Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Cream & Magic Eye Rescue Reviewed

I have had these sachet samples in my washbag for a while now and finally got around to trying them out this week...

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Cream 50ml £100 

CT says

Intense Firming, Plumping Balm-Elixir

Feed your skin overnight with a live stem cell elixir made up of a powerhouse of 8 youth-boosting ingredients…doesn’t everyone want to wake up to the best skin of their life?

Let your skin drink from this radical “live” stem cell elixir, inspired by the conductive powers of live plasma. This powerful cream-elixir plumps, smooths and re-texturize your skin and, thanks to special time-release ingredients, works overnight to rebuild and renew it. Enriched with 8 de-ageing ingredients including winter Daphne stem cell extract & time-released retinol.

The Magic Recipe:
A Stem-Cell Elixir inspired by Plasma:

A magical water-in-oil cream-elixir that smoothes over and feeds the skin with an even distribution of ingredients. The active molecules are suspended within the texture so that the ingredients are slowly released into the skin. Inspired by the conductive physics of plasma, ensuring all molecules can pass evenly through the gel-like formula. Second Skin Red Algae Marigel binds to the surface like a second skin, minimising water loss and re-texturing the skin surface.

The Power of 8:

Charlotte has always been inspired by numerology and the special meaning of certain numbers. In Chinese prophecy, 8 is one of the most auspicious and positive numbers. Not only is it the sign for eternity, it also denotes prosperity. At the heart of this radical cream-elixir are 8 powerhouse ingredients, which aim to slow down the ticking time bomb of ageing.

1. Winter Daphne stem cells extract for more youthful-looking texture and firmer-feeling skin:

A radical, new natural stem cell extract. Winter Daphne improves the binding of skin cells to mimic the skin’s natural structure for a more youthful-looking, firmer-feeling complexion. Boosts micro-circulation to optimise cell-detoxification so skin is magically awakened and renewed. And it improves the supply of energy and nutrients to the new, young cells.

2. Time-released retinol molecules, a well known anti-age hero:

Our time-released Retinol has been enclosed in a structure of cyclodextrins which control the release and boost the efficacy of it within the skin. Hour by hour, Retinol is known to boost the rejuvenation process of skin cells, whilst also increasing the collagen content throughout the skin. The skin appears younger and more radiant.

3. Second-skin red algae Marigel, a strengthening and protecting barrier:

A live second skin that re-forms and re-creates baby-soft skin. The Marigel is rich in Red algae which is full of Calcium and Magnesium, which builds the strength and protective barrier of your skin.

4. Bionymph peptide:

The magical ingredient also found in Charlotte’s Magic Cream for the day. This genius anti-ageing ingredient is a unique, patented anti-ageing hero that multi-tasks in the skin, fighting the ageing process on all fronts. It increases collagen and fibre levels, prevents fibre break-down, fights free radicals and stimulates cell energy to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and smooth things over.

5. Olus Oil:

A botanical emollient rich oil with transglycerides to reduce water-loss. It also gives the cream-elixir its soft, velvety touch.

6. Frangipani:

As found in Charlotte’s famous day Magic Cream. Frangipani is a soothing and purifying ingredient.

7. Vitamin E:

Also found in Charlotte’s iconic day Magic Cream, is known to be a powerful anti-oxidant that instantly heals and reduces inflammation and scarring.

8. Caster Seed Oil:

Rich in fatty acids and highly emollient with super moisturising powers.


My thoughts 

Apparently this product was four years in the making.

I hadn't read any of the reviews or even about the product before I popped it on at night. I was surprised at how thick, gloopy and sticky it was. As a result I am sure I over applied on the first night. It sat on my face, it was heavily scented floral. Completely not what I had expected. I woke up expecting some kind of miracle but I didn't really notice much except my skin felt soft.

Repeated the next night, used a bit less this time round. Same again  BUT I did notice that my skin felt nice and soft, my day skincare and makeup went on wonderfully smooth and the result was I DID look better and brighter than I had in a while, just not with ... Reading on the website the results that Charlotte Tilbury is claiming are after 8 weeks of use. Sadly I won't be able to test that out as I only have this small sample and I am not sure I am ready to shell out £100 to see!

Have you tried it?

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue 15ml £40

CT says 

Eye Cream To Turn Back the Clock
Darlings, forget everything you think you know about eye cream! Working with the world's leading laboratories, I’ve created a revolutionary formula featuring a powerhouse of youth-boosting ingredients, including Winter Daphne Stem Cell Extract, Botanical Eye Contour Complex and Second Skin Red Algae Marigel to feed your complexion, from the inside out. Magic Eye Rescue is a revitalising and reinvigorating, anti-ageing rescue remedy that works to slow down the ticking time bomb of ageing* – I like to call it an eye lift in a tube!

• Re-energises the delicate under eye area where the first signs of ageing often occur
• Soft Focus Nano-Particles blur away lines and imperfections, and sit like a soft micro-fine cashmere veil on top of your skin
• Rose wax and almond oil hydrate the skin through-out the day and smoothes flawlessly onto the skin
• Nourishing actives work to soothe and restore skin, while light-reflecting ingredients diffuse light as it hits your face for a luminous complexion and even finish all day
• Ideal for long-lasting full coverage and the perfect finishing touch .

The rich texture of my eye rescue remedy contains a live second skin Red Algae Marigel, which is rich in Calcium and Magnesium, for smooth, soft skin with a protective barrier against environmental and ageing damage.


My thoughts 

Now this I can totally get on board with. An eye cream that really does work. Instantly I noticed the results and I am very tempted to pop this on my Christmas List. It is a gorgeous light fluid that smooths away the crepey skin directly under my eyes, and makes the eye area appear far more youthful than it normally suggests. My eyes are one of my biggest bugbears and this product gives me total confidence. The area is hydrated and wonderfully, wonderfully smooth.

Top marks from me. Blown away!

Eucerin Even Brighter Day Cream & Night Cream Review

Another post on my current skincare routine, this time featuring the brand Eucerin. I did start using the night cream during the time I had psorasis on my face and I found it ok to use. I started using the day cream a few weeks later.

Eucerin Even Brighter Day Cream 

Eucerin say

This moisturising SPF 30 cream effectively reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation for a brighter and more even complexion.

Eucerin EVEN BRIGHTER Day Cream is clinically and dermatologically proven to reduce the dark spots and uneven skin tone caused by hyperpigmentation disorders. It contains B-Resorcinol to decrease melanin production and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and glycyrrhetinic acid to stimulate your skin’s own damage repair processes. And with its high SPF 30 and UVA protection, it effectively prevents further sun damage and pigmentation. Your skin will start looking visibly brighter and more even in just four weeks, and keep improving over time.

My thoughts 

The Day Cream is quite thick, I suppose this comes from it being a SPF30 product so it does feel like a sun cream. However, it is not greasy at all and absorbs fast, creating a good base for the next product. It is ever so lightly scented. I have been using this for a few months now and my skin feels hydrated and perfectly balanced. I love that it has SPF30 as my skin feels protected. A really nice day cream

Eucerin Even Brighter Night Cream 

Eucerin say 

This regenerating cream effectively reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation for a brighter and more even complexion, over night.

Eucerin EVEN BRIGHTER Night Cream is clinically and dermatologically proven to reduce the dark spots and uneven skin tone caused by hyperpigmentation disorders. It contains B-Resorcinol to reduce melanin production and fighthyperpigmentation, and glycyrrhetinic acid to repair sun-induced skin damage. And because it’s enriched with nourishing dexpanthenol, it intensively moisturises while enhancing your skin’s nightly regeneration process. Your skin will start looking visibly brighter and more even in just four weeks, and keep improving over time.

My thoughts 

The night cream is gorgeous, light in texture and smells wonderful. A perfect bedtime treat that I apply over my serum.

Final thoughts 

I have one pigmentation spot on my forehead and overtime I have watched it slowly become less obvious, lighter and I have found easier to conceal. It hasn't gone completely but has reduced its appearance from the use of these two products. My skin looks bright and feels great too so I am happy overall using these products. 

Eucerin Even Brighter Day Cream £22.50 
Eucerin Even Brighter Night Cream £23.50 

*PR Samples

Sampar Paris Skincare Products Review - Essentials & Cosmakeup

A fair few weeks ago I was sent three products from Sampar Paris to review, I hadn't heard of this brand before it dropped through my letterbox so I was intrigued to find out more and test them out.

About Sampar Paris

Sampar: Smart Skin in the City

SAMPAR claim to be the pioneer of urban skincare. The SAMPAR mission is to reset the skin's intelligent response system and to support its natural healing actions. All Sampar products are enriched with the exclusive Urban Advance Complex. The innovative formulations act at the heart of cells to "wake up" and reactivate the skin's vital functions, helping to recover a state of equilibrium.  Not only does the Sampar philosophy believe in high quality formulations, importance is also placed on the sleek innovative packaging. Airless packs are used to guarantee efficiency of formulas without risk of contamination. It also means that you will be able to use the 100% of the product.

From the Essentials collection

So Much to Dew Midnight Mask 50ml, £34

Sampar say 

Overnight hydrating and replenishing mask. Day after day, restores ideal moisture levels and improves skin hydration, starting from the first application. Provides comfortable, supple and toned skin 24/7. Contains a Smart Hydrating Complex and Hyaluronic Acid Capsules. Suitable for all skint types.

My thoughts 

This moisturising mask has a gorgeous fresh scent, a beautifully light texture and is very comfortable to wear overnight. It feels really hydrating and refreshing, skin looks plumped in the morning. I like this a lot as an overnight treatment.

To use - apply after cleansing, which you do by twisting the lid so that the product comes through the brush, and rinse off in the morning.

Equalizing Foam Peel 50ml, £48

Sampar say

A granule free exfoliator. A uniquely formulated peel with no grains and no colourants suitable for all skin types. It gently and efficiently exfoliates, freeing the skin of deeply rooted pollutants and toxins for replenished skin and a complexion in just 2 minutes. Contains Probiotic Enzymes and a blend of essential oils including Lavender, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary and Geranium.

My thoughts 

Texture wise this is really runny, scent wise it is herby and slightly medicinal. This is a real hero product. Readers of will BeautySwot know that I am a huge fan of products that are time saving and work in a short time frame. I absolutely love that in 2 minutes the look of my skin improves. Brighter, softer, smoother skin in just 2 minutes. Brilliant.

To use - Apply twice a week to lightly moistened face, avoiding the eye contour. Leave on for 2 minutes. Add water and rub into skin with fingertips. Rinse thoroughly.

Cosmakeup - blurring the lines between skincare and make-up

Glamour Shot 30ml, £34

Sampar say

Minimises wrinkles & imperfections in 1 min. A universal transparent foundation suitable for every skin type and colour that has both instant and long term effects. HQA microlens technology erases imperfections and illuminates the skin, instantly evening out the complexion, masking redness and and minimising fine lines and wrinkles. It smoothes and mattifies whilst reducing enlarged pores. Contains Oat Extract and Encapsulated Hyaluronic Acid.

My thoughts

Out of the three products this was the one that I was most excited about trying. Seduced by the product name and its claims of fast action and perfect skin with a transparent foundation. I wasn't overly taken by the smell, texture wise the product was creamy and felt nice to apply. There is no denying the fact that this calms redness down and blurs fine lines and mattifies the skin making it appear smoother, so far so good. However, I am afraid I just couldn't get past the fact that I couldn't apply a foundation over the top. I tried, it clumped. Personally I just felt too naked without the coverage and warmth of a foundation on my skin. I think the place that needs it is the most is my nose area and this wasn't concealed enough by the Glamour Shot product.

All products are available to purchase from Marks & Spencer Your Beauty, www.marksandspencer.com and from www.feelunique.com 

*PR Samples

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.

Monu Night Renewal Complex - Review

I have heard good things about Monu Professional Skincare so was rather pleased when this 20ml sample tube was in July's GlossyBox Festival Edition. 

I like the fact that no Monu formulation contains damaging chemicals, artificial perfumes, or synthetic colours.

I used this after cleansing as my night cream until the tube was completely finished.

Claims 

Suitable for Normal/Combination skin

A rich complex of actives to help smooth and firm the skin whilst you sleep.

Marine Collagen and Polysaccharides to help smooth fine lines.
Wheat Germ and sweet Almond oils to soften and replace lost lipids.
Vitamin E for its powerful antioxidant action.
Comfort is restored and the lipid content of the skin is improved. Your skin feels rejuvenated and renewed.

Thoughts 

This was quite a rich textured product but it went on nicely and did leave my skin feeling softer with continued use. However, I wouldn't purchase a full size pot of this as I found that in the morning my skin felt quite oily and looked relatively greasy. I also, try as I might, could not get past the fact that the product smelt to me of Dill (a herb). As my mum makes a fish dish with rice that has dill in it, I just kept getting connotations of this unfortunately.

Monu Night Renewal Complex costs £36.95 for 50ml

Champneys Age Excellence Ultimate Radiance Day Cream & Age Excellence Ultimate Repair Night Cream

Champneys Age Excellence collection of skincare products is described 'as a luxury high performance skincare range which has been developed to address the needs of mature skin, formulated to intensively lift, firm and illuminate skin, restoring its youthful glow.'

I actually received the products pictured above as part of a bag given to me at a Boots Summer event, I put them to one side as I didn't think my skin was mature yet.. but as my night cream had run out, I dug these out and started to use them.

From L-R Day Cream and Night Cream

Champneys Age Excellence Ultimate Radiance Day Cream SPF 15


Claims - To reduce the appearance of fine lines, brighten dark spots and lift and rejuvenate the skin


The scent of this is not dissimilar to the Champneys Oriental Opulence Bubble Heaven but although it is scented it is not overpowering , I found it to be light and fluid in texture and absorbed nicely into my skin.My skin felt soft after application.

Champneys Age Excellence Ultimate Repair Night Cream

Claims - To reduce the appearance of fine lines, brighten skin on waking and lift and rejuvenate the skin

I found the night cream to be rich and very thick in texture. It was heavily scented with the same scent as the Day Cream.

Unfortunately I used them for 4 days before deciding to stop using them. They were far too rich for my skin and were giving me spots on my cheeks, which I don't usually suffer from. However, this wasn't really the fault of the products, they are not designed for my age group, mature skin being defined as over 40. I found this out having checked the Champneys website, I didn't actually know this before I started using the products. It would seem that in my enthusiasm for keeping ageing at bay, I found myself using products that were not suitable for my skin or age. Lesson learned.

Champneys Age Excellence Ultimate Radiance Day Cream costs £25 for 50ml
Champneys Age Excellence Ultimate Repair Night Cream costs £25 for 50ml 

January 2012 GlossyBox - The Valentine's Edition

Yesterday the postman knocked on the door to deliver the latest Glossybox. This one was delayed a little as it was billed as the Valentine's Edition...

The box this month is a cute hot pink.

As always GlossyBox pays attention to the detail - 

Of course this all means nothing if the content's don't live up to expectation, however I am more than happy with the content's of my box.

A closer look and swatch of the Eye Liner 

What Is Inside -

Clarins - Extra Firming Day Cream - This is a rather generous 15ml sample and is apparently suitable for all skin types. I have already used this cream and it has left my skin feeling super soft. It is nice and rich but be aware it is heavily scented. This didn't have a little seal over the opening.

Clarins - Extra Firming Night Cream - Again, a generous 15ml sample (the type you would get in bonus gift packs when you make multiple purchases). This has a lighter, fresher scent and also leaves the skin feeling beautifully moistured. I think it is great that the day and night cream were in the box, brands often develop products to work in conjunction with each other and you get a good idea of how they would suit your skin with each other. This came sealed.

Clarins is an excellent inclusion in the box, I am going through a little love affair with the brand so was delighted to be able to try these.

Murad - Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer - Dewy Finish (5ml)

Murad is a brand that I have heard of but never tried any of their products. I am a big fan of using a primer under my foundation so look forward to giving this oil free primer a whirl.

FAB (First Aid Beauty) - Gentle Body Wash

This body wash is fragrance free, has a creamy texture and is free of Parabens and harsh chemicals. 

I haven't tried anything from FAB before so I think it is great that in this GlossyBox there are two brands that I am able to try for the very first time and both are generic enough to be suitable for my skin type.

Eyeko - Skinny Eyeliner in Emerald Green (other shades were sent out)

I have been really impressed with the products that I have tried from Eyeko previously,  although I haven't purchased anything since their relaunch and redesign. This item is full size and worth £9.50. I have green eyes and think this shade will make an excellent addition to my makeup bag. It is a really pretty metallic green shade, brighter than the Stila liner that was included in the October box.

I will use all of these products and as a box I think it is really rather fab,  fulfilling the brief of what it set out to do, the only thing I would say is that I cannot see what the link between Valentine's and this month's GlossyBox is apart from a heart sticker and a heart sweet! :-)

*PR Sample

My Night Cream - Karin Herzog Vita-A-Kombi 1

Before Kate Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge it was reported in the press that she used the Swiss brand Karin Herzog Oxygen Face Creams. Well as a beauty product lover I thought I would see what the fuss was all about and try Karin Herzog for myself. After a brief consultation it was suggested that the ideal product for me would be the Vita-A-Kombi 1 taking into consideration my skin type and age, I am over 30. I was very kindly sent one to review.

Vita-A-Kombi 1 is a Day and Night Face Cream suitable for normal, combination and Celtic skin types. It is an Anti ageing cream containing 1% oxygen and the vitamins A & E.


Claims - Designed to be used morning and night these products normalise the skin, promote healing and accelerate cell regeneration, balance even combination skins, minimise open pores, detox and kill bacteria, hydrate and diminish lines and wrinkles. Suitable for even the most sensitive skin as the healing properties work to de-sensitise and calm.

My thoughts - This is a light cream textured product that you apply to the face but interestingly don't rub into the skin as it apparently has a unique self massaging effect. This means that it is left on the skin and it sinks in on its own after a little while. I started using this both day and night and was really pleased with the results, I had no reactions like a spot breakout and it left my skin feeling soft, smooth and bright. The scent is hard to describe but just smells to me like an old fashioned cream, the scent is light and barely there though so it is pleasant. At night the cream on the skin feels cool to the touch which is really nice during those hot, sticky Summer evenings.

Results since using Karin Herzog Vita-A-Kombi 1 - the redness of my rosacea is less pronounced and clearer.I don't have dry cheeks, my skin always feels hydrated and I wake up with beautiful fresh, bright looking skin. I have really noticed a difference and my skin seems to really like this product and the effects of Oxygen. 

Vita-A-Kombi 1 is packaged in a screw top jar and comes with a spatula to get the product out (more hygienic than dipping your fingers in).

I liked using and seeing the results of Vita-A-Kombi 1 so much that I have since purchased a second jar and as it is relatively expensive I just use it as as my preferred night cream and haven't changed to anything else at night. It is paraben free.

Vita-A-Kombi 1 costs around £50 for a 50ml Jar. 

Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream & Pro Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream

Elemis - winner of Best British Brand at the CEW awards 2010 - has been one of those brands that I wanted to try but the products are most definitely in the Premium range of skincare..

I managed to get my hands on some samples of these two products and I have been wowed. I love the texture - light cream, instantly absorbing and smells divine (if a little like Dentine), I keep sniffing my fingers as I love it so much.

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream - £75 for 50mls - Suitable for all skin types

Claims - Clinically proven to:

Reduce the appearance of wrinkle depth by up to 78%
Increase skin hydration and moisture levels by up to 45%*

A powerful anti-ageing cream provides a progressive lifting effect through increased collagen support. The dynamic combination of ingredients helps to deliver visible results within 15 days.

I used this in conjunction with - 

Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream - £90 for 50mls - Suitable for all skin types

Claims -

Formulated with a powerful combination of concentrated actives including Padina Pavonica and Anti-Ageing Hexapeptide, this moisture-rich cream gel stimulates collagen synthesis, increases oxygen levels by up to 41%* and provides anti-oxidant protection.

What I found - There was a definite visible improvement in my skin - my husband actually commented on the plumpness of my skin and he wasn't aware I was trying these products. He said that I am looking younger and my skin looks bright - so a thumbs up from both of us.

I am sad though now that my samples have finished as I really enjoyed using them but they are definitely on the Christmas List - I wonder if I will be lucky enough to find myself unwrapping these on Christmas day ?

Available to purchase from www.timetospa.co.uk or Elemis stockists.