Introducing / Arbonne

Few weeks ago, I had the chance to try some Arbonne products; a friend of mine is an Arbonne representative and asked for an honest and unbiased opinion about their ranges. 

If you're not too familiar with the brand, Arbonne was born in the USA and they are celebrating 35 years this year.

They were one of the first, back in the eighties, to really look at the science of nature and how to harvest the power of the plants.

The FC5 range is named like that because it encapsulates fresh cells from  5 fruits & vegs: kiwi, strawberry, carrot, mango and pumpkin.

The Arbonne FC5 Moisturizing Night Creme is suitable for every skin type; it has a cooling gel consistency, light on the skin and a fresh scent.

The Arbonne FC5 Exfoliating New Cell Scrub is a creamy face exfoliator that is gentle enough that can be used daily; I was actually amazed how effective it was from the first use: I used it before bed and the morning after my skin was incredibly soft to the touch. It's now become an addiction to use it every evening!

The Arbonne FC5 Ultra-Hydrating Hand Creme is a lovely hand cream with the refreshing signature smell of this line, absorbs quickly and doesn't leave any sticky residue.

Arbonne FC5 Ultra-Hydrating Hand Creme

Arbonne FC5 Exfoliating New Cell Scrub

Arbonne FC5 Moisturising Night Creme

From their make up selection, I tested the Arbonne MakeUp Primer which is a primer (doh) that create a smooth surface to apply your base on. 

It reminds me of the Daniel Sandler Retexturing Face Primer, but with a better INCI; I love these silicony-feeling type of primers - I find they work really well to fill in pores, fine lines and prolong foundation wear.

The Arbonne It's A Long Story Mascara has a plastic, spiky type of wand that is my favourite kind and it's bendy so you can easily grab the small lashes too; it wore well for the whole day, I was just not too keen on the floral scent (but I'm renownedly very sensitive to smells)

Arbonne MakeUp Primer

We also tried their baby products.

First off, the Arbonne Baby Care Hair & Body Wash was my favourite of the lot!

I especially loved it as a shampoo; it rinsed easily and left my baby girl hair super fluffy and soft.

In the bath also, you need the tiniest amount.

Following the routine, the Arbonne Baby Care Body Lotion is light and absorbs quickly - soooooo important with a squirmy baby that doesn't enjoy massages ;)

Then, the Arbonne Baby Care Nappy Cream has a thick consistency to create a protective barrier, but it spread easily and has a lovely 'baby' scent. Definitely a staple of any nursery!

Arbonne Baby Care Nappy Cream

 Arbonne Baby Care Body Lotion

Finally, I couldn't resist to place a cheeky order too.

I got the Arbonne Seasource Detox Spa Renewing Body Gelee - a body cream that contains ocean's natural ingredients and minerals for an extra pampering and beautifying care for the body.

It's super fresh on the skin and ideal after a late night gym session, to hydrate the skin and sooth sore muscles. I find I definitely sleep better too.

I also bought the Arbonne Calm Soothing Eye Gel that comes with a roller ball applicator to help de-puff and it's super quick to apply; as a busy mum, I definitely appreciate that and I like to keep it in the fridge to enhance the cooling effect.

So, have you heard of Arbonne before? Please, feel free to check my friend Gillian Facebook page for more insight and tips about this brand. Happy discovering! :)

Empties / May

Body Items

SilDerm Stretch Mark Massage Oil: another GlossyBox offering coming to an end. I use body oils daily after the shower and this is pretty average. Don't get me wrong - it's not bad and it didn't make any difference to my stretch marks (not that I had any hopes, anyway) but it's nothing extraordinary either. It smells like lavender and rosemary.

Repurchase: nope, I can get alternatives for cheaper.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer: the Elasticizer is one my favourite hair masks. You leave it on pose for 20 minutes before shampooing; it needs to be applied on wet hair which kinda of annoys me because by the time I jump in the shower, I'm freezing! ;) but that's me for you, I get cold very easily.

You can read my original review here, my opinion hasn't changed.

Repurchase: yes.

No7 Smooth & Improve Cellulite Treatment: hated it hated it hated it and then multiply by a 1000. The actual product takes ages to absorb and, even with all the massaging, I didn't see any improvement on the cellulite. I didn't enjoy using the applicator either (you can see a picture here) but had no choice because you can't open the bottle and use it normally. Well, you may want to cut the bottle like I did, if it gets REALLY frustrating.

Repurchase: hell no... it's over 20 quid and not worth it!

Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion: I really like this foot cream and I have used it few times in the past. It looks quite thick but doesn't leave a greasy residue; it smells minty but not in an overpowering way and it's bright pink!!! The joy! :D

Repurchase: yes

Face Items

Jane Iredale PureLash Extender and Conditioner: I didn't actually finish this product but found it at the back of my drawer and had completely forgot about it. It's all dried up now and pretty old so I wouldn't use it on my eyes anyway. I remember not being particular impressed with it and it made my lashes crispy too.

I have tried few lashes primers but, to be honest, it's an additional step so rarely use them; also because I don't see a huge difference - one day I'll try the much hyped Dior one and see what I've been missing out on.

Repurchase: no.

REN Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream: to be honest, I've been *I don't want to say disappointed* unimpressed by many REN products and this cream is also average for me. It absorbs well and I strangely love the peppery smell but I can't justify buying it for that reason alone. It's still a nice night cream but I can get the same performance cheaper from the high street. Shame! :(

Repurchase: nope.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair: What can I say? This is my favourite night serum. I know it doesn't work for everybody but when I use it, my skin looks considerably improved OVERNIGHT!

No spots, radiance and smooth skin so I'm a bit sad to see it go but it was nearing the expiry date so can't complaint, it lasted a long time.

Repurchase: absolutely!

Sprout Cleanser: I used this cleanser to remove the first layer of make up at night; it did a good job and left my skin soothed. I found the scent to be soothing for the mind, too. 

Sprout has actually re-branded as S.W. Basic of Brooklyn but for what I can see that's the only thing that has changed - Full range review here!

Repurchase: yes.

Sorry for the loooong post but I did finish more items than usual this month (hurray!) - do you like empties posts?
xxx

Empties / January

***

Sanctuary Mandelular Sensuous Bath Creme - I've been loving this scent for years and years and I keep re-buying it.

Very comforting, ideal for a relaxing bubble bath and fills the bathroom for hours; but because it's so strong, I need to take 'breaks' from using it otherwise I would get sick of it. I actually bought this bottle last Christmas and I have just finished it now. Also, very moisturising on the skin.

Re-purchase: Absolutely!  

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover - Yes, I also got sucked into the hype around this product. It started well but the foam inside started to break after few uses... not sure if my bottle was faulty but not impressed!

I decided to finish it to take off my Christmas glitter polish but is definitely time for the bin now.

Re-purchase: Nope.

Renu Age Defence Balm SPF15 - this tiny sample lasted a week, actually.... maybe because it's pretty thick to be an hand cream.  Really like the smell and the fact that it has spf.

Re-purchase: Maybe.

MonuSpa Enriched Body Cream - again pretty small sample but first impression not too good: left a greasy residue on my skin. Smells lovely, tho.

Re-purchase: No.

Vinies Luminous Skin Mask - when this mask was sent in a beauty box, last year, many people didn't like it so I was able to grab few pots in swaps. I just finished the last one and - oh my god- I still love love love this mask! It does leave your skin red after use, but nothing terrifying in my experience... plus the results are incredible. The skin feels soft and purified and in fact I also used it as a pre-wedding treatment.

Re-purchase: Yes.

Boots Aqua Balance Hydrating Eye Cream - I bought this cream ages ago but then just put it at the back of the drawer, whilst trying other products. I decided it was time to finish it off and am I glad it's over! I can't say I enjoyed using it  - in fact I didn't even bother cutting up the tube to use every little drop. It did nothing for my eye area and, although it says it's for dry skin, I didn't think it was particularly moisturizing, either.

Repurchase: Definitely not!

Neutrogena Multi-Defence Night Moisturiser - pretty ordinary, inexpensive night cream but one of the best i have used - in fact my current favourite! It looks a bit thick and white when first applied but it sinks really well and it's the perfect amount of hydration for my needs. I highly recommend it!

Re-purchase: Yes.

Have you tried any of these products before?
What do you think?
xxx

Introducing / Astalift

Astalift is a Japanese brand - developed by Fujifilm - and they successfully applied the same technology used to protect photographic films... well, to preserve skin!

I was super excited to receive these samples since I'm a photography fanatic and I, actually, studied photography at university; whilst I appreciate the comfort of digital, I'm most definitely an analog lover and my natural habit is the darkroom.

Anyway, even if you don't know anything about films you must be aware that you need to protect them from the light and it's just as much important to barrier your skin from harmful UV rays.

Key ingredient of the whole line is Astaxanthin, a high powerful antioxidant found in micro-algae; this micro-particle, combined with collagen and ceramide, is an high effective anti-aging combination that shields the skin from environmental aggressors and promote firmness and elasticity.

At the centre of the range is the Astalift Aquarysta*. This brigh red jelly is an high concentration of this anti-oxidant which is apparently 1000 times greater than CoQ10 in fighting free radicals.

You would use this product as a serum, before day and/or night moisturizer; you scoop a little bit and work it in the palm of your hands, before apply to the face.

I read people complaining that it felt sticky but you just need to read properly as the directions clearly state to stop rubbing when this happens.

I enjoyed using this product very much - love the science behind it and my skin felt smooth and plumped on application.

I found the Astalift Replenishing Day Cream* and Astalift Regenerating Night Cream* being very similar in consistency.

They are a light salmon colour - pink tone coming from Astaxanthin.

The Day cream helps to retain moisture and it's ideal both for dry skin and dehydrated skin; at the same time, Royal Jelly helps improving the appearence of fine line.

The Night cream is slightly richer and aims to encourage cell renewal during your sleep.

night cream

day cream

 Unfortunately, these samples were too small to really notice any difference but at least I had the chance to have a feel of the products and decide if I like them or not.

The verdict is that I really like this brand, especially Jelly Aquarysta; all products felt comfortable and they didn't upset my skin, most importantly.

The price is not bad, too - a small jar of Jelly Aquarysta is £26 and let's not forget that this is high tech anti-aging skincare with years of research behind it... I think it's pretty affordable.

Also, I jut noticed that Debenhams is running a promotion where you can get a free full size 15gr Jelly Aquarysta jar with any 2 Astalift purchases... if you wanna try it, this is your chance! :)

Delivery / REN

Hello lovelies!

Few posts ago - here - I was telling you about the amazing offer REN is running and last week, I received my order.

Six of the Best

This set was part of the offer and completely free with any purchase!

I've been wanting to learn more about REN so this is perfect as the samples are generous and they are a mix of everything: a cleansing gel, serum, eye cream, mask, .., ..,

It contains:

- Mayblossom Balancing Cleansing Gel

- Jojoba Micro Bead Invigorating Facial Polish

- Omega 3 Night Repair Serum

- Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask

- Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream

Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel

Travel Kit

I decided to order this because the set above already gives me plenty to try about skincare; also, it comes in a clear zip bag which is going to be useful for carrying your hand luggage allowance.

This kit includes:

- Neroli and Grapefruit Body Cream

- Neroli and Grapefruit Body Wash

- Oat and Bay Conditioning Shampoo

- Pro-Vitamin Hair Conditioner

Finally, I picked this additional samples:

- Photoactive Sun Veil SPF15

- F10 Smooth and Renew Mask

*UPDATE*

Being the serum junkie that I am, I decided to start with the Omega 3 Night Repair Serum; it smelled really fishy and the consistency didn't seem right so I read online that it could have gone off, as the normal smell is more peachy.

I contacted REN on Twitter and they offered to check it for me and to send it back freepost; apparently, it was fine but it clearly wasn't right for my skin as it's a very oily serum... so they offered to send me another serum to try: I chose the Keep Young and Beautiful SH3C Serum.

Very impressed with their friendly and prompt service! :)

Have you tried any of these?

Which one is your favourite? :)

Introducing / Dirty Works

If you like Soap&Glory, you'll love this range... well, on second thought you'll love it even if you don't like Soap&Glory... like me!

I'm never been a huge fan of the Boots range: I dislike the smell and I never experienced any benefit from their body products. Btw, this is all my speculation but I think you'll agree that the 50s packaging is very similar...

Anyway, let's talk about Dirty Works which is much more exciting! This line is esclusively available in Sainsbury's so you know you can get pampered without breaking the bank.

 

Wake Up Call Face Wash has become my favourite - also above more expensive brands. I've been using this cleanser every night and I didn't experience any breakout. It leaves my face squeeky clean but without any dryness. Love the creamy texture and although it lathen well, it doesn't over-foam so it's very fast to rinse. The scent, also, is gentle and soo good. I can't describe it but I love it so much that I wish I could have  a parfume that smells like that. :)

The ingredients include chicory extract, vitamin E, Papaya Extract and Cotton Seed Oil - and If I knew how Cotton Seed oil smells I would say that is the smell of this wash - Clean!

I can also report that it is Clarisonic-friendly. :)

 

As the name suggests, this is also perfect for the morning but I'm used to use a wash only in the evening and then I complete my night routine with the night cream and eye cream.

Sleep It Off Night Cream comes in a generous tube and smells like lilies - very floral. It's quite rich consistency, containing Hyaluronic acid and fig extract for a night hydration treatment and wheatgem oil & Peach Kernel oil for antioxidant boost.

It absorbs well and doesn't linger on the skin plus all these natural ingredients works whist sleeping,when the skin is mostly receptive. Also, a little goes a long way so this will last me for a long time!!

The Banish The Bags Eye Cream comes in a typical eye cream tube. This is, also, a good size and I'd say it's not scented, which is a pro. This cream I also love: it's great to moisturize this area that I've been finding more and more problematic with age... sigh**

Key ingredients are Shea Butter, vitamin E, peptides and caffeine which helps to combat free radicals, puffiness and increase circulation.

 

This line also includes body products, like scrubs and butters and it's available now nationwide.

*pr samples*