Anti Aging

Five Beauty Favourites 2020

- Vicki Leave a comment
Five Beauty Favourites 2020

*Gifted. It’s safe to say it’s been a dark, wet and miserable start to 2020, I don’t think we have seen the sunshine so far this year and my skin has been bearing the brunt of this. My skin has felt dry and dull, what with the effects of the central heating and lack of sunshine, I have really been relying on my skincare and makeup to help revive my complexion. I thought I would share with you a few products that have become staples in my routine which I’ve been using religiously over the past couple of months.

Five Beauty Favourites 2020

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 30ml

I love so many products from The Ordinary Skincare but this serum is pretty epic. I have used it for over a year now and can’t imagine my skincare routine without it. Apart from the fact this brand is incredibly affordable their skincare is fantastic quality and shows real results. This didn’t irritate my skin despite it having quite a high concentration of Retinoid, it is easy to apply and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. I apply it at night 2 – 3 times a week, as my first step after cleansing and I wake up with smooth, bright, plump skin. Over time this serum helps increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen which helps to reduce the signs of ageing, like uneven skin tone, age spots and reduces fine lines & wrinkles.

This product is a great way to achieve that youthful, healthy glow, in terms of long term use you really see your complexion improve. It is like liquid gold! Just remember Retinoids can react with more sensitive skin, so dilute at first if you are concerned (or use the 1% version) also please remember to use a high factor SPF as your skin will be more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UVA & UVB rays.

Vegan & Cruelty Free

Tropic Beauty Booster Sheer Foundation SPF35*

Although I’m someone who doesn’t like to wear much makeup on a daily basis, I still like that look of being put together and like my skin to look evened out with a little glow. This Beauty Booster from Tropic gives me just that. It is lightweight and I just apply it with my fingers on top of my moisturiser. It leaves my skin with a nice touch of colour, helping to reduce redness, uneven skin tone and gives the illusion that I haven’t seen the sun for MONTHS! The other wonderful things about this lightweight, almost tinted moisturiser (with a bit more coverage) is the fact it has UVA, UVB and HEV (artificial light) protection and SPF35, so if you do venture out you know your skin is well protected.

Antioxidant-rich resveratrol and vitamin E help to condition the skin, while building defences against daily pollution. Titanium dioxide gives a mineral SPF of 35 to shield against everyday exposure. So if you’re looking for a base that gives you an even, lightweight, natural dewy finish then this Tropic Beauty Booster is the one. I have been loving it and using it every day as my base to combat my tired, dry winter skin!

Vegan & Cruelty Free

Miller Harris Peau Santal Perfume

Miller Harris Peau Santal Perfume*

This is my happiness in a bottle, it smells beautiful and so luxurious, it makes me feel amazing whenever I wear it. The scent is uplifting and just gives me a reminder that warmer, brighter days are on the horizon (even if it is raining cats and dogs). It has such a rich, warm creamy scent but you get a hint of fresh, airy crisp notes as it settles. I am not exaggerating when I say this perfume is the most sophisticated and beautiful perfume I have ever owned, and I love quite a few Miller Harris perfumes but this one has something special.

The woody notes add a real touch of warmth and class whilst the bergamot and cashmere give it creaminess and class. The pink pepper, amber and vanilla make it modern and very sexy.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper and Saffron
Heart Notes: Olibanum, Violet Leaf and Papyrus
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Cashmere Woods, Crisp Amber, Vanilla CO2 Extract and Moss

This would make the most luxurious, thoughtful gift or treat to yourself, it’s a beautiful perfume and the scent lasts so long, I can smell it on my scarf/coat days after I have spritzed it. The quality is second to none. The bottle is also beautiful, the minimal dusky pink give it a subtle, classy feel and the simple gold accents on the font and the lid add a touch of luxury, the bottle is very weighty too and feels so nice in your hand and also looks great on your vanity.

Ark Skincare Firming Serum

ARK Skin Perfector Firming Serum*

I tried a few products from UK based ARK skincare last year and was very impressed with their ethos of products that target specific skin concerns depending on your age, as our skin changes so much as we get older and ARK have targeted skincare so it is easy for you to include it in your routine and see fantastic results.  This Firming Serum has been a skincare saviour for me this year as it targets your skins loss of elasticity and works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and with my skin being so dry from the weather it has helped smooth, hydrate and plump! So if like me you’re in your early 40s this is a wonderful product to use for long term results. I like to mix the serum in with my moisturiser and apply it as part of my morning skincare regime.

It is jam packed with some wonderful ingredients that help keep your skin looking fresh, smooth and healthy.

Micro Algae Extract – Highly purified microalgae extract delivers an instant and long-term tightening effects

Hyaluronic Acid – Active 100% natural Hyaluronic Acid locks moisture in the skin matrix and improves collagen synthesis. Skin appears firmer and more flexible, while fine lines are plumped and smoothed.

Biomimetic Lipopeptide Idealift – targets skin sagging and improves resistance to gravity by promoting skin’s elastic fibre architecture

ARK Skincare is proudly developed & manufactured in Britain. Cruelty Free, with many of their products being Vegan friendly. They use Bioactive, natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin but give effective results.  You can browse their entire range on their website www.arkskincare.com  and tailor your skincare for your specific skin concerns and age.

The Ordinary Retinoid SerumSkincare

Delilah Illuminating Powder in Aura

I love this compact, not only the fact that it is a beautiful rose gold & pewter but it has a good size mirror which makes it perfect for keeping in your handbag. This stunning bronzing/highlighter is also a wonderful product to add a touch of radiance to that Winter complexion without going OTT on the glow. It’s a mix of rose gold, soft peach and lavender pink and I just swirl my brush to pick up a little of all the colours and it gives my cheekbones a nice bronzy warm touch of colour. Such a beautiful product and a very luxurious and not so well known brand, their blushers are super nice too.

*Products have been provided as PR samples but reviews are 100% my own.

Introducing ARK Skincare

- Vicki Leave a comment

{gifted} ARK is a British Skincare company that has a refreshing, modern approach to skincare. They acknowledge that age plays a big roll in how our skin changes and so our skin concerns change alongside. They have  developed what they call ageintelligent skincare, which focuses on treating skin by age as well as concern.

You start by picking your ageintelligent range, then if you need any targeted treatments you select their skinperfectors for effective treatment (like redness, hydration and de-stress) and then their core skinessentials collection which is daily skincare to enhance your regime.

All their products are easy to understand and incorporate into your regime. They are clear, specific and fuss free.

The three ageintelligent ranges are,

  • ageprotect – for teens and 20’s
  • agedefend – for 30’s and 40’s
  • agedefy – for 50’s and over

I have been trying 2 products from the agedefend collection and 1 from the skinessentials

ARK Skincare Product Review

ARK agedefend Replenishing Moisturiser

This collection aims to boost skins collagen production, protect skin from free radicals and nourish skin to reduce the signs of ageing.  The key ingredients in this collection are,

  • Kiwi and Passion Fruit lipids – packed with Omega 3 fatty acids to boost skin’s moisture
  • Blue Lotus – a powerful antioxidant which boosts firmness and elasticity
  • Vitamin A – keeps skin strong, plump and increases collagen production

This replenishing moisturiser contains natural moisturising agents Shea Butter and Olive Oil which are rich and hydrating, leaving your skin feeling soft and velvety smooth to the touch. It is also helps skin look plump and toned, which reduces those fine lines and wrinkles.

I have been using this cream as part of my morning skincare routine and love the way it feels on my skin, not too heavy but very moisturising and my skin looks fresh and healthy after using it. I think it’s a fantastic cream to add to your routine for Autumn/Winter to keep your skin hydrated, boost elasticity and keep skin looking radiant whilst targeting the early signs of ageing with all its fantastic skin loving ingredients. Your skin is in good hands with this in your skincare arsenal.

The packaging is hygienic and feels very luxurious. The product is dispensed by pushing the lid down, I find that two pumps is enough product for your face and neck. It is a slick and easy to use, I like that you get the right amount of product, which means no waster and you don’t have to scoop out product which keeps everything clean and germ free. 

ARK Skincare Age-Defend Conditioning Cleanser

 ARK agedefend Conditioning Cleanser

This lightweight cleanser is great at keeping skin not only clean and washing away the build up of dirt, grime and impurities from the day. It also nourishes skin, protects against moisture loss and gently exfoliates helping remove dead skin cells to keep your complexion looking rejuvenated and blemish free.

  • Moringa Oil – rich in Vitamin A and C and helps skin retain essential moisture.
  • Kiwi and Passion Fruit lipids – packed with Omega 3 fatty acids to boost skin’s moisture levels
  • Blue Lotus – a powerful antioxidant which helps skin firmness and elasticity.

I use this in the morning and night, I find the botanical scent uplifting very fresh. The cleanser leaves my skin looking energised and although I do not typically remove my makeup with it, I have used it to remove a light face of makeup and found that it did it with ease. I have been very impressed with both products I have used from the agedefend range and if like me you’re in your 40’s, I think your skin would benefit from the extra boost of antioxidants, lipids, and vitamins that this collection provides. This collection helps you achieve beautiful, healthy, radiant skin.

ARK Skincare Skin Protector SPF30 Primer

Ark skin essential Skin Protector SPF30 Primer

I never leave my house without wearing a facial SPF as we are all fully aware by now, the best way to protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays (the primary cause of premature ageing) is to wear a good quality broad spectrum UVA & UVB SPF.  So when my primer contains SPF30 this makes me very excited. This lovely product has taken pride of place in my skincare line-up, I have been using it religiously for a couple of months now and LOVE it.

  • Vitamin E – antioxidant and provides photo protection
  • Shea Butter – nourishes skin and protects from free radicals
  • Sunflower – packed with vitamins and minerals
  • Hyaluronic Acid – helps skin retain moisture keeping your complexion plump, smooth and radiant

Its not as heavy as a cream but is more like a thicker serum, I like the consistency and it instantly feels refreshing on the skin.  The fact that it is lightweight is important to me especially when layering quite a few products, quite often a primer can feel slippery or tacky on the skin. I like them to be almost weightless, like they’re not even there. This is quite hard to find in skincare products that contains a high level of SPF protection, but ARK have managed to pull it off.  This primer is for me a multi tasking product, you can use it not only as a primer, your SPF too and I find it to be hydrating enough to use as my moisturiser. I do this on really warm days, where you do not want to wear a heavy cream under foundation and that works well to keep everything in place without becoming greasy. This primer can also be worn alone, it helps my skin looking very fresh, that classic healthy, natural glow. Its wonderful.

 

I have enjoyed using all three products over the past few months and although I would say the Primer is my stand out product I think they all have enhanced my skincare regime. My skin looks healthy and feels hydrated. The agedefend collection is perfect for me in my 40’s. I have my eye on a few of the oils from the skinperfector range to see how they help tackle a few more targeted skin concerns, like pigmentation and redness. Let me know if you have tried anything from ARK and if so what products would you recommend.

ARK Skincare is proudly developed & manufactured in Britain. Cruelty Free, with many of their products being Vegan friendly. They use Bioactive, natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin but give effective results.  You can browse their entire range on their website www.arkskincare.com  and tailor your skincare for your specific skin concerns and age.

*This post contains PR Samples

CULT51 Night Cream Review

- Vicki 1 Comment
Cult51 Skincare

Cult51 Skincare

CULT51 Night Cream £125* is a product with bold claims – claiming to have over 51 anti-ageing benefits with long-term, lasting results and clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by up to 52% in just 28 days. I have to say these claims intrigued me & made me sceptical in equal measures. CULT51 also carries a hefty price tag of £125 & one that even after 3 months of using I’m not 100% sure is worth it. I’m someone that isn’t put off a product because its cheap or expensive, I like a product that I think is worth it no matter what end of the price scale it sits.

I think this is one of the hardest reviews I have written because It is so expensive & if you go out & buy it I want you to be 100% happy with it. CULT51 say,

‘CULT51 produces unprecedented results; fine lines, wrinkles and age spots are reduced, skin tone is brightened to create a more flawless and radiant appearance whilst naturally and dramatically slowing the ageing process.’.

I’ve been using this cream almost every night for 3 months and I’ve seen some visible results not sure if all the 51 signs of ageing are being tackled but almost immediately after the first few uses my skin felt smooth and hydrated.

In the long term, this cream also promises to,

• Reduce Wrinkles – Immediately fills wrinkles and fine lines for a smoother, more youthful complexion. With continued use, wrinkle depth is permanently reduced.
• Boost Hydration – Hyaluronic acid helps lock in moisture, plumping and softening the skin.
• Firm Skin –  Adds visible firmness and lift to even the most tired complexion.
• Brightens the Complexion – Fades dark spots and evens skin tone for a glowing, unified complexion.

I would say that my fine lines aren’t as prominent and my skin is looking brighter and rejuvenated. I wake up looking less like death warmed up. My skin feels and looks hydrated and it has brightened my complexion. But my skin doesn’t feel or look firmer. So 3 out of 4 points I would agree with but is that worth the £125 price tag?

The cream has a rich luxurious feel, it’s quite thick but not at all greasy on the skin and once massaged in its absorbed quickly leaving the skin velvety soft and nourished. The cream has a subtle fresh scent with notes of gardenia, jasmine and rose. A jar I would say will last about 6 months so you do get a good amount of product for your money.

Cult51 Moisturiser

I’m so torn by this cream, I like it and have enjoyed using it and as I said I have seen improvements in my skin. I’ve been thinking about when it runs out & would I repurchase it, and I have to be honest and say I wouldn’t I’ve tried some wonderful products that have done a similar if not better job and cost a little less than this one. I will be sad when it runs out but I won’t be in a rush to replace it. If it was more £70 I might be tempted.

CULT51 Night Cream

That’s just my opinion and I know that this cream has a big following and works very well for a lot of people, you might very well be one of them. If so I would love to know what visible results you saw from using this cream.

CULT51* £125 for 50ml

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.

My Introduction to Decleor Skincare

- Vicki 4 Comments
Decleor Skincare

Decleor Skincare

Decleor Prolagene Lift Collection

I have been trying out this Decleor Lift & Fill Wrinkle Mask* from their Prolagene range, it’s a mask more suitable to Mature Skin or for those of us that are seeing more lines and wrinkles appearing. It is for specifically targeting deep facial wrinkles, firming those areas and making them appear plumper.

This Prolagene Lift range is based on three active ingredients,

Iris Essential Oil  (boosts skins elasticity // L-PROLINE Complex (amino acid for lifting and reshaping) // Hyaluronic Acids (plumping)

Together these drip feed a blend of highly concentrated active ingredients offering immediate hydration and instantly smoother skin. Along with the instant effects, this also has long-lasting effects due to the Lifting Filler that combined with the L-PROLINE Complex encourages intercellular communication to plump up wrinkles.

Decleor Skincare

 

This has a gel-cream formula that is absorbed quickly into the skin & is suitable for all skin types, my skin is generally quite Oily but is also dehydrated around my eyes. I used this as directed twice a week as a targeted wrinkle treatment. I have quite a deep wrinkle around my eyes and around my mouth. I applied a ten pence piece sized amount to those specific areas, I left it for 10 minutes then I massaged what product hadn’t been absorbed into those areas. I like to use this after cleansing and before bed. I see the best results that way.

I think another plus of this mask is the fact you don’t need to wash it off, its fuss-free. You just rub the extra product into your skin. So it is easy to use where-ever you are and if you’re pushed for time.

In terms of results, it was quite remarkable as when I woke from using this the second time the wrinkles around my mouth were visibly reduced and not only that the area looked plump and very smooth, even my husband commented on how plump that area looked. I was very impressed with the results. Going forward and after having used this mask for 7 weeks, I think the results are undeniably good. My skin is looking smoother and my deep set wrinkles have been visibly reduced. My mum who is 56 (hello Linda) was right on this & she bought herself a tube after hearing me going on about it. I can see it visibly reducing her deep-set wrinkles and I’d say her skin is looking plump too.

Decleor

The packaging is nice and user-friendly, it has a handy pump that dispenses just enough product without being messy or wasteful. The product is lightweight and highly absorbent so no greasy feeling here, but your skin still feels the benefits of it being extremely hydrating. You get 30ml of product and as it is a targeted treatment you barely use any product, I have a feeling this is going to last me at least a year.

So if you’re in your late 30’s + and are looking for a mask that delivers targeted results on not only the first signs of ageing but also deep set wrinkles then I urge you to give this Decleor Prolagene Lift Mask a try. I don’t think I have ever used an at-home mask that’s delivered such reducing and plumping effects. Excuse me whilst I invest in the whole range.

This mask contains no mineral oil and is fragrance-free.

Decleor Prolagene Lift: Lift & Fill Wrinkle Mask* 30ml for £32.00