Review: Nuxe Reve de Miel Creme Visage Ultra-Reconfortante Ultra Comfortable Face Cream

After falling sick three times last month my skin was definitely showing its displeasure. It had become super sensitive, dry in patches and my nose actually started peeling, which was a sure sign of how dehydrated and unhappy my body was. I therefore stepped away from my usual skin care routine to give my skin some intense TLC and purchased Nuxe’s Reve de Miel Creme Visage Ultra-Reconfortante Ultra Comfortable Face Cream.

This Nuxe day cream is super soothing as it has a balm like texture that works hard to hydrate, calm and repair sensitive skin. It doesn’t sink in quickly, but plumps the skin leaving behind a protective barrier. Though I normally prefer a lighter moisturiser this has been working really well in the mornings for me and is a great base for makeup. Foundation applies really quickly and smoothly over it, though I have found that it doesn’t last quite as long as usual. However, if I have an event in the evening or want my makeup to last for a special occasion I often use the Urban Decay setting spray that works really well!

The Nuxe Reve de Miel range would also be wonderful for use in the winter as it really hydrates and protects the skin. It replenishes lipids with Sunflower Oil Derivative, Safflower Ceramides and Precious Plant Oils, soothes with Barley, Argan Oil and Shea Butter, repairs with Honey and protects against external aggression with Vitamin E and Sunflower Derivative.

If your skin is feeling aggravated or you just want to give it some extra pampering I would definitely recommend Nuxe Reve De Miel - Ultra Comfortable Face Cream For Dry And Sensitive Skin! My skin feels so much smoother, more hydrated and much less sensitive since I started using it a few weeks ago! I purchased mine from lookfantastic for £24.

Simple Micellar Cleansing Water

For many years I have been using Bideorma's Sensibio Micellar water to remove my makeup before cleansing my face. I have always preferred micellar waters to traditional makeup removers as they are incredibly gentle and feel just like water! However, Bioderma was never readily available in the UK so I would always have to bulk buy when I was abroad (especially in France). I am so happy that micellar waters are finally taking the UK by storm and that I can now find a fabulous alternative in my local pharmacy!

The Simple Micellar Cleansing Water* is a perfect blend of multi-vitamins, skin loving ingredients and gentle cleansers to cleanse the skin while removing make-up. I normally use a generous amount on a cotton pad and wipe it across my skin and eyes to remove all makeup before cleansing my face.

The key ingredients of the Simple Micellar Water is triple purified water, vitamin B3 to restore, soften and smooth the skin, Vitamin C antioxidant and Hexylene Glycol to help dissolve makeup and condition the skin.

The Simple Micellar Cleansing Water is £4.49 at Boots. 

HealGel

First off apologies for my lack of updates due to work commitments and never ending wedmin. Despite this I have continued my search for the best products out there and had to share with you all my latest love – HealGel!

HealGel promises to be a reliable source of relief from a wide range of skin problems - it has proved to be successful in improving the appearance of scarring, redness, puffiness and irritation caused by blemishes. HealGel also offers exceptional comfort after over-exposure to the elements, and can be used as a highly effective post-non-surgical treatment. After reading about this skin rescue formula that was designed by a team of British plastic surgeons and a renowned dermatological biochemist to promote skin healing I was very intrigued to try it out.


I was sent the HealGel Face for review and have been really impressed with its performance over the last few months. HealGel Face is an anti-ageing formula designed to smooth, firm and replenish to give instantly plumper, revitalised looking skin. Arnica and Madecassoside are suspended in liposomes with powerful peptides and biodynes to initiate a uniquely soothing and collagen boosting process. HealGel Face also contains a unique blend of Omega Oils to replenish dehydrated skin and restore elasticity. To this another vital dimension is added; a powerful three part hyaluronic acid complex provides a plumping and tightening effect.

As someone who has sensitive skin that is easily irritated and very slow to heal I was immediately excited by this product. Unlike many other soothing formulations I have tried HealGel is very light and almost instantly absorbed on the skin. Even with its ingredients listing a number of oils sourced from rice, olives, babsu seed, jojoba and soybeans it is described as an aqueous gel making it perfect for use both morning and night. Its versatility allows it to act as a great base for foundation and also as a treatment that can be topped up at night with a richer moisturiser or a facial oil.


Heal Gel is free of nasties such as parabens, synthetic fragrance, colourants and xenoestrogen. It is created in the UK and is not tested on animals so is suitable for use by vegetarians and vegans. HealGel Face is available from a number of stockists including HealGel.co.uk and Feel Unique where it retails at £48.


Having only tried the Face formulation I am definitely looking to purchase this for regular use as well as trying out the HealGel Eye and Intensive versions! This is a product that really stands out for me, especially if you are prone to scarring, be it from blemishes or eczema. I can highly recommend it for all skin types and I can’t wait to hear what you guys think about it!

Dry Skin Saviours

Since coming back from skiing last week I have noticed that my skin has become really dry. Even though I made sure to load up on moisturiser and SPF every day while on the slopes the mix of altitude, sun, snow and wind definitely did more than simply bring out my freckles.

With the freezing temperatures in the UK I thought that perhaps some of you may still be suffering so wanted to share my recent skin saviours, especially if your skin is feeling dry and lacklustre.

Cream cleansers are great when your skin is feeling sensitive as they will easily remove dirt and makeup without stripping skin of its natural moisture. Lately I have been using Green People's Gentle Cleanse and I absolutely love it! This product is extremely gentle, while being a really effective cleanser with a beautiful, delicate rose scent. I would highly recommend this for those with sensitive skin, allergies or skin ailments such as eczema as it is organic, paraben and alcohol free.

Green People Gentle Cleanse and Make-Up Remover (£18.95)

Another product I have been using is the Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix. These pads are super handy to use as they are presoaked in the solution, which contains glycolic acid to help resurface the skin, hyaluronic acid to moisturise and refresh and blue daisy to calm and soothe. With 60 pads in one tub these are great value and really work to brighten and refresh the appearance of skin.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix (£12.95)

As a moisturiser in the morning I have also recently started using Origins Plantscription. I am already a big fan of Origins so I was excited to see how this cream would work when it arrived for review. This moisturiser feels fairly rich, so only a little is needed for each application. It melts into the skin really well and leaves it feeling hydrated and smooth, without looking oily. Coming from a science background I am not totally sure whether the raspberry stem cell technology is something I am wholly convinced by, but looking at the feedback on the website it seems that customers really have noticed a difference in the anti-aging benefits!

Origins Plantscription SPF25 (£46)

At night I have been using a lovely moisturiser from Vichy. This cream is great for any age as it is designed to smooth and illuminate all skin types. This cream feels very light and soft as it melts into the skin leaving it feeling smooth and healthy.

Vichy Idealia (£22, but on sale for £18.70)

As an intensive overnight treat I have also been using the Origins Drink Up Intensive face mask. This product is absolutely amazing to give your skin a boost of moisture. Japanese Seaweed repairs skin's barrier while you sleep to prevent future dehydration and signs of premature aging. When my skin is not misbehaving it tends to be a little on the oilier side so I was anxious when I first used this product, but it really is fantastic and I would recommend it for any skin type.

Origins Drink Up Intensive (£20)

So there we have my little list of my current skin saviours. Have you tried any of these products before? Do you have any favourite products to treat your skin when it's feeling dry and sensitive? xxx

Gillette Venus Naked Skin: 6 Week Update!

As I am now roughly half way through my trial of the Gillette Venus Naked Skin I thought it was about time to do a little update for you guys on how I have been getting on with it!

So far so good! I have seen a slight reduction in hair growth and am happy to report that my super sensitive skin has been fairing well with the treatment. I usually have a few red patches straight after using the system, but these are not painful and (much like waxing) disappear after a few hours. I am excited to see the final results and will report back at the 12 week mark!

For more info or to purchase the Gillette Venus Naked Skin system you can check out the Boots website here, where you can save £100 by entering the code VENUS at checkout!

REN

As you may have heard me complain at length recently my skin has really been misbehaving. Although I haven't been plagued with more than my usual share of breakouts it has become very sensitised, which has led me to reconsider my skincare routine, ensuring all products are suitable for super sensitive skin in the hope that with gentle care I can nurse it back to health.

REN’s philosophy of Clean Skincare can be summed up in three words: Performance, Purity and Pleasure. REN is designed to give you effective product formulation, the latest hi-tech actives, rigorous product testing and clinically proven results. REN also uses only 100% plant and mineral derived actives and is free from skin-unfriendly synthetic ingredients such as synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, sulfate detergents, synthetic colours, parabens and a whole host of other potential irritants.

My favourite product from the range so far has been their ClearCalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser (£18). This cleanser is so gentle on the skin and yet it really cleans deep down and works hard to prevent blemishes. It helps to regulate sebum production and I have definitely noticed an improvement in my complexion since I started using it. This cleanser contains actives such as French clay to absorb excess oil and purify, zinc to reduce production of sebum, salicilin to provide mild exfoliation, mayblossom to tone enlarged pores and manuka extract to soothe and nourish. The hermetic packaging also helps to keep everything sterile and bacteria free.

Another product that I have really enjoyed using is REN's much acclaimed Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (£30). This potent bioactive peel mask is designed to renew the complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines and dramatically improve skin tone.

I am really excited about this brand and can't wait to try more of their products. If you are also interested in trying out some REN skincare to see what all the fuss is about I would recommend starting with one of their Starter Kits (£12-£15), which are arranged by skin type. With specially designed gift sets for sensitive, normal, combination and blemish prone skin there is something for everyone.

If you are stuck on a present for a picky friend, or would like to pamper yourself (after all you deserve it!) I would very much recommend the REN Rose Experience Gift (£32), which includes the beautifully scented Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash, Moroccan Rose Otto Body Cream, Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil and the Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil, which is my personal favourite.

Have you tried any products from REN? Do you have any recommendations? xxx

La Roche-Posay Toleriane

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A lethal combination of travelling, a horrendous cold and extreme temperatures have really played havoc with my skin over the last few weeks. Therefore, I shall continue my theme from my earlier post about protecting your skin this winter. I feel that a lot more time and energy is spent on the skin in the summer months, between the exfoliating, moisturizing, SPF and fake tanning, but in the winter most of us tend to neglect our largest organ.The colder months can really dehydrate and test the skin, so it’s really important to protect it, and not just for the sake of that Christmas party! 

If, like me, you find that your skin hates you and becomes super sensitive and generally quite sore at certain times (now being one of them), do not panic. I am pretty confident that La Roche-Posay has the answer.

I had heard a great deal about this brand, namely that it was preservative, fragrance and paraben free, but only recently have I had the chance to sample their products. As a sensitive soul (sensitive skinned soul?) I am really thrilled that I did! The product I want to talk about today is their Toleriane Ultra, which is a Godsend for those who have allergies or any skin conditions that make their skin intolerant.  

This cream is sealed in hermetic packaging (as can be seen above) to ensure that it remains totally hygienic and sterile. Used daily it provides superior hydration, as well as comfort and intense soothing care. The reinforced formula contains a unique combination of Neurosensine, a strong calming agent that targets the signs of skin irritation and La Roche-Posay calming thermal spring water, which is naturally soothing.

While my nose has been leaking uncontrollably, causing the skin to crack and become incredibly sore and inflamed (I will spare you the photos), this is the only product that I could use on the area. Every other cream I tried made the area even more irritated and caused it to sting and burn. The Toleriane not only gave the skin an injection of much needed moisture, but also soothed it without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. I have been using it day and night for over a week and it has really helped to calm the redness and generally make the area less sensitive and painful.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra is available for £11 here.

Yon-Ka Skincare

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With the weather becoming ever colder I have noticed that my skin has started reacting to the disparity between inside (tropical, especially on the train where I am currently typing this) and the outside (Arctic). If you have been noticing a few dry patches creeping in, despite maintaining your normal routine, now is the time to inject some serious moisture into your skin and make sure that it’s barrier function is not compromised by all the hazards that lie in store for us this winter!

A new skincare brand I have recently been trying out is Yon-Ka, a natural collection that aims to capture the greatest benefits of plants, fruits and aromatherapy. They have an impressive range that is suitable for any skin type, even the most sensitive!

Even though my skin is oily around the T-zone I prefer using cream cleansers (especially during the colder months) to ensure that while my skin is thoroughly cleansed it is no way stripped of its natural moisture. The Yon-Ka Nettoyant Cleansing Cream does this beautifully as it effortlessly dissolves any impurities (be it makeup or city air pollutants) while being easy to rinse off with tepid water, leaving behind no residue; simply skin that feels soft and comfortable. The extracts of peppermint also help to make this cream feel refreshing on sensitized skin, so you can easily use it both day and night.

As one very wise woman said (CarolineHirons is my oracle when it comes to skincare) during the winter months you need to layer your skin with moisture until it can’t absorb any more. If, like me, this doesn’t sound feasible as you know that your skin will start to look greasy the trick is to use creams that are hydrating, but not necessarily oily, such as the Yon-Ka Crème 93 for combination skin. This cream is rich enough to provide your skin with the injection of moisture that it craves, but still leaves a relatively matte finish on the skin. It’s a great base for makeup too!

You can shop Yon-KA products in the UK here. 

Have you ever tried Yon-KA skincare? What products are you currently using to soothe winter skin? 

Good Things Miracle Mattifier Moisturiser

The biggest beauty mistake I ever made in my teen years (along with being a little too tweezer happy) was trying to combat oily skin by stripping it of all moisture, which inevitably made the problem worse! In fact oily skin still needs moisture to keep it soft and healthy, the last thing you want to do is remove all your natural oils, breaking the barrier function of the skin and basically asking for trouble.

Good Things Miracle Mattifier is a great moisturiser to use if you have oily or blemish prone skin as it pulls off a clever balancing act. It is quickly absorbed and gives your skin plenty of hydration while clarifying blackcurrant extract helps to absorb any excess oil, so your skin stays smooth and matte and is less prone to breakouts. This cream smells delicious and with a little going a long way it really lasts whilemaking your skin feel smooth, but not at all greasy. It is also free from parabens, mineral oils, sodium laureth sulphate and is suitable for vegans.

The Good Things Miracle Mattifier moisturiser won't break the bank either as it's just £5.33 here.

Herbalife Herbal Aloe

When my skin is feeling irritated I always go back to basics and returning from my Summer hols (a month ago *sob*) my skin definitely needed some soothing. Despite copious amounts of SPF50 I did catch my fair share of rays and was left feeling a little sore. Luckily, the new Herbalife Herbal Aloe range of hair and body products is suitable for even the most sensitive skins. Infused with botanical ingredients and free from parabens and sulphates these products are very gentle and perfect for when your skin is not feeling its best!

The Soothing Gel and Everyday Soothing Hand and Body lotion are a dream to apply. They feel really light in texture, sinking into the skin in seconds while cooling and nourishing. They have a  gentle, light scent that is really refreshing. The Hand and Body Wash has a really creamy texture and while it lathers and cleanses it still leaves the skin super soft and does not strip it of its natural moisture.

The whole range is extremely gentle and I would highly recommend it to those with sensitive skin or skin ailments that can make the skin sensitive.

Have you ever used any products from Herbalife?

Glowing Summer Skin Tips

Even though the weather has been trying to hide it from us it is in fact Summer. With bikinis and short shorts in mind I have put together a list of my favourite products to get your skin Summer ready - healthy, beautiful, smooth and glowing!

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! It's time to slather on the creams and make sure your skin is well hydrated, plump and smooth. Recently I have been indulging in Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Whipped Body Butter* (£36 here).

With shea butter, beta carotene and jojoba oil this wonderfully luxurious moisturiser works wonders for sprucing up pasty legs that have been hidden under opaque tights for months. It is rich enough to hydrate deep down, yet light enough to sink in quickly, not leaving behind any greasy residue. Creme de Corps is a cult product and I think this whipped version is a fabulous addition to the range.

Exfoliate! Other than a good old fashioned pair of exfoliating gloves (I have these babies in pink £2.66) my all time favourite scrub is Soap and Glory's Breakfast Scrub (£9.50 here). This oat, shea butter and sugar body smoother has a rough texture that works hard to remove dead skin cells and reveal the fresh, glowing skin underneath. It also smells absolutely delicious!!

Hair Removal. Now this is the part I am definitely not a fan of. Other than trying out the TRIA permanent hair removal laser system (video review coming soon) I have recently been relying on shaving. Since I have extremely sensitive skin I have had plenty of bad experiences with shaving in the past. Luckily, I was recently set the new Venus ProSkin* to trial and it has worked perfectly - no lumps, bumps or razor burn. The Venus ProSkin is designed to help protect delicate skin with its MoistureRich shave gel bars, which contain  a triple blend of body butters for a comfortable shave. The ProSkin sensitive has 5 blades for a close shave that puts less pressure on the skin, hence less irritation

Cleanse. As well as traditional shaving creams, such as the Satin Care pictured above I have also found that my favourite shower oil can be used during shaving. I was hesitant to try it at first, but it really does make your razor glide like a dream. So for a gentle and moisturising shower I highly recommend the amazing L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil (£16.50 here).

Glow - Just because the weather isn't co-operating doesn't mean we don't want our skin to have some colour. I have recently been trying out the Sienna X professional tanning range and I absolutely love it. My favourite product is the Gradual Glowing Self Tan* (£15.95 here). This tan infused moisturiser smells absolutely delicious and is super easy to apply - no tanning mitt needed. On day one it gives you just a little hint of colour, day two adds a little more glow and day three will leave you with a gorgeous, natural looking deep tan. I usually apply it before bed on two consecutive evenings and reapply every other day to maintain the colour.

The Sienna X range also features a polishing body scrub and body wash to prepare the skin, a darker glowing self tan, instant bronzing gel and express tanning mist to add colour and even a post tan radiance body balm and shimmer spray to make your skin glow! All the products smell amazing and give great results at an affordable price.

Cool. If you are feeling the heat and the last thing you want to do is slather yourself in oily moisturiser why not try a lighter option? The new Body Purees* (from £4.50 here) from The Body Shop are the perfect choice if you want to hydrate and refresh your skin. The lightweight texture cools and soothes parched skin while leaving behind a clean, invigorating scent. TBS also currently have 25% off online purchases with the code NEW25.

Travel. If you are off to seek some foreign Sun or prefer a 'staycation' to take advantage of all the excitement that is going on in England this Summer don't forget to pack some treats for your skin. I love the idea of this Montagne Jeunesse Travel Pamper Pack. This set contains 6 individually packaged treatments for skin, hair, body, feet and face for just £5 (here).

I hope that's all bases covered! Do tell me if I left anything out!

What products do you trust to prep your skin and make sure it stays beautiful and glowing throughout the Summer months? xxx

*PR Sample

How to Cover Blemishes and Undereye Circles

I have wanted to do a video about concealing flaws for quite some time, and given I have been ill with bronchitis for the past week I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity... flaws aplenty!


Products mentioned in this video:
Nars Sheer Glow foundation
Babbi Brown corrector/ creamy concealer
MUFE Full Cover concealer
L'ancome Effacernes
NARS Laguna bronzer
MAC Moonriver blush
MeMeMe ArchAngel
MUA Plumping Lipgloss in Peach Shimmer

What are your favourite products for covering spots and undereye circles? I have just purchased a new Dior concealer so no doubt I will share with you how well it works. xxx

Glossybox Men: Spring 2012

Why should girls have all the fun? Glossybox for men is a quarterly grooming box with 7 luxury sized samples perfect for the modern man.

The Spring edition landed on my doorstep a few days ago - just in time for me to have a sneaky peek before passing the goodies on to my not so modern man ;).

This box contains:

• The Legends London Alum Matchsticks (£1) - This book contains 20 individual astringent matches which can be used after shaving like a traditional aftershave to calm razor burn. Super portable and ideal for traveling!
• Organic Homme by Green People Active Fix Repair Serum (£16.50 for 50ml) - This certified organic men's facial repair serum with proven anti-ageing effects is great for sensitive skins and is suitable for those prone to eczema, psoriasis, acne & skin blemishes.
• 4711 The Original Eau de Cologne (£10.95 for 50ml) - For more than 200 years this cologne has delivered on its promise: using this unique fragrance refreshes the mind, body and soul. 
• FAB Body Moisturiser (£13 for 226.8g) -  This daily essentials moisturiser is perfect for all skin types, but especially effective for sensitive, reactive or dry skin.
• Liz Earle for Men Face Scrub (£13.25 for 75ml) - This scrub is one of the bf's firm favourites! It's active natural ingredients include cooling eucalyptus, exfoliating pumice and jojoba beads to smooth away dead skin cells for healthier-looking, ultra-smooth skin.
• Kyoku Sake Infused Shave Cream (£25 for 170ml) - Another one of the bf's (and my) favourites. This shave cream is amazing on delicate skin as the friction-free silicone micro-particles coat the skin to ensure consistent skin to blade contact to significantly reduce drag – no more nicks and cuts! It also comes in a sensitive version.
• Dr Bronner's Magic Liquid Soaps Lavender Hand Sanitizer (£3.99 for 59ml) - This hand sanitizer is infused with organic lavender essential oil and comes in a handy spray size perfect for any man bag.
• Fudge Hair Shaper (Mint) (£12.20 for 75ml) - The blend of natural waxes, ceresinand carnauba wax delivers both texture and shine. Hair Shaper Mint also contains hydrolised wheatprotein which strengthens and improves the condition of hair whilst styling. It has a strong hold with a semi-matte finish and a refreshing mint fragrance.

For more information or to subscribe to Glossybox for Men (£15 plus p&p) please visit their website here.

Will you be purchasing a subscription for any men in your life? Have you tried any of the products in this season's box? What do you think of them? xxx

Review: The Chelsea Day Spa Boutique

Last year the team behind the fabulous The Chelsea Day Spa on the King’s Road opened their sister spa The Chelsea Day Spa Boutique on Hollywood Road, SW10. The new salon is smaller and more intimate, but still offers a great range of face, body and nail treatments in its three cosy treatment rooms and nail bar.

The spa’s team of highly qualified therapists are trained in Darphin and HydroPeptide luxury facials, plus personalised Aromatherapy, Swedish, Hot Stone and Deep Tissue massages. The salon also offers basic personal grooming and express treatments for both men and women, which includes waxing with Perron Rigot, eye lash and brow tinting, plus express manicures/pedicures and ‘everlasting’ gels with Jessica.

I was kindly invited to The Chelsea Day Spa Boutique to experience one of Darphin's signature facials, which are priced at £85 for 60 minutes.

On arrival I was offered some lemon water while I filled out the usual forms relating to any allergies or medications. I was then taken to my treatment room, which was cosy, but quite small. After I had made myself comfortable the therapist  performed what she called 'a welcome ritual', which is a light foot massage to begin the relaxation process. She then analysed my skin and noticed that it was looking rather oily in the t-zone, with some slight dehydration in the cheeks and around the eyes. My appointment was at 7pm, so after being on the go all day I was definitely looking very shiny! As I had expressed some concerns about a few developing blemishes my therapist recommended The Lemon & Lavender Deep Cleansing Treatment, which is described as a deep purifying and detoxifying treatment for all skin types that refines pores and leaves complexion refreshed, sparkling clean, clear and bright.

She began by thoroughly removing all makeup and then cleansing the face, neck and chest twice with Darphin's Purifying Foam Gel (£17.10). This felt very light and cooling on the skin, leaving it feeling fresh and clean. She then followed with an exfoliator and Darphin's Mild Aroma Peeling (£24.30) to gently remove impurities. While the mask was doing its magic I was given a head massage, which felt wonderfully relaxing. After this she applied the Soothing Eye Contour Mask (£31.50) and performed two types of facial massage (lymph drainage) with Darphin's Niaouli Aromatic Care Elixir, which smells absolutely amazing. To balance the oil in my skin, while making sure it remains hydrated, she also used the Skin Mat Balancing Serum (£40.50) and Matifying Lotion (£34.20).

The whole treatment lasted just over an hour and I left feeling very relaxed, while my skin looked clear and fresh. I could feel that the products really saturated and plumped my skin, yet it didn't feel greasy or look shiny in the slightest. After five hours I can see that my skin still looks on the healthy side of matte, with a subtle glow void of any oiliness.

The The Chelsea Day Spa Boutique is a lovely little salon, and given that it is practically on my doorstep I will definitely be visiting again. It provides a great selection of treatments at comparatively reasonable prices using an impeccable range of products. Plus, it is open till 8pm Mon-Thurs, which makes it a perfect evening antidote to a hectic week! While looking through their website I stumbled upon their Daily Deals page and found that they often offer discounts on their treatments. Their current deal is TWO 60 minute Rejuvenating Facials for £85 (originally priced at £170), but I think this may change daily to give you lots of options!


Have you ever visited the The Chelsea Day Spa or The Chelsea Day Spa Boutique? Do you treat yourself to regular facials? Are you a fan of Darphin products? Which are your favourites? xxx

STEAMCREAM: Love for Japan

STEAMCREAM is a cult, award winning product that can be found in many a celebrity makeup artist's kit. Made with fresh, natural ingredients fused with a shot of steam it is a multi-purpose cream that can be used to soften and moisturise the face and body. With an impressive list of ingredients including orange blossom water, almond oil, cocoa butter, lavender essential oil, rose absolute and neroli essential oil it is suitable for all skin types.

Holding a strong tie to their origins this Anglo-­Japanese brand launched the LOVE FOR JAPAN project on the 11th of March, exactly a year after the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. The project will be an on­‐going fund raising initiative to provide sustainable and committed support to the people of Japan. It will donate 100% of the funds raised through the sale of the red LOVE FOR JAPAN tin to help the people still coping with the awful effects of this tragedy.

If you have wanted to try STEAMCREAM and see it's benefits for yourself then now is the perfect time! The special LOVE FOR JAPAN tins are £12.95 and available exclusively here.

Have you ever tried STEAMCREAM? Are you tempted to pick up a tin for a good cause? xxx

Cosmetofruit Total Body Booster

Whilst browsing the SpaceNK website today I came across this little beauty - the Cosmetofruit Total Body Booster, which is now available half price in the sale (£25 here)!

This amazing elixir was actually sent to me a little while ago and I have been meaning to tell you all about it for quite some time!

The Total Bosy Booster is a delicious (it really is!) nutritional concentrate that helps to detoxify and revitalise your body. With its free radical fighters it also helps to prevent ageing and boost skin health, as well as reduce the appearance of cellulite and recover skin tone and firmness.

The elixir contains a host of active ingredients including spiruline seaweed, which helps to provide elasticity and tone to the skin and has antioxidant and antiradical properties that are effective against oxidative stress and green coffee extract, which helps reduce water retention and lipid accumulation to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

The elixir comes with a nifty little spoon that makes it easy to measure out your daily dose (4ml). I found that the 100ml bottle lasted about a month and it actually became a supplement I enjoyed taking every day. You can take it alone as a 'shot' or even dissolve it in water, but the pomegranate/ berry flavour is quite tasty so I was happy to take it alone. Although I didn't see the most dramatic effects straight away I did see an improvement in the general appearance of my skin after just one month. I am definitely going to be picking up another in the sale... though I am also really tempted to try their Luxurious Hair and Nails elixir (£25 here)!

Have you tried the Cosmetofruit Total Body Booster or any of their other elixirs? Are you tempted to pick this up in the sale? What are your thoughts/ experiences with health supplements? xxx

Proactiv's 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway

On the 12th day of Christmas Proactiv gave to me... a Refining mask and $200 to Action for Children charity!



Thank you to Proactiv for their kind donation!

To win your own refining mask please enter by leaving a comment on my video!

For more information on Proactiv, as well as a full list of products, please visit: http://www.proactiv.co.uk/default.aspx

For more information on my chosen charity Action For Children or to make a donation please visit: http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10

Vichy's LiftActiv Serum 10 is a powerful anti-ageing treatment that has shown great results in clinical trials. After just 10 minutes wrinkles begin to fade by 10%, while skin is 32% softer and its texture instantly smoother and more refined, and after 1 month of daily use wrinkles appear to be reduced by 27%.

LiftActiv Serum 10 contains a 10% concentration of the breakthrough anti-ageing ingredient Rhamnose, combined with Vichy Thermal Spa Water, which is rich in soothing and regenerating minerals. The addition of 0.4% hyaluronic acid also helps to hydrate and plump the skin, whilst a ceramide based texture (of which 180 formulations were trialled) aids in accelerating the penetration
of the active ingredients into the dermis.

The result is a powerful lifting, re-plumping anti-ageing serum specially formulated for
sensitive skins! After reading so many positive reviews I shall be trialing the serum for myself over the next few weeks and will let you know how I get on!

Vichy's LiftActiv Serum 10 (£29.50) is available from independent pharmacies and selected Boots stores nationwide, as well as the Boots website here.

Are you a fan of Vichy products? Have you tried this serum? What are your thoughts? 

*This is a sponsored post*

Liz Earle Sensitive Shave Cream

The Liz Earle Sensitive Shave Cream is a wonder product that I have been meaning to share with you all for quite some time! I first received a sample of it about 6 months ago and have repurchased it over and over again since.

Just to give you a little bit of context the bf has very sensitive skin (he always gets annoyed when I mention his eczema, but I am prepared to withstand his fury when/if he ever reads this). Unfortunately along with sensitive skin he was 'blessed' with a very hairy chin... and we are not talking about a 5 o'clock shadow here, it's more of a 12 o'clock shadow! Working in the medical profession he is required to look smart and hence shave every day, which isn't ideal. He therefore often has problems with irrtation, dryness, ingrown hairs, redness... I'm not painting a pretty picture here, but you name it the poor boy has suffered with it.

After a few days of  using the shave cream (check out Liz's shaving tips here) I could already see the difference on his skin, without even having to ask. It definitely looked smoother and less irritated and I noticed that the shaving process was faster too. When I probed him about the cream itself he went as far as saying he "really, really" liked it (a first!) as it gave a really close, comfortable shave and left his skin moisturised and soft. History was made a few weeks later when I phoned to say I was popping into Liz Earle and was actually asked if I could pick up some of that "shave cream stuff". This was record breaking material - not only did he remmber and ask me for a specific product, but he was actually planning to use it for its intended purpose! It definitely makes a change from his usual routine of using my eye cream or expensive serums to moisturise his elbows, knuckles and Lord knows... maybe toes *sigh*.

Since the bf was so fond of the shave cream I decided to purchase some for myself as I often experience a rash or painful bumps after shaving my underarms. I can honestly say that this is the best shave cream I have ever used. It is soft and creamy, yet lathers with a little water to give a really close and smooth shave.

 Probably not the most visually pleasing photo, but as you can see it lathers very smoothly.

With extracts of Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Geranium Essential Oil, Lavender Essential Oil and Glycerin it not only works well to moisturise and soothe irritated skin, but also smells amazing (see full ingredients list here). The rose scented geranium gives it a slightly sweet, flowery smell, while the peppermint keeps it fresh and uplifting - a fragrance that I think both sexes will enjoy!

The Liz Earle Sensitive Shave Cream retails at £10.75 for 100 ml or £5.50 for 30 ml. I highly recommend it to everyone with sensitive skin and those prone to razor burn or shaving rash. I've been buying it as gifts for my male friends and have received great feedback from everyone so far. It may not be a particularly exciting product, but in my eyes it's definitely a hero!

Have you tried Liz Earle's Sensitive Shave Cream? Do you ecperience problems when shaving? What are your recommendations for shave gels/ creams/ oils for sensitive skin? xxx