've been getting from walking to and from work has left me feeling a bit more sensitive than normal. Products pictured: Jordan Samuel Skin the After Show Treatment Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: Looking slightly butchered but I'm about halfway through La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser: You've seen this a thousand times already so moving swiftly on... Paula's Choice Calm Soothing Toner (Normal to Oily/Combination): I didn't know what to expect from this but has been a good addition to my routine. Smells a bit... fishy though. Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Serum: Again, you've seen this a lot if you've been around for a while. Much better (IMO) than the 'night' version. Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster: My HG is back in my routine after TO offering. I mix about 6 drops in with the Superdrug Serum. Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum: I've had this hanging around for MONTHS and only just opened it. I could have used it earlier but I was holding out for the Spectacle Performance Creme. The two are in no way comparable as this is 'basic' in comparison but it needs to be used. CeraVE Facial Moisturising Lotion: An old favourite and it isn't thick as some of my other moisturisers are feeling a little bit suffocating at the moment. Has the warmer weather made any of you guys switch your routine up a bit?

Clinique Mineral Sunscreen for Body Review How does the brand market it? Lightweight, oil free mineral sunscreen that's virtually invisible on all skin tones. Notable Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (3.2%) Zinc Oxide (2%) Iron Oxides Sunscreen %'s taken from @incidecodercom 😘 Why did I buy it? I'd had a few items of light/white clothing ruined by chemical sunscreen stains so a workaround is using a mineral based sunscreen. That being said, it's very difficult to find a mineral sunscreen that's cosmetically elegant. How did I find it? I've used mineral sunscreens that have the consistency of Dulux Matt Emulsion and this in comparison is a dream. A light lotion consistency that doesn't drag or pull on the skin and blends in quite nicely. If I apply too much (is there such a thing where SPF is involved?) it can end up feeling greasy. This does take a few minutes to dry down before dressing but nothing you wouldn't already anticipate. As for the white cast situation, I'm pale as hell (👻) so nothing really shows up, it just leaves a slight 'sheen' on my skin. I don't believe that any mineral sunscreen can really be invisible on all skin tones. Anyone with an olive skin tone or deeper would probably notice a white cast. Where this could be better is that this is literally just a sunscreen, no antioxidants etc. so it's a bit 'basic' especially for the £26 price tag. This isn't water resistant so definitely not a beach SPF (me on a beach though? LOL) but fine for normal day to day use. I reach for this if I feel like I need a 'proper' SPF and then reapply my Garnier mist depending on how much sun exposure I'm going to get. I was concerned about how effective this would be as the mineral filters only come to 5.2% but it's important to remember that sunscreens go through a lot of testing for companies to be able to put what they say on the packaging. There's been a few days when I've been out and about for a few hours and haven't had a chance to reapply and I haven't burned so I'm confident it gives adequate protection. Verdict: While the formula could be made better, it does what it needs to and isn't heavy. #MotherMarcusApproved

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream Review How does the brand market it? Provides barrier support, reinforces the acid mantle and defends against external aggressors. Notable Ingredients: Ceramides Plantain Leaf Marula Oil Why did I buy it? This was one of the first things I tried from the brand when the original formula was around. I was a fan of the original but the addition of ceramides in #lalabutbutbetter could only be a good thing. How did I find it? Unless the texture had changed drastically, I knew I was going to like it and I'm glad to report that they didn't f**k it up. It kept its rich but easily spreadable texture that leaves a velvety finish on skin that doesn't feel too occlusive. Dosage wise, I usually find that one pump is enough to cover my entire face and neck, sometimes a little more if I've skipped a step in my night time routine. Unlike a lot of moisturisers I've tried, this actually absorbs into skin quickly rather than just sitting on the surface. The only time I tend to skip using this is if the weather is particularly warm. This doesn't roll or pill whenever I've used it but thats probably because this is silicone free. While it is on the thicker side, it doesn't break me out but I'd recommend trying a sample if you are acne prone just to be on the safe side. I tend to use this when I use a retinoid serum to help buffer and this is also good for helping to moisturise' any dry or flaky patches that can crop up. This is usually what I reach for when my skin is really going through it and I need something to calm and nourish. This is particularly helpful when my skin is feeling vulnerable, especially if I've been using some strong actives or for a few days after a laser treatment. Verdict: This is my favourite Drunk Elephant product and especially good for sensitive skin. #MotherMarcusApproved

Paula's Choice Daily Pore Refining Treatment Review How does the brand market it? Offers multiple benefits for those struggling with visible signs of sun damage, ageing, bumpy skin, and enlarged, clogged pores. Notable Ingredients: 2% Salicylic acid (pH 3.2-3.8) Matrixyl 3000 Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid Licorice Vitamin B5 Why did I buy it? I bought this in my mid twenties as I needed a good salicylic acid for my oily and breakout prone skin. I'd tried all the other BHA options from Paula's Choice with varying degrees of success (some have now been since discontinued) but mostly being let down by their texture or they left a residue after applying. How did I find it? What I rember expericencing for the first time is the slight tingle it gives,usually this is a bad sign as it means my skin is most likely being irritated. The next morning I looked in the mirror and was surprised at the improvement in my skin already as it looked much brighter and even. After two weeks I couldn't get over how much smoother my skin was and there was no adverse reaction. With continued use this pretty much lived up to it's claims as my breakouts were reduced, my skin tone was much more even, on my nose my pores were much clearer and minimised. I can't say how good this is on sun damaged skin as that's yet to show itself. It is a little pricey compared to the other BHA options in the Paula's Choice catalogue but the texture is so toner like that sometimes you got to drop a bit more for a better texture. It's also a bit smaller in size than the other BHA's. What I tend to do know is skip the cotton pad and apply it with my palms soI don't waste any. Though, I do enjoy the gentle tingle this gives which you only get with a cootn pad application... Odd isnt it? Recently I've discovered new acid formulas Ireally like so I tend to use this less often than I used to but I'll never not be without one and I have at least two backups of this at any given time. To say I live in fear of this being discontinued is a slight understatement. If this came in a  jumbo size with the pump applicator like Glow Tonic etc. it would be like Christmas came early! Verdict: My Holy Grail BHA!

Jordan Samuel Skin The After Show Treatment Cleanser for Sensitive Skin Review How does the brand market it? A vegan cleanser rich in antioxidants and anti inflammatories that removes all traces of make up, sunscreen, dirt and grime. Notable Ingredients: . Chamomile . Calendula Flower Extract . Aloe Vera . Grapeseed oil . Green tea Why did I buy it? I was looking for an alternative to Clinique's TTDO Balm and this seemed a good option. Also, #carolinehironsmademedoit How did I find it? One of the first things I liked about this is the squeezy tube packaging. I'm not a fan of dipping my fingers into a tub even if my hands are clean. Trust me, I've seen some ratchet balm cleansers full of make up on IG 🤮. That being said, let's see how much of a nightmare it is to get out when it's nearly empty. I'm no stranger to taking ✂️ to tubes. This has a gel to oil texture that I really like and I ended up using less than I normally do with TDDO. The first time I used it i was worried it would be like The Ordinary's Squalane Cleanser and not have a nice slip. Soon after application however, it goes nice and greasy (great for massaging the skin with) so you know that your SPF will come off. I can't say whether or not it does remove makeup as I don't wear any but I'd be surprised if it didn't. Obviously this is fragrance free but I did get a slight olive oil smell from it, but nothing overpowering. As this is nice and gentle, it didn't aggravate my skin either. As always, I remove this with a flannel and there's no residue left behind. It left my skin feeling softer than TTDO does but of you're a splasher then you may feel residue is left behind because of the high oil content. Definitely a good one for drier skins but suitable for all. If you're dry, you could get away with using this as your second cleanse. Verdict: A new favourite in my routine and should last a while too. Very likely to repurchase! Clinique as some tough competition. #MotherMarcusApproved