Not Worth The Hype - Effaclar Duo

There has been seriously so much hype about La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo, especially amongst bloggers, so I was really keen to try it out. For those who haven't heard the hype, Effaclar Duo it is a treatment for blemish prone skin that can be used all over the face. Ok, so I don't have acne but I do get hormonal breakouts around my mouth and there are always 1 or 2 stubborn spots in that area at any given time. I would LOVE perfectly clear, blemish free skin and so after reading so many good reviews and with the promise to unclog and purify pores I couldn't wait to start using it!

Having read many of the thousands of rave reviews about this product I'm sure it must work for a lot of people but this one is just not for me.

My first gripe about this product is the smell - it is really unpleasant. To me it literally smells like gone-off cake mixture which is isn't really something I want to I would want to put on my face. I think senses are important when it comes to skin care, if a product looks, feels or smells wrong, I just won't want to use it no matter how good it claims to be for my skin.

Secondly I have a bit of a problem with the feel of the product. It's a very thin liquid and when I put it on it feels sticky and it sits on the skin after I apply which is quite uncomfortable. Also, there is a rather annoying stinging sensation when I put it on. My skin also feels a bit tight after using it which is probably down to it's drying effect on the skin. I can understand why the product would be drying on the skin to combat excess sebum and reduce oiliness which clogs pores. I don't know whether this is the ingredients in the product setting to work on my spots or if my skin is reacting badly to it!

And for the last and probably most important point, it hasn't rid me of my spots! I can honestly say, after having given this product a real good go for a month, I haven't noticed any positive change in my skin whatsoever. I definitely wouldn't buy Effaclar Duo again and I personally wouldn't recommend it.

Would love to hear your comments on this product, let me know if you use it and what you think!

Isobel x

Mini Boots Haul

Garnier BB Miracle Skin Perfector Light - £7.49 

I'm really enjoying the BB cream movement and have only heard good things about this particular one.  So far I've only just tested it on my hand but it seemed to blend into my skin really smoothly, leaves it feeling soft & has a nice fresh scent.

Boots Salon Smooth Nail Files - £1.25

This is probably my most purchased item from Boots. I always have a couple of these on my bedside table or in the bottom of my bag. I can't fault them, they do the job and are so cheap. I had a lovely Shellac manicure at Christmas which was amazing while it lasted but has left my nails a bit worse for wear so I definitely need to give them a little TLC at the moment.

No7 Blusher Brush - £11.50

This brush has tapered edges and is nice and small - perfect for contouring cheek bones. 

La Roche-Posey Effaclar Duo 40ml - £13

This product is really big on the blogging scene at the moment. I've heard so many good things about it so I thought I'd give it a go. It claims to correct imperfections and unclog pores. My skin's not too bad actually when it comes to blemishes but I always have one or two little imperfections at any given time that I would love to get rid of!

Let me know if you have tried any of these products and what you thought of them. Hope you enjoyed!

Isobel x