Category: Skincare

Pollution-Proof your skin with REN Flash Defence Anti-Pollution Mist

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Air Pollution levels, especially in London, larger cities and urban areas are at a record high. As well as being harmful to the environment and your health, pollution also damages your skin. 

Pigmentation, dullness known as ‘urban grey’ and premature ageing to the skin is caused by toxic air and free radicals such as UV light, cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes and heavy metals. These generate free radicals on the surface of the skin which cause “oxidative stress” which damages the cells, making in intoxicated.  

So how do we pollution proof our skin?  

Just like UV protection, the beauty industry has quickly caught onto this problem, providing solutions for your skin and now even hair. Anti-pollution products are everywhere and I am sure they will continue to rise of the years. For those of you who are a little sceptical about the risk of pollution on skin as a marketing buzzword, yes, you are right, but if you read about anti-ageing products from the beginning of your beauty and skincare life, you will notice that a lot of products help protect your skin from free radicals which is pollution so it’s nothing new, the problem is the increasing levels. 

An easy way to protect your skin from pollution is the REN Flash Defense Anti-Pollution Spray which instantly shields and protects the skin from the ageing effects of harmful free radicals and environmental pollution. The fine and lightweight mist can be sprayed under or over makeup and throughout the day.  Its super lightweight, absorbs straight into the skin and feels so great in the summer.  It smells really nice, like essential oils when you first apply but the scent quickly evaporates and feels more like unscented water so feels refreshing on the skin. I use mine before I apply my foundation and it doesn’t affect it at all.

How does it work?

The mist forms an invisible barrier which acts like a second skin to shield any pollutants. The natural ingredients such as Zinc, Amino Acids, Quercetin (Sophora Japonica Flowers) and Alfa-glucan (extract from yeast) boost the skin’s antioxidant capacity which helps to strengthen the skin’s natural defences, promotes cell longevity, and stimulates skin repair which neutralizes urban grey and combats signs of fatigue on the skin. 

If you’re looking for a summer face mist, I would definitely invest in this anti-pollution one as it’s a great natural alternative to what is already on the market. It reduces your carbon footprint too, so you can practice what you preach.

Available from Space NKSpace NK

£24

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Perricone MD – H2 Elemental Energy

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Perricone MD is one of those skincare brands which continues to surprise you with their innovative products using groundbreaking technology. Famous for their no foundation foundation which is now a cult product, you would think that would be it for them, job done, but no, this company just keeps on giving. Last year they launched the Pre:Empt collection which I used to the very last drop, and now, the new H2 Elemental Energy Collection has totally saved my skin.

The H2 Elemental Energy™ Featuring H2 Energy Complex™ basically contains Hydrogen, the smallest and most basic molecule, representing 99% of the matter in the universe.  After 30 years of research, Dr. Perricone has discovered that Hydrogen transforms the body from both the inside out and the outside in, while simultaneously transforming cellular energy and delivering a powerful boost of hydration. This collection has been developed to activate and energise surface skin cells by simultaneously transforming cellular energy and delivering a powerful boost of hydration.  It combats the signs of aging caused by pollution, lack of sleep and sun damage by penetrating the surface layers of the skin with a boost of hydrating vitality so that your skin looks re-energized and radiant.

I have recently been using a product lately that has completely messed up my skin causing it to be dry, flakey and really uncomfortable.  It was so bad, you could even see the flakes under my foundation which has been so embarrassing because I have never had bad skin. Daily face masks and exfoliating didn’t help either, so as you can imagine, I was quite upset and felt like it was going to last forever until I discovered these two products from the collection.

Hydrating Cloud Cream

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I absolutely love this airy, cloud-like cream which is powered by the Hydrogen H2 Energy Complex™. It rapidly penetrates the surface layers of the skin with a boost of hydrating vitality so that your skin looks re-energized and radiant. There is no scent which makes it feel like water and so creamy and intense yet light and airy, absorbing straight into my skin.

 Its seriously like a glass of water for the skin making it look instantly refreshed, plum and radiant. It keeps skin hydrated for 24 hours and can be used day and night.  I really love using this cream and it’s perfect for spring as its deeply nourishing and doesn’t melt under direct sunlight. It also sits beautifully under makeup.

£69.00

Firming Foam Mask

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Now this foaming mask is INSANE! Its the most fun beauty product ever and it really takes the chore out of doing a home mask. The gel mask is packaged in this futuristic tube and pumps out a gel. Once applied on the face, it transforms into a lightweight foam which leaves a cooling sensation whilst bubbling away until dry.  You only need to leave it on for around 5-10 minutes as the foam rapidly penetrates the surface layers of the skin.  I normally leave mine for around 7 because I am super ticklish and that’s all I can normally handle, it’s so weird. Once washed off the results are incredible and glowy AF!

Here’s the three stages of the mask:

£48.00

I really love this collection. It’s not like me to try a product as soon as step through my front door but I was so desperate after my skin reaction, I had to try it. After laughing so much due to the tickles, I revealed super soft, hydrated skin. The flakiness had completely gone and my skin was new again! Its the best two products I have used in a really long time.  I love how futuristic the packaging is and I love Hydrogen, it really works! I use the mask every other day and the cream every morning.

Available from Perricone MD and Selfridges

 

NUDE – ProGenius Firming Youth Oil

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I have been using this NUDE ProGenius Firming Youth Oil for a year now and I completely rely on it to nourish my skin at night. It contains five Omegas – passion fruit seed oil which contains vitamins and minerals to help fight free radicals, Peacock’s Tail Algae which plumps the skin, Acai berry which not only looks great on your breakfast bowl, it contains anti-oxidants and a high percentage of Vitamin C, and finally Prickly Pear which is getting noticed in the beauty world due its amazing properties. If you can, try and get hold of products containing prickly pear, it’s amazing for the skin. 

Here’s the benefits of Prickly Pear:

  • Absorbs into skin quickly and hydrates it
  • Restores skin elasticity and brightens the complexion including dark spots
  • Tightens pores
  • Slows down skin ageing and prevents wrinkles

 

 

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Going back to breakfast smoothie bowls, this oil really does feel like it’s feeding the skin with goodness.  The oil is dense and smells strange, but don’t worry, it smells like it’s vegan and organic so if you’re into earthy aromas, you’ll totally dig it.  I’m used to the smell now and kind of like it because it’s soothing in a way, getting me prepared for bed.

I would recommend using this oil at night as it’s so rich, it would completely make your makeup slide off during the day. The oil is a dark yellow rich liquid which absorbs straight into the skin and nourishes the surface too without feeling uncomfortable and oily. The velvety formula has been designed to help firm and plump skin, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Since using it, I have noticed how great it makes my skin look and feel, especially in the mornings. My only criticism is that it is quite expensive, however, it last for ages and its a great vegan product which really does wonders for your skin. 

£72

Available from Space NK

Magic in the Moonlight – Rodial Stem Cell Magic Gel

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If you have an important day coming up and you want your skin to look incredible, luminous and sort of like you’ve had work done, then this is the product for you!

The Rodial Stem Cell Magic Gel is a multi-purpose skin fix which repairs your skin over over-night to work its magic, transforming it from flat, dull and lifeless to super soft, wrinkle free and ethereal.

It is meant to be used over night but if the day is super important, like your wedding day, use it under makeup as a primer because it will make your skin look beautiful AF!

It’s 8 hours sleep in a bottle. The stem cell technology and 10-in-1 hydrator gel gives skin an 8 hour sleep effect which hydrates and repairs making it look like you have just had a series of facials.  The Bio-Protect complex along with PhytoCellTech™ Alp Rose stem cell technology helps smooth out wrinkles and helps fight against environmental stressers like pollution by retaining skin’s hydration balance.

The cream itself comes in a super cool pot which you press to release the lightweight cream. It feels thick and comforting and it smells insane – similar to the amazing Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud candle which I am obsessed with. This product is so simple to use but the results are incredible. After cleansing, add a thick layer to the face and then go to bed.  In the morning your skin feels soft, smoother, with less pores, plumper and it’s glowy and dewy, just  like JLo’s.

This is like JLo of skin creams – It will turn you into a glowy goddess! It’s my ultimate favourite and as you can see from the bottle above, I’ve had it for a while, but only use it on special occasions. It also lasts forever and it’s so much cheaper than getting regular facials.

£49.00

Available from Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Space NK and Rodial

Dr Jackson’s 05 Face and Eye Essence

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I have been using this amazing Dr Jackson’s 05 Face and Eye Essence all summer which has taken me into the start of winter. It smells amazing, like something you would find in a spa, and contains all of the gorgeous and natural ingredients that directly infuse your face with all the vitamins and minerals it needs.

I am a huge fan of Dr Jackson’s products as they are natural and the company works with the communities in Africa where it sources its ingredients. This face and Eye essence contains Baobab which hydrates the skin and protects it from environmental damage which age skin, my absolute favourite, Damask Rose with its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, and Chamomile and Aloe which calm, sooth and heal the skin making it glow. I normally use natural ingredients like this at night as an oil, such as the Face Oil I reviewed a few months ago. This face essence is the day appropriate way you can get your antioxidant fix. This lightweight gel-like serum feels amazing on the skin, nourishing it without being greasy, and can also be used on the eye area so you don’t have to buy an extra eye cream.  It heals the skin from inside out on its first application, and protects it from the weather and pollution. Its amazing for those with sensitive skin and works really well under makeup.

I absolutely love this essence, its so easy to use and so nourishing and lightweight its deceiving. I thought I would have to use double the amount I used in the summer due to the skin becoming drier in the cold, however a small amount seems to go a long way.  I have been using mine for about 4 months now and I’m not even a quarter way through, it lasts forever.

£60

Available from Liberty

 

Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil

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Dewy skin is harder to achieve than you think. Applying oils and creams under makeup, and techniques such as strobing will create the effect. I normally use a highlighting primer before my foundation to get glowing skin, and then add highlighters and subtle glitter for daily use.

When I discovered the Phyto Replenish Oil from Dermalogica I was so excited because it contains all of the amazing natural ingredients I love, smells insanely good, can be worn under makeup, and also has the amazing anti ageing properties to not only make skin immediately glow, after long term use, it will glow from within.

The feather light oil absorbs into skin and the amazing plant based natural ingredients (below) form a protective barrier against environmental stresses which cause ageing. It also restores depleted lipids which are natural protective oils in the skin which lead to wrinkles, dehydration and dullness.

 Chamellia Japonica which is sometimes called ‘rose of winter’ is a tree native to Japan and Korea has antioxident properties which reduce wrinkles, stimulate collagen and strengthens the skin’s barrier. Tamanu Oil is from the Ati Tree (also known as the ‘tree of one thousand virtues’ have potent antioxidants to break down lipid cells from free radicals which age skin. Chia Seed Oil, and Hyaluronic Acid both hydrate dry skin while the Orchid Flower extract repairs, protects and locks in moisture. Sunflower Seed oil is a rich source of Vitamin E and also protects against free radicals and finally Rice Bran Oil helps protect against UV rays and aids in cellular circulation.

All you need to do is apply a few drops onto your hands and then press onto cleansed skin before your moisturiser. It is recommended to use 5 or 6 drops but I found that it completely melts off makeup so I have started using 1-2 drops, avoiding my nose which can sometimes get oily. If you do have dry skin, then use 6, but definitely play around with the amount before settling with what suits your skin and makeup. The texture is oily but not greasy and it absorbs straight into the skin. It’s not a dry oil so be careful with the amount you use because too much will make your face look oily. I would even reccomend wearing it without makeup as it gives a really beautiful sheen to skin making it really bright and luminous.

I have been using this every day for the last few weeks and I love it. I think it will really help me get through winter when skin starts to dull due to the weather and darkness. It can be worn at night too, obviously without makeup as it is a great night oil. If you do use it at night, please do slather on as much as you like. Its comforting, and will make you look younger.

Available From Dermalogica and Liberty

£56.20

 

 

 

Dr Organic Rose Otto Body Wash

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Every morning for the last couple of weeks, I have transported myself to a magical Ottoman Kingdom where I am Queen, and I swim in what feels like silky, and aromatic Turkish Delight.

When I get out of the shower, I realise I’m me, and still in Hackney Wick!

I love rose everything, it’s natural, smells and tastes delicious, and it has amazing healing properties. It’s been used for centuries, and renowned for anti-ageing as it firms and tones the skin, while improving the skins texture making it appear smoother, softer and younger. Give me anything rose and I’ll take it, I’m obsessed!

I bought this Rose Otto body wash from Dr Organic in Holland & Barrett as they sell beauty products and were having a BOGOF offer, so I bought Rose for the day, and Lavender for the evening.

This shower gel contains Rose Otto Oil, Aloe Vera, Limeflower, Chamomile, Passionflower, Calendula plus Geranium and Clove Essential Oils. Seriously, its an absolute dream, just listen to those ingredients rolling off your tongue, they are beautiful, and that’t exactly what this stuff smells like. I can’t get myself out of the bathroom every day. A small amount goes a long way as it lathers really well which I find surprising for a natural skincare product as they don’t normally foam. This feels amazing on the skin, the scent is intoxicating and it leaves the skin feeling super soft and hydrated. I really haven’t even got bored of yet, I think I would pour it over everything I consume if I could. It is uplifting, anti-ageing and calming – so pretty much gets you ready for the day before the commute chaos hits you.

£6.29

Available from Holland & Barrett and Dr Organic