Nuxe Reve De Miel: Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm

I don't know about you, but my lips are the only part of my body that gets dry. Finding a lip balm that does its job, is hard work. 

Particularly for men, who need all the benefits but none of the shine and gloss. I know that good old Vaseline would do the trick but there are much better alternatives out there. Both in terms of performance and appearance. Now the Rêve de Miel, Nuxe's Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm, has quite a peculiar texture in comparison to most lip balms; it doesn't have that oily or shiny texture that we're used to. It's really quite thick and matte, making it a perfect for men's parched lips, and it has an almost grainy feel to it.

Despite its texture, Nuxe's lip balm is something of a hero as it's a very comfortable, non-sticky product to wear, not to mention it lasts for hours. Really moisturising, excellent when it's cold and windy. It comes in a little glass pot, I know not the most practical. It's the 20th Anniversary of Rêve de Miel this year (2015), which goes to show just how good this lip balm really is. 

J'adore Nuxe!

You can find Nuxe Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm here at Escentual or I found it in my local pharmacy. Check out your pharmacy, it might be a stockist too.

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REN Vita Mineral Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil

I’m becoming more and more adventurous with my face oils, trying all sorts of different textures and blends. I know this may seem ludicrous when I have an oily combination skin but there are so many out there to choose from – balancing oils for blemish-prone skin, regenerating oils for damaged skin and oils with aromatherapy blends – and to be honest I haven’t yet found any that my skin didn’t agree with. I don’t think this is something for the day but at night-time; I have found that gently massaging oil into my face, just before bed, leaves me with really plump, glowing and revitalised skin by morning.

REN Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil is a great choice if you’re looking for an oil that’s gives you all of the nourishment and hydration that an oil gives but with a slightly lighter texture. The Omega 3 Serum Oil is extraordinarily rich in essential fatty acids, aiding cell renewal and restoring moisture levels so that the skin looks and feels younger and more hydrated. Because it’s heavy in Omegas, this will help to strengthen the lipid barrier and replenish the moisture levels, meaning it would work in hot or cold climates and on dry or oily skins. There is nothing here that will block pores on acne sufferers (hooray!). Rosehip Oil helps with this whole regenerative process (great for tackling those pesky dark spots and acne scars) and Vitamin E, from Rice Germ Oil, is a brilliant antioxidant and works to protect against damage from the environment.

This is wonderful serum/oil and, as I said, a great option if you want something really nourishing, but light in texture. This is incredibly lightweight, super-fast absorbing oil that won’t leave you like an oil slick. It smells insanely good – light & citrusy - not at all overpowering but extremely soothing and relaxing. I apply this at night with nothing on over the top and OMFG! It soothes and heals my skin like nothing else. When I first got this, I had a few irksome surface blemishes due to excess sweating in the summer heat; next morning – gone. Enough said … if you have no problem with dryness; you may find that you can skip the moisturiser altogether. But if you are of a drier persuasion add a moisturiser on top. Just see how you go!

This will be invaluable to banish “winter skin”; that extra support and hydration so badly needed for when the central heating cycle kicks in and transforms your face into something that resembles the Sahara Desert. If you find yourself getting all flaky and chapped, or if your skin starts to feel dull and weather-beaten, this is an excellent booster-upper.

Now I know that it comes in a convenient pump-action bottle but I actually don’t like the packaging (sorry REN). I find that the oil goes down the front of the pump and the whole lot get messy and sticky. But I can get over this pet peeve due to it great results.

The REN Omega 3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil is €28 and is available here online and Sam McCauley and other pharmacies nationwide.

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster

Entering summer and with the weather getting warmer, you might want to look more sun-kissed rather than luminous white or sun-burnt but self-tanning is difficult for guys. Get it wrong and you're an oompa-loompa. But get it right and you look healthier and more rested, even if you're not. So here's a great self-tanner that gives that natural sun kissed "golden glow" look we all crave.

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster is a pretty fool-safe way for guys to facial tanning: it's subtle, it's streak-free and it gives the most gorgeous, believable sun-kissed glow. The Golden Glow Booster has a 99.8% natural formula combines natural DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) and erythrulose, with Aloe Vera extract, to help preserve skin's softness; while giving your complexion a healthy-looking glow. But for me its biggest selling point, though, is the fact that it slots into your skincare routine seamlessly; all you have to do is add a few drops of the concentrate to your usual face cream or lotion or whatever you use, mix it together in your palm and apply it to your face and neck.
It's totally customisable to your skin's needs, at any time of the year. Add it to a lightweight gel or a supremely rich night cream; a few drops for a natural sun-kissed tan, or five or six if you want that instantaneous hit of sun-kissedness! There's no smell, no residue, it's an all-round tanner that doesn't go streaky or patchy and it's also highly portable – perfect for holidays. I would definitely recommend using this with a gel texture, as I find it even easier to blend it out. But I tried it with the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask with perfect results but with the added glow from a hydrating mask. It leaves such a natural result, I was looking in the mirror (face nearly pressed to the mirror 😂) to find a patch. To no avail! This truly is an excellent self-tanner.
It's a multi-purpose facial tanner that gives subtle, natural results and is a total summer necessity, but I would definitely use this at any time when I need a subtle tan, that "golden boost".
Clarins Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster is €23.50 and you can find it online at Boots and at Debenhams.

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La Roche-Posay Serozinc

Now Serozinc is a much hyped and coveted skincare product that was almost impossible to get for years, but alas, recently it more readily available to Irish skincare die-hards!! So what exactly is La Roche-Posay Serozinc?

It is a Zinc Sulphate solution mixed with the heavenly soothing La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring water that is targeted at oily, blemish-prone skin. This is an absolute God-send for blemish-prone skin, as Zinc Sulphate helps heal minor breakouts but also mattify and help regulate oiliness. But furthermore, its healing properties make it excellent for razor burn or any skin concern like dermatitis or eczema and because it's so gentle it can be even used on a baby's bottom.
I personally don't use Serozinc daily, but I do use Serozinc when I get a breakout, either large or small. I find that it helps heal my skin more quickly but also it reduces the redness, soreness and flakiness of said spots. I spritz or spray it directly on my face and let its goodness soak in. But alternatively you can apply it to a cotton pad and swipe it across your face.
Now I got my can from Escentual.com at the start of this year. So I have used Serozinc for a nearly five months and I can see how good it is, but I waited until now to write this post as you can now actually buy Serozinc IN IRELAND, That's right, in Ireland! You can pick up your little blue can from your local pharmacy that stock La Roche-Posay product or you can get it from Sam McCauley's, Boots and CH Chemists for €10.

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GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment

This is an excellent hydrating and restoring mask; GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Mud Treatment.
This is a multi-use mask and that is pretty marvellous. But what exactly is the point to moisture mask? Easy. Its instantaneous results. I've never seen anything add moisture and hydration to the skin as quickly and effectively. Also the wide variety of applications; bearing in mind that with each, you don't need to use much:
Nighttime Mask (What I use it for)
After cleansing your face in the evening, apply an thin layer to the skin which you'll notice it will sink in pretty quickly. You don't apply loads, like a normal mask, just apply it like a moisturiser! As you'll only just waste it. And by morning my skin looks more uniform in complexion (I think it helps heal acne scarring and hyperpigmentation) and my skin is glowing and healthier looking in general.
Post-Shave Repair
After shaving, apply and massage gently a small amount into the shaved area to feel immediate comfort and reduced redness from shaving. I personally think this is too expensive and frankly too good to use a post-shave balm. But if you had razor rash right before something important, this is your saviour.
In-Flight protection
This is a new and clever use; to use GlamGlow ThirstyMud to protect and heal your skin from the awful effects that the dreaded airplane air can have
on your skin; Apply a thin layer (it's invisibile when on) you'll rehydrate your skin whilst preventing dehydration and protection from any airborne offensive.

 
What's it's secret ingredients

But what are the key ingredients? Dewdration™, GreenEnergy™ and Botanimoist™, do I hear you go "eh … what?", so let me explain
Dewdration™ 
Is Acid Hydration and is actually a combination of citric acid and hyaluronic acid. Citric acid helps to brighten the skin by increasing exfoliation but also acts as a protective antioxidant. Hyaluronic acid then bonds to the newly exfoliated skin cells, filling out intercellular spaces with oil-free moisture, locking everything in without leading to congestion and spots. In fact, Hyaluronic acid can hold 1,000 times its wait of water, so you're adding a hell of load water to your face!!
HydraPack™
The real hydrating power of GlamGlow ThirstyMud comes predominantly from the following ingredients: Apple extracts which work to hydrate and further bond moisture to the skin,
as well as oat extract whilst HydraClay™ locks in moisture with its ability to carry its own weight many times in hydration. All of this works without heavy oils and remains suitable for all skin types.
GreenEnergy™
Instant Hydration - these ingredients provide GlamGlow ThirstyMud with that wack of hydrating and healing while the previous working towards long term benefits. These natural extracts include coconut oil, orange blossom honey and ginger root (this is what gives it smell). They provide antioxidant benefits, surface hydration and calming comfort.
Teaoxi™ 
And … phew … finally, the feature ingredient that appears across the entire GlamGlow range, Teaoxi™ technology, composed of hydroxytyrosol – a potent antioxidant; oleuropein – an antioxidant and moisturiser; tyrosol – also an effective antioxidant. It's a very high impact ingredient that's one of the main contributing factors to the instant brightening and clearing effects of the GlamGlow products.

I've been using it about once a week as an over-night mask for about a year and I love the smooth way it sinks in without a trace and leaves the skin incredibly glowy. I find it exceptional for calming redness, preventing spots and restoring moisture and smoothness.
GlamGlow ThirstyMud relieves dehydration without loading your skin full of fatty oils meaning it's perfect for ALL skin types, even those that are acne prone (like mine) and in fact I'd recommend this to calm blemishes and acne.
The GlamGlow ThirstyMud is a total winner. I am still on my first pot and I bought another at Christmas, in a special boxset which also included 15ml of SUPERMUD and YOUTHMUD.
GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment is available direct from GLAMGLOW UK, Feelunique, Sam McCauleys and I again got mine in my local pharmacy for €56.00 (deep breaths).

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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]

I know that La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo [+] has received countless reviews, but I am going to add another to the mix!!

Firstly, I should describe my skin. I have combination-normal skin but I do suffer from cystic acne. My T-zone is quite oily but my cheeks are normal (at least that's something, right?). When I first got the cystic acne, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. Was it normal to have these HUGE RED SWOLLEN deep-under-the-skin spot that hurt so so so much? This was my first foray into the world of skincare to help cure what ailed me. I first used benzoyl peroxide but this dried out my skin and the cystic spots always seemed to rear their heads again. This led me on a quest to find other ways to tackle my cystic acne and its subsequent scarring.
Thus I found Effaclar Duo [+]. It claims were actually exactly what I was looking for.
It is specifically formulated to target the key signs of oily, blemish-prone skin.
Proven efficacy on:

• Clinically proven to correct the appearance of blemishes
• Unclogs blocked pores
• Helps to refine skin texture
• Controls the appearance of shine
• New - Fights against the appearance of marks.

Unique formulation including NEW ACTIVE INGREDIENT ProceradTM [a patented Ceramide]
Niacinamide – a powerful anti-inflammatory

Piroctone Olamine – kills off the spot causing bacteria

LHA /Salicylic Acid – gently exfoliates skin reducing blocked pores

Linoleic Acid – anti-inflammatory that hydrates and helpsaids the healing process


 
So I tried it. This was the first skincare item that I actually used properly. Now it's no miracle worker but it helps keep skin clear, reduce acne scars and most importantly it helps reduce the redness and soreness of active breakouts. I use this every day and I'm on my third tube, in like 18 months. Which makes it excellent value. At the start I did use it morning and evening but for the last year, I only use it in the mornings. The texture is a dream for men's skin, its light and absorbs instantly and there is no fragrance.

Sounds pretty impressive, right? I've definitely been loving this over the last year. I think that if you suffer from blemishes of any kind, be it from a small pimple to colossal monstrosities, that La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] is a safe bet and well worth giving it a try and you can find it here for €17.99.

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