Caudalie Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum Review

I have just reviewed the new Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturizer which was created to work in combination with the older Caudalie Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum which is what I am about to review now.

Unfortunately I have reached the age where I have noted a few dark spots on my face and so imagine my delight when I found a product that has been created to address this problem - the Caudalie Serum!

It is too early yet to say I have noticed a difference in the particular dark spot that I am targeting but I will say how I am finding this skincare product as a whole, and watch this space as I shall report back!

Caudalie say 

N°1 anti-dark spot product* and Caudalie cult product:This lightweight milky serum corrects and prevents dark spots, evens skin tone and boosts skin's radiance. Highly concentrated with patented Viniferine to counter sunspots, acne marks, scars, and damage, for a brighter, more beautiful complexion.
Ideal for all skin types. Oil-free formula. Non-photosensitising, Non-comedogenic.
Apply morning and evening, to the face, neck and décolleté, before your usual moisturiser. May also be used under your sunscreen for a flawless tan.

My thoughts 

As you can see from the swatch below the serum is opaque white and almost creamy in texture, however it is super light on the skin and absorbs fast. The serum leaves skin feeling beautifully soft and smooth looking and instantly awakens the skin. As mentioned above I have only used it for 2 weeks now and the product claims effectiveness on dark spot intensity in week 4. 

I use it twice a day and adore the fresh scent which makes it a pleasure to use. Of course the glass bottle and dropper just add to its appeal.

Note - I have normal/combination skin and what is great about this serum is that there is no oiliness from it on the dreaded t-zone, great for the Summer months.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum swatch on the left

Caudalie Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum 30ml costs £45

*PR Sample

Vichy Idealia Life Serum Review

As part of my current skincare routine I have been using Vichy Idealia Life Serum twice daily. I think the pump action bottle has a very appealable design and I love the shimmery pink. Great shelf appeal.

Vichy say 

Even and illuminated complexion

Refined looking pores

Rested facial features

Transforming skin quality of skin affected by the following:

Stress/fatigue

Overexposure to sun

Pollution/smoke

Unbalanced diet

My thoughts 

Idealia Life Serum smells so good! It has a lovely fresh scent that is so pleasurable to apply and a nice light creamy consistency with a slight shimmer. It absorbs well and leaves skin feeling soft. I have been applying it for about three weeks now and my skin feels beautifully soft and quite glowy. I have noticed that the general condition of my skin does look much approved and I have to apply less foundation as time has gone on...

I like using this serum as a step in my skincare routine and will continue using it, it promises tightening of pores and refined skin, but so far so good.

Vichy Life Serum 30ml £29.50

*PR Sample

Scholl Velvet Smooth Pedi Express Review

Just as you thought it was time to put away your sandals and break out the Winter boots, September has brought the warm weather back once again. It appears that it has taken people by surprise that they have to wear their sandals and so I have noticed some feet that look like they need some TLC, really today with the tools out there within easy reach, there really is no excuse! No need to say I don't have time for a pedi as nowadays you can do it yourself in the comfort of your own home...

Scholl Velvet Smooth Pedi Express got my feet Summer Ready in just a few minutes and throughout the Summer I have continued with this fast and easy footcare regime, ensuring my feet always look fabulous and feel super soft.

Scholl say 

The Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi is an electric foot file for the professional removal of hard skin skin at home. Its roller surface furnished with microgranulates removes excess hard skin in no time and almost magically softens the soles of your feet starting with the first use. Easier than ever before!

The Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi functions without any sharp blades and is furnished with a safety stop that stops the device as soon as too much pressure is applied to the skin.

My thoughts 

Chunkier and wider than the original Scholl Pedi, this demolishes hard skin in seconds, followed by a routine of the Scholl Velvet Smooth Intense Serum and daily application of the Scholl Velvet Smooth Essential Moisture Cream, gorgeous feet can be yours.

The Serum and Foot Cream have a fresh, pleasant scent and the cream is non greasy and absorbs in seconds. Simple, effective and affordable home treatment.

Can you afford not to have fabulous feet?

*PR Samples

Dove Pure Care Dry Oil For Hair - Review

If you are looking for fuss free hair care then you should look no further than at the Dove Pure Care Dry Oil..Wash and condition hair, apply 4-5 drops of the oil before blow drying (I have thick, long hair) and personally I like to add a couple more drops before using hair straighteners. Nothing more complicated than that to achieve Salon beautiful hair. Suitable for all hair types.

Dove say 

A precious treat infused with African Macadamia OIl for beautifully supple hair. The lightweight, non greasy formula with intensive nourishing properties, instantly helps replenish lipids, softens and adds shine.

For best results, rub 3-4 drops between the palms of your hands and apply to clean, damp hair evenly from mid-length to ends. Blow dry or leave to dry naturally. Also use pre-shampoo as a nourishing treatment, or before styling to protect your hair and control frizz.

My thoughts 

A weightless oil that smells wonderful and is easy to use. Leaves hair super soft, smooth, sleek and shiny. A one product treatment that works miracles. I absolutely love it!

Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Nourishing Treatment For Hair costs £9.99 for 100ml

*PR Sample

Dove Style+Care Range - New!

I am very excited about the new Dove Style + Care range. I was recently invited to try out the products with a styling session with Celebrity Stylist and Dove Hair Ambassador Christian Wood. Christian decided to give me a Jennifer Aniston straight sleek do which I was delighted with because if you know me you will know that Jennifer is my hair icon...

On my already dried hair that he was going to be restyling he used the Heat Protect Spray, the Frizz Free Shine Cream Serum in preparation for the blowdry. He finished my style by applying the Nourishing Dry Ends Serum to the ends of my hair for that ultra smooth and sleek finish. I was incredibly impressed.. I thought my hair WAS sleek and smooth when I arrived but Christian took it to a whole other level! When I picked up my son from school the other mums loved my new do and actually thought I had had it cut and coloured!!

Before I wrote about the products however (as always) I wanted to try out the products for myself, were they easy to use and could I achieve sleek smooth perfection at home.. and the answer? A big fat yes!

Dove are well known for their body care range but I have a feeling this hair collection is going to be very popular indeed. There are four products in this affordable collection and each product costs less than £5 - They all smell so nice, slightly fresh but sweetie like.

Dove Refresh+Care Dry Shampoo £4.59

Can be used on clean hair to add extra oomph and volume to the roots. I have been using it to revive and refresh my hair when I have been needing to go out but not had any time to wash and style my hair. It smells amazing and has none of the white powder effect that comes from other dry shampoos. It is made with aluminium starch and absorbs dirt and oil brilliantly. A fabulous time saving product.

Dove Style+Care Heat Protect Spray £4.59

Using a hairdryer and following this with a hair straightener makes a heat protection spray a must. This one protects hair from heat damage up to 230 degrees. Conditioning agents and silicone provide shine whilst protecting hair. Apply to towel dried hair.

Dove Style+Care Frizz Free Shine Cream £4.59

This is my favourite product in the collection. The cream is so light and doesn't weigh hair down meaning it won't look lank the next day. It also does a great job in preventing frizz and fluff when it is damp outside. Nourishing for the hair but providing the shine of a serum it is smoothing and softening.

Dove Style+Care Nourishing Dry Ends Serum £4.59

I like to use this serum like Christian did, just on the ends of my hair for extra sharp sleekness. It reduces flyaways and makes the ends look suitably healthy (I need a haircut!) Perfect handbag product that can be applied at anytime.

The result - Smooth, sleek, glossy and healthy looking hair. I am fan.

Dove Style+Care range is available from major supermarkets and chemists.

*PR Samples

Korres Black Pine Antiwrinkle Firming & Lifting Face Serum Review

I have been using Korres Black Pine Antiwrinkle Firming & Lifting Face Serum for the past few weeks as part of my night time routine .

Korres say

Suitable for all skin types

To use  - Apply to face and neck avoiding the eye area

Korres Black Pine skincare provides firming and lifting action, wrinkle reduction & skin elasticity increases. The serum is the latest in the range of the Black Pine collection and promises anti ageing benefits.

I must admit to being rather dazzled by the science and scientific terms and maybe a little bit baffled with the bumf behind the product, however it promises powerful results and I think that all you need to know is that the key ingredients include

Black Pine Extract
Black Tea
Antioxidant Flavanoid Quercetin

My thoughts

Apparently the results of this serum are clinically proven and as they were impressive to say the least, I had to put the claims to the test.

First off I love the classy black bottle and the dropper handily dispenses the perfect amount needed. The scent is rather curious and I would say quite masculine but I find it rather appealing.

Does it work... Over the past few weeks of using this serum I have noticed my skin looking smoother and feeling softer and generally more youthful looking. I have a couple of lines on my forehead that raise alarm bells when they start to appear and this serum is fading them making them virtually invisible which is good news.  What I love about it though is that when I wake up my skin looks lovely and rested and beautifully bright. This is good stuff!

Korres Black Pine Antiwrinkle Firming &  Lifting Face Serum 30ml £39 and is available from www.debenhams.com.

*PR Sample

L'Occitane Iris Angelica Sublime Essence Skin Perfector

L'Occitane say 

For the 1st time in cosmetics, L'Occitane has patented the association of 2 angel's flowers to visibly reveal a perfect skin.

White Iris for its power of sublimation
Angelica for its power of hydration and vitality

Fresh and light, the Sublime Essence is a silicone-free perfecting serum. It's unique ultra velvety texture helps to correct skin irregularities.

1. Skin texture is visibly smoothed and refined.
2. Pores look instantly tightened
3. Redness and blemishes seem reduced
4. Complexion is more even and radiant
5. Skin is hydrated and plumped
6. Skin touch is ultra soft and velvety

My thoughts 

Sublime Essence is a new addition to the Angelica range from L'Occitane. Sublime by name, sublime by nature. Regular readers know scent is extremely important to me and this delivers, the serum smells so good and refreshing. A good scent means that making the product part of your routine is so much easier and I look forward to applying this day and night. I use 2 pumps twice a day.

The serum is thickish in texture and creamy opaque which goes on clear on the skin and leaves skin feeling soft and velvety to the touch, just like it promises to. Sublime Essence does a fantastic job of hydrating my skin and when I apply my foundation/BB Cream/CC Cream I have no dry patches at all. It also does a great job of smoothing and plumping my skin. My skin is not at all dull and appears more refined.

A very nice product indeed.

L'Occitane Sublime Essence Skin Perfector 30ml costs £39

*PR Sample

Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution Review

Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution 
Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution is a Glycolic peel off mask and serum duo which promises to reveal younger, smoother skin.

Sanctuary Spa say

Straight away from the very first application skin looks smoother and glowing.

After 1 week - Skin feel firmer, toned and looks brighter

After 2 weeks - Skin glows with radiance and fine lines appear reduced

After 3 weeks - 72% of women noticed a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and a glowing radiance

After 4 weeks - A flawless complexion and younger looking skin

How to use 

After cleansing skin thoroughly apply peel to dry skin. Using the brush provided apply a thin and even layer of peel avoiding the delicate eye area. Relax for 15-20 minutes allowing mask to dry. Mask should be completely dry and not tack to the touch when ready to peel off.

To remove, start at the base of the face and gently peel off mask to reveal fresh, smooth skin. Rub off any excess.

Immediately after apply a pea sized amount of the Anti-wrinkle Activation Serum.

Use peel twice a week but not on successive days.

SPF should be worn every day when completing this treatment to protect newly revealed skin.

My thoughts

This at-home facial system was really pleasurable to follow. It was so easy to do and it never felt like a chore. I looked forward to peel day as there is something immensely satisfying applying a sticky, gooey gel, feeling it tighten and dry into a shiny, clear mask and then peeling it off and seeing all the dead skin cells coming away to reveal softer, smoother skin.

It took me back to my school days when we would apply glue to our hands and then spend the rest of the day peeling it off in lessons! Happy days.

The Anti-wrinkle Activation Serum smells nice - fresh and citrusy. It is simple to add this into the daily skincare routine.

After the first use of the peel I could see that my skin was brighter and smoother instantly and as the days passed into weeks I really noticed a difference in my complexion. It seems more even and glowing, the fine lines are almost undetectable now and I have noticed an improvement in my blemishes. I have had some spots on my cheeks that have been there for an age and this system made these disappear. My skin looks so much better and almost flawless that the amount of foundation that I need to use has dramatically decreased.

Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Youth Revolution Kit costs £22.50

*PR Sample

New Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Ageing CC CREAM SPF15

Just as I am getting the hang of the trend for BB creams and their benefits along come CC Creams - Complexion Correctors (also known as colour control or colour corrector creams)

CC creams provide more intense levels of tone-correcting and anti-ageing skincare ingredients than BB creams, at the same time as leaving the skin with a sheer, natural coverage. New Olay Regenerist CC cream takes it one step further with a unique 3-in-1 swirl system – the first and only cc cream to blend three core elements together – a serum, an SPF15 moisturiser and a sheer foundation so that skin is perfected now and over time. with a light texture the all-in-one corrective product gives complexions an instant gorgeous glow whilst balancing skin tone

Olay say

Olay Regenerist CC Cream’s 3-in-1 swirl blends the 3 elements together at the point of delivery:

• an anti-ageing serum containing Olay’s ‘Essential Glucosamine Complex’, which comprises N-acetyl glucosamine (Nag) and Niacinamide – clinically proven to reduce dark spots and wrinkles.

• a moisturiser with glycerine, SPF 15 sunscreen and anti-oxidant vitamin E– a powerful combination which hydrates and protects the skin instantly improving tone and texture.

• a sheer foundation incorporating mineral pigments which immediately blend and match skin tone delivering natural-looking and even coverage.

A pump of the CC Cream

My thoughts

Readers of BeautySwot.com know that I love my coverage to be medium/full so I am always wary of trying things that have the words 'sheer' in them..

First of all I love the clear packaging and swirl effect of the product, it look so pretty on my dressing table. The pump dispenses the right amount of product so this gets top marks for ease of use.

The CC cream has a pleasant light scent, not the usual stronger scent that is associated with many of the Olay products. It blends beautifully and seamlessly.

I have been trying this for a few days now and whilst I obviously have not tried it long enough to see any skincare benefits I find it to be hydrating as a moisturiser. The foundation is so light that it essentially is undetectable, if you really don't like to look like you are wearing foundation this is fabulous. Impressively just as promised my skin tone is evened out and the redness is concealed (which is always my main concern).

I am already using the serum/moisturiser duo and am a fan of Olay products in general, I feel that this is a great 3 in 1 product time saving product, perfect for busy mums like me who sometimes just don't have time to apply so many products but still want our skin to look and feel good.

Available in 3 shades - Light, Medium and Dark - I am using the Medium.

AVAILABILITY: NEW Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Ageing CC Cream SPF15 will be exclusive to Boots stores and Boots.com from 1 May 2013. Recommended retail price £24.99.

Join the Boots.com wait list now to be one of the first to hear when NEW OLAY Regenerist CC Cream hits the shelves in a Boots store near you!

Join the Olay Regenerist CC Cream wait-list now at www.boots.com/Olay.

*P&G/Olay sponsored post

Olay Total Effects 7 In One Moisturiser & Serum Duo Review

Just a few years ago we would wash our faces, follow with a moisturiser (most probably Oil of Ulay Lotion) and away we go, these days we are bombarded with adverts for moisturisers, serums and oils that promise to give us all wonderful hydrated and youthful looking skin. I must admit I use all these products and spend a fair amount of my time applying them morning and evening.. but like everyone else in these ever busy times I am always on the look out for time saving products - the lazy girl's version!

The latest moisturiser from Olay is Total Effects 7 in One Moisturiser + Serum Duo SPF20 - 

One bottle - two skincare products to be applied in the morning

Olay say 

This is our most concentrated daily 7 in 1 product, with SPF20. It combines a proven 7-in-1 anti-ageing moisturiser PLUS an intense serum.

It provides the Total Effects maximum anti-ageing power with essential hydration, plus it protects skin with broad spectrum SPF 20 (UVA/UVB) and anti-oxidants to fight the 7 signs of ageing. Micronised mineral pigment adds a soft focus effect finish to immediately blur the look of visible imperfections.

Results

Visibly younger looking skin.

One pump of the moisturiser + serum do 

My thoughts 

This has the same lovely fresh scent of the other Total Effects products, texture wise this is a fairly thick cream once out of the bottle but it is easy to apply and absorbs quickly. One pump dispenses ample to cover my face. It leaves my skin feeling so soft, velvety and hydrated all day, a great base to apply primer and then my foundation.

I have been using this for just over 3 weeks now and have to say I like the way my skin is looking right now . I like using this moisturiser + serum duo and will be finishing the product.

On a shallow note I love the swirly  look of the serum and moisturiser and the fact that the tube is clear so I can see it as it goes down and know how much I have left..

Moisturiser, serum and high SPF and all in one tube, at a reasonable price point, this is a great product.

Olay Total Effects Moisturiser + Serum Duo costs £16.99 for 40ml

*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

My Hair Loves-Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Shampoo and Daily Treatment

Styling my hair is the bane of my life, I love the end result but getting there seems like a mammoth task. The reason for this is that I have med/long thick, porous hair that stays wet for what feels like an eternity. By the time it has dried I have long given up wanting to do anything with it. Even when using a hairdryer it can take anything up to 30 minutes to get completely dry.

So, imagine my delight in finding products that claims to reduce drying and styling time that really work!

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Shampoo and Daily Treatment - Smoothing Collection

Claims 

Daily Shampoo

Cleanses and smoothes hair. Makes rebellious locks softer and more manageable. Helps reduce drying time and speed up styling.Our exclusive Super Skinny® Complex displaces water and helps to constrict the hair for a smoother surface. Mild surfactants cleanse without stripping or plumping hair. Colour-safe formula.

Daily Treatment 

Helps to smooth and soften strands. Helps repair and prevent damage. Speeds up drying and styling to get you out the door faster. Our exclusive Super Skinny® Complex smoothes and softens hair and provides easy slip and wet combing. Heat-activated conditioners and thermal protectants help repair and prevent surface damage.

My thoughts

I love the fresh smell of both the shampoo and treatment, like apples. This combination has done wonders for my hair, smooths and softens it. I find it so easy to brush my hair through, I rarely have knots now. Where before drying my hair could take up to 30 mins, now it takes just 10 mins. Perfect products for soft, smooth, manageable hair. I am hugely impressed and my hair looks healthier.

As the gift pack also included the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum I have been using this alongside the shampoo and treatment, applying it before styling. It has a great smell and leaves hair feeling lovely and soft, shiny and not at all greasy looking.

I am a fan of the Super Skinny Range.

This smoothing set cost £25 for 2 x 300ml bottles and the 25ml serum which was all part of a Christmas Gift Set.

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Shampoo - £10.75 (300ml)
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment - £13.25 (300ml)
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum - £17.25 (150ml)

Purchase a limited edition Bonus Bag (selected salons only) and get the Shampoo and Treatment for just £19.95 plus 5% of the RRP will be donated to charity - for more details click here 

*PR Sample

Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serum - Review

Regular readers will know that I was using a nightly drop of rosehip oil that did a wonderful job of keeping my skin plumped and hydrated through these winter months..when this finished, whilst I was very tempted to purchase a bottle of it, I knew I had a bottle of Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone Correcting Serum in my to use box so I opened this instead. This is my second experience of the brand, the first was the   Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser.

Antipodes say

A water-based corrective serum to help target pigmentation, brighten your skin and restore even tone. It is destined to have a leading role in your daily beauty ritual with its revolutionary bioactive ingredients from New Zealand nature. Waiwera mineral water from an ancient spring voted the world's best water* restores essential moisture to parched skin. Antioxidant-rich Vinanza Performance Plus addresses facial redness and the melanin production that can cause discoloration. Add in the subtle exfoliating action of superfruit kiwi enzyme and soothing Oxifend from red grapes, and your skin will be gloriously glowing! Mamaku black fern and Reishi mushroom assist with healthy cell renewal for the ultimate fresh-faced beauty.

Apply to face, neck and decolletage morning and night.

My thoughts

I have been using this alongside the Juliet Cleanser. The glass bottle has a dropper to dispense the serum. I am used to using clear serums but this one is the same dark brown shade of the cleanser. It has a fruity sweet scent similar and is runny in texture.  This applies nicely with my skin drinking it down but it does dry feeling sticky and tight. It is a good thing that I follow with a moisturiser as I find the tightness uncomfortable.

I am almost at the end of the bottle now so it is a good time to share with you a review.

My skin has looked nice and bright, the dry patches have not returned so hydration wise this really works. I am feeling really happy about the overall condition of my skin and my redness is calm. There has been a very slight reduction in the obviousness of a pigmentation spot which I am pleased about.

However, the issues that stop me from loving this serum are that I am not very keen on the strong fruity smell. Whilst it is nice in a cleanser that is going to be washed off it doesn't work so well for me on a product that will remain on my face. Also, I really dislike how tight it leaves my skin feeling. I am well aware however that although these things bother me, they may not be such an issue for you.

Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serum costs £41.99 from various UK online stores.

For more details visit www.antipodesnature.com

*PR Sample

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum - Review

The Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum (10 ml sample size) was included in April's Natural Edition of GlossyBox.

The serum is described as being for dehydrated skin. I don't know about you but the crazy weather this Summer is wreaking havoc with my skin, one minute it is hot and the next cold, one minute sunny and the next raining so although ordinarily I might shy away from a product such as this I was willing to to give it a go.

Caudalie say

A moisturizing bubble: The S.O.S Thirst-Quenching Serum continuously captures and diffuses water deep within the skin to restore its moisture balance and leave it feeling soft and fresh.
Apply morning and evening to a cleansed face and neck. Avoid the eye contour. Non-comedogenic.

My thoughts

This is an extremely light, runny serum that has a gorgeously fresh scent. It sinks into my skin instantly leaving no greasy residue (it is oil free) just soft and satin smooth to touch. I sometimes suffer with dry cheeks and occasionally my rosacea feels itchy but this left my whole face feeling balanced and moisturised, with no dry patches. 

Containing Grape Water, Hyaluronic acid & Grape-seed Polyphenols, this is my first product from French brand Caudalie and I am eager to try more.

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum costs £29

Melvita Fresh Micellar Water & Rose Extraordinary Water Reviews

More Melvita love today. In fact these are product raves.

As you are by now aware, scent is very important to me...a product could claim the world but if I don't like the smell I won't be using it long enough to find out!

Both the Fresh Micellar Water and Rose Extraordinary Water have a distinct advantage in that they smell absolutely wonderful and of one of my most favourite of skincare scents - rose.

Melvita Fresh Micellar Water 


Melvita claim


This fresh and delicately perfumed 3-in-1 formula removes make-up, cleanses and tones, thanks to the action of micelles, which trap impurities.

Enriched with wild rose petal extract (derived from roses that grow at high altitudes) andmoisturizing rose floral water, the Fresh Micellar Water cleanses skin perfectly without any drying effect. Within moments, skin is soft, fresh and radiant.

My thoughts 


I absolutely love this cleansing water, it is very effective at removing makeup and leaves skin feeling clean, refreshed, soft and smelling all lovely. I use it when I have been out late and my head just wants to hit the pillow. Super fast cleansing is a cinch with this product as you just apply to a cotton pad and wipe over face, no need to rinse off. As it cleanses and tones it doesn't leave my skin with a tight feeling. In fact one night I just applied this and went to bed, next morning my skin looked radiant. My only reservation is that it does sting my eyes so I cannot use it on my eyes.

Rose Extraordinary Water


Melvita claim


This skin prep lotion is not extraordinary for no reason... Formulated with Hyaluronic Acidfrom soya and Organic Glycerine to lock in moisture, you will love its unusual gel texture.

Rich in Rose Essential Water, this delicately scented formula combines the anti-ageing and rejuvenating properties of Rose Floral Water with the firming properties of Marsh Clover. Marsh Clover or Water Clover is proven to firm the skin and improve the oval contour of the face.

My thoughts 


This comes under the category of a serum but is midway between a toner and serum. Apply after cleansing and before your moisturiser. Once again I adore the scent of this gel like formula. I apply directly to my skin using my fingers. It just melts into the skin leaving no residue.

I find that it leaves my skin bright, hydrated and super soft. Very, very nice product to include in my skincare routine.

I have long spouted the benefits of rose water and glycerine for maintaining soft, young looking skin and this product combines both and more in its ingredients.

From the Melvita Rose Range these are a welcome addition on the bathroom shelf and of course are organic and paraben free.

Melvita Fresh Micellar Water costs £14.50 for 200ml


Melivata Rose Extraordinary Water costs £14 for 100ml


www.uk.melvita.com

*PR Samples

YSL Forever Youth Liberator Serum Review

I received this 5ml sample of Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator Serum in the Harrods Edition GlossyBox.

Claims 

Containing the Glycanactif™ complex, a combination of 3 glycans, to help stimulate skin’s youthful capacities at the 3 levels of the skin.

Immediately, the complexion looks more transparent. Signs of fatigue seem less visible. In just 7 days, the skin feels transformed: smoother, firmer and more toned. After 1 month, the skin appears revitalized.

For all skin types. Suitable for sensitive skins.

My Thoughts

I have been using Forever Youth Liberator Serum twice a day for 3 weeks now and am really enjoying the ritual of applying it. It has a light, non sticky consistency that glides beautifully across the skin and then absorbs instantly leaving the skin feeling satin smooth. It smells very pleasant. 

Results - 

I can react to products that are just too rich for my skin but I haven't had any reaction to this at all.

My skin is improving as the days go by. I have a couple of fine lines on my forehead and these are barely visible now, this may be due to the fact the skin is more hydrated.  My skin is feeling softer since I started using the serum and looking at my skin it just generally looks better and less tired looking, considering the lack of sleep I have had this past month this is good!

As you only need to use a tiny amount, the 5ml sample I have is still going strong.

YSL Forever Youth Liberator Serum costs £60 for 30ml

What's Inside The April 2012 GlossyBox - The Natural Box

With April being Earth month, GlossyBox has created 'The Natural Box' featuring brands that believe in and only use natural ingredients in their products. The box the products were sent in was also 100% biodegradable. Now I was really impressed with the Harrods box but The Natural Box in my opinion surpasses every box since the GlossyBox launch, quite frankly it is the best yet. My box represents incredible value and contains products to use and treat from head to toe,  there is not one item that I wouldn't use and I am genuinely excited to try them all.

My 'Natural Box' contains 3 full size products (they alone are worth over £30!) and the other samples are of a generous size which will allow you to get a feel for the product and gauge whether it actually works for you prior to purchasing the full size version. The box this month really does fulfill the brief it set out with.

I will be doing proper reviews of all products in due course once I have tried them properly but before then thought it was worth showing you what I received in the April GlossyBox.

Products received 

Inika Cosmetics - Certified Organic Eyeliner in 05 Black Caviar - Full size worth £11.75.

I am looking forward to putting this natural eyeliner through its paces to see how it compares to my usual black eyeliner.

Burt's Bees - Naturally Nourishing Milk and Honey Body Lotion - A rather generous sample size of 70g. 

99% natural and promising up to 24 hour moisturisation this product is for normal to dry skin so ideal for me.

Caudalie - Vinosource SOS Thirst -Quenching Serum - 10ml sample.

I don't actually have too much luck with serums, they either break me out or I just do not feel that they demonstrate much change to my skin so I am curious to try this one from Caudalie, a French brand whose Cleansing Water is legendary.

Figs & Rouge - Lip Balm in Cherry & Vanilla - Full Size worth £3.29 8ml.

I already own Rambling Rose Lip Balm from Figs & Rouge, which is divine and I love the designs on the tins. Cherry & Vanilla, smells delicious, I liken it to Cherry Coke..  100% pure, natural and organic.

Monu Professional Skincare - Moisture Rich Collagen Cream - Full Size worth £17.50 for 50ml.

It may take me a little while to get round to trying this product out as I have literally just bought a new facial moisturiser. This promises to relieve dryness and smooth fine lines and contains ingredients such as rose and geranium essential oils.

All products are SLS and paraben free.

Next month it is GlossyBox's first birthday.. cannot wait to see what they are going to do for it.

*PR Sample

Reviews - Naked Shine Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner. Naked Style Extra Shiny Finishing Serum

I have been on a real mission to restore shine to my recent lacklustre, straw like hair. During the past few months I have been trying out lots of hair care products and am looking forward to sharing with you the products that have made a real difference.

Being an impatient kind of person I love products that provide instant results and the Naked Let It Shine Trio certainly do this.

The Let It Shine Trio are made up of the following products

Naked Shine Honey & Mallow Hydrating Shampoo (for normal to dry hair) 
Naked Shine Buttermilk & Green Tea Hydrating Conditioner (for normal to dry hair)
Naked Style Extra Shiny Finishing Serum 

Bought as the trio direct from the Naked website they cost just £9 which is incredible value for the results that they give. That said, the products bought on their own are still remarkable value for natural products.

Naked Shine Honey & Mallow Hydrating Shampoo (for normal to dry hair)  - £3.99 for 250ml

Naked say -

To shine and dazzle, the hair cuticles needs to be moisturised. We use honey & mallow extracts to target ares of dryness, quenching hair and helping to keep it hydrated.

My thoughts -

The Shampoo comes in the traditional Naked packaging, a push down lid dispenser. The product is a clear runny fluid and has a light, fresh scent. It doesn't lather up much on first application but will second time round if you do wash your hair twice.

I have been making a real effort to use SLS free shampoos and conditioners and have found that my psoriasis is under control, my head is a lot less itchy than it was previously, so I will continue to seek out and use these products.

Naked Shine Buttermilk & Green Tea Hydrating Conditioner (for normal to dry hair) - £3.99 for 250ml

Naked say - 


To shine and dazzle, hair needs to be smooth enough to reflect light. We use buttermilk and green tea extracts which help to improve elasticity of the cuticle and improve glossiness, giving your hair a diamond-like shine.


My thoughts - 

Out of the trio of products the conditioner was my favourite to use. I absolutely love the slight zingyness scent of green tea and this is fantastically refreshing (Think Elizabeth Arden Green Tea, mmm). It has a good, thick and creamy consistency and applies to the hair like a dream. I know that a conditioner is working for my hair when I rinse it off and it leaves my hair smooth and silky to the touch when still wet, I hope you know what I mean by this!

After the very first time of using this combination of products and drying it with a hairdryer and styling it with a styling tool, my hair looked healthier, felt beautifully soft to touch and was sleek and shiny. I was very impressed with the instant results and have been using the shampoo and conditioner ever since.


Naked Style Extra Shiny Finishing Serum - £4.99 for 50ml

Naked say -


Beautiful things come in small packages and this little gem brings instant shine and radiance, putting the sparkle back in your hair. Silicone free formulation.

My thoughts - 

To be used after styling on dry hair, this serum is perfect for taming flyaway hair. My son has a habit of playing with my long hair, but not at the ends which wouldn't be so bad but he twiddles and breaks the top of my hair! Consequently the hair on the top of my head has a mind of its own and this sorts it out marvelously. One pump is enough to work through all my hair giving it a nice gleaming finish.

From the pic above you can see the serum has a fine shimmer to it, but don't worry you will not look like you have applied glitter to your hair! It has a pleasant, faint scent of peaches.

To sum up - products that do the job they have been designed for at an affordable price.

All Naked products are free from sulphates, parabens or petrochemicals.

*PR Samples 

REN Max Moisture Concentrate - Review

REN Max Moisture Concentrate was included in a bag given to me after the afternoon tea and facial I had at The Athenaeum. It has been languishing in a plastic box ever since, mainly as the product name suggested to me that it was for parched skin and I have had normal/combination for as long as I can remember....

After using the Origins Brighter By Nature SPF35 Skin Perfecting Moisturiser I felt my skin was feeling quite dry and in particular my cheeks. With the weather changing from cold to hot to cold and back to hot it has been wreaking havoc on my skin, my face has literally been begging me for a moisture injection. This was very apparent when I applied foundation, I could see the foundation clinging on to this dry area of my cheeks and looking like a dried out apple skin.

Whilst checking to see if I had anything that would help this new dryness I came across the Ren Max Moisture Concentrate and thought I would give it a whirl.

REN say - 

A concentrate formulated to dramatically hydrate and replenish the skin leaving it visibly plumped, smoothed and comfortable.

Results:

Optimises hydration
Restores softness, elasticity and comfort
Skin looks replenished, smoothed and healthy.

Suitable for all skin types (especially recommended for skin prone to dryness through climates, air conditioning or sensitivity).

Application - Morning and night after cleansing, follow with a moisturiser.

My thoughts


I like the design and the handy pump action glass bottle. The product comes out as a light, fluid texture that instantly absorbs. It has a pleasant, fresh scent. 

I found that as I applied it would feel like it was tightening on my face almost like I was wearing a mask, using a moisturiser after helped ease that feeling. I first tried it at night, next morning my skin felt softer and the appearance of my cheeks had improved a little, it looked less dehydrated. I have been using the REN product for a week now and have seen a great improvement, this is most noticeable when I apply foundation as there is no dry patches for it to cling to. Skin is smoother, feels softer and yes even a bit plumper. I have found this to be a great moisture boost.

REN Max Moisture Concentrate Ingredients List 

REN products are free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, synthetic colour or fragrance.

REN Max Moisture Concentrate costs £32 for 30ml

March 2012 GlossyBox - The Harrods Edition

I was so excited when the postman knocked on my door with this month's GlossyBox. The March box was to be a collaboration with Harrods no less! There were a few hints of what might appear in the boxes from GlossyBox Ambassador's but the products could have been any combination of 5 products from a selection of 15..

Inside 

I have to say when I opened this box up it probably elicited the most favourable response since the first box I received and admittedly it was all down to the tiny box at the top of the photo... The Burberry Lipstick. Now I don't really ever squeal but this made me happy, very happy indeed. I have been wanting to try Burberry makeup for so long now but not yet managed to get to Harrods. The inclusion of the Lip Cover was a perfect representation of the GlossyBox and Harrods Special Edition and just oozed luxury to me.

The products 


Narciso Rodriguez - For Her Eau De Parfum 1ml - I LOVE this perfume, smells incredibly grown up and sensuous, just a real shame it was so tiny!

Molton Brown - Heavenly Ginger-Lily Moisture Bath & Shower 50ml - I have been using Molton Brown for many years now, this is not my favourite scent of theirs but it will get used and it is a nice generous sized sample.

YSL - Forever Youth Liberator Serum 5ml - I am at the age when I am using serums as well as facial moisturisers and I am really looking forward to trying this particular one from YSL. The sample comes with a dropper lid. With promises of improved radiance, plumping and anti-wrinkle lift, I will let you know how I get on with it.

Clarins - Extra-Firming Body Cream 30ml - This is a beautiful, instantly absorbing cream. This smells gorgeous and refreshing, like watermelon. I like the inclusion of Clarins products, they are not overly expensive but neither are they that cheap. I for one, definitely like to try before I buy and this is a perfect way to do so with a good sized tube.

The Piece de Resistance 

Burberry Beauty - Miniature Lip Cover Rosewood No4


An object of beauty doesn't quite cover it, this is one of the cutest miniatures I have ever owned, a perfect replica of the actual item. It is really funny actually as my hands are quite small, the lip cover doesn't look that small in the photo above but placed against the perfume sample and you get an idea of the actual size.

Soft, with a satin sheen this feels so moist on the lips. Rosewood is a very wearable warm shade.

The Burberry Lip Cover warrants a lips of the day post so keep reading!

To sum up, I was immensely happy with the GlossyBox sent out to me this month. No, there wasn't a full size product in there but all of the products I would use.

*PR Sample