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?
 

Treats for Winter Skin

With Christmas parties being penciled in to all the corners of my already full diary the time has come to prepare for battle... with my skin!

Over the last few weeks my skin has not been looking its best - in part due to poor health, but I am sure that the harsh weather contrasted with the toasty warmth of central heating at home and air con at work has made a valid contribution. So to perk up my complexion I will be investing some time into my skin over the next few days and thought I would share with you some of my favourite skin treats!

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - (£21.50 here)

This is a recent purchase for me, and I can't believe I have waited so long to try it! It really is a miracle cream and I adore it for giving my skin a quick boost. Beauty Flash Balm brightens and tightens the skin (gently) with extracts of olive and Witch Hazel, while boosting radiance and softening. 

It can be used as a quick remedy before a night out - apply (without massaging) a very thin layer over the face, neck and eye area, following immediately with make-up. I have also enjoyed using it as a facial mask- apply a generous layer and leave to soak in for 15 minutes, then blot excess with a tissue.

Decleor Aromessence Ylang Ylang Purifying Concentrate - (£40.85 here)

This serum is a lovely treat for dehydrated skin. With 100% pure and natural essential oils specially formulated for the daily care of combination and oily skin it feels really soothing and comforting, as well as having an amazingly relaxing scent. As I have oily skin I have always been wary of using oils, but in the last year I have really learned how to make them work for me - little and often! I like to apply a couple of drops after cleansing and toning at night and either massage it in alone, or add it to my favourite moisturiser. Thanks to its natural affinity with the skin this serum penetrates efficiently to balance and purify, as well as reduce excess sebum production and clear impurities.

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil-in-Gel - (£24 here)

I'm probably one of the few beauty addicts who doesn't have a huge soft spot for Shu Uemura's cleansing oils. It's not that I don't like them, I just prefer to use a cream cleanser (Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish is my absolute favourite) and find oils a little too 'thin' to give me a thoroughly cleansed feeling. This is why I have really enjoyed using Shu's new Cleansing Oil-in-Gel, which gives the smooth feeling of an oil and effectively removes impurities while still leaving behind the fresh feeling of a gel wash. I also like the fact that it can be used both wet and dry, though I prefer to use a little luke warm water to create the perfect texture. 

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate - (£19 here)

The Superskin concentrate is a lovely serum that comes in a convenient rollerball dispenser, which is perfect for popping in your bag for use during the day or travel.

For optimal results Liz Earle's therapist recommends:
After cleansing, massage with Superskin Concentrate to help clear toxins, reduce puffiness, boost circulation, encourage cell renewal and aid lymphatic drainage.
Step 1: Warm a small amount in your hands and breathe in the divinely aromatic aroma. Then massage onto your skin with upward and outward movements using firm pressure.
Step 2: With your fingertips, lightly smooth in an outward circular direction along the cheekbones to above the eyebrows.
Step 3: Finish by gently sweeping your hands up the neck and over the décolletage.

 Neal's Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm - (£35.35 here)

Anything rose scented wins favour with me and this wild rose beauty balm does not disappoint! This multi purpose product can be used as a rich cleanser, gentle exfoliant (with a muslin cloth) or deeply nourishing balm – to quench areas of dry or dehydrated skin. The high levels of wild rosehip oil (a potent antioxidant to help repair, firm and smooth the skin) are combined with geranium, starflower, hemp and rosemary seed oil, to help decongest and enrich the skin, restoring its natural radiance.

In the cold weather it's also important not to forget the rest of your skin. I know that my routine isn't quite as meticulous in the winter - my legs are hidden by opaque tights, and I don't like to think about my feet at the best of times! My favourite moisturiser at the moment is undeniably Kiehl's Creme de Corps (from £8.50 here).

This is an amazing cream. It's rich, without feeling greasy and sinks in quickly without leaving behind too much residue, leaving my skin like velvet. Due to its natural colouring and the inclusion of beta-carotene (a naturally derived antioxidant predominantly found in many orange/red vegetables such as carrots, it is used in Vitamin A production and gives an orange tint when used in skin care products) it can dye any clothes that come into contact with it. Heading the warning I like to wait a few minutes after application before dressing, but I haven't experienced any problems with staining myself.

Liz Earle Superskin Bodycream - (£28.75 here)

This super rich and indulgent aromatic cream contains 25% plant oils and is perfect for drier skin areas. It requires a little effort to rub into the skin and some time to become fully absorbed, but it is well worth it. With East African shea butter, organic rosehip oil, antioxidant cranberry seed oil and pomegranate extract, natural source vitamin E, plus the divine scent of neroli, this luxurious cream makes a great gift for anyone, and a fantastic skin treat for yourself!

Lastly, I couldn't live without Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (£18.50 here). If you haven't tried it, you need to! Lips, cuticles, knees, elbows, cuts, blisters, scrapes, blemishes, burns it works to soften, heal and protect any skin ailment you can think of!

I hope you find this little guide for winter skin indulgences useful. Let me know what your winter skin saviours are!! xxx

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick

Many of you will be aware of my love for Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream. I first discovered it at the age of 12 (in my LFW goodie bag!) and since then have been using it almost daily. Who knows how many tubes I have worked my way through, but my nightstand is never without it! It’s perfect left on over night to moisturise lips, cuticles and any dry areas - even scars and eczema.

Already being a fan of the brand I was excited to try the EA Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sheer Tint SPF 15 (RRP £19.00). As much as I love wearing lipsticks they can often be very drying, so this product is a great solution – lipstick, with all the added benefits including emollients, protective sunscreen and vitamin E!

I was sent the colour Blush, which appears quite bright and striking in the bullet, but gives a perfectly wearable sheer tint of pink to the lips, making them look full and glossy without being sticky or heavy.

This lipstick has now migrated to my handbag, especially as the colour is buildable so it can be applied lightly while on the go or layered for a more striking evening look. As the formulation is so light the bullet is a little softer than traditional lipsticks, so you do have to be more careful as I imagine it may be prone to bending, especially in this hot weather!

Have you tried any products from the EA Eight Hour Cream range? If you suffer from dry, chapped lips it is a must have product! xxx

Gifts for Her!

The most hectic days of the year are upon us and with only a week to go before Christmas it's time to get organised! So many of you have sent me messages asking for advice so I thought I would put together a little last minute gift guide, to suit all budgets, for those struggling to maintain the Christmas cheer while bustling around the shops ;). Let's begin with gifts for her (for him and for you coming up next)!

For Her

Liz Earle Essentials Try-Me kit (£21.75) - This skincare set is great for any age and would make the perfect gift for the girl who is always too busy to pamper herself, but deserves a lovely treat. This kit includes the celebratred Cleanse and Polish (with muslin cloth), Instant Boost Skin Tonic and two Skin Repair Moisturisers (one for dry/ sensitive and one for normal/combination skin) enclosed in a durable little makeup bag.

White Tea and Ginger Bath Gift Set (£24.99) - For the budget conscious who don't like to show it this set has a great range of beautifully presented products including bath soap, body lotion, bath confetti, hand wash, bubble bath, bath salts, shower gel, and sponge in a stylish ceramic bowl. You don't have to rush out either, if you order by Tuesday 21st December with standard delivery your gifts are guaranteed to be delivered by Christmas Eve!

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant (Limited Edition) (£15.50) - In this harsh winter weather Eight Hour Cream is an absolute handbag essential for dehydrated skin and chapped lips. The limited edition packaging is adorable too!

ELF 100piece Eyeshadow Palette (£15.00) - Having had the opportunity to try this palette out it is evident that the price does not reflect the quality of these shadows. Pigmented, smooth and with a range of textures this palette would make a wonderful gift for the younger girl starting to experiment with makeup through to the makeup master. I absolutely love it and think it is incredible value for money.

GHD Midnight Collection Gift Set Limited Edition (On sale £119.20 down from £149!) - This wonderful new GHD set would make a wonderful gift for the glamorous girl in your life. We all know GHDs are pricey, but this set including the gold classic styler, limited edition travel hair dryer, styler pouch with heat resistant roll mat, treasure chest case, baroque travel mirror and two ghd sectioning clips is currently 20% off!

Ted Baker Tellan Leather Jacket (£299) or Reiss Rogers Biker Leather Jacket (£275) - Every girl needs a good leather jacket, and I am in love with these two. The quality of the leather is stunning in both and the feminine, fitted shape makes it versatile and perfect to throw over a party dress or a smart blouse and pencil skirt. One of these is actually my Christmas present this year ;). Yay!

Viktor and Rolph Flowerbomb Gift Set (£48.50) and Emporio Armani Diamonds Gift Set (£34.50) - At a recent fragrance event I was given the chance to try a multitude of different perfumes and these are my two top picks for the season. V&R is one of my all time favourites - femine and floral this warm, sweet fragrance with notes of tea, bergamot, jasmine, orchid and rose is a signature statement scent. Armani Diamonds is a fragrance I had never tried before - elegant and feminine with top notes of rose and raspberry that blend into an amber and vanilla base, I think this perfume will be enjoyed by many!

Zara Messenger Bag (£29.99) - While browsing the Zara website (as you do!) I noticed this stunning bag and thought it would make a perfect present at a budget friendly price! With it's classic shape, mix of materials and geometric perforations it is completely on trend for this season, and will accessorize a number of outfits perfectly.

Phew! I hope that was helpful my lovelies! Stay tuned for the next installments in this series - For Him and For YOU! Hope you are all well and looking after yourselves :). 

Natalya xxx