Living Proof® Clarifying Detox Shampoo 236ml RRP £31

There are many reasons why we should all use a ‘clarifying’ shampoo, as it’s not just for people who may have an oily hair shaft. Some of these reasons are:-

• If you go swimming and you find your hair is looking dull or has a green tinge from the chlorine.
• If you live in a hard water area and you find your colour is again dull, or that your highlights have lost their ‘uplifting’ brightness.
• If you are having your hair coloured, then it’s a good idea to use a clarifying shampoo a week before to get rid of build up (especially if you use toning shampoos). Often hairdressers cannot get a true representative of an outcome, if there is colour build up.
• If you use lots of hair products, such as mousse, sprays and heat protectors.
• If you have been by the beach and have sand, salt water and suntan oils in your hair.
• Finally, if you find you work in polluted areas or areas of dust and grime, especially if you work in the City or travel by tube.

It’s a good idea to use a clarifying shampoo once a week to help with the above however, there is a downside to most clarifying shampoos. They contain harsh ingredients that can strip away the hairs natural oils and colour. Often we are told that if we have coloured our hair and it’s too dark, to use a clarifying shampoo, to help ‘strip’ the colour. That is because they contain a large amount of sulphates that leave hair in dreadful condition.

Solving all problems relating to such clarifying shampoos is the Living Proof® Clarifying Detox Shampoo, which has been formulated without any chemical nasties, such as sulphates and silicones. Not only will this shampoo help brighten your hair and give a very deep clean, but it does so without stripping away any colour. It’s safe to use on the most sensitive of scalps, colour treated hair and even hair extensions.

Above is a photo I took a few weeks ago, you can see that my hair is looking a little brassy and dull and it felt lank. With blonde hair I do have to be careful with using harsher ingredients in shampoos, so what is in this one that makes it ideal for all hair types?

• Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate - this is the magic cleanse that gives a deep and gentle cleanse without removing any of the hairs natural oil. It also gives a creamy lather, so you still get that great feeling of freshly washed hair. It is safe for the most sensitive of scalps and ideal if you suffer with inflammation and irritation.
• Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine - another safe ingredient that gives a deep cleanse but also moisturises, it is derived from coconut oil.
• Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate - again derived from coconuts, this gentle foaming agent is safe enough for babies.
• Charcoal Powder - this is the active that really gets to work on removing dirt, grime and pollution. It’s ideal if you wear a lot of hair product and not only effectively removes product, but does so without causing any irritation. It does not dry your hair out, rather pulls out the dirt etc and so is ideal for use on itchy scalp conditions. 
• Betaine - gives hair shine and helps smooth rough cuticles. It protects the proteins in your hair and so gives hair strength and elasticity.

You only need small amount to produce a great lather and the fragrance is incredibly fresh. I used a light conditioner but you can see for yourself how much brighter my hair looks (albeit the lighting is different from the before photo, it has made a noticeable difference). 

You can purchase this product on the Living Proof Website or by clicking the link HERE

Gold Collagen® Instant Glow Serum 30ml RRP £36 / Hydra Essence Serum 30ml RRP £36

I was looking forward to reviewing both these serums, as recently I’ve been riddled with colds and my skin is really lacking radiance. Ill health can play havoc with our skin, changing the condition (it often becomes more sensitive) and dehydrated due to lack of water (especially if you’ve had a temperature). Then of course there’s those pesky hormones. I’m 5 years ‘post’ menopause and my skin is definitely needing more active ingredients to help keep it looking and feeling firmer. Both these serums contain amazing ingredients, that really give your skin back that glow.

Hydra Essence Serum for Intensive Hydration

The Hydra Essence Serum is a potent serum that gives intensive hydration to skin that is feeling tight, mature and dry. Maybe you’ve been out in the cold weather, or you work under air conditioning. Maybe your skin is flaking due to hormonal changes from pregnancy or menopause. Or perhaps you’ve come back from a winter break and your skin is looking more lined and dehydrated due to the sun. This is the one for you. It contains amazing ingredients that really work to nourish the skin from within. 

As with both Serums you only need 1 pipette massaged onto your face daily (use under moisturiser). It’s a lightweight consistency so a little goes a long way, and it immediately sinks into the skin, leaving it feeling comfortable and not tacky.

So what exactly is in the Hydra Essence Serum that helps your skin health, whilst the claims of 8x Hyaluronic Acid Complex ﹢Pro-Vitamin B5 may sound like a chemistry lab, but it’s worth reading up on exactly how the ingredients work.

• Panthenol - helps soothe the skin and as it acts as a humectant it binds water to the skin, preventing moisture loss.
• Hydroxyacetophenone - this rather scary ingredient acts as a preservative however, is also a synthetic antioxidant which helps condition the skin.
• Arginine - an amino acid that is skin repairing, excellent for damaged skin from UV rays.
• Hydrogenated Castor Oil - non pore clogging, this acts as an emollient to help keep skin nourished and supple.
• Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans - another long worded ingredient that actually helps with skin cell renewal. It contains glucosamine and glucuronic acid (as sugar acid) that helps to support your skin protein (collagen). 
• Sodium Hyaluronate - the last ingredients are all about the ‘Hyaluronates’. This ingredient binds water to the skin, so that your skin immediately looks plumper, lines are visibly diminished, and it also works by getting into the deeper layers of the skin. 
• Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer - this is essentially the same ingredient except the ‘Crosspolymer’ acts as a structure to keep it within the skin, thus aiding in longer hydration.

Instant Glow Serum Vitamin Complex

This is the one that I’ve been religiously using every day. It’s ideal as mentioned above if you have been unwell, your skin is lacking radiance and you look tired and lack colour. It has great ingredients (well known in the beauty industry), that really inject a cocktail of ingredients to liven up dull skin types.

It is slightly milky in texture, and again you only need 1 pipette to cover your face. There is a massage technique on the side of the box that is recommended for both skin serums, and it’s recommended you massage with their ‘heart shape’ technique.

Whilst it is difficult to show in the photo, there is a definite difference on my hand. You can see that the skin glows from within, illuminating the skin.

So what are these amazing ingredients! 

• Niacinamide - one of the top ingredients listed (so in high quantity), Niacinamide is the ‘Holy Grail’ ingredient that gets us beauty editors in a tizzy. It is actually vitamin B3 and on the skin has the ability to boost skin brightness, giving that youthful glow.
• Hydrogenated Lecithin - contains essential fatty acids that soothe and nourish dry skin types. 
• Ascorbic Acid - Vitamin C, often used in skincare to give radiance and a natural glow. Vitamin C also reduces the signs of aging.
• Citric Acid - is an ingredient used to prevent inflammation, and is ideal if you have oily and acne prone skin. It also helps to work on pigmentation and correct uneven skin tone.
• Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil - Orange Peel Oil, again this has high quantities of Vitamin C, that helps protect the skin from UV rays and pollution. 

Both serums have impressed me, as there wasn’t too many ‘filler’ ingredients so you can be assured that the quality and quantity of actives are very good. Both are free from chemical nasties such as Silicones, Sulphates and Alcohol.

You can check out more on the products or purchase by clicking the link HERE

Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Body Butter & Cheirosa 59 Perfume Mist Review

 

The latest edition to the Sol de Janeiro range is the Delicia Drench Body Butter Cheirosa 59 and their delightful new Cheirosa 59 Perfume Mist - note launch date is February 1st (just in time for Valentines)! Cheirosa translates to ‘smell nice’.

I will start with the Perfume Mist review first, as my eldest daughter is begging to bag it for her own!

Cheirosa 59 Perfume Mist RRP 240ml £35 / 90ml £22

Firstly, before I begin this is not just a ‘perfume mist’ as I found the fragrance lasted a lot longer on me than my normal body spray. However, it is a mist in that the product sprays as a mist, and so is ideal for spritzing over your hair or body. Due to its strength you only need one or two pumps as it is quite strong. 

It is sweet and comforting in scent, with top notes of Vanilla Orchid that envelope the body with a ‘cocoon like security blanket’. Almost creamy, this powdery scent is feminine and sweet with Sugared Violet  however, base notes of Sandalwood stop it from becoming ‘sickly’ sweet and leave just a delicate edge. It is a little like Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb and if you like fragrances such as Marc Jacob’s Daisy Love then you will like this. Warming, nurturing and soft, the fragrance lasted a good 5 hours on me (put through the test of a spinning class and Pilates class)!

Delicia Drench Body Butter Cheirosa 59 Fragrance RRP 240ml £48 / 75ml £22

It was only a short while ago I wrote up on the original ‘Bum Bum’ Cream, and I was incredibly impressed with the ingredients. The ingredients for the Delicia Drench Body Butter do not disappoint, and come with the added benefit that it smells utterly edible in the same scent as the Perfume Mist. 

Such ingredients include:-

• Shea Butter - this healing butter aids in soothing eczema and other anti-inflammatory skin conditions. 
• Coconut Oil - skin strengthening, helps replenish lost moisture. 
• Hyaluronic Acid - prevents moisture loss, keeps skin looking and feeling supple. 
• Prebiotic Hibiscus - an antioxidant that is full of Vitamin A, helps boost cell regeneration and aids in healing of cracked skin. 
• Balsam Copaiba Resin - a balancing ingredient, ideal if you suffer with acne or pimples. Helps regulate skin oil (sebum). 
• Passionflower Seed Oil - hydrating oil, ideal for itchy and dry skin types. It has a high quantity of omega 6 acid, and also lycopene that soothes sunburn. 
• Bacuri Seed Butter - helps with collagen and elastin production. 
• Squalane - an emollient that really helps nourish very dry areas, such as knees and elbows, it’s non-comedogenic so won’t block the pores. 
• Achiote Seed Extract - has high amounts of fatty acids, so very nourishing and anti-inflammatory, helps with sunburn and calms irritated skin.

The texture is like thick, whipped cream and a little goes a long way. It spreads easily over the body without leaving any greasy or sticky residue. It’s the ideal solution for those wanting to bare their legs (banishes crocodile skin immediately), and keeping the skin in tip top condition, preparing for those summer months.

You can purchase Nationwide from February 1st and find out more information via their website, clicking the link HERE

L’Occitane Winter Skin Care Sample Review

 

As you will see from my previous posts, there’s been a theme during this cold snap of how the winter elements can affect our skin. If you suffer from sensitive skin, be it from allergies or hormonal changes then you may find that the cold weather exacerbates your skin conditions even more. It is vital to choose skin care products that protect your skin from these elements and so it’s worth revamping your skincare during these cold months

L’Occitane has a range dedicated to sensitive skin conditions. Using ingredients that not only protect the skin but also to soothe conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dry and chapped skin etc, whilst at the same time feeding the skin with anti-oxidants and skin protectors. Such ingredients also give a barrier to guard against icy cold conditions, central heating, UV rays (which are deceptively strong, even in winter) and pollution.

Shea Miceller Water 200ml RRP £22

If you suffer from sensitive skin, it’s wise to choose a cleansing product that will get rid of dirt, grime and makeup without stripping the natural oils of your skin. Often cleansers contain harsh ingredients so that after make up removal, your skin may feel tighter. The Shea Miceller Water not only removes all the pollution and grime, but leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft and supple. 

Naturally the biggest ingredient in this list is water however, where the Miceller Water really comes into play, making it a must have for sensitive skin is the quality of Shea, as well as other ingredients.

• Propanediol Glycerin - a non-comedogenic humectant derived naturally from corn sugar, this helps retain moisture so improves hydration, without clogging pores. 
• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract - anti-inflammatory this is an ideal ingredient for those with redness, skin irritation such as tight and itchy skin. It also helps stimulate collagen.
• Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Water - a fruit extract with plentiful benefits to the skin. It naturally exfoliates, leaving skin looking brighter and more radiant, as well as being anti-bacterial and anti-microbial. This ingredient is excellent for those who suffer with acne and breakouts. 

You only need a couple of pumps on cotton wool pads, swiped across your face and neck to leave your skin purified, free from makeup (it works well even on waterproof makeup) and feeling refreshed.

Shea Light Comforting Face Cream 50ml RRP £32

This light, non greasy moisturiser is ideal for those with sensitive skin especially if you are suffering from hormonal breakouts. Often we may find that our skin needs the hydration but creams formulated for such types leave them prone to breakouts. This light cream is non-pore clogging and won’t leave your face feeling greasy.

It contains 5% Shea Butter so gives 24 hour hydration and therefore ideal for combatting the winter elements of icy cold air and central heating. If, like me, you like to blast your car heating up then this is a must have to protect the skin from dehydration and developing fine lines. The Shea Butter is ethically and sustainably sourced from Burkina Faso (West Africa) & Ghana.

At L’OCCITANE, we believe in gender equality and empowering women to achieve their goals. Through our work in Burkina Faso, we’ve enabled the women who make our shea butter to gain more independence. Our Foundation has helped them to have access to microcredits, literacy programmes and education for their children. Every year, we sell fund-raising products to promote women’s leadership. These may seem like little steps, but they can make a big difference.

 As well as Shea Butter it also contains:-

• Octyldodecyl Myristate - an emollient that forms a barrier on the skin, protecting it from environmental elements and aggressors, without blocking the pores. It leaves skin feeling silky soft.
• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - has a combination of fatty acids that really helps calm irritated skin, whilst also giving it nourishment. It has in it Vitamin E, which helps protect against UV rays and combats the signs of ageing.  It also has anti-inflammatory Linoleic acid that is beneficial to skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. 

The consistency is like whipped cream, and you only need a small amount to cover the face and neck. Skin is left feeling supple and moisturised. It has 85 glowing reviews on the website with loyal customers stating ‘This lighter cream is nothing short of divine’, ‘Have used many many many products over the years and I cannot recommend this enough’.

Immortelle Reset Night Serum 30ml RRP £55

I have written about this before in depth however, when I put a call out for ‘Winter skincare’, this was also sent to me. It’s understandable why as this lightweight serum really is the ‘Holy Grail’ for anti-aging and leaving you waking up with skin, as if you’d had a facial. 

There is a whole range that is included in the Immortelle range (Helichyrsum, also known as the Curry Plant). Many of these reviews are on my previous blog posts. I was especially excited as I grow the Curry Plant in my garden (which made for a fabulous photo backdrop - it’s all cut back at the moment for Winter). Anyway so just what do the ingredients include that make it such a great serum?

• Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil - helps seal in moisture so skin is left feeling supple and nourished. 
• Helichyrsum Italicum Flower Oil - aka Immortelle, rich in anti-inflammatories, this healing oil not only protects from free radicals (sun exposure) etc however, also can help with scarring. It’s ideal to use if you have also spent too much time in the sun as reduces redness and skin irritation.
• Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract - this natural antiseptic (Marjoram) is often used as an essential oil in aromatherapy to help heal infections and prevent pimples and acne. It’s wonderful for hormonal breakouts especially teenage skin and menopause. 
• Acmella Oleracea Extract - this anti-aging fruit extract is a potent anti-wrinkle extract that helps delay the signs of aging by acting as a muscle relaxant. Indeed it is often compared as a natural anti-wrinkle injection alternative. 
• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - as above this oil helps nourish and calm irritated, dry skin types. 
• Adenosine - another potent ingredient that is used in skincare to reduce the depth of fine lines and wrinkles. It is derived from yeast and not only naturally exfoliates but gives radiance and helps soothe sensitive skin types.

You only need a small amount of this clear, light weight serum applied to the face and neck in the evening. Please check out the reviews before you buy as I am certain you will be impressed by the 255 customer testimonials giving claims such as “From day one, I woke up and looked a few years younger’. I personally love the Immortelle range, as it’s ideal for sensitive skins but really does help give you that natural, smooth glow.

The products are all sustainably sourced, with ingredients being traceable and being cultivated and harvested without harming the environment. Many of their products can be used as ‘re-fills’ to help reduce packaging. All the above can all be purchased by clicking the link HERE

Fudge Damage Rewind & One Shot Hair Review

 

You may have noticed in this recently cold snap of weather that not only is your skin playing up, but your healthy locks have started to misbehave. Like skin, hair is receptive to the weather elements and environmental aggressors such as wind, cold air, central heating and pollution. You may find that it is looking dull, that it’s been prone to breaking and that it is looking lack lustre. Not just due to the weather elements but also due to heat styling (especially over Christmas). You may find you’ve taken up swimming and that the chlorine is also drying out those strands. So if ever there is a time to ramp up your hair products, then it is most certainly Winter! Luckily Fudge Professional have got you covered!

Damage Rewind Reconstructing Shampoo 250ml RRP £14 / Damage Rewind Reconstructing Conditioner 250ml RRP £14

The Fudge Reconstructing Shampoo & Conditioner have been formulated to make hair stronger, less prone to breakage and to repair from within. The claims of 90% stronger hair instantly are boldly put on the front of the packaging however, this is all done to the Opti-Plex™ Technology.

The ingredients are specifically formulated to penetrate into the hair shaft, and provide all the nutrients to build stronger and healthier strands from within. Hair that has been chemically treated, heat treated, coloured etc is given better protection from environmental elements and is also protected from colour fade.

There are several ingredients in the shampoo (in no particular order) that aid better hair health such as:-

• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein - helps improve elasticity, retains moisture so hair is less prone to breaking and is hydrated. 
• Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate - one of the main ingredients, this natural cleanser helps remove dirt and excess oil, without drying out the hair and thus is good for the most sensitive of hair types.
• Citric Acid - helps rid hair of dandruff and leaves hair soft and shiny.
• Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium - yes that’s a mouthful however, it’s actually derived from Guar Gum. A natural conditioning agent that leaves hair tangle free, anti-static and full of shine.
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine - derived from coconut oil, again a natural cleanser to the harsher sulfates often found in shampoos. This gentle cleanser helps moisturise and condition the hair.

Whilst the shampoo is a great shampoo as so gentle, the real conditioning ingredients are obviously in the conditioner. This conditioner is designed to inject every hair strand with powerful moisturising ingredients to leave hair much stronger and resilient. Ingredients such as:-

• Hydrogenated Castor Oil - a wonder ingredient in hair care, not only does this strengthen fine and fragile hair, but this deep penetrating and healing oil, works wonders on promoting hair growth and nourishing a dry scalp. It is antibacterial and anti-fungal so works to soothe conditions such as eczema.
• Behentrimonium Chloride - ideal for those with frizzy and porous hair, this detangles leaving hair feeling incredibly silky and smooth.

The One Shot 150ml RRP £14

This is the ideal solution for those who need a heat protector spray (from using electrical appliances), or, if like me, use the car heater on full blast in the morning! It not only protects the hair from heat damage but it also strengthens the hair, whilst detangling and acting as a leave-in conditioner.

There are several active ingredients that leave your hair stronger and better protected against heat elements. Such as:-

• Panthenol - softening, strengthening, this humectant helps penetrate moisture deep into the hair shaft. 
• Acetic Acid - is actually a byproduct of fermentation, so it’s in vinegar. In hair products it helps to eliminate dandruff and sooth scalp irritation. 
• Hydrolyzed Silk - helps prevent breakage, helps hair retain moisture and makes hair more resilient. Ideal for those with hair breakage and snapping ends. 
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein - adds volume and strength to fine, limp hair. Excellent for colour treated and chemically treated hair. 
• Glycerine - a conditioner that is excellent for frizzy, curly hair types, prevents split ends. 
• Paulina Cupana Seed Extract - aka Guarana - this stimulating ingredient has a high concentrate of caffeine and so encourages hair growth. It’s excellent for those who are suffering from fine, fragile hair, be it hormonal or from over-processing. It is anti-microbial so protects the scalp, has lots of anti-oxidants and protects hair from pollution.

I have very dry, bleached hair and had recently had it highlighted again with baby lights. This left is prone to tangling very easily and looking dry. The regime has been fantastic and, whilst the photo is taken in the sun, you can see for yourself my hair looks in optimum condition.

The range is cruelty free and you can purchase it by clicking the link HERE