Vegan Flower Peel Serum by Spa Technologies

Posted on June 18, 2018 by Fiona Martin

If you are looking for cruelty free and vegan skincare products with natural active ingredients then Spa Technologies is the place to go, with a vast array of products designed to improve your skin with a strong emphasis on anti ageing so helping to combat those fine lines, wrinkles and dehydrated skin issues we start to suffer from as we age. Being in my 40’s I’m also keen to seek out nutrient rich products that really work for my skin and help me attain that youthful glow.

The Flower Peel Serum is a multi purpose vegan skincare product and with it’s natural ingredients promotes gentle exfoliation along with nourishing the skin using antioxidants and anti inflammatory ingredients. Stimulating new cell growth leaves skin smoother and more youthful looking which is what most of us aim for.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

Hibiscus Flower Acids : A complex of pure hibiscus flower extract comprising of a wide variety of acids (Phytic, Pyruvic, Mandelic and Azaleic acid), as well as powerful antioxidants and anthocyanins which are bio-flavonoids providing cell protection. Concentrate of pyruvic acid for gradual exfoliation; converts into lactic acid in the dermis without irritation. Clinical studies show: 9% more hydrating and 15% more keratolytic than Lactic Acid and non-irritating, 20% greater cell renewal compared to other AHA’s, 30% greater anti-wrinkle activity compared with AHA’s
Salicylic Acid: Beta-hydroxy acid decongests pores in treatment of problem skin. Gently exfoliates surface skin which decongesting pores.
Green Tea Extract: Antioxidant concentrate.
Laminaria Algae: Pure paste of this nutrient rich marine seaweed harvested off the coast of Iceland, it has an abundance of vital elements including zinc, copper, manganese, potassium, iodine and magnesium. Soothing emollient, it promotes circulation for a healthy glow.
Hyaluronic Acid: Intense moisturisation.

I found the serum a pleasure to use, it easily glides onto skin and then is absorbed quickly ready for a layer of moisturiser on top. It leaves your skin feeling fresh and renewed and definitely boosts your skin compared to not using it. Having used it for a couple of weeks now I would definitely miss it if I didn’t include it in my skin care routine as it really makes a difference leaving skin brighter and smoother. If you are on the look out for some vegan skincare products that work, then definitely check this out!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Manuka Doctor Facial Oils – Review

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Fiona Martin

Manuka Doctor has a new range of facial oils containing a complex blend to suit all skin types containing a vast array of essential oils in their ingredients list to combat anti ageing amongst other skin concerns. Manuka oil is an ingredient native to New Zealand and is extracted from the leaves and branches of the Manuka tree. Having recently been confirmed as being up to 20-30 times stronger than tea tree oil for protecting against bacteria (such as those associated with acne and eczema) I was keen to try some of this for myself and see what all the fuss is about.

With three different blends of facial oils in the Manuka Doctor’s range, I decided to try the Replenishing Facial Oil (£19.99, 30ml) due to it’s strong anti ageing formula – just what I need for my 40+ years skin! Also in the range is a Normalising Facial Oil and a Brightening Facial Oil.

The Replenishing Oil is designed to revitalise and restore radiance, using omega rich oils to regain suppleness and elasticity. Being an oil, it helps to protect the moisture levels of you skin so they don’t dry out thus helping to prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Upon application I can honestly say the oil felt totally nourishing and rich on my face without being greasy. I did have a sheen on my face but that soon soaked away leaving my skin feeling supple and really luminous. You can then apply moisturiser on top before make up. This can be used day and night, so I like to add a rich layer at bedtime and let it soak in whilst I sleep.

My thoughts on the Manuka Doctor facial oil are that I really enjoy using it and it feels like the total nourishment that my skin needs. It feels like it’s packed full of benefits and with the rich hydration it adds to my skin will hopefully keep those fine line at bay for a little longer!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Scienea Superfruit Anti Ageing Serum

Posted on September 13, 2017 by Fiona Martin

Scienea Superfruit Anti Ageing Serum is manufactured in the UK and prides itself on using only natural ingredients to create skincare products with proven results to aid skin issues such as ageing, repairing and restoring skin.

The Superfruit Anti Ageing Serum is packed full of over 20 natural ingredients including Pomegrante Oil, Apricot Oil, Rosehip Oil, Sunflower, Flax Seed Oil, Rasberry Oil, Pumpkin Oil and Strawberry Oil to name just a few, that penetrate deeply into the skin to help to reduce fine lines as well as smooth and enhance the firmness of the skin. With over two years of research to come up with the final product I had high hopes for the performance of this serum.

It’s so simple to apply and using your fingertips you can just massage the serum onto a clean skin and allow it to penetrate through the pores to get to work. It has a lightweight easy flowing texture and is best left for a couple of minutes to sink in before applying moisturiser but perfect to use as part of your daily skin care routine.

I found the product to be really easy to use and it just glided across the skin leaving it feeling ultra hydrated and enriched. It really smooths the feel of your skin and leaves it looking fresh and youthful. I’m really enjoying using the Scienea Superfruit Anti Ageing Serum and feel that my skin is plumper and soft to touch. I hope the results over time help to maintain a youthful glow across my skin as in just a few weeks it certainly feels good and is a pleasure to use.

Why not try out the Scienea serums for yourself – available in Superfruit for Anti Ageing or Superberry for Repairing & Restoring the skin.

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Joan Collins Timeless Beauty & Make Up

Posted on July 29, 2017 by Fiona Martin

Joan Collins Timeless Beauty is a new international luxury beauty brand consisting of skin care and beauty products and I’ve been lucky to try some of the glamorous base products recommended by Dame Joan Collins herself. With her own personal industry experience she has been able to collaborate on products that give sought after looks normally provided by top make up artists.

With anti ageing properties the products are just what I’m looking for as being in my early 40’s I’m definitely seeing the signs of ageing and fine lines creeping in! The Joan Collins range consists of both skin care and make up and all come styled in glamourous glass and gold packaging, the sort you’d expect to find on the dressing table of a Hollywood starlet. With the high-end bottles it was time to check out the contents and put the make up to the test. Having fair skin I went for the ‘Warm Extra Fair’ foundation and ‘Fair’ concealer. A sample of the Sleep Active Night Cream was also included for me to put to the test.

The Joan Collins Fade to Perfect concealer (£18) comes generously sized with an easy to use wand to apply to the eye area, around the nose and anywhere else you need a bit of cover. It blends easily and helps reduce dark circles and puffiness. As you can see I have a dark area under each eye and I found that this covered it perfectly leaving my under eye area flawless and perfectly blended.

The Joan Collins First Base foundation (£25) comes in an easy to pump bottle which I always like as you can dispense straight onto your brush, blender or fingers. This smoothed easily over my skin giving a good medium coverage, enough for me and gives my skin a good even tone. Hyaluronic acid is a great plumping ingredient and is used in this to help fill in fine lines and wrinkles, definitely a plus for me as I hate the lines on my forehead and between my brows. The foundation has a soft velvety texture which helps to blur imperfections but leaves you with a radiant look.

At the end of the day I always remove my make up and carefully wash my face to help protect my skin. It’s then important to apply a moisturiser that can work at night to repair and revive the skin and Joan Collins has come up with a great solution for the over 30’s. At 42 this is very welcome and I couldn’t wait to give it a try. Sleep Active Night Cream (£40) works to energise cellular activity and revive the skin, helping lift and reduce the signs of fatigue and advancing age so the face looks fresher, brighter, more alive and younger. With 28 active ingredients including 7 anti-oxidants, 10 anti-ageing, 11 moisturisers, albizia, julibrissen (persian silk tree bark) extract, ectoin, avocado butter, jojoba oil I have to say this felt like heaven on my skin at the end of the day. Light, refreshing, reviving, moisturising it just felt bliss and certainly was a great help to soothe and renew my skin overnight.

Overall I’m thoroughly impressed with the Joan Collins Timeless Beauty brand and would definitely recommend giving it a try particularly if you are 30+. It looks glamourous, feels glamourous but is mid priced so accessible to many especially as it can be picked up at your local M&S store as well as being sold at various places online!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Win a SENSSE Silicone Facial Cleansing Brush worth £90

Posted on June 21, 2017 by Fiona Martin

SENSSE Silicone Facial Cleansing Brush and Exfoliator is a rechargeable cleansing and anti ageing device that looks rather stunning in its pretty pink shade and soft silicone shell so I was excited to give it a try. Once charged is will last for up to 180 times based on a one minute usage which is pretty good going.

Inside the box you get the device, USB charging cable and what I have to say must be one of the cutest storage bags that I’ve ever seen come with a device like this. With its rose pink sequins, copper coloured zip and fluffy pom-pom, it’s the perfect place to keep your SENSSE product clean and dry when not in use.

Now onto the product itself, this has been a revelation in the cleansing brush market for me. Not only does it look small and sleek, the smooth silicone outer is silky soft and a joy to hold, fitting perfectly into your hand. The main side features a silicone cleansing brush featuring three different types of textures. Simply add a few drops of your own cleansing lotion and move in circular motions across your face ensuring your skin is dampened beforehand. When you switch it on it delivers thousands of pulsations per minute to gently remove dirt oil, makeup residue, and dry dead skin leaving your face feeling clean and rejuvenated.

The back of the SENSSE brush can be used to massage the face after moisturising especially around wrinkles and fine lines.

I found the device exceptionally user-friendly, it’s desirable to look at, it works efficiently being fully waterproof up to 1 metre, it’s a joy to hold fitting so easily and comfortably in your hand and above all gives a really good and pleasurable cleanse and massage to the face.

Some key features include:

Built-in Timer – The pulsation pauses every 15 seconds to remind you to move onto a new area.
Six different intensity levels to suit all skin types.
Long Battery Life – Get 180 uses per charge from internal battery that’s easily charged with included USB cable.
Auto Shut-Off – The device will switch off after 3 minutes of inactivity to save your battery.
Waterproof – You can use in the bath or shower without damaging the device.

I’ve really enjoyed using this product for a number of reasons including its ease to hold, the feel on your face is ultra soft and effective. It’s so much gentler than other facial brushes yet just as effective. The whole unit is ultra compact and comes with multiple speeds, more than other brushes I’ve tried and looks great sat out on your bathroom shelf. It’s pretty, small and leaves your skin feeling clean, fresh and supple. The massaging tool really does uplift your facial skin pushing the moisturiser deeply in to the pores to really boost healthy, supple and youthful looking skin.

Don’t just take my word for it, why not try one for yourself!

Just fill in the form below for your chance to win the SENSSE Facial brush worth £90!

Win A Sensse Silicone Facial Cleansing Brush and Exfoliator #4

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Transformulas EyeLightening Serum

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Fiona Martin

Transformulas EyeLightening Serum is an innovative skincare treatment for the eye area that is designed to counteract dark circles and fine lines that are caused by the ageing process along with stress induced symptoms. It’s a really simple to use treatment and comes in a high end looking package.

The tube contains a potion packed full of high end ingredients to treat the eye area and give it the best results possible. It aims to treat the following issues and give relevant results:

Dark circles gradually lighten
Soothing eye serum for immediate and long lasting reduction in facial lines
Minimises tear sacs
Reduces Puffiness
Lightens dark circles
Strengthens fine capillaries
Improves firmness
Restores structure and collagen

I found this treatment an abosolute pleasure to apply. No messy fingers, this treatment is applied with a wand that is simply wiped across your eye area to apply the product and the ingredients immediately sinks in to give results. It leaves no residue or greasiness and make up can easily be applied practically straightaway!

For me I applied the wand under my eye each morning and evening and it was really simple to use, my eye area felt smooth and revived. The serum is really light and sinks quickly into the skin.

It’s hard to capture a difference in photos but I do feel that my under eye area looks brighter and a lot fresher from continued use of this product. It definitely feels good on the eye area and leaves it really soft and hopefully prevents fine lines which I feel I’m doing pretty well from right now around the eye area. Just which I could find the a product that could do the same for my forehead wrinkles!!

Transformulas ia a brand I admire and thoroughly enjoy using, and the Eye-Lightening has been another product that adds to my recommendation of their range. Do try them out if you are looking for high end beauty and anti ageing care – they really do work and leave your skin feeling fabulous!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

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Luxury Beauty from Transformulas

Posted on September 23, 2016 by Fiona Martin

Keeping on top of my skin care routine is important to me now that I’m in my 40’s, but having two young children means I don’t have a lot of time, so rely on good quality products that make a difference. Transformulas have an amazing range of high quality products that look amazing and I’ve been trying out a few below to see what I thought.

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Hydration Gold is an anti ageing recovery creme packed with 23 carat hydration gold. Basically it is a moisturiser with high end anti ageing properties and 23 carat gold powder that delivers visual radiance and luminosity that is lost with the ageing process.

The product claims to:

Combats free radicals
Hydrates the epidermis and the derma of the facial skin
Creates luminosity and radiance to the skin
Immediate and continual luminance and hydration
Nourishes and promotes cell stimulation
Promotes the toning of collagen fibres
23 carat gold Illuminates the skin with a hint of shimmering gold

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At £41.95 this product should deliver and it does give my skin a really radiant glow compared to my usual moisturiser but does also leave my face feeling particularly smooth and fresh. It also gives my skin a nice highlight and luminosity which makes my skin feel and look more youthful. I love the look and feel that this gives me and rather than use everyday I prefer to keep it to use on couple of days a week when I really want my skin to look good and stand out.

The next product I tried is the Marine Miracle EyeZone which comes in a gorgeous spherical silver pot. Who would not want that on their dressing table?

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This eye care product contains the powerful five times ultra concentrated aldavine which is a combination of two potent marine algaes that are proven to reduce puffiness, dark circles, wrinkles and fine lines. This product feels amazing on your eye area with a really cooling, tightening effect that leaves your eyes looking smooth and youthful. It leaves a really radiant eye area that helps you glow throughout the day.

I try hard to protect my eyes from fine lines and the dreaded crows feet effect and so far I think I’ve done pretty well compared to others around me. I think powerful formulas such as those from the Transformulas brand have helped and given me that edge on the ageing process and they are products I always look forward to using.

Transformulas use cutting edge technology to provide ‘Beauty without surgery’ so if you get the chance, check them out as not only do they look good but the product makes your skin feel great and keeps it looking glowing and youthful!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

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Time Bomb Anti Ageing Skincare Range

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Fiona Martin

Time Bomb is an anti ageing skincare brand that aims to ‘Stop the clock’ quite literally on your face and protect it from all the elements that contribute to ageing by bringing ground breaking formulas such as their complexion cocktails to your dressing tables to give your skin the best chance of looking younger for longer. Here is just a small selection of the products available.

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I just love the packaging of the Powerball moisturiser and Troubleshooter Neck & Jaw Cream. The ball shaped pots look fabulous on the bathroom shelf, but it’s all about the product inside that counts.

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Powerball is an intensive moisturiser aiming to hydrate and plump your skin. It features bio-protectant Trehalose to help preserve skin’s internal fluidity, keeping it supple, elastic, resilient along with Ectoin, a miracle-working, microscopic protein found in the desert which is known for it’s moisture hoarding properties.

I’ve always found it to be rich, hydrating and leaving skin feeling plumped and protected but non greasy but ultra soft to touch. You can read more about it in my Timebomb Powerball review.

Trouble Shooter is a new product to me, but I adore it’s silver packaging. The formula aims to firm skin and lighten age spots. Packed full of powerful plant ingredients, it really does smell rich and potent as you open the jar giving an immediately good impression. I spread this over my neck and jaw area and it instantly sunk into the skin and already the area feels tighter and smoother.

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Over Exposed is a fantastic product to repair sun damaged skin, something I know I suffer from on my face. It’s designed to reverse and repair UV damage, to bring your skin back to the smooth, supple feel it once had. Using Omega9XEster, a vegetable derived emoillent to penetrate deeply into the skin it helps rid the skin of tough, leathery textures and brings back a youthful glow.

Well I tried this on one side of my face and I’m hooked. It has a smooth buttery texture that quite literally melts into the skin leaving it feeling ultra smooth and soft, I couldn’t believe the difference between the texture in either side of my face – it’s amazing!

Complexion Cocktail with a shot of B12 is power blend of 12 Amino Acids and 2 types of Hyaluronic Acid replenishes skin’s surface layers and helps retain moisture for immediate visible plumping. It’s so easy to use and can be just patted onto the skin with fingers or a cotton pad. I find these very reviving and boosting, check out my Complexion Cocktail review here.

Some excellent skincare products here from Time Bomb, do check them out, they are perfect for reviving your skin after the hot sunny days we’ve been having and will give your face a great boost before the Winter comes along leaving your skin feeling great!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

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Proactiv+ Pore Targeting Treatment – Review

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Fiona Martin

Being a sufferer of blemishes and acne in my late 20’s and 30’s, I’m always keen to ensure I treat my skin with the right products to prevent any future breakouts. I went through some expensive laser treatment and power peels to rid my skin of the acne causing bacteria, which has worked, although the odd blemish does still persist in trying to come through so using the right skincare is important to me.

Proactiv+ Pore Targeting Treatment contains Smart Target™ technology which pushes salicylic acid into the pores on your skin to stop blemishes in their tracks – just what I need! It also promotes new cells giving you brighter skin and helps to target fine lines, something I’m always eager to help prevent.

It’s key features are:

Kills bacteria and eliminates excess oil and debris
Works deep in the pores to break down dead skin cells, dirt and sebum
Reveals smoother, brighter skin and promotes the cycle of cell turnover
Helps remove excess oil and regulate oil production
Tones and tightens pores while improving skin texture
Soothes irritation and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Paraben-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores)

I found this lotion to be really smooth and rich, easily spreading across my skin and quickly absorbed. It leaves a matt, clean finish ready for applying any other lotions or make up. I really do notice a brighter finish to my skin and so far I have been blemish free since using the product.

My skin does feel clearer and looks fresher and I find this ideal to use both in the morning and at night. Priced at £29.99, you are paying for what you get, high end ingredients and an end product that works, it really does something for your skin and protects it. I need a cream like this for my skin to prevent the breakouts and deep down bacteria from returning and this works for me. I’d recommend it for anyone with blemish prone skin and include it as part of my daily skincare routine to keep the bacteria at bay!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write the review.

Q10 Caviar Nourishing Face Mask – Review

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Fiona Martin

With my 40’s now upon me, I love to treat my skin and give it an anti ageing boost whenever I get the chance. Pampering time is a rarity these days with two young children about, but when I do get a bit of me time, it’s always worth the while.

Timeless Truth have a wide range of high quality, luxury face masks using cutting edge materials that let the masks fit closely to the face allowing for maximum product absorption into the skin.

I tried the Q10 Caviar Nourishing Mask, designed to enhance your skin’s natural beauty, to preserve its elasticity and restore its radiant glow. With the main ingredients being Coenzyme Q10, Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E, this mask’s main benefits include:

Anti-Ageing
Prevent Wrinkles
Smoothes Fine Lines
Brightening
Moisturising

When I tore open the sachet, the mask came out neatly folded up. It is exceptionally moist and loaded with the rich serum that was about to be absorbed on my face. The cloth mask unfolded and unlike usual masks which just sit on the front of your face, this goes right under the jaw line and has side panels that fold up and hook over your ears. The mask literally moulds around your face and can be stretched and adjusted to fit tightly against the contours to ensure maximum penetration of the ingredients.

I then had the chance to sit back and relax for 20 mins while the mask got to work. Once removed any excess serum can be massaged into the skin for best results.

My skin definitely felt more moisturised and looked brighter. For maximum anti ageing results a series of masks is recommended, although being a luxury beauty product they do cost £6.50 a mask.

I think these would make a nice treat before a night out etc to give you a radiant glow and hydration boost that your skin may need.

All reviews are my own opinions and I received the products in order to write the review.