Skincare

Hydrate * Firm * Brighten * Refresh

- Vicki 9 Comments

DHC Revitalizing Moisture Strips

DHC are a Japanese brand renowned for their great skincare, I really like their Cleansing Oil and have blogged about that numerous times. These Revitalizing Moisture Strips* are quite a popular way of reducing puffiness and hydrating your under eyes. I have used some from YSL which I loved. These DHC ones come in a box with 6 individually packaged sachets, which makes them perfect to put in your flight bag, or use the morning after the night before or if you just want to relax and enjoy a pamper session. Really for any situation you feel you will need to look your best or when you feel you need a little TLC.

Eye Strips

These adhere to your skin really well, they don’t slip about they stay in place so you don’t have to stay still whilst you have them on and they feel lovely and instantly cooling on your skin. They give your skin a concentrated flow of nutrients including Mulberry (calming), Alpha Arbutin (helps brighten), Olive Leaf (Antioxidant) and Soy (condition and protect). I found the strips easy to apply and they tell you to leave them on for 20 – 30 minutes or if you want a more intense burst of moisture & nutrients then to leave them on over night (I’ve not tried this yet), but can imagine this would be a great thing to do in the run up to a big event.

I’ve used 3 sets of these so far and really like them, they’re instantly cooling but feel tight at first but I think thats just the stickiness, this does wear off and I found them quite comfortable. I like to leave them on for as long as I can so about 45 minutes and they really do refresh, brighten & hydrate but I couldn’t say that they firm so much. As I use them a little more I might be able to notice a more firming effect, especially when I use them overnight

DHC

I suffer from terrible dark circles, probably from all the time I spend looking at the computer screen. I do notice after using these my under eye area looks brighter, feels smooth and the skin is less puffy. Very effective little masks!

When you remove them, they come away from the skin easily so no need to tug and the don’t pull the skin. They leave behind no sticky or greasy residue so if you’re using them whilst travelling you don’t have to wash that area which is handy.

DHC

In action

I really enjoyed using these & my mum even pinched a pack and said she thought they were great (she is 56). I will always have a box of these in my stash now as they’re a perfect quick fix for puffy / dark under eyes and for looking your best at an important event.

Have you used any eye strips? Did you find they helped brighten and refresh? These DHC ones are a great under eye pick me up. They’re available from DHC online store, a box of 6 sachets  for £6.95.

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.

Apivita Propoline Shampoo Review

- Vicki 4 Comments
Apivita1

Apivita Shampoo

Apivita is a Greek brand known for their skincare, but I never knew their range incorporated hair care. I have been testing out an Almond and Honey Shampoo from their Propoline range since Christmas.

Propoline Shampoo For Dry-Dehydrated Hair 

This shampoo is 90% natural and this formula is aimed at nourishing and hydrating dry – dehydrated hair. It contains honey, aloe vera, almond & olive oil and wheat protein it also contains Rosemary infusion to offer antioxidant, toning, antiseptic and anti-irritant action. These ingredients also give hydration, prevent split ends and shield against environmental damage. Since using this I have noticed my hair has a lovely glossy sheen to it, and it feels soft to the touch. It is easy to wash out but does contain SLS so foams up to a lather, It has a sweet smell  (which is very nice) and the formula is quite thin in consistency.

Apivita Shampoo

The only gripe I have is the packaging it looks pretty but when you get down to the last few uses it is so hard to get out when you’re in the shower, hands are wet, and you have to turn it upside down and hit it like a ketchup bottle. It’s a bit of a pain. If they added a pump, the packaging would be perfect. The shampoo itself is good quality and I think it actually works, I haven’t noticed if it helps with split ends, but it certainly hydrates and quite often I don’t use a conditioner when I use this as I feel like it gives my hair enough moisture that I can miss that step out (and that makes me quicker in the shower = more time in bed).

This 250ml has only just run out & it lasted me over 3 months, using it at least twice a week. So that is pretty good in my book.

Free of: silicones, mineral oil, propylene glycol, ethanolamines, colorants, phthalates, polycyclic musks and nitromusks

Let me know if you have tried any Apivita shampoos, I have liked using this one & would recommend it to anyone that has dry, dehydrated or even dull hair.

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.

A Lovely Duo

- Vicki 3 Comments

Perfect Duo

I’m still in the middle of moving house & everything is still packed away in many many boxes that I just can’t face unpacking yet. So I’m working my way through some posts that I hadn’t hit publish on yet.

Working from home & doing a lot of crafting I wash my hands so often and I like to treat myself to a nice handwash & lotion. These are my current duo.

ESPA Zesty Lemon Ylang Ylang & Crushed Tonka Beans Hand Wash 250ml £15.00 – I’ve used a few of these ESPA hand washes now & find them to be a little slice of affordable luxury. They’re hydrating and moisturising. A bottle lasts a very long time and it smells incredible. This scent has been my favourite to date, what I like is that it contains 100% natural Essential Oils and smells zesty but a little masculine. This doesn’t dry your hands out at all and leaves them feeling soft and clean.

ESPA Handwash

Molton Brown Thai Vert Soothing Hand Lotion (now called Lime & Patchouli) 300ml £20.00  – This also has a Zesty scent but also has Patchouli and that makes it smell very comforting & fresh. It feels luxurious and and pampering, the lotion keeps my hands hydrated and feeling silky smooth. I can’t stand when a handcream is greasy so this one is perfect as it is light, easily absorbed and provides hydration that lasts.

These two make a great duo and I have been enjoying using them & their Zesty scent is a reminder that Spring isn’t far away.

What is your favourite handwash / handcream?

My Current Serums

- Vicki 12 Comments

Favourite Serums

Murad Advanced Active Radiance Serum – This came is a sample set from TK Maxx and it’s a serum designed to protect your skin against environmental aggressors which can lead to premature ageing. This is also very good at giving you a glowing complexion so I like to use this in the morning as it’s lightweight and sinks in leaving my skin feeling smooth and hydrated. This is also meant to make your skin feel firmer but I wouldn’t say I noticed an improvement with that. I do also like that this protects against UV damage and I have seen a reduction in two dark age spots on my cheek since using this.

U Little Beauty Vitamin C Serum* I have really liked using this over the winter, this serum is very soothing and extremely hydrating. The camomile, aloe vera and liquorice help calm and sooth the skin whilst the high content of Vitamin C from the Kakadu Plum help hydrate and combat signs of ageing. Its nice and lightweight and sinks into your skin  quickly, its the perfect serum if you have dehydrated skin. All U Little Beauty products are Vegan & Cruelty Free.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair – This is a serum I couldn’t live without. It makes my skin look well rested, bright and my skin tone looks healthy and plump. If I’m staying out overnight I don’t travel without this. It is well worth the money & this has lasted me since October and I still have 1/3 left.

Current Favourite Serums

Aesop Parsley Seed  Anti Oxidant Serum – I am almost at the end of this serum and I have enjoyed using this so much. It is another serum that is aimed at helping protect the skin against free radicals. This is a little more tacky than any of the other serums but that only lasts a minute or two before it sinks in and leaves my skin feeling nourished and smooth. This serum is very hydrating and bursting with antioxidants, some people are able to use this not only as a serum but as their moisturiser too as it is quite thick and provides a lot of moisture. I find this serum really balances my skin and helps keep my excess oils at bay. The packaging of the Aesop products is always so nice too. I am a big fan of their skincare. This is my second bottle of this and I know when this runs out I will be repurchasing a third.

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum* I am all about products that help promote a healthy glow and keep my skin hydrated, looking smooth and at its best and this Jurlique Serum is all of those things. This has a slight floral scent to it and the serum is light and easily absorbed. Out of all the serums I have this is the best at making my skin look radiant and it feels very gentle and soothing. If My skin feels a little tight or slightly red/angry this is the serum I reach for.

There seems to be a common theme with the five serums not only are three of them from Australian brands but I like to use those offer a  defence against environmental aggressors, restore skins radiance and boost hydration. I am on a quest for bright, healthy looking skin.

Have you tried any of the serums I’ve been enjoying, or if you have any recommendations for ones you use let me know.

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.