New In / La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]

Today’s review is of the new launch from La Roche-Posay for 2014: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]*.

My skin has changed quite a lot in recent months: it used to be normal/combination with very few blemishes, but now it seems to have become dryer and I regularly suffer from spots and micro-cysts. You can imagine how annoying and upsetting it is, especially since many of the blemish-prone products on the market are for young skin and far too drying for my needs; it’s also frustrating because I feel like I have just finished dealing with a blemish, that I can already feel a new one ready to make an appearance.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo has been particularly formulated for women aged 18-35, but still providing the same soothing benefits – especially for sensitive skin - that La Roche-Posay is famous for.

The revolutionary formulation acts on every stage of the imperfection: starting from the initial inflammation, that produces an excess amount of sebum that blocks the pores; that way the sebum cannot surface, creating blackheads and the dreaded red painful blemishes. It is really a chain reaction because at this stage the surrounding cells, triggered by stress messages, release an abnormal amount of melatonin that leads to hyperpigmentation. Unfortunately, when melatonin builds up it is very difficult to eliminate and that’s why we are left with the red and brown marks, even months after the spot is actually gone.

Effaclar Duo aims at addressing all these issues and you got to love a multitasking cream because you definitely don’t want to pile  layers of products on already problematic skin. I think this cream will be a game changer for many women - It has certainly improved my skin and my daily routine!

The key ingredient is PROCERAD, a powerful patented ceramide that acts like an anti-inflammatory on the first phase, anti-pigmentary on the second and lastly preventing new spots and marks from developing.

I’ve been testing out this product for a month or so now and - although I’m not that perceptive to notice results withing 24hrs, myself  -  I did see a fading of red blemish marks in a matter of days; I also noticed a general improvement of the skin texture, pores look clearer and consequently a reduction on bumps and spots. One morning I woke up and BAM, my skin looked pretty good in the mirror – miles better than it had been in a while!

I also love the silky consistency - the skin feels smooth to the touch, making it a perfect base for make up too; it is also mattifying and hydrating throughout the day, so it can substitute your regular moisturizer.

Have you heard of this product yet? Looking forward to try it? Remember you can now find La Roche-Posay products in larger Boots stores nationwide, on Boots.com and LaRoche-Posay.co.uk

Best discovery of 2014 so far!!!



Empties / January 2014

Bodycare:

Di Palomo Moisturizing Liquid Soap: I have totally fallen for this brand and with this hand wash, in particular. It leaves my hands soft, not dry and beautifully scented. You just need a drop and it cuts through grease (like foundation) easily, so it lasted a decent time too.

Repurchase: yes.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream: the Reve de Miel range is a favourite of mine, since it came out and this hand cream is as lovely as the much-hyped lipbalm. I like how quickly it absorbs and doesn't leave any greasy residue on the skin; it's quite heavily scented so you may want to be aware of that, if this fragrance is not your cup of tea. It does not bother me.

Repurchase: yep!

Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control: this is another great body cream from Clarins (like this one!). I had a dozen of these samples and I can say that, with regular use, I could definitely see an improvement on the skin on my legs and bum. It's pricey but it delivers and it feels like a real luxury treat.

Repurchase: maybe.

Skincare:

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash: I really didn't care for this cleanser. The glue-ish consistency made it awkward to work into the skin and wasteful; it is also not 'powerful' enough to remove make-up so I have only been using it on make-up free days. I guess it could be a nice cleanser for the morning routine but I'm happy with my cleansing milk, in the mornings.

Repurchase: no.

Alpha H Liquid Gold Smoothing & Perfecting Mask: this is a great purifying mask and gentle, at the same time. It says it contains lavender but doesn't have the scent. It feels very much like a mud mask but doesn't dry the skin as much.

Repurchase: yes.

Lavera Eyegel: unfortunately - although their products are lovely - I just don't agree with the smell of Lavera creams; the handcream was also a fail for me.

The consistency of the eyegel is balmy and silky, it felt really nice on the skin... I just don't see the need of such an overpowering scent in an eyecream!

Repuchase: nope! 

*** Sorry if this post is coming pretty late but I'm having issues with the broadband at home... fingers crossed, it will be sorted by the end of the week! ;) ***

New In / L'Occitane Ultra Soft Cream in Zesty Lime

L'Occitane is releasing a new generation of body creams. L'Occitane Ultra Soft Body Creams come in 3 teasing scents to awake the senses, whilst waiting for Spring; the bright neon tins complement the fragrances inside and they are sure to brighten any dressing table. 

 You can choose from sophisticated Vanilla Bouquet, romantic Rose Heart and the young & refreshing Zesty Lime*. 

Personally, I'm a fan of citrusy smells, but I know that my mum would love the classic and warm notes of the vanilla version, instead.

Zesty Lime has the perfect harmony between the sharpness of the lime and the deepness of the shea butter. 

These creams contains 10% Shea Butter - hence the ultra soft 'title' - and they are the ideal transition into Spring because they still provide hydration and protection from the harsh weather, but without coating the skin with a thick layer of lotion.

As you can see in the picture below, I made a comparison with L'Occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream that contains 25% Shea Butter; the new product feels more like a (thickish) lotion - melts into the skin, leaving the skin silky to the touch..  

l: ultra rich cream / r: ultra soft cream

L'Occitane Ultra Soft tins launch on the 15th February - which colour will you be picking up?

Haul / Handbags

I keep saying no more bags, because I objectively have too many and I'm running out of storage space… but then I inevitably manage to find a good excuse for a new love.

I got these for a discounted price - that's my excuse… ;)

Aubrey Anglesea Metallic Cross Body Bag 

I never heard of this brand - Aubrey - before but Asos seems to stock a good selection of their bags. I fell in love with the gold colour and the black contrast strap. I think the texturised finish and the gold details with the bunny badge make it look quite expensive; well, they are not cheap bags - I got this for less than half price at £22.50

It has a magnetic fastening and it's pretty roomy, considering the size.

Fiorelli Tango In The Night Medium Satchel Bag

I like Fiorelli bags - I think they manage to release contemporary pieces, but still remaining classy. I have a few and they also stand the test of time because they are all still in very good conditions. 

I saw this bag in Debenhams before Christmas, but I waited for the sales to bag myself a bargain.

I like the contrast colour blocking of the neutral shades that gives it a retro feel; I also love the details, like the central turnlock - specially made for this 25th Anniversary Collection.

I just wish the shoulder strap was removable, in case you wanna use it as grab bag.

Fiorelli Tango In The Night Medium Zip Around Purse
I could have gotten the purse to match the bag, but I decided to get the dusky pink/coral version instead. I preferred this colour combo better on the wallet.
I like flat wallets because  they have plenty of slots for (loyalty) cards, but still room for cash and coins; they also don't take must space in your bag.

Review / Noble Isle Willow Song Bath & Shower Gel

Noble Isle is a british luxury bath/body and home fragrance brand; they take inspiration from the beautiful nature of the british isles, like misty moorland, Highland distilleries and English orchards and use only the finest ingredients to evoke these gorgeous and mystic lands.

If you recall from my previous post (link) - Noble Isle Fireside is more of a unisex scent, whilst Noble Isle Willow Song* has definitely a feminine twist.

It's sweet - thanks to watermelon and rose petals - but not in a sickening way because the base notes of cedarwood and musk create a perfect balance between florals and mellow woods.

Willow bark and water lily extract, sourced from the medieval town of Lavenham (hence the name), have soothing properties and these romantic notes make it the ideal gift to spoil your Valentine!

The range includes bath & shower gel, a luxurious whipped body cream for your bathtime routine and weighty glass candle or an elegant black reed diffuser.

 Also, if you're looking for the male counterpart, you can bet on Noble Isle Lightning Oak line that, with its smoky woods and peppery notes, is also a favourite of Brad Pitt… doesn't get more handsomely manly than that! ;)

Have you tried Noble Isle yet?