Croma Farewell­™ Serum Irritated Skin RRP £109 Sample Review

 

There are many reasons why we get irritated skin and often the issue is finding out the root cause. This can take a lot of time, usually involving some form of elimination be it skincare, chemicals, environmental aggressors, pollutants, allergies, hormones, illness, stress etc. With such a vast variety of culprits, irritated skin can leave us feeling stressed out, frustrated and can have a huge impact on our self esteem and mental health. So whilst we try and learn the root cause, what we actually need is something to relieve the symptoms. 

Croma Farewell™ for Irritated Skin is specifically targeted to help soothe, calm, reduce inflammation and redness that is often the result of skin irritation. I have written up on this Austrian brand before and was incredibly impressed not only by their wealth of knowledge, but by the quality of high ingredients used in their products.

Now often I like to test these products myself however, at the moment my skin is in good condition. My eldest daughter however, does suffer from extreme irritation caused by hormones and stress. Before I begin to talk about the active ingredients, I wanted to show you a before and after of her skin with just a week apart. She is not wearing any makeup (bar a little mascara). You can see on the first photo she has spots and blemishes, and the after photo - well I think it speaks for itself. I am not saying this is entirely down to the product, she has had a few days in the sun (albeit sun screen usually makes her skin flare up) however, you will see a marked difference in her complexion.

The serum contains a high quantity of hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that is often used in skincare to help hydrate the skin and give it a much needed drink of moisture to dehydrated areas. The dark bottle helps keep the ingredients 'fresh' and to stop oxidation occurring, whilst the pipette ensures precise amount of delivery.  Ingredients also include:-

• Niacinamide - aka Vitamin B3, a wonder ingredient often used in skincare to help minimise the appearance of large pores, soften fine lines, improve skin texture and skin tone, give radiance to dull, dehydrated skin and finally, also helps to strengthen the skin's barrier to help fight against environmental pollutants such as smoke. 
• Ectoin - helps maintain hydration and acts as an emollient to the skin. Corrects and repairs broken skin barrier, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and helps smooth rough and dry skin.
• Panthenol - often used in skincare as it has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, so aids healing redness, skin tightness and also protects the skin from UV aggressors. 
• Lactic Acid - an alpha hydroxy acid that naturally exfoliates the skin giving a smoother appearance and reduce age and sun spots.
• Madecassoside - derived from plant Centella Asiatica an excellent ingredient for acne prone skin. Contains anti-oxidants and is anti-inflammatory making it ideal for anyone prone to breakouts and is especially healing for those suffering with eczema.
• Lysolecithin - not an actual 'active ingredient' however, this additional ingredient to the serum is used to transport the active ingredients deep into the skin surface. It's non-irritating and is comforting to the skin.
• Pullulan - this ingredient again, isn't one that feeds the skin, rather it helps give the skin that tight, toned look. It's often used in skincare to help give a tightening effect resulting in a more youthful appearance.

You can see just one application how my dehydrated arm (a week in the sun) has drunk in the serum, and left my skin feeling supple and with a glow. I checked the application after 3 hours and the results were outstanding.

I often don't like testing expensive skin serums, I feel I have to justify why we should part with our hard earned money on products that often don't work. However, in this case I think that the price is fully justified. For starters there are not that many ingredients, so the product is not 'buffered out' with unnecessary add ins. This means that the quality of the active ingredients is very high. More so the results speak for themselves. 

You can check out the company and purchase products here at https://at.croma.at/home-en/

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Booster RRP £28

 

I was looking forward to testing the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Booster as my hair is incredibly porous following 35 years of bleaching, highlighting, perming etc - you name it, my hair has been through it. 

I'm a huge fan of the original Elasticizer and often turn to this when I know I'm going to see my hairdresser and ask her for the inevitable 'can you make me go lighter'. I was sent the Booster a while ago, but wanted to coincide testing with my holiday. If ever there was going to be a time when I needed a conditioning boost it was last week, 40 degrees in Crete submerging myself into a swimming pool water every few minutes! Yes I was very blessed (my first holiday in 3 years) - but I wanted to keep my hair in the best condition I could.

The Booster can be used in several ways, either applied over the top of your usual conditioner (mid length and ends), or in place of your usual conditioner and for an intensive treatment, left on for up to 10 minutes. Simply apply and rinse out. 

Containing high quality moisturising ingredients will ensure that your hair is kept in the best condition it can be, alongside strengthening each strand. Some of these ingredients include:-

• Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil - helps repair, hydrate and nourish dry and badly damaged hair, owing to the fatty acids and Vitamin E found in the oil.
• Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract - aka Chia seeds contain high amounts of l-lysine, known to be the building block of protein found in hair. This ingredient will help promote stronger and thicker hair. 
• Yeast Extract - an excellent addition to hair conditioners, Yeast Extract is full of vitamins and proteins that help build stronger hair fibres, and work wonders on dry, porous hair.
• Radish Root Ferment Filtrate - helps condition the scalp and ideal for those who suffer with itchy, dry and flaky scalps.
• Citric Acid - antibacterial and helps remove build up from hair, so ideal for use after swimming to remove traces of chemicals and chlorine. It also makes an excellent conditioner and leaves hair looking super-shiny!

As you can see from my photo above, not only is my hair bleached to within an inch of it's roots, it's also natural wavy. Having spent a week in the sun and using this every other day has meant that my hair feels soft, stronger and in better condition than before I went away! It's a must have if you want to stop your hair from feeling brittle and snapping, especially if you tend to reach for the heated appliances and especially if you are exposing your hair to the harsh elements of pollution and UV rays.

It is expensive £28 for 150ml but you only need a small amount and so will not only last you a good month, but is definitely worth it just to use before you have your hair coloured. You can purchase it here at www.philipkingsley.co.uk

Scentology Lychee & Floral Bouquet / Floriental Mandarin Eau De Parfum Sample Review £9 100ml

 

Often I get sent products and before I even look at the press release from the PRs or brands, I often just test them. Rewind last week, when my daughter walked into my study, picked up the Lychee & Floral Bouquet and misted herself with the fragrance. Our immediate reaction was 'ooh that smells nice', followed by a 'hands off Phoebe, I've not written up on these yet'. I thought this was going to be an expensive, luxury brand probably owing to not just the fragrance but the minimalistic, sleek, pure packaging. So you can imagine my surprise when I have literally just looked at the press release and seen that they are new to the market and are retailing at £9!

Usually it's a body mist or eau de toilette that would retail for that price, but nope I've read and re-read and these beautiful and delicate scents are only £9 each from Boots! 

Lychee & Floral Bouquet

I'll start with my daughters favourite the Lychee & Floral Bouquet. This lightly, delicate sweet fragrance is perfect for the summer months. It's not overpowering and has that fruity edge, so stops it from becoming overtly sweet. It has an expensive smell and reminds me a little of Jimmy Choo (I think that contains Lychee as well). It's a playful scent and rather flirtatious. Top notes include apricot, blood orange that suit a sparkling personality. Middle notes include sweet jasmine, orchid and rose whilst base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, musk and amber give it a soft and nurturing landing. 

Floriental Mandarin

This oriental note perfume is definitely more seductive, mysterious and suited more to the evening. It's rich notes are warm, inviting and I can definitely smell the base of vanilla (before even checking on the press release). Top notes are lively and fruity such as mandarin and pink pepper, heart notes are floral with heliotrope, jasmine and rose and base notes (yes I was right), vanilla, tonka and sandalwood. It's a soft classy scent that gives the wearer an air of mystery. It reminds me a little of Michael Kors Wonderlust, so if you like that scent then this will suit you too.

These make wonderful presents for any occasion - often it is hard to by scent for people however, the collection comes in 5 choices and for under £10 it's hard to go wrong.

The perfume wardrobe is available to purchase at www.boots.com and I would urge you to look at all the 5/5 reviews from satisfied customers too! 

Molton Brown London Blissful Templetree Bath & Shower Gel RRP £22 300ml

 

'By appointment to her Majesty The Queen supplier of toiletries Molton Brown London' - you really can't get more luxurious than Molton Brown, and with the Queen's seal of approval this brand really is fit for royalty. 

This year, like many others,  I celebrated the Queen's Coronation Day however, mine was for a completely different reason. It was my 50th birthday - a 'landmark' birthday for most of us, but especially myself considering I've brushed death a few times (meningitis, MRSA amongst other traumas I would rather forget)! Still one thing I've learnt is that with trials, we learn to endure and with endurance comes wisdom, something we should all strive for! Anyway back to the sample review.

Molton Brown, there's something quite exciting when you look at Molton Brown packaging, I'm not sure if it's the streamlined, clear bottles with their super, shiny lids, but put a Molton Brown product into any bathroom and it immediately transforms the drabbest of decor into instant class. Many brands have tried to copy their sleek packaging but have failed to deliver on the products themselves. 

Often stocked in hotels, it's impossible to leave a hotel ladies toilet without exclaiming - 'ooh Molton Brown'. Indeed it's often a selling point when a hotel room supplies their products, and on the odd occasion I've been lucky enough to stay in a hotel with their products, you can be sure I've showered at least twice a day!

When I was sent the Blissful Templetree Bath & Shower Gel to review, my newly engaged Fiancé tried to nab it for himself (I don't think so), one of the great things about Molton Brown is that their scents are very fresh and so suit everyone. Blissful Templetree has top fruity/floral notes of orange, rose and gardenia, rich middle notes of jasmine, lilac and honey however, the base notes lends itself to woody, sensual patchouli, sandalwood and comforting vanilla. The result gives an experience of tranquillity, calm, meditation and like you've just stepped into a Japanese spa. A small amount in the bathroom immediately gives a shoulder drop, release of tension, so ideal for after sports, before bed or after a long day. You only need to pour small amount under running water to create an oasis of bubbles or directly onto a sponge for super soft cleansing. 

Some of the ingredients include:-

• Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract - aka Frangipani anti-inflammatory and ideal for dry, cracked skin. Helps keep skin soft and feeling supple and nourished. It's also good for the hair as is very moisturising.
• Honeysuckle Extract - ideal for eczema, rosacea this ingredient is very soothing, helps itchy and sensitive skin and calms down inflammation. It also acts as an antiseptic so is good for cleansing and getting rid of bacteria. 

I don't get paid for reviews and, like I've mentioned before, I have a dog who often patiently waits for me to finish typing for his walk. So you know when I absolutely love a brand, as I will spend my personal time writing about it. I'd forgotten just how much I love Molton Brown and do hope that I have the chance to review some more! Ideal for yourself or they make the perfect present - you can check out the rest of the products here at www.moltonbrown.co.uk