NIOD Flavanone Mud QVC Exclusive

September 12, 2016January 21, 2018 - Vicki Leave a comment

I have always had my eye on so many NIOD products because they get such incredible reviews and the packaging is right up my street. Simple, clean and modern its so cool. I have been testing out their very popular Flavanone Mud (FM) Mask which for the month of September is available in a SUPERSIZED 100ml edition exclusively to QVC. So if you are a fan of this mask and prefer a tube instead of the original 50ml jar packaging then what are you waiting for, you need to stock up.

This is also an incredible deal as 100ml is only £38 whereas 50ml will set you back £24.50. So you’re getting fab new packaging and a deluxe supersized version for a bargain price.

How to use:

Use once a week
Apply a thin layer of Flavanone Mud to your entire cleansed dry face, avoiding the lower and upper eyelids
Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with warm water
There will be a stinging sensation which increases for a few minutes after the product is rinsed off

This comes out a very unusual orangey, brown shade and does tighten on the skin over the 10 minutes but it is not uncomfortable and the stinging sensation isn’t as dramatic as I was prepared for. So don’t panic. I smoothed a very thin layer over my face using a brush & just left it to work its magic.

So the magic is that this is one of the best mud masks I have tried and I have tried quite a lot. This mask works in three phases

Purifying Phase

This phase is the simplest one in the formulation and the one that is most closely aligned with masques as they are known today. In this phase, surface impurities—which include oil- and water-soluble pollution, cosmetic product build-up and excess sebum activity build-up—are physically solubilized and removed.

Protective Phase

This phase of FM’s formulation offers the most innovative approach to decongestion by introducing technologies that offer a physical shield against external build-up.

Responsive Phase

This phase of the formulation introduces mechanisms that fight against environmental congestion factors. This phase is the most important phase of FM as it respects health and longevity. The presence of “Flavanone” in the name of the product emphasizes the importance of this phase.
The result of this combined approach is a topical purification process that allows for a form of sustained visible radiance that is not “fabricated” through short-term inflammation or peeling.

There are so many wonderful ingredients included in this mask and NIOD are very cutting edge with the designing and formulation of their products, they like to go about things a little differently. Which is very intriguing and exciting.

With a commitment to be at the very forefront of science, NIOD (Non Invasive Options in Dermal Science) brings new innovations out ahead of the curve, adapting to the needs of modern-day skincare and pioneering next-generation beauty.

Quite a few whiteheads came to the surface after using this but after using it over the past 2 weeks. My skin is now looking healthy and feels smooth and soft.

‘FM is designed to be used once per week. Its action may lead to a stinging sensation which actually increases for a few minutes after the product is rinsed-off. The product should be applied on clean, dry skin as a very thin even layer and left on for 10 minutes. Some benefit will be seen immediately after the first use, but the benefits will be more evident 24-48 hours after application and will continue to be maintained with continued use. Note: An accelerated method of use would be to use FM once per day for the first five days followed by weekly maintenance applications.’

So as you can see the mask is a dark burnt orange and its formula is thinner and feels almost like a serum when applying it, it is very easy and smooth to apply and surprisingly easy to remove with warm water and a flannel. Even after one use, you will notice a difference in the texture of your skin.

If you often see very little results from your regular Mud Mask then I think its time you tried this Flavanone Mud Mask. It’s a fantastic decongestant and I usually have quite a few small spot like bumps around my jaw and chin, after 6 or so uses they have all but disappeared. Also, mud masks can be drying and leave your skin feeling stripped but this NIOD release does the opposite. Your skin feels hydrated and nourished after using it despite it drawing out all the dirt, sebum and grime from your skin. It really is a multi-purpose mask and I can see why it always sells out so fast, they struggle to make it quick enough to keep up with demand.

If you like this kind of exfoliating, resurfacing mask then I guarantee you are going to love this NIOD one.

NIOD Flavanone Mud 100ml £38

*PR sample

August and September 2016 Product Empties

September 8, 2016October 16, 2016 - Vicki 1 Comment

Jarrow B12 Vitamins

The lovely Gemma of HelloGemma recommended these B12 Vitamins to me & you can order them from Amazon, I have the Tropical Flavour but they come in a range of flavours & strengths. I must admit I didn’t think I was too lacking in B12 but since I started taking these almost 2 months ago I have so much more energy. I’ve been very good at taking them daily and I don’t get that slump in energy and I feel like my moods haven’t been as unpredictable since I started having these. I highly recommend checking them out if you are looking for a B12 supplement.

Ginvera Green Tea Exfoliating Marvel Gel

So you apply a thin layer of this green gel to your face when its dry, then with your fingertips gently massage it for a minute or so, until the gel starts forming little balls. Its quite odd at first but it feels satisfying and it lifts off all the grease, dirt and grime from the day, leaving your skin so soft and clean. Its formulated to reduce blackheads and blemishes and I have to say it does a very good job at both. I use it twice a week and I very get very few blackheads. This tube lasted me for almost a year and I would 100% repurchase, its a great exfoliating mask to have in your collection.

Max Factor Velvet Volume Mascara

This is a great mascara for layer up & achieving that voluminous lash effect. It never crisps up on my lashes and it holds your curl all day long. Its just an easy mascara to work with and I really like the plastic wand, the bristles work well to coat each lash with a good amount of product. This is good option if you don’t have the thickest of lashes.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Absolutely love this cleansing balm, I don’t think I will ever stop using it. Its gentle, effective and a little goes a long way. A pot lasts me a good few months because you only need about a 10p sized amount, I use it daily either morning or night as my first cleanse. It removes makeup with ease and it never irritates my eyes. I really only have good things to say about it.

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara

This is so good at giving length to your lashes and fanning them out so they look fluttery, I love wearing this Mascara when I want a more dramatic look. The brush is massive and can take a bit of getting used to but the formula is pigmented and isn’t too wet. I don’t think I could pick a favourite out of the two Max Factor mascaras in this post but its OK to own more than one mascara, especially if they do different things.

Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum

All I will say about this is, if you want glossy, sleek, manageable hair this serum is for you. Its incredible and a bottle lasted me over a year! I am sad its finished and will be repurchasing next time I am in Holland & Barrett. Everything about my hair is better when I use this.

Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitiser in Cupcake Sweetie

I always have one of these hand sanitisers in my handbag, Bath & Body works do the nicest selection of scents. I do like the more spicy Autumnal scents best but these sweet ones are still nice. I know B&BW don’t have any shops or stockists in the UK but you can get them on Amazon or eBay.

New Lancome Cushion Makeup

September 6, 2016 - Vicki 3 Comments

I know this style of cushion makeup has been quite popular for a while now, especially in South Korea & its slowly gaining a following in the UK as more brands get on board with this beauty trend. I have never tried any cushion makeup products before & was very intrigued as to how it all worked.

I have read that cushion foundations started out in South Korea as a skincare / makeup fusion much like a BB Cream but with better coverage – this sounds perfect to me. Lancome were the first Western brand to release their version, the Miracle Cushion Foundation which hit the market last year and after its huge popularity they have followed it up with the Teint Idole Ultra Cushion. This new release promises more coverage and includes SPF 50, Lancome have also extended on this cushion concept and they have a range of Cushion Blushers too. Get Excited!

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Cushion Compact*

This foundation comes beautifully packaged in a luxurious gold & black compact with a large mirror in the lid, a small puff sponge and the actual product comes sealed in a pack so you open it and clip it in. This ensures the foundation is fresh and also means there is minimal waste as you repurchase a refill once it runs out and you always reuse the gold compact, very clever. This is available in 9 shades in the UK which is disappointing because there are 18 shades available in the US.

I did use a foundation brush to apply, I tapped my brush lightly on the middle of the cushion to release just enough product, then I buffed it into my skin. This was very easy to blend and after initially thinking I had the wrong shade it turned out Beige Rose was a perfect match. This applied evenly and very seamlessly, it felt hydrating on my skin and didn’t extenuate any fine lines or pores.

This is a full coverage foundation but it feels light on the skin, I think its because it has quite a fluid consistency and you need so little product. It has a natural soft focus finish, Lancome say it gives the skin a semi matte finish, which might make you worried that it will look flat or dull on the skin but this is not the case. It looks very radiant and not at all flat I think it left my skin with more of a natural, even glowing finish.

I love that is has SPF 50 so your skin is protected from the harmful effects of sun damage and the fact this is in a handy compact means you can easily re apply it / or touch up throughout the day. I am sold on this & now wait to try all the cushion makeup. I am interested to see how long the product lasts, you get 13g and from using it a couple of times it seems you don’t need to use a lot of product to achieve a good level of coverage so we will see.

Lancome Cushion Blush Subtil in Sorbet Grenadine*

Lancome are again the first Western brand to release a cushion style blush, they have released 6 wearable shades, I have the shade Sorbet Grenadine which is a pretty coral pink and it gives a lovely healthy radiance to my cheeks. The blush feels like a cross between a jelly and a sponge which has been drenched in product, its very odd but it actually works well. The formula is quite wet to the touch but is very creamy and the shade I have is very pigmented, you could really build this up to quite intense.

You need to blend these in well so you’re not left with a stripe of colour on your cheek. The colour I have has a gorgeous dewy finish and it gives your skin a healthy, radiant natural flush of colour. Oh and it makes a cute lip colour too if you like your products to be multi functional.

It has surprised me just how much I like this, I’m not always keen on cream blushers but this Cushion Blush applies so smoothly, the texture is beautifully fluid and extremely easy to work with. If your worried that because it has quite a fluid texture that it will end up just disappearing off your face, don’t be. The colour has very good staying power and stay in place for hours. I am impressed.

The packaging is a compact which is smaller but similar to the Cushion Foundation, the compact is black with a pink Lancome Rose on the top. There is a nice mirror in the lid and a little sponge applicator and in the bottom is the blush which is in an air lock compartment just like the foundation so it stays fresh and no moisture is lost.

I have enjoyed both products and would recommend them, everything from the packaging to the finish feels luxurious and well thought out. If you have a Lancome counter near you pop down and have a swatch and I promise that you won’t be disappointed.

I am pleased to say that Lancome have won me back, after I felt let down by their recent Grandiôse Liner launch.

•PR Sample

Origins Three Part Harmony Moisturiser

September 5, 2016January 21, 2018 - Vicki 1 Comment

Origins Three Part Harmony £60

Over the past 15 years as my skin has changed, aged and matured, Origins skincare have really been a consistent part of my skincare journey. At some point along the way I have used almost all of their options, some I have moved on from but there are still a few which I have never stopped loving, like their Mega Mushroom Range & also the very popular GinZing Range. They have such a fantastic range of skincare which caters to a spectrum of skin concerns and ages too.

I have been using this Three Point Harmony Cream (the three-point refers to Renewal, Repair and Radiance) for a whole year now & its a really great option for me, now I’m almost in my 40’s, as I said my skin has changed so much and I find I’m reaching for skincare which is more nourishing and keeps my skin hydrated which in turn stops my fine lines looking so prominent. This has been a very good moisturiser for making my skin look its best, not younger or less old but radiant and refreshed.

This does have a rich, thick consistency but once you massage it in, it feels luxurious and your skin is so moisturised, without leaving behind any greasy residue. It leaves the skin feeling very smooth, supple and instantly radiant. Post application you do notice an instant smoothness and the scent is beautifully sweet & uplifting.

This cream has some really lovely skin beneficial ingredients, specifically to pep up your skin and help it look more rejuvenated and glowing.

‘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.’

This cream tackles those skin concerns which become more prominent as our skin matures and its exciting that Origins have extended their range to cater for more mature skin types. I am hoping they add a toner and a face mask to this range in the near future.

I am very much enjoying this cream but I’ve only got a tiny amount left so I have been saving to get a new pot, as I don’t think I can be without it in my routine. Its made such a difference to my dry, dull complexion that I am willing to spend the £60 on a new jar.

Speaking of the jar, this Origins cream comes exquisitely packaged in a luxurious weighty glass jar with a lightly coloured faux wooden lid. It looks pretty, understated and luxurious.

I have heard so many positive reviews about the Serum from this Three Part Harmony Collection that I am very tempted to also purchase that too. If you have tried this range let me know your thoughts & if I should get the Serum too.

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