Racinne Ultimate Aqua Boost.

After a long battle (7 months) battle with a scar on my face, I am desperately trying to remove it. I had spot injected back in December 2013 and since then the mark just wont shift, and it also has a small dip in the middle which makes it hard to cover up. I have been using a combination of products since then to shift it, from Pigmentation products, to redness to even light chemical peels. 

I have been trialling this product for 3 weeks and so far, I am loving it. I am currently using it all over my face and neck (just in case I have some unseen sun damage) and not just in the area i wish to fix. 

The lightweight gel/cream formula means it is so easy to apply and doesn't leave a sticky residue and you are able to layer on a night cream afterwards without feeling like you are suffocating your pores. Whilst it isn't generally promoted for acne scarring I thought it was worth the test! Racinne is a Korean brand which uses scientific technology combined with plant extracts with results driven skin rejuvenation, Korean skincare is definitely one to watch! 

On the whole this is so far great for my skin. I have noticed visible improvements in the texture, feel and general appearance, my skin feels and looks brighter and more even. Whilst the scar hasn't totally disappeared, it is becoming less and less visible as the days go by. 

I am using this in conjunction with Alpha H Liquid Gold every other night. for my review on Liquid Gold, please click HERE and with my normal morning routine. 

Available at Fenwicks, or online HERE RRP £38

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Urban Veda Radiance Body Wash

I met Urban Veda at this years CEW Demonstration evening, way back in February, and loved the brand from the start. It was all those months ago my obsession with this product started, it became my post Saturday morning gym shower routine. Quick quote about the brand in case you haven't come across it before  "The urbanveda ranges are designed to be suited to different skin care types which in the principles of Ayurvedic medicine are associated with ‘doshas’. This is the Ayurvedic term to describe the physical and emotional tendencies in our mind and body" Find out more about Urban Veda HERE.

The Radiance Body Wash is essential to my end of work week, hello weekend routine. A perfect blend of relaxing scents and ingredients it cleanses away the stress. The soft floral undertones and the soothing gel formula make this perfect blend of shower time goodness.Being soap free means it doesn't strip the skin of it's protective oils, damaging the skin but rather cleanses gently using all natural ingredients. This has become a much loved edition to my bathroom cupboard. 

NO SLS

NO PARABENS

NO GM INGREDIENTS 

NO ANIMAL TESTING

There is an entire range to compliment this bathtime wonder, available online HERE RRP £8.99

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*gifted*

Hand Chemistry - DECIEM

A no:1 give away of age is your hands (followed closely by your neck - not literally obviously). We don't look after our hands well enough in my opinion, from the constant tapping on keyboards, phones, constant exposure to UVA and UVB rays - how many times do you apply sunscreen consciously to the backs of your hands? 

Hand Chemistry, by Deciem the geniuses behind Inhibitif and Grow Gorgeous have this miracle cream that combines a multitude of anti-ageing agents to combat the signs of ageing and also as a preventative. Results can be seen in just 11 days with consistent use. Repairing the visible signs of aging, to increase hydration, improve texture, smoothness and elasticity. Whilst it doesn't contain SPF (something I think all hand creams should contain) it does pack a punch when it comes to ensure your hands are in tip top condition. Which is why it is hidden from my mother (sorry mum). I've noticed that after years of my hands being battered by UV machines, that they have a bit more life back in them, they're softer and they look better, perfect for the summer and an improvement on my nail polish helfies (hand selfies, it'll catch on... maybe.)

A midly thick formula that glides into the skin, absorbes quickly and is gentle enough to use throughout the day and you don't get a greasy keyboard & light enough for all season, all weather use 

Available HERE RRP £18.99

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Champneys Skin Comforting Miracle Balm

This balm is a mini handbag must have. 

Perfect for comforting tired toes after a long day flip flopping around a city, the beach or just generally flip flopping about in the sunshine. A well rounded, multitasking balm that can be used all over the body (obviously wash your hands before you go toes to mouth) which is why it can also go neatly into a suitcase with a baggage restriction and even in hand luggage and not take up to much space!

Made with 100% natural ingredients means it wont irritate sensitive skin and wont harm the skins natural barrier. Although I wouldn't apply to broken skin or to a rash, this is a simply for comforting tired, dry skin anything more will need something slightly more medical. 

Whilst it is natural, it is heavily scented, you can definitely smell the floral undertones of the Lavender, geranium and meadowfarm seed. I have also used this on my elbows pre tanning as it absorbs into the skin quickly without a residue like some lotions or creams can. 

A bargain in Boots at the moment costing only £5.50 available HERE (and it's also three for two!) So it's not a bank breaking summer holiday investment!

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*Price and 3 for 2 correct on 17.6.14

Becca - Shimmering skin perfector

Becca's skin perfector can be used all over the body, from cheekbone, to collorbone to adding a little contour to the calves. This is a summer time MUST. 

A versatile product that goes a little further than adding a little sparkle, I have the perfector in Opal because it it also adds a little bronze on top of highlighting. The lightly bronzed effect of the Opal colour is perfect for Spring / Summer.

Shimmering Skin Perfector reflects the natural light, so isn't just full of glitter, and also contains SPF 20+ which is an added skincare bonus!

A beach side must! Perfect for highlighting, or dabbing a little on bare faced skin for a little sunkissed glow.

Available from Space NK HERE RRP £33

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KIKO - Soft Focus Concealer

When it says soft focus, it means it, the concealer blenders into the skin camouflaging blemishes. This pen comes with a button end which means you can control the amount you put on and conceal benefits and literally a click of a button. 

I use shade 01 - it comes in 5 shades which are blendable, I also use a darker shade when contouring as they are so easy to apply. This soft formula glides on the skin and melts into your foundation base, or blends with a natural skin tone when going (almost) bare faced meaning it doesn't look to obvious.

I would recommend this to use alone beach side, or as part of an every day, or evening look. 

At the bargain price of £7.50 from KIKO stores or online HERE  

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Burt's Bees Ultimate Care

Over the summer switching up your moisturising regime is always a good idea. From holidays and jet lag to chlorine filled pools, the sea and sun bathing, these all zap the skin of moisture. Investing a more intensive creamier moisturiser to apply at night will keep your skin smooth.

Burts Bees ultimate care is specifically designed for dry skin, it’s rich creamy formula soaks into the skin leaving skin nourished, and repairing a long hard day at the beach, or giving dry skin a lease of life.

I would also recommend this for anyone with naturally dry skin to use on a daily basis. Without a strong scent this is perfect for every day use and wont stifle the smell of perfumes. 

Available HERE from Feel Unique. RRP £8.99  

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Phillip Kingsley - Elasticizer

Want enviable bouncy hair for summer?

Give this a go for utterly fabulous sleek straight hair or for super curls that bounce beyond your wildest dreams. This smells amazing, and adds a little bit of OOMPH without pulling a muscle blow drying your hair.

Added bonus, that this little product also has UV Filters, protecting coloured hair from the sun meaning your hair is less likely to look brittle or dry and be unmanageable during the summer months. I have coloured my hair for years, and my hair 

Using this once a week adds a bit of bounce, especially for the weekend and you don't need much. Apply before shampooing and leave for 10-20mins, I find 15 is just enough time but this would depend on the condition of your hair. 15 minutes seems like a long time but realistically if you put this on first by the time everything else is done it's time to shampoo and condition. I am partial to leaving this on and popping into the Sauna at the gym. 

Achieve perfect BBQ hair with this must hair hair product. 

RRP £28 available online HERE at www.philipkingsley.co.uk 

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Connock London Kukui Body Oil.

Made in the UK, Connock London's Kukui Radiant body oil is a skincare indulgence perfect for sensitive skin. What I love most about this oil, it is ability to be absorbed into the skin so quickly, without leaving a greasy residue. Skin feels luxuriously soft immediately after application, and it does leave a subtle glow to the skin. Think more glow, less glittery shimmer. There is not a spec of glitter in sight. (HURRAY). The words "Radiant" or "Glow" generally mean "I'm going to make you so shiny, my little pony will be jealous". 

This is the PERFECT post sauna product when skin can feel a little dehydrated, a few sprays of this and your back to baby soft skin and able dressed, perfect for morning gym sessions when time is of the essence. 

The handy spray minimises the mess, and slippery hands. The clear bottle makes it easy to get more when you;re running low and the unique shape adds a little something to the beauty product shelf and makes it stand out. 

RRP £34 available HERE from www.connocklondon.com 

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BellaPierre - Eyeshadow Pallette

I'm not big on eye shadows, usually ending up resembling a pelican rather than a sultry polished make up goddess or I smudge it, get annoyed and wipe it all off. However if I am going to don some eye shadow for a night out or casually in the day, there are a few brands i turn to and Bellapierre's mineral based eyeshadows are my go-to. They stay, they come off easy if it's smudged and most of all the palettes group all my favourite shades together. 

This the Camouflage Green palette which features my favourite and my preferred natural shades, playing safe avoids the tropical bird look. - Also available in Go Natural, Blue Skies, Smokey Heaven, Mirabella and Purple Rain. 

Ranging from a neutral pink with a hint of shimmer, to to a light gold, sliver, light brown and dark brown. Each shade goes on lightly so you are able to control the amount of colour and are able to build up for a more dramatic effect. Mixing the pale pink, gold and the light brown gives a day time summer twist to the original smokey eye and is so versatile. Suiting most eye colours, (I've got Hazel eyes- so this makes my eyes pop without being to crazy)

I love this, most of all. for it's versatility. Day /Night Wedding or Christening, look perfectly polished. 

RRP £27 for the 5 colour palette available HERE

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Phyto - Secret De Nuit

At the beginning of this year, one of my New Years Resolutions was to take better care of my hair, my mothers always warned me if I carry on the way I am, I'll be "bald before you know it". SO, I've invested in regular hair cuts, and an army of nourishing products.

 

Enter Phyto. 

This is night time magic at it's very best, there are no false promises or unfounded claims, just pure results. 

After years of colouring, a perm (yes, really), daily straightening and some extensions, I am fully in recovery mode, with treatments a plenty and when theres a treatment that works over night, whilst i sleep, that is the one for me, its so low maintainence, all i do is get up style and go. 

Secret De Nuit gets to work as we relax, there are no polluants hindering it's progress, no stress and no impateince, it simply gets to work on repairing and creating a protective sheild around my locks for the day ahead. It's not advertised on the box, but this is a great detangler, my hair is notourisly knotty. 

This lightweight cream glides onto the lenghts of my hair without leaving a sticky residue and without an overpowering scent hair feels silky to touch, I always pop my hair up in a bun to avoid getting it all over my face. Added plus it doesn't all just seep into the pillow this way. I would definitely recommend this for alternate uses for the first few weeks after colouring your hair to lock in colour and keep that "new hair" feel. Then use once a week/fortnight depending on the condition of your hair. 

Available online HERE or from SPACE NK RRP £28 -  75ml

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