Showing posts with label Skin Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skin Care. Show all posts

Friday 16 March 2018

Previse Skincare

Previse is a brand new skincare brand to me and it is one I have really enjoyed getting to know. It has been developed with international dermatologists who specialise in holistic skin care and their clean-beauty, ZeroFragrance regimen is said to deliver effective and worry-free creams, moisturisers, and cleansers. Utilising the power of nature to cleanse, soothe, nourish and hydrate skin to reveal it’s healthy glow, Previse uses Sustainably sourced ingredients the brand features zero artificial fragrance and zero essential oils. It is also perfect for those who have delicate and sensitive skin and is Vegan.
Previse Skincare

The first product I want to mention is the Previse Bodymist Skin Nourishing Vitamin E Sunflower Infused Light-weight Vegan Body Oil.  Described as being a silky and dry, eco-certified sunflower and botanical oil extracts promote supple, elastic skin for long-lasting non-greasy comfort, what I like about it is how it makes my skin feel after using it.  Designed to be applied to clean and cleansed skin, when sprayed you can feel just how hydrating the oil is and even though it is an oil, it is so lightweight, there is no greasy feel to the skin.  
Previse Skincare
You can use it on your legs, décolletage, arms and body plus, it dries really quickly too, so there is no need to hang around waiting for it to dry so you can dress.  I tend to use my spray a few times a week after a long hot bath or shower.

Next is the Hydrofoam Rejuvenating Hyaluronic Moisturizer with Antioxidant Vitamin B5 Ceramide Vegan Complex and whilst the name is a bit of a mouthful, it is what it does that really makes the difference because it is pretty amazing.  Described as being a Luxe foam moisturiser it helps plump the skin and smooth fine lines! 
Previse Skincare
Using potent antioxidants are become activated within the micro-bubble mousse to fight oxidation without clogging pores., you will also find ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5 and powerful marine and botanical antioxidants.  I love how light and airy this is, it really does help smooth the skin, it isn't irritating or drying and you can even use it around the eyes too. 

The final product of my trio is the SOS Skin Rescue Healing Salve with Vitamin E Chamomile Vegan Treatment is quite a versatile little product. Described as being a salve which soothes and heals chapping and soreness associated with dryness it can be used on your hands, feet, nipples, elbows, knees and of course the lips. It is a non-petroleum salve which used Vitamin E and German Chamomile to help lock that moisture in giving the skin a chance to repair itself.
Previse Skincare
What I like about this Salve is that firstly it is non-sticky and neither is it greasy on the skin. Not too thick in texture it absorbs relatively quickly onto and then into the skin.  I use it on my lips a lot, especially before applying lipstick as it helps make it sit better, I've used it on my feet a lot too, especially because I wear thick tights and boots a lot in the winter and my feet need some TLC.

You can find Previse Skincare in Harvey Nichols and if you like to use products with no fragrance, sustainably sourced and vegan, then this is a brand worth looking at.




*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Sunday 18 February 2018

Yope Hand and Skin Care

Looking after your hands is more than just washing them regularly and applying hand cream when you think your skin needs it.  For me it is about checking the products I put on my hands that do not dry my skin out.  Many years ago now I stopped using highstreet branded soap and instead switched to products which are kinder on the skin.
Yope Hand and Skin Care
Yope Hand and Skin Care
Yope is a new brand that I have been introduced too and they have a range of naturally unusual hand Soaps designed for everyday use. Yope soaps are made in Poland whilst they smell absolutely divine, they do not contain any enhancing substances such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).

Within the package I have there is a Natural Kitchen Hand Soap in scent Clove and it has been made with 92% natural ingredients, such as allantoin, Vitamin B5, and the Essential Oil from Clove buds (an ingredient with natural antifungal and antibacterial properties).
Yope Hand and Skin Care
I absolutely love the scent of this, it is fresh and quite spicy and perfect for masking those horrid smells left on your hands after washing up along with other scents and smells from cleaning, which I really dislike. It comes in a 500ml bottle with a pump action dispenser so it is easy to use and requires little effort and of course the drawing of a raccoon on the labels adds to the cuteness of the bottle.

Yope Mineral Regenerating Hand Lotion with its etching of a Toucan also come with a pump action dispenser and it has been specifically formulated to moisturise, strengthen, and protect dry and rough skin.
Yope Hand and Skin Care
The lotion contains rich and nourishing oils such as argan, coconut and tsubaki which work soften and regenerate the skin. Vitamin E which helps to prevent the ageing of the skin and organic shea butter which protects the skin and prevents dryness. This hand lotion is also free from parabens, silicones, and mineral oils.

I really like the scent of this hand lotion, it is light and fresh and has no chemical scent to it at all.  I love that the bottle compliment one another and you can find them priced around £6 each both online and in stores right here.








*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Thursday 1 February 2018

AromaWorks Serenity Body Oil

I openly admit that I am lazy when it comes to using body lotions, butter and oils, for me to use something I have to absolutely love it or it has to be so easy to use that I don't have to put a lot of effort in. In an ideal world, I would use a body lotion daily but in reality, it is twice a week at most. Then I was introduced to AromaWorks and it is one of the rare few products that I have used up and have enjoyed using. 
AromaWorks Serenity Body Oil
AromaWorks Serenity Body Oil
AromaWorks Serenity Body Oil
I had never come across AromaWorks until the Serenity Body Oil landed in my lap and I now feel I have missed out on what is an incredible brand. Built on a commitment to 100% pure essential oils and all natural ingredients all of the skincare and home fragrance products are free from synthetic chemicals, pesticides, are not tested on animals and are safe for the environment.

Serenity Body Oil in its beautiful luxe packaging and smooth glass bottle, through which you can see the bright yellow coloured oil is described as follows:
Serenity brings together the power of four essential oils working in unison to free your mind from the stresses of the day, before uplifting your spirits to provide a wonderfully balancing experience.
Aside from the yellowness of the oil, I love that this bottle has a pump so that you can spray it directly onto the skin, so there is no need to dig your fingers into a pot of body butter or squeeze anything onto your hands, one spray and you have enough oil for one leg and so on.  As the oil is expressed from the bottle, it is hard not to notice how incredible the scent is. Using a blend of Lemongrass, Neroli & Geranium alongside organic coconut oil and Evening Primrose Oil and there is a warm citrus, earthy and floral scent all rolled into one, the kind of scent you would associate with a Spa.  Uplifting, calming and just absolutely divine.

On the skin, this oil is neither greasy or tacky and it absorbs rather quickly into the skin leaving behind no trace it was ever there, other than the divine scent that accompanies it. I always find my skin to be smooth to the touch after using and as the oil seeks to nourish the skin and deliver intense hydration., I can say it definitely manages to achieve that.

Priced around £32 (here) it is well worthy of the investment and it lasts for a really long time because you only need such a small amount at any one time.












*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Friday 12 January 2018

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

It is always nice to get compliments about how good your skin looks and questions as to what you have done differently to get 'that glow' and those are the questions I have been asked lately from both friends, colleagues and bloggers and in truth, other than changing my skincare routine slightly, I have changed the foundation I was wearing (it ran out) to something completely new, from a brand I knew very little about - Laura Mercier.
Laura Mercier  Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Whilst browsing in John Lewis, I was mesmerised watching the girls on the counter do various makeovers and drawn in by how good they looked once finished, I was sat in a chair within seconds.  Unlike other makeup counters where I have been, this time I was told a little bit about the background to the brand, for example the brand was founded back in 1996 and the entire philosophy revolves about The Flawless Face -  a concept that making the skin look perfect is the first and most important thing we can do to achieve a great look.  Not something I can argue with that is for sure.  Having been asked what I would usually use on my skin, what make up look I like and whether or not any of the products had jumped out to me, the one thing I did say is that I cannot stand foundation that makes your face feel suffocated, has that caked on look no matter how little you apply and anything that works to cover blemishes and with combination skin, especially an oily t-zone is a must.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer which comes in a range of around 15 different shades, is described as being an oil free, sheer, lightweight foundation with SPF 20 and is suitable for all skin types, even those with sensitive or acne prone skin. I have shade Blush which is a one of the lighter shades and perfect for those with pink tones. 
Laura Mercier  Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Laura Mercier  Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
Thankfully because it is a tinted moisturiser, it actually is really lightweight on the skin, despite being quite a creamy formula.  As it was applied and as I now apply it, I use a buffing brush and finish off with my beauty blender to ensure I get an even coverage, but you can build up in areas that you feel need a bit more covering. I love that it is an oil free formula and it also works to prevent excess oil from setting on the surface of the skin, so if like me you can have that mid-afternoon greasy shine, you are not going to get that with this, something which has impressed me the most.

I have used quite a few tinted moisturisers over the years, especially when the warmer weather comes and ive never really found one I have loved until now.  It is the one which is truer to the formula than anything else I have used and by that I mean it is hydrating, nourishing and moisturising whilst offering a hint of coverage.  As I have said, whenever I have worn it, people have asked why my skin is all glowy and what am I using.

You can also mix this tinted moisturiser with your favourite foundation too.  But all in all I absolutely love this product! Not only does all my redness, it does so without looking caked on and I really love that it is so light but also buildable.  Priced around £34 it isn't going to break the bank and a tube lasts a good few months, obviously depending on how often you apply it and it is widely available at places such as John Lewis, SpaceNK, Feelunique, House of Fraser and more.


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*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Tuesday 31 October 2017

L'Occitane Shea Butter Collection

One of my favourite brands - L'Occitane have taken one of their most iconic ingredients and have released a brand new range of products which are literally just incredible. If you have never tried anything from L'Occitane before, then I urge to you give this range a try, it is so so good.
L'Occitane Shea Butter Collection

Within the Shea Butter range there is the brand new Ultra-Light Body Cream and Shea Shower Oil and not wanting a few products to be feeling left out, both the Rich Lotion and Shea Fabulous Oil have been given a bit of a makeover and now have a brand new look.

Starting with the Ultra Light Body Cream which has an incredible light, bouncy texture to it and it is described by L'Occitane as follows:

Shea Ultra Light Body Cream combines the nourishing properties of a balm with the lightness of a mousse to protect and moisturised skin for up to 24 hours. Its light and airy formula, made with 5% shea butter, gently melts into the skin leaving it supple and comfortable.

I adore the texture of this cream, as soon as it comes into contact with my skin, it has disappeared and behind I am left with what can only be described as an incredible scent and amazingly soft to the touch skin.
L'Occitane Shea Butter Collection
I am not usually someone who can be bothered with a body cream, it is a faff, but I am part way through the tub of this one, so it has definitely ticked a box.  Retailing at £32 for 200ml, I am debating stocking up!

For me, L'Occitane shower oils are the best I have tried.  I adore the entire Almond range and have repurchased the shower oil from that range several times over.  The introduction to the Shea Shower Oil and I am not wanting to get out of the shower.  Described as:
Developed with 10% of lipid rich Shea oil, this shower oil gently cleanses the body. Its rich texture leaves a nourishing, protective film, which helps soften even dry skins. It contributes to soothe feelings of tightness, for skin that seems more supple and comfortable. Its gentle fragrance delicately perfumes the skin.
Now as it is an oil it acts like an oily, so you need to take care in the shower. That said, I adore the scent and I adore the feeling on my skin once I leave the shower.
L'Occitane Shea Butter Collection
After using my skin is so sweet-scented and smooth to the touch. I have also used it in the bath for an extra treat and even dry skin on my shins, knees and elbows seems to have been almost eradicated using this. Priced at just £19 for 250ml I have bought a backup.

The Rich Lotion with its brand new look is as the name suggests - a rich lotion. Described as being:
Rich in shea butter (15%) and calendula, this body lotion nourishes and instantly brings comfort to dry skin. It leaves the skin moisturised for up to 48 hours after application. Its fluid formula helps to soothe feelings of skin tightness, offering day after day protection against skin dryness.
For me, this is a treat in a bottle and something to be used when your skin needs some TLC, for a pamper session or just because.
L'Occitane Shea Butter Collection
Luxurious and thick textured you literally need just one or two pumps to cover your arms or legs and when it comes into contact with the skin, it melts and disappears much quicker than I had expected. After using there is no trace it was ever on the skin, but the soft Shea Butter scent does remain. Priced at £23 for 250ml.


The final item in this incredible foursome is the Shea Fabulous Oil and as the name suggests it is both fabulous and an oil. Described as being:
Enriched with lipid-replenishing shea oil (5%), Shea Fabulous Oil is the ideal formula to nourish, soften and protect the skin from dryness. It helps to restore the skin’s hydrolipidic film. With its rich, silky texture and satin-soft finish, it is quickly absorbed and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth, with no greasy after feel. The skin is delicately scented with the iconic Shea fragrance.
What I love about this oil is that it comes in a glass bottle with a spritz, so you don't have to pour it into your hands and then transfer it to your skin, only to find half of it is on the carpet and the other half dribbling everywhere.
L'Occitane Shea Butter Collection
Just spritz onto the skin where you want it the most and then massage into the skin.  As it is an oil, I was surprised to find there is no greasiness left on the skin, it absorbs pretty quickly and leaves no trace behind.  I have used this oil on my body, legs, hands, arms and even on my feet and it is just delightful.  Priced at £26 for 100ml it is stunning.



It is worth noting that L'Occitane use organic Shea Butter within their products and since the 1980's they have worked with women in Burkina Faso to ensure they have the highest quality product (read more about this here). Shea Butter works to replenish, nourish and heal the skin by locking in nutrition and if like me you have dry patches of skin, the use of Shea Butter works incredibly well.



For me, this is another amazing range from L'Occitane and I would love to know if you are as big a fan as I am of the brand?






*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Thursday 19 October 2017

The Hero Project – Resurfizz Enzyme Peel Collection

Resurfizz is the latest release from The Hero Project, a British Beauty Brand whom I have featured before on my blog (here and here) and I have been really impressed. Resurfizz is described as being exciting new British beauty concept that mobilizes people power and great science, on a mission to rid your bulging drawers of beauty clutter and replace it with the best beauty products you truly love, has created a new Friday fizz – for your face. 
The Hero Project – Resurfizz Enzyme Peel Collection
The Hero Project – Resurfizz Enzyme Peel Collection
The Hero Project – Resurfizz Enzyme Peel Collection
Immediately having my attention, Resurfizz is a two-step treatment which starts with the Thermo Melt exfoliating cleanser which comes in tube form with enough product for at least 4 uses. It is described as being 'a super-charged exfoliating cleanser which gently heats up on your skin, opening your pores to cleanse and purify'. 

On the skin, the cleanser does feel warm, but it isn't uncomfortable at any point. To use, you simply ensure you have damp skin and then apply a small amount to your face, as you do any other cleanser, wait for it to warm and then massage it, but gently because it does contain exfoliating particles. 
The Hero Project – Resurfizz Enzyme Peel Collection
So, on the skin, the Cleanser is used to open those pores, cleanse deeply, remove excess sebum, oil and anything else lurking on the skins surface as well as dead and dry skin and it does a pretty good at doing all of the above without irritating or stripping the skin.

Once the cleanser is removed using the accompanying viscose cloth, it is time to add the second part of this two-step treatment - the Enzyme Fizz. Described as being an oxygenated mask that fizzes up on your face and micro-exfoliates your pores, leaving a naturally resurfaced complexion, without acids; with natural pomegranate enzymes. Inside the package, you get four of these pots, one for each use of the cleanser and a spatula to help with the application. 
The Hero Project – Resurfizz Enzyme Peel Collection
As soon as the pot is open, the air will start the carbonating process and as you spread the gel-like mask onto your skin, the fun starts. For me, it tickles as it fizzes and as it fizzes there is a production of big frothy white bubbles on the surface of your skin, at no point will you be at your most attractive, but you will probably laugh and giggle a whole lot as you watch the bubbles appear. Designed to be left on the skin for between 5-7 minutes before wiping off.

There is no denying that this is a fun treatment but it is one which does work really well on my skin.  I have combination skin which leans to the oily side especially with my t-zone and anything that helps reduce excess sebum and re-balance my skin will always get a thumbs up from me especially if it is not left feeling dry after using. 

Priced at £49 here and Resurfizz is just brilliant.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Wednesday 27 September 2017

Feather & Down | Sleep Matters

Feather & Down is a brand I absolutely love. There isn't a product I dislike and everything I have tried has lived up to its claims, so who and what they are? In short, Feather & Down are a brand who encourages relaxation and a state of wellbeing in an effort to help aid sleep. To do this they use a specially blended sleep fragrance containing lavender & chamomile essential oils which are known to promote a better night’s sleep. Anything that offers to relax me to the state of unconsciousness is always going to get the thumbs up from me.
Feather & Down | Sleep Matters
The kind people over at Feather & Down sent me an amazing package of products which I have been using for the last few months and have in that time stocked up on two of the products I have tried, that is how impressed I am.

Melting Shower Cream - Cleanse your skin, clear your mind, and let daytime stress wash away says the blurb for the Shower Cream. When used the Shower Cream melts into a really lovely calming oil and as it is massaged into your skin, it not only leaves it feeling beautifully soft and deeply nourished but the scent of Lavender is just divine.
Feather & Down | Sleep Matters
Did you know that taking a quick shower before bed helps to prepare you for sleep. It is said that the feeling of warm running water on your skin relaxes your body and eases tension after a long day. This Shower Cream retails at £6 for 250ml here.

Soothing Body Oil - A massage of the skin really does help to de-stress and relax and this body oil is incredibly soothing as well as moisturising for the skin. Used just before bed time, the scent of Lavender with Jojoba Oil helps to wind down and relax in preparation for sleep.
Feather & Down | Sleep Matters
To use the oil, you spray it onto the skin and gently massage in, even better if you can get your better half to do the massaging. Priced at £8 for a 125ml bottle which is available from Boots here.

All Purpose Sleep Balm - This balm contains both Lavender and Chamomile essential oils which are blended with nourishing Vitamin E. Designed to be used on your pulse points to help ease your mind and encourage a restful nights sleep.
Feather & Down | Sleep Matters
Placing fragrance onto your pulse points (wrists, temples, and neck) makes it last longer due to the beat of your heart. I find that this is one relaxing balm and it is one that you can used during heightened periods of stress as well as helping to calm and aid sleep. This tub is priced at £7 and is again available in Boots here.

Pillow Spray - I am a huge fan of pillow sprays and do find that they help relax, calm and aide sleep. This spray is an infusion of Lavender and Chamomile essential oils which help reduce an anxious mind and encourage calm to aid a restful night’s sleep.
Feather & Down | Sleep Matters
To use all you need to do is spray a generous amount onto your pillow and around your bedroom to help relax you as you drift into a peaceful night's sleep, I use mine approximately 30 minutes before I am about to attempt sleep, meaning no more reading, no TV watching and no scrolling through social media. Priced at £7 for 100ml here it is definitely worth buying.

Calming Candle - I think it is now common knowledge that I am obsessed with candles and have quite a growing collection. For me, a candle creates a relaxing atmosphere and even the flicker of the wick is instantly calming. With this candle from Feather & Down, as soon as the candle starts to burn essential oils are released and calming fragrance fills the house with an incredible scent.
Feather & Down | Sleep Matters
Priced at £18 here, you only need to burn this candle for a few hours at any time to ensure you get the full benefits of its calming and relaxing scent.

Having really enjoyed using these products from Feather and Down, I have not only bought and used the Bath Essence which again uses the essential oils of both Lavender and Chamomile to create a bath full of calming bubbles, I have also purchased the Bath Essence and Sleep Salts which I am looking forward to trying and again every products from the range is available from Boots.
Have you tried anything from Feather & Down?



*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Sunday 27 August 2017

Products to help you wind down

It is no secret that I find it hard to settle down and relax, I am a fidget and growing up was constantly accused of having 'ants in my pants'. In fact the only time I am still is when I am asleep, but sometimes that getting to sleep is a problem.
Products to help you wind down
Over the past few months I have been trying to get myself into a routine which involves not spending every waking moment at the computer or on my phone which means no social media at this point and instead doing something else that I enjoy - reading!  For me, reading a book is a joy and something I have loved to do ever since I learnt to read. I use Goodreads to ensure I don't re-read the same books and I like to set myself a yearly challenge to read a certain number of books.  This year my challenge is set at 40 and I have read 15, so I am a little behind my schedule but I have no doubts I will catch up and I like to swap and change between using my Kindle and having an actual paper book in my hands.

Alongside the no social media, phone and computer before bed routine I have an abundance of products which are designed to help you relax and wind down.  There is always the option of a long hot soak, though for me that tends to be a pampering treat once a week where I get an hour or two to myself to facemask, hair mask and just lounge in some bubbles and I prefer not to do that before going to bed.  So instead I am using the following:

Spacemasks are an item which excited me as soon as I saw them. The whole concept is just brilliant. Spacemasks are to all intents and purposes an eye mask that warms and alleviates strain on your eyes. Packaged inside a star patterned foil, once opened the natural air around us activates the cotton mask almost immediately to gently heat it up, once on, you are told you have that relaxing heat for around 15 minutes, though in reality it is more likely to be between 20-25 minutes, at which point the days stresses and tensions have long gone and all you want to do is turn over and fall asleep. 
Products to help you wind down
I love how soft and smooth Spacemasks feel when it is on my face over my eyes, not itchy or scratchy in the slightest and thankfully, the earloops helps to keep the mask in place so that you don't have to lay in one spot for what seems like an age, so you lay on your side without it falling off your face. The heat is warm enough so that you know the mask is there, but it isn't hot and won't burn the skin. The relaxing scent of jasmine works wonders for the stress and tension and as well as using mine before bed, they would be perfect for using on a flight or even for a disco nap at your desk to block everyone and everything out. 

Alongside my Spacemask comes Mio, a brand I absolutely love for their Liquid Yoga. Since I always have a bottle in the bathroom for times of stress, I was overjoyed to find a Space Spray and a candle in the very same scent in TX Maxx and quickly grabbed them both. The Mio Skincare Liquid Yoga Candle uses the soothing natural essences of Lavender and Mint which together are incredibly relaxing but bring with them a beautiful fresh scent and in the form of a candle, relaxation is by far and away its biggest asset.  
Products to help you wind down
Products to help you wind down
Add  to that a few spritzs of the Space Spray which can be used on your pulse points, pillow, yoga mat, in the car or office and it can also help promote natural deep sleep and ease tension that causes headaches.  It uses a whole host of ingredients such as Lavandin, Chamomile, Cypress and Mandarin to help calm, quieten, de-stress and re-balance.  I find it helps to spray in my bedroom around half an hour before going to bed, or getting in to bed and it works wonders.

I would love to know if you have any kind of routine which helps you wind down and relax?



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*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Wednesday 29 March 2017

Kiehls Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate

Kiehls Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate is a product I knew very little about until it landed in my lap and having read very little about it, I had no idea whether or not it was any good, lived up to any claims it made or something else. For once, it was exciting to use a product that I only new about thanks to the information on the box.

Kiehls Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate
Kiehls Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate

With a price tag of £41 it needed to be superb for me to give it the thumbs up and whenever you read a skincare review on this blog, I will have used or have been using that product for weeks, sometimes months before putting fingers to keyboard. It is rare that anything will appear if I have never used it. 

The description:
“Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate helps to refine the feel of rough texture, revealing newly radiant, refreshed skin. Clinically-demonstrated to help accelerate surface skin cell turnover*, this facial serum freshens and smooths the skin for a youthful radiance, visibly refining skin tone and texture over time.”


So with claims to restore radiance and soften skin within one week of use, as well as to visibly refine texture and even skin-tone within a week of use whilst renewing the skin without irritation is quite a bold claim and one that I found quite exciting, because my past experience with Kiehls has only ever been amazing.

So what is it and how do you use it? This product is a leave-on serum which has the description said, has been formulated to accelerate the skin cell turnover process to reveal fresher, smoother, younger-looking skin. To do this it is enriched with sustainably-sourced quinoa husk extract from which, its powerful exfoliating properties help release dull surface skin while visibly evening skin tone and refining the feel of rough texture over time. Impressively still, each bottle contains a concentrated extract of 2,000 Quinoa husks sustainably-sourced from Bolivia.

With an oil like consistency, the accompanying pipette helps making the dispensing of the oil a very easy and not so messy process. I find that I only need two-three drops for my entire face and neck. 
Kiehls Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate
Kiehls Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate
To use the concentrate, it is recommended by Kiehls to use it after cleansing and toning but before you apply your serum and any further moisturising and night creams.  Once on the skin, it is not an oil that absorbs immediately into the skin, it takes a bit of massaging to absorb the majority of it and there is a slight tackiness feel to the skin which isn't too unpleasant and it is something you do get used too and something I am willing to put up with owing to much I love this oil.

Having used this on my skin and again, nothing ever appears on this blog without being used for some weeks, usually 4-6 sometimes longer, I love the effect it is having. There is the inclusion of AHA there has been no irritation, my skin isn't tingling or sore. Instead my skin has become smoother to the touch, the dryness on my cheek has all but been eradicated without the need to use something much more abrasive and the redness that I occasionally suffer with is seemingly a lot less red than usual.  So far Kiehls it is a massive thumbs up from me.



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*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Monday 23 January 2017

Skinceuticals phyto corrective masque

Facemasks are something I look forward to using, along with an eye mask and a hair mask, I mean if you are going to pamper yourself at home, you might as well go all out and slather yourself from head to toe as much as you can.


The latest mask I have loved using is the Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Masque which is described as being an intensive botanical gel mask to soothe and calm temporary skin reactivity. Perfect if your skin has become inflamed, is aggravated or during times of stress and hormonal issues. For me, my skin changes around that time of the month, often become slightly sensitive and with more often than not little red patches on my cheeks.

Skinceuticals phyto corrective masque
Skinceuticals phyto corrective masque
Skinceuticals phyto corrective masque
The masque is very much gel-like, think back to times of your Youth when your brother might have been using a hair gel to spike his hair and that bright green tub of joy that proudly sat on his bedside table, well the colour very much reminds me of that. Quick thick in texture too, this mask is one of those I find easier to apply with a brush. I use an old make-up brush for the application and it applies really smoothly and evenly.

Once on the skin, there is an instant cooling feel, really comforting and soothing much like the feeling of Aloe Vera on Sunburn or Calamine lotion on an itchy rash. The ingredients consist of a unique blend of cucumber, thyme, and olive extracts soothe skin for optimum comfort and are referred to as the 'green botanicals. Then there is the Calming Dipeptide which helps reduce the perception of heat sensitivity and finally Hyaluronic Acid which as well all know is a natural humectant (preserves moisture) capable of holding 1,000 times its own weight in water and the body’s natural hydrator.

I also ensure I have cleansed my face before using any mask, removing that surface dirt and grime is key to ensuring your mask works as well as it can do. Once applied, you leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then remove using a cloth that is slightly damp. Then moisturise after using.  Because this mask is so gentle on the skin it can be used daily particularly during the hot months with sun exposure or after a hot bath, weekly and after some procedures, but always seek guidance first. I have also used this mask after burning my wrist on the oven, I am quite clumsy like that, and it did cool and soothe and no blister formed and I had the smallest of red marks which soon faded.

What I love about this mask is that it is oil free, it hydrates, it is cooling and it does soothe therefore ticking every box that it promises. If you feel your skin needs a little more TLC then you can leave this mask on overnight, but my warning to you is to not sleep on your very best pillows and instead a towel.

This mask is incredible and it is priced between £51 and £56 for 60ml it isn't on the cheap side of face masks, but you do get a product that lives up to its expectations and you can find it here.




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