Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil Review

Skin radiance, it is what we all aspire to with our skincare routine but imagine if you could instantly cheat it with a product, but with regular use you can also achieve it everyday?

I absolutely love facial oils as part of my skincare routine and I was looking forward to trying out the new oil from Dermalogica - Phyto Replenish Oil.

Dermalogica say 

This feather-light treatment oil rapidly absorbs to reinforce the skin’s protective barrier. Wear it alone or layered under foundation for all-day dewy skin.

Next generation formula takes a three-phase approach to replenishing protective lipids that are depleted by ageing and environmental stress. First, phytoactives from Camellia and Tamanu oils help restore the skin's natural barrier. Then, an essential lipid blend that includes Orchid Flower and Chia Seed Oil smoothes visible lines and locks in critical moisture. Finally, Sunflower, Rice Bran and Rosemary Extracts create a luminous antioxidant shield against free radical damage. 

Ideal for daily use on normal to dry skin.

My thoughts 

This sample arrived just at a time when my skin was really suffering post pregnancy. Inside my body was in turmoil and as a result this was reflected in my dull, lifeless skin on the outside. Although I would say my skin is normal/combination I was experiencing drier than usual skin due to post pregnancy hormones.

That said my skin has settled down now and I still use this as part of my daily regime and haven't noticed it looking any greasy so for me this oil has been and continues to be great.

The first thing to mention is the lovely, subtle scent that the oil has - this is important as you don't want a scent you dislike lingering on your face. Dewy, radiant, bright skin is something that I really covet (I always think that glowing skin makes you appear younger).

How to use - press 4-6 drops onto skin (there is a handy guide on how to apply) follow with moisturiser.

The result is instant radiance and healthy looking skin, even though it is an oil there is no oily/greasy residue and the product absorbs instantly into the skin. Skin feels soft and you are left with the perfect base for your makeup.

Final thought - does exactly as it promises. Impressive.

Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil 30ml costs £56.20. Visit www.dermalogica.co.uk for more details 

*PR Sample

The Body Shop Oils Of Life Collection - Review

A short while ago I was given the opportunity to review The Body Shop Oils Of Life skincare collection. It took me a little while to start the regime,  regular readers will know that I am pregnant and have been very poorly with hyperemesis gravidarum, but now I have been able to give it a good month of trying out the products and am ready to give my views.

The Body Shop say 

Give new life to your skin with our new collection infused with black cumin seed oil, rosehip seed oil and camellia seed oil, known for their supreme revitalising and repairing properties on skin. This daily routine has been created to intensely revitalise skin, revive radiance and leave your skin feeling nourished.

My thoughts 

I was really looking forward to trying these products as HG had really taken a toll on my skin and I was in dire need of something that was going to boost and support my skin so that my vitality returned.

Intensely Revitalising Essence Lotion £15 (150ml)

The Body Shop say 

This unique bi-phase oil [oil + water] formula is your essential first step after cleansing to prepare and activate your skin for the next steps of the routine.

My thoughts 

I use this lotion after cleansing and in place of my usual toner. I give the bottle a little shake to mix the oil and water and then apply to the skin. This product has quite a strong spicy scent but I am a fan of those so this doesn't bother me at all. I find the lotion really refreshing and it leaves my skin feeling soft and ready for the next step and not at all oily or tacky. 

Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil £28 (30ml)

The Body Shop say 

By infusing 3 precious seed oils from around the world, known for their revitalising and repairing properties on skin – Black Cumin seed oil from Egypt, Camellia seed oil from China and Rosehip seed oil from Chile – with a powerful blend of essential oils, we created a lightweight daily facial oil to intensely revitalise skin, instantly replenish moisture and revive radiance. Signs of ageing appear visibly reduced. Made from 99% oils of natural origin, this lightweight, quickly-absorbed formula effortlessly melts onto skin leaving a non-sticky, velvety-soft finish.

• Potent daily facial oil infused with 3 precious seed oils from around the world to give new life to your skin
• Cold-pressed seed oils to preserve potent properties and ensure the utmost affinity to skin.
• Made from 99% oils of natural origin
• Lightweight and quickly-absorbed, non-sticky finish
• Signs of ageing appear reduced - skin looks revitalised and feels more elastic and firmer*

My thoughts

The facial oil has the same spicy scent as the lotion but this scent doesn't linger on the face from either of the products. One drop does my whole face and I work it in using the massager. Skin is left feeling super soft and radiant. I use this oil twice a day and have noticed a definite change and improvement in the 'glow' of my skin. A few people have mentioned this too and this pleases me a lot :)

Once again as promised this oil does not leave an oily or sticky finish. 

*I was given both moisturisers but I chose to use the Gel Cream version - The cream version is as you would expect a heavier textured cream. 

Intensely Revitalising Gel Cream £25 (50ml )

The Body Shop say

By infusing 3 precious seed oils from around the world, known for their revitalising and repairing properties on skin – Black Cumin seed oil from Egypt, Camellia seed oil from China and Rosehip seed oil from Chile – into a dewy-fresh gel cream with illuminating micro-pearls, we created a lighter alternative to the cream that intensely revitalises skin. Skin feels instantly freshly hydrated and suppler. From the moment it touches the skin, this Intensely Revitalising Gel Cream delicately melts onto the face, leaving a fresh light finish without a greasy feel.

My thoughts 

I find the gel cream to have a lighter scent than the lotion and facial oil, it is cool and jelly like to the touch. When applied to the skin it melts like water and absorbs fast leaving no tacky residue. I really like this gel cream as part of my routine and apply it twice a day. 

The results 

Within a week I had noticed a difference to my skin after using the Oils of Life Collection. After continued use my skin is softer, smoother and more radiant. I also have noticed how much better my foundations glide onto the skin and also that I am needing to use less foundation than I was before. Overall I am really enjoying this routine and can highly recommend it. 

*PR Samples

No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil Review

No7 say

The experts at No7 know that keeping a beautifully radiant, healthy and moisturised complexion in the cooler weather can be tough. That's why we have developed the NEW No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil; a perfect blend of natural oils and vitamins that keep skin soft, nourished and radiant, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

100% of women agreed that adding a few drops of the product to their usual day cream gave their skin an added moisture boost.*

*Consumer trial on 119 women (UK)

- An extra boost of moisture for more radiant & youthful skin in just in week
- Helps the skin look more radiant & maintain a healthy skin barrier (vitamins C & E)
- Helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (vitamin A)
- Intensively nourishes and helps to lock-in moisture (Rosehip and Jojoba Oil)
- Contains a blend of skin identical oils to prevent future dryness

My thoughts 

This oil smells wonderfully delicate and sweet. I have been using it for over four weeks now and it is a real addition to my skincare regime. My skin has really suffered this winter, and as I have had 3 patches of psoriasis on my face I have avoided anything deep cleansing or too harsh, scrubs and only using gentle moisture boost masks. It hasn't had its usual bright look and I was ready to add an oil to the mix. This one from No7 came just in time. The scent makes it a pleasure to use and I have kept it up nightly, following with my nighttime moisturiser. I use one large drop which does leave my face a little oily but I don't mind it at all.

The results - In the morning there is no sign of oiliness. My skin feels softer, looks more radiant and brighter. I really like this product and it has made a huge difference to the look and feel of my skin.

No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil costs £23 and will be available from Boots stores and Boots.com later this month. 

*PR Sample

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil - Review

Balance Me say 

Highly emollient yet super-absorbent, our 100% natural powerfully active face oil with Amazonian buriti nut oil, Roman chamomile, yarrow and benzoin feeds skin lacking in lustre with a rich, replenishing blend of skin-boosting and smoothing ingredients. Suitable for all skin types, including combination complexions.

INGREDIENTS: 

 Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, Vitis vinifera (grape seed) oil, Aleurites moluccana (kukui) nut oil, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil, Rosa canina (rosehip) fruit oil, Mauritia flexuosa (buriti) oil, Moringa oleifera (moringa) seed oil, Camellia oleifera (camellia) oil, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile)*, Styrax benzoin (benzoin), Achillea millefolium (yarrow)*, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) extract, Limonene**, Linalool**, Geraniol**, Citronellol**

My thoughts 

Don't you just love it when a product lives up to its claims. This is a gorgeous oil to apply, puts the 'treat' in treatment. It has a pleasant subtle scent and doesn't feel overly oily or greasy on the skin and absorbs well. I apply it at night (2 drops) before my moisturiser and I noticed a difference in the texture of my skin within 2 days. My skin is smoother and more refined. The skin looks softer, clearer, brighter and generally more radiant. 

Have you tried this oil?

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil 30ml costs £30

*PR Sample

Melvita L'Or Bio Organic Extraordinary Oil

I am currently loving using L'Or Bio Extraordinary Oil by Melvita, a nourishing and enhancing dry oil for face, body and hair.

Melvita say 

5 precious oils

To bring you L'Or Bio (organic gold) Melvita selected and blended the most precious organic  oil in the shades of three golds.

Yellow gold - Argan Oil, known for its exceptional skincare properties, is combined with Kendi Oil and Inca Inchi Oil with regenerating properties

Pink gold - Buriti Oil helps nourish the skin and promotes a healthy skin glow.

White gold - Pracaxi Oil improves hair shine and strength.

The result: a 100% natural origin dry oil with as light, fluid texture. The skin is nourished, its beauty enhanced. The hair is radiant, shiny and protected.

My thoughts 

It smells incredible, a gorgeous and delicate scent of sweeties! The spray bottle is easy to use and a little goes a long way, hence it is taking me ages to get through this 100ml bottle (not complaining)

Used on my face before bed, it is non greasy, smells wonderful and softens the skin beautifully. I occasionally use this on my body after showering and it leaves skin soft and smooth. However, my favourite use for the L'Or Bio is on my hair. The liquid is so light and leaves no residue. My hair is left with the most amazing shine, feels so soft to the touch and looks smooth, flattening down any flyaways (which I have a lot due to my son constantly playing with the top of my hair and breaking it!) Impressive results from one spray.

Melvita L'Or Bio Extraordinary Oil 100ml costs £25

*PR Sample

SUPER FACIALIST Rose Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil - Review

Well we have had no respite from the cold weather recently, in fact it has got colder. The cold weather combined with the heating being turned up has meant that my poor skin has just not been itself. I have suffered from drier, tighter feeling skin.

So when SUPER FACIALIST Rose Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil popped through the letterbox I was only too pleased to give it a go... wait a minute.. reading the back of the packaging I soon realised this was actually not a facial oil at all but a pre cleanser...confused? I was...but only because it didn't mention it on the front.

When I have really heavy make up on I do double cleanse but with the same product. However, this facial oil is intended for use all the time, before a cleanser.

Claims

This dual purpose 'wonder blend' of aromatherapy essential oils can be used to pre-cleanse by deeply penetrating the skin and loosening oils that clog and block pores. Potent vitamin rich oils including Cucumber, Sweet Almond, Avocado, Calendula, Carrot, Raspberry (rich in omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids) and Sunflower act to hydrate and calm dehydrated sensitive skin and moisture trapping Glycerine draws water into the outer layer of the skin helping to make skin more supple.

My thoughts

Rose Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil is lovely, really lovely in fact. I like the scent (not really like rose, so don't be put off if you are not keen on rose scented products). Applying the oil to the skin in massaging strokes feels wonderful and rather calming, a welcome step in my skincare routine. You remove it by wiping it off with a warm soft flannel. The oil doesn't emulsify.

My skin feels as soft as a peach after using the facial oil, incredibly soft and so clean. I didn't realise until I started incorporating this extra step into my routine how clean it could feel and it looks radiant too. The pores on my nose look so much better now too, cleaner and smaller and dare I say it.. barely visible.

Follow this step with a cleanser.

* I was also sent the Rose Hydrate Creamy Cleanser £7.99 for 150ml to use afterwards but I wasn't keen  on the scent at all so I am using a different cleanser instead (surprising as I usually love rose scented products). Although when sniffing the product from the tube it had the usual rose scent on the skin this translated to something that was was rather sharp and strong and not at all like rose.

* Una Brennan is a top facialist and she has created this skincare range exclusively for Boots. The products are free from mineral oils/petrochemicals, animal ingredients and synthetic colours and are not tested on animals.

Super Facialist Rose Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil costs £14.99 for 30ml (just looked on the Boots website and it is currently £9.99!)

* PR Sample

Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules

This Winter I have been using either a serum or facial oil to give my skin that extra moisture boost that it needs and hopefully injecting some much needed anti-ageing benefits!

Elemis say 

Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules contain pure Moringa Oil with its unique anti-ageing properties to dramatically renew skin elasticity and skin youthfulness. Anti-Oxidants physically repair the visible signs of ageing and counteract the damaging effects of pollution by sweeping clean your network of skin cells, ridding it of harmful toxins.

Use one pink Rose capsule in the morning to stimulate micro circulation and vitality. Follow in the evening with one green Lavender capsule to repair the skin and encourage a peaceful night's sleep.

My thoughts

This pot contained a 7 day supply of the Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules. Green capsules to be applied at night, pink capsules first thing in the morning. Now this is what I like..no guess work involved, simple instructions and the amount already worked out for you. Fuss free skincare at its best. 

Both the rose and lavender scents were pleasant and actually I am sure my sleep was improved during this time..My skin looked bright and rested (not at all oily) and felt nice and soft. I didn't witness any dramatic change in my skin in 7 days as really I would think that you would have to use this product for at least 30 days before reaping any real benefit.

Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules costs £62 for a 30 day supply.

*Part of a Christmas Gift Set

Natio Ageless Organic Rosehip Oil 15ml - Review

I have been using Natio Ageless Organic Rosehip Oil for almost a month now as part of my current skincare routine. I have been applying one drop to my skin after cleansing at night and massaging it in.

Natio says 

Natural nourishment to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. For all  skin types.
Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, extracted from the Rosa Canina seed. With Vitamin C - an antioxidant to protect against free radicals and Essential Fatty Acids - to repair and rejuvenate skin cells.
Ingredients - Rosa Canina Fruit (Rosehip) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract.

My thoughts

I have been using this alone at night (although you can use it before applying your night cream) and can already see the benefits of using this. My skin is softer and smoother. My rosacea appears to be calmer, the redness doesn't looks as angry and it has completely sorted out the dry patches I had on my cheeks. I find that it does take a while to absorb but by morning my face is not oily to the touch.

I was a little apprehensive of using this as I had heard that rosehip oil can cause break outs but I have suffered no ill effects, on the contrary..I absolutely love it.

Natio Ageless Organic Rosehip Oil costs £13.60 from Debenhams

*Sample was provided in a goody bag.