La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I Review

La Roche-Posay as a brand has received some fantastic coverage in beauty blogs of recent particularly La Roche-Posay duo.
Ive had a good run with my skin, even in my teenage years I got by relatively spot-free, however in my 20s I have one problem area which seems to flair up repeatedly: between my eyebrows.

The irony is I'm probably more fit and healthy than Ive been in years, Ive looked at my diet, my skin care routine, my choice of makeup and I cant seem to be able to target the problem and most importantly fix it.

Oh how I long to rid of this problem area, every so often I will get a flare up of some angry under the skin hormonal spots. They look vile and the hurt and irritate considerably.

So when browsing the isles in a rare trip to Boots I picked up Effaclar A.I.

Effaclair A.I is a described as a "targeted breakout corrector for oily and imperfection prone skin".  The packaging is very clinical, almost like a prescription product you might receive from the doctor and the tube consists of a narrow tube in which to dispense the product.

The cream formula is quite a thin consistency and spreads with ease using my fingers, I used only a very thin layer of the product when applying to my problem area. I tend to apply this after I have removed my makeup in the evenings and applied my moisteriser.

In truth I'm really disappointed. If anything I found the area I was applying the cream flared up more with more little pimples to accompany my large ones which I was horrified at. I didn't experience any easing of redness of anti inflammatory properties just more spots. So not only was the product expensive but no use to me what so ever. I was really disappointed after

If being a beauty blogger has taught me anything its that over time our skin alters ever so slightly from time to time and products you may not get on with to start you can change your mind on after revisiting them a couple of months later. I remember when I first purchased the Clinique Anti-blemish solutions clear blemish gel and felt much of the same disappointment. Fast forward months later and I would really recommend it for break outs. So Ive not given up completely on Effaclar AI completely but so far I havent recieved the results I had hoped for.

Have you tried La Roche Posay Effaclar A.I?

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AOGs Tips: How To Start A Blog

Good afternoon you lovely lot.

In June it will be a total of 2 years I have been blogging on AOG.

Whats noticeable from 2 years now how social attitudes to blogs have changed dramatically. When I started out my blog I kept it a secret for a really long time- I'm not really sure why. I was developing my writing skills and the way I took my images and I suppose when I started out I wanted it be for only other bloggers to read not for family and friends.

Nowadays I have personal friends on my AOG twitter feed and if they would like to read the links I post up there then that's up to them, I'm actually very blessed to have friends that are very supportive of my blog. I know theres always ways to improve but I am really happy with the way my blog and blog content have developed over the years.

I have a few personal friends now that have their own blogs, and I love reading them. I get asked A LOT "How Do You Start Your Own Blog?"so I thought I would write this post and let you into a few things Ive learnt along the way.

Before you do anything

Pour yourself a brew, you need to catch yourself on a day where your under no time constraints and are in a productive mood.

Find Yourself A Unique Name

Think of something that is personal to you, it may be your name. I chose Aspirations Of Glam because when I started out I wasn't sure precisely which topics I wanted to blog about. Now I can tell you this is a beauty fashion and lifestyle blog. But if you want to write a blog about makeup only then you may want to feature that as part of your blog name. Choose something that stands out and is remeberable "Liz Does Beauty 2013 23" may not seem relevant if your going to blog over a year.

See Which Names Are Taken

Do a little research on twitter/ other blogs. The more unique your blog name is the better. This way readers will be able to find you. As an avid blog reader myself I may not remember the web addresses of my favourite blogs but its nothing a little Google search can fix provided I remember the blog name.

Get Yourself A Blog Layout.

If your new to blogging then dont worry yourself too much about this part. I would suggest starting out you use a simple template and when your blog starts to take shape you can play with HTML and get your blog looking the way you would like. There are loads of HTML tutorials to help you achieve the layout you want. 

Dont be overwhelmed by the pretty layouts of those that have been blogging for years and years. When it comes to blogging if your writing and content is excellent then you will gain readers that will return again and again.

Get Social Media Savvy

If you want to expand your readership then you need to think along the lines of social media.

At present I have a Twitter, Hello Cotton, Bloglovin, Facebook and Instagram account all in the name of "Aspirations Of Glam".

Obviously I didnt set all of these up overnight its was a natural progression overtime.

But if I were to pick two of the above lists I would stongly suggest Twitter & Bloglovin'.

Twitter is key, through this you will be open to like-minded people. In the beauty blogging community theres are weekly chats using the hashtag #bbloggers, fashion bloggers also use the hashtag #fbloggers and hold weekly discussions. At the end of every chat all of those that have taken part in the chat exhange web links, this is a huge opportunity to network and to find yourself some great new blogs.

 

Get Involved

Chances are if your starting a blog its because you already read them and have been inspired to start your own. Read up on posts and make sure you comment on those that you like. Take inspiration from other blogs but DONT reduplicate. The uniqueness of a community is what makes it great.

 

Be True To Yourself

Dont feel pressured to buy the "it" product, write about the things you enjoy. Take pretty pictures and share them on your blog, write about what inspires you and what your goals are. This is your space to express yourself-be true to you.

 

Don't Expect It To Happen Overnight

Blog readership is something that happens over time. No matter how unique and inspiring your blog may be the fact is gaining a readership takes a really long time. Make sure you blog for you whether you have 1 subscriber of 100,000. Write about the things that you like and in time like minded people will follow.

 

Accept It When Blogging Cant Come First

We all have crap weeks- don't feel the need to write a five paragraph explanation of where you have been, life just gets in the way sometimes. As as reader of blogs I know that if one of my favourite bloggers hasn't uploaded a post for a while it makes me anticipate the next post even more. If your having a crap time and want to write about it that's totally up to you- at the end of the day its your blog and your space to express yourself!

 

Have Fun With It

Dont make blogging a chore. Enjoy it and when you don't have time think about stepping back a bit. Try to keep your content fresh and current, I have had a lot of positive experiences from blogging and I really hope if your reading this with the intention of setting up a blog that you do to!

So fellow bloggers, what other advise would you offer to another person if they were thinking of setting up their own blog?

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Goodbye Google Reader

So there is a huge little panic this week over news that Google has given us a final date (July 1st) in which they will remove Google Feeder permanently. Its removal is a conspiracy which has always floated around social media since I began blogging,  part of me isn't surprised at all.

 

 

 

To stay in touch with AOG please have a look at the following links.

    

 

I have just imported my subscription list to Bloglovin', just now and its super easy and doesn't take up much time, for a tutorial please have a look at this great tutorial by Maria

 

Its a bit or a nightmare for anyone like me that regularly reads blogs, but I do really like the Bloglovin' format so I will be taking myself over there for future cuppa tea and Sunday reads.

 

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A General Catch Up, Working On Goals.

Hello there.

I thought after my past personal posts here and here that I ought to check in and let you know what Ive been up to.

I think when I post on the interweb I am more inclined to follow through with my plans and action them, its also a chance to allow you to get to know me as a person rather than this character wearing outfits or writing about makeup.

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I am currently really motivated in the gym, last week I completed my first ever 7K run. My short term goal was to be running 10K comfortably by the end of February so I am really happy with my progress.  I'm noticing I can endure a lot more than I used to and still really enjoying exercising. I find it a struggle to fit exercising into my week but have been attending 2-3 times a week which I am content with. Looking at my "The Importance Of Setting Goals" post I have been routinely working out for a steady 5 weeks, I'm hoping to manage a 10K before Christmas which will be a big achievement for me. Its currently really chilly outside so I'm getting strong in the gym with the view to start training outside in the new year.

Many people I speak with tell me they struggle to find motivation to work out when it is cold and dark but to combat this I usually go the gym straight after work. I can then use the rest of my evening to relax and recover, I also find that I sleep much better after exercising in the evening, hopefully I can run a half marathon in the new year like I plan to.

With regards to my "How To Be Financially Glamorous" post my saving is going relatively well. I have changed job roles after five weeks in my new post university big girl job and words cant describe how happy I was to received a new job role and pay rise in my first 5 weeks. It means I can work 5 days a week instead of 6 and hopefully spend more time with my loved ones. I have put together a saving plan I will action from January forward to save more after Christmas festivities.

It goes without saying that I plan to over indulge over Christmas but on the whole I really have been better with my spending tendencies. This week I have been spending my money on presents for loved ones, petrol for work and my car tax. Unfortunately I have my MOT due early January so I have put some money away for that dreaded day. The temptation I am struggling with most significantly is to not stock pile outfits for the party season (a fond past time). The few items that I have bought could be worn during the rest of the year (I am soo partial to the occasional sequin you know!).

On the whole I cant wait to spend some much needed quality time with friends and family over Christmas (one more week!)- it seems like the weeks are passing by like a whirlwind so I am very much anticipating some much needed rest!

Do you set yourself any goals?

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The Importance Of Setting Goals

Im back!

Well hasn't life just taken over the last few weeks. Ive been in a pool of exhaustion trying to figure out some sort of routine after years of working sporadically its like reality has just about caught up with me.

Through the two weeks since I last blogged I have really enjoyed getting into a routine of exercising again. Especially now I work in an office I'm not really all that used to sitting still for so long.

Exercise is something I have a love/hate relationship with. I love reaping the benefits but sometimes loathe the process itself. I surrendered to the fact long ago that I will never be one of these super fit keen types, but I think its important to establish a sustainable pattern of behaviour in my 20s- a foundation of basis to reference throughout my life.....(she says). 

Growing up exercise was never really top of the list in my family. My dad is and always has been clinically obese and has a very complicated relationship with food. My poor mother has battled to help him loose weight but has never succeeded. Don't get me wrong theres been times he has been very successful in weight loss but sadly I don't think he is ever going to be featured as one of those radical weight loss success stories. My mother alternately is relatively slim but is incredibly critical on herself- something sadly I think she has passed on in elements to me.

Its a combination of factors that motivate me to exercise.

• I don't aim to loose any weight- rather to tone up and stay fit.
• I'm glaringly aware that in the next few years my metabolism is going to slow down. I love food and want to continue to eat as I wish with regular exercise. 
• It goes without saying exercising is a great stress buster.

The only problem in all of this is how is it possible to keep up attending the gym and stay motivated?

Ive decided the end of  next year I would like to run a half marathon for charity.

Running up to it (phaha pun) I am plan to train and enter myself into a 5K and 10K run beforehand.-Writing it on my blog kind of cements it rather than just being a promise Ive made to myself or told my family about.

I am blessed because I am usually always at the gym with friends and this incentives me keep the same commitment every week. As well as that I have a good friend who has ran the Great North Run twice and will be my outdoor running guru...when we get around to it as its probably the worst time of year to run when your signed onto the 9-5.

I keep myself motivated out of the gym by reading exercise blogs, watching YT videos addressing fitness and staying healthy. I also keep my IPhone playlists regularly updated so I am motivated in the gym.

So there you have it- a personal post from me back on AOG- Ive missed blogging a lot while Ive been away. Ill catch you all soon have a great week.

What do you do to keep motivated to exercise?