Tag Archives: skincare

So Many Lovely Things beauty retrospective 2015: skincare

Posted in Beauty by

skincare_retrospective_somanylovelythingsIn 2015 I fell in love with skincare even more. I really drilled onto the nurturing aspect of dealing with my difficult and acneic skin, and the results, overall, are amazing.

Another very tough choice as the options are aplenty and great, but here we go:

Facial oil

dr_jacksons_face_oil_review - 1Dr Jackson Facial Oil: what an oil, what an amazing brand. The product is rich and nourishing, a delight to use. My skin loves it.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Oil: what a delight. I am a fan of the Eight Hour Cream, and this oil delivers in all areas: face, body and skin. It’s light and locks moisture for the long haul.

Face cream

Day

kiehls_ultra_facial_cream_review - 3Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream: super light, a delight under makeup, steady moisturistion during the day.

IMG_2530Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Broad Spectrum anti-wrinkle protect cream: lovely smell and texture, great moisturisation and SPF20.

thisworks_lightime_skin_plumper_review - 1This works light time skin plumper: super light and efficient, it’s plump-tastic. Plus the smell heps you wake up.

Night

Dermalogica pure night: light, moisturising and directed to pigmentation issues.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Cream: rich with oil goodness and a fab smell.

Serum

Skinceauticals Blemish+Age Defense: the product that has it all for my skin type. It fights blemishes and ageing signs. Very fluid, easily absorbed and works a treat.

jurlique rose serumJurlique Rose Moisture Plus: a fluid moisturing serum, quickly absorbed by the skin which smells of roses.

liz_earle_serum - 1Liz Earle Superskin Face Serum: thicker than your usual, but light on the skin. Full of goodness and perfect for night.

bee_god_serum_review - 1Bee Good Hydrate, Smooth and Prime Serum: having honey as main ingredient, this light serum is quickly absorbed to create a semi-matte finish.

Hydration booster

dermalogica skin hydrating boosterDermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster: a little pot of goodness with a fluid, water-like liquid that delivers a boost of lasting hydration to your skincare routine.

Skinceauticals Hydrating B5: also fluid and water-like, works to potentialise the effects of your other mositurisers.

Lip balm

Nivea lip butterNivea lip butter: still a favourite, not losing its place in my favourites. This year, the coconut version is the star!

Eye cream

Ole Henriksen ultimate lift eye gel: bright blue and super light, this gel is refreshing and super light, perfect for day.

dermalogica wonder eye creamDermalogica intensive eye repair: also very light and extra moisturising.

S5 RENEW EYE CREAMS5 renew eye cream: a brand close to my heart that makes the most amazing products. This eye cream is supple, light and super moisturising.

Facial wash

s5_clarity_cleanser_review - 2S5 Clarity Cleanser: a star. Ever so gentle, cleans deeply, soothes and helps with blemishes.

a light foam that cleans deep. Skin feels purified and there’s no tightness.

Face scrub

Alpha H Micro Cleanse Exfoliator: with glycolic acid, this granulated product exfoliates and polishes skin, in a gentle manner. Skin feels renewed and radiant after use.

PMD Microdermabrasion: an amazing personal microdermabrasion device. Used weekly, I really felt a difference after a few uses.

Best all rounder

elizabeth arden eight hour creamElizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: no praises spared on this one. Fabulous all-rounder for the face, I use on lips and occasionally on the skin when the wind gets stronger. Amazing regenerative properties, so great for scrapes.

Blemish fighting

Malin + Goetz Sulphur paste: spot zapping at its best. This weird product does work a treat, you do, however, have to put up with white patches on the face. One to use overnight.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I.: a gentle target breakout corrector. Not a killer zapper, but a gentle worker.

Face masks

Trilogy Mineral Radiance Mask: a lovely dark clay mask that is super moisturising. A great treat.

caudalie glycolic peel maskCaudalie Instant Detox Mask: a pink clay mask that purifies and tightens without drying. In fact, all Caudalie masks are ace, I also use the Glycolic Peel and the Moisturizing mask which are fab.

Toners

pixi glow tonicI love a good toner, and the Pixi Glow Tonic is just that. Slightly exfoliating, it delivers radiance within days of use. And has a great price.

The Clinique Anti-Blemish Clarifying Lotion is great for when skin is not behaving well and is breaking out.

When skin is sensitive (after microdermabrasion or exfoliation), the dermalogica multi-vitamin toner saves the day as it’s very mild and hydrating.

Pre-routine

bodyshop_oils_of_life_review - 1I wasn’t sure how to call the Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Essence Lotion, but it’s in. It’s fresh, slightly moisturising and a delight to use.

Face mist

pixi glow mistCan’t live without a face mist, and in the winter even more so. The Pixi Glow Mist is a firm favourite and delivers in all areas.

The Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist is fresh and an office staple, and the Liz Earle Skin Booster Tonic Spritzer is nourishing and refreshing. Long live the facial mists!

What products couldn’t your skin live without in 2015?

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This post mentions some press samples.

Honey goodness for your face: Bee Good Youth Enhancing Hydrate, Smooth & Prime Serum

Posted in Beauty by

bee_god_serum_review - 1Aside of coconut, honey is my other obsession in life. I love the taste, the smell and even the texture of honey so was delighted to try the lovely .

A honey serum, is for me, a marriage made in heaven as serums are another obsession of mine.

This one has a thicker consistency than your average serum, but is quite light in texture. Once applied is quickly absorbed by the skin.

bee_god_serum_review - 3It has a very fresh smell and feels great on the skin – not sticky or heavy.

Applied at night, skin feels nourished and happy in the morning, although alone I don’t think is enough; I combine with an oil or lighter cream in my arsenal.

For day, it is pretty good; because it is quite light it behaves well under makeup, living up to its “primer” name, although I don’t feel it enhances durability.

It contains peptides, which stimulate collagen production, hydrating British honey, antioxidant-rich propolis and firming blackcurrant seed oil and larch extract, which all combine aim to smooth the skin and help with ageing signs.

It is suitable for vegetarians.

bee_god_serum_review - 2Bee Good is one of those companies you can’t help but fall in love with; they use British honey and botanicals, have an eco conscience, are free from synthetic colours, mineral oil, silicone, SLS and SLES or parabens, don’t test on animals and look after their bees, support the countryside and bee keeping initiatives. They are good ones; overall a lovely company brimming with amazing products.

The Bee Good Serum costs £25 and is available from Waitrose, which has a great beauty range including Bee Good.

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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Discovering beauty at Waitrose

Posted in Beauty, Body, hair, Skincare by

IMG_5609Waitrose is one of my favourite supermarkets. What I didn’t know was how extensive their beauty range is – from the sheer amount and quality of the brands. Some I knew well, others I discovered on the night.

As well as the likes of Balance Me, Bee Good, Richard Ward, Neal’s Yard and Crabtree & Evelyn, Waitrose has its own range, with the quality you’d expect from the brand.

IMG_5603-0The fantastic Waitrose Heritage Collection has just launched with new fragrances and has hand washes, hand and body lotions, hand creams, body washes, bath washes and body butters.

My favourite blend is the Orchid & Honeysuckle version, which has the warm smell I look for in perfumes, body, bath and shower products.

Not only they feel great on the skin, have great fragrances and all the properties we expect from them, the packaging is also rather lovely.

They also have great gift packages, perfect for small gifts and stocking fillers.

IMG_5593-0Among the brands I discovered, Gisela Graham – my Christmas tree is laden with her decorations, but I had no idea she did beauty. Pretty as expected.

IMG_5612-0BRYT skincare has cleanser, serums and moisturisers. Plus, their lovely colourful packaging so caught my eye straight away.

IMG_5615-1Humble also impressed me with their honey based range with strong frankincense notes.

 

The event was held at the beautiful Waitrose Cookery School in London King’s Cross, which I had no idea existed, let alone that it was that fabulous.

Apart from sampling some of the amazing food devised by their chefs, I found out their classes are very affordable and cover a range of cuisines. And they do gift vouchers (hello, Christmas!).

So next time you are doing your food shopping, you might want to add one or two quality beauty products in there!

And that is just a small samples of what’s available. Waitrose beauty products are available in stores and online.

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My pick of Beauty Christmas crackers

Posted in Beauty, Body, hair, Make Up, nails, Skincare by

Christmas crackers enchanted me since my first Christmas in the UK. In Brasil, where I come from, there wasn’t anything like that, and I thought it was great.

When I discovered beauty Christmas crackers, my little heart skipped a beat. How fabulous: a little treat to pick you up before your meal, after you already been to the excitement of opening your gifts.

Here is my pick of Christmas crackers to make you day more beautiful!

dermalogica_xmas_crackerDermalogica, £30 for 3, from Selfridges

One of my go-to beauty brands has a cracker with some of its best-sellers: the precleanse, the gel cleanser and the daily microfoliant. Poses the perfect opportunity to try and fall in love!

ted_baker_xmas_crackerTed Baker, £24 for 3, from Debenhams

Ted Baker beauty surprises you with a mini fragrance or nail colour.

clarins_xmas_crackerClarins, £49 for 6, for Selfridges

A bit pricier, but well worth it, as it is packed with Clarins Classics: Nail Treatment Cream, Miniature Rouge Eclat Lipstick, Miniature Wonder Perfect Mascara, Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream, Beauty Flash Balm and Eau des Jardins Treatment Fragrance.

debenhams_xmas_crackerDebenhams, £4.50 for 3

Super cute in its nutcracker soldier packaging, this won’t break the bank and will bring a treat of lipstick, nail polish or lipgloss.

thisworks_xmas_crackerThis works sleep plus, £12

Ah, how I love this little spray. Give the gift of good sleep, in a cracker. So good it’s sold out on the this works site, but Boots has it still!

jomalone_xmas_crackerJo Malone, £32

Delightful and fragrant, you crack yours to a lime basil & mandarin cologne, a blackberry & bay body & hand wash or nectarine blossom & honey body crème.

nailsinc_xmas_crackerNails Inc, £38

A brilliant selection of six full size new and best seller nail shades, this is perfect for the girls’ Christmas dinner!

steamcream_xmas_crackerSteamcream, £8.95

Classic all-round skincare Steamcream mini-tin inside this silver cracker. Great for vegans!

boots_no7_xmas_crackerBoots No7 Cracker Collection, £16 for 6

With 3 nail colours and 3 BB lips glosses, at this price you can treat all ladies of the house at cracker time!

cowshed_xmas_crackerBullocks by Cowshed, £9, from John Lewis

One for the boys: a male body wash and 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner. Cowshed has a female version too.

moltonbrown_xmas_crackerMolton Brown, £32

With a feminine and a masculine version, these crackers come with a pink pepper hand cream, body lotion and body wash for her and a black peppercorn body wash, body lotion and a Bai Ji Hydrator cream.

margarethdabbs_xmas_crackerMargaret Dabbs, £12

Containing the best seller Nail & Cuticle Serum.

Phew! Hard to pick, but still a couple weeks to go! What’s your favourite? Have you seen any amazing ones I missed?

Happy Christmas!

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Tackling pigmentation with the Dermalogica C-12 pure bright serum

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by
dermalogica_c12_pure_bright_serum_review - 1Every summer is the same: I develop unsightly hormonal hyper pigmentation on my face, just below the eye area.
Although it fades when winter is full on, it does take it time, so I got a helping hand from Dermalogica C-12 pure bright serum.
With its fluid consistency, it sits and absorbs well on the skin, and behaves ok under makeup.
dermalogica_c12_pure_bright_serum_review - 2I did notice that, using this in conjunction to the pure night moisturiser, the hormonal spots seem to fade quicker and evenly.
Apart from tackling hyper pigmentation, this also works to help brighten up the complexion and balance uneven skin tone in general.
It contains a trademarked technology, PowerBright TRx plus oligopeptides, phytic acid (from rice), zinc glycinate and algae.
The Dermalogica C-12 pure bright serum costs £79.80 for 50ml and can be purchased from Dermalogica online as well as in their shops and concessions.
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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Pillow face no more: meet this works light time skin plumper

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by

thisworks_lightime_skin_plumper_review - 1This works is a brand I like more every time I use a product or discover a new one. They don’t seem to do much wrong in my eyes.

The light time skin plumper is one of those things we all need in the morning. I am definitely not a morning person,so welcome anything to make me feel or look alive.
It’s a face moisturiser with a very fluid consistency and a lovely “wake-me-up” smell.
The secret? Hyaluronic Filling Spheres that help smoothen up the skin appearance. Although the effect is quite subtle, I do feel some plumpness in my skin after application.
It’s absorbed quickly, skin feels good and the cream behaves very well under makeup.
thisworks_light_time_skin_plumper_review - 2
Antioxidant vitamin C and Persian silk tree extract help the hyaluronic acid work in moisturising, plumping and smoothing the skin.
Overall, a good morning product. It is recommended for day and night use, but I think this is more a day cream than night, to be honest, especially in the winter.
The this works light time skin plumper cost £29 for 30ml and is available online and from selected retailers.
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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Discovering Dr Jackson’s natural products

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by

dr_jacksons_face_oil_review - 1How many times have I started an article with “I love oils”? Probably more than you’d be comfortable with, but the truth is, oils really changed my skin.

Being the lucky girl I am, I was invited to iconic London store Liberty to hear from Dr Jackson, or Simon, as he prefers to be called, for a showcase of his fabulous products.

And yes, I brought home the Dr Jackson’s 03 Face Oil.

This wonder oil is luscious and thick, but spreads divinely and is extremely well absorbed by the skin. The smell is rather herbal but not too overpowering.

dr_jacksons_face_oil_review - 3Skin immediately feels soft and nourished, and when I wake up in the morning it looks supple and radiant, with a fabulous texture.

As part of my skincare routine it helped minimise breakouts at that time of the month, which are a certain for me. Well, much less this time.

The oil is 100 % natural and contains the goodness of a unique blend of oleic and linoleic acids, baobab (see the little seed on my pics?) and marula oils, calendula and arnica.

The blend of ingredients has anti-inflamatory properties and works on improving skin tone and elasticity, minimising scarring, deeply moisturising, reducing redness and healing – read damaged tissue repair. The result is a visibly smoother, re-texurised complexion.

I left the event inspired. By beauty, of course, by nature, by science and human nature. Simon is fascinating, and his work, not only the science bit (which is mesmerising, by the way), is just wonderful.

dr_jacksons_face_oil_review - 1 (1)Dr Jackson is a pharmacognosist, so he is and expert on the active chemical components of medicinal plants. 

He fell in love with regional indigenous plants’ medicinal properties and traditional medicine early in life and went on to study them.

His travels got him exposed to different cultures and uses of plants as healing agents, and introduced new plants to his life. Amongst his studies, he came across beautifying properties in certain plants, and ran with it, creating a fantastic natural skincare range which was four years in the making.

He will only use carefully selected ingredients of the best quality that can be found int he world, extracted the closest way they would at source, pure and at the right concentration to be efficient, while also supporting the communities which grow them.

Now, wouldn’t you trust your skin to this man? Well, you should.

They now have a whole concession at Liberty London and there are also treatments available.

The fantastic Dr Jackson’s 03 Face Oil costs £55 for 50ml and £30 for 25ml and is available at Liberty London, and online.

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Look good, do good: Kiehl’s Tinie Tempah Ultra Facial Cream

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by

kiehls_ultra_facial_cream_review - 2Kiehl’s is a brand I’ve always regarded quite highly, but had never tried anything from, even though I many a times set myself to buy.

I was very happy that the first product I got to try was the limited edition Tinie Tempah Ultra Facial Cream. Hang on. Tinie Tempah?

Kiehl’s partnered up with Tinie, who designed the lid for their classic Ultra Facial Cream and MTV Staying Alive Foundation to raise money – and awareness – to the prevention of HIV and Aids spread. Tinie Tempah is the UK ambassador for the charity.

kiehls_ultra_facial_cream_review - 3The Ultra Facial Cream is a 24-hour moisturiser as it helps reduce moisture loss and draws moisture from the air to keep skin hydrated for longer.

The white cream is much lighter than it looks. It spreads and absorbs well and is great for use day or night.

It feels great on the skin, you don’t need an awful lot to cover face and neck as it spreads extremely well and behaves very well under makeup.

With no fragrance, it’s great for men and women. For me, it is a no-nonsense approach to skin care. Even the boyfriend liked it!

kiehls_ultra_facial_cream_review - 1It contains antarcticine (a glacial glycoprotein extract), which helps protect against dryness and combat free radicals; desert plant extract, rich in potassium for hydrating effects and squalane, a signature Kiehl’s ingredient which is a vegetal lipid very similar to our skin one.

Kiehl’s is no strange to HIV/Aids prevention work. They have been working hard since the 80’s and have raised more than £2.5 million to the cause in the past 10 years alone.

The MTV Staying Alive Foundation provides funding and training to youth-led HIV prevention projects around the world. Their work helps these projects and their young leaders to develop vital skills to build innovative, culturally relevant and sustainable organisations that lead the fight against HIV on the ground.

Kiehl’s UK is giving £2 from every pot to the foundation, so it can help them carry on with their fantastic job.

You can get the Kiehl’s limited edition Tinie Tempah Ultra Facial Cream from the Kiehl’s website and retailers nationwide. it costs £43.50 for 125ml.

Because I got mine as a press sample, I have made a small donation to the foundation directly, after all, I am using a pot that should give back to the charity. You can donate directly here.

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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

A new tinted moisturiser in my drawer: Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF20

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by

dermalogica_sheer_tint_review - 1Remember when I said I didn’t like tinted moisturisers then it all changed? Yeah, it seems I’m on a roll, now with the Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF20.

I’ve been using Dermalogica products for a while now and so far everything I tired is a hit. See for yourself how much I love my moisture boost and eye cream.

This one does not disappoint. It has a lovely texture and the colour medium is a good match for me.

dermalogica_sheer_tint_review - 3It has some shimmery particles, which are the light-diffusing iron oxides, but not too much; just enough for that lovely healthy glow.

It also contains hydrolyzed pearl amino acids, hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant walnut seed extracts. All these ingredients help improve
 the texture and appearance of fine dehydration lines in the skin.

The coverage is extremely sheer, so perfect for a non-makeup day. After all, is is an SPF 20 face moisturiser and feels very comfortable on the skin.

dermalogica_sheer_tint_review - 2I’ve been using it a lot to go to the gym, used everyday on holidays and sometimes is just a nice brightening base for makeup, to be honest.

The Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF20 is priced at £34.80 and can be our chased on line or at Dermalogica shops and concession nationwide.

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This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

The best beauty advent calendars 2015

Posted in Beauty, Body, hair, Make Up, nails, Skincare by

It’s October, I know, but Christmas seems so close (?) I can almost smell it. And I’ve seen so many fabulous beauty advent calendars that I can barely contain myself.

Looks like this year companies really upped their game.

So I am listing my favourites on the market. With offers this great, a little more than a month to decide might seem a long tim – but it is not.  Before you know, you’ll be popping that number 1 window…

charlotte_tilbury_beauty_advent_calendar_2015The Book of Make Up Magic, Charlotte Tilbury, £150

Is there anywhere Ms Tilbury is not in at the moment? No. And her advent calendar, albeit counting with “only” 12 items, including a fair share of CT classics, is fabulous. You can sign up now to be the first to know when it becomes available.

house_of_fraser_beauty_advent_calendar_2015Color Couture, House of Fraser, £20

Coming in at an almost unbelievable price, this lovely beauty advent calendar is packed full of HoF own beauty brand. I had a peek at their Christmas show and it is full of very wearable items. Fantastic value for money.

 liberty_beauty_advent_calendar_2015Beauty Advent Calendar 2015, Liberty, £149

Limited edition, beautiful inside and out…. Oh, Liberty has done it again and it’s full of their fabulous premium brands, including Diptyque, Hourglass, Kiehl’s and Aromatherapy Associates.

It’s available now from the Liberty website or in-store. And you get that welcome overdose of pretty Liberty print.

bodyshop_beauty_advent_calendar_201524 Happy Days, The Body Shop, £60 and £80.

The Body Shop is bringing out not one, but two advent calendars. The 24 Happy days advent calendar, the “standard” one, contains bath and body classics plus some new launches.

The 24 Happy Days Premium Advent Calendar includes more luxury ranges such as the fabulous Oils of Life.

bodyshop_beauty_advent_calendar_2015_1Plus, they are partnering up with WaterAid, and for each selected Christmas gift they sell, water for a whole day is provided to a family in Ethiopia.

selfridges_cosmic_beaty_advent_calendar_2015Cosmic Beauty Advent Calendar, Selfridges, £95

Think the iconic shop beauty hall in a box. With an outer-space motif. What’s not to love? Exactly. Armani, Kiehl’s, Lancôme, Shu Uemura, Urban Decay, Viktor & Rolf and YSL classics and launches are in there. Even better, you can get it now!

ciate_beauty_advent_calendar_2015Mini Mani Month, Ciaté, £49.99

Nail addicts all look forward to this one, which has become a Christmas classic. Every year it seems to get better and this edition comes with a special Olivia Palermo shade too.

No excuses not to have festive nails throughout December!

benefit_party_poppers_advent_calendar_2015Party Poppers, Benefit, £34.99

Music with your festive calendar? Yes, please. Plus 12 minis to live in your handbag during the party season. Available now.

makeup_revolution_advent_calendar_2015Makeup Revolution Advent Calendar, £45

A fab calendar packed with 25 full size (yes, all full size!) Makeup Revolution products, which I love, selected by staff at their HQ and the 25th is a Christmas gift. Sweet. Available at Superdrug.

m&s_beauty_advent _calendar_2015Beauty Advent Calendar, M&S, £25

Packed full of well-loved brands, this advent calendar comes in at an affordable £25, but there’s a catch: you must spend at least £25 on M&S beauty to be able to buy.

lush_12days_ofchristmas_contents_beauty_advent_calendar_201512 Days of Christmas, Lush, £49.95

Natural and fragrant bath product in all shapes and sizes to prepare you for the big C day. And oh, yeah, it’s vegan too!

loccitane_beauty_advent_calendar_2015Noel Approche, L’Occitane, £39

24 luxurious hair, body and skin care treats awaits inside this super cute calendar, available later this month.

no7_boots_beauty_advent_calendar_201525 Days of Beauty Wonders, Boots No7, £38

A fan of Boots No7 brand? well, you are in for a treat. There are loads of skin care, body and makeup here, including six full-sized products. You can sign up to be the first to know when it launches.

you_beauty_discovery_advent_calendar_2015YOU Beauty Advent Calendar, £59.95 (plus P&P)

You can get £330 worth of great brand products in this advent calendar – Caudalie, Benefit, Molton Brown, REN, Rodial and more, all await behing the little doors. Available from You Beauty Discovery.

As I said, plenty to look out for, and for  all budgets! Always worth remembering Primark usually brings a couple out at around the £10 mark.

Which one do you want to get you beautifully manicured hands on?

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You can take a look at my 2014 selection here.