Review: Face Place Facial at Rosewood London

Oh, what I wouldn't do for perfect skin! After posting the below photo on Instagram (@NatalyaFGM) I had so many of you getting in touch asking about the Face Place facial that I thought a proper review would be helpful! While it does look like something out of a torture chamber the Face Place treatment itself is very relaxing and definitely one I would recommend, mainly because it's something a bit different that may give your skin that little extra boost. Often skin can become accustomed to certain products and treatments so I always think it’s good to switch it up and try something new!

(My best impression of Hannibal Lecter)

The Face Place treatment at the Sense Spa at Rosewood London comes straight from LA (and those of you who love reality TV may have spotted it featured in RHOBH a few times). The facial consists of two main parts - first a deep manual cleansing of all facial pores, followed by the use of galvanic current to deliver improved skin tone, firmness, fewer lines and a clearer complexion. Each facial is bespoke to a client’s requirements, so mine concentrated on hydration and deep cleansing. I am always trying to keep my pores in check and find that this treatment leaves my skin feeling nourished, but also clear and blemish free. The facialist Rowan Hall-Farrise is amazing at adapting the facial to different skin types and is a source of so much skincare knowledge that I would definitely recommend addressing her with any of your skin concerns. She’s also absolutely lovely so we barely stop chatting throughout!

After a gentle cleanse the pores are softened using moist yucca root infused heated pads and a cone placed on top that acts as mini face sauna. Rowan then uses magnifying glasses and a vacuum machine taking away dead skin cells to make sure that every pore is squeaky clean. I am a big fan of extraction as my skin is oily and I do wear makeup most days so it is prone to congestion. At the same time my skin is very sensitive so any breakouts (which tend to be hormonal) take a very long time to heal and often scar. After the extraction, which is at times uncomfortable, but never too painful, a spray of collagen follows.

For the current treatment itself warm pads are applied soaked in a solution of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C that helps skin regeneration and stimulate collagen production and anti-inflammatory Zinc. A warm wet pad is also applied underneath you to help the conduction of the current. Once connected as scary as the mask looks all that is palpable is a slight tingling sensation on the skin and a strange, but not unpleasant, metallic taste in the mouth. While the current is working you can enjoy a hand and arm massage, which is incredibly relaxing. After the treatment Rowan applies a Skinceuticals hydrating mask, but in general this facial doesn’t use too many products as it is all about the extraction technique and the use of current to promote deep penetration of vitamins into the skin.

After the treatment my skin is left pink for about an hour and a few hours later it already looks clearer and smoother and feels plumper. The treatment is great for sensitive skin as it doesn’t use any harsh products and I don’t experience any dryness afterwards.

Have you heard of Face Place before? Have you experienced any treatments using galvanic current? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Review: No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum

7 years after its first launch No7’s Protect & Perfect Serum has been reformulated to make it even more effective! Targeted at the first signs of ageing (20-35 age range) it promises to give you younger looking, more radiant skin in just 2 weeks. As you all know I always take my time testing out products and therefore don’t post as quickly following launch (or as often as other blogs) because I really want to use each product thoroughly before giving you my opinion!

I was sent the new No7 Protect & Perfect Serum as I was impressed by all the positive reviews on the website and wanted to see how this serum would work on my (late 20-something) skin. As well as targeting fine lines with Matrixyl 3000 Plus and peptides I was interested to see how it would function in helping to repair and protect my skin with its antioxidant complex, while keeping away blemishes using salicylic acid.

After two weeks of use I have to say that I haven’t noticed a huge amount of difference in my skin yet, but I can see that it looks smoother and more even toned. I also think that it has done a good job of keeping my skin clear as I had a few breakouts when I started using it and these have cleared up a little faster than usual! I have enjoyed using the serum as it has a light, gel like texture that feels comfortable on the skin. I like the fact it’s so light as my skin does tend to get oily throughout the day and this serum doesn’t leave any oily residue behind. I will definitely continue using it and will be sure to let you know if I see any dramatic changes!

The No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum can be purchased for £24.95 on the Boots website here (and they are currently running a 3 for 2 promotion across their skincare and bodycare range too)!

Review: No7 Early Defence Eye Cream

I am sure that many women in our parents' generation would not even have thought about anti-ageing skincare in their 20's, but as we learn more about the science of the skin it becomes evident that prevention is even more important than targeting change that is already occurring! Though we are told it is never too early to start it can sometimes be difficult for those in our 20s to find the right skin care. We no longer want the drying anti-pimple products aimed at teens (though we may still be getting plenty of blemishes that we would love to zap), but intensive anti-ageing products aimed at the older generation maybe a little too rich. I was therefore excited to hear that No7 had launched a range specifically aimed for ladies from their 20s to mid 30s to keep young skin looking younger for longer!

No7 Early Defence Skincare (consisting of Day, Night and Eye Creams) works as a ‘stepping stone’ to help in the transition from everyday skincare to proactively delaying the signs of ageing. The range offers No7’s new and most effective patent pending daily protection technology, ‘Double Defence’ that, in combination with No7’s unbeatable 5* UVA technology, gives skin advanced daily protection from the sun and environmental stress to help it look younger for longer.

I was kindly sent the No7 Early Defence Eye Cream* to test out a few weeks ago. It  is especially designed for the delicate areas around your eyes, enriched with Vitamin C to help reduce puffiness and dark circles, for brighter more beautiful eyes. This cream has a very light texture so it doesn't feel too heavy around the eyes. It sinks in quickly and is perfect for use before makeup. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and smooth.

No7 Early Defence Eye Cream (£13.50 for 15ml) is exclusively available at Boots stores across the UK and online here.

Review: Cowshed Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum and Skin Perfecting Facial

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of popping down to Cowshed’s Carnaby spa to sample their new Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum in a mini facial. After an early start and a long day in an air conditioned office my skin was looking far from its best and I was definitely in need of a few quiet moments to let the day melt away. The new Cowshed Skin Perfecting Facial (£85 for 75 mins) is a gem. While it keeps true to the usual routine of a facial (cleanse, steam, exfoliation) the yoga style massage that is performed using the new Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum is absolutely fantastic. While being extremely relaxing it works hard to bring out your facial contours, get rid of any puffiness with lymph drainage and stimulate blood flow while firming and tightening the skin. Divine! I would love to book in for the full treatment soon.

Cowshed’s Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum itself is the ultimate all in one skincare treatment. I have recently tried to simplify my skin care routine (to save time and in the hope that if it’s simple I will be more diligent in doing it every day). I have always struggled with my night-time routine as by the time I’m finished with my day I am so ready to crawl into bed (probably having already fallen asleep somewhere beforehand… on the sofa, on the tube, but hopefully not at my office desk). However, as I wear makeup regularly I know how important it is to have a thorough cleanse and make sure my skin can recover overnight and stay hydrated. Therefore, I have been sticking with a micellar water for makeup removal, a cream cleanser and then an eye cream and an oil left on overnight. The Cowshed serum- oil hybrid is absolutely perfect for this and fits into my routine really easily. It has a beautiful, calming scent, is lovely to apply as it feels smooth, but not too ‘oily’ and is packed full of botanical actives and essential oils.

The Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum is designed to address multiple ageing concerns such as loss of radiance, fine lines, pigmentation and dry skin. It is infused with brightening, tightening ingredients such as the Actiscent complex, which not only gives the serum its dreamy scent (combining natural extracts of Sandalwood, Green Tea and South American Copahu), but also works to stimulate cell renewal and turnover. VC IP is an extract derived from Vitamin C, which is added tp help strengthen skin’s antioxidant abilities. Matrixyl 300 Lipo Peptide stimulates skin’s repair process to improve skin tone and elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Juvenity is a complex anti-ageing lipid, that works inside skin cells to protect, restructure and thicken the dermis and epidermis, encouraging the production of healthier skin cells. It also features natural compounds such as of Rosehip oil, Evening Primrose oil, Jojoba oil, zinc and vitamins B and E.

I have been trialling this oil serum for the last 2 weeks and have to say that I am really impressed. I am sometimes wary of oils as some I have tried in the past have had a slightly unpleasant scent and have been a little heavy, taking a long time to absorb into the skin making it feel greasy. This serum is very light and smells beautiful. It sinks into the skin leaving a light layer of oil on the surface so that you feel your skin is protected through the night, but not suffocated. It definitely plumps and smoothes while keeping skin nourished and hydrated, which is particularly important in the harsh, cold months of winter. I adore it.


Cowshed Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum (£48.00) is available from all Cowshed UK Spas, shops and www.cowshed.com

Elizabeth Arden - Flawless Future

 

 

 

 

As a woman in her mid (approaching late… sob) twenties I have always felt that choosing the correct skincare was a little bit of a minefield. I still have many of the skin issues I had in my teens with the odd break out and large pores, but I have also started to see the first signs of ageing creeping in. Even though we are bombarded with the message that you should begin using anti-ageing products in your 20s and 30s many creams are targeted towards the older generations so it is difficult to know which products to select as those aimed at the 40s market may be too rich for younger skin.

This is why I was particularly excited to try the new Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide! It is aimed at those in the tricky age bracket showing the first signs of ageing and aims to combat a whole host of skin concerns. Much of the research has been concentrated on stress, and with many of us living highly paced, busy lives in urban environments that create multiple stresses this is definitely something I am very interested in.

The range has been developed from research that proves that stress decreases the skin's barrier function, antioxidant levels and cell turnover which can lead to blotchy tone, redness, dullness and fine lines. The formula's blend of ingredients replenishes the skin with ceramides that are lost through ageing and stress: telosense, a protective protein complex technology that minimises the appearance of lines and wrinkles; and licorice extract to soothe irritated skin.

The line features Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum (£48), Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Moisture Cream SPF 30 (£40), and Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Eye Gel (£25).

I have been testing all three products for a few weeks and though it is still a little too early to tell if my fine lines have been banished I have really enjoyed using them. They have definitely left my tired skin looking a little more plump and reenergised. The Ceramide Eye Gel is super light and absorbs into the skin in seconds. It is perfect for use both morning and night as it doesn’t create any creasing in the under eye area. 

The Ceramide Caplet Serum makes a beautiful addition to my bathroom cabinet. The beads burst when the pump is pressed to release fresh serum with each application. The texture is delicate and smooth leaving the skin primed and ready for the next step in your routine. I usually use one or two pumps and this is plenty as using more makes the shimmer in the serum more visible. I know that some people really hate shimmer so this is definitely something to keep in mind with this product!

The Ceramide Moisture cream has SPF 30, so I tend to use it during the day. It has a lovely, light texture providing hydration and making my skin feel soft, while being weightless enough to sink in quickly and working as a good base for makeup. My sensitive, combination skin is both oily and dehydrated and this cream seems to be working well to balance and soothe while treating the copious effects that stress has on my skin every day.

Have you sampled Elizabeth's Arden Flawless Future Skincare? What are your thoughts on the products?
 

Your Skin... and Sugar

Following on from my last post on nutrition I just wanted to share a little bit more information with regards to sugar. Yes, we have all heard how it's bad for us, but why and (given this is a beauty blog) how can it affect your skin?

The Good

We all know it tastes pretty spectacular. I have a huge sweet tooth and pretty much nothing can come close to giving me that happy, warm, fuzzy feeling other than a belly full of ice cream. I never met a dessert I didn't like... well maybe apart from liquorice!

The Bad

With that being said, there’s not a single one of us who doesn’t know that sugar, especially in excess, is bad for us. It’s terrible for our teeth, destroys our mood, makes us gain weight and severely alters our overall blood chemistry. We have to admit that sugar simply ruins our health. However, we (myself very much included) continue to indulge our sugar obsession, despite the detrimental consequences. We can all agree life is too short not to enjoy our favourite dessert, right?

The Ugly

Not only can sugar lead to weight gain it can also make us look older! In fact, excess sugar in our bodies is now being revealed as one of the most damaging elements to our appearance. As it turns out these sweet little sugar molecules are leading a double life. After they pass over our taste buds and give us that amazing sugar buzz they change their personalities and go on a seek-and-destroy mission. In a process called glycation excess sugar in our blood stream binds to proteins in our bodies. Once bonding happens, that particular protein becomes glycated, which means it loses its shape, hardens and fails to function correctly while excreting exotoxins that affect surrounding proteins. After the glycation process has run its course, the protein is referred to as an Advanced Glycation End Product, or A.G.E. for short (a rather appropriate acronym).

This is where the ugly part comes in. Most people are aware that the main protein in human skin is collagen, the proteins of which are very long lasting with a natural half-life of approximately 15 years. Sadly they are not immune to the effects of glycation, becoming misshapen, hardened, brittle and excreting exotoxins. It is therefore not difficult to see the link between visible signs of ageing in the skin – wrinkles, fine lines, discoloration, sagging, uneven skin tones, stress, loss of elasticity, etc. - to the process of glycation.

Glycation becomes more evident in your appearance when sugar molecules attack the surface proteins on the fine capillaries of your skin. This process causes your capillaries to leak, causing what we recognize as spider veins. The same process can happen in the under-eye area, which we recognize as dark circles.

The most demoralizing aspect of glycation is the fact that once a protein has become glycated, or is now considered an A.G.E., the damage is permanent. Glycation is an additive effect and probably begins as soon as we’re born, affecting us throughout our lifetime.


As research advances I am sure that soon we will have a whole new category of anti-glycation treatments. However, until that is the case I am going to try to make a concerted effort to reduce my sugar intake. The easiest way for me to do this is to concentrate on whole foods. There are so many added sugars in prepared foods, even those that are savoury, but as long as you know what you are eating you can at least control your consumption at some level. Honestly I would be far too scared to add up the number if I was living on cereals, energy drinks and ready meals (which I did during uni)! There are so many easy recipes on the internet for those of us striving for a healthier life. One of my favourites is Madeleine Shaw, who advocates a low sugar lifestyle, without giving up all treats.


Maybe I can have my cake and eat it too after all?


What are your thoughts on sugar? Did you know that it could affect your outward appearance, as well as your internal health and weight? Do you have any tips or advice to share on cutting down?

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

Review: PMD Personal Microderm

After reading so many rave reviews of microdermabrasion that promised to help skin texture and radiance as well as diminishing the look of fine lines, enlarged pores, acne scars and hyperpigmentation I was very excited to try out the PMD Personal Microderm system. However, as my skin is so sensitive I was a little apprehensive of whether it would be suitable for me. After using the PMD for over a month I am really happy with the results and thought I would share it with you guys.
 
To get 25% OFF the price of the PMD here please use discount code: filthygorgeousmakeup.

*This is a sponsored video. The PMD was sent for me to use and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own as always!*

Have you ever tried Microdermabrasion? What results have you seen? Would you ever use a personal microderm system at home? xxx

*Rodial BB Venom Giveaway*

Rodial's latest innovations are their BB Venom Skin Tint and Eye cream to make skin look effortlessly radiant and youthful. 

The Rodial Venom Skin Tint combines the ultimate makeup and skincare technology to smooth, hydrate and plump the skin while giving a medium coverage to ensure skin looks even and flawless. Not only is it designed to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles with its powerful Syn-Ake neuropeptide complex, but it also protects from potential sun damage with SPF 15 and plumps tired skin with Hyaluronic acid and hydromanil.

Rodial BB Venom Eye is the perfect compliment to the Skin Tint as it helps to conceal imperfections in the under eye area. This concealer reduces puffiness as you apply, as well as being packed with light reflecting particles to help diminish dark circles it also targets and reduces the severity of crows feet and fine lines. To see the products in action you can check out the video below.

The Rodial BB Venom Skin Tint and Eye are popular with the celebs too, and were even used on Emma and Mel C during the Olympics Closing Ceremony to give them a youthful, natural glow. 

The Skin Tint retails at £35 and the Eye cream at £29 exclusively at Harrods. 

If you are interested in trying out this amazing duo then you are in luck as two of my readers will win a set of Rodial's BB Venom Skin Tint and Eye! All you have to do to enter is be a follower of this blog and leave a comment below with your e-mail address. The competition will be open for 2 weeks. 

Good luck my lovelies! xxx

L'Oreal Revitalift Laser Renew Eye Cream

Although I am a newbie to eye creams I have been on the hunt for the perfect one over the last year. Some are too light, some are too thick and greasy, while others make my eyes sting... there must be one out there that (like Goldilocks' porridge) is just right!

Over the last few weeks I have been trying out the new L'Oreal Revitalift Laser Renew Eye Cream. This cream isn't a laser treatment but it does promise to target wrinkles, skin firmness and skin texture leaving your skin feeling smoother, plumper and looking more even. Revitalift Laser Renew contains a naturally-derived glycan (or complex sugar)-Pro-Xylane, which has been proven to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet wrinkles, boost skin density and improve bounce.This molecule has been combined with two other active ingredients, LHA (Lipohydroxy acid) a smart exfoliating ingredient and fragmented Hyaluronic acid, a moisturising ingredient to boost the effects of the formula.

Fortunately wrinkles are not something that I worry about (yet), but because of my allergies and all too frequent late nights I do get prominent bags under my eyes and blue circles. I have found this cream so easy to apply with its cooling metal applicator that smooths and massages the skin. The cream itself has a great consistency as it sinks into the skin without leaving an oily residue or milia, but it still feels moisturising and hydrating. I think it also has a slight light reflective property and acts as a great base for your makeup.

L'Oreal's Revitalift Laser Renew Eye Cream is available in leading supermarkets and pharmacies and can be found in Boots online here for £13.33.

Have you tried L'Oreal's Laser Renew Eye Cream? What are your favourite eye creams?

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

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*

Garnier Ultralift Challenge - Free 14 Day Sample Kit

According to recent statistics 71% of of consumers don’t believe in anti-ageing claims, and I admit I am one of them. Being on the right side of 25 (not that I'm suggesting there's a 'wrong' side) I haven't delved too deeply into anti-ageing skincare, but even so I have my doubts as to its efficacy, and whether all the highly celebrated and subsequently highly priced creams really do what they say on the jar - reduce or prevent those wrinklies.

Coming from a scientific background I need to be presented with real evidence before I believe anything, so I was interested to see that Garnier are hoping to convince us sceptics once and for all with their Ultralift Challege. To take part all you have to do is sign up here (takes less than a minute) and you will be sent a free 14 day sample kit plus a ‘Wrinkle Reader’ to measure your progress. No strings :). Though after your trial you are welcome to visit the website and share your results!

I have just registered for my free kit... though as I don't think I will make the best test subject all that's left to do is find a willing guinea pig *looks furtively around the office*...

Have you tried Garnier Ultralift? Will you be taking part in Garnier's Ultralift Challenge in the coming weeks? Please do let me know how you all get on! xxx