Shishedo - Ultimate power concentrate

Shiseido Website

So I was lucky enough to be picked for this Shiseiso trial. I have to just use this product for 4 weeks then report back to Shiseido HQ.

They say :
 The ultimate serum for enhancing skin's multi-defensive power against signs of aging, environmental factors and daily stress. Day by day, your skin becomes smoother and more resilient. Your complexion appears to glow with more radiance. It works with your skincare to boost the benefits, for women of all ages. 


How to apply : 
Apply morning and night after cleansing and softening the face. When using other serums, apply Ultimune first to enhance the benefits of the following treatments.

So the product was sent in a beautiful red bag with a ribbon securing it. Inside red tissue paper, with the Shiseido name printed on it.  So if your looking for a hydrating product to indulge in, then maybe try this at your nearest counter. I'm of dry/normal skin and this has been a pure joy to use. I found it kept my dry areas hydrated and not irritated. I found this product was just as effective as the under-eye shields that shishedo make. I would say shishedo has not as yet disappointed, plus it's probably the only high end products I would invest in. So have a wander on launch too trial this lovely addition to the shishedo family.

HealGel - Face

HealGel Website

So the lovely people from HealGel sent me a bottle of there Face Serum for review. HealGel was compleatly new to me until I saw a review on Pixiwoo. Highly recommended to dry skins when the weather goes cold and most damage is done. It will benefit everyone whom uses it, even after a facial it's the ideal way to get moisture in to the skin. 

They say

-- HealGel Face is an exceptional anti-ageing formula designed to smooth, firm and replenish to give instantly plumper, revitalised looking skin.

 -- This step-changing complex acts like HealGel Intensive to rescue unhappy skin, but then takes its transformative effect to the next level.  Arnica and Madecassoside are suspended in liposomes with powerful peptides and biodynes to initiate a uniquely soothing and collagen boosting process.  HealGel Face also contains a unique blend of Omega Oils to replenish dehydrated skin and restore elasticity.  To this another vital dimension is added; a powerful three part hyaluronic acid complex provides a plumping and tightening effect. 

All the HealGel products ive found are light weight, very quickly absorbed into the skin plus lightly scented with natural oils. There is a slight difference with this formula as it's a mix of gel with a cream. It looks like a cream but spreads like a serum. I had worried, as I do love the other products so much because of there gel forumla. However this does not disappoint and I used this regularly. I admit I was glad it was in my bag when I was in hospital. My skin and winter do not mix and dryness is my main enemy. 

So one pump is sufficient to apply to all areas of the face. As it's being massaged into the skin, the warmth makes it disperse with ease. To say that HealGel has compleatly given me confidence, in my winter skin is an understatement. If you suffer dry patches in areas that can be stubborn, then this may assist you. It's quite an investment but I will be saving to repurchase when I can, as I have total faith in the products. 

It lasts a long time (obviously dependent on your use) when used in the morning and evening. The smell for a natural product is not overpowering and disperses quickly. The only scent left was reminant on my hands after I massaged it into my face. I would advise a good massage into the skin, really reach those areas that the may get missed. Especially area's round the nose, cheeks,

corners of the lips and by the ears. 

With the plumping aspect of the product this defiantly does become noticeable. Now I can't say if its because I massage in the evening with it and just apply in the morning. However I've noticed that my skin has been complimented vastly. My main area I noticed was my mouth, now I was very aware of fine lines forming. I had so much trouble with lipsticks beginning to bleed, now they dont do this as before. So if that's down to my hydration being optimised, or my skin improving then another bonus. 

HealGel without a doubt is my holy grail product now and yes price wise it's higher end. However if you could afford one then in a quick run down, they all offer hydration but additional benfits of ; 

  -Intensive intense hydrator & restore

  -Face offers anti-aging & plumping 

   -Eye will rejuvenate & awaken 

 So in my opinion which ever suits your need then its a worthwhile product to have. I know I will have to save for my next purchase, as I really want to have intensive in my daily regime.

So thank you HealGel for introducing me to your products this year. I've felt like this winter has been my most confident within my skin. So it's priceless when you feel that way, against the cost of the actual product. 

Wishing all the staff at HealGel an amazing Christmas and New year. 

HealGel website

Have you tried HealGel ? 

Dove - New hair care system

Dove Website

Now Dove is a well known brand for skincare but did you know they have branched into haircare ? Well with the help of Dove hair ambassador Christian wood, they now have the products to deliver beautifully nourished hair. So with the kind assistance of Dove and the beautiful set I was sent, I'm going to run you through the 4 haircare products. 

Products for review are 

Dove hair therapy :

Refresh and care - Dry shampoo 

Style and care - Heat protect spray

Style and care - Cream serum

Style and care - Moisturising dry ends serum 

I'm really excited to trial these products from Dove as my hair is long, curly and mostly a frizzy mess. Unless I have a brilliant serum and a can of mousse, it's plaited and kept tangle free. As the one thing I find with products for curly hair is they usually are so overly sticky or heavy to the hair. I would usually either end up with hair so crisp from product you would wonder how it doesn't break or a no product frizzy mess.  So with the wheel guide I'm going to give you a run down on each product and how it does for my hair type.  Firstly the Dry shampoo which I have used so I can wash and apply the other products. They advise to apply to damp towel dried hair. 

So with the Dry shampoo you can use this to give a refreshing boost to your hair, if you have not got time to fully wash and style. Also dry shampoo if applied to the roots can give a lift to the hair as that's where oil can build up and leave hair looking flat. So this absorbs the oil to boost from the root and add that volume you maybe lacking.  I must say I have only ever used one brand of dry shampoo. This offering from Dove is lovely and fresh to use, I also didn't get any white cast. My hair felt clean after I used this as I have dry hair, so I don't wash it daily. However I think people with oily hair would like this product, as my hair feels lighter and clean from all product residues. Very impressed and for the 200ml can priced at £4.59, (depending on retailer) I would consider re-purchasing.

Next we have the 3 style and care products, starting with the Frizz free shine cream serum. This product along with the dry ends serum was what I was very excited about. I have as yet not found a serum I like or feel works. As I want an item to make my hair look healthy and just glowing, but also lightweight. 

This styling cream and dry ends serum I feel is light weight. One squirt of serum after you have styled you hair, is really effective. I was highly impressed with this product as serums can run quite expensive. Especially if you have curly hair and need a fair amount. One pump for straightened hair and two for curly is enough. I say two for curly as my hair becomes seriously thicker. The styling cream I found was for more curly styling as I didn't want to weight my hair when straight with too much product as it tends to kink. 

So I chose to review this item last as I straighten my hair once, then I will leave it till the next wash is due. Because my hair is frizzy I tend to give it a break before applying heat again. If I don't then I will split and damage the hair beyond repair. So I will make a point of doing a monthly hair mask along with my facial routine and overall pamper session. Just to add some health back to my hair. It seems to work as my hair is not overtly frizzy when I straighten it. As long as I use a good heat protectant, then I will be able to spray with some lightweight hairspray and my hair will hold. 

So with the new Dove style and spray heat protectant, I was excited as to have a lightweight protectant that Nourish's too is what I'm always on the hunt for. So it protects up to 230 degrees which is standard for most ceramic flat irons, however mine can go higher for a "flash blast" on pesky areas of hair. I rarely use that function but it's there.  It says that "the combination of silicones and conditioning agents provide a sublime shine. Whilst protecting the hair fibres during heat styling". I've done a picture of my hair with the product in. 

As you can see my hair is not frizzy and smooth with just a small amount of spritz. Plus it's not feeling weighted down or increased "straigtener burn" which is what I say when I hear my hair crackle. I didn't have this as the product sprays a light mist and I found adding to dry hair more effective. I personally would not straighten my hair damp.

So I'm exceedingly impressed with the new Dove styling products, they are affordable and give excellent results. I would defiantly repurchase these rather then the expensive counterparts. 

Nourish Skincare - Protect Mini Kit Review

http://www.nourishskinrange.com

Nourish is a vegan and impressive range of skincare, inspired by mother nature herself.
Cleanse, Tone and moisturising steps matched with your core skin type.
Then the nurturing step of adding concentrated peptides will have you skin shouting "Hoorah"
 with summer somewhat wanting to burst through the sky, all our skins are a little confused plus dehydrated and not enjoying this period of the year. So now you get your skin radiant with hydration and balance. Plus its vegan and Nature friendly.

Nourish Nature and Nurture

Our skin is a dynamic organ, not simply a surface, but an active interface between our outside world and our inside world, affected every day by both internal and external influences. The way our skin reacts to those influences, how it looks and ages, is most influenced by two factors: core skin type and lifestyle. So we have designed Nourish, a natural, anti-ageing skincare range that is perfect for daily skin care needs (Nature), but also helps you optimise your skin's health around the life you lead (Nurture).

Nourish Mini Kit - Nourish protect for Dry skin types 

So going by the above statement from the company website we can see here the 4 Core types they cater too. Within in each type there will be a range of products best suited to you skin plus help restore its balance and health. We all lead busy lives and the environmental changes around us can have a massive impact on how we should go about treating certain complaints.

So the 4 Skin types and ranges they do are
Dry skin - Nourish Protect
Normal - Nourish Radiance
Sensitive skin - Nourish relax
Combination skin - Nourish Balance

Our Nourish Protect Skin Hero: Vitamin C

As one of nature's most effective antioxidants, Vitamin C helps protect the skin's structural proteins, collagen and elastin, from free-radical damage, ensuring your skin is firm, supple and resilient. Protect features a vitamin-rich extract from fresh, organic Sicilian lemons, bursting with goodness and vitality.

So with this in mind they offered me the Nourish Protect skincare system in a mini kit as pictured above to trial. If your only needing a particular product, you feel you need for your daily routine you can also buy them separately. So I'm of the Dry skin category and that means I'm Nourish Protect. Thats one of the beautiful things about these kits, as now i know once summer and the weather generally rises a few degrees, i notice my skins not as difficult to control. The mini kits are beautiful and so well presented. They encompass the vegan and natural ethos of the company so well with its design. Its very arty without being over the top on the front, plus the labels are straight and too the point of what its for and will do. I like that the nourish logo is simple plus the Protect range it has almost a citrusy smell.

Nourish Protect Mini Kit contents 

So the Nourish protect range is made up of Carrot extract, Omega Shea butter and Vitamin E, Now it also says these ingredients act as natural anti-aging to soften the skin and help prevent further dehydration taking place. So the First step is Cleansing lotion which is made up of gentle emollients, packed full of water and lemon extract, which is why i could smell the citrus scent. Plus essential oils and also sunflower oils and orange scents too. Now this cleanser is lovely, i used it on a damp wipe and it really does break down the oils and hidden nasties on the skin you may have missed. Then i just take a cold cotton pad and lightly sweep my face again to remove any residue, not that i could feel any but its whats advised in the directions.

Cleanser

Then the next step is Toning with the Protect cooling Toning mist. Now toner closes the pores helps the prevention of build-up, Again with a citrus smell this light mist leaves an even coverage, i found one spray sufficient enough as the pump is very good. It really does find the contour of the face for that even layer of product. Now its to balance pH and for the preparation for moisturiser  and serums. I use this in the morning and night time regimes. As i find it very refreshing and it really wakes me up, plus seems to make my "eye bags" less prominent , Again similar ingredients to the cleanser.

Cooling Toning Mist 

Here we move onto the Moisturiser which seems to be a very popular product indeed. Packed with Rose-hip, Orange and mandarin oils, this signature blend they say is full of natural anti-oxidents and will help protect the skin. Now i would say this is a really light cream and really all these products absorb so well and quickly into the skin. Im loving the scents of them all, as with some natural products i do find the scent a little over bearing. Then i cant enjoy the whole process of just unwinding down. So if your the same and want subtle scent then try these products as they are brilliantly balanced in scent too. I smell like a fresh lemon in hot water. Really lovely scents plus fresh and calming.

Nourish Moisture Protect 

So finally in the Mini kit we have the Protect Replenishing peptide serum, which is again packed full of natural oils. It says its the perfect hydrator leaving the skin feeling nourished and protected. Now this is universal to all skin types. With the reason being that it retextures the skin and then gives it a rejuvenated look. Plus can be used as a protecting primer. Now i really like this Serum as you need 1 pump then i rub my fingers together and smoothed over the skin. Now it does spread really well and also i used a downward motion like all the primers i use to get a even finish. Now it does say apply a small amount to fingertip then dot around the face like you would apply foundation. Plus in hindsight i did think i maybe used a little too much with a full pump. So now that i know it should be used more sparingly so my makeup does not slide all over the place.

Replenishing Peptide Serum 


So what do i think, well I love the Mini kit as its got a gentle, natural selection of products that i have fallen in love with especially the cleanser and the Serum. I cannot see the serum lasting me too long as i always use a primer, plus i would apply a little dot before bed to just keep my cheeks nicely hydrated.
The moisturiser is really good and absorbs well but when it comes to moisturisers i have to use them for ages and see noticeable difference. So i can say my skin is softer and it really has opened my eyes to the cleanser, as i own a tool to help cleanse my face. I don't like using it each night as it would just break me out from over-use. So this cleanser i can see the left over makeup and just nasties i thought i had removed. Plus it freshens you up in the morning combined with the mist.
So out of the whole kit i would repurchase the Mist toner, cleanser and most defiantly the serum. Its an affordable brand too, so i would defiantly repurchase the full sized items. Im forever needing primer plus this doubles as serum, The mist i think i could use as a cheaper version of a Fix plus (will be trying  that duo to see ) to close my pores again before makeup application, then poor cleanser would be called for to remove all this mess i create in look-book posts, so there is my rational to having full sized items.
So thank you nourish.

Nourish - Twitter

Nourish - Facebook

Crystal care Skincare -

So Crystal Clear Skincare launched in 1995 and the brainchild of Sharon Hilditch MBE, first qualified in beauty therapy when she was 17 years old and after running and owning her own salon for many years she then took 5 years to learn about skincare working with many experts including a 6 month period with american dermatologists to see the affects of skin peeling. After this she spent more time learning with a italian doctor and wanted to develop a line of skincare to help prevent the need for surgical procedures used for anti ageing and laser purposes.

The Ethos of Crystal Clear Skincare

We've been committed to solving the important skincare issues that make such a difference to our customers' lives. As well as this commitment, we've got a set of four key values that guide every decision we make. They represent who we are, and we'd never compromise them.

Firstly, we're dedicated to innovating new treatments and products to solve your skincare needs: whether you suffer from acne, dry skin or simply need an extremely effective anti-ageing treatment or product. Secondly we always aim to be uplifting, from the ambience in our salons to our new product ranges. Building on this, we want to be inspirational with our positive attitude to skincare. And finally, we're results-focused: whether we're holding a personal consultation or developing a brand new salon treatment.

So I was kindly given the opportunity to review some of the range and really keen to see the affects of the products after doing extensive reading and watching of the information on the Crystal Clear skin cares website.

Skin polish

The skin polish is a fine thick polish that smells very natural, it reminds me of cane sugar almost. It is very hydrating and as well as being an exfoliator. Doesn't feel rough or abrasive to the skin like some exfoliators can do. I was surprised as I've tried a lot of exfoliators and i rarely find one i like but this one for days I'm feeling quite rough and needing to add something to my routine, this is really nice. I would say that i really as much as the glass pot is pretty, i hate them for products in the bathroom. I have a shower so i find i have to scoop some onto my soap dish rather then dig my wet hand in and ruin the rest. As i hate and this may be a pet peeve of mine , but soggy looking products that look a bit off. After they have some water added, i would just prefer a squeeze tube of some sort.

Rolling back the years

Well wow, my eyes and myself loving this under eye roller. Really does wake me up and make my bags look less puffy. Don't get me wrong this isn't a bag miracle but its well known that a cold and serum under the eye will perk them up. Hydration in this form is just another way of application of product. So for mornings when concealer will just not do, this will help settle it down. No bear in mind my under eyes get super dry as its my problem area. So this in the morning will add more hydration to a dry skin after a night of sleep. 

Skin repair Serum

Skin repair for hydration is brilliant and I've been loving the absorption, the packaging is amazing and sleek. I really do love how it looks and i have used this system in the morning, where i exfoliate, moisturise then use the serum. So its been my base for the morning. Now i know my skin is a pain in the rear and nothing will resolve the dry skin bar the good old sun and some big doses of vitamin d. I think as a whole this system does help and also maintains my skin. Helps to hydrate as all moisture addition will. I will have to use it all to get to the bottom of wether it will overall do any major changes as the real test is when you run out and you see what changes happen to your skin.


So im really happy and thankful to Crystal skincare for letting me try there products, I've not had a brilliant month as no sleep with a bug and anaemia the morning routine for my dehydrated and dark circles has really helped. The under eye roller has defiantly helped perk me up in the mornings and a gentle exfoliator has not aggravated my skin.

Do you suffer from dry skin ? What products do you swear by ?

Marine Beauty care - SkinTimes

Marine beauty care is a service in Hertfordshire that offers innovative treatments using peptides and hydolynic acids in its skincare to offer the best in anti-ageing and skin health.

So what they do and the ethos of marine beauty care is

Marine Beauty Care is a skin care company that uses state-of-the-art marine ingredients, plant extracts and latest technology to create the most effective results without using invasive procedures.

We supply qualified beauty therapists with proven anti-ageing and anti–wrinkle solutions, skin whitening and brightening, and problem skin treatments that are proven to generate the best results and keep their clients coming back for more.

Marine Beauty Care is available to salons of all sizes, clinics, mobile therapists and home salons. We also provide professional advice on technical issues and skin problems as well as business and marketing.

Calcium Repair Cream

Packaged in a lovely glass jar and protected with an inside cover to keep all the active ingredients fresh.

So the calcium repair cream with SPF is a really lovely cream that absorbs into the skin really nicely, it contains repair qualities for the skin in helping to maintain and help revitalise the skin. Using a mixture of marine biology which i know has a variety of qualities from helping dry skin and with the salts to help in the reguvinatation and restoration of skin, also most mud masks have derivatives of marine biology so these creams are an exciting to harness those properties. I was excited to trial these.

I really enjoyed using this cream as it doesn't feel to heavy on the skin and aids to my night routine just nicely. I was happy that it did hydrate my skin and help my little dry patches quite nicely so it is defiantly hydrating. I haven't noticed to much difference to my pores or any other change in the redness that i have had but it may take time to notice those sorts of changes.

I do feel like my skin is plumper and a lot more radiant in that its not as dull looking, so the constant routine is defiantly helping. Its very hard to say whilst reviewing creams which I've come to notice is the benefits overall. As one may use something for a time notice some changes then come to a standstill and not notice anything else. So il will finish the jar which is nearly up and then i can see more if stopping its use will have any adverse change or if it will just be that its all it could do to my particular skin. Not a bad judgement just an honest one of what to realistically expect in a cream.

 Calcium repair Cream

So then we move on to the Filler serum which again works with properties consistent to maintaining healthily and firm skin. Consistent with being a powerful anti ageing serum, it was made by dermatologists and therapists as an alternative to Botox. It contains 3 strong ingredients to assist in anti- ageing and they include the Marine collagen, hyaluronic filler and Oligopeptides.

Now in using this serum i can see why its been compared to the alternative to botox, it has settled lines I've had and also miniature fine lines I've had coming up for a while. 

I would encourage women to start using moisturiser and preventive measures against the signs of ageing, as once you start to encourage the skin to repair and also maintain itself then the battle is a lot less painful as you get older. Now I'm all one for growing old gracefully but if i can have a few more years of having a firm and flat canvas to work with i will be a happy and content woman.

Hyaluronic Filler Serum

So overall my review of the Products available for home use are that they are professionally packaged and for a while yes have worked on some areas ive noticed. Some fine lines have diminished some what and my skin is in better condition in that sense. However i haven't noticed any radical changes but i am one person to review only and it may work for others. I just goes to show which ever skin system you  chose to use that you should start soon and using one with certain ingredients that suit the nature of your skin problem plus ones that have anti- ageing properties. 

So if your looking to treat yourself to a facial or some sort of pampering why not give the women at the Marine beauty care a try. The products are lovely and feel amazing. 

Marine beauty Care