Previse DermApothecary Skincare

June 4, 2018May 12, 2024 - Vicki 1 Comment

New to the UK & exclusive to Harvey Nichols, Previse Skincare has launched ‘six, plant-based, unscented skincare products specially formulated with dermatologists, free of artificial fragrance and essential oils. The ZeroFragrance line is crafted for a growing majority of shoppers demanding clean-beauty options.’ So if you’re trying to incorporate cleaner beauty products into your routine this is a line you need to check out.

Over the past couple of months, I’ve been trying 3 products from this new range all three come packaged in clean looking, simple green and white packaging. It is quite practical and understated and you might think it is a little basic for the price tag, but Previse has kept it simple so they aren’t wasting their budget on unnecessary packaging focusing instead on the quality of the actual products themselves. This is becoming quite a trend in the beauty world as more brands like Deciem are adopting this scaled-back approach to packaging, I love it & fully approve.

Marine Granules Skin Brightening Botanical Scrub

This gentle exfoliator blends fossilised algae with jojoba and botanical extracts to gently buff the skin. This has a gel-like texture with lots of very fine scrubbies which exfoliate away all the dirt and grime your skin clings on to from the day. It leaves skin feeling smooth without being abrasive. I love using an exfoliator, they’re so satisfying and this one from Previse stimulates cell renewal and gives your skin a healthy, fresh glow.

You can even mix this Marine Granules with your favourite cleanser to give it a boost so you can cleanse and exfoliate all at once. Such a great idea! I even use it on the backs of my hands just to pep them up and remove dead skin to help them look smooth and rejuvenated.

Purify Hydrating Skin Cleanser

This pH balanced cleanser is so gentle and feels refreshing on the skin, it removes makeup with ease. It is enriched with marine algae and botanical extracts to help gently remove excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells without drying out your skin. It is a great daily cleanser which can be used morning or night. It has slotted right into my skincare regime and because it’s unscented, mineral oil and paraben free I know it won’t irritate my skin or break me out.

Body Mist Skin Nourishing Body Oil

This is my hero product for Spring/Summer. I have a wedding coming up and have been using this oil daily so I can have bare legs, and they will look healthy and feel super smooth. This Bodymist is rich in ‘vitamin E Oil and features, eco-certified sunflower and botanical oil extracts for long-lasting non-greasy comfort. This plant-based body oil includes sustainably sourced oils that are naturally rich in vitamin E to promote supple, elastic skin. Apply to wet or dry skin for a healthy, radiant and shimmering glow.’

I apply it liberally, focusing mainly on my legs, and really take time to massage it in. This oil gives them a healthy sheen, It dries down quickly, and you can get dressed right away without feeling or looking greasy. If body lotions & butter leave your skin feeling tacky, you might find a body oil works better for you, an oil hydrates and smooths without that greasy, tacky feeling.

Previse Zero Fragrance features six products which include: Marine Granules Skin Brightening Botanical Scrub, MommyBalm Stretch Mark Cream, Body Mist vitamin E Body Oil, Hydro Foam Rejuvenating Hyaluronic Moisturizer, Purify Hydrating Marine Cleanser, and SOS Skin Rescue Healing Salve.

The Previse Zero Fragrance range is available now from the Beauty Hall at Harvey Nichols & online at www.harveynichols.com

*This Post Contains PR Samples

ASDA The New Destination For Beauty

May 31, 2018 - Vicki 1 Comment

As most of us know, ASDA is a very popular destination for affordable fashion. I always kick off my Summer Holiday shopping at George as they do fab bikinis & beach cover-ups. Most people are not aware that ASDA is also a great destination for all of your beauty needs. Last year saw ASDA update & revamp it’s George beauty line, introducing over 100 makeup products from Contour Kits and Eyebrow Products to Lipsticks and Eyeshadows, so ASDA really has you covered in the makeup department. Oh! and best of all is that nothing in the range costs over £6. So whilst you are shopping for your wardrobe updates you can also pick up your favourite skincare & beauty products.

They also stock one of my top skincare brands, nspa. This is a brand that offers quality products you can afford. I have tried quite a few products from their range over the years and I’ve never been disappointed. In fact, they always exceed expectations and I have my Holy Grail products that I will always repurchase. If you haven’t spent time in the beauty aisle at ASDA you’re missing out on some great brands.

George Cosmic Baked Blush in Galaxy

I haven’t used a baked blush for so long. I remember back in 2014 when they were super popular and every brand was releasing their version. I had forgotten just how pretty this swirled formulation can be, this Cosmic offering from George is in the shade Galaxy which is a very pretty flushed pink shade and it gives just the perfect amount of colour. Enough to lift any makeup look and give it a fresh, radiant feel. I love the glow you get from a baked blush and this one is a good mix of highlight and blush, it reflects the light and leaves you looking healthy. It is a very wearable colour and it has gone straight into my everyday makeup bag & I have a feeling it is going to be my goto blush this Summer.

George Matte Lipstick in Smooch

I am so excited to see that ASDA have a range of soft matte lipsticks and there is no denying that they look stunning in their trendy rose gold packaging. You can’t go wrong with a classic pink shade and this one is a beautiful, everyday option. The formula is quite dry but that is to be expected in a matte formula it applies evenly and the colour is pigmented and so pretty on the lips. I am pleased with this shade and want to get a few more shades, I am tempted by a red.

nspa Expert Rejuvenating Serum

If you’re worried about the first signs of ageing or want to reduce fine lines and improve skins firmness this lightweight serum from nspa is perfect. It is fortified with:-

Crocus Chrysanthus Bulb extract, proven to help reduce the appearance of ageing skin, increase skins firmness and give the skin a smoother, more supple complexion.

Millet Seed Extract, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and rejuvenate your skin while helping to retain moisture.

It has a nice lightweight texture and it is a great step to give your skin a nice boost of hydration and a step that targets those long-term skin concerns.

nspa Beauty Rituals Smoothing Eyecream

Eye cream for me is one of those products of which I’m never 100% sure that they’re totally necessary. Although I do use them religiously because I don’t want to look back in years to come and wish I’d made more effort to keep those pesky fine lines at bay! So when it comes to this step in my skincare routine I am never very loyal to one brand the only criteria I have is price, I like my eye cream to be affordable and at only £5.00 this nspa one is just that. Oh, and it does contain Hyaluronic Acid which is a cult anti ageing skin care ingredient that everyone in the beauty industry swears by, so if the experts love it I will get onboard.

It is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid & Tetrapeptide to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and crows feet. Specially selected actives help firm and plump whilst enhancing radiance for a younger, brighter looking eye area.

nspa Beauty Rituals Face Masks

nspa have released 8 masks within this range, each mask targeting a specific skin concern. They have clay, moisturising and hydrating masks which includes a sheet mask. With all 8 costing only £1.50 each, this is such an affordable way add a mask to your beauty regime and have a little pamper. I love the sheet mask best of all as it is perfect to use after a busy week it soothes and rejuvenates tired dull skin. I always have a couple of the nspa beauty rituals masks in my stash, they come in this handy pouches which make them travel-friendly and ideal to take with you on your holiday.

The nspa range is cruelty-free & available exclusively in ASDA.

I love trying out affordable beauty products because I think we all know that price doesn’t always guarantee quality, at both ends of the scale. ASDA is bringing its ‘A’ game with its own brand beauty range from George and the nspa skincare products are not to be missed. Let me know if you have tried anything from either range, I would really like to hear your recommendations.

*This post contains PR Samples

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Skincare Collection

May 29, 2018 - Vicki Leave a comment

I have been using Jurlique products for over 10 years now, it is a brand that I always recommend to friends and family because they cater for all skin types, skin concerns and ages and their products are fantastic quality. I also love the brand’s history, their commitment to being sustainable and eco-friendly and their dedication to harnessing the very best of nature to include in their skincare.

My favourite collection from Jurlique, other than their Purely Age-Defying (which is fantastic for combating the signs of ageing) is their Rose Moisture Plus Collection. This range protects the skin against environmental damage (with their Rose Extract and Antioxidant Complex) and it also deeply hydrates, nourishes and replenishes skin to help your skin look healthy and radiant. I think most people are aware of or have used Jurlique’s iconic Rosewater Balancing Face Mist but the Rose Moisture Plus Collection actually has 6 other products which include a serum, moisturiser and a creamy face mask.

I have been trying 3 products from the range and I thought I would let you know how I got on,

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Lotion

This lightweight, non-greasy lotion is perfect for moisturising, smoothing and protecting against environmental aggressors. It is formulated with Rosehip Oil which helps address surface dehydration and it also includes a selection of rich plant oils, botanicals and emollients including Honey, Beeswax and Shea Butter which hydrate and replenishes the skin.

This is a lovely product to include in your am or pm routine and it works well layered as part of your wider skincare regime. If you tend to find cream moisturisers a little too heavy or greasy, especially under makeup then this lotion could be a great option for you. It has such a lightweight texture and it leaves skin feeling soft and looking radiant. It has a fresh rose scent which is carried throughout the range and I love it, It isn’t at all powdery or old-fashioned but more of a fresh dewy rose scent.

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Daily Moisture Balancing Serum

This serum is designed to address the signs of dehydration and protect the skin’s barrier with essential fatty acids, oils and high-performing botanicals. It is lovely and lightweight but deeply hydrating and It has antioxidant-rich formula not only provides extended moisture to skin plump and radiant it also protects against environmental aggressors. So your skin is in good hands with this Rose Plus Collection

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cream Mask

I have enjoyed trying all three of products but I have to say this mask has been my favourite product from the bunch. It is a weekly hydrating cream face mask and I enjoy using it on a Friday night after a busy week which takes its toll on my skin. I find it’s such a luxurious, replenishing treat for my skin. I like that you can use this as a 15-minute mask to boost hydration or as a more intensive overnight mask to really give your skin a treat and improve skins wellness.

This gentle creamy textured mask also contains Rosehip Oil which addresses dehydration and provides essential protection from environmental aggressors such as sun, wind and city pollution. Green Tea, Grapeseed and Tumeric Extracts provide powerful antioxidant properties whilst a rich selection of plant oils smooth and hydrate the skin.

If over the Summer months you find your skin is a little drier and are looking to add more hydrating products into your skincare regime, maybe this Rose Moisture Plus Range from Jurlique would a great fit for you. In short, it is a fantastic way to replenish dry, dull skin and protect your skin from environmental damage (which is one of the main contributing factors of premature ageing).

Helps protect skin from environmental damage
Helps soften, soothe and rebalance dryness
Leaves skin hydrated and moisturised
Addresses the signs of dehydration
Protects the skin’s barrier with nutrient-rich botanicals
Provides extended moisture keeping skin cushioned, fresh and radiant

You can find Jurlique products either via their online store www.jurlique.co.uk or at Jurlique’s new Flagship store at 489 Oxford St, London or at Debenhams in Chester & Oxford St, London.

*This post contains PR samples

Product Empties May 2018

May 8, 2018 - Vicki 2 Comments

Even Better Clinical Clinique Dark Spot Corrector

I only used this on the areas where I have the most visible uneven skin. I have a couple of sunspots and dark patches from old blemishes so thought it was best to use this more as a target treatment on those specific areas. I wasn’t blown away with the results, I know there is only so much a serum can do but I would say this worked better on my blemish marks than on my sun spots. Maybe if I’d used this in addition to other treatments I might have seen more improvements. I did like the serum and it was great at hydrating and giving my skin a radiance but I wouldn’t rely on this to fade dark spots. Let me know if you have had success with this product, I’d love to know.

Origins Three Part Harmony Nourishing Cream

I’m so sad that I’ve used the last of this Three Point Harmony Cream (the three-point refers to Renewal, Repair and Radiance) although it felt like it lasted me for the longest time. It has quite a thick consistency which meant I only had to use a small amount each time. I made a few notes whilst using this cream because I wanted to make sure I didn’t forget just how instantly hydrating and smooth my skin felt, it was amazing. My skin felt so nourished and velvety smooth each time I applied it, I preferred to use it as part of my morning skincare routine because my makeup would apply so evenly and effortlessly on top. It leaves the skin feeling supple and instantly radiant. Post application you do notice an instant smoothness and the scent is beautifully sweet & up-lifting. It is jam packed with skin loving ingredients which help fight the signs of ageing whilst boosting radiance and evening out skin-tone. I loved using this and highly recommend if you’re 30+ and looking for a heavy but nourishing moisturiser

‘This intensely rich cream with Tazetta Lily Bulbs, White Myrtle and Japanese Knot Weed helps produce youthful supplies of natural collagen to help visibly repair skin’s structure. Fine lines and wrinkles are softened. With deeply nourishing plant butters plus Vitamin E, this luscious cream renews skin’s hydration levels. With Scutellaria, it helps reveal radiance, refine tone and brighten skin to impart a healthy, vibrant glow.’

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% EGCG

Oh hell yes – I loved this product. LOVED LOVED LOVED. I reluctantly introduced it into my routine after having it for so long. I don’t know what took me so long to try it, maybe I just didn’t know where it would fit into my routine but I’m so glad I took a chance on it.

You apply it to around your orbital bone (around your eye area) and it helps reduce puffiness, reduce dark circles and it has actually reduced a patch of pigmentation I had to the edge of my eye.

Caffeine – Constricts blood vessels to reduce discolouration and swelling.
EGCG – Sourced from green tea, EGCG has strong anti-inflammatory properties, and is also proven to reactivate dying skin cells.

It is without a doubt one of my favourite products from The Ordinary, this solution has visibly reduced uneven skin-tone and my eyes have never looked as healthy. It is like liquid sleep. I can’t sing it’s praises enough but if you did need any more convincing to try it yourself the price tag might just sway you – this 30ml is only £5.80! Now all I ask is that you don’t buy it in bulk, leave me a bottle or two.

Duck & Dry Instant TLC Leave in Conditioner

I don’t use many hair products, I am very much low maintenance when it comes to styling my hair but this Duck & Dry Leave in Conditioner was pretty damn good. It smells like a super fancy spa and it left my hair glossy, detangled and looking very healthy indeed. A little goes a long way & you can easily apply too much & risk your hair being greasy but apart from that I thoroughly enjoyed using this

Honey, Shea Butter and Virgin Coconut Oil join forces to ensure maximum moisture levels and help prevent breakage, while Vitamin B works to repair the look of split ends and promote enhanced elasticity.

BalanceMe Super Moisturising Body Oil

I have become that person who smothers their entire body in oil (makes me feel very fancy indeed). I want my skin to remain supple, silky smooth and nourished from tip to toe for as long as possible, especially as I am 40 this year. I used to think body lotion was all I needed but I discovered just how amazing body oil left my skin feeling. This balanceme one isn’t too runny and my skin just soaks this stuff up. I like to use it after shaving my legs as it keeps them smooth and locks in moisture.

So this beautiful 100% natural, nut-free oil features a bespoke, revitalising blend of Neroli, Starflower and Rosehip oils and is designed to firm, nourish and deeply hydrate. It smells luxurious and I am now 100% converted to using body oil on a daily basis. I find it more convenient to use in the evening as I have more time & I’m not trying to get dressed whilst the oil is settling in. Let me know what your favourite body oils are.

Jurlique Rose Body Care Lotion

I always use body lotions in the morning after my shower and this Jurlique one comes in a handy pump bottle which makes applying it so much less faff. This has such a beautiful subtle rose scent that lingers on the skin which is really nice. The lotion is lightweight and easy to massage into the skin, it’s quickly absorbed which makes it a great morning body lotion so you can get dressed straight away. This bottle lasted me ages and I used it religiously every morning for a couple of months.

Its caring blend of Avocado and Macadamia Oils soften and rejuvenate without greasy residue.

Lacura Caviar Facial Cleansing Wipes

These are very affordable and I love the Caviar range from Aldi, I have tried quite a few products over the years and never been disappointed. These face wipes are handy to have & great to pack in your travel makeup bag. They’re nicely moist and remove makeup without tugging at the skin. Great if you’re in a pinch for time & need to remove makeup in a rush.

NIOD Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate

This isn’t unlike The Ordinary Caffeine Solution but it is more specifically targeted for reducing hyper-pigmentation around the delicate eye area, targeting dark circles, puffiness and fine lines. It is like liquid sleep & the results are quite remarkable. I will be repurchasing this ASAP because I have missed having it in my routine.

‘It combines 28 clinical technologies to target many signs of under-eye and above-eye ageing in one treatment—borrowing from advanced biotechnology, polyphenol technology, next-generation cyclic peptide technologies, marine science and modern drone delivery mechanics. This single treatment is able to target visible ageing (both upper eyelids and lower eyelids) including the looks of dynamic lines, static lines, fine superficial under-eye lines, loss of elasticity (especially upper-eyelids), dark circles, puffiness and textural unevenness with positive visible results starting within 3 days and improving into 8 weeks with continued use.’

This is without a doubt the most effective eye treatment I have used and would recommend it in a heartbeat. It feels silky smooth on the skin, it’s lightweight but very hydrating. I simply love it. DECIEM have a lot of information & the science behind the 28 clinical technologies used in this product so I urge you to pop over & read all about them.

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