The line between cosmetics and pharmaceutical products has never been so blurred, with all sorts of products claiming they cosmeceutical value. The definition of a cosmeceutical is a 'product that works on the skin with high active ingredients' and it's important you recognize which do that, and which promise you lots and don't deliver.
Medik8 is a British grown brand, developed to provide results without the irritation that you might find ins some other active products. They cater to everything from spot prone skin to ageing skin, and have a range of complementary products on offer.
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My main problem with 'natural' and organic shower gels is their tendency to smell floral rather than fresh - and the way that this doesn't always leave you feeling quite as squeaky clean as you'd hope to right after a wash. I don't like heavily 'herbal' scents either, and it's rare to find an organic gel that's free of such pungent aromas.
Fortunately, this is not a problem with Santaverde's aloe vera shower gel, which has a very definite 'fresh' scent; a lemony sharpness that gives the clean sensation you need from a shower. The gel itself is a thick lotion that lathers surprisingly well, and left my skin feeling refreshed and revitalised. I'd certainly choose this gel over the flowery ones I use only because I think they're good for my skin, and will feel happy in the knowledge that it's still made from body-hugging ingredients like aloe, almond oil and wheat protein, which are a great combination for dry skin.
£12.95 at Free to Explore Beauty
The clocks went back this weekend, and suddenly darkness seems to reign, with chill winds hitting our faces as we leave work, necessitating the retrieval of those scarves and gloves. We might be able to winter-proof our bodies, but let's not forget that our skincare needs a little boost as well. The winds can be really abrasive to the gentle skin on the lips, removing moisture and letting them become easily chapped. This can leave you with flaky dry lips, which can be painful and unsightly.
Lip balm might help protect them,.but it would be nice to address the flakiness at the same time. The latest lip balm by Blistex aims to do just that by combing a groove shaped applicator tip in order to massage away the rough spots. But does it work?
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Whilst I'm perfectly happy to use products that are green and good, often companies put to much emphasis on the eco value of their products, getting so caught up in where they source the ingredients from, that the products aren't necessarily the best you could use. Big Green Smile is an online eco-retailer with a principled outlook, as they only sell eco-friendly products, but they have a promise that not only are they green, they're also capable of performing just as well as their counterparts.
I've been testing the Organic Surge Citrus Mint Shower Gel for the last few weeks, and find it a really pleasant experience. Firstly it has a really pleasant smell, which hits you immediately, wafting an interesting mix of notes up your nose. The mint feels really revitalizing on the body, whilst the citrus makes you feel alert- probably best to use in the morning, as might make you a little revved up for bedtime.
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When Neal's Yard 'rejeuvenated' its Frankincense range a couple of years ago, we loved the lighter, more everyday wearable hydrating cream that is now available to fans of the original, cult status formula. So I was keen to another newcomer to the range: its Francincense Facial Serum.
A 'moisture boost' for dry or ageing skin, this serum is made with antioxidant-rich blueberry oil and skin brightening turmeric; all ingredients intended to brighten and firm.
Read on for my verdict
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Last month I told you all about the Clarisonic device coming to the UK and I've been faithfully using it for the last three weeks. I was initially unsure how effective the device would be- the research trials sounded fantastic but I just couldn't get my head around paying £146 for what's essentially a battery operated cleaning device.
However I now rescind all doubts, as I find myself irrevocably taken with it. It's simply so easy to use, and provides such astonishing effects. Read on for my full review.
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Winter has entered our domain and with its blustering winds comes women bundling up in scarves and coats. It's all to easy to let body maintenance fall by the wayside, but with Xmas party season just round the corner, it's good to stay on top of things. Liposuction seems a little but extreme, and though you manage to get to the gym once or twice a week, you're not really seeing the changes you'd like.
The Beautytek treatment is one that utilizes micro current energy, and passes low level electrical impulses through the body. The idea is that this process 'stimulates the bodies repair mechanism', allowing you to become smoother with more defined curves. Sounds interesting, right? I headed down to the Meditech Clinic Chelsea to find out.
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