Bio-Extracts - Your @Home Lab

As part of the Thirty Plus initiative of which I am a member, a few weeks ago I was invited to dinner with Marina Shcherbinina the founder of the Bio Extracts brand. A brand up until this dinner I had never heard of or come across, but the introduction I was sent by email intrigued me. In short Bio Extracts use the latest biotechnology to develop creams and boosters for you to combine at home - pretty much giving you the chance to make your own skincare, after all no one quite knows your skin as well as you do.

Marina was incredibly passionate about her brand and what stood out during her presentation is what she is not only dedicated to making each product the very best that it can be but she will not cut any corners when it comes to the ingredients or quality. It is through using highly purified ingredients derived from plant extracts that skincare benefits are delivered in this unique skincare brand.

There are two elements to the Bio-Extracts system - Creams and Boosters, pretty straightforward and relatively easy to get to grips with.

The Bio-Extract Creams use what is called a Multi-Lamellar System which is explained as follows "the Multi-Lamellar System has a very distinct structural similarity to these natural layers in the skin and mimics the skin’s own lamellar structure. It is designed to act like a “patch” on the skin, restoring its barrier function thus preventing trans-epidermal water-loss (TEWL), improving hydration and protecting the skin from external irritants. Now for someone who isn't techy I get this.

Then come the Bio-Extracts Boosters  and they use a phospholipids-based delivery system to ensure actives penetrate deeper into the skin layers. Again it is explained that Phospholipids are essential constituents of the cellular membranes of all living organisms and they regulate cell life.

Bringing those boosters and the creams together you have the opportunity to create your own skincare product for whichever skincare concern you might. The cream comes in an airless jar and the booster are contained in syringes.  What I like about this is that the airless jar of cream dispenses a precise amount of moisturiser each time with just one pump and although you can use it on its own, the combination of using the syringes allows you the chance to address one or more concerns.

Within the range there are 3 creams and 9 boosters to choose from and for my skin type my prescription was:

 

Light Cream - This is an oil absorbing, mattifying moisturiser with uplifting scents to help people with combination, oily or problem skin. What I like about this cream is that it does absorb excess oil and does mattify the skin, something which if like me you have combination/oily skin the oil slick shine can often be an issue, so it is nice to use a product which helps to deal with it.

Antioxidant Boost – contains a powerful combination of fruit extract, minerals and flavonoids to counteract the damaging effects of oxidative stress. Rutin and Rosmarinic acid help in scavenging free radicals, while manganese, zinc and selenium support the antioxidative defence enzymes.

Hydro Boost – The Hydro Boost will enhance skin radiance and give a firmer, plumped up appearance to the skin. It also gives intense hydration with botanical Hyaluronic Acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and to prevent further signs of premature ageing.

Redness Relief Boost - helps to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier integrity, improving the ability of the skin to act as a physical and mechanical barrier against external factors. The bio-extract from the bark of White Wallaba, a tree that grows in the Guyanese rain forests, is a true botanical powerhouse. High in tannins, the bark and resin contain anti-inflammatory properties and have been used traditionally by local people for wound healing, toothache or ease of joint pains. White Wallaba bio- extract immediately helps to visually neutralise skin redness and restore skin clarity.

Now that I have my cream and boosters, which I have used up, I liked being able to create and tailor my own skincare in so much that I could decide how much of the booster I felt my skin needed and if you’re thinking that this might be a skin care system that you want to try for yourself then the sets that you can buy that come with a cream and 2, 3 or 4 boosters  and you can choose per issue that you have and there are even sample sets for just £5!

This brand is vegan, paraben free, non GMO, British made, not tested on animals and all ingredients are natural.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

A Guide To Wearing Flat Shoes

The morning after a night out in your favourite pair of strappy stilettos, and you’ve probably sworn never to wear them again. The blisters, the pain, yet when the next night out comes around you just can’t resist. Flat shoes however, have always been associated with comfort – but could they finally be party ready? Whilst, unfortunately, it’s still not appropriate to head out in your fluffy slippers, Daniel Footwear suggest that shoes, such as Melissa shoes and flat designer sandals are parting the way for party flats. 

Embellished sandals

Summer comes hand in hand with pastel colours, embroidery and embellishment – and your shoes are no exception. Embellished sandals are your summer alternative to heels. In fact, many A-listers have even walked the red carpet in the sparkly flats. The worst thing about them is that they can only be worn in the summer — step out in them in the winter and prepare for some strange looks and exceptionally cold toes!

Whether you’re sipping cocktails in Marbella or in your local beer garden, they’re perfect for channelling that beach-to-bar look, while their added glitz adds a dash of glamour that every night out needs. Keep the rest of your outfit formal or smart-casual at the very least — wearing them with jeans is too casual for a night out with friends. Instead, choose feminine dresses and skirts in cool colours and delicate prints. 

Backless loafers

Whilst heels in the workplace can make you look professional and smart, we all know they can also be extremely uncomfortable, especially if you’re on your feet all day. Backless loafers are a great alternative to heels for around the workplace. Originally made popular by Gucci, other brands have since replicated the trend, making the loafer one of this season’s must-haves.

These designer-inspired flats eliminate the chance of blisters and keep your feet cool. Because of their formal style, they’re the perfect addition to your work-wear wardrobe. Choose a black pair and wear with plain-coloured culottes and a chic sleeveless blouse.

You can also wear them as part of your off-duty style — a light-coloured loafer works great with loose-fitting, light wash ripped jeans and an easy t-shirt. Bring the look together with a chic tailored blazer for a look that successfully bridges the gap between smart and casual.

The pointed flat

The ballet pump has been a popular choice amongst women for years now – for comfort and casual fashion. From work to play, is there anything this super-versatile shoe can’t do? 

Apparently not. The pointed pump is the ideal choice for a night out, as it is not just comfortable — it’s this season’s must-have shape. For extra evening glamour, choose an embellished or lace-up pair to add detail to your look.

*this post contains a paid for link