Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Anti-Ageing Skincare

I'm 46 years old this Friday.  My skin is no longer as tight and taut as it used to be as the effects of ageing set in. Fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and loss of firmness are definitely in my face's future!

However, it's not only these long term changes that I have to prepare for, the phenomenon of over day ageing is also a consideration. Women in my age group have been found to experience skin degradation over the course of the day, with skin appearing up to 4 month's older by the evening compared to its appearance in the morning.

Many skincare products offer results for the long term effects of ageing, but don't take into account the fact that deterioration can occur over 12 hours, with markers such as under eye shadowing, more obvious fine lines, increasing skin pigmentation and complexion dullness setting in as the day draws on.

Vichy Laboratories evaluated seven ageing markers and set about creating a product that would counter both the signs of ageing over time as well as the issue of daily ageing. The result of their findings has given rise to Vichy Liftactiv Supreme, the innovative new facial cream, which helps correct both of these areas.

Vichy Liftactiv Supreme claims to improve the look of skin during the day as well as tackling the longer lasting effects of ageing. Using 3D Optical Correction technology it smooths and illuminates the complexion. The formula contains Adenosine and Caffiene to offer a dermo-smoothing effect to combat expression lines, fill out fine lines and reduce dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Rhamnose acts on the ageing markers and helps thicken the epidermis, while Neohesperidin is an antioxidant that protects the skin's protective barrier. It has aggressive anti-wrinkle and firmness correcting care with a long lasting lifting effect, resulting in smoother and younger looking skin.

I received a sample of the Vichy Lift Activ Supreme to test. The silver packaging and stylish tub give the product the appearance of a luxury item with higher end branding.  The product itself is thick, rich and creamy with a pleasant, light fragrance and it goes on smoothly, absorbing into the skin without any feeling of greasiness. On application it gives the skin a feeling of smoothness, which I really liked. The use of blurring particles and mattifying powders make the skin look illuminated with a more uniform texture and radiance. It felt really nice to apply giving a fresh feel to my skin.

Throughout the day, my skin felt well nourished and fresh and my under eye area definitely looked less shadowed and puffy. I can't say that I have particularly noticed any signs of over day ageing, unless I've had a particularly fraught day, so that is definitely a positive for the product.

Having a product that helps combat the signs of ageing as well as giving my complexion a lift throughout the day is great for my confidence as I am getting older.

Vichy Liftactiv Supreme is available from Boots stores and online priced at £29.95 RRP.  Find out more at www.liftactivsupreme.co.uk/liftactiv-supreme.

Who has been voted the Ultimate Beauty Icon of all time?

New research by Amway has revealed that Hollywood's Golden Age is still considered to be the era that has produced the most beautiful women, whose looks we all aspire to emulate.  Beyonce may be the most Googled female of 2014, but when it comes to beauty icons, she was rated #5 behind the glamour of Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, who claimed the number one spot.  It seems that when it comes to beauty icons, we still favour the old school, sultry sirens and the effortlessly elegant and stylish women from the silver screen to today's pop stars and actresses.  Even Scarlett Johansson, who has been crowned 'Sexiest Woman Alive' couldn't compete with the big beauty hitters of the golden age, placing at number 10, behind Brigitte Bardot and Ava Gardner.  Kate Moss polled just 2% of the vote.

The survey of over 2000 women also revealed views about what they felt defined beauty and about their own personal beauty regimes.

68% of women said that confidence is the holy grail when it comes to beauty whilst 57% claimed being in love made women feel more attractive.  38% of women claimed that having a full face of make-up made them feel better about themselves.

Age doesn't necessarily have an adverse effect on a woman's view of her own beauty.  Woman over 55 were more content with their looks with 26% having a positive view of their beauty compared with just 22% of women aged 18 - 24.  The younger women also feel the need to wear make-up to make themselves feel beautiful (19.8%) whereas the older women are less inclined to rely on cosmetics to feel good (3.74%) recognising the benefits of lifestyle, diet and exercise.

The majority of British women are still quite thrifty when it comes to spending money on beauty products with almost half shelling out less than £10 a month, although a minority admit to spending in excess of £50!

Amway's ARTISTRY skincare and make-up collection has been making women feel beautiful for many years, with its ethos of creating the very best formulations to make women look and feel their best whatever their age or lifestyle.

I was sent some of their new ARTISTRY INTENSIVE SKINCARE Advanced Skin Refinisher which offers skin smoothing benefits, that they claim to be comparable to professional fractional laser treatment.  With age, the skin's texture becomes duller and rougher and pores become more visible. So I was very willing to test out it out, especially given that my aging skin needs a little help in these departments!

I am not usually one to rave over beauty products but this skin refinisher is pretty amazing.  In just one application of the cream, my skin looked more refined, smoother and softer with less visible pores. It felt velvety to touch and some of my fine wrinkles seemed less prominent.  The minimisation of the pores on my cheeks was really pleasing to see and I couldn't stop stroking my face!

The results are thanks to a blend of active ingredients.  Optical diffusers mattify the skin for a soft-focus effect. Lentil Seed Extract is an antioxidant that minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores. Java Tea Extract suppresses sebum production and Star Fruit  Leaf Extract tightens the pore's structure to prevent slackening over time. Oat Extract and NMF Sugars exfoliate and smooth away roughness.

During clinical trials 98% of users felt their skin was softer and smoother and in 4 weeks the appearance of pores was reduced by 62%.

The ARTISTRY products don't come cheap with the Skin Refinisher selling at £53.35, however this is much cheaper than professional treatment and can be used in the comfort of your own home.  It can be used with other products in the ARTISTRY INTENSIVE SKINCARE Collection for an efficacious skincare regime.

One thing's for sure, having my skin look and feel better definitely made me feel more confident and, as confidence is the holy grail of beauty, I felt good about myself - even make-up free!

www.amway.co.uk

Ebody - Clean and Exfoliate the Natural Way

I am a big fan of the e-cloth brand, which uses the latest fibre technology to offer a great alternative to conventional, chemical based cleaning.  We already use e-cloth to deliver chemical free cleaning in our home: polishing windows, cleaning our TV, wiping down surfaces and mopping our floor.  We even use the e-cloth oven cleaning cloth to help keep our oven clean.

Now, we can also deep cleanse and exfoliate ourselves without the need for harsh chemical scrubs using the brand's ebody Spa Collection. This is great news for people with sensitive skin, allergies or for those of us trying to minimise the use of harsh chemical products in the home. Using micro-fibre technology, the cleansing fibres work with just a little face wash and water to create a rich lather, while cleansing pores and exfoliating the skin.  ebody also utilises micro-dry technology on a range of towels, which absorb four times the moisture of cotton at twice the speed. The ebody towel range is a perfect time saving addition to a beauty regime and ideal for sports use or travel.

I was sent a Face Cleansing Mitt and a Hair Turban to try out.

The ebody Face Cleansing Mitt has fine weave fibres that gently but effectively clean your face.  It can remove make-up, even mascara, without the need for harsh creams or lotions. Just add a little lather from a mild cleanser to create lots of fine bubbles that lift dirt and grime from the skin leaving it smooth and feeling clean without the need for specialist wipes, lotions or exfoliators.

The mitts cost £6.99 and are guaranteed for 300 washes meaning they will last for ages. They make your cleanser last for ages too, generating lots of lather from a small amount, making them cost effective in the long run.  

The hair turban is a must have product as far as I'm concerned.  I swear by them as I have long, unruly hair that needs to be restrained after a shower!  The ebody Hair Turban is a really good size and is made from soft waffle-like material.  It fits securely on the head with a button up fastening.  It really does work fast, absorbing the dampness from the hair.  

It costs £12.99 but with the 300 wash guarantee it will last for years.  I think it is a great product that is comfy and secure to wear, and which dries the hair fast.

All e-cloth products including the ebody range can be bought directly through the e-cloth website where delivery is free on orders over £10.

I think the ebody range would make brilliant stocking fillers for older kids and teens or could be used in a pamper hamper for a loved one.

Anti-Aging Skincare - Edition Edelweiss by SIIN

When I hear the word 'Edelweiss' my mind conjures up images of delicate white flowers, snow capped mountains and singing nuns!  Nowadays, hearing that word also brings the beautiful Austrian Edition Edelweiss skincare range from siin to mind. The innovative anti-aging products harness the powerful antibacterial,antiseptic and antioxidant effects of the Edelweiss plant, to create a luxurious, full facial experience.

I received a beautiful limited edition gift box containing a 30ml Milky Cleansing gel and a 30ml 24 hr Essence Cream so I could try it for myself.

I am not usually a slave to a beauty regime.  I generally use a natural, vegetable soap on my face and splash with cold water.  At 45, I probably should be thinking more about moisturising, but hate the feeling of greasy, congested skin.  I'm also quite sensitive and experience tightness when using some products.  So I was actually quite excited to try such a luxury, grown-up product!  Now the cold weather is upon us, I have noticed my skin feeling quite dry, so it was the perfect time to test out the Edition Edelweiss products.

The Edelweiss Milky Cleansing gives deep pore cleansing and nutrient rich regeneration to the face and neck.  The active ingredients relaxes stressed skin, making it feel revitalised, hydrated and cleansed.  It contains Edelweiss extract, rose oil, Goji berry with vitamins C, A and B and Ginseng root extract.  The gel turns creamy and milky when a little water is added and feels really luxurious when massaged into the skin.  It has a lovely, natural scent and is a pleasure to use.  It is great for removing make-up and leaves skin glowing.

The 24 hr Essence Cream is an intensive day and night cream that moisturises, neutralises free radicals and protects the skin.  It contains Edelweiss extract, Aloe Vera, Olive Leaf extract, wheatgerm extract and Jojoba oil.  The rich cream is easily absorbed with no greasiness, leaving skin silky and smooth to the touch. 

Benefits include:

Extensive and long-lasting hydration

Neutralises damaging free radicals

Enhances collagen production

Reduction of wrinkles

Aromatherapy stimulates the skin and indulges the senses

These products really do feel lovely to use, the quality shines through.  The 24 hr Essence Cream is a great base for make-up and my complexion looked brighter (certainly not as dull as usual!) after using both products.  My skin did not feel at all tight and I definitely felt more radiant.  I really liked the fact that the day and night cream felt so light on the skin, but was so hydrating and enriching.  They are very gentle on the skin and the scent really is lovely.  I feel thoroughly pampered when using them.

siin is a premium brand.  The products are paraben and paraffin free and not tested on animals.  The natural plant extracts have many properties that can help slow down the visible effects of aging on the skin.  They carry a money back guarantee as the company is so confident in the quality of their products.  

Because of the quality, the products do carry a higher price tag than many beauty products found on the high street.  The set I received retails at £52.90.  If you want to treat yourself to some top quality beauty products, or if you want to pop it on your Christmas list this year, you can find the Essence Edelweiss products at www.siinlife.co.uk.

Secrets Behind Beauty - An Infographic

Escape and unwind by creating a real pamper session at home with indulgent bodycare products.

This post is a PR Collaboration.

Clean Up Your Act With JooMo

A revolutionary new skincare product has been launched, which is challenging the natural skincare industry to clean up its act on misleading packaging and use of the word 'natural'.  JooMo Ltd, which has developed the first ever 100% truly natural face wash, has released industry research which shows most of the big name skin brands that claim to be natural are in fact far from it, with some ingredients which are also found in drain cleaner and others that have been linked to breast cancer.  The founders of Joomo, Nick Wallen and Linda Russell, embarked on an extensive campaign to identify and address this problem, coming up with a completely natural solution.  Using scientific and historical research including Chinese methods, JooMo is a completely safe, natural and effective face wash that helps repair damage, deals with problems and rebuilds skin's natural defences to prevent future allergies, infection and inflammation.  It contains a revolutionary skin care product, SaponinJ which consists of a specially balanced formula of Saponins, essential oils, sea salt, natural sugars, natural pH modifiers, antioxidants, softeners and emollients.

JooMo Face Wash comes in a very funky squeezy tube which makes it look great for the teen market.   It is aimed at youngsters (teens to twenties) with senstive skin, skin prone to spots, inflammation or soreness.  It is a face wash and moisturiser in one, and comes in a Honey and Orange variety.

JooMo

The wash itself has an amazing smell.  With hints of honey, orange and cinnamon it really does reflect its natural ingredients.  The orangey-brown gel like wash does not foam up, but feels rich and creamy against your skin.  It smells divine.  It rinses off well and leaves skin feeling clean without any tightness or irritation.  A little goes a long way so it will last well.

I have been testing the Joomo for about a while now and I think it is a really nice product (OK I know I am not in the teen to twenties age group but I wanted to test it for myself).  It feels so gentle and I've had no problems in that time.  Sometimes I get patches of dry skin around my chin area and sometimes even the occasional hormonal breakout...but so far so good!  I also suffer from psoriasis on my hands but have not had a flare-up, even though the weather has been really hot which is usually a trigger for it.

My skin feels really nice and I am reassured that this is completely natural.  Many big brand products do contain natural ingredients and plant extracts, but they also have unnatural, synthetic chemicals in them too.  The long term effect of putting these on your skin is not really known.  I love companies that strive to deliver a truly natural product.

I will happily let my girls use this product as I am sure that using harsh facial products on their skin is one of the reasons that teenagers can have skin problems. I will definitely be buying more.

For more information on this product and to buy it online, you can visit joomo.coop.  A 100ml tube costs £4.75 with a flat rate postage of £2.50 for any number of items ordered.  The company's mission and ethos is quite inspirational.  The product is great.  What more needs to be said??!!

Winter Skincare Solution

If this year, you have made a resolution to take better care of your skin, or if  you are feeling the effects of the frosty weather on your face and need to nourish your skin, I have the perfect new product for you from Montagne Jeunesse!

Thousands of years ago, in Ancient Egypt, Olive Oil was used to help purify and cleanse skin – today Montagne Jeunesse has added a few extra scrumptious hydrating and nourishing ingredients along with a gorgeous scent to this wonder product to create its brand new Virgin Olive Masque.

This natural beauty treat contains nourishing and luxurious pressed Virgin Olive Oil which will leave skin super soft and supple and ultra-moisturising, rich shea & cocoa butter will give pores a delicious deep-cleanse. Skin is left feeling clear and clean plus Aloe Vera will help to cool and soothe. Olive Oil also has a high antioxidant content, which can help to delay aging of the skin. Our ancestors were on to something when they discovered this beauty-friendly oil!

Not only is Olive Oil totally nourishing to your skin, it’s nothing but natural oil extracted from the olive fruit with endless health benefits and essential vitamins. All this plus the cocoa butter we use are both Organic and Fair Trade certified.  And as with all Montagne Jeunesse products it is completely vegetarian and animal friendly.

So if you’re looking for a pamper treat that’s bursting with delicious and natural ingredients, look no further than the Montagne Jeunesse Virgin Olive masque.

To use, simply cleanse and thoroughly moisten face with warm water. Apply the masque evenly to face and neck, avoiding eyes and lips. Relax for 10-15 minutes and feel the Olive nourish your skin. Rinse with water, pat dry. Treat your skin twice a week.

RRP from £1.01 available from ASDA and www.montagnejeunesse.com where there is is 4 for 3 offer currently underway!

Nip + Fab Review...Part 2

My first Nip + Fab review  posted last week, listed and explained about the range of Nip + Fab Fixes I won so I won't repeat myself!  Since then I have been updating my experience of using the Clean Fix, Moisture Fix, Scrub Fix and Lip and Nip Fix daily on Nip + Fab's Facebook wall.   Here is a copy of my posts: 


"The Clean Fix is different to any cleanser I've ever used before. It is an oil that you massage onto dry skin. It has a lovely light fragrance. When warm water is applied, the oil emulsifies and it can then be washed off easily leaving the skin feeling soft and supple. I'm convinced I can see a difference already! "


"The Moisture Fix is a great product. This winter has left my skin quite dry but this light moisturiser works a treat. It is easily absorbed and a little goes a long way. My skin feels really smooth and soft and my complexion looks brighter."


"The Nip+ Fab Lip and Nip Fix really is perfect for popping in your handbag. This cold weather leaves me with dry, chapped lips. This ultra protective balm nourishes and replenishes dry skin, so it is perfect to smooth over my lips throughout the day. As the balm is so thick, you only need a little smear to feel a big effect. I have used this little tube of balm for a few days and my lips feel smooth and healthy. I haven't tried it on any other problem areas but it is verstaile and if a dry patch presents itself, I wouldn't hesitate to reach for this SOS Fix!"

"It was Nip+Fab's Scrub Fix's turn to impress me last night and it definitely delivered! The texture had a good amount of exfoliating particles that I could really feel working its magic on my skin. It rinsed off well leaving my skin looking more refined and brighter. Unlike some scrubs, it didn't make my face feel tight or dry afterwards. I asked my husband what he thought of my skin after 4 days of using Nip + Fab's skincare products. He kissed me on the cheek and said it felt like silk!! What a smooth talker!"

As you can see, I am really genuinely impressed with these products.  They are all really quick and easy to use which is a huge consideration when "me time" is in short supply, yet they do what they promise.  They are an everyday product offering affordable yet high end treatments, with technologically advanced and clinically proven ingredients. 

Celebrities seem to love the range...so if it's good enough for Denise Van Outen, Alexandra Burke and Kimberley Walsh...then it's good enough for me!

My skin really does feel more refined, and is smoother and freshing looking.  Given my recent over indulgences, poor diet and insomnia, that is no mean feat. 

The package design is simple and unpretentious and has a clear, recognisable brand identity that is used across the range.  The pump action dispensers on the Moisture Fix and the Clean Fix minimize waste and make the products easy and practical to use.

The Nip + Fab Facial Skincare range is available at Boots and Harvey Nicholls stores.  Prices start at £8.25 for the Lip and Nip Fix.   

I would definitely recommend these products for their ease of use, effectiveness and results!

Here's my video review (...oh the shame of being videoed without any make-up, hair pulled back, in my pj top...but my committment to my reviews knows no bounds!!)

Nip + Fab Review - Part One

Nip + Fab is the new beauty wonder range that has been launched in the UK.  This clinically tested range for face and body delivers eleven targeted treatments crammed with breakthrough natural and technologically advanced skin smoothing, boosting and firming ingredients.  The creator, Maria Hatzistefanis, says that men and women can "achieve results in double quick time, with minimum fuss..." at affordable prices.  Celebrities such as Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh have been extolling the virtues of these exciting new products!

So, when Nip + Fab held a competition on their Facebook page , I jumped at the chance to enter.

I said:  I'd love to volunteer and report back on Nip + Fab's Skincare range. I'm a mum of five who would love the opportunity to give my beauty regime an overhaul using your amazing products. My tired, dull complexion is crying out to be pampered. I'd have my Flip ready to record the transformation as Nip + Fab works its magic, and a new fresher faced me would be revealed for the whole of Facebook to see!

I was delighted to be chosen and excited to receive Nip + Fab's Skincare Range.

The Clean Fix is a 2 in 1 cleanser and make-up remover containing gentle oils, neroli and mandarin.  It cleanses without disrupting the skin's natural balance.

The Moisture Fix leaves skin hydrated and protected with antioxidant grapeseed oil, 'filling' and plumping hyaluronic acid spheres and age combatting meadowfoam seed oil.  It is claimed to be (almost) a miracle in a bottle!

Scrub Fix is a triple action micro exfoliant to brighten, refine and renew.  Bamboo micro particles and salicylic acid work to give you skin that's noticeably clear and radiant.

Lip + Nip Fix is a multi-talented beauty bag gem which feeds, protects and replenishes dry and damaged skin.  An SOS must have!

On Monday I will start my new Nip + Fab facial regime and I'll be reporting back on Nip + Fab's Facebook Page  and posting a video review on my YouTube channel.

I hope it gives me the fix I need!