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.
Garnier Pure Active Exfo-Brusher Wash
I decided to try this out as it was on special offer in Boots, and was £4.49 instead of the usual £7.49. I was quite intrigued to try this peculiar looking tool to see if its just a gimmick, or whether it is able to clean deeper into pores than normal washes and exfoliators.
The lid to the face wash resembles a small brush with soft, thin rubber bristles. To use, you wet the brush, squeeze a bit of the wash out and then apply the brush to your face in small circular motions.
After using the Exfo-Brusher Wash my skin felt thoroughly clean, but it wasn’t glowing and it wasn’t super soft like I’ve just used a proper exfoliator. My skin felt a little tight so I need to apply a small amount of moisturiser to my checks and eye-area – I just used a tiny bit of light moisturiser (Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturiser) as the whole point of the Exfo-Brusher is to reduce shine and surface sebum levels.
Personally, I’d prefer to use a proper exfoliator or an exfoliator wash (such as Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Scrub) as these leave my skin looking and feeling cleaner and fresher than the Exfo-Brusher. However, as too frequent exfoliaton leaves my skin quite dry, the Exfo-Brusher might be a good ‘milder’ alternative that I can use more frequently.
The pores on my nose tend to get blocked quite easily, so I was hoping the Exfo-Brusher’s claim of ‘reducing surface sebum levels’ might help to minimise blocking. I’m not sure whether this is the case yet, but my face still feels completely grease and shine-free, despite the hot weather!
Overall, this is an OK product but it’s certainly not my favourite exfoliating/deep clean wash, so I doubt I would buy it again.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
The lid to the face wash resembles a small brush with soft, thin rubber bristles. To use, you wet the brush, squeeze a bit of the wash out and then apply the brush to your face in small circular motions.
After using the Exfo-Brusher Wash my skin felt thoroughly clean, but it wasn’t glowing and it wasn’t super soft like I’ve just used a proper exfoliator. My skin felt a little tight so I need to apply a small amount of moisturiser to my checks and eye-area – I just used a tiny bit of light moisturiser (Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturiser) as the whole point of the Exfo-Brusher is to reduce shine and surface sebum levels.
Personally, I’d prefer to use a proper exfoliator or an exfoliator wash (such as Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Scrub) as these leave my skin looking and feeling cleaner and fresher than the Exfo-Brusher. However, as too frequent exfoliaton leaves my skin quite dry, the Exfo-Brusher might be a good ‘milder’ alternative that I can use more frequently.
The pores on my nose tend to get blocked quite easily, so I was hoping the Exfo-Brusher’s claim of ‘reducing surface sebum levels’ might help to minimise blocking. I’m not sure whether this is the case yet, but my face still feels completely grease and shine-free, despite the hot weather!
Overall, this is an OK product but it’s certainly not my favourite exfoliating/deep clean wash, so I doubt I would buy it again.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Brazilian Blow Dry
Since having my hair cut shoulder length I have found it so unruly, that no amount of serum or straightening seems to be able to tame it. The newish Brazilian Keratin Treatment (aka the Brazilian Blowdry or Blowout) promises to recondition and smooth hair, so sounded like just what I needed to fight back against my disobedient mop…
The treatment saturates hair with Keratin (the hair’s protein) to recondition and restore resiliency. It lasts somewhere between 4 and 6 months, and fades progressively with each wash. Unlike permanently straightening systems such as Ionic Hair Retexturising/ Yuko, the Brazilian Blow Dry doesn’t result in true poker straight hair (you might still be left with a slight wave) but instead just aims to recondition hair (without chemicals) to make it smoother and more manageable.
I have just come back from getting a Brazilian Blow Dry at ColourNation, in Covent Garden (£160 with a sylist, and it took about 1 and a half hours). It was my first time at this salon, and I thought it was great – I’ll definitely be going back there again. I’m not allowed to wash my hair for 3 days, so I was a little worried my hair might look really flat, greasy and fully of product. Luckily though, it’s looking pretty good! It’s super straight, shiny, and not too flat.
I’ll update this post with my final verdict once I’ve washed my hair and see the difference the blowdry has made…
The treatment saturates hair with Keratin (the hair’s protein) to recondition and restore resiliency. It lasts somewhere between 4 and 6 months, and fades progressively with each wash. Unlike permanently straightening systems such as Ionic Hair Retexturising/ Yuko, the Brazilian Blow Dry doesn’t result in true poker straight hair (you might still be left with a slight wave) but instead just aims to recondition hair (without chemicals) to make it smoother and more manageable.
I have just come back from getting a Brazilian Blow Dry at ColourNation, in Covent Garden (£160 with a sylist, and it took about 1 and a half hours). It was my first time at this salon, and I thought it was great – I’ll definitely be going back there again. I’m not allowed to wash my hair for 3 days, so I was a little worried my hair might look really flat, greasy and fully of product. Luckily though, it’s looking pretty good! It’s super straight, shiny, and not too flat.
I’ll update this post with my final verdict once I’ve washed my hair and see the difference the blowdry has made…
Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate
I love this stuff! Massaging this aromatic elixir into my skin before bedtime is a sure way to guarantee it's looking nourished and glowing in the morning. This oil works wonders for my dry skin by restoring and nourishing, helping to banish the intense dryness and flakiness I normally experience during the Winter months. However, Liz Earle says that the concentrate is also good for oily/combination skin skins and will help to “rebalance oily and combination skin types”.
Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate is an intense blend of 100% plant oils, and contains argan and rosehip oils (to soften), neroli, lavender and chamomile essential oils (to soothe), and natural source vitamin E (to protect). The oil is designed to be used as a night-time nourisher, prior to moisturising (or can be used alone for an intense boost!). Liz Earle recommends to use the concentrate sparingly, and massage it into the face two or three times a week. While the £18.00 price tag (for 10ml) is a little off putting, remember, you don’t need much - my 10ml roller ball has lasted me for months.
I use this religiously twice a week, and would now hate to be without it! It makes my skin glow, even when it’s really stressed-out and looking especially lackluster, and I absolutely love it relaxing aroma. Highly recommended!
Rating: ★★★★☆
Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate is an intense blend of 100% plant oils, and contains argan and rosehip oils (to soften), neroli, lavender and chamomile essential oils (to soothe), and natural source vitamin E (to protect). The oil is designed to be used as a night-time nourisher, prior to moisturising (or can be used alone for an intense boost!). Liz Earle recommends to use the concentrate sparingly, and massage it into the face two or three times a week. While the £18.00 price tag (for 10ml) is a little off putting, remember, you don’t need much - my 10ml roller ball has lasted me for months.
I use this religiously twice a week, and would now hate to be without it! It makes my skin glow, even when it’s really stressed-out and looking especially lackluster, and I absolutely love it relaxing aroma. Highly recommended!
Rating: ★★★★☆
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Neal’s Yard Frankincense Nourishing Cream
The Neal’s Yard philosophy is all about using traditional herbal remedies and natural ingredients - so this cream is a great choice if you are concerned about parabens and nasty chemicals that may be lurking in other moisturisers. According to the Neal’s Yard website, the Frankincense Nourishing Cream is their best seller – and to be honest that doesn’t surprise me!
The cream is usually thick, and although it doesn’t explicitly call itself a night cream, I personally found it a bit too heavy to use during the day, prior to makeup. However, the cream doesn’t leave your skin horribly greasy, it just takes a while to sink in fully. It is also worth mentioning the product’s strange smell – it’s not florally at all, more ‘woody’, perhaps this is the scent from the frankincense.
The cream apparently contains frankincense and myrrh because of their rejuvenating properties which help to reduce fine lines and keep skin feeling fresh and soft. After using the cream at night for a few days my skin definitely felt firmer and was left permanently hydrated.
Overall I was very impressed with this cream – it did what it was supposed to, and my skin looked noticeably different after from it. Another bonus is the cream’s attractive packaging, as it comes in a lovely lavender coloured jar with the Neal’s Yard logo printed on the lid – very rustic and vintage-esq! The only major disadvantage is that I felt limited to using it at night because it was so rich.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
The cream apparently contains frankincense and myrrh because of their rejuvenating properties which help to reduce fine lines and keep skin feeling fresh and soft. After using the cream at night for a few days my skin definitely felt firmer and was left permanently hydrated.
Overall I was very impressed with this cream – it did what it was supposed to, and my skin looked noticeably different after from it. Another bonus is the cream’s attractive packaging, as it comes in a lovely lavender coloured jar with the Neal’s Yard logo printed on the lid – very rustic and vintage-esq! The only major disadvantage is that I felt limited to using it at night because it was so rich.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Lancome Hydra Intense Gel Mask
Lancome Hydra Intense gel mask is described on the packaging as being a “hydrating gel mask” and a “bath of hydration to ‘quench the thirst' of even the most dehydrated skin”. The instructions direct you to apply a thick layer to dry skin. After five minutes, the surplus product should be removed with a tissue, after this your face should not be rinsed. I like to exfoliate before using the mask so my skin in left extra soft.
Being a gel, this face mask is very different from thick cream or clay-based products. The gel is fairly thick, and gives a nice cooling sensation when applied to the skin – it really did feel like it was hydrating my skin! The mask does not have an overpowering fragrance, just a subtle fruity or florally-esq relaxing scent.
Using this mask guarantees my skin is left feeling hydrated, soft and supple almost instantly. I think it works really well as a quick pick-me-up after a night out when my skin is in need of particular tlc. While I rate Hydra Intense quite highly (because it does leave my skin looking and feeling noticeable different!) and use it regularly, it does lose a few marks: If I leave this on for the full 5 minutes I normally experience slight stinging in areas that are particularly sensitive, and when I remove the product my skin is left looking a little red (although this is short-lived). When using this be sure to not to apply the product to the eye area, and if you have very sensitive skin you might be best off leaving it on for around 3 minutes, which is what I do to avoid any redness.
This mask works wonderfully, and does exactly what and claims to – very good for £21.99!
Rating: ★★★☆☆
...P.S. Weleda Iris Refreshing Gel Masque is a great, and much cheaper, alternative to Lancome Hydra Intense!
Being a gel, this face mask is very different from thick cream or clay-based products. The gel is fairly thick, and gives a nice cooling sensation when applied to the skin – it really did feel like it was hydrating my skin! The mask does not have an overpowering fragrance, just a subtle fruity or florally-esq relaxing scent.
Using this mask guarantees my skin is left feeling hydrated, soft and supple almost instantly. I think it works really well as a quick pick-me-up after a night out when my skin is in need of particular tlc. While I rate Hydra Intense quite highly (because it does leave my skin looking and feeling noticeable different!) and use it regularly, it does lose a few marks: If I leave this on for the full 5 minutes I normally experience slight stinging in areas that are particularly sensitive, and when I remove the product my skin is left looking a little red (although this is short-lived). When using this be sure to not to apply the product to the eye area, and if you have very sensitive skin you might be best off leaving it on for around 3 minutes, which is what I do to avoid any redness.
This mask works wonderfully, and does exactly what and claims to – very good for £21.99!
Rating: ★★★☆☆
...P.S. Weleda Iris Refreshing Gel Masque is a great, and much cheaper, alternative to Lancome Hydra Intense!
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish
I began using Liz Earle’s cult cleanser a few years ago and firmly believe that it is unsurpassable – and I am not alone: Cleanse & Polish is multi-award winning, and was the Beauty Bible’s highest rated product ever. The two-step Cleanse & Polish regime leaves skin looking dewy fresh and exceptionally clean, removing all traces of dirt and makeup.
The Cleanse and Polish 100ml pump starter kit comes with two muslin cloths (to polish to perfection!), and is priced at £13.00. Phase one of the Cleanse & Polish regime involves massaging a small amount of the rich, concentrated cream all over your face (including eyes and neck area). I like to spend 1-2 minutes doing this to help stimulate circulation, clear toxins and rid any puffiness around the eye area. Phase two involves saturating the muslin cloth in hand-hot water, wringing it out, and then ‘polishing’ off the cream. Finish the regime by splashing your face with cold water, to refresh and close pores. Then voila – squeaky clean, radiant skin!
Cleanse & Polish is great for my combination, sensitive skin. It thoroughly cleanses, but in a non-abrasive way – no redness, tightness of flakiness! The natural ingredients, including eucalyptus oil, cocoa butter, and chamomile (and hence the cream’s divine, subtle smell) help to sooth the skin and minimise the red blotchiness that I typically experience after using other cleansers and face washes.
Cleanse & Polishes’ £13.00 price tag only makes it further appealing. This really is an amazing price for a product sitting within the premium market, and because it really, really does work. After continual use of this Liz Earle gem, I have seen my skin become more ‘predictable’ (less breakouts, less dryness, less oiliness), and a lot healthier and brighter.
This two-step process is a very luxurious way to cleanse your face. Doing this in the morning is a really great, refreshing way to start the day, and at night helps to relax and unwind. I really cannot rate this product highly enough; it is my number 1 skin care essential, and a little (affordable) miracle worker.
Rating: ★★★★★
The Cleanse and Polish 100ml pump starter kit comes with two muslin cloths (to polish to perfection!), and is priced at £13.00. Phase one of the Cleanse & Polish regime involves massaging a small amount of the rich, concentrated cream all over your face (including eyes and neck area). I like to spend 1-2 minutes doing this to help stimulate circulation, clear toxins and rid any puffiness around the eye area. Phase two involves saturating the muslin cloth in hand-hot water, wringing it out, and then ‘polishing’ off the cream. Finish the regime by splashing your face with cold water, to refresh and close pores. Then voila – squeaky clean, radiant skin!
Cleanse & Polish is great for my combination, sensitive skin. It thoroughly cleanses, but in a non-abrasive way – no redness, tightness of flakiness! The natural ingredients, including eucalyptus oil, cocoa butter, and chamomile (and hence the cream’s divine, subtle smell) help to sooth the skin and minimise the red blotchiness that I typically experience after using other cleansers and face washes.
Cleanse & Polishes’ £13.00 price tag only makes it further appealing. This really is an amazing price for a product sitting within the premium market, and because it really, really does work. After continual use of this Liz Earle gem, I have seen my skin become more ‘predictable’ (less breakouts, less dryness, less oiliness), and a lot healthier and brighter.
This two-step process is a very luxurious way to cleanse your face. Doing this in the morning is a really great, refreshing way to start the day, and at night helps to relax and unwind. I really cannot rate this product highly enough; it is my number 1 skin care essential, and a little (affordable) miracle worker.
Rating: ★★★★★
Tend Skin
If you suffer from unsightly ingown hairs, razor bumps and redness after hair removal, then this may be the answer to your problems!
I was plagued with ingown hairs and redness on my legs and bikini line from waxing and shaving. I had read some really great reviews about Tend Skin and skeptical but desperate, I decided to buy a bottle.
Tend Skin claims to “reduce the appearance of unsightly razor bumps, ingown hairs, and redness from shaving, waxing and electrolysis.” It’s suitable for men and women, and can be used on face, neck, legs underarms and bikini lines. To use, you simply apply the liquid using a cotton ball to the problem areas. Use twice a day until the area is better, and then once a day after hair removal.
The results? Well, in just a 24-hour period I had noticeable results – my skin was definitely less red! And now having been using Tend Skin for a couple months, I can honestly say it has really, really worked. As well as using Tend Skin, I exfoliate frequently and sometimes use an antiseptic cream instead of a normal moisturiser. I hardly get any ingrown hairs now, and as a result don’t end up with horrid infected hair follicles!
The only disadvantages of using Tend Skin is that is has quite a pungent alcohol-type smell, and stings if you accidently get it on broken skin. It also has a tendency to make your skin a little dry, so moisturising is a must. All in all, I am shocked at how well Tend Skin has worked! Definitely worth a try if you suffer from skin razor bumps or ingown hairs.
I normally buy Tend Skin from Amazon, where is costs around £8.99 for 118ml.
Tend Skin Rating: ★★★★★
I was plagued with ingown hairs and redness on my legs and bikini line from waxing and shaving. I had read some really great reviews about Tend Skin and skeptical but desperate, I decided to buy a bottle.
Tend Skin claims to “reduce the appearance of unsightly razor bumps, ingown hairs, and redness from shaving, waxing and electrolysis.” It’s suitable for men and women, and can be used on face, neck, legs underarms and bikini lines. To use, you simply apply the liquid using a cotton ball to the problem areas. Use twice a day until the area is better, and then once a day after hair removal.
The results? Well, in just a 24-hour period I had noticeable results – my skin was definitely less red! And now having been using Tend Skin for a couple months, I can honestly say it has really, really worked. As well as using Tend Skin, I exfoliate frequently and sometimes use an antiseptic cream instead of a normal moisturiser. I hardly get any ingrown hairs now, and as a result don’t end up with horrid infected hair follicles!
The only disadvantages of using Tend Skin is that is has quite a pungent alcohol-type smell, and stings if you accidently get it on broken skin. It also has a tendency to make your skin a little dry, so moisturising is a must. All in all, I am shocked at how well Tend Skin has worked! Definitely worth a try if you suffer from skin razor bumps or ingown hairs.
I normally buy Tend Skin from Amazon, where is costs around £8.99 for 118ml.
Tend Skin Rating: ★★★★★
Alphabet Amazing
I am still obsessed with all things alphabet. Today I received my second tote (an M) from AlphabetBags.com, after my L finally gave up the ghost having been used as a bag to transport my macbook from here to there for probably over a year. I think these bags are amazing, and such a bargain at £10.00 (the tote is made from heavy weight cotton and is carefully screen printed and stitched in the UK). Also have a look at Alphabet Bags’ sister site Keep Calm Gallery, for nice typography-based prints and postcards.
I am also a huge fan of Emily Readett-Bayley's POSH Graffiti, particularly the big Old English style letters in gold. They look so kitschy as wall art or arbitrarily positioned bookshelves.
I am also a huge fan of Emily Readett-Bayley's POSH Graffiti, particularly the big Old English style letters in gold. They look so kitschy as wall art or arbitrarily positioned bookshelves.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)