MW's Updated Review: Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub

Hey Whirlers,

Hope you`re all well and embracing the new year with positivity! :)

I thought I would do an updated review of the Neutrogena Grapefruit Daily Scrub, because the one I did previously here, was when I first started blogging and was a little clueless on how these product reviews worked. In fact, I probably am still clueless (look at my swatches here -horrendous). 

But here goes for take two:

Product: Neutrogena Grapefruit Daily Scrub

Price Range: £4.50-ish, sometimes you get amazing 2-for-1's in Superdrug/Boots - so keep an eye out for that bargain.

What the packaging says: 

'helps eliminate spots and blemishes with a fresh clean feel'

Does it?

Yes, it does.  

This product contains Salicylic Acid, which is a key ingredient in anti-acne treatments because it opens clogged pores, neutralises bacteria within and prevents pores from clogging and allows new cells to grow. This is where the 'scrub' part of the product comes into action as the Acid works as an exfoliant and gets rid of the old cells. Which in effect is eliminating the spots and blemishes to leave you with a fresh face.

'An uplifting daily facial scrub for clear, fresh and healthy looking skin everyday...exfoliating micro-beads, the formula unclogs pores to clean deeply and help eliminate spots and blemishes'

Does it?

Yes, it does.

I have the tendency to be drawn to scrubs, as I feel these types of products are better to remove the dirt you build up throughout the day compared to a normal gel face wash.
This scrub is good because the exfoliant beads are actually all a consistent size which is great, in my opinion. I`ve tried other face scrubs where the beads are different sizes, so I don`t like that feeling on my face, I prefer to have a smoother consistency - if that makes sense, considering there are beads in this scrub.

'...refreshing scrub gently purifies the skin without overdrying, while a wave of pink grapefruit uplifts the senses with a burst of invigorating freshness.'

Yes, it does.

I use this product twice a day, and after I dry my face it doesn`t feel dry at all. My skin doesn`t tighten, either. And, the smell? So divine, fruity, summery and fresh. This product will waken you right up in the morning and you will go to sleep with a fresh feeling.

Why I love scrubs:

If you`re washing a plate (yes, I`m using a plate as an analogy for a face) with fairy liquid but you just use your hands and not the scouring pad - you`re only going to remove some of the dirt but if you use the scouring pad WITH the gel, you remove much more dirt, leaving your plate cleaner. The exfoliant beads in a face scrub...those are my mini scouring pads all over my face (lol). So, bearing that in mind, using the scrub on a daily basis, removing the dirt, it does leave my face feeling fresh, clean and healthy looking!

Sensitive skin:
I`m not sure how this product will be with sensitive skin, but I don`t like using harsh products on my face as I break out - I have yet to break out from this product. So, if you have sensitive skin, try it - but don`t vouch me for it!

Recommend this product: 

In my first review I said I would recommend this to anyone that will listen, and I still stand by that statement. It is an amazing product with amazing results. 

This type of product is fantastic for those who pick their spots and leave marks *guilty*, a week or so of using this product daily, you will notice a dramatic difference to your skin, the marks will have started to fade and you will have more of a glow on your face. 

Because of the exfoliant beads, you really do leave with a deep clean feel, which can only result in confidence ;)

I have always had positive feedback from girls who have used this product through my recommendation, which I love because I do want to share how great this product is.

There are other types of face washes in this Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Visibly Clear range, being gel face wash and a cream wash - I have tried only the gel face wash, but it isn`t nearly as good as the face scrub (think of my fairy liquid example - no scouring pad!). Although, that one is designed for more oily skin. I still think everyone should try the scrub. I have yet to try the cream wash, but I have tried other Neutrogena cream washes and they are moisturising, but this isn`t what I`m after in a face wash. I`m after a product that will get deep into my pores and remove the dirt, which I believe only a face scrub can do - so I recommend the face scrub to notice the effects. 

Another thing I love about this product is that only a little bit is required per wash, so the product lasts for months! 

Cons:
After a while of using it, I have probably been using it for a couple of years, you do become immune to the smell of the fresh grapefruit-ness. But, this isn`t too much of a big issue for myself as I`d rather have the benefits of the Salicylic Acid working on my face and removing marks! 

This range also has a moisturising cream, I did a review for that here - but, in short, its overrated.

Besides that, there aren`t many cons to this product!

Conclusion: I love this product. I go on about this product all the time. It is my beauty secret that I love to share.

BUY IT. TRY IT. LOVE IT.

And, let me know what you think about it! 

xo

P.S. I`m liking these beauty kind of posts - weather is awful at the moment so unable to do many OOTDs :( - Hope you`re liking them, as you may get more!

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MW's Neutrogena Visibly Clear Moisturiser

Whirlers,

Everyone knows my obsession with Neutrogena's Visibly Clear Face Scrub, where I did a review here and here, so when I discovered the matching moisturising cream, I bought it, and shared my excitement with you here. 

Due to the excitement, I purchased this in bulk, thinking it would be just as amazing as the face scrub, however, much to my dismay, it was a disappointment.

But, I`m Asian, and I have to use my money's worth, so I stuck it out, and have been using it ruthlessly! 

(I have one in my handbag - ideal for when I do wudhu outside of home, I have given one to mum - she doesn`t like it either and FINALLY nearly finished this one)

The texture was exceedingly light, much lighter than my usual Olay Daily Moisturising Fluid, but because of this, I had to use a lot per application to cover my entire face (I don`t think my face is that big!), which is bad  because you shouldn`t have to use a lot of product to cover your entire face, BUT, its good - because the product is pretty rubbish and I didn`t want to use it for very long - so the quicker I can finish, the better! 

The packaging states the cream is a 'daily facial moisturiser with a fresh fragrance that hydrates, clears and refreshes for a beautifully clear and healthy looking skin everyday'.

Fresh fragrance - It has the same smell as the facial scrub, which initially smells fantastic first thing in the morning and very refreshing, but after a while, it gets boring and doesn`t smell exciting. It also made my skin sting a little bit - I don`t know what that was about?

Hydrates, clears and refreshes - I`m not entirely sure if it hydrated my skin as it didn`t really make much of a difference - and surely drinking plenty of water is what keeps the skin hydrated?! 

The cream has salicylic acid, which is great for reducing marks, which was the determining factor for me to purchase the cream - I thought it would aid the reduction of marks faster(!). But, it really didn`t! It made no added difference to my skin. And, this is why I`m disappointed with the product.

It was refreshing though, but after a while, you do get used to it. 

Beautifully clear and healthy looking skin everyday - As previously stated above, it didn`t really help clear my skin, but as the product is 'oil-free' it did keep the skin from clogging up further - in that respect the product was good. It was also pretty good as a base for make up as the product absorbed pretty quickly into the skin.

Another thing I didn`t like about this product is that there is no SPF included, which I find annoying. I`m a massive fan of SPF and the benefits it entails, so when my basic face cream is missing this? It is instantly not a great product for me. I try not to wear foundation as I like to keep my pores clog free, so I actively seek SPF in my face creams, to protect my skin from the harsh sun rays. But, as this product misses the SPF, I`ve had to be extra cautious and consciously ensure I wear foundation or sun protection on top of my face cream! So, that`s a MAJOR negative for me, in respect of this face cream.

Would I purchase this product again? No, the face scrub is amazing, but the moisturising cream is a let down in comparison, and my skin didn`t change dramatically, which sucks. Once I have finished this cream, I will go back to purchasing my Olay moisturising lotion, which I feel my skin is better suited to.

How about you? Have you tried this cream? I know, chocoholic-hijabi's sister tried it out and didn`t seem fond of it, either! Check out her funny review here. 

Can you recommend YOUR face cream to me?

xo

MW's July Wash Bag

Whirlers,

Following my 'July Make Up Bag' post, I thought it would not be complete without doing a bath and body one, too!

So these are the items that have been making an appearance in my daily routine!

1. Boots Coconut and Almond Stay-in Conditioner

I have been using this for a while, its a great taming tool I use as I have fairly knotty hair, and I like it because its light and doesn`t weigh my hair down.

(I also use the shampoo and conditioner of this range, too. For the same reasons.) Another reason why I reach for this is because I love coconuts. I love the smell of them. So exotic and summery!

2. Olay Complete Care Daily Fluid

I can`t use thick moisturisers as I feel it stops my skin from breathing, so I`ve always kept coming back to Olay as it is so light and non-greasy. Their range is fantastic and its something my mum has used from a young age, too...and she, masha`Allah, looks fantastic. I hope I`ll look great like her if I follow the same routine as her! I also use this as a base for make up, simply because it is quick drying, non-shiny and has SPF (which is really important).

3. Soltan Sun Block SPF 50

SPF's are worn by me, everyday, EVEN in the winter. The sun rays are deadly and ages people, which won`t show until our old age. By then, being too late. So, I try to avoid this by wearing sun block now. I was on the hunt for SPF 100, but to no avail and had to settle for SPF 50. Make sure you all wear SPF. Its great that nowadays make up have SPF included, so you don`t have to think about it too much! I use this for mostly the exposed areas, forearms, hands and feet. 

4.  Nivea Q10 Firming Body Oil

I`m obsessed with firming lotions/oils. Its a great tool to have when you`re exercising, in my opinion. As you`re toning up, I feel the firming lotion helps 'tighten'. I use this after I shower, and its just soooooo soft on my skin. Love it. 

5. Palmers Olive Butter Body Lotion

Another favourite of mine, is anything with olives in it. I love olive products, but hate the actual food olive! But, this is basically a body butter in a bottle. It has that thicker consistency, which I use on my legs, arms and feet, as these areas tend to get more dry than other parts of my body. 

6. Nivea Q1o Firming Body Lotion

I use this along side my Body Oil, but on an everyday basis, and its so soft! The smell is light, which is good, as I don`t really like heavy smells, except for coconuts or mangoes(!). I think the firming lotion by Nivea is fab. Has anyone else tried it?

7. Neutrogena Grapefruit Face Scrub

This is my go-to face wash. If I don`t use this, I feel like I haven`t washed my face properly. I have been using this for years. I recommend it to everyone as it is simply amazing. It gets rid of marks on your face, which is the main reason I buy this. I`ve always tried other face washes, but they never leave me quite as satisfied as this. And, the smell? DIVINE. Really wakes you up!

8. Simple Shower Gel

I love Simple range. Skin always feels so good after wearing exfoliating gloves and using this. Not harsh on skin, whatsoever. Simply refreshing. I actually purchased the mint Simple shower gel, but I`ve been waiting for this one to finish before I move on, so I`m really excited for that.

Do you use any of these products? Did you dislike something that I loved? Do you think I`m silly for loving firming lotions? (!)

xo

P.S. Make sure to enter my giveaway. 

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MW's July Make Up Bag

Whirlers,

Hope you`re all well and have entered my bloggy giveaway?! I`m having so much fun filling the MangoWhirl Surprise Box with goodies for a lucky Whirler!! :)

This month, I`ve been keeping my make up simple, because:

a) Its been warm/humid/wet - no chance to do anything nice

b) I`m lazy

c) Too much effort removing full face make up for namaz

d) I`m lazy

e) I`ve only been going to work this month - so, no one to impress

f) Did I mention I`m quite lazy??

So, I took a quick snapshot of my go-to items from my make up bag:

1. Sleek Contour Kit - Medium

I love this contour kit soooo much! I use it everyday, I feel fat if I don`t put it on. I`m obsessed with bronzers and contouring, and this is by far the best contour kit I have come across and at such a good price, you simply can`t go wrong with it.

2. NARS Blush-Bronzer-Highlighter Trio

Absolutely LOVE this! Although, the item I use the least is the Albatross Highlighter. I find it too shimmery for a day to day basis. I instead use the highlighter from my Sleek Kit! So much more natural.

3. HD Brows Kit

Got this in a GlossyBox last year, and it is the only decent item I ever got before I cancelled my subscription!  I would most definitely re-purchase this once this kit finishes. I`m not a fan of 'fake' eyebrows, where it looks blatantly obvious you`ve filled it, but with this palette, it fills the eyebrows but isn`t so harsh? Does that make sense?

4. Studio Finish Concealer - NC42

I`ve stopped wearing foundation because of this product. I used to wear my Christian Dior concealer and foundation to hide my flaws, but it was always too heavy. I felt like my skin wasn`t able to breathe properly. However, I decided to try MAC as a fair few friends yapper about it, so I thought I would go and give it a go. And, I`m telling you now...I will not go back to Christian Dior concealer. I absolutely love this!! Lasts all day, too. So, good! Will definitely repurchase this.

5. L'Oreal Contour Kohl Pencil Eyeliner - Carbon Black

I have been using this pencil for YEARS. Not this EXACT pencil, but same product. I love it. It slides on so smoothly. The texture is nice and creamy. Only downfall is, its a pain to remove! But, I use it delicately and for just my upper lashline, to make my eyelashes appear thicker.

6. Clinique Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick - Blushing Nude

I love the colour of this lipstick, its natural yet with a little bit of pink to it. I can wear this on an everyday basis, which I love but looks so natural, as if I haven`t even worn any lipstick! I always reach for this lipstick when I feel I need a touch up throughout the day (but, I usually forget).

7. Urban Decay Lip Junkie - Naked

I absolutely love Urban Decay, whether it be their eyeshadows or their lip products. I got this with my Naked Palette 2, and I adore this product. It tingles and tastes all minty. It plumps up your lips RIGHT away, which is good for mine, which are small! I would definitely buy this and in probably a different colour, as there is a few shades in this range.

**MangoWhirl Surprise Box Spoiler**

I actually have this product in my box!!

8. L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes - Extra Black

This is amazing. I love it. On probably my 12386496324 tube. Love, love, love it. I feel lost without it! If you haven`t tried it, buy it. I prefer this to more high-end products! Especially, as mascara should be replaced every 6 months, so you don`t feel as guilty chucking it away! 

What have you guys been using this month? Do you use any of the same products? If so, do you have a better recommendation?

xo

P.S. Don`t forget to enter my blog giveaway here.

P.P.S. I`ve finally removed that 'captcha' thing, where there is word verification for putting comments on my blog. I genuinely didn`t know I had that, until a few girls brought it to my attention. So, I apologise about that...so, now, no excuses!! Comment away!! ;)


P.P.P.S. Make sure you vote for Hommes de Femmes for the Next/Cosmo Blog Awards 2012. Thank you.

MW's Products of 2011

Whirlers, 

Firstly,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
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These are my products of 2011:

FACE CARE

Face Wash:

Face Cream:

Make Up Removal:

Lips:

BODY CARE

Shower Gel:

Body Lotion:

Body Butter:

Body Oil:

Deodrant:

MAKE UP

Foundation:

Concealer:

Face Powder:

Eyeshadow:

Mascara:

Eyeliner:

Lipgloss:

Day-to-Day Bronzer:

Special Occasion Bronzer:

HAIR CARE

Shampoo/Conditioner:

Leave in Conditoner:

Hair Oil:

FEET CARE

Foot Mask:

Foot Cream:

Foot File:

#phew 

If you`d like me to do a review on these products, let me know. If you also use any of the same, have tried the same, but found a better alternative, please comment below. I`d love to know.

Love to all, and may you all take care for the new year ahead. :)

xo

MW's November GlossyBox Review

My beautiful Whirrlers :)

This is my first ever GlossyBox review, I`ve been getting them for a few months now, and I`ll be honest, they`re not as good as they used to be when I first got them. I am disappointed with this box because there wasn`t any make up in the box and again like last month, all these creams and stuff - so, blah to me.

As you can see there were some NAIL ROCK (Designer Nail Wraps  (£6.65 at full size), which didn`t appeal to me, as well, red lace? Really? Pretty ugly to me. I most likely won`t wear these, nor purchase these at full price. (These were full size wraps)

The ILLAMASQUA 'Freak' (£59.00 at full size) perfume sample - I`m not the biggest fan of perfumes as it is, all the past perfume samples I`ve received from GlossyBox, I`ve never smelt (and read reviews - weren`t nice smells) but this perfume scent lingered when you opened the box. It was quite a light scent, which surprised me as Illamasqua are quite flamboyant. This is their first perfume to be released. I probably wouldn`t purchase this perfume at full price, which at £59.00, seems quite expensive.

The products I DID test out are numbered in the picture:

1. ARBONNE Ultra Hydrating Hand Creme (£19.00 at full size) 

The formula was quite light, and it states it has kiwi extracts, but when I put it on it smelt like I had been peeling clementines, lol. I put it on yesterday as my hands were extremely dry, and it DID make a significant difference. I would probably purchase this again but as a gift to someone who appreciates hand creams. But, this sample size is sitting in my handbag for now.

2. DEAD SEA SPA MAGIK Delicate Boosting Mask (£8.80 at full size)

I`ve never worn a face mask in my life, so I guess I was expecting life altering results, lol. But, when I put it on and washed it off after 10-15 minutes as stated on the tube, I was disappointed. My face looked exactly the same. The description states 'showing immediate and remarkable results' - I did not see this. Maybe I did it wrong? Has anybody else tried it and got the desired results? From my first attempt, I probably would not purchase this again, although, I`ll re-try and see if theres a difference. If so, then possibly.

3. PHILIP KINGSLEY Elasticizer (£52.10 at full price)

The tube states to wear a plastic cap for 15-20 minutes, I do not have one, so I missed this step, but even without the cap, I loved the end result. It made SUCH a huge difference to my hair! It wasn`t as frizzy, it was soft when it was dry and definitely more glossy. If I had the money I would repurchase this, as it seems quite dear, but only use it for special occasions.

--

I have decided that if the December box doesn`t leave me feeling warm and fuzzy inside, I will unsubscribe. These boxes are in total £13.95 including p+p, so they`re not cheap, especially when there are similar boxes out in the market now, for cheaper. I will have to research into those brands and see what they offer, etc.
So, if you are reading this Mr GlossyBox, please make December a good 'un! Don`t disappoint me! Give me more make up!!

Did you guys like your GlossyBoxes? Link me your reviews!!

xo