The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser

It was a bit like Mission Impossible to get this moisturiser; I had heard numerous positive, absolutely glowing (pun intended!) reviews online and in YouTube videos … so off I headed to the Body Shop in Limerick – not there! So I ended up ordering it online on the UK The Body Shop website and then using the Parcel Connect service to eventually get my hands on it! … Anyway… phew, I digress; mini-rant out of the way.

This is a lightweight gel-cream, water-based, extremely nourishing moisturiser. This gel-cream texture makes it an absolute dream to use. Everyone should use a moisturiser, no matter how oily your skin is –  if you're oily (like me) then this is right up your street. Nonetheless, it’s great for all skin types but if you’re a little dryer you may wish to top it up with something a little richer, say a hydrating serum like Hydraluron.

Let’s just take a second to admire how gorgeous the packaging is?! It is way more mature, sophisticated and expensive-looking than the standard The Body Shop fare. It's definitely aesthetically pleasing; with its smooth jar and the simple but striking clear lines of the packaging.

This is jam packed (with my beloved Vitamin C; do you see a pattern!) with Vitamin C extracted from Camu Camu berry in the form of tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate; a variant of Vitamin C that is more stabilized and thus penetrates deeper into the skin. The Camu Camu berry comes all the way from the Amazon (not the website!) Rainforest in Peru. The Amazonian Camu Camu berries contain up to 60 times more Vitamin C levels than an orange. Vitamin C is an absolute powerhouse for the skin and works as an antioxidant to protect your skin from free radical damage and for more information on exactly what Vitamin C does and how it works, check out my review of the Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate.  Moreover it really calms and brightens the skin, hydrates it, plumps it (due to the hydration), and calms even more with Aloe Vera extract.

I am currently loving using this in the morning on top of either Effaclar Duo [+] or the Avène Cleanance Expert - I find this combination keeps my skin clear and glowing but (most importantly) not greasy. You don't need to apply a load of it either; just a tiny dollop as it spreads and moisturises with ease!

I actually think I’m in love! My skin is left feeling ultra-smooth and hydrated when it’s applied; my skin looks brighter and energized – simply refreshed! The hydration lasts all throughout the day; I also noticed that my skin (t-zone) wasn’t getting as oily with this. A sure sign that my skin was adequately hydrated! And let’s not forget the smell … it is divine; a fresh invigorating citrusy blast that will put a real pep in your step and in your skin. A bit of aromatherapy to start off my day!  But don’t worry; it doesn’t linger on the skin. This is definitely going to be my summer day-time moisturiser.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser is €21 and is available here online and it may be available in-store also.

I did go a tad overboard - I got the Virgin Mojito Shower Gel; love this ~ an intoxicating (aroma-wise!) fresh minty and citrus-y scents of lime and mint that lathers up really well. I also got the Facial Massager: ideal and super handy for a quick facial massage! to help flush away any toxins.

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A Collection of L’Oréal Men Expert

I was perusing the aisle of Boots and I came across the L’Oréal Men Expert range. Now I have tried a few of their products in the past and truth being told I wasn’t blown away by them. But there were a few new items there, they were half price and I said why not! Here’s what I got.

MEN EXPERT PURE POWER RED VOLCANO WASH

L'Oréal Men Expert Pure Power Volcano Wash (is a bloody mouthful) is the brand spanking  new anti-imperfections face wash; that claims to fight spots and unclog pores. I was intrigued by this; I knew that volcanic minerals are exceptional for absorbing oil (It’s a key ingredient of my absolute fav the GlamGlow SuperMud). This face wash combine’s volcanic mineral extract; which it is known for its ability to absorb excess oil, with a high concentration of the anti-bacterial spot-killing-machine Salicylic Acid to help fight the appearance of spots. It also contains Zinc; helps to reduce shine and heal any imperfections. And finally a refreshing blast of Menthol, that has a cooling effect on the skin. Skin looks purified without feeling dry. These concoctions of ingredients remove oil and dirt to unclog pores and help keep skin free from impurities.

How to Use

Dampen your face and neck with a face cloth (flannel). Next apply a pea sized amount of product onto your face and gently massage, concentrating on forehead, nose and chin (the oiliest areas of the face). Finally remove thoroughly with the face cloth.

Does It Work

I was a tad apprehensive about this; it’s a think viscous red gel but it does its job well – my skin is left clean but ever so slightly tight. As for its claims to treat acne; I can’t be sure, as I don’t have an active breakout at the minute. But this would be a dream for oily to combination skin types to maintain clear skin.

Men Expert Pure Power Red Volcano Wash is €8.39 and is available here online and in-store at Boots and Tesco.

MEN EXPERT HYDRA ENERGETIC ANTI-FATIGUE MOISTURISER

Now this one isn’t exactly new but I am really into Vitamin C at the minute and when I saw this was one of the key ingredients, I was sold! This moisturiser claims to “Fight the appearance of 5 signs of fatigued, dull-looking skin and drawn features in 1 step.” Did I mention that this contain vitamin C; which is known for its illuminating and brightening effects of skin. (For more information on exactly what Vitamin C does and how it works, check out my review of the Kiehl’s Powerful Strength LineReducing Concentrate). Caffeine acts as a stimulant to promote cutaneous micro-circulation and natural drainage in the skin, basically it jump starts your skin – increase blood flow and drainage. Men Expert Hydra Energetic Daily Moisturiser combines these two ingredients to give your skin a kick up the rear end into looking better!

Does It Work

This moisturiser brightens and hydrates my skin. The texture of this moisturiser is a light non-greasy gel-cream that instantly penetrates and leaves absolutely no residue on my skin. Furthermore my skin is left looking relaxed, energized and healthy. Any complaints of dry, tight or dull skin can be consigned to the past as rough skin is hydrated. Not only does it hydrate and brighten skin, it also comes with a pleasant odour. A true multi-tasking gel at it’s very best!

Men Expert Hydra Energetic Daily Moisturiser is €12.49 and is available here online and in-store at Boots and Tesco.

All Men Expert products are half price at Boots and Tesco at the minute.

Giveaway!

I’m super-excited to be able to give away a set of The House Of Man collection of L’Oréal Men Expert.

The giveaway will run until Monday 13th July and is open to ROI & UK residents only (sorry!). Simply enter using the Rafflecopter box below! And I wish you all the best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Avène Cleanance Expert

I like Avène; their products are really effective and always gentle and tend to work in tandem with your skin rather than against it. This latest offering from Avène’s is very intriguing! Cleanance Expert can be used in conjunction with any acne medicines you might be using. But most importantly it can also be included in a skin regime which involves layering skincare. So this is ideal for slotting into your finely honed skincare routine, when you need a bit of SOS from spots.

When I was first tried this product, I thought that it would be something similar to my beloved La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo [+] (you can read my full review here). On first impressions, Cleanance Expert appears to be quite different though. In terms of formulation, Cleanance Expert is a light, hydrating, non-drying and lightly scented emulsion, suited to the most sensitive skins. From using Cleanance Expert, an emulsion is some sort of a fusion between a gel and a cream texture – heavier than a gel but not as heavy as a cream.

There are two ingredients in this product which really appeal to me. It contains an exfoliating agent called Xpressin, which Avène claim has the same chemical power as 6% Glycolic Acid but is far gentler on the skin. I absolutely love Glycolic Acid, it is stellar at treating breakouts by exfoliating the skin and unblocking pores but it also significantly reduces acne scarring. Because the product doesn’t contain Glycolic Acid, it has a pH level which matches that of skin, which is great. The skin’s pH is slightly acidic aka its acid mantle. The optimal pH of human skin is 5.5. When the skin’s pH level is off kilter, bacteria levels can rise or drop, resulting in an imbalance and thus breakouts.

Avène also patented an ingredient called Diolenyl, which seems ingenious. It tackles the bacteria which are the main offenders in causing acneic breakouts, but the Diolenyl only targets those specific acne-causing bacteria. It the silver bullet equivalent to acne! So it works only where and when it’s needed, and it doesn’t kill off any of the good bacteria which are beneficial to your skin.

I can categorically state that this is a fantastic product. It not an over-night miracle worker but it did sort my skin out when I had a cystic breakout. In the usual spirit of Avène skincare, this product is as super gentle as it claims to be. It greatly speeded up the healing time of that breakout but also the usual accompanying scarring.  It didn’t dry out my skin in the slightest but gave it that extra nourishment that it needed. Over extended use; I found it excellent for keeping my skin clear – in particular any pesky blackheads I would get. I love that I can reach for this in my hour of need and it fits in seamlessly with any other products I’m using. The emulsion texture makes this super hydrating but light-weight on the skin. I would actually say this would be as versatile in the winter as the summer.

Do you like the sound of Cleanance Expert? Which products do you find really effective for acne and breakouts?

Avène Cleanance Expert is €19 and is available here online at Boots and Escentual and in-store at Boots and pharmacies nationwide.

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Happy Father’s Day 2015 | Gift Guide

I know that I shouldn’t be saying this but I hate when Father’s Day approaches. I never know what to buy for him? It’s so difficult to find a gift that he will like. I think it exceptionally difficult to shop for men – What does he like?? Will he use it?? … All these questions swirl inside my head at just the mere thought of Father’s Day.

So this Father’s day I thought I’d share my own gift ideas with you. I’ve tried to keep it traditional but varied to cater for the most eclectic of fathers out there!

Gillette Fusion Proglide Razor with Flexball Technology and Shave Gel Set I think that you can’t beat the gift of an impeccably close shave. And also it’s a safe bet – most men shave! J The Gillette Fusion Flexball is one of the best razors out there. It responds to the contours of your face, so there's fewer whiskers missed. And above all there is no razor burn, score! Any Dad will be glad to receive this. You can find it here at Boots.

Clinique Great Skin For Him Gift Set this a great set for those that are already into skincare; but also to encourage skincare novices into reaping the benefits of a solid skincare regime. I think nothing says “I love” you more than a gift that will make the recipient look and feel better. (inside & out #emosh #yano J) You can catch it here at Boots or from Clinique.

Paco Rabanne 1 Million Cologne No Father’s Day would be complete without an aftershave. It is a staple and a safe bet. But will he like it? The 1 Million Cologne is an excellent gift; it is a warm and heady fragrance with excellent longevity (I could still smell it the next day!) It has rich aromatic notes of cardamom, mandarin, cinnamon, juniper berries, leather, tonka beans and patchouli. Make your Dad feel like a million dollars and grab him a bottle of Paco Rabanne 1 Million Cologne at Boots.

The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins is a really gripping thriller; the narrative is split between three women whose lives all interlink tragically. I think books are an excellent gift idea; they are personal to the recipient (if they are interested in it!) but it is a gift that he can come back to again and again. And each time that he does he will be reminded of you. You can lay your hands on a copy of The Girl On The Train here at Easons or you can find inspiration there also.

Socks! Haha! I know, a complete cop out but I bet socks are the one gift that is definitely going to be used. You can go conservative or full out novelty assault. I think these are a happy compromise, there is a sock for every day of the week! You can find them here at Debenhams. Or if you want something a little more affordable and fun then check out these Minion socks at Penney’s.

No Father’s Day would be complete without the card! The finishing flourish that seals the art of skilful present giving. You can go down the traditional cheese-y Hallmark moment road or you can head down the novelty card road. From personal experience the novelty card is always held onto for years to come and will always bring a smile (or snarl!) to his face.

So … here are some ideas to set you on your way. Will you be ready for the 21^st June? Remember to treasure your Dad, after all he means the world to you!

… Happy shopping! & good luck!

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Summer Style | Summer Shades #Sunnies

I mentioned these already in my Summer Essentials (if you haven't read it yet tut tut, it's right here); Sunglasses are the epitome of summer style. They protect your peepers from the harmful UV rays and they just make everyone so much cooler. So finally with the weather getting warmer and sunnier! It is at long last #SunniesWeather

So … I have really got into my sunglasses as of late; I have been perusing the virtual and real world for the perfect pair of shades.
Here are my top shades from the spectrum of sunglasses - from the bank breaking to the budget!

“Black Ray-Bans, you know she’s with the band” (Katy Perry's song International Smile, listen to it here)

My absolute favorites are these Ray-Bans. They are absolutely STUNNING! The quality is second to none. They are so on point with the traditional Wayfarer frames but I love the twist of the slimmer sides. I think these are a cool alternative to the standard Wayfarer that everyone will be wearing this summer. They are perfect and versatile for any occasion: the matt black frames will easily carry you from formal to festival! I think the Wayfarer frames are the most flattering shades style, no matter your face shape. And above all they are tremendously comfortable to wear. Check them out here.

images from Burton

Burtons have a stellar selection of shades both in-store and online. Here are my two favourite picks from Burtons. Tortoiseshell Clubmaster Sunglasses; these are classic clubmaster sunglasses with tortoiseshell frame. I think these going to be quite trendy this summer. They are reminiscent of the Wayfarer but are a touch more quirky. I also adore the tortoiseshell frames; which is flattering on pale to tanned skin tones. My second pick is the Orange Lens Half Rim Aviator; these thin classic aviators are so rocking summer style with these reflective tonal orange lens! You’ll definitely stand out with a pair of these. All Burtons sunglasses come with a protective microfiber pouch to keep them safe.

images from Primark

Now to the most affordable of all shades! Penney’s (aka Primark in the UK) have a great affordable medley of shades from as little as €1.50! My faves are the Wayfarer with tortoiseshell frames and the standard Aviators but also the Aviators with the reflective blue lenses. There is a huge assortment of frames, styles, colours and prints of Penney’s sunnies. Go on; you can check them out here and have a good old browse, but they have a ton more in-store.

So wherever are you headed this summer make sure you are sorted in the sunnies department!

“Bon voyage avec vos lunettes de soleil!”

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Facial SPFs | Lightweight SPFs to Protect Your Skin All Summer Long

Looking after your skin in the summer months can be incredibly confusing.  I was talking to a dermatologist, who said it is recommended to use SPF 50 every single day from March to October.

We know we should be using SPF to protect ourselves from the sun's damaging rays, but SPFs have a stigma for being thick and heavy which can result in blocked pores and congestion. This in turn can increase the likelihood of spots and blemishes, and even aggravate acne...

It can be a real challenge to find a SPF that protects from UVA and UVB rays and have a lightweight texture - but I've made a short list of SPFs that offer broad spectrum protection without clogging the skin, whilst providing an invisible finish on the skin. 

1.      La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL UltraLight Fluid SPF50+ (€19.99)

The Anthelios is easily my favourite. I love La Roche-Posay products anyway! The  Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid  is the lightweight, suit-all SPF. This Ultra-Light version has an invisible finish but manages to give excellent protection. It’s quite a fluid texture, almost oily, but it does have a hydrating feel, I have oily combination skin and I found it perfect and it helped keep my t-zone shine free.

2.      Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch FaceFluid SPF15 (€8.34)

This ultra-light weight SPF launched last year, this high protection sun fluid dries instantly to leave a matte finish and with no chalky residue. It's easy to apply and it even helps to remove any shininess. Using an anti-oxidant Vitamin E derivative, this Piz Buin formula helps to prevent sun damage to the skin. It even stays in place throughout the day and even when swimming in the sea, as the formula is both sweat and water resistant; it an excellent facial SPF that really does its job without any tell-tale signs you’re wearing a SPF.

3.      Avene Sun Care Very High ProtectionSun Emulsion SPF50+ (€20.99)

The Avène Very High Protection Emulsion SPF 50+ covers a broad spectrum UV protection using a combination of active ingredients. It has  photoprotective complex that offers excellent protection against UVB and also short and long UVA rays. It contains  pre-tocopheryl, a vitamin E precursor that protects the skin cells from free radical damage. The formal is rich in Avène Thermal Spring Water, which has a host skin benefits; from soothing toanti-irritating properties. The oil-regulating cucurbita pepo extract gives the skin a matte finish. This is definitely the thickest of the three, but still leaves a matte but slightly dewy finish.

All of these SPFs are super lightweight and don't break my skin out - so they are perfect for all skin types. And remember your skin may not show damage from the sun when you are young, it is really important to protect your skin when you are outside.

*Just a quick note: it is so importnat to use an SPF if you are using glycolic acid - it may make your skin sensitive to the sun*

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MAN-UP It’s Summer! | ☀️ Summer Essentials ☀️

Today I thought I would compile my Summer-Must-Haves to guide you through a summer of fun. Here are my Summer Essentials that will have you prepared for anything this summer can (and probably will J ) throw at you! 

Sunglasses are a summer staple (actually obligatory if you ask me). My favourite are these Ray-Bans. They are on trend with the Wayfarer frames but I love the twist of the slimmer sides. I think these are a cool alternative to the standard Wayfarer. Why follow the herd! Make a statement with these Ray-Bans. They are perfect for all occasions: the matt black in so transitional from formal to festival. I think these are the most flattering sunglasses, no matter your face shape. And above all they are comfortable to wear. Check them out here.

You may think that GlamGlow ThirstyMud (you can read my full review here) is more of a winter essential but it's excellent during the warmer months. It rehydrates your skin but is non greasy way - so you won't be left like an oil slick. Hydration is so important during the summer, as the sun can have drying effects on your skin. This can exasperate both acne and dry skin conditions. Thus to be looking your best use GlamGlow ThirstyMud .

Úna Brennan Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Glow Boost Skin Serum is ideal for summer usage. It is a lightweight serum with a combination of Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and a skin lightening algae extract that replenishes and gives your skin a healthy glow and appearance. Ahhh … spot-on! Just what I need for summer. You can find it here.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +; what can I say it works! You can read all my thoughts on it here. In the humid heat of summer it keeps spots at bay and my skin clear. Yah! That = happy me J. Haha!

La Roche-Posay Serozinc is another summer necessity; it mattifies your skin – it really does banish shine! But also the Zinc Sulphate will help heal any blemishes and kill bacteria on the skins surface. You can grab a can here. And read my full review here.

Carmex Mint Moisturising Lip Balm  you can suffer from dry, chapped lips at any time of the year (the sun’s fault again). Not only does this balm heal dry, cracked lips, it also acts as a sunscreen with the added protection of SPF 15. Protect that pout!  You’ll find it here.

If you need that sun-kissed glow then I whole heartedly recommend the Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster. It gives you a subtle fool-proof sun-kissed glow. No oompa-loompa face for me! What’s not to like. You can get it here.

Vichy Ideal Soleil Mattifying Face Fluid SPF30. I like Vichy suncare – a lot! This SPF is a “dry touch” cream that has no greasy or white residue and sits well on my skin. A good, comprehensive SPF for oily combination skins. Grab yours here.

My signature summer scent is Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau Male .This an ultra-fresh blast of minty cool aromas; perfect to offset the heat of the summer. With notes of mint, artemisia, lavender and musk – a definite masculine summer scent. Get your hands on it here.

I just thought that I would mention that your skin can get more congested in the summer to the humid weather and extra sweating (depressing yano). Therefore I recommend using a clay-based mask at least once a week to detox your skin and purge your pores of all that grossness! My two favourites are the GlamGlow SuperMud (here) and the Sanctuary Sanctuary 5min Thermal Detox Mask (here); both of these masks will have you sorted in a jiffy! Leaving you to get on with your summer.

… And finally I’ll depart with some advice. If you exfoliate your skin regularly throughout the summer, you will achieve a better tan. Not a fake one, but a real tan! So if you’re looking to keep a good colour during the summer, make sure to exfoliate as this leads to a deeper and a more even tan. By exfoliating away the dead skin cell, you are revealing fresh skin cells that can tan more easily.  But exfoliating also deepens the colour of your tan and makes it last longer. My recommendations are the Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion (here) for your face and Sanctuary Body Scrub (here) for the body. However, don’t forget to use lashings of SPF! (see some great SPFs here) and don’t get burned.

There you have my Summer Essentials.

Enjoy your summer and make the most of it!

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