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.

HelloSkin – The Online Shop for all your Skincare Needs

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Fiona Martin

HelloSkin is an online specialist skincare shop that cares about all those awkward skincare needs such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and dry skin. A team of experts carefully research all of the products available making sure they inform you what ingredients are included, what it is best used for and where best to apply it. The website is really helpful in that you can filter options to help find suitable products, for example you can select your symptoms, the type of product you are looking for and what part of the body is suffering.

I chose a selection of products to try out that I hoped would help with various minor skin issues that I have. I found the website easy to navigate and could pinpoint an array of products straightaway that fitted my needs.

I started with La Roche -Posay Lipikar Lait body milk from a brand I love and have used previously Their products are always of a high quality, giving instant results and I always find them lovely to use. Although I don’t suffer from psoriasis which this can be helpful for, I do have dry skin on my shins and upper arms which is not a good look in the Summer months. I found this lotion to be thicker than a milk consistency but thin enough that it was absorbed instantly into the skin leaving it really smooth and soft restoring the hydration but leaving my skin silky with it’s non-greasy and non-sticky finish.

For my face I chose to try the Biore Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub, a brand I remember using when I was younger. The baking soda ingredient in this really appealed to me and also being a powder scrub sounded interesting. I suffered with acne around my jawline in my late 20’s and ended up having a series of peels and laser treatment to combat the bacteria. From then on I’ve been particularly careful to care for my skin with deep cleaning and this gentle but effective powder cleanser and exfoliator is perfect for that. I absolutely love this – it feels great on the skin and smells gorgeous with a delicate lemon fragrance that’s exceptionally fresh. With a small amount of powder in your hand, you mix it with water to form a paste then massage across the face. The mixture gently fizzes and makes it’s way deep into the pores to clean and clear. A winner with me and definitely a product I’ll be using regularly in the future.

Flexitol Heel Balm was my final product of choice and is just the thing I need for my feet particularly in the Summer months. At home I’m always barefoot or in flip flops and outdoors I wear flip flops or sandals so my heels are always naked. This results in dry, cracked heels as I know from experience which is not only unpleasant but exceptionally sore and painful. Since then I’ve been cautious to regularly moisturise my feet and this Flexitol balm is ideal to use each night time. I prefer to apply as soon as I climb into bed so that it can sink in and absorb deeply into the skin overnight. I love this balm and have found that my heels are looking a lot healthier with this treatment which I aim to use 5-7 times a week and is a footcare regular for me now.

Overall I’ve found HelloSkin to be a really useful and user friendly website to find all of my skincare essentials for problematic skin. Not only that, the delivery was prompt, the prices were very competitive and well worth buying online compared to instore. All the brands are well known names that have been chosen by their experts as products suitable for various skin complaints. If you have any aspect of your skin whether on your face or body that bothers you then check out this site for recommendations – there’s sure to be something to suit everyone!

If you do decide to order than use discount code HELLOFIONA for a 10% discount off your entire order!

You can also find HelloSkin on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

This blog post is sponsored by HelloSkin, but all opinions are my own

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.

Time Bomb Today’s Special Value on QVC

Posted on March 12, 2017 by Fiona Martin

Check out QVC Sunday 12th March 2017 to get an amazing deal on Time Bomb. The Today’s Special Value offer is selling for an amazing £46 for products that would cost £220 if purchased individually.

The ‘Big Deal Collection’ consists of:

Take-Off Time Cleanser (200ml; supersize) – engineered with dermatological grade crystals that gently slough off dead skin cells to reveal fresh, smooth, glowing skin beneath. Free from drying surfactants or harsh detergents, leaving your skin feeling moist and looking dewy
Collagen Bomb Essential Skin Fuel (50ml; supersize) – highly charged with collagen, this potent, moisturising formula is designed to counteract environmental effects on your skin to create a fuller, firmer and smoother-looking complexion
Trouble Shooter Neck, Jaw & Chest Cream (100ml; supersize) – visibly diminishing the signs of ageing while soothing and hydrating your skin for an instant firming effect, this targeted treatment helps to enhance the appearance of suppleness and elasticity, reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten the appearance of pigmentation for a more even-looking skin tone. Formulated with chrysanthellum extract, vitamin C, lanachrys, pea extract, olive oil, abyssinian oil and hyaluronic acid
Complexion Cocktail with a shot of H20mega (150ml; supersize) – a hydrating cocktail designed to support your skin’s surface layers, help retain moisture for an immediate plumping effect, and counter signs of skin fatigue and dehydration. Formulated with a powerful blend of 12 amino acids, two types of hyaluronic acid, high levels of vitamins B12 and B3, plus chia oil, coconut oil and brown algae

Check it out now as this offer is for today only!!

Having used various Time Bomb products both currently and in the past I can confirm that you won’t be disappointed. They are all packed with high quality ingredients that deliver and help to protect, improve and enhance your skin. Being in my early 40’s I need skin care with anti ageing properties to keep a youthful glow and Time Bomb works and feels great on my skin. Get this offer while you can as it’s a great value pack to experience Time Bomb either for the first time or to stock up on your favourites!

This post is in collaboration with Time Bomb skincare.

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Vegan Beauty Must Haves for Spring

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Fiona Martin

The world of cruelty free and vegan beauty has come a long way in the last few years and I’ve been lucky to try out some amazing products that will be perfect to fit into your Spring beauty regime. From various brands, all of these products stand out for me with premium ingredients and high quality results that leave the products desireable to use and a pleasure to place on my skin. Not only that, they look gorgeous on your dressing table too!

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jojoba and rosehip oil bottle

The Jojoba company 100% natural Jojoba and Rosehip Oil is a multipurpose oil, perfect for hair and skin. The combination of ingredients is crucial to the benefits in that they help deliver the product to the deeper layers of your skin where it is really needed. By massaging 2-3 drops onto clean damp skin the product is absorbed and nourishes where needed. I loved using this before bed to really hydrate my skin as I’ve found with age I get dry around the chin area. I love to let this work it’s magic overnight for a really healthy glow and thoroughly moisturised skin in the morning. The bottle is stunning by the way – you won’t forget to put this on, because it’s a must have on your dressing table!

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Embryolisse is a French brand I’ve used before with their Radiant Eye Cooling Stick so I knew the quality would be good. I don’t normally use a CC cream, just foundation so thought this would be interesting to try out. The product has colour adapting technology and literally changes on your skin to suit your tone and colour. With SPF 20 included and high coverage I absolutely love this product and was amazed at how well it applied to my face. It covered all my blemishes, is moisturising, left my skin fresh, glowing and blurred away those fine lines – definitely a replacement for my current foundation.

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The Superfruit Complex 10 in 1 Multi-Benefit Hair Masque from Shea Moisture is a luxurious treat for your hair that leaves it ultra soft, shiny, nourished, strengthened and more. I found this easy to use in the shower by applying then letting the water run down my back while the hair masque worked it’s magic before rinsing off. As you put your fingers through to rinse, you can feel that your hair is so smooth and soft, it feels fabulous, like a real treat and worth doing once a week when you have a few minutes to prevent dry, ageing hair.

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No Bleeding Lips from Know Cosmetics is a secret lip liner, clear in colour that can be applied around the edge of lips before lipstick or gloss to prevent bleeding. I found this super soft and easy to apply, leaving me with a well defined lip line and lipstick that looked well applied. Definitely a staple for the make up bag!

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’s QVC Today’s Special Value Offer

Posted on December 2, 2016 by Fiona Martin

QVC’s Today’s Special Value bundle on the 4th December 2016 will be this amazing Time Bomb skincare bundle! Don’t forget to check it out as it can be yours at the amazing price of just £47.98!

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The offer includes the below products:

Brand new Instawow Sparkling Facial Mask
Supersize Flashback Night Cream
Complexion Cocktail with a shot of Chlorophyll
Supersize Collagen Bomb
Supersize Hand Cream

All for just £47.98, which is an incredible deal!!

I’ve been lucky to try out some of the products included in this deal and I can tell you that they are brilliant for protecting and looking after your skin. They are great for ageing skin and use high end technology and ingredients to really care and treat your skin.

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You can read about most of the products in my previous review for Time Bomb but I must just tell you about their newest product. Instawow is a sparkling facial mask that is new to the Time Bomb range and this is the first time I’ve tried it out myself.

A clear gel is applied to clean skin and almost immediately it starts to fizz across your whole face. Little white foam bubbles appear and spend the next five minutes fizzing away which does have a slight tickly sensation, nothing like I’ve felt before with a face mask. You then massage any excess away into the face and then rinse off. It is super light but also very effective

The Results

Wow! This product certainly should be called Instawow, my face was left glowing and fresh, with a light, luminous effect to it. It also felt ultra soft and smooth, like baby skin – I love it!!

Packed with energising citrus extracts and sparkling glycerine, this mask works deep down in the pores with it’s fizzing to remove make up and debris whilst leaving your skin brighter, cleaner and tighter! A must have this party season to get your skin looking tip top before a night out, and also clearer the morning after!

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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Cetraben Dry Skin Cream Review & Giveaway

Posted on June 23, 2016 by Fiona Martin

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Cetraben is an emollient cream which can be used to help treat dry and sensitive skin. It used to be prescription only but now is available to buy whenever you or your child’s skin needs something a bit richer whether it’s due to dry patches or eczema related issues.

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Both my children have suffered with dry and sensitive skin in different ways since they were born and I also have a particularly dry itchy patch of skin on my leg that ordinary moisturisers don’t really help with. We’ve been prescribed creams in the past but it’s great to know you can buy one when you need it.

Cetraben has created two different formulas, a cream and a lotion with the lotion being a lot lighter in texture than the cream which is great when you don’t want to be rubbing heavy creams in to your skin.

Both the cream and lotion contain three key ingredients:

Light Liquid Paraffin – replaces lost skin oils
White Soft Paraffin – forms a protective barrier on the skin surface
Glycerin – brings moisture up from deep down in the skin

I’ve tried out both textures and find they both absorb really quickly and easily leaving little greasy residue. They are pleasant to use and have really helped with the dry patches on my leg and my little boys patches on his back.

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The product comes in large style pump bottles (200ml) as well as handy smaller (50ml) bottles which are ideal for travel or keeping in your handbag.

I have two full sets of both the lotion and cream in both sizes available to giveaway to two lucky readers.

Just fill in the Gleam widget below:

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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 Powerball Intensive Moisturiser

Posted on January 15, 2016 by Fiona Martin

Time Bomb Powerball Intensive Moisturiser is perfect for your skin over the colder months due to it’s rich, hydrating formula. Delivered in a spherical pot, this intensive formula is packed full of 21 natural hydrating agents to give you totally moisturised skin.

Although rich, this product is instantly absorbed leaving your skin feeling supple and protected. Being non greasy, make up can easily be applied afterwards on your soft, fresh more healthy looking skin. I’ve found this has worked perfectly for my face, giving a more plump, hydrated feel to it.

This is a great moisturiser packed full of benefits for hydrated, youthful looking skin. With the cold, windy weather we are currently experiencing, Timebomb’s Powerball will definitely give you the protection you need and relieve any dryness or red patches.