Review - Bee Venom Manuka Doctor api clear (Cleanser & Moisturiser)

Manuka Doctor api clear Foaming cleanser 

A foaming face wash, containing Purified Bee Venom & UMF 18+ Manuka. The cleanser aims to reduce the appearance of  blemishes and scars , leaving skin clearer and more radiant.

Manuka Doctor api clear Facial moisturising lotion 

Moisturiser containing Purified Bee Venom & UMF 18+ Manuka. Aims to eliminate the causes of blemishes, maintain the skins moisture level and the balance of natural oils. 

Moisturiser and Cleanser - £16.99 each

(There are many offers at Holland and Barrett so they often work out cheaper) 

Superdrug, Manuka doctor (can check other stockists on the site) ,Holland and Barrett.

Both products work amazingly and I would 100% recommend them. I have acne prone skin and nothing has ever worked very well to improve it (and trust me I've tried everything !!) but this product works wonders. I originally saw it on Millie Mackintosh's blog and she gave it a very good review, however she is the brand ambassador so it's expected. I have read that Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham and Kylie Minogue use bee venom and love it (not the same brand), so I thought I would give it a try not expecting much as it's on the cheaper end of the scale for bee venom, and you cant always believe what you read. 

When you first start using these products there is a bit of a tingling sensation, but it isn't uncomfortable at all and I like the fact you can feel that it's doing something. After around 3 days of using these, I noticed a difference in my skin it was smoother, clearer and looked more vibrant. The packaging tells you to use the products morning and night however I use the facial cleaner once a day in the night, because my skin is quite sensitive and I don't want to be too harsh with it. I use the moistouriser before applying my makeup and sometimes mixed in with it too. 

*The moisturiser lasts for ages, I've had the same one for almost a year.

Although the moisturiser lasts for ages, the face wash finishes pretty quickly after about 3 months, bearing in mind i'm only using it once a day, and although it is on the cheaper side of the bee venom market it is still a fairly expensive face wash in general. I'd advise people who want to get this product to always try and buy it during the penny sale at Holland and Barrett so you can buy one and get another for a penny. 

Do not use these products if you have an allergy to bee stings, they recommend that you do a patch test on your skin prior to using it to ensure that you do not have any allergic reactions. 

Review - Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder (Universal)

Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder (Universal)

An invisible powder which sets your makeup, whilst diminishing the look of fine lines and imperfections 

In the UK - John Lewis, Space NK, House of Fraser, Liberty, Selfridges, Harrods, 

Harvey Nichols, Fenwicks. (For other countries check the website here)

£29

I love this product and would definitely say it's worth the high end price, the reasons for this are -

*I can apply my make up horrifically, but the minute I put this on top my make up look flawless, more natural and soft.

*It sets my make up perfectly for almost a full day.

*It is completely invisible and you don't look too matte or powdery 

*It's illuminating and livens up dull and dreary skin

 (particularly used over under eye concealer to fully eradicate dark circles) 

* controls oily skin, a great alternative to the oil controlling blotting papers which I don't particularly like as I feel they remove your makeup 

*I have acne prone skin and this has never affected it at all, it is suitable for all skin types including sensitive as it Talc Free, Paraben free, non-comedogenic and oil free. 

*Although it is invisible it does seem to lighten your makeup, currently I like this as my foundation is too dark for me so it's perfect, but if you want to keep the same colour i'd suggest The Laura Mericer powder in Translucent rather than Universal (same price) 

* The container isn't the best because every time the lid is opened a lot of powder escapes and is wasted. The Translucent setting powder container is deeper and tends to keep more of the product in it, I haven't used the Translucent but I've been told by a woman on the Laura Mercier and friend who has, that they are practically the same apart from Translucent looks better when applied to darker skin tones. 

The brush I apply this with is the real techniques Powder brush (sold at Boots). 

I really recommend this Universal setting powder, (or the Translucent powder), I needed something to set my makeup and instead of going for the Mac fix plus (which I've heard can irritate your skin if it's sensitive), I thought i'd try something different. I am so glad I did as I now adore this product, it has earned it's place in my everyday makeup bag and I use it most days and every time I have somewhere nice to go on an evening. 

 I'm considering putting it in a different container so I don't waste as much,or trying out the Translucent powder either way i'm definitely sticking to Laura Mercier setting powders. What's not to love about a product that rescues your makeup's appearance on a day when it just wont go on correctly or doesn't look right

(..and we all have those days !!)