Acne, Spots & Blemish Product Reviews
Reviews by Thom Watson, qualified beauty therapist, testing men’s grooming since 2011. About Thom
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![SVR Sebiaclear Ampoule [AZ] Flash Review](https://i0.wp.com/manface.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SVR-Ampoule-Flash-Sebiaclear-15-Azelaic-Acid-Niacinamide-and-Zinc.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Acne, spots & blemishesEnlarged & Blocked PoresNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinRedness & RosaceaSensitive SkinSerumsSVRSVR Sebiaclear Ampoule [AZ] Flash Review
I have bought this four times since February. That is the review, and everything below is really just me explaining why. SVR’s Sebiaclear Ampoule [AZ] Flash is a £37 serum built around 15% azelaic acid, it smells faintly of something covering something else, and the dropper is the worst part of it. But it has…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinFace ScrubsFace WashesNormal-Combination SkinSensitive SkinZO Skin HealthZO Skin Health Hydrating Cleanser Review
Last year marked a significant shift in my skincare needs due to eczema medication for my hands, which unexpectedly made my facial skin drier and more sensitive. My regular cleansing products, used for their powerful cleansing, exfoliating and resurfacing capabilities, became immediately too harsh for my skin’s new-normal. This led me on a quest for…
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Sesderma Azelac Moisturising Gel: Acne & Redness Treatment
Thanks to a fortuitous skincare consultation at Renude.co, about 2 years ago I was introduced to Sesderma’s Azelac Moisturising Gel – a gem of a skincare product. I’ve always had a bit of a red flush to my skin so I look for things to calm and repair, give moisture, but not layer it full…
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Should Men Use Retinol? Everything You Need to Know
Retinoids are probably the best anti-ageing and acne-fighting ingredients on the market that actually create lasting, effective change in the skin. However, before you start grabbing the nearest retinol cream and layering it on, there’s a fair bit you should understand first as getting retinol wrong can cause damage to the skin and a lot…
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Natural Spot-Fighting with Immunocologie Vital Clay Spot Treatment
The Immunocologie Vital Clay Spot Treatment is a much more natural approach to blemish busting. A spot-on clay treatment with two different types of mineral rich clay, infused with salicylic acid. If you want to know more about why spots happen and how you can take care of acne-prone skin, read the acne, spots and…
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How to Get Rid of Spots on Your Bum: A Simple Guide
This post has been updated in 2024 to ensure the advice is relevant and up to date, as well as ensuring products recommended are the best possible and available. If spots on your bum, ‘assne’, butt pimples or whatever you want to call them are your problem, the below guide and subsequent FAQs have you…
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Acne, spots & blemishesAveneFace ScrubsFace WashesMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSerumsAvène Cleanance Expert Skincare
A few years ago I attended an event with the french Pharmacy brand Avene for the launch of their Avene Cleanance Expert, a new hydrating acne treatment (similar in packaging and brand messaging to La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Plus). I’m always highly sceptical when it comes to acne treatments that are on the lower…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinEye CreamsNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPerricone MDPhotoageing & FirmnessSerumsPerricone MD H2 Elemental Energy Serum and Eye Gel
When you’re working with so many products, it’s not often you get repeats. I had until now only two exceptions: Zelens Detox Cleanser (I swear by this) and Clinique All About Eyes Rich. However, before writing this review for Perricone MD Elemental Energy; I am already on my second and third bottle of each. I…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinMALIN + GOETZNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessSerumsMalin+Goetz Recovery Treatment Oil
After looking at the Clarins Boosters yesterday, I wanted to cover this as a much better alternative to the Clarins Repair Booster. This contains, among others, 9 natural oils to help repair, protect and strengthen the moisture barrier. I love Malin+Goetz skincare anyway; I use the Vitamin E moisturiser most days, so for me this…
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Indemne Gimme Clear Review: Unexpected Lotion for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
A new product from a new brand (to me) that’s altogether unexpected. From the French brand Indemne, Gimme Clear Unexpected Lotion is an almost completely natural skin oil. It’s designed to heal and calm acne prone skin whilst reducing surface oil production. An oil for oily skin might sound like the furthest thing away from…
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Neutrogena Visibly Clear Light Therapy Acne Mask Review
Light Therapy masks are slowly creeping onto the mainstream beauty scene. Going anywhere up to and past the £250 mark, many of these masks are unattainable for those who need them the most. So for Neutrogena to release theirs at £59.99 is a massive coup. The Science This technology has been used for years; decades…
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Acne, spots & blemishesCliniqueDark Spots & PigmentationDry / Dehydrated SkinEye Bags & Dark CirclesNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSerumsThe Body ShopSeeing Double: Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster vs. The Body Shop Vitamin C 10 Day Glow Boosting Concentrate
As I mentioned in my previous article, the Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster is not a new innovation on the market. The Body Shop first release their version almost 10 years ago in the form of the Vitamin C 10 Day Glow Boosting Concentrate (formerly Vitamin C Facial Radiance Powder). The two product concepts are entirely…
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Acne, spots & blemishesCliniqueDark Spots & PigmentationDry / Dehydrated SkinNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessClinique Fresh Pressed with Pure Vitamin C: How to Use It
This isn’t a new product concept on the market, but as Clinique does, they’ve taken the technology; perfected it and then tested it to the ends of the earth. Vitamin C treatments tend to be quite active, so the fact this has been tested and approved for sensitive skin is quite a coup. The Fresh…
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How to Get Rid of Spots on Your Back: An Easy Guide
Warning: This article does contain a few photos of acne and ingrown hairs If spots on your back, ‘backne’, back pimples or whatever you want to call them are your problem, I think I can help. It’s surprising how often I get asked “how do I get rid of spots on my back?” but it’s not something people will…
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Bobbi Brown Skincare Remedies
Arriving on my door step a couple of weeks ago, these are the two latest additions to the excellent Bobbi Brown skincare collection – No. 93 Skin Fortifier and No.75 Skin Clarifier . The entire collection has 6 products in total also including No.91 Skin Reviver; No.86 Skin Moisture Solution; No.80 Calming Algae Complex and No.75…
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Acne, spots & blemishesCliniqueEnlarged & Blocked PoresNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSensitive SkinClinique Pep-Start Skincare Review
Earlier this week I was in Manchester visiting the Clinique Pep Start #PepStream tour, which you can read about here. As mentioned, Pep-Start consists of 5 products including the Pep-Start eye cream launched at the beginning of this year. The collection is targeting younger, on-the-go skin that could just do with a bit of a wake-up –…
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Avène TriAcnéal Expert Night Treatment Review
Over the last year, I’ve really fallen for Avene and their range of exceptional acne, blemish and spot treatments. I love their Avene Cleanance Expert and they recently sponosred me to trial their new Tolerance EXTREME for 3 weeks, a skincare line designed for sensitive skin. So when browsing Boots last week, I was more than…
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Acne, spots & blemishesAesopDry / Dehydrated SkinNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessSerumsAesop Lucent Facial Concentrate Review
This is definitely something a bit different from Aesop. I often associate them only with skincare that’s nourishing and filled mostly with luxurious but basic natural ingredients – some great, some I don’t like quite as much. The Lucent Facial Concentrate definitely falls into the former and is loaded with active ingredients. The serum, and that’s…
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Types of Acne Explained and Treatment
Warning: This post contains images of acne and other skin concerns which some readers might find not too pleasant. Whilst I review so many products that target acne, spots and blemishes, I thought it would be a good idea to go into a bit more depth as to what causes acne all over the face…
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Be careful when trying to reduce oily skin
It’s no myth that men’s skin tends to be more oil-prone. This can leave you shiny, blemish ridden and feeling more like a teenager than a man. So many products out there, lining the shelves of department stores and supermarkets promise to reduce shine, reduce oil and leave your skin fresh. The problem is that…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDark Spots & PigmentationEnlarged & Blocked PoresEye Bags & Dark CirclesMoisturisersPhotoageing & FirmnessRedness & RosaceaSensitive SkinSerumsSun ProtectionGet Smart. Clinique Smart Anti-Everything Skincare
Sometimes it’s impossible to know where to start with your skincare. Black heads, blocked pores, blemishes, fine lines, dullness, oiliness? It can often feel line a total minefield out there with every blog, beauty counter and magazine proposing some miracle to cure this and that. I was a little sceptical of Clinique Smart when it…
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If you can meet with Triumph & Disaster…
This is a very new brand to me and was kindly sent to me by MANKIND to try out and see what I think. This isn’t a sponsored piece either, but I’m always excited to share new brands that I think are effective, accessible and gosh-darn pretty! This New-Zealand brand is beautifully executed. Their packaging…
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Review of Blemish Fighting Skincare from The Body Shop
The Body Shop’s Tea Tree range is one of the longest standing blemish fighting skincare ranges in existence. I had the face wash and oil when I was 12/13 and so had countless others before me and countless others after. So let’s welcome some new additions to this timeless family. All the Tea Tree oil in the range is Community Fair…
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Amanda Lacey Skincare
Not only am I very excited to be working with Amanda Lacey on a new project with her, it has been a delight to try out 3 pieces of her renowned skincare. If you’ve not heard of Amanda Lacey before, it’s because her skincare is not lining every boutique in the country with very select…
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Acne, spots & blemishesBobbi BrownDry / Dehydrated SkinFace MasksNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessRazor Burn & Shave RashBobbi Brown Detox, Nourish and Radiance Face Masks
You know I love Bobbi Brown skincare. The products are solid and whereas skincare companies tend to focus on how the skin looks or skin health – Bobbi Brown focuses on both. These three treatment masks are designed for all skin types between them and everyone will find something they’re looking for. Each of the Bobbi…
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The Anti-Blemish Serum I’ve been waiting for
This has surely been a long time coming from Clinique who’s anti-blemish skincare system is one of the most widely regarded and used out there. I have used it intermittently for almost 10 years as and when needed to deal with occasional (but severe) breakouts. The Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Blemish + Line Correcting Serum kills the…
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The Best Cleansers for Acne and Blemish-Prone Skin
Here are my top 5 cleansers for acne and blemish prone skin ranging from various types, prices, brands and textures. For more information on how to treat acne and blemishes, read my Acne Skin Care Guide here! 1. Zelens Z Detox Clarifying Foaming Cleanser This has been my latest favourite and well into my second…
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Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask & Scrub Review
Well this is exciting. For anyone who lives a fast life, particularly living in a city / town surrounded by pollution, sweat and grim; this takes its toll on your skin. Pores become blocked, radiance is lost and spots/blemishes can start to appear. Around once every 6 weeks I come down to London for a…
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Acne, spots & blemishesAesopDry / Dehydrated SkinNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessToners & EssencesTreatment Toners from Aesop
Most toners are a total false economy and are often only useful to make the skin ‘feel nice’. They usually provide very little function and it’s a total myth about them removing excess cleanser; there is never excess cleanser as long as you’re using one with water. So, what makes Aesop toners different? They’re brilliant…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDark Spots & PigmentationDry / Dehydrated SkinEnlarged & Blocked PoresFace WashesNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinOriginsPhotoageing & FirmnessDr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Micellar Cleanser
I love a good Micellar water, particularly the Bioderma Sensibio (I go through gallons of it). They’re perfect for cleansing the skin, removing dirt, debris, loose dead skin cells and breaking down excess oil; all without alcohol and with the gentleness, neutrality and softness of water. I’d never recommend only using a micellar water as your cleanser,…
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Acne, spots & blemishesBody WashesEnlarged & Blocked PoresFace MasksHair & Scalp TreatmentsHair StylingNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessShampooSomething For The Weekend aka The Friday Bullet with REN, O’Right and Phyto
The heat is killing me. I’ve never handled heat well, and on the coldest days in winter I can step out in jeans and a t-shirt. I’m just a hot person (although I’m sure many would beg to differ). I know this sounds ridiculous and “well, duh”, but please remember to drink more water than…
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Adam & Eve Skin Care for The 20-Something
I’m rarely happy when someone sends me a product range; particularly when it’s from an unknown brand. I’m a harsh judge with skin care generally. The percentage of products I get sent that make it onto MANFACE is teeny-tiny and believe me, those Jiffy bags come fast and furious (I was going to make an Anthrax joke,…
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Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Cleansing Gel: The Holy Grail of Acne Skincare
It sounds boring, looks boring and for all intents and purposes is boring; but, to accompany the launch of a new Clinique Sonic Anti Blemish Solutions brush head, the new Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Cleansing Gel is one of my top products already for 2015. Most of us get spots, whether it’s persistent, occasional or the ‘travelling spot’ that leaves…
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Superdrug Tea Tree Exfoliating Cream Wash & Tea Tree Nose Strips
Just as how so many people buy skincare, I saw and bought these Superdrug Tea Tree products because: the packaging caught my eye; the price was good and it was on offer. An often lethal combination. Remember, always ask yourself: why is it cheap and why are they trying to sell it quickly (on offer)?…
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How To Brighten Skin with VMV Hypoallergenics Illuminants+ Treatment Exfoliating Toner
How to lighten skin I often receive questions asking for my recommendations and tips on how to lighten skin discoloration. Now there’s an almost underground side to skin care focusing on asian (south, east and west) and black skin where lighter and brighter is more desirable (in the same way a tan is more desirable in western…
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(MALIN + GOETZ): My latest obsession in skincare
I am obsessed, seriously. Malin + Goetz skincare is one of the best brands I’ve come across to date with innovative products, fabulous formulations and even beautiful packaging. Their range of skin care targeting blemished and problem skin is stunning and very effective. (MALIN + GOETZ) Detox Face Mask This is bloody bizarre, I absolutely…
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Acne, spots & blemishesEnlarged & Blocked PoresFace ScrubsFace WashesLa Roche-PosayMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSponsoredTest Driving La Roche-Posay Effaclar 3 Step Anti-Blemish System: The Results #Sponsored
Over the last six weeks, three of my closest friends and myself have been trialling the new La Roche-Posay Effaclar 3 Step Anti-Blemish System. The products themselves aren’t new, and even though you might be thinking “But Thom! I’ve not seen that toner before!”, I’d firstly ask you to stop yelling at me and to…
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Make any moisturiser blemish busting with Boots Botanics 100% Tea Tree Oil
I was reminded of this absolutely fantastic tip on Monday when visiting one of The Body Shop stores to find their blended Tea-Tree oil is now being sold at an eye-watering £7 a bottle (it’s only a blend, not pure). However, all you need for this is a bottle of pure essential tea-tree oil. I’ll…
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Yes To Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturiser & Daily Clarifying Cleanser
This was a bit of a surprise. I’d had no idea until now that Yes To products were being stocked in Boots stores. The last time I saw them was in Spain lining the shelves of Sephora. Yes To Tomatoes is the arm of the brand devoted to acne, blemishes and oily/combination skin. The range…
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Acne, spots & blemishesEye CreamsFace MasksFace ScrubsFace WashesMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinOriginsGinZing Refreshing Face Mask & Collection
I reviewed the GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturiser back in May last year (£23 here from Boots) and since then, Origins have been busy, busy bees, adding three more products to their best-selling collection including: the NEW Refreshing Face Mask; Refreshing Face Scrub Cleanser and the Refreshing Eye Cream. The whole range relies on the power of…
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Acne, spots & blemishesFace MasksGLAMGLOWMoisturisersOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessRazor Burn & Shave RashShavingEXCLUSIVE: GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment
I’m excited to bring you another exclusive, this time in the form of the brand new hydrating, lifting, firming, brightening and restoring mask from GLAMGLOW; GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Mud Treatment, launching this May at £49.99. You can register your interst/preorder GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment here which will be the first orders to be fulfilled, even before…
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Tom Ford For Men Concealer 01 Light
Part of the Tom Ford For Men grooming collection, I was told I was speaking garbage when I pointed out that the Tom Ford For Men Concealer was almost identical to the 2009 award winning Bobbi Brown Touch Up Stick. Well after some gentle research, I’ll have you all know that up until halfway down the…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDarphinEnlarged & Blocked PoresFace WashesNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinToners & EssencesDarphin Azahar Cleansing Micellar Water
Arriving a little late to the Micellar party, the Micellar offering from Darphin has definitely been worth the wait with Darphin Azahar Cleansing Micellar Water. I’ll be honest, there’s not a huge amount to report here other than it’s a very effective cleansing water that removes impurities, trace makeup/concealer, surface dead skin cells and excess…
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Exclusive: Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel
Launching exclusively in Boots stores from 28th February and nationwide from 21st March, this is the new oil-controlling, non-irritating, gently-exfoliating and blemish-controlling skin treatment from Clinique. I have spent a huge amount of my professional career working with people who are dealing with spots, acne and blemishes; the physical results are often unpleasant but the…
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![La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] Plus](https://i0.wp.com/manface.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/La-Roche-Posay-Effaclar-Duo-Plus.jpg?fit=1024%2C754&ssl=1)
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] Plus
The original La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo has been critically acclaimed as the blogger’s and model’s favourite skincare product. Perfect for anyone between 16 and 35 with oily, blemish and spot prone skin. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] Plus contains a whole host of active ingredients designed to treat these concerns whilst hydrating and balancing…
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Darphin Skin Mat Matifying Lotion
Designed to work hand-in-hand with the Darphin Skin Mat Balancing Serum, this lightweight, ultra-hydrating, oil-free lotion is the perfect moisturiser to target oil/combination and blemish prone skin. Darphin Skin Mat Matifying Lotion is formulated with targeted actives including the Laminaria saccharina algae extract Phlorogine® designed to reduce excess surface oil and help with breakouts; mattifying…
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Sampar Glamour Shot
You may not have heard of Sampar before and if you’re in the UK, you may be forgiven for not doing, but I can exclusively tell you that they’ll be launching here in the UK this spring. Sampar is France’s biggest selling skincare company, their products are truly innovative, equally as outstanding and despite not…
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Sarah McNamara Miracle Revival Mud Mask
Sarah McNamara Miracle Revival Mud Mask describes itself as “the 15 minute miracle skin revival”. A mud mask with a hydrating base calms the skin, draws out impurities and leaves it soft. Normally, mud masks can be quite drying, breaking down the moisture barrier whilst in the process of removing the impurities, bacteria and unblocking…
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Murad Pore and Line Minimizing Hydrator
I’m not one for gushing about a brand, well, not really, but this is a big exception. Murad has completely rejuvenated my love of skincare with products that work – no seriously, they really work. Their acne body care range (reviewed) for acne has seen almost every blocked pore, ingrown hair and blemish from my…
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Aesop Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant
Another fab addition to the Aēsop regime I’ve been using of late, the Aēsop Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant designed to powerfully exfoliate oily and blemish prone skin (but not blemish affected). So to get this out of the way, you should never use a manual exfoliator (with beads, grains, buffers etc) if you have…
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Miracle Skin Transformer Acne Control Tinted Skin Enhancer
This is my first review of anything from Sarah McNamara Miracle Skin Transformer and where better to start than in my favourite skincare arena, acne care, with Miracle Skin Transformer Acne Control Tinted Skin Enhancer. It’s been designed to prevent breakouts, control shine, even skin tone and refine the pores. There’s 4 shades: translucent, medium, tan and dark.…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinLa Roche-PosayMoisturisersPhotoageing & FirmnessRazor Burn & Shave RashSensitive SkinSpecial CareLa Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Review
If I read one more tweet about how marvellous Sudocrem is for spots and soothing the face, I’m going to rip my own arm off and use it to beat every single person responsible for spreading that absolute farcical garbage. La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm actually is the product that works and treats…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinEnlarged & Blocked PoresFace WashesNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinRedness & RosaceaREN SkincareSensitive SkinToners & EssencesREN Rosa Centifolia Micellar Cleansing Water
Right, let me just get this out the way as I find it so pointlessly misleading and confusing; Rosa Centifolia is not a range designed to specifically target Rosacea, redness and other high-colour concerns. It’s a range designed to calm, soften and hydrate all skin types. Rosa Centifolia is actually the name of a Dutch…
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Murad Blemish Control Body Wash & Clarifying Body Spray Review
With no exaggeration here whatsoever, guys of the world, we have been saved. Legne, armne, bacne, assne – bodily acne is a real concern for guys. We don’t often talk about it but it’s something you, my lovely readers, have emailed me about on a few occasions and I’ll hold up my hands and say…
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Freeze 24-7 SkinSmoothie Retexturizing Glycolic Pads 10%
Pads – every brand has ’em and they’re almost always the same – a pot of cotton pads overly-drenched in a salicylic acid based solution. They’re nothing new. However, Freeze 24/7 have taken this clichéd skincare product and turned it into something quite special and rather cool. On first inspection, you open the box, undo…
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Acne, spots & blemishesBootsEnlarged & Blocked PoresLa Roche-PosayMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinLa Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
Firstly – Is La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo a moisturiser? Yes. This is probably the most frequently asked question when it comes to Effaclar Duo and so right here, right now, I can confirm that it most certainly is. OK, so, Effaclar Duo Moisturiser is probably the hottest product to come out of the La Roche-Posay labs. Everyone uses it:…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDark Spots & PigmentationDry / Dehydrated SkinEnlarged & Blocked PoresLa Roche-PosayMakeup & TanningMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessRedness & RosaceaSensitive SkinSun ProtectionLa Roche-Posay Hydreane BB Creme SPF 20
In the year of the CC Cream, I believe the BB Cream is still king. BB creams are a guys best friend as they balance the skin-tone, brighten the complexion, hydrate and often treat the skin whilst giving us a daily dose of sun-protection (Hydreane BB Creme has a fab SPF 20). Hydreane is the…
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Acne, spots & blemishesCliniqueDark Spots & PigmentationEnlarged & Blocked PoresEye Bags & Dark CirclesMakeup & TanningNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessRedness & RosaceaClinique Superprimer Face Primers
With the recent launch of the super-duper CC Cream from Clinique, the brand hit the colour correction gong once more, going that little but further with their collection of targeted Superprimer Face Primers. What’s a primer you ask? Well if you’ve not used one before as I know many guys won’t, it’s a product that…
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Biotherm Homme T-Pur SOS Corrective
I make no bones about the fact that I love Biotherm Homme T-Pur. The products are potent but absolutely excellent for those oilier and blemish prone skin types that are also a little sensitive. Now I’ll be open and honest and this product does contain alcohol but on my awesomely reactive skin it feels soft,…
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Acne, spots & blemishesEnlarged & Blocked PoresLa Roche-PosayMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSensitive SkinLa Roche-Posay Hydreane Light Cream for Sensitive Skin
Finding a good moisturiser that’s suitable for both oily and sensitive skin is a nightmare. Now I’ve various debates in the past but I stick to my guns when I say that sensitivity is a skin concern and not a skin type. The rationale for this being that you can have oily, dry, normal or…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinFace WashesMakeup & TanningNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessSensitive SkinAnthony Logistics Glycolic Facial Cleanser
This is actually Anthony Logistics’ top seller at Sephora for ten years running. It’s deliciously creamy, non-greasy, soothing, and very cleansing. Most readers and many followers on Twitter will know that I’m very pro-foaming face washe and very anti-cleansing oil/balm etc. I like the feeling of being clean, so I was naturally a little sceptical…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessRazor Burn & Shave RashSensitive SkinSerumsShavingSpecial CareDr. Jackson’s Natural Products
I’m in love. You all know by now that I’m not Mr. Natural, but you know something, I’ve been brought around by Dr. Jackson’s Natural Products, a fabulous new range being stocked over at Mankind, launching today with an armoury of great grooming goodies, all with potent, natural formulations. There’s no nasties, plenty of ethics,…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDark Spots & PigmentationEnlarged & Blocked PoresNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinToners & EssencesCosmedica Skincare Vit-C Prep & Tone
Here’s something a bit new and unique that I thought you might like. It’s a toning liquid from American brand, Cosmedica, sold exclusively on Amazon and containing a high concentration of skin brightening, pore tightening and dead skin cell fighting vitamin C. When applied onto the skin, it’s very cooling and fabulously tingly. Strangely, Cosmedica’s…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinEnlarged & Blocked PoresFace ScrubsNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinRazor Burn & Shave RashSensitive SkinNeal’s Yard Remedies Men Revitalising Face Scrub
By now I’m sure you know what a fan I am of good, gentle, chemical exfoliation, but sometimes, you just can’t beat a good scrub. Neal’s Yard Remedies Men Revitalising Face Scrub is one of the best I’ve come across good few months; it’s pretty powerful. Now, you may also know that I’m very ‘anti’…
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Acne, spots & blemishesEnlarged & Blocked PoresL’OccitaneNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinRedness & RosaceaSerumsL’Occitane Iris Angelica Sublime Essence Serum
L’Occitane Iris Angelica Sublime Essence is part of an additional refresh of products added to the L’Occitane Angelica range, utilising two, new, unique and powerful patents from the Angel flower family. Despite not appearing as the most masculine of products, it’s a perfect addition to your men’s grooming bag, designed to reduce shine, pore size,…
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Bionova Acne Treatment + After Shaving
What if I were to tell you that Bionova Acne Treatment + After Shaving is the best at home, skincare acne treatment I’ve ever come across? Well it is, and I can assure you that my recommendation is completely unbiased. But with any wonder-product, there’s always a catch, right? Unfortunately there is a catch. It…
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Darphin Skin Mat Balancing Serum
It’s not often you come across a treatment serum designed to treat the concern of oily skin. Normally serums are designed for ageing, brightness, pores etc but this is purely to combat excess oil and shine whilst helping to tighten those pores. The photo above, with the product on the back of my hand, isn’t…
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L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening Moisture Mask
You may have caught my review from a few weeks back covering the core products of the L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening Collection, and now I’m here with the fabulous brightening and hydrating mask. The power behind the range is the Immortelle essential oil extract which has been scientifically documented in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology…
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Acne, spots & blemishesEnlarged & Blocked PoresFace ScrubsNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinREN SkincareToners & EssencesREN Clarifying Toning Lotion
A great new product from REN and finally, a great natural and effective alternative to one of my favourite products in the world. It feels completely neutral on the skin but leaves it feeling smooth and ready for moisture. Designed for a combination to combination/oily skin type, this gentle chemical exfoliator uses a natural form…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDark Spots & PigmentationDry / Dehydrated SkinFace WashesL’OccitaneMoisturisersOily SkinToners & EssencesL’Occitane Immortelle Brightening Collection
Over the last month, I’ve switched my entire skincare regime to the L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening collection. It’s always a big risk to change your skincare regime in one, big wallop as you never quite know how your skin is going to react, therefore I always recommend to gradually change 1 product at a time, but…
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Bioderma Micelle Solution Micellar Water
I’m rarely one for a beauty trends, although BB Creams are amazing, specifically the Korean Blemish Balms but Micellar Waters are all the rage and I have to admit, I’m on board. The biggest micellar water offering seems to be revolving around Bioderma, a French brand launching here in the UK this April. From my…
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Salicylic Acid Explained
Salicylic Acid is known as a Beta Hydroxy Acid. In fact Salicylic Acid is the Beta Hydroxy Acid. So what is it? What does it do? Well it’s an oil-soluble Keratolytic, an exfoliant, and actually one of my favourite cosmetic ingredients, it’s in my skincare, it’s even in my shampoo and conditioner. It originates from the bark of…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDark Spots & PigmentationEditorialsEnlarged & Blocked PoresNormal-Combination SkinSensitive SkinSun ProtectionAn Exclusive Interview with Doctor Piasecki: Sun, Cancer and Successx
I was delighted to be offered the chance to interview Dr. Justin Piasecki, founder of the world renowned Skin Cancer Center in the US. Dr. Piasecki is the only surgeon in the world certified to offer this combined treatment. With his one-of-a-kind training, Dr. Piasecki pioneered plastic micrographic surgery, the unique skin cancer treatment that…
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Kose Seikisho Face Soap
Individually hand-made, Kose Seikisho Soap is a mild but highly effective, medicated soap that will clear up even my worst breakout. Packed full of water-soluble moisturising ingredients, even though this is a soap bar, it’s as gentle as any liquid cleanser. Before I even get into the ingredients and what-not, I have to talk about…
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Lush Grease Lightning Spot Treatment
A fantastic anti-blemish gel that can be used either as a spot-on treatment, or as a lightweight, bacteria killing serum. I’ve been using this since it’s launch a couple of years ago. I’ve always been highly blemish prone and instead of either denying it or just letting it happen, I’ve been able to effectively manage…
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Acne, spots & blemishesEnlarged & Blocked PoresLa MerNormal-Combination SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessRazor Burn & Shave RashRedness & Rosacea
Sarantis Tsimilimis Skincare Ambassador for Crème de la Mer
I’ve been lucky enough to get an exclusive interview with Sarantis Tsimilimis, Education Manager and Skincare Ambassador for Crème de la Mer UK and Ireland. Find out why La Mer is great for guys, good for banishing blemishes and a handy winter recovery aid. What makes Crème de la Mer products suitable for men? The…
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STEAMCREAM Natural Moisturiser
This has been in my review list for a while now, and I was fortunate enough to pick up a STEAMCREAM All-in-One Natural Moisturiser when I visited Hyper Japan back in November. So what is it? Well, STEAMCREAM is an award-winning, multi-purpose, nourishing and hydrating cream, hand-made in small batches with fresh, natural ingredients and…
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Dr. Nick Lowe Anti Blemish
As with Neal’s Yard, skin care from Dr. Nick Lowe has been on my radar for such a long time, but I’ve never taken the opportunity to try it out, until now that is and where better to start than with a range designed to combat my oily / combination and blemish prone skin. The…
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Neal’s Yard Palmarosa Purifying Facial Mask
You may (or may not) be surprised to learn that Neal’s Yard is a new brand to me, never having used a single product before. It’s not been through a conscious choice, but mainly because the Manchester store is not placed in the most convenient location that keeps the brand at the forefront of my…
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Crème de la Mer The Moisturising Gel Cream Review
You may have already read my review of Crème de la Mer The Moisturizing Cream, which I referred to as being great for dry / normal skin types, so what about those of us who tend to be a little more oily? Well Crème de la Mer The Moisturizing Gel Cream is the answer. The…
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Crème de la Mer The Moisturizing Cream
Can men use Crème de la Mer? A question I’ve been asked a few times with a really straight forward answer… Yes. The Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream is one of my winter favourites that I’ve used seasonally for around 3 years to not just help defend against winter damage, but repair the skin…
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GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment Review
If you follow me on Twitter, you’ll know how much of a massive fan I am of the original GLAMGLOW Mud Mask. When compared to a lot of the others out there that I’ve tried, this is the difference between Bagpuss and Sonic The freaking Hedgehog! It’s highly charged and undoubtedly powerful, packed full of…
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Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Dark Spot Corrector The Results
If you want to know more about the product itself, you can find my original Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Dark Spot Corrector article here, and the 2 week initial progress check is here. So, 2 months and a half months on, what have the results been? Below are 3 photos of my progress, starting before using…
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Christian Gio BB Cream
Containing the skin ingredient Smooth skin trimmed defects cover Skin Protection Cream Christian Gio – A Korean name you just don’t see much these days, but that aside, this is yet another outstanding export and this time, it’s exclusively designed for men. I have tried and tried to get an ingredients list for this product…
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Acne, spots & blemishesEnlarged & Blocked PoresFace ScrubsLa Roche-PosayMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSensitive SkinSpecial CareLa Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel / Astringent Lotion / Mat
Recently in Spain, through visiting one of the billion or so pharmacies that are placed around the city at every turning point (still haven’t gotten to the rout of why there’s so many) I ended up trying Toleriane Soothing Protective Skin Care as I’ve been using Tretinoin and needed something to calm my skin down.…
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Tretinoin and Vitamin A Treatment: What It Does to Skin
Introduction Tretinoin, also known by the brands Atralin, Renove and Retin-A is a skin irritant that causes an increase in skin cell turnover, skin cell regeneration and the synthesis of proteins such as elastin and collagen. It’s used commonly in the treatment of acne / blemished skin as well as having powerful anti-ageing benefits. It…
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Concern: Folliculitis / Infected Hair Follicles / Chicken Skin
Introduction This is a concern I’ve had brought to me many times and is something I’ve battled wit myself since I was a teenager. Folliculitis is a microbial infection of the hair follicle, normally on the body, that shows up as small red bumps that may or may not have yellow heads. It’s very common…
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Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask
Designed for the most problemed of skin types, we’re talking spots, blemishes and blackheads; this mask will shift them all. Great for men’s skin as it’s effectively powerful but gentle at the same time. Men’s skincare tends to be so much more powerful and sometimes our skin does need the power but delivered with a…
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Portable High Frequency Machine
I promise you that this isn’t a photo of something from Ann Summers despite looking like remarkably like one… So I’ve heard but this is most certainly a Portable High Frequency Machine. This weird looking device has amazing practical dermatological applications but particularly so for spots and acne. High Frequency is used to treat and…
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Acne, spots & blemishesCliniqueEnlarged & Blocked PoresKIKO CosmeticsMakeup & TanningMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSensitive SkinSpecial CareSun ProtectionThe Body Shop
The Manface Definitive BB Cream Review
I know you’re thinking you’ve possibly read this article before, but it’s become so obscenely popular that I just wanted to pop it at the top of the blogroll again: This is it; this is my definitive review of BB creams. Back in September of last year, I started to hear the rumblings of the…
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Origins Super Spot Remover
I don’t know I haven’t reviewed this already. I picked a while ago, and it’s just one of those things that you don’t really pay attention to, you just use it when you need it and then forget about it until next time. This teeny-tiny blue plastic bottle with white plastic lid contains 10ml of…
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Acne, spots & blemishesEnlarged & Blocked PoresFace MasksFace ScrubsMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinREN SkincareSensitive SkinSpecial CareREN ClearCalm3 Range
It’s been a while since I’ve been this genuinely excited and actually quite giddy to use a new product range. The range consists of 4 products, a clay facial wash, clay mask, day moisturiser and night moisturiser. Unlike many so called ‘acne-care’ series, this range has no beaded exfoliating scrub of any kind which made…
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REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Concentrate
This is the brand new anti-ageing serum from REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Concentrate This serum is designed to smooth wrinkles as well as brighten the skin and does exactly this but without artificial retinols as REN derives their high tech formulas from nature. Often when you think of plant extracts, it can conjure up ideas of…
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Creme de la Mer Oil Absorbing Lotion
Coveted by those in the know The Oil Absorbing Lotion gives you all the power of the original Creme de la Mer while reducing surface oil on the skin. The lotion contains the exact same concentration of The Miracle Broth as the original but is completely oil free. The plastic pump tube is a much…
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Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream
As far as I’ve come across, not many men exfoliate their body and it’s viewed by many as being an unnecessary pampification (made that up, gonna use that from now on) leaving Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream being something alien. Although in some cases, I probably agree, but for any slightly harrier men, that often…