On the quest for youth...and a quick fix?

I've often said this and will repeat myself, we women are so hard on ourselves especially as we hit milestones like our 30's, 40's and 50's.  I do my damnedest to ignore these myself, its not easy but I don't beat the living daylights out of my growing older.  I often receive very harsh messages from friends, even friends of friends hitting a panic button to ask for advice on a 'turn the clock back now' product.
They must hate me, I begin with explaining how working on a routine, method and outlook is a healthy place to start.  It is often dashed with the 'but you must know a product that works?'

I do. I know plenty that work but like I say, this banishing the lines and open pores is part of an on going process and we are not all blessed with good genes, cheekbones and a non surgical skin specialist in the family.
Saying this I love my job and my dedication to the cause by testing out every skincare product I recommend, review and rave about, I honestly do.  I have to love it to love you to try it!  And I'm no snob about price either - there are star products out there and some are cheap as chips and other that are a good investment such as Gazelli Triple Youth White Oil REVIVING EYE CREAM.

At £40 for 15ml, I will start by saying a little amount on your ring finger tapped around the eye contours am and pm does mean a little goes a long way, in addition to it's qualities of soothing and nourishing the delicate eye area (bless the White Oil), de-puffing (thanks Black Tea) and one of my favourite things when it comes to these good skincare products, brightening (much obliged Rose Extract)!

Of course, I am not out slaying dragons, just testing the large youth pool of products for myself and whoever's reading or listening and I will keep repeating myself, a good place to start is with a routine, a method and attitude towards healthy skin not just quick fixes!

Check out Gazelli now if its not on your beauty radar!

www.gazelli.com 

Urban Retreat Harrods

The Josh Wood Atelier

Beauty Alert: Amazing Face? You got it!

If you still haven't quite opted for a skincare routine that includes full blown deep cleansing let alone double cleansing then I'd suggest you take a step in the right direction with a facial wash such as Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Foaming Cleansing Wash  We all have busy lives but beg for our skin to gleam in good condition, be grime-free and immaculate with little effort.

The foam is made up of essential oils to condition and balance your skin, yes, no feeling of your complexion being stripped dry, plus there are clever fruit enzymes along with the Moringa extracts which gently exfoliate leaving skin brighter, smoother and positively amazing.  Simply disperse a ten pence coin size to the palm of you hand, massage over you face, neck and decollete, then rinse off with warm water.  

Read more about Emma Hardie products on my blog here and get yourself familiar with super cleansing techniques including the dual action cloth; its an essential!

www.emmahardie.com

Beauty Alert: I spy something beginning with EYE!

I'm full of regret these days. As I get ever closer to my mid-40's *gulp* I recall moments of pure, unadulterated bravado and stupidity in my 20's.  "I won't get sucked into buying eye creams!" and "I will never dye my hair to cover the greys, that's so vain!!!"

  I am virtually slapping my face right now, like the scene in Airplane, when they all queue up to take turns.  What was I thinking, was I going mad?  

Since I've embarked on the path to parenting I pine for time and minimal effort to make myself appear less frazzled.  Eye creams for one have never taken on a huge role in my routine, instead, I have concentrated on the general appearance and quality of my complexion.  Roll on sleepless nights literally due to over-tiredness and I find concealer doesn't always cut it, although effectively disguises shadows but does little for the sunken eyes.

QVC is at times like being rocked to sleep by a soothing voice you can trust with the gravitational pull of easy payments and it was during one of those nights I was lured by the lullabies of the presenter who mentioned Joan Collins Timeless Beauty up next.  

I am a fan, not just of Ms Collins herself but I have reviewed her Divine Lips and Nail Lacquer not so long ago (view here) so I couldn't resist an eyeful of more luxury items to drool over.

I almost immediately received upteen text messages from friends and relatives watching our 'Joanie' on QVC that night (must have been a full moon) when her Timeless Beauty Contra Time 'Eyelift in a bottle' SuperLift aired and they pretty much all asked the same thing 'Do you think it really works?'

I was struck by the texture I saw glistening ever so slightly when she smeared the opaque formula onto the back of her hand.  There was only one way of knowing, I had to try it for myself!

Whether its the plant extracts or cermides (our friendly, waxy molecules) or the gentle tapping upwards around the eye area, Superlift leaves a healthy suppleness by de-puffing those delicate parts with the added bonus of brightening too. 

So yes, it does work and achieves much more.  I have more eye products I've spied and tested, plus some positively phenomenal skincare products to have you racing to my favourite beauty destinations...look out!

Beauty Alert: SPRING forward with 8 Hours sleep!

This Sunday we lose out on 1 hour of sleep!!!

I hear you moan and groan, though in my quest to find products that assist my tired skin back to appearing healthy with the bonus of being treated to 8 hours of good sleep (but really hanging onto short, deep naps), I have yet another Erborian discovery, from the brand I'd recommend everyone keep a close eye on, after all they are an ever evolving innovators in the beauty market and with a staggering 50 new products in their sights and in time Erborian will cater to all your needs soon from head to toe!

I digress, I'd like to reveal Erborian Sleeping BB Mask my night aid for well rested skin; its a night time mask which achieves the 'Baby Skin' skin we all crave - refined, replenished and repaired.  Apply a thin layer before bed and say nighty night to dull skin!

Discover Erborian Sleeping BB Mask at SPACE NK and more products in SELFRIDGES

Mother knows best about beauty!

My mother, a complete beauty expert in her own right, turns to me the other day asking if I know of a 'foundation that's not like the texture of a foundation but can even out skin without looking heavy or matte. ‎Nothing masking but that will make my skin look fresh, less tired and not sit in my pores. I don't want it to feel like I've got anything on...'

I've probably heard this a trillion times and often  faced with a client who is unrealistic about requesting a quick fix, who instead really needs more coverage and a skincare overhaul and injection of beauty-sense. But this was my mum, someone who taught me about routine and maintenance for my skin.

My mind mulled over a few products such as BB creams, which I hastily dismissed as 'too make-uppy' for my mum. Plus any sign of 'colour' and she'd ‎give me that look that only mum's do!

Some weeks ago I attended the launch of Erborian, to the UK, an event I could not and would not miss.  Although very under the weather I would have camped outside the venue in order to make it‎.  Why?

I'd come across the hybrid formulations and intriguing technology on a work trip to China a few years ago‎ whilst researching for another brand in Sephora.  Erborian literally excited me on the spot, serums and cleansers with textures I'd not seen. Not only was I convinced I'd arrived on my Beauty planet Asia, a destination that is so advanced in skincare, it was also apparent that Koreans know beauty and we have a lot to learn!

Katalin, one of the two creators of Erborain ‎personally showed me some of the range and even her desert island must-have, BB Flash Essence.   I was a little sceptical on hearing the CC Creme worked for caucasian to very dark skins.  Hmm, it's hard enough finding a sun lotion that doesn't appear ghostly on mid to dark complexions but I placed a dot of CC onto the back of my hand that Katalin had confidently handed to me in its silver tube with a smile, then smoothed the white cream, yes, it squeezes out white and dense, much like a high factor sun cream.  As I massaged the cream into my skin I watched it blend and become seamless in developing to flawless soft-focus skin. I'd found it! Mum, your wishes have come true, all boxes ticked, Erborian CC Creme it is and here's a - the photos tell it all album -  YOU WILL BE AMAZED and the best child a mother could ask for when you start purchasing this brand from two fav beauty portals Selfridges and Space NK. 

Instant skin gratification Erborain CC Creme

Bright white formula

Cleverly changing colour

Smoothed and seamless

 Have you discovered Erborian yet?

Post Party Beauty Alert: Make Up Eraser

You've spent time planning your look, 'should I go for RiRi, Swift or Kardashian?'
Then sourced high and low for those finishes touches and there's the ultimate finale, the make up!  Go glitter, colour splash or nude?
You're ready to party, then after a bonkers baubling night of fun-fueled festivities your 'party pleasing outfit' hits the bedroom floor (or hallway) then straight to bed.
Hands up if that's you?
Guilty, we've all done it and know why we shouldn't sleep with a full face, however, if only on those occasions I'd been kitted out with Make Up Eraser cloth, I would no longer be guilty of practicing one of the biggest beauty no nos.

Whether you're a gym freak, like to travel light, addicted to face wipes or just into the latest beauty must-haves investing in this wonder cloth is a good idea for swiping off lasting foundation and even the toughest mascara (yes, it does, I've tried it) in no time.  So, for those of you with a severe case of lazy-itis you will be in full recovery once you've added water to a section of the pink cloths short nap side and gently erased make up; you can even exfoliate using the other side.
At only £15.99, that's a great saving in cleansing products; although you don't get deep cleansing, I think this is a useful addition to my toiletry bag on those odd times I need swift make up removal whilst not laden with a heavy bag skincare.
Would you swap your cleansers for a facial cloth?

 Available at makeuperaser.co.uk and victoriahealth.com

Beauty Alert: Merumaya Skin Brightening Exfoliating Peel!

We all like to see remarkable effects from our skincare, though some brands make promises that do not and cannot deliver.  There may well be the 'face' of the product who is someone we like and aspire to, then at this point we can be easily persuaded.  Personally, I'd rather there were no 'face' or big budget campaign, just a little more integrity, especially in the skincare market, which is why I pay attention to Merumaya, who are paving the way to 'Integrative Effective Skincare', hurrah, a more no nonsense approach!
I've written about Merumaya's Melting Cleansing Balm before, see here, and had the pleasure of meeting the forward thinking and true expert in her field, Maleka Dattu where her approach to beauty is simply marrying the most efficient ingredients innovatively, whether they are from science or nature, to produce a range that is balanced for all skins whilst actively addressing skins needs.

That was enough for me to try out another product and one that I felt my skin was craving, that was the gentle workings of Skin Brightening Exfoliating Peel, devised of 'Glycolic Acid intergrated with Pomergranate Enzymes' which steer skin towards clearer, refined skin with clarity.  If the word 'peel' puts you off then I'd like to reassure you there is no 'surgical' peel-like effect whereby layer after layer of your skin flakes away; the colourless gel, applied to skin for 3-10 minutes before rinsing is gentle exfoliation efficiently sloughing off the dreariness to make way for brighter skin.
I'm lucky enough not to have any major issues with my skin, however, I am still seeing signs of refined pores and lustre which is an uplifting addition to my routine 1 or 2 times a week.

Have I got you hooked to Merumaya?

Beauty Alert: Illamasqua Hydra Veil!

No!  It's not a yummy jelly-fied dessert, it is a skin product new to the Illamasqua range and included in their Paranormal Collection and it is just that, something extraordinary!
Hydra Veil is a true innovation for skincare in terms of its formulation as it jelly-like texture, due to the marine algae (an anti-oxidant) is a cool, soothing gel which hydrates to reveal an effortless radiance to skin.  Plus its an absolutely good place to start if you are not keen on having to use an additional primer before your foundation, so it cuts of the middle man so to speak as it leaves you with the ideal base!  I love the cooling sensation and would imagine it would be kind to sensitive, flushed skins too, so, I am hooked.  Are you?

Rebalancing Beauty Alert: Alpha-H Liquid Gold Anti-Ageing Cleanser

It's very clear I am a fan of Alpha-H, why though?  

They just get it right and focus on our skincare needs rather than develop products they 'think' we need *ahem* like some big companies!

Alpha-H HQ have been beavering away in past months (and years no doubt) with repackaging and a slick re-brand as well as defining the Liquid Gold collection.  If you've not heard about Liquid Gold then get clued up now here.  

It was bound to happen, they were going to entice us with a cleanser so that we could encompass all our Glycolic Acid needs.  I'm am personally going off the term 'Anti-Ageing' which they have used for their Liquid Gold Anti-Ageing Cleanser; I might allow it this time as I regularly see the results from my clients who have become Alpha-H converts, who declare their skin appears more youthful.  Ok, that is a good call but there is nothing wrong with ageing, premature ageing maybe but not ageing.   Anyway, back to this new addition, soon out in the UK, which will, *hand on heart* become a 'cult' product too as it makes perfect sense to have a cleanser with an the Liquid Gold 'overnight facial' to complete and benefit your night-time routine.  

The cleanser itself is of a light creamy lotion, best massaged to dry skin (avoiding eyes) then massaged again with warm water to emulsify to break down the daily dirt and activate ingredients.  Once remove with a warm damp face cloth or carefully rinse one finds skin rebalanced and hydrated with no squeaky dry skin feeling!

Find out more about Alpha-H at www.alpha-h.com 

Beauty's Healing Discovery!

Trust me! If you walked passed this papery packaging you'd immediately stop, ponder and take a closer look!  We are often pulled in by packaging and elaborate detailing but I'm sure, like me you'd be intrigued by the simplicity of the black/white screen print artwork, inspirational quotes and alluring 'sterling' silver and glass vessels.  In addition, you too would be captured by the name Gazelli with Azerbaijan written beneath it.  You don't often see Azerbaijan as a beauty destination for that 'secret' ingredient but why not?   From what I've seen in the National Geographic, media and otherwise women have even skin tones and are often naturally flawless.

We then welcome Gazelli skincare with open arms and rightly so!

Gazelli Discovery Set: Triple Youth Ultimate Firming Serum & Ultra Nourishing Saviour Mask.

Gazelli's story unfolds from a holistic place of nature and nurture, a high level of knowledge of unique local ingredients and with a name that derives from an Eastern form of lyrical poetry 'ghazel', hence the quotes,  which praises 'beauty, youth and love', plus it offers us that special discovery, the trademarked White Healing Oil, a powerful antioxidant of organic compounds sourced from the earth far, far away which is active, oxygenating and nourishing.

I recently popped the Discovery set into my hand luggage on a recent trip to Asia as I thought that would be a sure fire way to test out how nourishing the serum and mask would be on a 13 hour flight. I must be brutally honest, they delivered ten fold so began to use the mask as an After Sun treatment just before I would go out for dinner in the evenings and wore the serum at night for hydration and repair.  My skin loved them and I'm lucky to have a Skin Balancing Cleanser and Reviving Eye Cream to try next.

Have you tried Gazelli?  What are your thoughts?

Gazelli is also available at Urban Retreat at Harrods

2013 Beauty Alert: Merumaya Manual Cleansing Brush

There are many facial cleansing systems on the market these days, some of which appear a bit gimmicky but I must say there are a lot of good ones out there and here's another one,  Merumaya Manual Cleansing Brush that takes us back to basics; there are no speed settings or batteries to bother with, just good old fashioned manual work!
Ideal to use daily as its small kabuki brush of super soft hairs to circulate around your face to lather up with a face wash or to apply your cleanser more evenly. The cleansing brush also works exceptionally well with the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm to achieve the melting action once water is added to remove daily grime.  Get familiar with this brand now if you haven't already, its another step in the right direction for the beauty industry!

Bringing that Glo Back!

The beauty industry harps on about glow, radiance, blurring fine lines, protection and the big AA, Anti-Ageing, yes, I do too, it's what women want and its what Lulu has brought to you in a tube to apply over make up!   Miracle Glo is about multi-dimensional, multi-faceted glow and is what they call 'apres make up', a formula to buff on after your make up has been applied or as Make Up Artist, Gemma Smith-Edhouse suggests using it as you would a primer so that the glow peeps through foundation.  As a rule of thumb we don't apply cream or liquid over powder but guess what?  You can with this silicone-free solution.
The premise is that we all love how our skin appears after moisturiser, then when we've applied foundation we lose that 'pick me up' radiance that appears youthful as it accents our features with a dewy finish and with Miracle Glo applied over the top of our make up,we regain the glow.  I'd like to think its when our inner glow shines on the outside!
Used sparingly this will last some months, more importantly the winter months and at only £33 for a 60ml tube or £40 with the flat buffing brush you can get your glow on at a reasonable price!

Available on QVC and www.timebombco.com 

The point to Skin Needling.

I must admit that when I first heard about Skin Needling I was initially intrigued, then thought of all the hygiene implications; how would you keep the roller clean?  Would it draw blood?  Was the idea of perforating ones skin for beauty a realistic one and would this ever be a worthy winner in the high rolling beauty stakes?

I can understand the benefits facial acupuncture might have to stimulate pressure points and penetrate the skin so deeply to improve circulation and draw out unwanted impurities to aid skin to health but Micro Needling?  Was this the next gimmick of all gimmicks?

Medik 8 among others think not and recommend it as an impressive way to activate skin cells and boost collagen production which in turn delivers healthy, radiant skin by creating 'micro "injuries" in the skin which trigger new collagen..yet does not pose the risk of permanent scarring'

SO here goes, I thought the best way to understand and see results was to attempt this for 4 weeks using Medik 8’s Titanium Dermaroller and recent launch, CE-Thione, essentially Vitamin C.  And why is this form of Vitamin C so sustainable as an anti-ageing effect on wrinkles?
Vit C is an antioxidant though in other forms like L-Absorbic Acid (most commonly used in skincare) it's actually ineffective and incapable of existing as an ingredient that protects skin, therefore becomes a free-radical; in simple terms can do more harm than good! 

Before I embarked fully, I thought it best to get my skin used to the ultra-fine micro needles; how painful, if at all could it be?  
Not in the slightest, just a slight tingling sensation, rather than prickly one and something I didn't expect, baby soft skin instantly with no visible signs of punctures to my skin.  Knowing my skin does not show major skins of   
The quest; to use this system 2-3 times a week for 4 weeks, here goes:

My skin (right side of face) before skin needling which I believe has the most visible damage; open pores with a tendency to black heads, fine lines and dehydration.

1 week into the skin system and a tiny break out but I'm unsure whether that was just my skin or the micro needling though there is evidence of a slight plumpness to skin showing around the mouth.

3 weeks of using the Dermaroller with CE-Thione and my skin is feeling more hydrated with noticable plumpness and firmness.  Dare I say too some fine lines have reduced effectively!

4 weeks and my skin has continued to tone up.  I apologise if you find it unremarkable but I can see and feel the effects.

All in all, I am impressed and so are my friends who exclaim I have 'relaxed and refreshed holiday skin'!
I didn't expect my complexion to appear so much firmer or to diminish fine lines as it did, especially when I didn't have signs of extreme ageing. Overall I love how my skin appears toned with a smoother surface and slight reduction in pore size too with the added bonus of more hydration, which is something I crave as it is harder to keep skin plump and boosted with moisture even in the warmest months.
I shall continue to occasionally add this to my routine and even amidst the controversy of 'to skin needle or not', I would like to recommend this skin system to certain individuals. It will not turn back the clock (nothing will) but its an effective way to prevent premature ageing and we all like a little help in that department, don't we?

Summer Loving Skincare: Liquid Gold Perfecting Daywear

Sun is out, SPF on but which moisturiser to use?

Something light and non greasy yet nourishing with Hyaluronic Acid?  

With antioxidant barriers to protect skin?

And maybe leaving a subtle glow with Mineral Bronzing Pearls? 

Something like Alpha H Liquid Gold Perfecting Daywear!

Extremely light-weight gel formula with glistening beads of bronzing beads for a naturally healthy complexion for under £40.

Firm Action Mask anyone?

Hopefully, I am not boring you with my love of skincare but I do believe wholeheartedly in striving for healthy skin, so then make up sits well, lasts longer and maybe I can wear it less and less, rather than more and more!
I am a huge fan of clay masks but over the last few years I have found there are less and less of them on the market with the last natural one I used being a Dr Haushska one.  Well, I was reeling with excitement when I was presented with paraben-free Ole Henriksen's Firm Action Mask, containing a combination of Lactic Acid, Kaolin (fine China clay) with Dead Sea Salt to suck out impurities in the skin effectively, whilst firming.
What I love the most about clay masks is that on contact I can feel it working with my skin and you can often see the colour of the mask change, noticing congestion, dehydration; all those skin issues being tackled at once with a simple, ancient beauty regime.  Then as soon as the clay paste dries, it tightens and refines skin working to deeply cleanse and better still you feel the incredible instant results of plumpness, smoothness and healthy skin.

Ole Henriksen is available from Selfridges and Harvey Nichols nationwide or www.feelunique.com 

Asian Beauty: Ginvera Whitening Marvel Gel.

If you're curious about the influx of Asian skincare recently and feel a bit BB Cream crackered out, then why not focus on Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel which sloughs off dead skin cells, rubs away blackheads and evens out the skintone with brightening ingredients that diminish freckles and pigmentation allowing your complexion to go 'back to skin you were born with'.

The gel acts fast onto dry pre-cleansed skin when rubbed in circular motions, flakes appear of skin debris especially when concentrating around a congested T-Zone. Once massaged in (around eyes if you wish) water can be applied to achieve a brightening effect to skin, then rinsed off thoroughly with more water.
They claim that when used daily skin feels 'baby' soft, clear of blocked pores and after long term use will lighten blemishes, though I would recommend using twice a week to begin with, then up to three or four times instead of an exfoliant or alternate with your regular gentle exfoliant for sensitive skins.

!!! Now available at www.gurumakeupemporium.com !!!

Bridal Make Up aka Red Carpet Make Up!

Here are two very quick pics of recent brides I've worked on, firstly the stunning Asian bride, who never, yes, never wears make up therefore keen to ooze pretty eyes with natural 'under' made up skin and then the bride who wanted a bronzed glow on her big day.

My philosophy is to enhance natural beauty, define in comfort.  What do you think?

The Dual Bio Effect!

Bio Effect Daytime has finally arrived.  The creamy pot of EGF 'natural' goodness, made from Barley Protein works in tandem with the award winning, Bio Effect Serum, so that by day your skin bathes in a light formula of moisture with an undisclosed amount of EGF and at night swims in a more potent serum efficiently replenishing skin whilst you sleep.

I thought I'd set up a challenge for Bio Effect, seeing as I was the first person to test the super serum in the UK and very much applauded its sensational results instantly, by using the two products as suggested, for 2 weeks!  Here are my findings...  

Day 2, left side of my face - my skin is lightly peppered with blemishes (note the one on my upper cheek) which I could not banish whilst on holiday in the sun.  My pores are looking too open for my liking and skin generally tired. 

Day 2, right side of my face - similar texture here with open pores and a few unsightly marks (note the one close to my ear) from stress and hormonal spots I'd gained late last year.  I am wearing a dab of cream blush in both pictures; its not rosacea but Une Breezy Cheeks!

1 week, left side of my face - pores appear refined and blemishes less prominent, especially that annoying one on my upper cheek.

1 week, right side of my face - a noticable reduction of pore size with skin appearing more taught along with fading blemishes I'd longed to get rid of. There is a touch of natural radiance too, which is very much welcome!

Two weeks, left side of my face - I hope you are as impressed as I am. Need I say more! Not only have I had countless friends, clients and colleagues ask me what I've been using but the odd beauty expert too. 

2 weeks, right side of my face - my skin, without doubt is oozing luminosity and is almost blemish-free. 

What do you think?  Will you be the next Bio Effect convert?

I hear there is more to come from Bio Effect in the form of two revolutionary products, though that is a while away, in the meantime, these two skin saviours must be hailed as the 'dynamic duo of skincare' and I have no doubt they will win more nominations for best beauty awards, they get my vote!

Rare Beauty Treat: Ar457 Elixir Metaserum

I love a rare find and this has to fit into a category as one of those beauty products you wish you'd had when you first begun using skincare as I am convinced I would be able to stand the test of time.  I tend to by pass packaging but no doubt, this is beautifully designed, light to carry and unfussy.   Ar457 Elixir Metaserum is a highly concentrated, powerful serum heaving with active ingredients such as Argan Oil, very much the buzzword in beauty over the past few years and a long time loved oil in many parts of Africa and the Middle East, lucky them. 

I have had this in my bathroom since the beginning of the summer and since I've been overwhelmed testing so much skincare I really had little time to put this through its paces, until now.  Branded as the 'do-it-all' elixir as it also tends to blemishes, dry nails and hair it does seem too that a little goes a long way. 

You'd expect this to feel oily and as heavy as Argan Oil but no, it has the quality of something a little like honey in appearance, without the stickiness and once a few drops are smoothed over skin, it gleams and sits a little, which I just love in this wintry weather, as my skin feels protected.   As you can see from the image above it adds a glow and can be worn alone, at night too, though I have experimented a little by mixing a few drops with daily moisturisers, a light-weight formula, Skin Science Bio Active 24hr Protective Complex Cream

 and Dior's Hydra Life Pro-Youth Protective Cream SPF 15, a rich cream where both appear to benefit by an all day radiance and hydration. 

A rare find that is Ar457Elixir Metaserum does carry a hefty price tag, approx £78, though saying this I believe it is a good, economical investment seeing as you need only a few drops for every use.  I'm in!