REN Perfect Canvas

I first came across REN Perfect Canvas at a press day and wanted to take it home with me there and then because I was so intrigued by it. Described as being The Ultimate Skin Perfecting Serum, I think it is an exciting launch and one which not only looks after your skin but improves how your makeup performs when applied.

Perfect Canvas is designed to be applied after your moisturiser and before you begin applying your makeup, but you can if you prefer to, mix a few drops in with your moisturiser. Once applied it is designed to leave the skin smoothed, lifted and naturally filled as well as mattified by removing any excess shine.  It is a clear serum like fluid which is added via the use of a pipette, something I am thankful to see when products like this are in my possession. 

When it comes to ingredients, with REN you know you are going to get something a little bit different and a little bit special.  To that end, Perfect Canvas is formulated with Probiotics Extract which are said to influence the speed and quality of the epidural growth, boosts the production of essential proteins and enzymes, improves the skins barrier function and promotes the overall skin health and structure. Add to that the inclusion of Hyluronans which help increase the skins hydration, elasticity and wrinkle depth.

The one thing which stands out to me is that it is silicone free, something I suspect will capture the attention of a lot of people.  One thing I see most often within the blogging world is people wanting products that are silicone free, especially makeup and that is where an ingredient called  Algave Tequilana Extract comes in.  Its job is to provide an instant filling effect and mattify the skin without the use of silicones before finally a-Glucans work to rebalance the homeostasis (that is on-going renewal to you and I) of the skin by promoting the growth of skin-friendly bacteria which optimises skin health.

So with the sciencey and ingredients bit done, how did it fare?  Well admittedly it did smooth and hydrate my skin and when you use a product with Silicone as an ingredient, namely a primer, it does and can feel like you have a sort of film on your skin, with Perfect Canvas you don't get that at all, it feels really natural on your skin.  I am using Too Faced Born This Way Foundation currently (a re-purchase too) and Perfect Canvas didn't effect its usage or longevity, I got a little more wear time than I would do using a silicone based primer and my foundation didn't slip mid-way through the day meaning I needed to re-apply.  I also, but noticed that it did help with blurring especially with the pores on my nose and it did stop the foundation clinging to a dry patch of skin on my cheek much better.  As Autumn draws in, I will need to switch up to a fuller coverage foundation, so I am excited to see how it works with that.

I am a fan of this product. I love how it feels on my skin, I like the lack of a film feel once applied, I like that it is silicone free and I love that it cares for your skin as well as making my makeup perform much better. Perfect Canvas launches on 1st September and is priced at £50 here.

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

You Beauty Box - April Edition

This month the You Beauty Box is titled 'The Organic and Natural Edit' and not only is it one of the most popular themes that You Beauty have, it is a field within the beauty industry which is growing at a rapid rate, so it is a great chance to try some brands and products you might not ordinarily come across.

Every month, members of this subscription box are treated (loose term) to a mixture of items classed as treats and they differ in range, type and reason. This month the first treat comes from Pip & Nut and is a sachet of Coconut and Almond Butter in a squeeze pack. Described as being an indulgent treat, you can use this squeezy treat on its own, in porridge, on a banana, on your toast or even in your smoothie and it is suitable for Vegans. The second treat is a further sachet and it is a Hand and Cuticle cream from Lavera which contains Camomile and Olive Oil. I would have liked to have seen an actual tube of hand cream rather than a 1ml sachet, I got one use from the sachet and not really enough of an insight as to whether or not it would be worth a purchase.

My three choices this month centre around skincare and I opted for two products I had not tried and one that I had. Starting with White Rabbit skincare, a brand I have used before and really liked but haven't used since and this time I opted for the Comfort Cleansing Balm.

Stored in a 15ml tin, this balm smells just incredible. Designed to effectively cleanse the skin whilst not causing irritation, this balm contains some amazing ingredients which include:

• Parkii (Shea) Butter which penetrates the skin without clogging pores, to deliver a boost of Vitamins A, E and F.
• Castor Seed Oil - The main ingredient in castor oil, has antiseptic abilities. When applied to the skin, castor oil cleans and penetrates the skin deeper to kill the bacteria. castor oil calms inflammation and leaves the skin hydrated.
• Olive Fruit Oil which contains proteins, minerals and 6 vitamins, olive oil provides superb skin nourishment
• Olive wax is highly compatible with the skin having emollient and restructuring properties, and is an excellent vegan substitute for beeswax.
• Rosemary Leaf Oil is an essential oil which is said to have impressive healing properties and is also an excellent nerve tonic
• Eucalyptus Leaf Oil which has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as being used to, and supports a healthy respiratory system and to soothe muscles after exercise.
• Lavandula Oil which has the ability to eliminate nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect the scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation and treat respiratory problems.

I have loved how soft and gentle this has been on my skin and it does an amazing job at removing dirt, grime and a full face of makeup whilst gentle cleansing my skin to leave it feeling soft and smooth to the touch.

The second item comes from REN and I am a huge fan of this brand.  The Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask is one I have used before and just loved it, in fact, there is a full review right here, but it is designed to calm, soothe and moisturise whilst helping to alleviate the key signs of sensitive skin. 

REN state it will also increase the skin's ability to cope with stress, aid recovery and strengthen the protective moisture barrier, leading to the long-term well-being of your skin. Using four main ingredients, this treatment works to treat the key symptoms of sensitivity which can include redness, irritation, itchiness and dryness.

The final item I chose comes from SKN-RG, a brand I have never come across before but I liked the description of the Cellular Repair Moisuriser which is this - Increase your skin’s Cellular Repair with SKN-RG’s high definition moisturiser. 

The latest cutting-edge organic innovation combining; Probiotics, Energised Nutrients, Precious Herbs and Roots to bring you a high-performance hybrid, born from absolute purity. Skins resilience is increased, with soft focus anti-ageing ingredients for flawless all day protective skin-wear. Some of those ingredients include:

• White Willow Bark dramatically reduces sensitivity increasing skin's resilience.
• Sacha Inchi – firms and tightens skin, increasing youthfulness.
• Flax Seed – nourishes dehydrated skin for increased skin elasticity.
• Ashwaganda (Indian Ginseng) – a key adaptogenic anti-ageing herb promoting youthful radiance.
• Devils Claw – potent anti-inflammatory that promotes tissue rejuvenation.
• Wheat Germ Seed – rich source of Vitamin E that deeply rejuvenates damaged skin

A luxuriously rich cream which smells just absolutely incredible and on the skin there is an instant soothing feel and I really liked how it felt on my skin.

So there you have my April You Beauty Box and I think there is an interesting mixture of products and I am happy with my choices at £8.95. What do you think?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

You Beauty Box: October

This month You Beauty Box is titled the Changing Seasons and this edit is a compilation of powerful new season saviours that promise to leave you feeling refreshed and energised. After last months box being a bit of a letdown, I had high hopes for this one as soon as I saw the contents that I could choose from.

As ever there are always treats inside the box and this time there are three within the box and the first comes from 7th Heaven who used to go by the name of Montagne Jeunesse and there is a Soften Glove Masque which is infused with ultra-moisturising rose flower and shea butter to banish dry hands, so I am looking forward to giving these a try.  The other sachet is a pair of sock masques which are infused with Shea Butter and Almond Oil to nourish dry skin and help repair cracked heels along with Peppermint and Soyabean to freshen and rehydrate your feet.  Both treatments are easy to use with instructions on the back of the packet.  Priced at £2.99 each I am hoping these are a real bargain.

The second treat is a voucher for a company called Everdine. Everdine is a subscription box service of gourmet yet clean meals delivered to your home on fortnightly basis. We believe in clean eating and shun artificial flavours and processed foods. We focus on the positive goodness of the best ingredients. We think eating clean should not compromise the delight. Our chefs trained in Michelin-starred restaurants and keen on creating delicious and clean dishes that will surprise you and won’t be harmful for your wallet. Your time is precious for us. Our meal plans are delivered every other week and contains curated selection of exciting and wholesome heat-to-eat meals which can be ready in less than 10 minutes. Having looked at the online menu, there is an impressive list of food to choose from and it is something I think about trying, just so I can see how good it really is.

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Gel - Now this is a full size 200ml tube which has an RRP £35. The first thing you notice about this gel is the amazing aroma before it is even removed from any packaging, it is just absolutely divine, the kind of scent you get from entering a spa. The description which accompanies the gel says "Experience the refreshing and invigorating powers of grapefruit, rosemary and juniper to even out skin tone and texture and to maintain a healthy microcirculation. Massage into your skin each day, focusing on areas of concern, like hips, thighs, stomach, ankles and feet". 

Also included as an ingredient is Eucalyptus Oil, which has added benefits for sing this, more so because I have just had the onset of a cold coming, this is perfect for helping clear the sinuses making breathing that much easier.

Foreo Day Cleanser is my second choice and again this is a full sized bottle at 100ml thus giving it an RRP £25. Anyone who reads my blog will know what a fan I am of the Foreo cleanser tools and I also like this cleanser too. Designed to awaken and protect, the creamy yoghurt like texture turns into a foam that works to lift away dirt, makeup and impurities from the skin with 95% natural origin ingredients.

Formulated specially to complement the T-Sonic™ pulsations of the LUNA™ device, the cleanser works in tandem with the vibrations to enhance performance; actives are stimulated and absorption is maximised for deeper delivery. Its blend of bergamot and mandarin extracts (rich in vitamin C and essential antioxidants) leave skin feeling refreshed and purified, whilst its dose of apricot oil and pressed probiotics nourish, moisturise and protect. Pores are targeted and a deep penetrative cleanse is achieved. Skin feels clean, protected and radiant.

Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Face Lifting Soft Cream comes in a sample size 15ml tub and has an RRP £14. New from Caudalie, this intensely nourishing day cream has a really lightweight ‘soufflé’ texture which melts within seconds helping to replenish precious moisture and diminish signs of crêpey-ness, fine lines and sagging.

Described as being 'Deeply penetrative', this cream has a patented combination of Vine Resveratrol and micro-hyaluronic acid, two of the most powerful anti-ageing ingredients, it leaves the skin smooth, plump and re-defined. The addition of ‘soft focus’ mattifying powders then create a flawless base for make up – priming skin and blurring visibility of imperfections.

So there you have the October You Beauty Box and I think there is an interesting mixture of products and I am happy with my choices at £8.95. What do you think?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Elizabeth Arden Superstart Skin Renewal Booster

Elizabeth Arden skincare is something I am new too, yes shocking I know and I am in the process of rectifying that as I work my way through some amazing skincare. The first item that I am introducing to you is the Elizabeth Arden Superstart Skin Renewal Booster which I absolutely adore and have been using every day for the past 6 weeks, it is so good, it has become part of my skincare routine without any thought process, I just immediately pick it up to use it after cleansing but before moisturising and before I add any other product to my skin.

Did you know that the condition of your skin's surface layer is directly linked to how healthy, radiant and youthful your skin looks? When the surface layer is damaged, your skin may not be able to retain moisture, lose its natural defenses to protect itself and, ultimately, loses the ability to renew itself. The aim of the booster is to help restore the healthy look of skin's surface layer, known as the stratum corneum, and to boost both the products you use and the skin’s natural functions or as the description goes:

"Achieve a radiant, healthy-looking complexion with the SUPERSTART Skin Renewal Booster from Elizabeth Arden. With a Probiotics Complex, the serum strengthens the skin's natural ability to repair and renew skin, restoring a brighter, youthful appearance".

The booster is also enriched with sea fennel and flaxseed extracts to maintain the skin's barrier, whilst glasswort extract locks in moisture and reduces water loss in the surface of skin. The versatile booster can be used as a refreshing serum or before moisturiser to increase the effectiveness of skincare products.

What I love about this booster is the texture, it is super light, easily absorbed not to mention intensely hydrating and is almost a gel-to-water like formula which I just adore and it smells incredible too.  Nestled inside the luxurious looking metallic tube, the back features a slide open and close button, so it is never going to leak in your bag or suitcase and one pump is enough to more than cover your entire face and neck.

Since using this booster my skin hasn't been anywhere near as dry as it has been in the past and it is much smoother and softer to the touch.  So if you feel your skin is in need of a boost, then at £45 for 30ml, it is money well spent!

Chocolate that is GOOD for you??

Easter is coming and every time I walk into a shop or a supermarket I am faced with a zillion different eggs to choose from.... but...Imagine if you could eat chocolate that was good for you and was only 72 calories!! Well you can! I was recently asked if I would like to try some from the Ohso range, not one I have heard of, but I am a chocoholic, so I gladly accepted. 

 A few days later, in this lovely and very different packaging came the chocolate. Inside I found one bar of orange flavoured chocolate bar and a whole pack of 7 original chocolate bars. Before getting to the bars themselves, there was also a really handy information card which gave a little more information on the range.

What they say

At last, a guilt free chocolate bar that loves your tummy….ohso probiotic chocolate bars (available in original and orange flavours), made from 53% delicious Belgian chocolate are clinically proven*  to be three times more effective at delivering your daily probiotics than a yoghurt drink  – and at only 72 calories a bar!

Each no added dairy, gluten, wheat and nut free,  individually wrapped bar is designed to provide you and your family with the optimum daily amount of probiotic to help support your digestive health, restoring the bacterial flora of good bacteria in your gut to help improve immunity and overall health and wellbeing. 

*Based on the survival rates of probiotics passing through the stomach to the small intestine, it was found that the survival rates in the probiotic yoghurt matrix were three times lower than in chocolate .  Source: Ghent University, Belgium

Well if I can eat chocolate and there are only 72 calories, does that mean it won’t taste as good as my favourite Mint Chocolate Aero Bar?  Well it actually tastes so much better than I thought I would and I quickly devoured the orange flavored bar before promptly hiding the pack of 7 so I could eat them all to myself.  Actually that isn’t quite true, I have been having them as a little extra treat in my packed lunches for work, instead of putting in a penguin (old school) or buying some chocolate because I need a quick fix, Ohso have provided me with just that and it is the perfect size to fit into my bag.  But taste is naturally quite important in any food products and when you bite into these bars, the first thing you notice, especially with the orange version is how natural the orange taste it and the chocolate, which is made from 53% dark Belgian chocolate is simply divine, it melts on your tongue

So as well as being gluten, nut, wheat and cholesterol free and contains no added dairy, Ohso also contains plenty of what is referred to as "good for you" which is proven to be three times more effective at delivering your daily probiotics than a yoghurt drink bacteria and if you look at this diagram shown below, you can read more about how good for you Ohso is:

That is not all, with Ohso, you can subscribe to it and it is available in 7-bar weekly packs for convenience and it is delivered to your home via Royal Mail, now the good thing about this is that the packaging is so good, it fits through your letterbox, as shown in the photo below, so there is no need to have to go and collect it from anywhere.  If you are not wanting to subscribe you can get Ohso from Harvey Nichols Food Halls, Ocado, The Nutri Centre, Amazon and health food stores and independent retailers nationwide.

For more information on Ohso on Twitter see @Ohso_Chocolate