Bottoms up as we wait for a new prince or princess

With suspicion arising about when the next royal baby will be making an appearance, The team at Weleda are also celebrating 30 years since launching the original calendula nappy cream, and with celebrities like Jessica Alba, Victoria Beckham, Kimberley Walsh, Liv Tyler, and Fearne Cotton to name a few fans of the natural baby balm, Weleda look back at the award winning cream.

Made with carefully crafted ingredients including extracts of golden calendula (famous for its skin-healing properties) grown organically, together with soothing chamomile. These are combined with nourishing plant oils of sweet almond and organic sesame, plus protective beeswax, purest lanolin from Australia, and comforting zinc oxide to protect your baby’s delicate skin from the very first day.- text from Weleda

• Weleda nappy cream has won 28 awards in the UK alone in the last 10 years 

• Weleda uses over 7 tonnes of fresh calendula flowers in the babycare range

• Weleda has been making baby skincare products since 1959 Weleda has the widest range of natural babycare products on the market

• every single Weleda baby product is NATRUE-certified genuinely all-natural

                        

Available from Waitrose, Boots, Ocado, Whole Foods Market, and leading health stores and pharmacies nationwide, or from the online store at www.weleda.co.uk. Call 0115 944 8200 for stockist information or mail order.

Jane Iredale Make up

When the team at IIAA gave me the opportunity to try some of the Jane Iredale mineral make up, of course i took them up on the offer and i am so glad i did, because it has really changed my view on cosmetics and make up.

Every company from high street to high end have launched a range of mineral make up, they all claim to be great for the skin, better coverage etc....

Who is Jane Iredale
Jane Iredale was a make up artist, who noticed that models and actresses skin would really suffer due to heavy make up, in 1994 Jane launched the brand and strived to provide make up that had benefits for the skin. the foundations all provide SPF and UV filters, and they are developed to work with the skin, but are they easy to use?

The products 

'absence' oil control primer

This is one of the best primers i have used, it really does help to keep the skin matt but it doesn't block the pores or look heavy. i use the sponge included to apply the primer as find it quick and easy, it blends in well and dry to the touch within seconds, you don't have to wait for it to set, a small amount goes a long way so be careful not to over apply.

Pure pressed base mineral foundation - in warm sienna

Pure pressed mineral base is so easy to use, simply sweep the brush gently across the foundation, it does get a little dusty at times, but nothing compared to old school powder foundations, a few gentle sweeps will equip you with enough foundation, gently glide don't press hard and sweep otherwise you will be wasting the foundation.

Balance hydration spray

As with many mineral foundations a setting spray is recommended, this spray is light it just feels like water when sprayed onto skin, no tightness or tingling, and you can use this to help add additional layers of foundation spraying after each layer, i usually do one spray after base foundation and another after touching up imperfections and bronzer, but down to personal preference really, a little goes a long way don't use more then a few sprays. 

bronzer 02

I made the classic mistake of overloading the brush and i looked way to bronzed. from now on i gently sweep the brush over both the bronze and high lighter and start contouring around cheek bones up to temples, i also contour my jaw line slightly to add definition. once you remember less is more you will love this bronzer as much as i do. 

And finally a little bit of lippy! the tinted lip plumper, goes on smooth and leaves your lips feeling like they are only wearing lip balm, a tinted plumper that gives your lips a hint of colour and plumps them using mint and cucumber extracts. i am not a fan of lipsticks or glosses but i love this tinted plumper, my lips feel soft all day.

Summary

Since trying Jane Irerdeal it has reignited my passion for make up, i have suffered with my skin for a few years now and until finding Jane Iredale i didn't really think that wearing make up was a good idea as it would irritate my skin, cause break outs and on occasion make the break outs look worse. I couldn't use anything on the high street or to a degree specialist and luxury brands as these were either not practical - ( takes ages to apply) or they caused big breakouts on my skin. 

So thank you for reminding me that i can still wear make up, without damaging my skin and apply is less then 4 minutes in the morning. i cannot recommend Jane Iredale make up enough and i am excited to discover what other colours and products the brand has to offer. 

to find your nearest Jane Iredale stockist click the links below

https://janeiredale.com/uk/en/where-to-buy.htm

jane Iredale make up in minutes

The pampered prince tells a valuable tale

It makes a change to see male bloggers within the beauty and cosmetic industry, and i was really pleased when a few blog posts popped up on my twitter timeline to see a different view on beauty products, and it made me think that sometimes we forget that men can feel concerned about their skin as much as us woman do? so it is about time that some men came forward and admitted that they too have skin care concerns?

Andy Milward is a facialist and skin care expert and i have recently discovered a beauty blogger! I always enjoy reading other beauty blogs, Andys blog - The pampered prince is very well written, not only products and treatments but also precautions - i thought his post - Dangers of buying professional only products online, really highlights an unspoken area, May of us and i will even admit myself have considered buying professional grade beauty products, this is so dangerous! many companies do not retail on line so chances are your not buying the real product instead a horrid counterfeit with who knows what in it, Andys post explains that even with the best knowledge- unless you have the training and qualification you should truly stay clear of professional products!

The Pampered Prince is a great blog if you get the chance to have a read and offers both professional product and treatment reviews along with some trade secrets to help with every skincare concerns male or female

see links below

http://www.pamperedprince.co.uk

Skin Accumax update!

It has been 3 months since i started taking Accumax. And i have to say i am really starting to see some very promising results, initially i was feeling a little let down, i wasn't seeing massive improvements instantly which was frustrating, but a little patience has defiantly paid off.

• My skin has massively improved
• less oily
• pores are slowly becoming smaller
• Breakouts are few and far between, when i do breakout they go in a day and are no way near the big bad red spots and lumps i had been suffering with previously.
• Skin tones looks more even and bright

People are actually commenting on my skin and telling me how good it looks! which i have never had before. this has really boosted my confidence as i have previously had hands up overly face trying to conceal my spotty chin, or caking on the make up to cover larger red lumps- which actually just makes it worse!

I am still taking 4 capsules a day and intend to do so for at least 6 months, so i can really see what difference Acumax can make.

If you have Acne or skin prone to spots and you have tried the conventional treatments, or if you want something that requires no facials or treatments at clinics, i highly recommend Accumax, it has made a massive difference to my skin, i really believe that facials/peels alone would not have solved my spots, i think it is a combination of treating the skin from both the inside and the out!

Think over before you make over

I was really pleased to see that the British Association for Plastic and Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons or BAPRAS for short. launched their campaign, think over before you make over, and it really highlights the lack of legislation within the cosmetics industry.

It scared me to read some of the statastics about peoples views and decisions on cosmetic surgery.

"out of 2 million people considering cosmetic surgery in the uk - 25 % did not check out the surgeons credentials".- statistics from bapras

And many people are not really aware of the full impact of the procedure and how this could effect them both physically and emotionally. 

And the most shocking quote by far comes from the president of BAPRAS Nigel Mercer

"people spend more time choosing an electrician then they do a surgeon"

It is incredibly worrying that people really aren't researching clinical treatments, there really needs to be legislation and laws within the cosmetic surgery and aesthetics industry. Patients need to be educated and know the full impact, pros and cons of each procedures, its not a game of chance when having operations whether they are minor or major.

BAPRAS have put together a guide to help both professionals and clients understand procedures and advise all potential clients to research their consultant properly, to ensure they have picked the right consultant for their chosen procedure. see the link below

http://www.bapras.org.uk/public/think-over-before-you-make-over

It is so important to do your own research, a flashy website and glossy commercial should not sway your choice, but sadly too often it clearly does.

I used to think people who chose to have cut price cosmetic procedures must be stupid, if you are paying peanuts then in all honesty what else can you expect. Since researching the cosmetic and aesthetics industry i have realised that when you truly feel that low and unconfident about yourself, it can be very easy to be tempted with these clinics, so rather then judging these individuals i hope that they can see that sometimes it best to wait then to jump in feet first.

I am aware that we now live in a society where looks do play a big part of our daily life, and it scares me to think how my daughter will cope as she grows into a teenager feeling that she needs to look perfect. But i do know that by helping to empower patients and educate them about good and bad surgery will help protect the most vulnerable of people and ensure that best medical practice and results can be received by all.


For more information about the "think over before you make over campaign" and plenty of other interesting articles related to the cosmetic industry click the link below.
http://www.bapras.org.uk

Mummy Workouts- get fit in the comfort of your own home!

Toned and tight abs, a firm bottom and no sign of a bingo wing! i dont think it is a lot to ask for when it comes to getting in shape, But not all Mummys have the chance to get to an exercise class or to a gym, So when i heard about Mummy Workouts i was intrigued to see what the company was about, and did they offer anything more then a standard fitness DVD or for those who are to cheap to buy the dvd like my good self, searching you tube to find a workout that claims to be the next big fitness craze.

7:30pm on a wednesday evening, I'm ready to settle down for the evening, watch bit of telly/write up a blog post, then i remember i am booked in to a mummy workout, so a quick change of clothes, drink of water and i start to get ready for my class.

When you sign up to Mummy workouts you then select which class you would like to participate in, you are sent a link an hour before the class and then 10 minutes before you get a reminder, (this is helpful if you super scatty like me). 

not me

When i click the link a window opens and there in front of me is Tina, she welcomes me along with the other ladies and asks us to get a mat and a drink of water ready, there were 4 other ladies in my class, even though i could see them and hear them, once the workout began i didn't really know they were there, i am aware mummy workouts will shortly be updating their software so the participant will only see the teacher, (so for those of you who are a little shy don't worry)

Then Tina starts the workout and when i say workout i mean a really hard workout, i have previously had personal trainers who work me just as hard as Tina worked us. We did 3 sets of each group of exercises, from planks and press ups, sit ups and lunges (high, impact, interval, training). Tina gave us a full body workout, after 20 minutes i was sweating and my legs and abs were like jelly (i consider myself fairly fit so this is a true judge of how hard the workouts are!). But for those of you who don't think you are up to a tough session, don't worry we were all given easier options and given the chance to rest when ever we needed.

I think this is a great idea, so many woman want to get fit but don't have the time or money to go to a gym, and not forgetting the ladies that don't feel confident enough to go to a exercise class or gym, i know myself, i lost my confident a little after having my son, it really got to me when i went on a hen do when he was about 6 month old, all the other girls were slim, but i felt fat and frumpy and was desperate to loose weight and gain my confidence back.
The other bonus to the webcam workouts, is that the fitness instructor can keep an eye on you ensuring you are in the right positions and not putting yourself in danger, and the little positive comments you get while you work out help you to focus, ignore the burning pain in your legs and carry on to finish the final and hardest set of lunges!
Don't worry the price of Mummy Workouts is a fraction of what you pay for a gym membership or exercise class.

You can check out more info about Mummy Workouts on the link below have your glass of water at the ready!
http://mummyworkouts.com

Will the yummy mummy get rid of her tummy?

Product review Cosmedix - Pure Enzyme Mask

I was really excited to try the Pure Enzyme mask, as i have used Enzyme based products previously and had some really good results, as my skin cells turnover very quickly its trying to get rid of the old dull ones that is the problem!,enzymes are a great way at exfoliating without the harshness or scratch the skin, if you have spots and you scratch those spots with grit and grain exfoliants you just spread the bacteria all over the face and inflame the already inflamed spots, ( i know this from previous experience and really making quite a sore mess of my face!).

Enzymes are the packman of exfoliation they gobble up all the dead and dull skin cells and absorb them, its very clever and a great way to give your skin a real deep down clean without having to use harsh exfoliants. 


This gentle, exfoliating mask harnesses the natural power of cranberry enzymes and lactic acid to tenderly scrub away facial impurities and decongest blocked pores. As active ingredients exfoliate, protect and revitalize the skin, potent, oil-free moisturizers add a dewy softness to blemish-prone skin. - text from Cosmedix.com

Love this product i have been using it for 2 months now, once you have washed your face you apply 2 pumps to damp skin and leave on for 3-15 minutes- as i have a high tolerance to the enzyme now of course i leave mine on for the full 15 minutes! I use this twice a week, 3 times if its that time of the month.

a key product in my skincare regime!, and a must for people with congested skin.

The Yummy Mummy TV is coming

What a week!

This week i have been busy launching my You tube channel, so its taking some time to get back into the recording and setting up but I'm nearly there and look forward to posting videos from next week! 

I am really pleased to announce i will be exclusively reviewing and blogging about Neo Elegance's Neo Body contouring device which is on its way to me as we speak, the innovative team at Neo continue to strive and create devices that are easily used at home and also professional devices which can really add an extra dimension to a facial! for more info on Farrah and her company see the link below.

Neo Elegance

Face peel update

As i have been a good girl and used all the products correctly i was allowed to have big girl face peel at Skin Solutions last week- Timeless is from the tomorrow range of peels, which means you are required to do some prep work in the run up to the peel, introducing retinol is a big factor as well as 3 previous today peels, which i have had. 

The peel didn't hurt and it wasn't quite as orange as the unity peel i have previously had.

72 hours post peel

I hadn't really anticipated any problems or reactions, i naively, just assumed it would be the same as the purity peels, but my skin did have a reaction about 48 hours later, i broke out in spots all over my head, and when i say break out mean big red and sore. Dr Warner advised me this was normal and talked me through the best way to sooth and heal the breakout, 10 days post peel the spots have nearly all gone and my skin looks very clear , but i will update you next week to coincide with the launch of my you tube channel!

Have a good week end

x

Cryotherapy: The Frozen Answer to Beauty Perfection? http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/diet-fitness/news/a10161/cryotherapy-the-frozen-answer-to-beauty-perfection/

Treating the skin from the inside

With daily life taking its toll on our immune systems the appeal of any supplement that can help keep you topped up with all the vitamins and minerals you need seems to be a great idea, but The team at The Advanced Nutrition Programme have not only created a wellness range but also supplements that target skin care concerns.

"The Advanced Nutrition Programme™ is a premium range of supplements which support healthy skin and helps enhance your overall wellbeing. Our pharmaceutical and nutrition consultants select only the highest quality ingredients which your body can easily absorb, and our fish oils are scrupulously screened for pollutants."- text from the advanced nutrition programme.com

Can a tablet really help my skin?

I admit i am a little skeptical, I know we are always being told that certain foods are bad for you, drink plenty of water blah blah blah, But i have read some fantastic reviews and after much consideration and research decided to take the plunge and purchased Skin Accumax™ at just under £70 for a months supply it does seem expensive, but if you compare this to topical treatments such as peels and lasers it works out about the same, this is great for people who don't have time to go to salons, or would rather try something less abrasive and in the comfort of there own home. 

Whats does Skin Accumax contain?

A specific blend of vitamins with a special active nutrient compound as well as Vitamin A,C &E which are all easily absorbed into the body

Initially it is recommended you take 4 capsules a day for 14 weeks, if you are seeing improvements you can lower the dose to 2 capsules a day, which would then bring the cost down to £35 a month, once you are completely happy then you can discontinue completely.

Why am I commencing Skin Accumax?

As a teenager i had the usual spots which i grew out of, i have always suffered with oily skin but since having my 2 beautiful children (now 5 & 3 ) my skin has become more oily, congested and at times sore and red. I have tried some fantastic products which i feel have helped to relieve the spots, but wanted to really get rid of the problem altogether, i am hoping that by not only targeting the problem from the outside but treating the problem from within, my spots and oily skin will hopefully disappear.

After 1 month

I have noticed some subtle improvements:

• Less oily
• Not as congested
• Breakouts not as severe
• Spots not as angry and red 
• Spots clear up more quickly

I will be posting monthly updates so you can follow my progress and see if you believe Skin Accumax has an effect on my skin.

Professional beauty - IIAA

I was really pleased to spend some time with the IIAA team - (International Institute for Anti- Ageing)  and discover a little more about the 3 brands they represent.

Environ

IIAA's Iconic Skincare range still continues to be hugely popular with both professionals and clients, the wait to have your face assessed using the Visa was massive but this doesn't phase the iiaa team they were working through the skin assessments and educating both woman and men about Environ and skin problems and concerns, and of course the "face lift in a bottle" revival masque was flying off the shelf as expected and sold out (again).

There has been a steady rise in wanting to treat the skin from the inside out, daily use of topical creams, lotions and potions are important but sometimes your skin can need a little more, with busy daily lifestyles, its very easy to miss out on essential vitamins and minerals that are important, with that in mind and more research into what the skin requires the Advanced nutrition programme have launched a wide variety of premium supplements to treat a number of skin concerns and increase general health and well being.

I have started Skin Accumax and will be very shortly posting a more detailed post about the background behind Accumax and my results after one month.

And finally I was lucky enough to have Stephanie Bowler from Jane Iredale, give me a mini make -over. I have to say my skin stayed fresh and matt all day! so Jane Iredale you have got me very excited and interested and look forward to trying out more of the range and sharing some great tips and tricks from the professional make up artists at Jane Iredale.

Thank you for looking after me IIAA and I look forward to discovering your 3 ranges.

Remember you can still see iiaa at profession beauty- ExCel in London Docklands.

Professional beauty 2015

With professional beauty just over a week away I was really excited when my pass and show guide arrived, this gave me a sneak peak at some of the brands, showcasing and launching in London next weekend.

Who am i excited about

Decleor

The iconic French brand are launching 5 new body care products at professional beauty these include: a dry oil, a body balm and a serum, I have always liked Decleor's body range and sometimes as many woman do, I forget about my body and spend more time concentrating on my face! So I'm hoping to get my hands on the dry oil as these are super quick to apply and if they are to the usual Decleor standard they will smell deliciously tempting.

Neo Elegance

The team at Neo Elegance will be showcasing the Bio Swiss skincare line as well as there brilliant beauty devices, my favourite is the facelift pro. the device helps to lift and firm the skin and using the blue LED has helped me keep spots at bay! I am also excited to see the Neo Skin Rejuvenator  which is one of the newest devices in the Neo elegance range.  

Neo Skin Rejuvenator
A revolutionary ALL-IN-ONE device that combines LED, Ultrasonic, Massage and Ion Therapy to uncover beautifully perfected skin. The amalgamation of these therapies combats five leading skin problems in one experience:

• Hyper-pigmentation 

• Premature Ageing
• Dehydration
• Swelling
• Acne

Product absorption is dramatically increased and cellular turnover is aided, resulting in a nourished, healthy and hydrated skin complexion. 

Safe enough to use everyday, with no known side effects, a vital beauty must-have that will help you achieve a flawless complexion. you get a chance go and try these devices out and you will be really impressed with the results. - text from Neoelegance.co.uk 

IIAA- Advanced nutrition programe

ANP - will be launching there new Intolerance testing kits, these start with a simple positive or negative intolerance and further tests can then be carried out to pin point exact intolerances. For anyone who has been reading my blog you will know i commenced the Skin Accumax from the Advanced nutrition programme, so it will be great to meet with the team at ANP to learn more about the programme and other supplements available.

The advanced beauty sector is still rising so I'm not surprised to see a dedicated area at professional beauty.

Professional beauty have got some great speakers on the advanced treatments live stage. I'm hoping to listen to Aysha Awwaad- Director of Medico beauty, talk on advancing as a therapist with Cosmedix, And also Dr Neil PJ Walker frcp - Consultant Dermatologist at Oxfords Stratum Clinic, on the Venus Viva Nanofractional radio frequency advance aesthetic treatment. both speakers look really interesting and i will be front row with my note book and pencil at the ready!.

Medico beauty will not only be showcasing Cosmedix, but the professional Luna facial cleanser from Foreo, - I am hoping to get a fusion facial at the show so get ready for me Medico beauty team!

And Finally a beauty show wouldnt be complete without a great manicure, the colour swatches that have got my attention are OPI - Hawaii range they are bright and bold and great to mix and match for the summer, as well as Jessica with their whisper collection which is soft and delicate.

Jessica whisper collection 2015

OPI- Hawaii collection 2015

Weleda nominated for parenting award

I was really pleased to hear that Weleda have been nominated in several categories in the the gentle parenting awards. so what are they nominated for:

• best nappy cream 
• best baby toiletry range 
• best product for paediatric eczema
• best maternity range 
• best teething product 

Voting closes 2 March and there is also a chance to vote for a baby health professional (midwife, doctor, breastfeeding counsellor etc) who deserves an award - this particular award is sponsored by Weleda and is a great chance to award someone who has personally helped you. 

To have your vote please click link below

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GPAwards15

Hand cream up date 

I have been lucky enough to try the gorgeous pomegranate regenerating hand cream, and i am gutted it has run out! you only need a small pea sized amount, it absorb into the hands really quickly and didn't leave my hands greasy, they felt very soft and smooth, this is a great hand cream that does more then just soften the skin, it helps restore moisture and elasticity. i will be ordering my next tube asap!

When i ordering from the Weleda website i spotted this limited edition tin, which i think is a great way to try the brand and also a lovely treat for yourself or someone special. 

see the link below for the lovely limited edition tin !

limited edition gift tin

Dr Alison Warner - Skin Solutions Clinic Oxford

When I first met Dr Alison Warner i couldn't wait to get to her Oxford Clinic and find out what Skin Solutions had to offer.

Dr Warner started her carer as a GP, struggling with her own skin problems and concerns, Alison took some time in a dermatologist role and with 13 years experience and passion, decided it was the right time to start looking at launching her own specialist Bespoke Anti ageing skincare clinic. 

Whilst still practicing as a GP Dr Warner launched Skin Solutions in 2014  and has never looked back since opening the clinic doors in her South Oxfordshire Home.

What treatments are available ?
With 3 major skin and bodycare brands Dr Warner selects what it appropriate for each individual really listening to what the clients skincare concerns are and also how they want to treat their problems,

Advanced facials 
Mainly in the form of a peel are quick and simple, using the correct skincare afterwards will help achieve optium results - From superficial enzyme peels to deep down sea peels, there is peel for everyone and from personal experience and seeing great results i highly recommend a cosmedix purity peel if you have acne and spot prone skin. for more information click here

Microneedling
Treating fine lines and scaring has never been easier with AQ Solutions micro-needling treatment - by gently causing the skin to heal by piercing tiny microscopic holes into the skin this kick starts the bodies healing ability, when needled with powerful serums this will help firm the skin and help scars to heal smoother and less bumpy. for more info click here

Laser
This is one of Dr Warners most popular treatments. and the possibilities with the fractional 1540 laser are amazing.

Photo rejuvination - sometimes as we age our skin looses its luster, uneven skintone and even sun damage can all take its toll on our confidence, the optimized light targets the pigmented/damaged skin, which slowly disappear as your body process healing, revealing more even and smoother skin.

Skin firming and scar reduction - the fractional laser light breaks down the scar tissue, encouraging new tissue stimulation, this then releases collagen which helps with skins elasticity and firmness which will then make the scar less apparent, softening the colour and minimise scaring. for more information click here

Hair removal
IPL Laser hair removal is for those who don't like the hassle of standard hair removal and want a more permanent result sound good, then this is for you. click here

Food and allergy testing 
Dr Warner is really pleased to introduce the new food and allergy testing service, a simple blood test is all is required from yourself, your sample is sent off and tested and results sent back and discussed and analysed by Dr Warner. for more details please phone Skin Solutions to discuss.

Dr Warners Oxford Clinic offers some of the most advanced treatments in a relaxed environment which is 15 minutes drive from the busy city centre, a quiet little village in south Oxfordshire. For anyone who has any skincare concerns I cannot recommend Skin Solutions clinic enough!

beauty predictions 2015 Part 1

With a new year you can always expect new products and trends so what will 2015 bring.

Treating beauty from the inside out.

We are always being told to incorporate all the daily minerals and vitamins into our diet, and with many of us taking supplements to try to keep our bodies in top condition, I was not surprised that with the current booming beauty and anti ageing industry that treating the skin from the inside out will make a massive impact in 2015.

Advanced Nutrition Programme

I have been given the opportunity to try 2 products from the advanced skincare programme:

Skin Omegas +
Contains essential omega oils  including 3 & 6, high quality omega oil sourced from responsible marine habitats. Omega help reduce Inflammation, in particular Marine Omega oil compared to seed Omegas have been written about with clinical trials and medical papers backing up the positive results Marine Omega oil has on the skin and in health in general.

Vitamin A +
Vitamin A helps assist with cellular turnover and helps prevent pore blockage (spots!) Many people use Vitamin A on there skin, as it can be found in many face creams. It also helps strengthen the skins cells and helping with damage from free radicals.

Results
After taking the 2 above supplements for just under a month, i think it would be unfair for me to say if it is these supplements alone that have helped with my Acne. (I have also been having facial peels and changed my skincare regime). but i do think the supplements have played a part in my skin repair.

Advanced nutrition programme has plenty of supplements to assist with many concerns, from detoxing to Acne. But as with any supplement / medication it is important to check with your Dr that it is safe for you to do so.

If Skin Vitamins have got your interest then Reviv clinic in London will really get your heart racing! IV vitamin infusions have slowly made there way into specialist clinics in the UK, Reviv launched in October 2014 and has had some great reviews written. If you are interested see links below.

the cosmedic coach reviv-me-vitamin-injections

http://revivme.com/millie-mackintosh-latest-celebrity-join-vitamin-drip-trend/

http://revivme.com/testimonials/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2408451/Vitamin-drip-firms-rush-cash-fad-thats-tipped-big-Botox.html

Elizabeth Arden 8 hour lip protectant sticks

Elizabeth Arden is well known within the beauty industry with 1000's of counters world wide and with the Iconic "eight hour" collection it was no shock to find them at Gatwick Duty free on my last visit, however this collection was right next to the till so as i stood patiently waiting to pay for my cosmetics i noticed the 8 hour lip set was on offer it was quickly added it to my already large stash of goodies and  excitedly i went back to see if the children were still being well behaved and burning off plenty of energy before we board our flight.

Whats in the box

The box contained 3 Lip protectant sticks, two tinted (plum & blush) and one sheer, the sheer one lived a very short life, (loved using it so much i carried it around with me in my pocket and i stupidly forget to check my pockets and a washing machine cycle later the sheer tint appeared broken and soggy). I loved the sheer tint i would wear it every night, wasn't overly sticky and you don't need much just one pass over the lips. 

Colour swatches 

Blush on the left of hand and on my lips!

 

Blush is so soft and just adds a really natural pink tint to your lips, idiot proof to apply and you can build up colour by applying more and topping up throughout the day.

Plum on me

Colour swatch on right of hand in previous photo.
I use Plum every day currently, it adds a bit of glam to even the dullest of days, a couple of passes across the lips will give you a great deep colour.

The Trio of Lip protectants really did keep my lips moist, especially over the last few cold winter days, you don't have to re apply every 10 minutes, just a few times a day was enough to keep my lips tinted and soft. and this will now become a firm favourite in my make up bag!.

If you want to purchase then individually and in more great shades  you can from the links below.

Net-a-porter

John Lewis

The no pain peel !!!

When i was offered the chance to have a Cosmedix Purity peel at Skin solutions. I jumped at the chance. But i have to admit i was a little nervous, previous peels had sometimes been quite uncomftable, but i can honestly say i was impressed with Cosmedix.

My face was first assessed by Chloe Parry from IIAA using the VISA machine. Dr Alison Warner then assessed my skin and asked me some questions to ensure my skin was suitable for the Purity peel.

First my face is cleansed and to see where exactly the problem areas are. for my skin it is congestion and acne. I am currently struggling with a particularly bad and sore breakout.

Then the peel is applied, what first surprised me is it was more of a thick paste, then a liquid solution, the peel is gently pressed into the skin and left for 10 minutes. To be honest i really didn't feel much more then a tiny tingle, I had braced myself for intense stinging but this never happened. After 10 minutes Dr Warner then patted on a balm and the peel was complete. You ideally keep the peel on for at least 6 hours and then wash it off at home. The only downside is you are left with a yellow tint to the skin, so this did make for an interesting school run. As i attempted to cover my face with sunglasses, a hood and a scarf wrapped up to my eyes, but in all fairness I've had worse looking fake tans!.

that night my skin did feel dry when i washed off the peel but this is what you expect. Dr Warner had carefully selected my bespoke skincare routine (we discussed a choice of Environ products from IIAA or Cosmedix, Cosmedix products packed a bit more of a punch and less products were required, but these were more expensive then environ about £50)

Cosmedix - Purity Clean exfoliating cleanser

Only a small amount of this face wash is required meaning it is great value for money, its easy to use and gives you a very small lather so you do actually feel like you are washing your face, with cooling peppermint, lavender and tea tree oil, this helps to keep the pores unclogged and the skin fresh and blemish free!

Results RX- by Cosmedix - Anti redness serum, Reduce

This is a physician only range which means it formula is incredibly potent, the Reduce serum is designed to help calm redness so this would help me reduce the redness caused by acne, this product doesn't smell great, but only a small amount once a day in the morning is required, this is my least favourite of my new skincare.

Cosmedix - Clarity, acne and breakout control serum

Love this serum, the fresh and zingy smell is instantly uplifting, tea tree, witch hazel and calming willow, aid the skin in controlling breakouts and diminishing the appearance of scars and finally the  proprietary retinol complex really makes this a must have for oily prone skin. you only need a pea size amount, and absorbs into the skin super quick.

Cosmedix - Phytoclear clarifying moisturiser

This anti - ageing moisturiser is perfect for oily prone skin, usually oily skin struggles with moisturisers as they can clog the pores and leave the skin very greasy! Phytoclear has been special formulated with vitamin B to help fight the signs of ageing without leaving the skin dry and dull. as with the clarity serum a pea sized amount is more then enough for the face and neck.

The great thing about my new skincare routine is its the same products day and night, and simple to use. 

Post peel 24 hours 

So far i have noticed my skin has become oily, but i will give this 2 weeks as when you change your skincare products this can happen and this is what usually happens to me post peel.

Post peel 7 days

Skin is clearer, pores look smaller, skin tone looks more even, skin has slowly decreased daily in oiliness, less redness.

I have been really impressed with the Purity peel by Cosmedix and i really do think after having 3/4 peels at 2 weeks apart will really help my skin.

Really big thank you for Dr Alison Warner for managing to fit me into her busy Oxford clinic. I will be writing a separate post about Dr Alison Warner shortly.

For more informations about Skin Solutions Clinic and Dr Alison Warner see the link below

http://skinsolutionsoxford.co.uk