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

Instant Relief - Optrex ActiMist 2in1 Eye Spray For Itchy + Watery Eyes

Just as hay fever was rearing its ugly head, a saviour from Optrex was presented..ironically on my way to the Press Day I tweeted that my Hay fever had started and I was suffering from really itchy and watery eyes.

I generally take Prevalin Nasal Spray when hay fever strikes and if it is really bad I take an antihistamine tablet as well. I should add eye drops into this equation as my eyes really take a pounding but I don't like to use them. I have sensitive eyes, I hate the feeling of opening the eye area up and applying the drops and then I don't like the fact for a short while after it renders you blind!

So I was really interested to see this new release from Optrex that seemed like a solution to the drops problem...

ActiMist 2in1 Eye Spray for Itchy+Watery Eyes 

Claims

Instantly cool, soothes and relieves.

Repairs the eye's natural protection moisture barrier.

Clinically proven to reduce itchiness in and around eyes

Won't smudge make-up

Safe to use with contact lenses

Instructions for use

Hold 10cm from your closed eyelied

Spray 1-2 times onto closed eyelids. 3-4 times per day.

My thoughts 

The last week has provided the perfect conditions for me to try out the spray. I have woken up with incredibly itchy eyes and one spray to each eye has given me (to my amazement) instant relief. Actually I have been wowed with this spray. It is so easy to use, just make sure you spray from 10cm away otherwise when you open your eyes they sting! (that was my first use..) When I followed the instructions it worked perfectly. I have used it with mascara too and that has been fine too.

I was a little surprised at the cost of the spray compared to the drops but for the relief and results that it provides and the ease of use personally I would pay this.

Optrex ActiMist 2in1 Eye Spray for Itchy + Watery Eyes costs £15.31 for 10ml

Also in the range 

ActiMist 2in1 Eye Spray Dry + Irritated Eyes
ActiMist 2in1 Eye Spray Tired + Uncomfortable Eyes

*PR Sample

A Summer Poem - The Friday Column

The Sun's out bringing itchy watery eyes
Sunglasses vainly try but fail to disguise
Freshly cut grass causing sneezes galore
Hay fever woes, can I take much more

Picnics in the park with wasps not far behind
Landing on Strawberry Tarts, sure you won't mind
Cricket being played on the village green
Frolicking young lovers hoping not to be seen

Sunhat, flip flops and ice bucket ready
A trip to the beach, can we take teddy?
Ice cream on the pebbles, dipping toes in the sea
Daddy drinking beer, fish and chips for tea

Strappy tops and shorts embracing the heat
The barbeque poised to cook plenty of meat
Family and friends making most of the light
Garden parties with music late into the night

Paddling pools shrill with the laughter of child
It may be cold water but to them it seems mild
British Summer so short and yet thrilling
Despite the cloud and rain we give it top billing

An original work of fiction - all rights reserved 

New - Clinique A Different Nail Enamel

Did you know a person touches their eyes on average 200 times a day?

With all that contact with hands and fingers throughout the day, there are many culprits that can irritate the eyes - My mum was always telling me to stop touching my eyes (she spends a lot of time in hospitals and has probably read every leaflet going!) and I do try to make a conscious effort not to touch my eyes or face though the day...

Apparently nail enamel can cause irritation and even contact dermatitis on the susceptibly thin skin around the eye? 

Nail enamel is considered a significant allergen source for (the rather scary sounding) periorbital dermatitis—a facial rash that develops around the upper and lower eyelids. 

People who suffer from these conditions often do not realise the connection between touching and rubbing the eye area and fresh manicures and so Clinique have come up with a solution.

Clinique A Different Nail Enamel For Sensitive Skins
Six years in the making, Clinique introduces nail enamel formulated to minimise skin sensitivity. It is dermatologist tested, ophthalmologist tested and appropriate for sensitive skins and sensitive eyes.

Glossy, long-wearing colour available in an array of pretty shades. Allergy tested and safe to use for sensitive skins, helps reduce the chances that eyes will burn, itch or water with contact. 

The collection comprises of 12 permanent shades and 9 limited shades for Summer

Part of the limited collection pictured below 

70 and Sunny

Pinkini

Hoola Skirt

Juiced Up

Splish Splash

A Different Nail Enamel For Sensitive Skins, 9ml RRP £12.00/€16.00
Available exclusively online at www.clinique.co.uk from the 25th April 2013
Nationwide at Clinique counters from 31st May 2013

Pur Minerals Lip Gloss Sticks - Review

These Lip Gloss Sticks from Pur Minerals are rarely out of my handbag as they are so easy to wear. Gloss sticks are one of my favourite formulas for wearing lip colour and I tend to pop a variation of any of these for the school run as they give a nice pout without looking intrusive.

These gloss sticks in jumbo pencil format are easy to apply, a glossy balm with a hint of colour, they prettify the lips beautifully, providing a subtle glossy sheen that is not sticky (essential in the wind!) and non drying. They feel really comfortable on the lips and not too wet either. Ideal lip wear.

Beach Bum - Is a coral my lips but better shade that brightens my lips and skin - a great Spring/Summer colour.

Honey Pie - Is the perfect nude my lips but better shade enhancing the lips wonderfully. I like this a lot.

Berry Pretty - Is a gentle berry shade that gets deeper as you layer it up.

Jumbo pens are the future

Swatches of Pur Minerals Lip Gloss Sticks

From L-R Beach Bum, Honey Pie and Berry Pretty

Pur Minerals Lip Gloss Sticks cost £16 each and are available to buy from Marks and Spencer new beauty halls

*PR Samples

KIKO Make Up Milano Long Lasting Lipsticks Review

There is big love in my household and amongst my friends and family for Kiko the professional make up range from Milan and incidentally I think it is the biggest selling brand in Italy. The lacquers are such good quality and the Celebration shades are so bright and beautiful, you cannot help but fall in love.

Today I am sharing more love and this time it is for the Long Lasting Lipsticks. 

The long slim mirrored stick packaging is attractive, the twist up lippie is shaped perfectly for application and the shades are so muted and wearable, despite being shades like coral and hot pink. Texture wise the lipstick is creamy and buttery soft and glide across the lips for a smooth application, the vanilla scent is yummy.

Shade 06 is a nude and I was really excited about trying this as I am a massive fan of nudes. Sadly this shade is not quite the right nude for me, a little too pale and brown sadly. A real shame because I love the whole concept of this satin lipstick.

Shade 03 is a hot pink but the satin formula means it is pigmented but not scarily so, just nice and bright.

Shade 02 is a peachy coral, once again satin in formula with a very slight frost finish. This is my favourite. A gorgeous way to add a pop of colour to the lips, this shade really lifts my face and lights up my eyes.

Kiko Long Lasting Lipsticks are limited edition, available in 6 shades and cost £6.90 each

*PR Samples

Victorinox Victoria Eau De Toilette - Review

This Spring there have been many new scent launches, a perfect time to update your perfume collection. Amongst these there has been a plethora of lighter eau (water) scents - some of existing perfumes and some altogether new...personally I am not a huge fan of heavy scents generally, most of them tend to irritate my sensitive from hayfever nose which is a real shame as a lot are really lovely, just unwearable by me.

Anyway I digress, for those of you who love your scents strong, the type that make a statement then I have just the one for you - Victorinox Victoria. I fell in love with this from the very first spray. It is simply quite beautiful and I feel a nod to the 80's power scents that many of you believe are missing in the new fragrances.

My mother is always complaining that shortly after spraying the newer fragrances she can barely smell them and they just don't last like they used to and in this modern fragrance I have the answer.

Victorinox Victoria EDT

Victoria is described as the epitome of independent femininity

Top notes: Freesia, Plum and Blackcurrant
Heart notes: Bulgarian Rose, Lily of The Valley, Viola
Base notes: Cedar Leaf, Sandalwood, White Musk, Myrrh

My thoughts

This is a strong and classical floral fragrance that is unashamedly feminine. It is clear and fresh, a really  stunning scent for Summer. The notes that really stand out for me are the blend of Freesia and Lily of The Valley. Personally I struggle to identify the fruit notes which is not a bad thing as I am not overly keen on sweet, fruity scents, this is not sweet or fruity but the overall composition resembles the most fragrant of bouquets.

I sprayed this on my mum's arm whilst fawning about how much I love it, I left the room and when I re-entered the gorgeous scent had enveloped the room. So, so nice!

Simple and stylish.

Victorinox Victoria EDT Spray costs £51 for 100ml and is available to purchase here

From the makers of the Swiss Army Knife

*PR Sample

** Try before you buy **

Head to the Victoria e-Bouquet Creator where you can arrange digital bouquets for friends and family which you can then send as a postcard in the post alongside a sample of the scent.

You can pick your favourite flowers from a meadow and create your own unique bouquet. In addition you can place your bouquets on a voting gallery. Friends, family, fans and followers can vote for their favourites and get a chance to win. The first prize for the best bouquet is a spa trip for two and the second and third prizes are the Victoria fragrance with its golden evening pouch and leather bracelet.