L'Occitane En Provence Light Hand Cream & Ultra Light Body Cream Delicate Shea Sample Review

 

I'm currently sat here feeling mightily sorry for myself. Actually sat is a loose term, as I have one leg propped up on my desk (I'm super hypermobile), with a huge foot cast having broken my ankle yesterday. Anyway if you have ever broken your ankle you will  know it's incredibly painful - add to the mixture single mum, teenage kids with autism and a dog, well as I mentioned I'm feeling incredibly sorry for myself.

Thankfully I have an army of reviews to write however, rather than order of received I've just delved into my box and picked out the ones that are the most appealing to me. L'Occitane got the first dibs.

Aside from the most beautiful packaging I've seen in a long time (Mother's Day) sorted, both the products are simply divine in texture. First though the packaging, kitsch, vintage, spring awakening - these are the products where you don't want to even throw the box away!

Both products are new for February 2022, and in keeping with Spring the formulas lend a light hand (pun intended) as everything around us gets lighter, and thus this reflects in the products. 

Delicate Shea Light Hand Cream £21.50 150ml

This beautifully, delicately scented hand-cream contains 5% Shea Butter. The texture is different from previous hand-creams, as it's very light, non-oily/greasy and yet still incredibly nourishing. If you can imagine whipped cream, almost mousse in texture that simply dissolves into your skin, this is what you're getting. Ingredients include:-

• Shea Butter - hydrating, nourishing, anti-inflammatory and full of fatty acids that combat the signs of aging. Fatty acids include lineoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic all of which feed the skin with protecting ingredients. It's incredibly repairing as has a high level of anti-oxidants such as vitamin A&E. 
• Jasmine Flower Extract - not only does this smell delicately floral, it's often used to help balance the skins moisture levels. It's also naturally anti-bacterial.
• Sunflower Seed Oil - rich in vitamin E, nourishing and healing, ideal for soothing chapped, red hands.

Ultra Light Body Cream £22 125ml

Part of the range also includes the Ultra Light Cream for the body. Again with 5% Shea Butter, the texture is as fluffy as marshmallow, as light as a bowl of whisked cream and like the hand cream effortsley soaks into thirsty, parched skin. It's soft jasmine scent is ideal for Spring, and leaves just a trail of comforting floral. Ideal used when skin is still slightly damp from the shower, a must have for banishing dry, scaly legs, dry elbows and the stomach area to keep skin supple. 

Both these products whilst you would want to keep for yourself, would also make a wonderful gift especially with upcoming Mothers Day. You can see the rest of the products here at www.uk.loccitane.com

Gallinée Microbiome Skincare Face Oil Sample Review

 

What is a 'microbiome'? As a beauty editor I'm often asked to explain jargon and I often have to rely on my scientist friends to explain all. A microbiome is a collection of microorganisms (bacteria, fungus etc), that can be found on the skin. People immediately think of the word bacteria as a bad thing, but actually we need bacteria to help us survive. Bacteria is part of our immune system and when our microbiome is unbalanced, it can result in autoimmune diseases amongst other ailments. 

Gallinée is a skincare brand that delves into the science of supporting bacteria, by using microbiomes in their skincare. The results are a more balanced complexion, healthier skin cell turnover and with using 100% natural unperfumed ingredients, treating skin sympathetically.

I was sent their Face Oil to sample. The first thing I do when I look at a product is not see how it feels, or the packaging, but the ingredient list. The fewer the ingredients and the top ingredient is what impresses me. Straight away I knew this was going to be a product that would get results as it contains:-

• Squalane - a derivative of Squalene, a lipid that is produced by our skin, in fact it makes up about 10% of our skin oil. It plays an important part in nourishing our skin, keeping it hydrated and is often used in products for it's anti-aging benefits.
• Jojoba Seed Oil - this wonderful oil helps control excess oil production, it's soothing and is non-pore clogging and so in turn helps reduce acne. It's incredibly rich in vitamin E so can help with repairing scarring or redness. 
• Oat Kernel Oil - a soothing oil, ideal for itchy complexions and irritated skin. It can also help ward off bad bacteria and so is good at keeping skin at it's optimum health.
• Bacillus Ferment - a natural exfoliant that helps brighten the complexion, making skin look more radiant. 
• Sunflower Seed Oil - Again high in vitamin E to promote healing, and also contains linoleic acid to protect the face from bad bacteria and environmental aggressors.

I was incredibly impressed with this oil. The quality of ingredients is fantastic and you only need a couple of drops to press into the face, so the bottle will last quite a long time. You can use it at night or before your face cream in the morning, you can even mix it in with your foundation. It's unperfumed and ideal for sensitive skin, whether that is dry or oily. It has many anti-inflammatory ingredients that make it suitable for all skin types. 

You can purchase it for £35 30ml here at www.cultbeauty.co.uk

Naturtint Silver CC Cream Sample Review

 

I was super excited to try this product out, basically because I am a brunette loving blonde! My hair is naturally dark, actually it's naturally salt and pepper but my inner self is screaming to be a white blonde. My darling bestie in the last year has acquired a head full of silver grey - not the salt and pepper effect I have obtained, but beautiful shimmering white. It looks trendy, young and I am just a tad jealous. I did try to go back to my natural brunette but found I was reaching for the hair dye every few weeks - grey and dark just doesn't mix.  So the last few years I've been a mixture of blonde, caramel and that lovely shade of orange. 

I've tried every single method to get these white streaks, crushed vitamin C tablets, baking powder, a spectrum of blue shampoos and I've resigned to the fact it's just not going to happen. So when I was sent this product to test, that promises to neutralise and illuminate the hair, I wasn't expecting miracles, in fact I wasn't expecting it to work much at all.

I've taken before and after photos in the same light however, the before was taken as my hair naturally falls (wavy), and the after having shampooed and applied some product and blasted with a hair dryer. 

Now obviously there is some difference as I have brushed my hair through however, what is more than noticeable is that my hair colour has not only toned down, it's also blended in much better. It hasn't put through a heavy ash colour that many blue shampoos do, it's simply as it states on the bottle neutralised the darker caramel and blonde to merge them, making it look more natural, all without getting rid of the brighter highlights. I haven't used any other product, and usually before drying would have to use a serum or anti-frizz cream. The product has left my hair shimmering and incredibly soft.

 Ingredients include:-

• Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil - known as Baobab seed oil, this seed is rich in fatty acids and anti-oxidants. It's nutrient rich, nourishing and helps prevent breakages and split ends. 
• Oryza Sativa Extract - aka Rice Bran often used in hair products due to it's strengthening properties. Helps combat brittle hair and ideal if you often reach for the bleach or hair styling tongs!

It's incredibly easy to apply, simply just massage a small amount through hair after washing (I didn't even need to condition my usual straw), then proceed to style as usual (using heat will help the conditioner penetrate further). Don't be alarmed at the blue shade as this is the neutraliser, although I would advise putting a towel over your shoulders when you apply and washing hands straight after. I absolutely love the results and wish I had found this when we were in lockdown, as it helps bridge the gap between hairdresser appointments!

You can purchase the product for £9.99 200ml from their website here www.naturtint.co.uk 

Grown Alchemist Age-Spot Corrector Sample Review

 

As we get older we often find ourselves focussing our attention on brown spots, that can appear most commonly on the face, shoulders, back and back of hands. These spots known as liver or age spots are the result of excess production of skin pigment. Often these spots develop in areas that are exposed to the sun, and whilst anyone can get age spots, at any age, the risk factors are generally people over 40, fair skin, being exposed to too much sunlight and tanning beds. Whilst they are harmless, any new mark that appears especially if lasts longer than a couple of weeks must always be checked out by a doctor.

There are many products on the market that target age spots however, many are often harsh and full of synthetic ingredients that can cause a reaction.  Grown Alchemist has developed a product that not only targets age spots and discolouration but is full of natural ingredients. Some of these ingredients include:-

• Rose Damascena Flower Water - anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. Tones and refreshes the skin.
• Sugar Cane Extract - an alpha hydroxy acid that naturally exfoliates dead skin cells, and helps the skin regenerate, thus improving the appearance of fine lines.
• Orange Fruit Extract - a strong anti-oxidant that protects the skin from pollution and sun damage. Also helps stimulate collagen production. 
• Lemon Fruit Extract - gives skin radiance and helps control the production of sebum (oil), toning and refreshing. Again another powerful anti-oxidant. 
• Sugar Maple Extract - naturally exfoliates and removes bacteria from the skin. It prevents new blemishes from forming. 
• Liqourice Root Extract - anti-inflammatory and ideal if you suffer from rosecea or psoriasis. It's healing and helps soothe irritated and itchy skin. 
• Kakadu Plum Fruit Extract - another potent source of vitamin C and again protects the skin from sun damage. It helps lighten the skin and can help with reducing scarring and pigmentation. 
• Carrageenan Plant Extract - helps tone down redness, is a strong anti-inflammatory.

As you can see from the above list, the product itself is packed full of vitamin C. This wonderful ingredient is often used in skincare as not only does it protect skin from environmental pollution (smoke, dust etc) but it also protects the skin from UV damage and can lighten the skin. 

As I often do, it's worth mentioning the packaging is in a dropper form so application can be precise and in a dark bottle, that protects the ingredients from 'going off', something that happens if products are stored next to sunlight.  A daily application directly on pigmentation will give results after a few weeks. The product is vegan, toxic free, contains organic ingredients, not tested on animals and is gluten free. Priced at £55 for 30ml you can buy it here from February 2022 at www.johnlewis.com, www.lookfantastic.com

DermaTx Advanced Skincare Microdermabrasion and Daily Cleansing System Sample Review

 

Before I begin this review, I need to explain that I have 2 teenagers (18 year old daughter and 13 year old son), both who suffer with acne and hormonal breakouts. My daughter's skin is often worse with stress and tends to focus on her cheeks, back and chin, whilst my son's breakouts are focussed on his forehead. For this review the PR kindly sent me a sample for them both to test however, I am focussing on my son purely as my daughter has not been very well recently, so not used it every day.

Also before I begin, anyone who has teenagers especially boys will tell you that the biggest challenge with their skincare is actually getting them to use any skincare system. In fact, this stayed in it's box for a while (we've had a lot going on), before I told my son 'right you do this or it's being sent back', and then to my surprise he wouldn't leave it alone - even putting just the dry brush to his face, whilst he sat on his Xbox as it 'felt nice'. He does have autism but he found it relaxing! Also as anyone with teenage boys will tell you, for love nor money will they ever have their photo taken - for this one he actually allowed his head, a scribbled out face shot - on the proviso I let him keep the products!

So what causes oily skin in teens? We secrete the oily coating from 'sebaceous glands' and how much is secreted is down to a derivative of the male hormone testosterone. Sebaceous glands are also more active during levels of stress as it secretes cortisone from our adrenal glands. There are large numbers of these sebaceous glands on our forehead, nose and cheek area, and this is why we often see blackheads and spots develop. 

Now the issue with teenage skin is that it has to be treated with the right balance. Too harsh and it can cause flare ups however, it needs something that can penetrate right into the deeper levels of the skin to actually work, and this is where the wonderful 'Salicylic Acid' comes in.  Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid. I don't want to get all chemistry jargon on you but this acid is oil-soluble and so can penetrate into the pores of the skin by up to 4mm below the epidermis.  It breaks down the hardened sebum, unclogs pores (it can penetrate hair follicles), and thus dissolves blackheads and whiteheads without causing inflammation. Not only is it an effective exfoliant but it is much more gentle than other acids. 

DermaTx Microdermabrasion and Daily Cleansing system focuses on an easy 2 step cleansing system that concentrates on exfoliation. The award winning system (Beauty Awards 2018) is quick, which it needs to be with kids and used just once a day does give results. The system comprises of an electronic tool (battery operated) that you attach the cleansing brush head too, with a small amount of cleanser. This is to be used daily, followed by a few times a week with the exfoliating brush head and a small amount of DermaTx exfoliating cream. Exfoliation is imperative in ridding the skin of dead skin cells and gives an immediate, brighter and fresher appearance.

Both the cleanser and the cream contain Salicylic Acid with the addition of other high quality ingredients to include:-

DermaTx Clarify Microdermabrasion Cream

Taraktogenos Kurzii (Chaulmoogra Oil) - anti-inflammatory and contains a high amount of fatty acids, it's skin balancing and can help with pigmentation.

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) - natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and helps relieve painful and irritated skin.

Leptospermum Scoparium (Manuka Oil) - soothing and nourishing to the skin, helps inflamed skin giving comfort from tight skin and is also very healing.

Magnolia Grandiflora (Magnolia Bark) - an excellent ingredient used in skincare to treat acne, it's anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and can help reduce redness.

DermaTx Clarify Salicylic Cleanser

The cleanser focuses on Salicylic Acid but also has the addition of Tea Tree Oil. The brush head makes sure the product penetrates the product further into the skin, but also gets right into the folds and creases where the nose is, to give a really thorough cleanse. 

As mentioned above, the biggest hurdle with skincare in teens is actually getting them to use it consistently. My son has been using this for 2 weeks and there is a noticeable difference. I was going to take another photo today however, he has just scratched a spot on his cheek and it doesn't look very convincing. That saying you can see in the after photo, that his skin is clearer and whilst he still has spots the redness has reduced. For this reason, and an important one, he will continue to use it daily. Teens need to see instant results to convince them!

When I asked him to give me a few words, he told me 'it felt very relaxing, it's a bit like that really posh facial I had done in that salon once, and I like the gritty stuff best as it makes me skin feel really soft'. As mentioned, it does have to be used for a month before you get full results however, you will see instant results from the first use due to the exfoliation. 

The system is £70 and, from seeing him using it, is worth the money. Not only does it teach kids good cleansing habits, but the products can be purchased separately. Also the cleansing brush head can be used with another cleanser to give a deeper clean. Check out the reviews from other buyers here  at www.dermacaredirect.co.uk

L'Occitane En Provence Ultra Rich Body Scrub £29 200ml Sample Review

 

I only received this sample today, and usually I work in order of samples received however, I'm feeling particularly low (grieving my dad today), and I need to feel nurtured. So whilst it would have taken a couple of weeks to write this up, it's jumped the queue as 'ticks all the boxes' when it comes to some inner child pampering.

L'Occitane Shea Butter range is my favourite scent, it's the one I always come back to, order repeatedly when there's deals online and as it can actually lift my mood. The scent itself is creamy, vanilla, shea, almost akin to baby powder and encompasses all the right ingredients to leave you feeling comforted.

This body scrub has the same scent as the Shea range and is a must have all year round. The scrub itself is moisturising but contains just the right amount of exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells, leaving skin feeling softly smooth. It's also a must-have if you are fake tanning or if you are feeling a little run-down like myself and just want to feel nurtured.

Some of the ingredients include:-

• Butyrospermum Parkii Shea Butter - anti-inflammatory, healing and skin conditioning.
• Prunus Amerniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil - helps maintain skins natural moisture balance, enriching and hydrating. 
• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - high in vitamin E, a natural anti-oxidant, hydrating, skin healing and anti-inflammatory.
• Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder - an excellent natural exfoliant, rich in vitamins, anti-aging. 
• Allantoin - anti-irritant, helps with cell regeneration.
• Tocopherol - skin-strengthening, helps support cellular function.

Walnut shells are often used in exfoliants however, the balance has to be right. Often if not milled down enough, they can be too abrasive. This formula combined with the creaminess of the Shea Butter gives a gentle yet effective form of exfoliation. I prefer to use just before turning the water on in the shower and paying particular attention to my knees and elbows, then massaging in with warm water. Here I've tested on my hand and they instantly looked and felt smoother. It's going straight onto my bathroom shelf now, to join the very last glug of my Shea Shower gel that I purchased myself for part of my Christmas present! 

I refuse to check out the rest of the range, simply as it takes all my willpower not to click on the other products - however, if you want to spoil yourself then have a look here at www.uk.loccitane.com

Youth Tree Organics Relax Pamper Box - Deluxe Sample Review £25

 

Of all the social media channels around, I am probably most active on Twitter. I do use Instagram for just work however, I love a good debate and I often find myself caught up in a whirlwind of opinions, often whilst stuck waiting for my son to come out of school.  However, the other day I saw a retweet from a company called Youth Tree Organics and I decided to click on to see what they were about. My samples are always sent into me via PR databases or occasionally LinkedIn, but never on Twitter. I'm so glad I clicked on that link.  I messaged the company to find out a little bit more and they kindly sent me a sample of their Deluxe Relax Pamper Box.

Youth Tree Organics are a London based company who source natural products from other companies, to create a delightful personalised gift box. All the products used are cruelty free, no GMO, where possible vegan and sourced using ethical practices. The customer service is excellent, they have amazing reviews on Trust Pilot and they ship world-wide. 

Now forgive the bland covering photo of the box however, I wanted to capture the wonderful surprise when receiving one of these boxes. When I opened the box last night it drew gasps of 'ooh and mum, can I have that' and scavenging through the box before Mum yelled 'put it back'. 

I'm currently typing this with the box opened next to me, and I am still breathing in the calming scent of lavender. This is one of the first things that you notice upon opening, as the fragrance gently rises from the box. Beautifully packaged amongst dried rose petals and shredded fine cardboard contains a treasure trove of pamper goodies. Included are:-

• Lavender & Rosemary Fizzing Bath Salts - containing Epsom salts, pink himalayan salt, organic grapeseed oil, lavender & rosemary essential oils and lavender buds. The salts are commonly used for detoxifying and relaxing muscles, so ideal after a long day, whilst lavender relaxes and rosemary revives aching joints.
• Lavender & Ylang Ylang Soap - with a base of goats milk, this wonderfully nurturing soap leaves skin feeling incredibly soft and moisturised, not stripped of moisture like many soaps do.
• Coconut Body Butter - just a tiny amount of this rich, nourishing body butter is enough to deeply moisturise the driest of skins. It contains Shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, arrowroot powder and vitamin E. All of these combined banish crocodile legs, dry elbows, nails and I even used a tiny amount of residue to put in my dry hair!
• Organic Lip Balm - Chocolate Chip flavour - this really does smell like chocolate, owing to the wonderful cocoa butter, but also leaves lips feeling stimulated with mint chocolate flavouring. The slightly tingling from mint, leaves lips feeling fresher and almost slightly plumper due the stimulating properties of mint.

Also included in the box are a variety of 'healthier' chocolate treats, candle and a beautiful bag of lavender to hang up by your bed, to aid better sleep. Full instructions of how to use the products are included alongside a list of the ingredients.

I wish I had known about this company earlier. Many of my friends receive flowers for birthdays as I don't live near them. Many of them only use natural products and these boxes have something for everyone. I cannot emphasise enough on the quality of ingredients and how good the price is. They make a wonderful gift for men/women/co-workers, and they have a huge variety of boxes to choose from. 

For £25 this is far better value than, in my opinion, sending flowers. It's different and will bring a huge smile to someone's face! Please do check out their website here at www.youthtreeorganics.com

The Organic Pharmacy Stabilised Vitamin C Correct Mask Skincare Review

 

The Organic Pharmacy is one of my tried and tested, long-standing favourite brands of skincare to use. I'm never disappointed or have any gripes with their products, and have been featuring and using them for many years. So when I was sent a sample of their Stabilised Vitamin C Mask, I knew I was going to love it - and I do!

First of all Vitamin C - it's one of the ingredients I always look for in my skincare - I'm 50 this year and right back from when I started off being an 'agony aunt' for a beauty column, it was one of the ingredients I always recommended using. I've interviewed top dermatologists, skincare scientists and founders of brands and it's always been on their top lists too. 

This lightweight gel mask is jammed packed full of skin brightening ingredients however, the main ingredient is Ascorbyl Glucoside, water soluble vitamin C - a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from sun damage. Not only does it protect the skin but it also helps with collagen renewal, it helps with hyper-pigmentation and gives skin that healthy glow. Also included is Salicylic Acid, known to help prevent breakouts, such as acne and blackheads and also Sorbic Acid which is anti-bacterial. 

You only need a light veil of this cooling gel mask, applied for 15 minutes (2 times a week), to visibly see the difference. Skin immediately looks more toned and brighter, in fact it's a must-have if you are looking a little sallow and dull over winter. It peps the skin up if you've been suffering from illness, late nights or if you just need to have a natural inner glow.

The mask retails at £45 60ml and is available to buy from www.theorganicpharmacy.com

Atomy Absolute CellActive Ampoule Sample Review

 

If you have not heard of this brand before that's because it's a very unique Korean brand, available from what I gather only from their website. Korean skincare is up there with the best in ingredients, and so it's a brand that I wanted to review however, I have to admit I found the website a little confusing, as there seems to be so much information given on each product - not a bad thing, just needs a little breaking down as skincare is confusing enough for the consumer. 

Anyway I was sent the Atomy Absolute to test, an incredibly powering serum filled with a cocktail of ingredients to firm, hydrate and brighten the skin. It's marketed at 'CellActive' that gives the intense dose of powerful skin ingredients.

Before I delve into the ingredient list, my first impressions were good. I always, and have said this several times, think that a product is only worth it's money by how the product is often delivered. So when a product comes in pipette formula and tinted bottle, there is actually science behind this. Firstly the pipette ensures precise application, secondly it prevents germs from transferring off fingers and, lastly the tinted bottle makes the product last longer, as prevents sunlight from degrading the ingredients (although all skincare should be stored away from sunlight).

So I've just randomly cherry picked a few of the ingredients (on the back of the box, rather than the PR list sent to me) however, it's worth mentioning that the product is absolutely jammed packed full of active ingredients:- 

• Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water - anti-aging, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory - an excellent base for skin products, it's also very hydrating.
• Leucojum Aestivum Bulb Extract - protects the skin from environmental pollution.
• Centella Asiatica Extract - contains a rich source of amino acids and very hydrating.
• Rosemary Leaf Extract - revitalising and stimulating. 
• Bellis Perennis Flower Extract - aka Daisy flower, known for its skin brightening properties and can help with hyper-pigementation.
• Shea Butter - moisturising and nourishing.
• Folic Acid - helps reduce the signs of aging by improving moisture retention.

The product itself is light in application and ideal worn under moisturiser or in the evening before bed. For £36 40ml it's fantastic value, in fact I think they keep the price down on this as it is only available online. Should you see this in say a department store and with more marketing etc, I would expect this to sell for at least 3 times the price! Please have a look at the website - it's worth navigating - you can view it here at www.atomy.com/UK

Warner's Pink Berry Botanic Gdn Spirits 0% alcohol sample review

Saturday night I epically failed my dry January. To be fair, I am not too fussed about dry January, purely as I don't drink much anyway - always the designated driver, single mum - no time for a hangover. However, Saturday night I was in need of just one large glass of gin and out came the bottle. I could've saved myself the failure guilt as last night as I hovered over the bottle, I remembered I had a sample of some 0% Warner's Pink Berry to test.

I decided to go all out and get creative, adding to the glass some slimline tonic (slimline to counteract the rest of it - after all calories count), cranberry juice, slice of watermelon and a good glug of the 0% Pink Berry.

As with all non-alcoholic drinks you don't get that 'hit' however, what you do get is actually not pretty far off. It's not like adding 'squash' or fruit juice, it's a rather lovely refreshing cocktail of ingredients that include raspberry, blackcurrant sage, ginger and chilli. This gives the right balance between sweet, tangy and the chilli gives it that little kick at the end.

It's also definitely worth mentioning that on the back of the bottle it says it contains 0% sugar, so if you are trying to watch your weight then this is a very welcome addition to the drinks cabinet - per 100ml it only contains 11 calories, and unlike many 'sugar free' drinks, it doesn't contain sweeteners!

Definitely one to serve up for weddings, parties or keep in the house all year round if, like me, you are a constant taxi driver!

You can purchase 5cl from £3 or 50cl from £18 in major supermarkets incl M&S, Ocado and here at www.warnersdistellery.com

Charles Worthington London Moisture Seal Mask Sample Review

 

My hair is dry, parched, bleached and thinning - blame the menopause and the constant need to disguise the greys. However, as a busy single mum I simply don't have the time to faff around with deep conditioners, wrapping my head in clingfilm and blasting with a hairdryer. Nor do I have the time to walk around for 10 minutes, with a product dripping on my head. I need results and I need it done now. Welcome to my life Moisture Seal Intensive Oil Rescue Mask.

This mask has all the ingredients that you would expect from a good deep conditioner however, it works in just 1 minute. That's right, so you can slap it on (mid lengths to ends), in the shower and by the time you've frothed your body with shower gel, it's time to rinse off. 

Some of the ingredients include:-

• Argan Oil - nourishing, can prevent breakages and split ends.
• Coconut Oil - repairs and moisturises dehydrated, dry hair.
• Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil - loaded with fatty acids, so very hydrating for dry hair types.
• Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil - an ingredient that is used for it's non-greasy and lightweight properties, whilst deeply nourishing to chemically, damaged hair.

It has a lovely fresh fragrance, is a light, creamy, whipped texture and makes detangling a doddle and left my hair feeling much stronger. In fact my usual serum wasn't needed before I blasted with my hairdryer. Even my hairdresser commented that my hair was in good condition (to the point she allowed me a few extra blonde streaks on Wednesday)! 

It costs a very reasonable £6.99150ml and is available to buy from www.boots.com

OJAR Wood Whisper Absolute Sample Review

 

I always find fragrances very difficult to review. Having spent most my adult life writing up reviews, giving tips on how to test perfumes etc, helping others choose the correct fragrance - it's very difficult as it's such a personal journey. To me fragrance is just that, it's part of a journey as it evokes memories and emotions. 

However, I do tend to stick to one brand, often a higher end such as Tom Ford as I find the fragrance can last longer however, I often become 'stale' in my choice and use the same fragrance notes. Today, I was proven just why we should review our fragrance, like our skincare. Today I was introduced to the brand OJAR, and I can honestly say, this is by far one of the top fragrances I have tested. 

OJAR (founded by Omani businesswoman Hind Bahwan), together with the Swiss company Givaudan (leading flavour and fragrance company in the world), created a vision of combining both Eastern and Western fragrance, resulting in 18 finished perfume oils. The oils are based around 6 core ingredients - Frankincense, Rose, Honey, Sandalwood, Oud and Musk. All the fragrances can be worn alone or layered to create a different experience each time. Not only are the oils unisex but they take out the guess work when buying as a gift, as you can base your choice around the wearers current scent they own. 

OJAR is not your standard 'perfume'. In fact OJAR comes from the word HOJARI, a frankincense resin of the highest quality founded in Oman's Dhofar mountains.  The fragrance is made without alcohol and it's an oil. It's made of the purest and finest oils, using a process that ensures the fragrance is long lasting on the skin. Decanted into an exquisite blue glass bottle, the roller ball application ensures precisely where the fragrance is applied. It is far better to have a small amount on warmer areas of the body, so that when reacted to the heat, your scent will continue to emit it's notes. As this comes in an oil formula it binds the fragrance even more so to the skin. Not only does it come in a rollerball application but you can unscrew the lid to reveal a glass dropper (I added some to my moisturiser for an all-over body scent), as well as putting a drop with some carrier oil to add to my bath. 

After writing this review, I tested the fragrance for it's longevity and it was still as strong 6 hours later - I also had a few compliments from my dog walking friend, my son (who loves a woody scent) and a school mum.

Whilst each bottle is £130 for 20ml, you only need a single drop for the scent to last all day, and whilst they don't advertise this as such, as mentioned above it can be used and added to other carriers to enhance the layering effect.  Available to purchase online at www.ojarofficial.uk  or  www.harrods.com

Blueberry Siberica Anti-Ox Wild Blueberry Cream-to-Foam Face Cleanser l Sample Review

 

I discovered this wonderful brand just before Christmas last year, and so impressed by the quality I have ordered some more products to sample - you may see a few items pinging up on this blog over the next month or so!

One of the products I was sent was a 'Christmas Cracker' filled with mini treats from the Blueberry line. So delicious in scent and full of anti-oxidants, it got me excited in testing their Cream to Foam Face Cleanser.

Firstly, apologies for the poor quality of my photos - having dropped my phone, I need to find time to update to a later version. Anyway looking at some of the ingredients:-

• Wild Volcanic Blueberry - high in antioxidants and vitamins, helps prevent damage from environmental pollutions. 
• Hyaluronic Acid - a sugar that occurs naturally and helps the skin maintain moisture, as it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. 
• Allantonin - anti-irritant, helps calm the skin so good for wound healing.
• Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract - aka Elderberry, an ideal addition to skin care for it's refreshing and skin conditioning properties. 
• Rhamnoides Fruit Extract - otherwise known as Sea Buckthorn, and used in many skin products as is high in Omega 7 and Vitamin A. An excellent ingredient for anti-aging.

Upon application the creamy texture emulsified into a light foam, it rid all my makeup, include my 'water resistant' eyebrow makeup. It smelt good enough to eat, making the whole process more of a spa ritual. Best of all it didn't leave my face feeling tight, something that often happens to me with foaming cleansers (I have a drier skin type).

Please do check out the reviews from other customers (of all the range), otherwise I would suggest trying for yourself, it's a reasonable £6.99 for 100ml at www.naturasiberica.co.uk

Revox Line Relaxer by Revision Skincare Sample Review

 

I was sent this a few months ago to test and wanted to see the results of using it for a month before I wrote about it. Unfortunately, I had done a 'before and after shot', and when I went into my iPhone camera roll today, many of my photos had disappeared, I suspect from the eldest messing around with iCloud (I will put her on her own one this year)! That saying you don't really need to see 'before and after' shots to realise the quality of ingredients in this 'line relaxer'.

The makers of Revox Line Relaxer promote it as a line serum to be used in between anti-wrinkle injections, to maintain longevity of the treatment. However, it can be used without having anti-wrinkle injections which is good as I don't have them. 

The serum is formulated using patent pending 'Line Relax' technology, and claims that after 3 months expressions lines are reduced by a whopping 38%. Included in this formula are a cocktail of ingredients that include 8 peptides, hyaluronic acid and arnica.  It can be used by both men and women and used on both horizontal and vertical lines. Before I start stripping back the ingredient list here are some of the claims.

'93% of subjects showed improvement in crow's feet wrinkles at maximum smile'

'90% of subjects showed improvement in skin texture in the periorbital area at maximum smile'

Whilst I don't have the before photo I can also tell you that there was a visible difference when I smiled after using the product for a month. Also I found the under eye crepiness disappeared instantly as soon as applied, of course this instant result was just temporary but very handy on a night out. 

Below is a brief over-view of some of the ingredients and how they work to reduce lines:-

• Acetyl Octapeptide-3 - an anti-aging peptide that helps relax and relieve facial wrinkles. It's a synthetic ingredient made up of many types of acids and is more stable than botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox and used in anti-wrinkle injections.
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide 28 - another group of amino acids that can actually penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, whereby it stimulates collagen production.
• Dipeptide Diaminobutyrol Benzylamide Diacetate - a small molecule that imitates anti-wrinkle injections, targeting fine lines and wrinkles. 
• Sodium Hyaluronate - attracts moisture to the skin and so helps hydrate the area, giving a plumping effect and reducing flakiness.
• Inulin - this is a type of prebiotic and helps rebalance the skins moisture and oil levels. It helps nourish good bacteria and is often used to prevent acne and premature aging.
• Arnica Montana Flower Extract- an excellent plant extract that helps with bruising, swelling and is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.

There are more peptides included, but I will sound like I'm repeating myself however, one look at the back of the box and I was suitably impressed - this serum is packed full of active ingredients that work.

Finally and what is very important to me, is the packaging something comes in. As far as eye serums go this is the best application process I've tested (and believe me I've tested hundreds of eye serums etc over the years). Firstly, with just one press down on the tube it delivers the correct amount of serum and secondly, the tip is cooling and smooth and so when pressed around the eye area, helps reduce puffiness. Also I much prefer tube applications as they limit germs spread from fingers, that often happens when dipping into little pots. Again, please remember this isn't just for the eye area but can be used around the mouth too. 

This is expensive but a little goes a long way, you only need a tiny amount. Also I always think if you're going to splash out on skincare then spend where you usually see aging first. Therefore line relaxers, serums etc are worth the money and, like this one, you get what you pay for. It's priced at £147.00 and you can buy it here at www.revisionskincare.co.uk