Katherine Daniels Skincare Sample Review

 

My skin has been very dehydrated recently and there is a sad reason for this, I have been crying - a lot. The stress that goes with being a single mum, bringing up children with special needs and never having time for myself - my son last stayed at his dads over a year and a half ago and well I'm just bloody tired! I never drink enough water (red wine once a week maybe), but recently I've been shedding lots of tears and I can't blame my hormones as I'm past menopause. Of course the first thing to show my stress is my face. I don't have anti-wrinkle injections and whilst, I'm blessed with good genetics it's definitely starting to show. Heck, I don't even have time to look after my plants - see the photo!  However, all is not lost. Skin dehydration is a skin condition not a skin type, and I know with the right products, plenty of water and a kick-ass mum attitude it will improve. The bad news is unless I get it in hand, then those light dehydration lines will eventually turn into deeper lines and there's not much I can do about that! 

Thankfully I was sent the Katherine Daniels range to test, and having put the brand in the paper many years ago, I knew my skin would be thanking me and soon be back to normal. 

I was sent to review the Rehydrating Cream £45 for 50ml, the Daily DNA Defence SPF30 £50 for 50ml and the Rehydrating Concentrate £55 for 45ml.

I will go through each product but here's a photo of the key ingredients.

The Rehydrating Concentrate comes in a dropper bottle, my favourite type of packaging for serums for 2 reasons. The product is protected from sunlight in it's opaque glass and the pipette ensures the correct amount can be used. Key ingredients include:-

Hyaluronic Acid - holds water to the skin by up to 1000 times in it's weight. One of the greatest ingredients used in skincare to plump up the skin and help retain moisture.

Seaweed Extract - anti-ageing, helps improve elasticity and has a high level of vitamin B so excellent for skin inflammation. 

Mushroom Extract - excellent source of ergothioneine and glutathione, both anti-oxidants that can help from damage caused by the sun and pollution. Also helps to reduce skin sensitivity and manage flare ups. 

Chamomile Extract - known to be soothing, healing and ideal if you suffer from acne or hormonally imbalanced skin. 

You can see for yourself just how it has worked wonders on my skin. Dehydration is easily detected by pinching the skin on the back of your hands. A healthy, hydrated skin should ping back, as you can see from the first photo, my skin has lost it's elasticity and has more lines than a pair of corduroy trousers (a sentimental phase my ex once told me). 

You can see here here the difference is incredible - instantly smoothed and hydrated.

Next to test was the Rehydrating Cream - again here are some of the ingredients:-

Sunflower Seed Oil - calming, soothing and often used as a carrier oil in skin products as it doesn't clog the pores. 

Coconut Oil - incredibly nourishing, excellent for helping reduce acne and skin inflammation. 

Sweet Almond Oil - helps protect skin from UV damage caused by the sun. 

Jojoba Seed Oil -  a healing oil, ideal for eczema and psoriasis. 

Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract - contains an abundance of essential fatty acids and Omega 3s, so really improves skin health, especially if suffering from dry skin, dehydrated, flaky skin. 

Anadenanthera Colubrina Bark Extract - a plant widely used for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Again you can see the amazing difference of the before and after from my skin.

Last to review was the Daily DNA Defence - SPF30. Now if anyone ever asked me the most important product of a beauty regime, I have always said SPF. Simply as the sun is the biggest cause of aging. From testing this product I can see why it's won the Editor's Choice at the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2021. Many SPFs on the face can be thick and clog pores, they feel like and often do take forever to sink into the skin. This one doesn't. The formula is light, non-greasy and melted into my skin without leaving any greasy residue. Not only does it protect both the UVA & UVB rays but it also has Blue Light and Pollution protection. This may not mean much to the average consumer, but this is where you get your lines from. Ingredients include:-

You can see here the product gives just a light, healthy glow. 

Titanium Dioxide - helps protect the skin by working as a UV filter, blocking the suns harmful rays.

Magnesium Sulfate - helps reduce skin inflammation and dry up excess oil.

Tocopheryl Acetate - a type of organic vitamin E that helps protect the skin from cell damage, caused by air pollution. 

Plankton Extract - very high in fatty acids and so aids the skin in retaining moisture. 

The whole range has a superb quantity and quality of ingredients that aids good skin health. For more products and information visit www.katherinedanielscosmetics.com

Leighton Denny Nail Rebirth and Intensive Hand and Nail Cream Sample Review

 

If the saying is true and it probably is that 'you can tell a lady by her hands', then I had better start wearing gloves, as one look at my hands and I'm not a lady! My nails are quite simply disgusting. Every once in a blue moon I will treat myself to a gel manicure however, unable to afford the upkeep or the removal, I usually pick them off on the school run - my car floor shows the evidence! My nails are ridged, my hands are dry and having just past menopause, they really are in desperate need of some TLC. Welcome back into my life Leighton Denny.

Of course over the many years of writing for the paper, I often put in Leighton Denny nail-varnishes, latest trends etc and it's one brand I always trust when it comes to renewing my talons (when I have the time), and the timing was just right! Last week I was sent the Nail Rebirth Intensive Nail Repair Capsules to test, alongside the Intensive Hand And Nail Cream.

First to review were the capsules £35 for 30. My initial reaction was pleasantly impressed with the packaging. You only need to use 1 capsule for all 10 fingers which, means no wastage (unlike dropper bottles). As you can see from the photo, one capsule is ample to do both hands with quite a bit spare (I used the rest on my toes, but just in case you are eating I will spare you the photos). My nails were incredibly thirsty and dehydrated and so drunk up the oil in without leaving any greasy residue and wow -  look at the result!

My nails looked smooth, all the ridges had disappeared and I could take photos without leaving a greasy film of oil everywhere. So what makes these capsules stand out from others on the market. Well, those of you who know my style of writing, will know that whilst I like to look at the blurb on packaging I do like to break down the ingredients. The capsules contain a trademark of Neoncya, a 'scientific breakthrough combining nature and technology that delivers an innovative treatment to hydrate, strengthen and support repair'. Listed below are some of the ingredients:-

🌺Sweet Almond Oil - rich in essential fatty acids such as Omega 6 and 9, so incredibly nourishing. Almond oil also provides a barrier to protect nails from harsh elements. 

🌺Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride - derived from coconut oil and is an excellent emollient. It also has an abundance of fatty acids to help prevent moisture loss. 

🌺Jojoba Seed Oil - rich in vitamins E and B, both vitamins help aid healing on damaged nail beds and cuticles, and in turn promote stronger nails. Jojoba is also anti-fungal so ideal for athletes foot and toe fungal infections. 

🌺Celery Seed Extract - a strengthening and renewing ingredient for the most damaged of nails. Celery seed also helps discolouration from damaged nail beds. It also has phytonutrients (natures chemicals), to fight against germs and bugs. 

The Intensive Hand and Nail Cream £12 for 25ml x 3 is great value for money. Just a tiny amount is needed to deliver the most intensive concentrate of emollient to keep hands looking and feeling soft. Whilst I was sent a sample of 25ml, I think this is great value on their website as breaks down to £4 each and ideal for stocking filler presents. Also, I like to keep one in the car, the sink and by the Netflix controller, so at this price for 3 it doesn't break the bank! The cream contains a cocktail of oils such as Almond & Chia Seed rich in Omega 3 and 6, so will help to really smooth the hands and leave them feeling supple. Also included is Rosemary Extract known for it's anti-bacterial action. It's a good all round hand-cream that doesn't just make hands look smooth, but actively helps any skin irritations and so ideal for hairdressers, nurses, gardeners etc.

You can check out more of Leighton Denny products here. www.leightondenny.com

 

 

Grown Alchemist Refresh & Rejuvenate Body Care Twinset Sample Review

Before I started researching into these products, I was dithering whether to get the Christmas tree out of the garage to be a prop for the photoshoot. My first thought as I pulled these out to test was 'oh what a lovely gift these would make'. I'm not sure if it's down to the packaging and the cute ziplocked, biodegradable bag, but it comes across as very unisex and neat. However, I can't face getting the tree out just yet and so I looked at nature for the backshot. Grown Alchemist pride themselves on being biological, organic and all about nature. The company ethos is all about getting results without the use of harmful chemicals - and so my garden plants seemed fitting for the photos.

The products are the brainchild of brothers Keston and Jeremy Mujis, and were first launched in Australia. Their passion for natural products stemmed from a close friend, who had reactions during a battle with cancer, and so they formulated a brand that would be gentle and kind to the skin, with the aim of minimising any adverse reactions to the skin. The brand has been awarded the PETA Beauty Without Bunnies certification, and not only is cruelty free but does not export to China or any other countries where animal testing is required by law. 

I was sent the Body Care Twinset to review £45 which, contains Body Cream 300ml and Body Cleanser 300ml. A quick breakdown of some of the ingredients:-

The Body Cream contains:- 

🌹Mandarin - excellent sources of both vitamin C and E, known for brightening the skin and protecting against free radicals. 

🌼Rosemary Leaf - a powerful antioxidant that protects against ageing, it's also anti-inflammatory and can help calm inflamed skin. 

🌹Orange Peel Oil - anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, ideal for fungal infections, athletes foot etc. Also high in alpha hydroxy acids that aid in natural exfoliation and promotes skin renewal.

🌼Shea Butter - a fat that is extracted from  theShea tree, well known for nourishing and retaining moisture in the skin. 

🌹Grape Seed Oil - helps to even out skin tone, ideal for dull and dehydrated skin. It contains vitamin E and linoleic acid that protect the skin from pollution. 

🌼Carrot Root Extract - packed with vital nutrients including beta-carotene which, converts into vitamin A. A brilliant ingredient often used in skincare to help prevent aging. 

The Body Cleanser contains:-

🌼Chamomile - helps reduce the signs of ageing and is an excellent herb known for its regenerating properties. It's also very soothing and calms redness.

🌹Rose Damascena Oil - an excellent ingredient known for being anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Another ingredient that helps calm the skin and is very healing in nature. 

🌼 Camphora Leaf Oil - used for itching, irritation and can help alleviate eczema.

🌹Bergamot - a natural skin cleanser, very good for oily skin and for keeping pores looking minimised.

🌼Geranium Flower Oil - good for reducing scars and dark spots that can occur from sun damage, helps speed up wounds caused from skin breakouts. 

So as you can see the products have an abundance of natural ingredients however, it's not just how the products promote good skin health. If, like me, you love an aromatherapy treat then you will absolutely love these, as quite simply they smell utterly heavenly, like an aromatic spa, not too sweet and not too heavy. The moisturiser with its citrus scent produces an instant feel of calm, whilst geranium comes across in the body cleanser and gives an immediate 'drop of the shoulders'. The tension just leaves your body and produces feelings of well-being. 

The company have a great range of products that can be viewed at www.feelunique.com

 

L’Occitane Shea Butter Bubble Bath Sample Review

 

 

I don't get paid for writing these reviews and I never feature anything I wouldn't buy myself, so when I put a call out for pampering products for October features, I was more than delighted when I got sent my favourite bubble bath. I first came into contact with this range about 22 years ago when it launched on QVC, and I've been a huge fan ever since.

Why do I love it so much? It's simply the most cocooning, warming, nurturing, relaxing (I'm going to need a thesaurus at this rate), bubble bath I think on the market. Not only does it smell incredible, but it has this consistency that would knock Cleopatra's sour milk concoction out of the bath - think smooth, delectable, creamy milk. It leaves the skin wonderfully scented, like fresh kitten fur, baby soft skin, just the soft, milky, sweet scent of a new-born. It also bubbles up delightfully, scents the whole bathroom and creates this dream like state spa sensation.  

So what's in this magic formula:-

🧈Well Shea Butter for a start, in fact 5% of this nourishing and moisturising ingredient which, rescues dehydrated and dry skin. 

🌻Sunflower Seed oil, rich in vitamins such as A&E that help skin inflammation and has emollients that retain moisture. 

🌞Tocopherol, an ingredient that also has Vitamin E and so protects the skin from UV damage, it's an amazing anti-oxidant which aids in good skin health. 

🥥Cocamidopropyl Betaine - this ingredient is derived from coconut oil and whilst used in many cleansers as it has foaming properties, it's a gentle alternative to other harsher ingredients used in cleansers. 

🌱Sodium Gluconate, a salt that naturally occurs from gluconic acid, derived from plants, known for  making a good skin conditioner.

It is quite simply the perfect antidote when you are tired and stressed after a hard days work. It costs £27 for 500ml and you only need a couple of glugs to get a decent amount of lather. To get the real benefit, my advice is get the kids occupied with a film, sit in the bathroom with the door closed and let the aroma of this beautiful fragrance drop your shoulders. Check out the website here. www.ukloccitane.com

The Hair Boss by Lisa Shepherd - The Detangling Mist Sample Review

 

If you have ever watched Channel 4s 10 Years Younger, then you maybe familiar with Lisa Shepherd. Lisa is an award win hair colour expert who has over 30 years experience, her own hair salon established in 2002 and has tutored all over the world. She is also an Ambassador for Schwarzkopf, L'Oreal and Redken. She also has her own hair brand 'The Hair Boss' which, is based on a 4 step regime of' Pre-Shampoo, Cleanse, Condition and Style'. Originally it was only available at The Hair Boss online but you can now purchase the range at Superdrug. 

I was sent The Detangling Mist £8.99 to test, and considering my hair has more knots than my 'shaggy' Cockapoo dog, it's a product I desperately needed. Every morning I wake up with such huge knots that often I just chuck my head into a bun without brushing, until it's time to shower. It needed some attention and this was the perfect product to give it some.

The Detangling Mist is a lightweight mist that delivers by way of an aerosol. I mention this in particular, as often I find the pumps deliver too much product. This doesn't - as you can see from the photo it delivers a very fine spray which, is ideal for my fine hair. The main ingredients for detangling are Panthenol, a vital ingredient in a lot of hair products that helps condition, reduce and prevent split ends. Other active ingredients include Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil aka Argan Oil, known for its moisturising properties and Avocado Oil, again an oil that is incredibly nourishing. This cocktail of ingredients ensure hair is left feeling soft and working from within to strengthen and replenish damaged, dry hair. The fragrance was gentle and subtle, again important for me as I don't like it to clash with my perfume. 

You can purchase the spray at either www.thehairboss.co.uk or Superdrug stores nationwide.