Rosalique Anti-Redness Skincare

 

I received these products when I was away in Marrakesh a few weeks ago, it was my first break as a single mum with a friend sans kids for over 10 years! We only went for 4 days but it was utter bliss. However, I wish I had received these before I travelled, as they would have been perfect for my cabin bag!

This range is formulated for all skin types however, the products work really well for those who suffer with redness, inflammation and sensitive skin types. 

3 In 1 Balm Cleanser 100ml RRP £29.99

My favourite of the range is definitely this 3 In 1 Balm Cleanser, as a busy mum I love a multi-purpose product. It’s also brilliant to take on the plane. Often before I get onto a plane, I go to Duty Free and ply on the hydrating serums, as the air conditioning on the plane really dehydrates the skin. Top tip, never apply a cream in Duty Free unless it’s from a pipette bottle. The products that are in jars are filled with bacteria from people dipping their fingers in!

With the 3 In 1 Balm Cleanser, you can apply a fine layer before your flight or once on board, then simply wipe off with a wet wipe at the end of the flight (your skin will love baby soft and plumped up)! Simply shake the bottle a little to mix the formula together and apply a fine layer to your face and neck. 

In the photo it’s difficult to tell, but my skin is gleaming from just 5 minutes of leaving this on. Of course you can also use it to remove all makeup including waterproof makeup, just massage with circular motions into your face and remove with a damp cloth. 

The cleanser hosts a huge cocktail of ingredients that help soothe the skin, and as mentioned above are specifically ideal for those who suffer with redness from rosacea/couperose/eczema and hormonal flare ups. Such ingredients include:-

• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil) - reduce fine lines, soothes irritated skin and helps reduce appearance of scarring. 
• Candelilla Cera - a wax derived from the Candelilla Plant that acts as an emollient, thus very nourishing for dry skin types. 
• Hydrogenated Olive Oil - anti inflammatory, hydrating and rich in Squalane and vitamin E so help prevent moisture loss and reduce scarring. 
• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter - anti inflammatory and helps relieve itchy skin conditions. It also contains vitamin A and E which help protect the skin from environmental aggressors. 
• Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil - soothing and prevents irritation from conditions such as eczema. 
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract - cooling, soothing and healing. 
• Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract - wound healing and calms inflammation, whilst also improving the elasticity. 
• Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract - also known as ‘Balloon Vine’ is very beneficial for those who have dermatitis and psoriasis due to its anti inflammatory compounds. It’s often been used as a natural steroid, due to its calming effects. 

Soothing Night Cream 50ml RRP £34.99

From the same range is this calming night cream, that not only helps with skin sensitivity but also reduces dark circles. It has many active ingredients including the IBR-CalmDeAge®,’an up-cycled date seed extract’ that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Derived from Date Palm seeds, it is rich in polyphenols and helps constrict blood vessels to minimise redness. It is an excellent ingredient to help with dark circles and give radiance to dull skin complexions. 

Other active ingredients include:-

• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - contains Linoleic Acid and vitamin E to help protect and strengthen the skin’s barrier from environmental pollution and aggressors such as the sun. Linoleic Acid is good for sensitive, acne prone skin as doesn’t block the pores. 
• Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter - full of fatty acids that help plump the skin. It contains the vital ‘skin vitamins A, C and E’ that help protect the skin whilst reducing fine lines and wrinkles. 
• Panthenol - otherwise known as provitamin B5, this acts an emollient moisturising the skin and also a humectant so draws water to the skin. It plays a huge part in skincare for keep skin supple and youthful. Again it is an excellent ingredient for its soothing and calming properties. 
• Ascorbic Acid - aka vitamin C, this helps brighten the skin, gives radiance to dull skin and helps fade dark spots and pigmentation. 

3 In 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula 30ml RRP £29.99

With an SPF50 for UVA and UVB this is a must have for those who are looking for excellent sun protection, whilst reducing the appearance of redness. The green tinted cream glides on effortlessly, and counteracts any redness. 

Whilst you may be alarmed by the colour, it simply blends in to your natural skin colour. It’s difficult for me to show as I have quite an olive skin tone however, green counteracts any redness and simply makes it disappear. You can see below how it has just blended in to my natural colour. 

You can use it instead of your moisturiser or after your moisturiser. You only need a tiny amount on your ring finger to pat into any redness or you can use a brush. It can be used as a tinted moisturiser, primer to help make-up stay all day or as a colour correcting concealer to take away any redness from rosacea, pimples etc. 

However, not only does it act as a cosmetic product it also has many ingredients that help correct skin conditions. 

Some of the ingredients are found in the other products such as Panthenol and Shea Butter however, it also includes 

• Titanium Dioxide - an SPF making this an excellent all round moisturiser for preventing aging. 
• Glycerin - hydrating and moisturising. 
• A-Bisabolol - derived from Chamomile, this aids in reducing dark spots and helps promote wound healing. It calms the skin from sunburn and also helps even out skin tone. 
• Zeolite - detoxifies the skin, drawing out pollutants and is antimicrobial so helps reduce bacteria. It also helps absorb excess oil so ideal if you have an oilier complexion. 
• Urea - acts a humectant to draw moisture to the skin, so skin is hydrated and smoother. It also helps exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells so skin looks brighter and smoother.

All the products are vegan, cruelty free and you can see for yourself the five star reviews on Amazon. You can purchase by clicking the link HERE

The Body Shop Mango Body Yogurt / Refreshing Passionfruit Shower Gel Review

 

I haven’t reviewed The Body Shop products for quite a while now, I’ve been out of touch with the lovely PR’s the last year and my usual contact is on maternity leave - congratulations Nell!

Anyway thankfully in time for Summer, I’ve been sent some fruity concoctions to sample, especially ideal in the hot and humid weather we are having in the South East of England!

Refreshing Passionfruit Shower Gel 250ml RRP £8.50

You’ll be envisaging sipping a cocktail when showering with the delicious Passionfruit Shower Gel. As soon as you open the bottle your senses are giving a vibrant, hit of Tutti Fruity, not quite citrus or sweet just mouth watering juicy. It really does smell like Passionfruit and instantly revives any dull, tired mood you maybe experiencing. 

It gently cleanses with the foaming ingredient Cocamidopropyl Betaine, often used in cleansers for those with sensitive skin, as well as Coco Betaine a surfactant naturally derived from Coconut Oil. Both of these are non-irritating ingredients and ideal for all skin types. For moisturising purposes Glycerin is also featured, which acts as a humectant drawing water to the skin, and keeping the skin supple.

Citric Acid is also an ingredient which helps to naturally exfoliate the skin getting rid of dead skin cells and leaving the skin smooth. It also helps with pigmentation, dark spots and helps brighten the skin. Finally Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder is added to soothe inflamed skin conditions, redness, eczema and skin irritated by the sun. 

The ingredients have been specially selected to make this your ‘go to’ holiday shower gel. You only need pound coin size on a body puff, to get a full body wash. Not only will you smell good enough to eat, but your bathroom will smell heavenly too!

Mango Body Yogurt 200ml RRP £13

I’ve been lucky enough to test many products in my lifetime as a beauty writer. My daughter has also been lucky enough to have a mum who has worked in that industry. She gets to sample a lot of my products and I know she will be nabbing this as soon as she comes in from work. The Mango Body Yogurt is her favourite and it’s easy to see why. First it smells absolutely scrumptious, like a fresh, ripe tropical mango. Secondly it’s incredibly hydrating and leaves skin super soft. Thirdly it’s so light to apply that it just glides on without leaving any greasy or sticky residue. 

The gel consistency is ideal for holidays and the hot weather. It dries quickly yet keeps skin feeling soft and moisturised for 48 hours, best of all it can be applied in the shower to damp skin! 

There are so many ingredients that give skin an injection of hydration such as:-

• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter - rich in fatty acids and vitamins, this helps moisturise skin due to its emollient properties. Also helps soothe flaky and itchy skin conditions such as psoriasis. 
• Mangifera Indica Juice (Mango) Juice - full of antioxidants and Vitamin C, Mango juice gives skin a natural glow and gives dull skin radiance. Vitamin C also stimulates collagen cell renewal and so makes skin feel firmer by improving elasticity. It also contains Vitamin A that helps combat acne and regulate oil production. 
• Sodium Hyaluronate - holds water to the skin for extra moisturising benefits. 
• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract (Sweet Almond) Extract - full of vitamins and minerals that help moisturise the skin but also reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scarring. 

The products are vegan and cruelty free. You can purchase them by clicking the link HERE

Tata Harper® Superkind Refining Cleanser 125ml RRP £79

Throughout my career as a Beauty Editor, one of the questions I was often asked was ‘what skincare product should I spend my money on and what should I save my pennies on’? My answer is still the same which is, spend on serums and eye creams but save on cleansers and toners. So when I’m reviewing a ‘cleanser’ that costs £79 I need to find out why you, the consumer, should spend that money on essentially a product that you are just ‘washing off’.

Firstly, a look at the ingredients. The top ingredient is Calendula Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice (organically grown). This immediately stands out amongst a ‘normal cleanser’ where the top ingredient is often Aqua. 

Calendula is otherwise known as Marigold, and in skincare it acts as skin soothing ingredient, ideal for acne, eczema and inflamed skin conditions. It helps promote wound healing by increasing blood flow to the skin, it helps with hydration making skin appear plumper and retaining moisture. It also has strong anti-inflammatory benefits so ideal if you suffer with tight, itchy and irritated skin. 

Other ingredients (note not in order), such as Lavendula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, which is anti-bacterial and ideal if you have acne prone skin, as reduces swelling and redness, which also helps with psoriasis and dermatitis. It stimulates collagen so helps regeneration and cell renewal. It is often used in after-sun as helps alleviate itching and sunburn. 

However, the special ingredient for me, personally is the Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder. A finely milled powder which gently exfoliates the skin, leaving it feeling incredibly smooth and full of radiance. It sloughs away dead skin cells but without scratching the surface of the skin. Often in exfoliating products, ‘beads’ are used that are far too harsh for the face. However, Rice Powder is gentle enough to use on all skin types including sensitive. 

Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract has many benefits for the skin including helping to lighten pigmentation and dark spots. Full of salicylic acid that helps to naturally refine skin tone with its astringent properties. The natural sugars also gently exfoliate the skin, reducing oil production and clearing pores. 

Pyrus Malus (Apple) Seed Oil, again helps give the skin radiance with its natural sugar exfoliants.  However, Apple has several vitamins such as A, C and K that help protect the skin from environmental pollution such as sun radiation, smoke and pollution. 

Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract - Chamomile, soothing, wound healing and again used in many sunburn remedies. It can also help lighten blemishes and even out skin tone. 

You only need a very small amount as the product gently emulsifies. The Rice Powder gives almost an micro-dermabrasion effect without the harshness of a full on dermabrasion. Work it into the face and, as it’s so gentle into the neck, concentrating on areas where you may have large pores such as nose and chin. 

Simply rinse off with warm water, and you will notice an immediate difference. I tested on the back of my hand for the photos, and it left it feeling super soft.

Having reviewed this cleanser, it cannot be categorised as just a ‘cleanser’ more of a skin treatment, which brings me back to my original quest. Why should you spend £79 on a cleanser? That is because it is not. It’s also vegan and most of the ingredients are from organic farming, with 100% of ingredients are from natural origin. 

If you go on to the Space NK Website by clicking the link HERE you will see the hundreds of five star reviews from happy customers. 

 

Olverum Bath Oil 60ml RRP £28

 

I only wrote about this British brand a month ago however, last week I had a press release ping into my email to say that the brand Olverum had been granted a Royal Warrant by his Majesty King Charles ‘a mark of recognition for it’s long-standing commitment to quality, care and craftsmanship’. A much deserving award due to the ingredients used and the sustainability on how they are sourced. 

One of their best selling products is the heavenly scented Bath Oil, filled with essential oils from plants and fruits. The cocktail of potent and heady oils include:-

Siberian Fir Needle Oil

Calms inflammation, soothing, helps calm the nervous system, cleansing, reduces acne, calms the mind. 

Rosemary

Stimulating, excellent for circulation, gives mental clarity, ideal for tension relief, promotes skin circulation, combats acne, helps stimulate lymphatic drainage and thus prevents cellulite, anti-inflammatory, reduces redness.

Maychang Fruit Oil

Uplifting, calming helps with anxiety and can lift depressive moods, helps with conditions such as eczema, anti-septic and supports the immune system. 

Lavender 

Calming, soothing, helps promote good sleep, wound healing, treats acne, mentally reduces anxiety, anti-microbial, reduces eczema, reduces the appearance of scars, fights bacteria. 

Geranium 

Hormone balancing, antiseptic, full of antioxidants, balances sebum production, helps prevents breakouts, fades dark spots and pigmentation wound healing. Is an uplifting scent that produces a well-being effect. 

Eucalyptus Leaf Oil 

Head cleaning, stimulating, helps clear foggy mind, anti-inflammatory, good for respiratory conditions such as colds and sinusitis, natural pain relief for aching muscle and joints, stress relieving. 

Lemon Peel/Lime Oil 

Both these oils have astringent and toning properties and are good for circulation. Natural exfoliants, help keep skin smooth, clarifying, kill bacteria, rejuvenating and brightening. Full of vitamin C, adds radiance, increases elasticity and anti-fungal. 

Juniper Fruit

Rich in vitamin C, ideal for skin cell renewal, anti-inflammatory, helps soothe inflamed skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, hydrating, detoxifying and deep cleansing. Good for arthritic pain and rheumatic aches and pains. 

You only need a couple of drop of the Bath Oil to fill the room with the delightful aromatic scent. It’s like stepping into a spa that really clears the head. Ideal after a hot day, after sports, if you are unwell or just need a pick-me up. Vegan and cruelty-free. You can purchase by clicking the link HERE

Olverum Skincare Review

 

I’ve not done a skincare review in a while, and so it’s nice to kick off my beauty reviews with a skincare one that is new to me. Spring is all about new growth, beginnings and the start of what hopefully is a brighter time ahead. Not only is it a time we associate with change in weather, but it also has an affect on our skin condition. Many find that their skin changes with the heat and so will have to adjust their products accordingly. 

The Olverum range is one that I have not reviewed before however, I have chosen to review it out of the many releases I get sent daily as I liked the ‘purity’ and at a quick glance on the press release also liked the sound of the ingredients!

Before I begin, a brief synopsis about the company. I do love a good heritage background and Olverum certainly doesn’t disappoint. Its first ‘oil’ was made in the 1920s by Franz Otto, who was an experienced winemaker, and his wife Edith a pharmacologist. Sourcing the finest essential oils they produced a blend that would later on become so in demand, it was used in a spa. Unfortunately during the war, it became impossible to source the essential oils however, by chance it was was discovered and eventually acquired by Michael and Betty Hawksley (founder of perfumery Les Senteur). In 2015 the oil was rebranded and today Olverum is a successful product range stocked in places such as John Lewis and Space NK.

Alpine Revive Cleansing Balm 100ml RRP £55

I have been testing cleansers for the last 20 years as a Beauty Writer and, once in a while, one tops my list of must-haves. For me a cleansing balm must have these two things. The ability to easily remove make-up and an aromatic smell that makes the ritual of removing makeup a pleasure. This has both and more. 

The buttery soft texture, melted immediately into my skin, making it effortless to massage my sinuses and pressure points. It dissolved my makeup instantly however, the fragrance was just incredible, that beautiful spa, aromatic fragrance that makes you breathe a little bit clearer. 

Ingredients are in abundance and have too many to write down but include:-

• Jojoba Seed Oil - has anti-microbial properties so helps protect the skin from bacteria, also calms irritated skin. 
• Squalane - mimics the skin’s own oil, helps plump the skin and prevents moisture loss so skin is left feeling supple.
• Rosehip Fruit Oil - helps reduce scarring, brightens dull, dehydrated skin types, is anti-inflammatory so ideal for those with acne. Has a high vitamin C content which helps with brightening the skin and gives radiance. 
• Clary Sage Oil - stimulates cell renewal, repairs the skin and protects it from bacteria. 
• Eucalyptus Oil - helps soothe conditions such as acne and eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps prevent blemishes due to anti-bacterial properties. 
• Rosemary Leaf Oil - rich in carnosic acid, this helps protect the skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution. It also stimulates circulation so helps improve the condition of skin as well as getting nutrients to the skin. 
• Juniper Fruit Oil - anti-inflammatory so again helps with redness and skin conditions such as psoriasis. It also has strong astringent properties so ideal for oily and acne prone skin types. 
• Green Tea Extract - contains an anti-oxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which helps protect the skin against UV aggressors. Green Tea is often used in eye creams as it also helps reduce puffiness and dark circles. 
• Geranium Flower Oil - skin balancing this helps calm the skin especially if you suffer with hormonal flare ups. 

The quality of the Alpine Reviving Cleansing Balm is, as listed above far superior to many of its competitors. A little goes a long way and so this pot will last a good 6 weeks. I also like to use it as a mask and let it sit on my skin for a while before removing, or added to a little facial exfoliator to give a spa like exfoliation. 

Procellular™ Defence Day Cream 50ml RRP £70

A quick glance at the ingredients on the back and I knew this was a must have for my dull, sallow skin. Before even glancing at the ingredients and testing the product, I could see that the formula was based around Vitamin C. 

The orange, lightweight cream, dissolved instantly into my dry, dehydrated skin and made it instantly feel comforted. 

The cream is based around Olverum’s ‘hyper-antioxidant complex’ a powerful blend of antioxidants known for their healing and anti-aging results. Ingredients such as:-

• Astaxanthin Extract - reduces hyper-pigmentation, sun damaged skin, regenerates tissue and gives elasticity. It is an incredibly powerful anti-oxidant giving maximum protection against pollution, UV rays and other environmental elements. It is so strong that it can repair DNA damage such as brown spots in 2 weeks. 
• Reishi Mushroom Stem Extract - contains compounds that protect skin care health by promoting collagen production. It’s anti-aging, skin soothing and ideal ingredient for hormonal skin types especially menopausal. 
• Cica Leaf Extract - full of amino acids and beta carotene that help protect the skin from environmental stressors. 
• Cardamom Seed Oil - brightening, gives dull skin radiance. 
• Lavender Flower Oil - calming, soothing and ideal if you suffer from any redness.

These are just a few of the ingredients, the Day Cream is packed full of oils, extracts that work in harmony to give you a clear and youthful complexion.

Procellular™ Renewal Night Cream 50ml RRP £80

A little goes a long way with both the Day and the Night Cream. The Night Cream has ingredients that really get to work whilst your skin is repairing itself. 

Ingredients focus on strengthening the skin’s barrier and plumping the skin. Ingredients such as:-

• Cacay Seed Oil - rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which help with scarring and restoring the skin. It’s a natural retinol which gently eradicates wrinkles and ideal to use if retinol is too harsh for your skin type. 
• Rose of Jericho Extract - also known as the ‘Resurrection Plant’, due to it’s ability to thrive in dry conditions, it’s an ideal extract to help prevent moisture loss, keeping skin hydrated and supple. 
• Xanthophyll Extract - these carotenoid pigments are derived from plants, algae and fish that help protect the skin from pollution, wind, sun etc. It is often called Lutein which is used for its protection against sun damage. 
• Spirulina Platensis Juice - a blue/green algae that helps reduce inflammation and improves skin tone and texture. It is rich in the anti-oxidant ‘phycocyanin’ that helps protect the skin from free radicals. 
• Melatonin - helps reduce redness, irritation and skin inflammation, whilst also repairing and improving skin cell regeneration. 

The products have all five star ratings from loyal customers and it’s easy to see why. The quality of the ingredients and the quantity put the far above other products sold at similar prices. All the products are vegan, and once opened have a shelf life of 6 months. 

You can purchase the products by visiting the Olverum website or by clicking the link HERE