Spotlight On: Liz Earle

Spotlight On is a new segment in which I let you lovelies know about a product or brand that I have come to love that isn't as well known as some of the others out there. I'll try to pick a new focus each month as a way to introduce to you something you may not otherwise find out about.

This month I have the Spotlight On: Liz Earle

Liz Earle is a British line of skincare that focuses on harnessing the potent powers of the finest quality of natural ingredients. The Liz Earle skincare system has won more than 100 beauty awards, and has a huge cult following. Their belief is that the foundation of radiant, healthy looking skin is to cleanse, tone and moisturize twice a day, every day.

A little over a month ago I received the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser in my Birchbox. While I had seen it mentioned by other bloggers, I never really paid it much attention until I received the sample and was able to try it out for myself. Having skin that is oily and prone to breakouts, yet beginning to show signs of aging, it is hard to find a cleanser that works with all my skin issues. I have been down the long and rocky road of harsh cleansers that dry out your skin, and it hadn't been a pleasant experience. I needed something different...something that would cleanse my skin and remove the gunk, while keeping it soft and radiant. According to the package, Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is a "rich, concentrated cream that gently removes daily grime and makeup, even stubborn mascara, to leave skin clear, smooth and exceptionally clean.". Combined with the muslin cloth that you can purchase with the cleanser, it is said to "lift away dead skin cells, revealing fresh, radiant skin".

This is exactly the sort of cleansing product I had been looking for! But how would it work with my skin? I tried out the sample, and by the time I had used it all up, I was hooked! My skin felt thoroughly cleansed, but not dried out or irritated. Also, the exfoliation that came from using the cloth was gentle enough to be done everyday. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is formulated with cocoa butter, which softens the skin, as well rosemary, hops, chamomile and eucalyptus, which tone, sooth and purify. The cleanser is so rich and creamy, yet not heavy or greasy, and the botanical scent is refreshing but not overwhelming. It said to be suitable for all skin types, and I can see how that would be true. The second I realized my sample was almost gone, I ordered the full sized cleanser ($25), along with the Instant Boost Skin Tonic ($24.50). I began implementing the three step process of cleansing, toning and moisturizing, and I have been thrilled with the results! My skin maintains a soft, clear complexion, and I have noticed fewer breakouts. In addition, the fine lines on my forehead seemed less obvious (most likely because I was no longer drying out my skin with harsh cleansers, which can accentuate lines).

 Following the 3 steps is super easy, as I'll show you below, and can be done quickly. Also, because you "polish" off the cleanser, you don't have to worry about getting water all over your sink, as I always do when rinsing a regular cleanser off my face.

I begin by removing my makeup with a makeup removing wipe. This helps to get off the bulk of the dirt, oil and makeup that accumulates on your face throughout the day. It's a good habit to get into because it allows your cleanser to actually get in there cleanse your skin, and not just move your makeup around your face.

Next I apply one pump of the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish to my face, dabbing it all around. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is a 2 phase process: the first phase is working the cleanser into your skin, and the second phase is removing the cleanser by "polishing" it off.

I massage the cleanser into my skin until it is mostly absorbed, paying special attention to my eyes and lashes (it gets off all traces of waterproof mascara). This cleanser does not irritate the eyes, so do not be afraid to use it on your lids and lashes to get off any stubborn eye makeup; just make sure you use light pressure, and do not tug or pull on your eyes.

Once you have massaged the cleanser into your skin, it is time for the next step - polishing the cleanser off! Take a clean facecloth and dampen it with warm water, and then - using a clean section for each area of your face - gently "polish" the cleanser off your skin in small circular motions. As I polish, I really concentrate on the areas where my skin is most congested, such as around my nose and my chin, to exfoliate and help prevent clogged pores. 

Sidenote: When I purchased the Liz Earle cleanser, it came with 2 muslin cloths (you can purchase them separately as well), but of course they were in the wash on the day I decided to take these pictures. However, a regular facecloth works just as well, so I alternate between the muslin cloths and facecloths. 

I save my eyes for last, so that I don't get eye makeup all over my face. With the eyes, I don't polish, but gently swipe the cloth over my lids and lashes, and then under my eyes to get rid of the eye makeup that rubbed off there. 

Once all of the cleanser has been polished off, I lightly dry my face, and then apply the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic using a cotton ball. I swipe it all over my face and neck, avoiding the eye area. This toner is amazing - it does not dry out the skin, but leaves it feeling fresh and very soft. Also, it smells fantastic - a light floral scent of rose, lavender, geranium and sweet orange that isn't overpowering, but softly lingers on the skin to "restore and revive your spirits". This toner is formulated with aloe, calendula, chamomile, cucumber and vitamin e, which all work together to soothe and refresh your skin.  

Finally, I apply my moisturizer and any other skin treatments I might be using. Liz Earle does have their own line of moisturizers, however I have not tried them as of yet. The moisturizers run around $39, and for me that is a little pricey for something I'm not sure will work with my skin. Because I have oily skin, I really need a moisturizer that will hydrate without a greasy feel. I usually like to try a sample before I invest in a moisturizer, and I haven't been able to get my hands on a sample of the the Liz Earle moisturizer, so until I am able to try it out, I will continue to use the moisturizer I know works well with my skin.

Liz Earle has a wide range of skincare products, including face masks, eye treatments, and even a men's line. I recently picked up the Gentle Face Exfoliator, and while I haven't been using it long enough to give you a real review, I have been happy with the results thus far. 

My experience with  Liz Earle has been a real game-changer skincare-wise. I am not one to jump on bandwagons, but I can definitely see why the  Liz Earle skincare system has become a cult favorite, and I am glad I gave it a chance! If you are interested in checking out this line for yourself, but do not want to commit to full size products, they offer Try-me Kits, which would allow you to see how the products work for you. 

Have you tried any Liz Earle products? If so, what are your thoughts? 

Thank you for spending some time with me today - I hope you enjoyed reading. 

Live a beautiful life! 

~Jessica

All products were purchased by me, and, as always, all opinions are my own.