I started using this Redken Smooth Down hair serum over a year ago, it was quite an impulsive purchase at the time but I really liked the idea of having a smoothing serum combined with heat protection... And I'm SO glad I decided to give Heat Glide ago because it really is the ultimate in frizz control!
You apply the thick serum containing macadamia oil and candelilla wax to towel dried hair, prior to using ceramic irons. I found that Heat Glide significantly reduces frizz, and also provides a barrier from the effects of humid/wet weather much better than other serums I have tried, such as John Frieda Frizz-Ease. According to Redken the effectiveness of Heat Glide is down to the “cationic refiners that attract to and neutralize the existing anionic charges of your hair”. Goodness knows what that jargon means, but you can take my word for it that this a great hair serum if your hair is thick, a bit dry and prone to extreme frizziness!
I was fed up of using a million and one different products on my hair (for smoothing, de-frizzing, protecting) which sometimes made it feel and look heavy. Heat Glide is great because I find just using it on wet hair, then blow-drying or straightening, and then applying a little bit more through the ends (for extra shine) gives great results.
As Heat Glide is such a thick, rich serum you only need a little amount or you’ll end up with greasy hair. Using such a small amount also makes this a good economical purchase, my bottle has lasted for ages! Heat Glide costs around £14 for a massive 150ml – really good when you consider Frizz-Ease is about £5.50 for 50ml.
Friday, 22 October 2010
Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser
Like all other Liz Earle offerings, Superskin Moisturiser is brimming with natural ingredients, including cranberry seed and rosehip oil. Being from the Liz Earle ‘Superskin’ range, the moisturiser is targeted at more mature skin or very dry skin types, and claims to rejuvenate, smooth and plump.
I switched to using Superskin Moisturiser a few months ago after having been trying pure rosehip oil on my face at night. Rosehip oil is renowned for its skin boosting properties and it was definitely working well – however I felt my skin needed something a little richer and moisturising (and the orangey colour oil kept rubbing off onto my bed sheets!). Superskin Moisturiser contains rosehip oil, which really sold it to me – plus I was fairly confident that the moisturisers’ £32.50 price tag would be worth it, as I’ve had such success with Liz Earle’s Cleanse and Polish.
The moisteriser comes in an attractive 50ml tub, and the cream itself is fairly rich with an usual smell – its quite a subtle scent so its not a problem should you not be too keen on it! The moisturiser sinks into the skin quickly, and doesn’t look too greasy – you could probably get away with using it as a day-time moisturiser as long as it’s applied sparingly. Personally I much prefer to use it at nighttime so I can apply a more generous amount.
After using Superskin Moisturiser for the very first time, I woke up to fresh, dewy skin – it really hydrates and plumps, just as it claims! I also find that I need to use less than I do with other moisturisers I have tried, so the 50mls goes a long way. I find Superskin Moisturiser applied over the top of Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate is the ultimate remedy if my skin is looking particularly lackluster or is dehydrated.
I’d definitely recommend this – it’s my moisturising hero and I’m certain it is much more effective at revitalising the skin than any other moisturiser I’ve tried. The only thing I’d possibly compare it to is Elizabeth Arden Good Night’s Sleep Restoring Cream – I prefer Superskin Moisturiser but you can sometimes find Good Night’s Sleep selling for a few pounds cheaper (have a look at Beauty Fragrances.co.uk), so it’s maybe a good alternative if you think £32 for Superskin is a little too dear.
Superskin Moisturiser Rating: ★★★★★
I switched to using Superskin Moisturiser a few months ago after having been trying pure rosehip oil on my face at night. Rosehip oil is renowned for its skin boosting properties and it was definitely working well – however I felt my skin needed something a little richer and moisturising (and the orangey colour oil kept rubbing off onto my bed sheets!). Superskin Moisturiser contains rosehip oil, which really sold it to me – plus I was fairly confident that the moisturisers’ £32.50 price tag would be worth it, as I’ve had such success with Liz Earle’s Cleanse and Polish.
The moisteriser comes in an attractive 50ml tub, and the cream itself is fairly rich with an usual smell – its quite a subtle scent so its not a problem should you not be too keen on it! The moisturiser sinks into the skin quickly, and doesn’t look too greasy – you could probably get away with using it as a day-time moisturiser as long as it’s applied sparingly. Personally I much prefer to use it at nighttime so I can apply a more generous amount.
After using Superskin Moisturiser for the very first time, I woke up to fresh, dewy skin – it really hydrates and plumps, just as it claims! I also find that I need to use less than I do with other moisturisers I have tried, so the 50mls goes a long way. I find Superskin Moisturiser applied over the top of Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate is the ultimate remedy if my skin is looking particularly lackluster or is dehydrated.
I’d definitely recommend this – it’s my moisturising hero and I’m certain it is much more effective at revitalising the skin than any other moisturiser I’ve tried. The only thing I’d possibly compare it to is Elizabeth Arden Good Night’s Sleep Restoring Cream – I prefer Superskin Moisturiser but you can sometimes find Good Night’s Sleep selling for a few pounds cheaper (have a look at Beauty Fragrances.co.uk), so it’s maybe a good alternative if you think £32 for Superskin is a little too dear.
Superskin Moisturiser Rating: ★★★★★
Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream and Exfoliating Scrub
Clinique’s 7 Day Scrub Cream is an exfoliating cream that is gentle enough to be used daily. The granules in the scrub and quite fine, so it’s not too aggressive – this means that it might not give you squeaky clean pores, but it will leave your skin smoother and brighter.
7 Day Scrub Cream is great for those with sensitive skin who find normal scrubs too harsh and drying – 7 Day Scrub Cream is also fragrance-free. Alternative, it’s ideal for those who like to exfoliate daily so don’t want something too abrasive with big scratchy granules. This isn’t the most exciting product I have ever used, but it’s a good everyday essential and means you can exfoliate everyday without damaging your skin (it’s even gentle enough to use on your lips)!
7 Day Scub Cream Rating: ★★★★☆
If you want a scrub that gives you that extra-clean feeling and really cleans out your pores, then I would recommend Clinique’s Exfoliating Scrub. You can feel that this isn’t as gentle as the 7 Day Scrub Cream, so it’s probably not good for everyday use (I only use it about twice a week). The Exfoliating Scrub also contains menthol, which really helps to freshen your skin up. Exfoliating Scrub is one of the best exfoliating products I have ever used, and it always leaves my skin extremely clear, smooth and glowing!
Exfoliating Scrub Rating: ★★★★★
7 Day Scrub Cream is great for those with sensitive skin who find normal scrubs too harsh and drying – 7 Day Scrub Cream is also fragrance-free. Alternative, it’s ideal for those who like to exfoliate daily so don’t want something too abrasive with big scratchy granules. This isn’t the most exciting product I have ever used, but it’s a good everyday essential and means you can exfoliate everyday without damaging your skin (it’s even gentle enough to use on your lips)!
7 Day Scub Cream Rating: ★★★★☆
If you want a scrub that gives you that extra-clean feeling and really cleans out your pores, then I would recommend Clinique’s Exfoliating Scrub. You can feel that this isn’t as gentle as the 7 Day Scrub Cream, so it’s probably not good for everyday use (I only use it about twice a week). The Exfoliating Scrub also contains menthol, which really helps to freshen your skin up. Exfoliating Scrub is one of the best exfoliating products I have ever used, and it always leaves my skin extremely clear, smooth and glowing!
Exfoliating Scrub Rating: ★★★★★
Philips Lumea IPL Hair Removal System
For those of you who don’t know, Philips Lumea is a hand-held hair removal system (for legs, underarms and bikini line/area), which applies pulses of light to the hair root to inhibit regrowth - have a look at the Philips' promotional advert:
For me, hair-free legs are a must. Unfortunately though, I’ve been finding waxing is playing havoc with my skin and I’m too lazy to shave. So a type of laser hair removal seemed like the only option. I looked into having professional laser hair removal, by the cost for legs, underarms and bikini area was way too much: laser treatments/IPL are normally between £40 and £80 per session (e.g. Renew Media and Knightsbridge Laser Clinic).
I first saw the Lumea advertised in a magazine, and after some online investigative work I became convinced it was the answer to all my problems! I decided to purchase the Lumea (currently selling for £389.99 on Amazon). I’ve being using the device for nearly a month now, and so far I am very impressed…
Lumea in Use
The device itself looks like a mini hairdryer, it’s comfortable to hold and feels robust and well-made. It’s also cordless, and the instructions say that the battery lasts for a minimum of 150 flashes when fully charged. I find I can’t do both legs in one session, I have to have a break and recharge the battery for a bit which is a little bit annoying (and you can’t use it when it’s connected to the mains and charging).
Before use you must check to see what strength setting to use – i.e. those with the biggest contrast between their hair colour and colour of their skin can use higher settings (3 to 5), such as those who have dark brown hair and beige/white skin. Lumea is not suitable for those with black skin, and it does not work on red or light blonde hairs.
To prepare your skin, you have to shave the areas you plan on treating, and make sure they remain free of any products. To use, you place the Lumea directly onto your skin at a 90° angle, and when you’re holding it in the correct position, the ‘Ready’ light will turn green. Once this light is on, you can press the trigger, which will release a flash.
Your repeat this process all over your legs/underarms/bikini area, making sure the laser overlaps slightly to ensure all areas of your skin are treated.
The instructions suggest that underarms take 4 minutes, one leg 30 hour, and the bikini area 8 minutes. However, I have found that it takes me much less time – approx 15 minutes a leg, 3 minutes for the entire bikini area, and 1 minute for both underarms.
Does is hurt? Not really: You do feel the flash, but only when you have it on the higher settings, and it’s more ‘uncomfortable’ than painful. It feels like being flicked with an elastic band, a kind of sharp warm feeling. But it’s absolutely nothing compared to the discomfort of waxing!
The user guide says to the user Lumea one every two weeks for the first two months, by this time, your skin should be hair-free. To ensure skin remains smooth, you should repeat the treatment on underarms and bikini area once every two weeks, and once every four weeks on legs. However, you should adjust the length between treatments depending on your own personal hair regrowth rate – so potentially you might be able to get away doing it less frequently.
The Results
Even after the first use I noticed a difference. Firstly, I think perhaps some patches of hair took longer to grow back than they normally would, and secondly, some patches did not grow back at all before it was time for my next treatment.
It’s now been almost a week since I used Lumea for the second time, and I’ve had even better results. The hair on my legs is taking ages to grow back!
Disadvantages
• The Lumea does not result in permanent hair removal – treatment has to be repeated
• It only works on darker hairs (i.e. not light blonde ones) and isn't suitable for all skin colours
• Minor discomfort (but barely any)
• Can’t use when connected to mains
The advantages completely outweigh any disadvantages, in my opinion! If hair removal is the bane of your life, smooth legs are a necessity, and your skin is sensitive to waxing, shaving, and depilatory creams then I cannot recommend Lumea enough.
P.S. I chose Lumea above other similar devices because Philips is such a reputable brand, and the product had amazing reviews. However if your thinking of purchasing it, it’s probably worth looking at other (cheaper) hair removal systems including Boots' Smooth Skin Intense Pulsed Light Hair Reduction System.
For me, hair-free legs are a must. Unfortunately though, I’ve been finding waxing is playing havoc with my skin and I’m too lazy to shave. So a type of laser hair removal seemed like the only option. I looked into having professional laser hair removal, by the cost for legs, underarms and bikini area was way too much: laser treatments/IPL are normally between £40 and £80 per session (e.g. Renew Media and Knightsbridge Laser Clinic).
I first saw the Lumea advertised in a magazine, and after some online investigative work I became convinced it was the answer to all my problems! I decided to purchase the Lumea (currently selling for £389.99 on Amazon). I’ve being using the device for nearly a month now, and so far I am very impressed…
Lumea in Use
The device itself looks like a mini hairdryer, it’s comfortable to hold and feels robust and well-made. It’s also cordless, and the instructions say that the battery lasts for a minimum of 150 flashes when fully charged. I find I can’t do both legs in one session, I have to have a break and recharge the battery for a bit which is a little bit annoying (and you can’t use it when it’s connected to the mains and charging).
Before use you must check to see what strength setting to use – i.e. those with the biggest contrast between their hair colour and colour of their skin can use higher settings (3 to 5), such as those who have dark brown hair and beige/white skin. Lumea is not suitable for those with black skin, and it does not work on red or light blonde hairs.
To prepare your skin, you have to shave the areas you plan on treating, and make sure they remain free of any products. To use, you place the Lumea directly onto your skin at a 90° angle, and when you’re holding it in the correct position, the ‘Ready’ light will turn green. Once this light is on, you can press the trigger, which will release a flash.
Your repeat this process all over your legs/underarms/bikini area, making sure the laser overlaps slightly to ensure all areas of your skin are treated.
The instructions suggest that underarms take 4 minutes, one leg 30 hour, and the bikini area 8 minutes. However, I have found that it takes me much less time – approx 15 minutes a leg, 3 minutes for the entire bikini area, and 1 minute for both underarms.
Does is hurt? Not really: You do feel the flash, but only when you have it on the higher settings, and it’s more ‘uncomfortable’ than painful. It feels like being flicked with an elastic band, a kind of sharp warm feeling. But it’s absolutely nothing compared to the discomfort of waxing!
The user guide says to the user Lumea one every two weeks for the first two months, by this time, your skin should be hair-free. To ensure skin remains smooth, you should repeat the treatment on underarms and bikini area once every two weeks, and once every four weeks on legs. However, you should adjust the length between treatments depending on your own personal hair regrowth rate – so potentially you might be able to get away doing it less frequently.
The Results
Even after the first use I noticed a difference. Firstly, I think perhaps some patches of hair took longer to grow back than they normally would, and secondly, some patches did not grow back at all before it was time for my next treatment.
It’s now been almost a week since I used Lumea for the second time, and I’ve had even better results. The hair on my legs is taking ages to grow back!
Disadvantages
• The Lumea does not result in permanent hair removal – treatment has to be repeated
• It only works on darker hairs (i.e. not light blonde ones) and isn't suitable for all skin colours
• Minor discomfort (but barely any)
• Can’t use when connected to mains
The advantages completely outweigh any disadvantages, in my opinion! If hair removal is the bane of your life, smooth legs are a necessity, and your skin is sensitive to waxing, shaving, and depilatory creams then I cannot recommend Lumea enough.
P.S. I chose Lumea above other similar devices because Philips is such a reputable brand, and the product had amazing reviews. However if your thinking of purchasing it, it’s probably worth looking at other (cheaper) hair removal systems including Boots' Smooth Skin Intense Pulsed Light Hair Reduction System.
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