Zenmed | Reconstructive Skincare

Until recently I had never come across Zenmed skincare and for the last 5 weeks I have been putting it to the test. Formed in 1999, Zenmed creates 100% Doctor-formulated, naturally-based skincare with a conscience in mind. Zenmed believe that treating troubled skin shouldn't mean straying from a natural, holistic foundation. The formulas are cruelty free, vegan friendly and arrive in minimalist packaging. 

It is no secret that I suffer from redness on my cheeks, it comes and goes frequently, doesn't itch, hurt or bother me in the slightest and if I am feeling a tad self-confident then I use a concealer to cover it up.  The people over at Zenmed asked whether I would be interested in using their products which would help soothe my complexion, minimise redness and flushing and correct and protect sensitive skin and naturally I said yes.

The products come with a usage guide which I found really helpful and insightful. Most of of the time, new products arrive with a press release and very little information as to how to properly use it.  For most product options there is a Zenmed three step skincare routine so with the products I was sent, with some optional extras to try, I created my own.

The first step a Gentle Cleansing Gel - This is a gentle, ph balanced gel cleanser with a naturally-based formulation of Certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel and Tea Tree. 

Designed to remove oil, makeup, and unwanted residue from the surface of the skin while maintaining the skin's natural protective barrier, this gel is incredibly light on the skin and thankfully there isn't a strong sent of Tea Tree

The second step is the Anti Redness Mask - This mask uses Willow Bark Extract which is known to have highly effective anti-inflammatory properties.  Then there is the soothing, non-comedogenic gel base mask which uses both Green Tea and Cucumber offers a quick solution for treating and soothing skin redness and finally the use of Certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel which again is known for its soothing properties.   

I like this mask because you apply a thin layer and leave it on for just 3-5 minutes before removing with cool water, so it isn't time consuming, it doesn't dry hard on the face and I do find it really soothing on the skin.

The third and final step is the Support Serum - Packed with Vitamin C, this serum works to visibly reduce swelling, redness and inflammation on the skin, many symptoms of which are associated with Rosacea. 

Said to work to strengthen the collagen network of skin and blood vessels and after a few weeks a use, you should see a dramatic difference to the quality of the skin, tissue swelling goes down, skin is nourished and appears less ruddy. Flushing and visibility of broken blood vessels is decreased.  I have only just started to use this serum, so I will report back on how my skin works with it as I initially missed it within the package.

The one product I am never without is a moisturiser and I have been using the Oil-Free moisturiser which has SPF30. Ideal for sensitive skin it is so incredibly lightweight on the skin that it absorbs almost immediately on contact with the skin. 

It isn't greasy or tacky and it used Green Tea and Certified Organic Aloe Vera to help calm and protect the skin.  I wear an SPF every single day and on my face it is always at least SPF30 and above regardless of the weather.

I was also very kindly sent a Nutrient Boost Spray and an Organic Cream Exfoliator from the range which I am working my way through, so look out for a further review in a few weeks time.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Axiology Lip Crayon

Axiology is a brand that I have seen popping up all over my social media timeline, so the chance to try one of their new lip crayons was too good a chance to pass up. Described as being full of deeply hydrating ingredients, long-lasting and rich pigmentation, nourishing and protecting your lips all-day, the new Axiology Crayons are incredible.

Full of rich and hydrating Organic Butters & Oils such as Shea, Avocado, Castor, Moringa and Neem, they are not only an item of makeup but one which also cares for your lips. Alongside the butter and oils, there is also Vitamin E which is high in antioxidant properties plus they are vegan & palm-oil free.

These Lip Crayons are available in six different shades - Bliss, Enchant, Intrigue, Keen, Serene and Valor and with shades ranging from pink and nude to berries.  I was kindly given Enchant which arrives so beautifully packaged in a recycled cardboard tube and I was interested in learning that this particular packaging had been handmade by women in Bali. The crayon itself is a lovely gold colour which is really quite striking and as a lip colour, it is described as being a shimmery Berry tint on a base of cool mauve with a touch of silver.  

Then when it comes to the application, not only does Enchant glide across the lips, the shade itself is incredibly pigmented and most definitely sits within the Berry family. A cool mauve it is and that touch of silver doesn't turn your lips into a foil look, instead what it is does is to add a little shimmer to what is a matte finish on the lips and far from being drying, this is one of the most hydrating matte products I have tried so far.  As much as I love my matte shades, I do find most of the shades and brands I have tried to be quite drying on the lips and always find that I need to add a lot of balm, with Enchant from Axiology, it is like wearing a lip balm which is matte.

Axiology Lip Crayons are priced at £21 from www.axiologybeauty.com

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*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

HD Miracle Silicone Shaped Sponge

As soon as I saw the Silicone sponges my interest was pricked. I was until recently the kind of person who used certain brushes to apply certain bits of makeup and never deviated from it. Then came the Beauty Blender which was such a game changer and one I adapted too with relative ease and now this.

The Brushworks HD Miracle Silicone Shaped Sponge retails for £7.99 (here) and is described as being 'The magic new way to get a flawless base" and the one I have is not only tear shaped but contains gold glitter!  Made from the highest quality silicone, it has been designed to give you a fast and flawless base application, so to all intent and purpose, speed up the entire process without compromising how good your base is.

The Silicone sponge which is also ultra-hygienic and allergy free is coated with a unique ultra-smooth (TPU) layer to minimise product wastage; unlike brushes or a blender, a silicone sponge does not absorb your makeup and one of its selling points is that it allows you to save more than half the amount of product compared to regular brushes and sponges which also saves you money. Silicone sponges are also long-lasting and easy to clean which again is another big selling point, as I am sure most people dread the brush/blender washing task.  So as well as having a few plus points, is it easy to use and does it work are possibly the questions everyone wants the answer too.

I'm not going to lie, it does feel weird.  Having expected the sponge to be quite rigid, it actually isn't at all, it is soft, smooth and you can wrap it around your finger to keep a better grip.  To use, you apply your product to the sponge directly, I have tried it with a primer to test out using it, a tinted moisturiser and a liquid foundation, I was surprised that one pump of my foundation was enough to cover my entire face when I would usually use 2-3 with my brush.  Once on the sponge, you spread it in a circular motion and then dab lightly to ensure you have blended in all the lines. Now here is the thing, it took me a good few practices to get to grips with using it, but I managed it and whilst I'm not sure it helps me complete the task of applying my makeup any quicker than it would usually take, it does use less product, it is wipe-clean and it does blend my foundation incredibly well.  I have also used it for applying face masks and again, it is as good as option as using an old makeup brush.

If you have been looking to try one of these sponges and haven't yet, then for me this is the place to start.  Since having it, I have tested the £1 Primark option and it isn't anywhere near as good as this one, in fact, had I used the Primark one first, I would have been totally put off even giving them a go.

The HD Miracle Silicone Shaped Sponge from Brushworks retails for £7.99 and comes with a protective case to keep it clean and free from dirt when not being used.

*this post contains PR samples/Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise

REN Skincare Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Body Range

A little over a week ago in the beautiful Regent Street Space NK store, I was lucky enough to be treated to an in-depth preview of the new REN skincare range and it is one you definitely need to be looking out for.

The Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Body Range is one which intrigues me as much as excites me. I adore REN as a brand and this is the one launch that calls out to me.  A rich source of magnesium and antioxidants to help cells detox, which revitalises and re-energises the skin. The benefits of sea kelp and seaweeds have been used in West Ireland for bathing, as well as a restorative food source, for centuries. REN has harnessed the power of this particular seaweed to fight fatigue, stress and pollution within a 21st-century content.

At this point, you might be thinking 'What is she talking about' so let me explain.  By restoring the body's balance of magnesium and other trace elements, as well as supporting cell energy levels, we can ensure the cells release toxins, waste and heavy metals, consequently regaining the energy required for healthy functioning of the body. The ability of these trace elements to flood the cells with oxygen and nutrients has a positive effect on our daily energy.

Magnesium is an antidote to stress and helps our bodies to function between, and it is a mineral that is easily absorbed through the skin. To that end, REN have an entire range which is just incredible and these six products all work on their own as well as together and they include:

Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium:

• Body Wash - Reviving body wash with toning seaweed extracts and cell-energising magnesium
• Body Cream - Enriched with powerful microalgae, this  cream tones and firms fatigued skin, increasing the skin's energy levels
• Hand Wash - gentle, derma-protecting hand cleanser that takes care of delicate skin on our hands with mind-invigorating essential oils - NME THEM
• Hand Lotion - A light fresh and easily absorbed hand and body lotion to keep the skin hydrated, nourished and protected
• Exfoliating Body Scrub - A gentle exfoliator that will renew and moisturise your skin. Balm-like texture, apply to the skin before getting into the shower and simply rinse off... or apply to skin and allow to soak off in the bath, allowing for 20 mins to help soak the tension away
• Bath Oil - Formulated with seaweed oil extract to moisturise and tone the skin, this oil will combat fatigue by detoxifying and relaxing both your body and mind.

What I love about this range is not only how incredible the entire range smells, which in itself is enough to immediately bring about a feeling of calmness, the same feeling I get whenever I go for a massage or a facial.  Added to the scent is how amazing the products work so well with one another and as described above, my favourite way to bath using them is to apply the exfoliating body scrub to my skin and then leave it whilst the bath has run, into which I add the bath oil and then before removing it, get into the bath and just allow everything to soak away.  Ive had a pretty stressful time at work lately and to come home and do this little ritual is an absolute treat.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise