Skincare

An Introduction To Lightstim

- Vicki 5 Comments

LightStim Review

LightStim* has recently been introduced to the UK & is now being sold in SpaceNK stores. LightStim is a US brand which has built up quite a celebrity following (including Kate Beckinsale). It is a handheld beauty device that uses LED light therapy to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and helps you achieve a more radiant healthy complexion.

In a nutshell – LED treatments work by exposing the skin to tiny light bulbs that emit non-thermal specific wavelengths of light from the visible spectrum. LED therapy uses these specific wavelengths to penetrate the skin which stimulates the cells to produce collagen, and stimulates blood and oxygen flow to the skin. This improves skin tone and clarity, and wrinkles and fine lines are softened by the increased production of collagen.

The device itself is very lightweight and easy to use, you just plug it in and you’re good to go. I would say its very travel friendly & in this kit you get a very handy travel bag and a serum.

LightStim Anti Wrinkle Device

LightStim For Wrinkles

This device can be used on a number of areas, I’ve been using it on my face, neck, chest and the backs of my hands, all the areas where I’d like the skin to look more radiant and even in tone. I’m hoping using this daily will help reduce the fine lines around my eyes too. I took a number of before photos which I will be sharing with you in a couple of weeks when I post my first results update.

I like to use this at night after I have cleansed my face, I spend 3 minutes using the LightStim on particular area before moving on. Its not evasive at all, you don’t need to press the device on the skin, just hold in place so its lightly touching your skin. I like to start on my face & move down on to my neck & chest. The device gets slightly warm (it feels quite soothing) but not at all hot or uncomfortable. Its very safe and doesn’t irritate or leave the skin flushed or hot.

To say I was skeptical of the results LightStim promises is an understatement. Often companies release gadgets which are used for a short space of time & then left in a drawer forgotten about because they’re complicated to use and you see very little in the way of improvement but the LightStim seems to be different. I am seeing improvement in my skin tone & I have been using it regularly and found it easy to take away with me on a recent trip.

LightStim LED Device Review

There is a lot of technical jargon & info surrounding the LightStim & I will spare you the pain of me trying to explain it. I would say if you want to learn more about the science behind the technology then their website explains everything much better than I ever could.

Just make sure you keep an eye out for my update in a couple of weeks – there will be some before & after photos. 

LightStim for wrinkles retails at £249 & is available in SpaceNK stores.

Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.

Sweetease Waxing Kits

- Vicki 8 Comments

Sweetease Wax Kits

I do go to a professional to thread my brows (as I have had a few brow nightmares in the past) but when it comes to the rest of my body I like to take care of keeping that hair / fuzz free at home. It saves a little money & it means I can take care of it as & when it needs doing. I’ve tried quite a few at home waxing kits in the past & none have really wowed me in terms of results.

I have been putting the Sweetease at home waxing kits* to the test over the past couple of months & I have been quite impressed. They come in cute handy packaging & these kits contain everything you need to wax at home. Their range contains 3 specific kits – Face Kit, Bikini Kit & Legs Kit. So they have you covered.

Sweetease at home waxing kits

Each kit contains 16 wax strips that come in 8 packets (the leg kit has 20 strips 10 packs) you also get 2 after waxing wipes to gently wipe away any excess wax. I always think they should include more wipes, 2 is not enough. The strips in each kit are a great size for their specific area & I like to cut the strips in half for areas that need a little more precision.

They smell like vanilla which is a bonus, if you follow the handy visual step by step card that comes in each kit you will get smooth results. Although waxing can be slightly painful (beauty is pain) you do get smoother long lasting results, more so than shaving. I found these at home waxing kits so easy to use, you just heat the strip up in between your hands, pull the strip apart & smooth it on the targeted area. Make sure the skin is pulled taught otherwise the wax strip won’t pick up the hairs & you will have to go over the area again which can cause irritation.

I have been using the Face kit for my peach fuzz & to tame my mono brow & I highly recommend them. They are easy to use, fuss free & do a great job at getting rid of any unwanted hair.

I think these sets are so handy for travel too. The packaging is bright, fun & as I said each kit contains everything you need.

Sweetease wax kits at £3.99 each and available exclusively at Superdrug stores. For more information visit sweeteasegirls.com

Let me know if you have heard of this brand or if you have any other waxing recommendations.

Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.

OGX Kukui Oil Shampoo & Conditioner

- Vicki 10 Comments
Kukui Oil Haircare

OGX Kukui Oil Haircare

OGX Kukui Oil Shampoo & Conditioner*

OGX is a brand I have used quite a few times & never been disappointed with a product. They seem to deliver on quality every time.

I’ve been using a new release from them for just over a month now & I’ve been excited to tell you all about it since the first use. The OGX Kukui Oil Shampoo & Conditioner* have been formulated to deliver hydration & eliminate frizz, sounds like a win-win to me! This range centres around the oil from the Hawaiian Kukui Nut Tree & the Hawaiians have been using the oil from this tree for centuries. It has so many uses such as waterproofing wooden goods & surfboards, soothing dry skin & burns and also as a hair oil.

This natural nut oil is so hydrating and locks in moisture as well as leaving the hair glossy and lightweight. Both the shampoo & conditioner are quite thick, but they don’t weigh down the hair. I have been using these twice a week and my hair looks healthy and feels clean, bouncy and silky smooth. This is a great duo if you suffer from the dreaded frizz & flyaway hairs.

This range doesn’t strip your hair of its natural oils but instead protects the hair from free radicals & the elements, locking in much-needed moisture. The essential fatty acids found in the Kukui Nut Tree also make it a wonderfully hydrating product for dry, rebellious hair.

The shampoo does lather up nicely and both products are easy to rinse out. There is a scent to this range, but it’s not too overpowering & I think it smells quite sweet and calming.

You get a lot of products for your money (385ml in each bottle), a little goes a long way, so they will last a very long time. I will say that they’re best used as a duo, as the conditioner just adds that glossy sheen to the hair and makes it look so much more healthy. These are both SLS free & ideal if you’re looking for a gentle (if you have a dry or irritable scalp) but effective shampoo & conditioner.

Let me know if you have tried this Kakui Oil range from OGX, or if you have any other recommendations for this brand.

OGX products are available from Amazon & they’re currently 50% off

Products that are marked with a * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However, if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.

Dr Paw Paw Balm

- Vicki 5 Comments
Dr PawPaw Balm

Dr PawPaw Balm

Dr PawPaw* are a British made multi-purpose balm with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. The main ingredient in their balms is fermented Pawpaw, which is the fruit of the plant Carica Papaya. The Pawpaw has been found to have many soothing properties for our skin and hair, making it a real ‘go to’ product.

Dr PawPaw’s ingredients & benefits are

Carica Papaya (PawPaw)

This nutrient-rich fruit is full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, vitamins A and C and acetogenins which, when applied externally, helps in aiding skin repair, adding moisture and smoothing and tightening the skin.

Olive Fruit Oil

Olive oil has a variety of benefits for skin and hair due to its vast amount of antioxidants. Olive Oil contains Vitamin A and E but the most potent compound is Hydroxytyrosol. This rare antioxidant prevents free radical damage on skin cells and is absorbed deeply into the skin. It has many anti-inflammatory properties and is great for dry skin and hair.

Aloe Vera

Retains and restores moisture to lips, skin and hair. ‘Bathes’ skin cells and helps promote skin regeneration. Helps minimise the appearance of pore size and is an excellent ingredient for skin cleansing and toning.

Dr PawPaw Balm

Dr PawPaw Colours

These balms come in handbag friendly squeeze tubes and are perfect for taking with you on the go. I love the bold colourful packaging and think they’re functional & look cute too. I also like that they’re fragrance-free.

I’ve been using the Original Balm mostly as a lip treatment (as my lips are so dry this Winter) and I also like to massage it into my cuticles at night to help keep them soft. The formula is non-greasy and easily absorbed. It has quickly become a staple in my routine now & sits on my bedside table.

The Tinted Peach Pink* & Tinted Ultimate Red* Balms are pretty worn alone on the lips as they give the lips a subtle wash of colour and they also hydrate, protect and soothe the lips. I do also like to layer these on top of a lipstick to add more colour & a little shine. They’re so good for having in your handbag & applying throughout the day as a treatment & a lip colour. I’m never without mine & in particular, I love the Peach Pink, it’s such an easy colour to wear. I have also read that people use these tinted balms on their cheeks, I will be trying that out & think the peach shade will look cute.

You get 25ml of product in each tube and that will last you a very, very long time as a little goes a long way. The original balm is an excellent multipurpose product & the tinted options are fantastic lip colours, which not only give your lips a fresh glossy colour, but they also have the same great formula as the Original Balm which will protect your lips all day long!

These balms are a hit with me & I’m currently trying to keep them out of my mums reach as I know she will pinch one from me.

Dr PawPaw Multi Use Balms £6.95 each & available from www.drpawpaw.com

Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However, if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.