Indeed Labs: Eysilix Total Eye Rescuer

Eye creams have never been a part of my skincare regime. *gasp!*

Not because I have a personal vendetta against them, but mainly because I have never felt the need to use them. I'm still in my early twenties (marginally), and have no lines or wrinkles to speak of. At times I do feel a little bit of dryness around my eye area, but whenever I put my face cream on in my usual slap dash manner, my massage covers that orbital area so fast, it just feels like part of the process. It's one of those 'meh' products. But before you judge me and start pointing fingers- I'll plead my case as being guilty of taking a low-maintenance, man's man approach to eye care. I don't have any grave issues, so why bother? What's even worse I suppose, is that I work in the beauty industry. I should know better. 

*hangs head in shame*

However, in the last few months my attitude changed. Not to a cathartic degree, but more along the lines of I'm-turning-25-I-need-to-do-something. I do have a naughty sleep cycle. I do use a lot of under-eye concealer. I do wear my contacts for far too long. I do tire the hell out of my eyes staring at computers for long hours. The result? Puffiness, dehydration, and dark (semi-)circles. I'm not that bothered with lines because I know it'll come. I smile too much and it's just the law of nature. However, those three evils- all consequences of my actions, have to to be kept at bay moving forward. It's not a good look, and being that I am Asian, tired and puffy just makes my eyes look even smaller. All I wanted was a good, no-BS, detoxifying eye cream to begin with; one that would hydrate and most importantly, help with the puffiness- so I went over to the Indeed Labs shelf at Boots (makers of new cult favourites Nanoblur, Snoxin and Hydraluron) because I knew how good the products were in both quality and price point (£24.99! #BARGAIN) 

Months later, I've nearly finished my tube of Eysilix: Total Eye Rescuer, I can finally write something concrete! I firmly believe that you have to take the time to use a product before 'reviewing' it as such. So after over five months (give or take, six) of consistent AM and PM use, I must say, I'm very pleased with it. The tube dispenses just the right amount of product, it's not bulky and its easy to store. I don't mind the lack of prestige in the packaging, because the proof is in the pudding- a principle that Indeed Labs builds its brand around. The cream is enriched with 10 peptide-innovation which helps re-energize, detoxify and reduce the puffiness around the eye. It does also help target lines and wrinkles- but because I don't have many, I don't really see the difference. But maybe that's a good thing? The consistency is rich and hydrating but not overly balmy, and it gets absorbed by the skin easily. It doesn't give much slip, but it gives the same luxe feel of an expensive eye cream and you feel your skin nice and tacky to the touch. In fact, because of that consistency I can dab my concealer on right away without running the risk of it creasing after a while.

I have seen a difference since incorporating an eye cream in my regime. My under eye area is kept hydrated and dewy all day, and as a result, my make-up sits better. I don't look as tired even after just four hours of sleep, and the puffiness, though still there, is not as bad as it used to be. EVEN BETTER, it gives a nice jujj under the eye, particularly after a night on the town when you look like you need Jesus to look presentable. I'm aware of what the market has to offer, and though I also want to try a premium eye cream that boasts a whole lot of 'cutting-edge' anti-ageing technology, fortunately, that's not what I need for the time being. Another winner from Indeed Labs!

You can get Eysilix at your nearest Boots store, or HERE.

S5 Skincare: Nourish Cleanser

Whenever I'm reading up on new brands or cult favourites (definitely non-mainstream) I am filled with equal amounts of excitement, apprehension, curiosity and definitely a sense of gravitas. There's nothing wrong with jumping on bandwagons, especially when particular products are worth the hype, but there's something more satisfying and rewarding when experimenting with something new and unsung. A month ago I was searching the online boutiques for new cleansers and toners to vary up my roster, but mostly to try something new. There were a few repurchased items but those can wait to be used. I wanted something fresh. Then I saw S5 Skincare. 

S5 (Source5) Skincare was created to serve reactive skin and as the first organic cosmeceutical skincare range. Their studies and research showed that certain plants thrive and survive under extreme and volatile conditions, and therefore decided to harness this power into their skincare. Sourced from five extreme ecosystems (Marine, Alpine, Arctic, Rainforest and the Desert), S5's bioactive ingredients are clinically proven to improve and nourish the skin, 100% natural, and are biodegradable and sustainable. Click HERE for more information. 

Ideally, I start with cleansers and toners whenever I look at new brands. They good gateway products into brands because they are easy to use and mid-range in terms of price. I do have a kind of criteria when dealing with cleansers however, so that I do know that it will do what I want. Does it melt make-up? Does it cleanse thoroughly? Does it strip the skin? Is it gentle? These are the questions I ask along with texture preference. These days I favour oils and balms to cleanse my skin, and S5's Nourish Cleanser read like a dream. 

Some of the key active ingredients include (taken from their website!) :

Arctic sea buckthorn oil rich in rare omega 7 and omega 3. In clinical trials, it is proven to improve skin elasticity by 32.3%. Hydrates and reduces the appearances of redness.

Desert pomegranate oil rich in omega 5 and punicic acid, one of the most potent anti oxidants known to man reduces inflammation, supports hormone function and accelerates cellular regeneration.

High altitude rosehip oil rich in omega 6 and retinoic acid. Used for its vitamin a (retinol) and vitamin c content, as well as its antioxidant properties. Promotes epidermal regeneration. Clinically proven to speed up healing Desert argan oil rich in omega 6, 9 and tocopherol. Helps to restore the skin barrier and defend against free radicals.

Desert argan oil rich in omega 6, 9 and tocopherol. Helps to restore the skin barrier and defend against free radicals.

Full Ingredients list as seen on Beauty Bay.

The Nourish Cleanser is an oil-based balm that gently cleanses the skin of impurities without stripping it of its natural oils. Though designed for normal to dry combinations, I don't see any reason why an oily combination shouldn't be able to. In fact, if you're the oily/dehydrated type, this cleanser seems a great choice. The texture is a cross between a cleansing oil and a balm- almost like honey in thickness but less so once its massaged onto the skin. You get a good amount of massage time with it, which makes it perfect for a second cleanse and it smells like candy corn! Yum. When rinsed, the oil turns into a milk, which is very much the nature of oil-based cleansers. I use a hot flannel, but when I tried to just rinse with water on its own, the emulsified milk didn't leave much residue at all, which is normally the case with something like Shu Uemura's Cleansing Oil or Una Brennan's. 

I love the feel of this product. It's not that great at removing make-up, especially if you use longwearing products and tons of mascara. However, I prefer to use this as a second cleanse in the evening. As a morning cleanser though, it's fine on its own. It comes in a 250ml bottle for £32, which is relatively affordable for an organic range in the premium end of the spectrum. It is a definite joy to use, and for the technology, the ingredients and the benefits you get, I think it's fair. I think branching out within this brand is a definite in the near future.   

Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

I guess its obvious that I have been on an exfoliating crusade recently, but it has only done wonders to my skin! The texture is smoother, my complexion is brighter, and it has reduced the amount of angry bumps I'd get in-between shaves from in-grown facial hair. Exfoliating toners have since replaced facial scrubs in my routine, and Mario Badescu's Glycolic Acid Toner is the latest addition in my roster of acids. I hadn't heard of the brand before, but when I got my Anthony cleanser and my Liquid Gold from Beauty Bay a while back, I came across the brand. 

Mario Badescu was a Romanian skincare specialist who specialised in creating effective and affordable botanical skin care products, eventually opening since salons in New York in 1967. He has since created an empire that gave unparalleled European-style facial services and a wide range of products available for everyone and anyone (including the likes of Liv Tyler, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Moss AND MARTHA STEWART.) Well, if its good enough for Martha, it sure is gold to me!

I read the reviews, all being positive, and took a chance. Being the cat that I am, I initially didn't think much of the brand because of its very simple packaging (I like shiny packaging! Guilty.) Yes, yes, I know- one musn't judge a book by its cover, but admittedly, covers do play a part in my judgement. However, the positive reviews were glaring back at my judgemental stare, so I took a chance. The package arrived swiftly, and since my Effaclar toner was finished, I started on MB's toner right away. What struck me to begin was how short the list of ingredients was. The toner contains Water, Aloe Gel, Grapefruit Extract and 2% Glycolic Acid. Four ingredients AND no alcohol. 

The toner has a slightly citrusy, powdery scent but nothing too overwhelming. Upon application, it did leave a zingy feeling on the skin- but not was astringent at all. For the more drier skin types- do not fret. I didn't find it stripping at all, and right now my cheeks can get very dry. Normally during winter, even with intense hydration, my skin has the tendency to feel rough as well, but I haven't felt that in a good while so the toner must be doing its job. My skin was not left parched and squeaky, which is a relief because most exfoliating toners can be too exfoliating- like swabbing acetone. The 2% glycolic acid content makes it gentle enough to use daily as well, unless you're really sensitive, which in that case- you should probably check with a dermatologist. After a couple of weeks of using it day and night my skin became smoother and brighter, with all that dulling dead skin lifted in a quick swipe. No scrubbing necessary. No cons from me. 

I guess the saying is right after all. Some products may lavish on their packaging, but the contents of this plain, unassuming bottle from Mario Badescu actually does what it says and to great effect. No need for super space-age sheen. 

Purchase yours here at £17.95 for 8oz. It also comes in a bigger size, which I will be sure to purchase when I run out!

Have you tried this toner before? Sound off below!

Anthony Logistics for Men: Glycolic Facial Cleanser

Photo courtesy of BeautyBay: I normally take my own but I was camera-less for ages since I bought this. 

I saw this cleanser on Caroline Hirons' blog a while back and thought it sounded pretty good, especially since I have suffered from painful in-grown bumps from shaving a different way a few weeks back. I normally shave with the grain, but I tried to shave against the grain for a closer shave and surprise, surprise, my skin reacted- BADLY. A day or two later, I was nursing red, irritated cysts caused by in-grown hair follicles that obviously irritated my skin. I needed a solution fast, so I went back to this cleanser and did my reading. A miracle wasn't necessary, but a solution and future preventative product was ideal, so I hopped up on Beauty Bay who had an offer going on some of their skincare (including Anthony's) and purchased this Glycolic Cleanser among other things. 

The cleanser is a lovely, silky, non-foaming creme that helps exfoliate and decongest the pores, therefore leaving a better surface for growth of facial hair- especially post-shave. It contains Vitamins A, C, & E that nourishes the skin, as well as aloe vera to soothe and calm after the razor attack. It does say on the website that it was developed for men specifically, but like La Hirons have said- it really doesn't matter. My mom shares this cleanser with me and she likes that it gives her a nice glow after cleansing. Plus, the fact that it is an exfoliating cleanser with 4.9% glycolic acid, my mum has since skipped using granular face scrubs in favour of this. 

Unlike most exfoliating cleansers for normal/combination skin types, Anthony's GFC does not dry out the skin at all, which is really ideal especially when I use it after shaving because I know that my skin isn't completely stripped to an inch of it's life. The creme also has a yummy, citrusy fragrance- almost like chewable Vit.C tablets.  I had since let my beard and 'stache grow considerably to give my skin a good rest, and soon after went back to shaving with the grain. After using this cleanser for about four weeks, I can say that it does work and it had helped save my skin. Not in a miraculous way, but over time and regular use, facial hair growth has gone back to normal and I have not had any angry bumps for the last two weeks. Considering that I shave almost every other day, I'd like to think that those are very good results! 

You can purchase it at Beauty Bay, for £18.90 at 237ml. Pretty much a bargain!

A Tale of Two Balms: Dior Crème de Rose et Crème Abricot

It appears that I'm coming in late in the game, but my god- what a find! This sister pair of balms from Dior have been nothing but impressive, I'm kicking myself for not having used it before! Created back in the 1960s, these cult beauty products have been (so it appears) staples in the industry as super performers. 

Aveda Intensive Hydrating Masque

Aveda Intensive Hydrating Masque, £28 for 150ml

I, like most people (probably), found out about this masque through Pixiwoo's vlog interview with skin care whiz, the great Caroline Hirons. In fact, up until that video, I hadn't known that Aveda had a skincare range. It's a brand I have always associated with haircare, probably because that's all they sell in salons, but as it turns out, Aveda has everything from haircare to skincare and beauty- the whole shebang. Anyway- Caroline featured this masque as a favourite for having a good amount of hyaluronic acid; moisture magnets that bind moisture to the skin and can hold up to 10x its weight in water. In any case, the world has finally caught on (and so have I)- there's even a drinkable form now! 

This masque is perhaps one of the best moisture masques I have come across. I have been using it for the last couple of months now, on a twice a week routine, and I have noticed a considerable difference in the way my skin retains moisture. It's oil free with a refreshing scent, and it comes as a cooling gel that's rich in potent plant-derived humectants (note: HA) and calming and soothing ingredients, mainly aloe vera, kelp and lavender. I apply a thick layer after toning and leave it on for 10 minutes (sometimes I forget and I leave it for longer), then rinse/wipe with a hot cloth. The result is a much smoother texture, tacky even, but in a good way, like the skin is finally ready to absorb more hydration. I then follow it up with my current roster of winter serums (either ANR2, Hydraluron or Clarins' HydraQuench Bi-Phase Serum) and face creams. 

Its a great masque to have in your arsenal during the colder months, regardless of your skin type. The fact that it's oil-free means those with oily skins can enjoy the benefits of hydration without the worry of overloading the skin and triggering breakouts. In fact, I still use a clay mask in targeted areas alongside this one. I tend to get very dry around the cheeks to I keep the clay around t-zone only. So far, the combo has been fine. 

It is a tad pricy for a face masque at £28 a pop, but it's bigger than your average 100ml and it works. Buy it from John Lewis, here. 

Winter Must Haves: Hand Creams

It's that time of the year again folks! The biting cold has come upon us, forcing our beautiful hands to bury themselves deep within our pockets for warmth and protection against the chill. That, or we just wear gloves. Unlike most of you though, unless it's as an operatic fashion statement, I actually don't wear gloves that often during the winter season. I like the feel of the cold, especially if it's snowing- I like to really immerse my palms in the frost. Dangerous, I know, but what can I say? I revel in the cold season. Plus, it saves me having to take my gloves off every time I have to send a text or skip to another song on my iPod (damned touch screens!)- that is, if I have any feeling left in my fingers. That said, I do make sure that my hands are protected at all times, and that means only one thing- HAND CREAM.

The cold weather notoriously dries out the skin to the point of chapping, splitting and roughness, so one must always be armed with at least one high performance cream to soothe, moisturize and repair the skin after the daily assaults of Jack Frost. Plus the more you take care of your hands, the younger they will look in the future. After all, if I'm going to be an ice queen, I'd rather have a soft touch and pretty fingers ;)

So without further ado, here are my top picks for Must Have Hand Creams this winter. Rest assured I have tried and tested them all for years and years, and their consistent high performance is what makes me repurchase not only during winter but all year round. In no particular order, here we go!

L'Occitane en Provence Shea Butter Hand Cream, £19 for 150ml- L'Occitane has quite a range of hand creams but out of the lot this remains my favourite. Its a no BS, nourishing hand cream that incorporates the moisturising properties of Shea Butter (20%), coconut and almond oils. The fragrance is subtle but creamy, and the texture lovely and rich- a perfect soothing cream for dry skin that sinks in rapidly to replenish moisture. Non-greasy but gives you enough emollience for a pampering hand massage before bed, leaving the skin soft and comfortably hydrated. 

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Intensive Moisturizing Hand Treatment, £25 for 75ml- Out of the group, this is the most recent one I've tried. I'm a big fan of the Eight Hour Treatment range (but the original EH Cream, not so much -.-) and it was all started by the lip balm. This beautiful gel cream delivers wonderful results, creating a silky moisture barrier that helps soothe and soften weather-exposed skin. It does take a bit more time to sink in, so it makes for a wonderful bedside staple but during the day, a little goes a long way. It doesn't have an overpowering fragrance either which is good. 

Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, £20 for 100ml- This hand cream was my gateway product into the brand. It's a lovely hand cream that helps keep the skin hydrated while it gives anti-oxidant benefits by way of Sesame Oil. This cream also helps reduce the appearance of dark spots thanks to the Japanese Mulberry extract, but that's something I have yet to attest to. After all I'm only 23 and if genetics are any indication, age spots aren't a usual occurrence in my family so I don't expect them anytime soon. However I can say that the cream does help stregthen nails- I am prone to chipping and breaking but my nails are always nourished and in tip-top shape when I use this cream (pre- and post-manicure go-to!) I'm not sure if there has been a change in the formula because the recent ones seem to sink in faster and aren't as emollient in comparison to what I've had before (and this is in between the repackaging period it went through). It's a good thing though if they have tweaked it, which means this is perfect for use during the day if you're on the go. If not, maybe my tube was just old. 

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5, £15.50 for 100ml- HANDS DOWN (hey!) my favourite all-purpose balm as of late. I was never an Eight Hour guy, but LRP's Cicaplast Balm is doing everything I expected EH to do and better. You can use it on your lips, your face, and body. The balm contains 5% Panthenol (Vit. B5) which soothes and comforts, and Shea Butter and Glycerin which softens and plumps up the skin. The beauty of this balm is that not only does it address almost all dry-skin related issues, but it is has antibacterial properties which help protect skin with minor grazes and burns and is formulated for people who suffer from sensitive and irritable skin. For me, this is the ultimate Repair + Protect cream on the market today. 

Neutrogena Norweigan Formula Concentrated Hand Cream, £3.85 for 50ml- I remember my mum using the original hand cream when I was very young and since then I have had it as a staple in every bag I own. This little tube, now concentrated, is handy, effective and really cheap- everything you need without too much this or that. You only need a small amount to really soften dry, and chapped skin thanks to its high concentration of glycerin (2nd in the list.) If its formulation really is made to withstand Scandinavian climate, then a winter in England is child's play in comparison. I have yet to come across disappointment from this range. 

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector, £10 for 100ml- This hand cream is Body Shop bread and butter. Absolutely one of their bestsellers and with good reason. The Community Trade Hemp Seed Oil is rich in fatty acids which helps in soothing extremely dry skin, and creating a moisture barrier to keep hands hydrated even under the harshest conditions. If you have tough, dry skin that is prone to splitting and cracks, or if you suffer from eczema, this should be your desert island product. I know a lot of hairdressers and builders buy this tube by the dozen due to their lines of work. It is a thick and rich cream, almost like a balm actually, and you only need a little with each use. One thing I will say about this product is the fragrance. It's got a weird, herby (! *.*) smell to it that at times can be a deal breaker, but the smell remains trivial as it is high performance AND effective. You can apply liberally if you like to use moisturising gloves overnight almost as a masque for the hands. It's no surprise that whenever this hand cream goes on half price at TBS, people flock to stock up three tubes at a time! *Having serious flashbacks of working for TBS* 

What are your winter hand cream staples?

REN Rose O12 Moisture Defence Serum

I'm still fairly new to REN Skincare, but so far, all of the products I have tried and tested have delivered favourable results. Especially for a relatively new (commercially anyway), mid-range skincare brand, REN isn't just niche and trendy. With it's brand philosophy of Performance, Purity and Pleasure- REN provides groundbreaking technology with an affordable pricetag, and free from harmful synthetic* products. I love the feel of the products on my skin and I must say, I have yet to come across a dud! So *high five!* REN folk! 

This serum is the latest product I have acquired and it spoke to me in a very timely manner. In the last month or so, you may have read from my recent posts that my skin has started to go through its seasonal transition. There are days when my skin is so dry, it will literally absorb ANYTHING I put on it- yet still managing a teeny, tiny shine on my nose. It is during this period that I really rely on serums to not only replenish and rebalance my skin's moisture levels, but also to boost the efficacy of my moisturisers. For the last four weeks I have been using REN's Rose O12 Moisture Defence Serum under my day and night cream, and I think that's fair enough time to give a short term verdict. So, here we go!

Una Brennan Superfacialist Tea Flower Pore Purifying Clay Mask

One of the things that aggravate me during my skincare transition from S/S to A/W, are breakouts. Like clockwork, these little clusters of nuisance pop up to stay awhile like unwelcome guests during Thanksgiving. 

I guess it is that switch from super light and mattifying skincare, to products that are slightly more rich in nature. It's not the end of the world, but it can get a little annoying when all those little spots appear. However, over the years I have devised an effective routine to combat these mini-breakouts and to this day it has been my failsafe remedy. Clay masks are integral to my arsenal. They absorb excess oil and help declog the pores. Until the spots go away, I would normally stick to using a clay mask twice a week consistently until the problem is solved. 

However, there are so many out in the market today, all seemingly poised to do the same thing. How do I choose which one to use, you ask?  It's all about the ingredients and knowing what your skin needs and what these components will do to help address the issue. Also, there is the matter of price points- but as they are masks, and most contain the same beneficial ingredients anyway, I normally just go for a good mid-range one. No need to splurge serious money on a clay mask. Unless they have magical Adobe Lightroom properties incorporated, but even then, no thanks. 

These days, my go-to breakout weapon is Una Brennan's Superfacialist Tea Flower Pore Purifying Mask. This particular product was my gateway item into Una Brennan's delightful range of affordable yet extremely effective skin care, and in the last year I have reached for this tube every time my skin needed a quick detox. As far as clay masks go, some can dry out the skin really badly, however this one doesn't. The mask does contain Avocado Oil, and Acacia Honey which does help with calming and soothing the skin as it works, also leaving it moisturised and supple as opposed to tight and dry. There is a tingling sensation once applied but a bearable one at that. The star ingredients are of course, Salicylic Acid and Dead Sea Mud that help unclog and provide deep cleansing for congested pores and aid in controlling excess sebum. It's a great treatment, especially when following a lovely steam facial. You can just feel the product working you know? 

If you're skin is on the drier side (my winter skin can be VERY dry..) I would recommend using the mask as a targeted treatment (i.e T-Zone only, or cheeks, which are the more common areas for breakouts.) Just apply where needed to isolate the area and to prevent further dryness. Clay does absorb moisture after all. I then finish off by using a non-oily serum (typically EL's ANR or Hydraluron) and a face cream relevant to my skin's current state, to replenish on moisture. At the moment, Neal's Yard's Frankincense Hydrating Cream is doing the job well. Review to follow!  

This mask retails at an affordable £8.99 at Boots. Such a great steal!

Have you tried this mask before? Sound off below!

Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum

I had only been aware of Aesop since the beginning of the year, and it wasn't until three weeks ago that I decided to finally try the brand out for myself. I really wasn't looking for anything in particular as I was pretty satisfied with the routine I had going at the time but since reading lots of good reviews over the Parsley Seed range- serum in particular, I went in to the Covent Garden store to check it out. Thinking about it, I didn't really use a serum for the day but ever since the season shift, my skin had gone from really oily to quite dry like clockwork, so perhaps I did need an extra boost for my daily moisturiser just to keep my skin from being thirsty.

The store had a nice apothecary vibe to it, very hipster chic, which really makes sense as to why it appeals as part of the wole-niche-skincare-movement. The glass packaging is nice and thick to keep the products protected from direct sunlight, and the weight gives it a more premium feel and again- very old school (note: what is it with brands and the dropper? Seriously, but whatever.) The consultants were more than happy to give some advice with the products and it was then that I was told that actually, the Parsley Seed Serum is a moisturiser. Aesop had created the product to be a light alternative to face creams but with the same impact and benefits. I suppose considering the urban context, it makes sense that city folk would opt for something quick and easy and no fuss, especially the gents. Now I had no issues with that actually, and it was an idea that sounded good to me. Save money and effort on one product and all that. 

As for the serum itself, it was lovely. It comes in a 100ml bottle but for £45 is pretty good value, considering most decent serums start at that price point from 30ml. The consistency is medium weight and silky, actually thicker than most serums I have tried in the past but not at all emollient or greasy. It penetrates the skin quickly and gives a very tacky, moisturised feeling. It doesn't have a fragrance which is preferred, and ingredients-wise, it's obviously great, packed full of antioxidants and moisturising components such as:

Camelia sinensis- its part of the Camelia family, but instead of the flowers this plant's leaves are widely used for tea. Green tea to be exact, and as you know that green tea is high in anti-oxidants. I also like to think that it provides some sort of detox for the skin. 

Chamomile oil (Ormentis Multicaulis)- is an antibacterial oil but it is also a great skin conditioner with soothing properties.

Parsley Seed Oil- The star ingredient is antiseptic and it helps tone the skin due to it being astringent. 

Aloe Vera- is obviously Xanax for the skin. It calms and soothes even the most sensitive skin.

After using it for almost three weeks, I have come to the conclusion that this product is a good daily serum for the low-maintenance person. I don't mean that offensively, I just mean that if you are the kind of person who wants efficient, effective and no-fuss skincare, this is it. It's a one step moisturising regime with free radical protection. On days where I like to let my skin breathe and don't wear makeup at all, I have used this serum on its own because it is enough hydration for me. However, in saying that- we are moving closer to the colder months and so I would actually couple this with a moisturiser. Just because the cold, the air conditioning at work and the daily make-up will prove too much for just the serum on it's own- and it has. I still use this as my morning serum but in the last week or so I had to layer it with a moisturiser to keep my skin hydrated for the duration of the day. 

Darphin Hydraskin Rich

In the last month, I have definitely noticed the gradual shift in the season. On that front, my skin is the ultimate gauge because it literally goes from one extreme to the next. Now that summer is kinda (finally!) over, my face has gone from ridiculously oily to a little too dry. Not tight and itchy dry, but dull and dehydrated dry. Interestingly enough, I actually get more acne prone during this period than when my skin is at its slickest. To combat this in-between season skin, I have decided to go a little richer than usual, which I always love. Mattifying moisturisers are great for the during the day but at night I like to really pamper my skin with a richer face cream, you know- the whole sensory bedtime ritual to really kickstart the repair and nourishing overnight. And for this reason, I have gone for Darphin's Hydraskin Rich. 

Burt's Bees Cleansers

Hello dear readers!

Apologies for the lack of posts recently. I really should work on making these posts more regular. However, a major silver lining would be that I actually get the time to try the products out for a good while before making a judgement on them! Which, I suppose is really the point of beauty blogging, especially when it comes to skincare. You need the time to see results! Needless to say, I have a couple of exciting to new find that I would very much like to share with y'all!

A few weeks back, I found some free time to visit a friend in Norwich. It's not hard to find these pockets of time right now because I only work part time, but I foresee less of these breaks in the upcoming Christmas quarter. If you work in retail, let's all hold our hands and breaths because Hell is coming. Anyway, one of the highlights of my trip was a chance to pop in to Jarrolds. If you haven't been to Norwich centre before, make sure to make a pit stop there as it is such a lovely department store. Very old-world, but with an AMAH-ZING beauty hall! For me, it is the nearest store that stock most of the brands I have grown to love, so I made sure to top up on my Caudalie and Darphin. I also got REN's Glycolactic Mask, which I could have gotten in Peterborough but since I was there, it would have been stupid to not buy it. It was literally siren calling at me. So got that. What piqued my interest the most however, were these two cleansers from Burt's Bees.

Vichy Normaderm: Purifying Astringent Lotion and Chrono Active Night Care

NORMADERM PURIFYING ASTRINGENT LOTION, £10.50 for 200ml

Out of the lot, this product was the one I was really impressed with. I have been such a big fan of La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Astringent Toner that initially, I didn't really want to try Vichy's toner. But since it was on offer, it was the cheapest of the three and so I got it for free anyway. Surprise, surprise! It was the best out of the three. I probably wouldn't trade my Effaclar for it, but it comes at a very close second in the category of French Pharmacy brands that I've tried. 

PROS: Price-wise, it's doesn't dent the plastic too much, especially when it's on offer like a 3 for 2, you can't really beat that. As far as skin caring ingredients are concerned, this exfoliant has all the stars. Salicylic and Glycolic Acids are present to really unclog and clean the pores, helping in tightening them, as well as exfoliating the surface of dead skin cells to help reveal a brighter complexion. It also contains Glycerin, which is a great ingredient for keeping the skin moisturised, preventing the skin from drying as it works by attracting water from the base layers of the skin up to the surface. I have used some exfoliating toners in the past that have really dried out my skin to the point that in the walk from my bathroom to my room, my skin gets tight and really, really thirsty. This particular one however, mattifies without drying too much. The Hydrogenated Castor Oil  together with their own Thermal Water, also helps soothe and soften the skin, which is ideal if you have sensitive skin (primarily because that's what the brand specialises in) or dry skin that can be prone to irritation. 

CONS: I was really pleased with the product, so no cons from me at all. 

VERDICT: 4 out of 5. I would buy it again. 

***

NORMADERM CHRONO-ACTIVE ANTI-IMPERFECTION NIGHT CARE, £12.77 for 50ml

What a name. Such a mouthful, but whatever. At least it says it all on the headline right? 

From their website, Vichy explains that Normaderm Nuit limits the production of excess sebum at night with its Pore Targeting Technology, which works deep into the heart of the pores, dissolving any dead cells and unclogging them to tighten and reduce it's visibility, night after night. In the course of my trial, I didn't use a serum at all, so I applied this directly post-toning every evening.  

Vichy Normaderm: Anti-Ageing Resurfacing Care Lotion

I've been meaning to write a review on the range for some time now (I've been using it for over a month), but I wasn't sure as to what was hindering me until this morning when after taking a critical look at my skin, I finally came to a conclusion. Vichy created the Normaderm range to cater the imperfection-prone adult. By their definition, you qualify as a candidate and your skin displays the six major giveaways; blemishes, enlarged pores, excess sebum, excess shine, marks and uneven complexion. Since my skin ticked all of the mentioned 'signs of imperfection' above, I figured this would be the ideal range for me. This doesn't necessarily mean that the range is for oily skin types only as one can also have dry skin and produce shine- so I would categorise the range under Oily to Combination. Nothing in the extreme end of dehydration though as most of these products are supposed to be mattifying.

I bought these products when there was a 3 for 2 offer at Boots, and since I was running low on stocks at the time, I grabbed the opportunity to try something new. I only focused on moisturisers and the toner as I was happy with my cleansing regimen. I'll review the products I purchased individually to make consolidating the pro's and con's a little easier. 

NORMADERM ANTI-AGEING RESURFACING CARE, £15 for 50ml   

Now, I didn't get this cream because it's an anti-ageing product. I'm not really that fussed with wrinkles and lines just yet, mainly because I hardly see them. Perhaps a few laughter lines around my eye area but overall, I'm pretty good for the time being. It's all that fat on my face *har!* that's keeping everything tight and full (momma don't need no fillers!). Anyway, when I was reading the contents of the products, the key ingredients really stood out for me. Salicylic Acid, Glycolic and lipo-hydroxy (LHA) acids are great dermatological ingredients to help exfoliate the surface of the skin of dead skin cells, regulate oil and purify the pores. Also, Vitamin C is great at helping break down any discolouration to brighten and even out the complexion. These ingredients have become the key components that I look for in my skin care, and since this cream promised all of the above, I went for it and used it as my day cream.

Bedside Favourites: Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour® Cream Intensive Lip Repair Balm

Lip balms have the same effect to me as foundations, in a sense that- after going through so much leg work, as soon as I find the one (or at least a GREAT one), I stick to it for a very long time. There are so many kinds out on the market and really, where do you even begin? It is so tempting to just hoard and try them all, but after years of doing so and much money spent later- I've finally decided to just buy products that would actually address my skincare/beauty issues and not just because it looks like molten jelly and tastes like jam. 

In terms of lip care, it is pretty simple for me. I like something soothing, and a balm that really does give an intense surge of moisture on my lips. There are days (even weeks) where I actually forget to drink water, and so one can only imagine how dehydrated my skin gets periodically. I also hate having chapped lips, so really I should me paying more attention to my h20 levels, but sometimes...it's just easier to grab a bottle of diet coke or forget to drink anything. I know. Don't judge. 

After being a fan of Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream for many years, a friend of mine who works at the counter introduced me to the Intensive Repair Lip Balm. The original EHC's formula, though great, can be a little gloopy on the lips and when you're about to go to bed, you don't really want that feeling of products sitting on your skin. It's been a good couple of months since I've started using this wonderful product, and let me tell you- it has been on my bedside as a part of my bedtime ritual ever since. The consistency is thick and rich- almost like an ointment but it goes on like a dream. I would show you the inside but it looks like it's been poked a million times already! ^^

I have been applying this balm religiously, more times than I have ever said my bedtime prayers in my entire life. It goes on rich and balmy (duh!) but never overwhelming, and right away you feel the menthol working as it send your lips into this tingling frenzy.The balm contains many familiar moisturisers such as Shea Butter, Palm Tree Butter, Fatty Acids and Honey which altogether combined creates a smoothing balm that not only softens one's lips- but also smoothes it's texture. Kissable, in other words. It also contains Arnica Flower Oil to help heal chapped skin Salicylic Acid which helps to gently exfoliate, and Vitamins E which is a known anti-oxidant that helps prevent future damage. 

I use it mainly in the evening as I would most skin renewing and repair products, but if I feel like my lips need that extra help during the day, I would keep it in my bag to use when needed. It comes in a nice little screw-top tub that's small and discreet enough and doesn't take space. I also use it cheekily on my cuticles if they're looking a little dry (but then you can do that being that the Eight Hour Cream formula is a multi-tasker.) However, being that it is a tub, it is one of those dip-your-finger-in products so make sure to wash your hands or sanitise prior. 

It retails for £18 and you can get it at John Lewis or any major department store that carries Elizabeth Arden. 

What's your bedside lip care favourite?

LabSeries: Max LS Age-Less Face Cream and Overnight Renewal Serum (Review)

The men's skincare range was foreign territory and I had no clue where to begin. I hadn't ventured into it, not because it didn't appeal to me- it did, but it was mainly because of a debate on just how different it is to the usual skin care products you see on the market. I had once asked a consultant at a counter what the difference is between the normal ranges and the men's, and she told me that basically, apart from male-centric targeted products such as razor relief, tougher pre-shave exfoliants and so and so, these products just have less ingredients. Surely unless the laboratories and the market specify products by gender, these products should be suitable to (quite literally) all skin types? Whatever. Point is, I've always thought about it and I decided to finally go down this route out of curiosity.   For the more savvy beauty folks out there, I would love to hear some feedback on this by the way- but for now in my head I thought, men's skincare is as straight forward as they come.  

Enter LAB Series. I do come across this range on my regular beauty trips around wherever and so I'm familiar with the scope of brand.  Plus on the website it says 'High Tech. High Performance. Skincare for Men. Only'. Well alright then. I found a value travel pack in London that had both serum and face cream in it, and so on an impulse I went for it. It's formulated for all skin types, and right now, since my skin is having a dilemma on whether it wants to stay Combination or Dry, it was the ideal choice. I gave myself four weeks to try it out, all the while reserving judgement, and now the time has come for the verdict! Let me just give you some info from the brand itself regarding this range.

Max LS Age-Less Face Cream, £49.00 (50ml)
"Be Age-Less. Reclaim your younger looking skin. Powered by Sirtuin technology and the science of skin cell longevity, the Molecular Age-Less Complex in Max LS helps erase the signs of aging, in a highly advanced daily moisturizer."

Max LS Age-Less Overnight Renewal Serum, £43.00 (30ml)
"Reclaim your younger looking skin with this intense overnight renewal serum inspired by Sirtuin technology and containing the same Molecular Age-Less Complex as MAX LS Age-Less Face Cream."

So after four weeks, here's my verdict: