New Beauty Products I am Testing – AD/PR Product (This post contains products that have been sent to me for consideration as a PR sample only, all thoughts are my own).
I’m back with a new blog post! Ok, it really hasn’t been that long, just shy of a month. I am not sure what happened, this could have been the longest break I have taken (although I’m always on Instagram), life just got real busy you know? Anyhow, as I say, I am back and I am here to share with you a few new beauty products that have recently come my way. I thought I would include them all in one post in order to share with you some of the latest products (for me at least), which I am starting to put to the test.
So, without further ado, here we go!
First up is the Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Body Oil* which consists of a blend of antioxidant-rich oils for nourishing the skin. This can be used in two ways, firstly, you can use it as a dry oil which you apply to your body where required, this will help boost hydration in the skin and leave it lightly scented. Secondly, you can mix it with a bit of water to create more slip and a milky consistency, then of course you can apply it to your skin. It is lightweight, it sinks in quite quickly and it does not leave your skin feeling slippery or greasy, it is a beautiful product. The product is scented, although it is light and not overpowering. It contains Bergamot, Neroli and Orange along with Patchouli and Sandalwood which I always associate with creating a relaxing vibe and environment. This contains oils such as French Plum Seed Oil, Avocado Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil which are jam-packed full with skin-replenishing Omega Fatty Acids, it also contains Vitamin E which will help to protect the skin barrier. Overall, it is a gorgeous product, expensive yes at £49 for 125ml but it would make a lovely treat, plus, you don’t need to use much to see the benefits.
Next up, two products from Bioderma. The first product is the Bioderma Sensibio AR Anti-Redness Care Moisturiser* which I am actively using at present and have been now for a few weeks. Now, I am not somebody who particularly suffers from redness, however, a few weeks before the team at Bioderma got in touch, I had started to develop a patch of redness on the top of my cheekbone, where I would highlight for instance. I am still not sure what caused this. So, when Bioderma did get in touch I saw this as an opportunity to try a product that is aimed at helping redness in the skin. Since using this, I have noticed that this has reduced, it hasn’t gone completely and if I for some reason stop using this (to try something new), I have noticed that it starts to reappear. I have since brought this back into my routine and I am making an effort to continue using it until I have finished the tube. It is an odd one, I don’t think it is my skin changing and becoming redder over time, I think I am reacting to something and I just need to figure out what that is. In terms of texture, I find this product very soothing on the skin, it is like a little comfort blanket for your face. I have taken an extract from the Bioderma website below to explain a little more about redness and what to look for.
“Sensitive skin can be reactive skin that tends to turn red very easily. This redness can be temporary and appear occasionally: this is the phenomenon of flushing which can be accompanied by feelings of discomfort (tingling, overheating, etc.). Sometimes, redness is permanent: this is referred to as erythrosis. In some cases, small blood vessels even appear on the skin: this is the phenomenon of couperosis. Rosacea is an inflammatory skin disease that, while minor at first, develops over time and manifests itself with chronic redness of the nose, cheeks and sometimes the chin and forehead as well”.
Overall, I am liking this product and I will be bearing this in mind, and indeed the rest of the range for the future. It also works well under makeup! The only downside is that it does contain mineral oil. I personally do try to avoid it in moisturisers as they sit on your skin longer, however, that is just my personal preference. At £16 however, I think this is a good price for a well known, and indeed loved French pharmacy brand. Plus, you can always find some form of offer at Boots for your favourite skincare. Sticking with Bioderma for one more moment, I also have the Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-Crème* which I have to say is right up my street! This is a gorgeous product, great for the warmer weather due to its gel consistency but also great for those with oily/combination skin due to the lightweight, gel texture. This is a product that is aimed at those with dehydrated skin, it provides instant hydration and long-lasting hydration throughout the day too. Your skin can become dehydrated throughout the day due to many reasons, for instance, lack of water intake, air pollution, stress, fatigue, UV rays and alcohol. There are so many contributing factors that affect the skins natural ability to rehydrate. I haven’t been using this product as long as I have the above mentioned, although I am looking forward to using it more long term now that I have incorporated it into my routine. You can usually find this particular product for around £12 for 40ml.
Back to Dermalogica, one of their recent new launches is the Dermalogica Neck Fit Contour Serum* which I have to say, intrigues me! I must admit that I have often neglected my neck when it comes to skincare, this year I have tried to rectify that, therefore, this particular launch came just at the right time. Marketed as a workout for the neck, the neck fit contour serum aims to tone up, tighten and contour the neck with its roller applicator. The product contains Flex Lift Contour Technology which acts as an invisible mesh to immediately tighten skin. To use, you simply twist the end to turn it on (so that the product can come out), roll in an upwards motion up the neck and décolleté area and whilst doing this, gently squeeze the tube so that the product can be dispensed. Once this is done, you turn it off and then continue to roll until the serum is absorbed. It certainly is unique in its delivery and I for one am keen to find out how it works for me over a longer period of time. At £75, this is an expensive product and at the moment, I am not too sure if I could justify it for myself personally. Please of course bear in mind that I am 31 years old, this may be a lot more beneficial to somebody who is older than me.
Next up, a tool! I never use these, I have in the past indulged in a few but I always end up going back to a traditional face cloth. The PMD Clean Pro* with Active Warmth and Rose Quartz Massager. This is a cleansing device that is said to emit 7,000 vibrations per minute to help clean pores. SonicGlow technology helps to eliminate dirt, excess oil, and skincare residue while providing lifting and firming action to promote more youthful-looking skin. This edition of the PMD Clean Pro contains a Rose Quartz Massager which warms up, its actually quite nice on the skin but I am sceptical of any actual skin benefits. Rose Quartz is said to contain elements of magnesium, iron and oxygen which would act as an anti-inflammatory.
The cleansing brush side of the brush I feel is self-explanatory, you can apply your cleanser of choice to the brush head, or directly to your skin. I prefer the latter. You then wet the brush and move it around in circular motions around your face cleansing as you go, simple. In respect of the rose quartz massager, you apply your serums to your skin after cleansing and then you use the heated side of the brush to help massage the serums into your skin. The warmth is said to enable the serums to penetrate deeper into the skin. Again, I’m not so sure about this, firstly your hands are generally warm anyway and secondly, how far do serums actually penetrate into the skin anyway? They can only go so far surely.
Anyhow, I am still testing this out. In truth, I had forgotten I had received it (oops) so now I’m picking it back up again to test it out properly. In the meantime, if you’re intrigued by it then you can find it online for around £165.
The next product that I am actively using is the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic High Potency Triple Antioxidant Treatment*. This is an antioxidant serum that delivers environmental protection to the skin, helping prevent free radical damage and improving the appearance of wrinkles and lines in the process. This product contains 15% pure vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, 0.5% Ferulic Acid and 1% Vitamin E. The texture is sublime, it is almost like a dry oil as it applies dry (if that makes sense) and instantly absorbs into the skin. It is super quick and it leaves no residue on the skin at all. Within moments after application (I use 4/5 drops), my skin just glows. The glow is insane and it is to date, one of the most notable products that I have tried (and I have tried a fair few), that truly gives an instant result. Since using this, I honestly do think that my skin looks brighter and more refined, the texture of it is also smoother. As for fine lines, I haven’t noticed anything major but I don’t have too many other than creases around my eyes which I don’t think anything could touch apart from a needle. Overall, it is a beautiful product, the only downside is the price as I think it is very expensive, even though it is amazing, it is too expensive and if I hadn’t been gifted it I wouldn’t have been able to justify the expenditure. I’m just being honest. I would of course always look out for any discount codes/brand deals because it is a gorgeous product and I would want it in my routine if I could. You can pick this up for £145 for 30ml. Let me know if you try it!
Moving onto the next product, The Inkey List Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment* is certainly interesting, not least because it is green in colour. I demonstrated this above and hope it shows! The Inkey List before I get started is an extremely affordable brand that aims to create affordable beauty and make ingredients easier to understand. I am all for it and I am very keen to try the brand this year properly. I have used the Hyaluronic Acid and enjoyed it, I also have a few other bits to try which I was kindly gifted this year. Back to the blemish treatment! This is their latest launch and of course, as the name suggests, it aims to tackle blemishes, reduce inflammation and prevent clogged pores. The product contains 2% Succinic Acid which gently reduces the blemish size and reduces oil levels. It also contains 2% Sulfur and 1% Salicylic Acid (the well-known acid for tackling blemishes) which also help with blemishes and pesky blackheads. It is a gentle formula, I have experienced no issues with it. Having said that, I haven’t had to use it that often as I don’t suffer typically with breakouts. That being said, I might start applying it to my t-zone to see if it helps with the visibility of my pores as I do suffer from sebaceous filaments, I wonder if it would help with those? For £6.99 you can try it yourself and you can let me know what you think.
A new brand to me is L’Aves and I have an exciting product from them to try, that being the L’Aves Botanical Rain Mist + B3* which I have only recently opened, recently being this morning. Firstly, this has a very fine spray which I appreciate immensely, you will do too once you have experienced a jet wash from a facial mist; it isn’t nice. I really like the name of this product, it sounds refreshing and calming. The mist itself smells quite nice, although I feel as though there is a slightly unpleasant after scent, it is hard to describe, it’s like a strange aftertaste after you eat something, but in scent form. I will continue to use it though, it certainly isn’t horrible. It contains Rose, Rosemary, Lavender, Neroli and Chamomile and aims to hydrate the skin. Additional ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Bamboo Stem also provide anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, while protecting skin from stress. Lastly, Vitamin B3 helps to lighten and even out skin tone, promote collagen production, increase elasticity, and ensure skin smoothness. There is quite a bit in here and I am curious to see how I get on with it over the next few weeks. Priced at £40 100ml it isn’t a budget-friendly product, although at the time of writing it is on offer for £28.
A new launch from L’Oreal comes in the form of the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Deep Anti-Wrinkle Night Serum* which I haven’t yet opened. It is a recent launch as I say and I am committed to finishing off my Beauty Pie Retinol which seems to be never-ending. It is on a side a good starter retinol if you’re looking for one and having read about this latest one from L’Oreal, this sounds like it could be a good starter option too, although the marketing of “reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles” has me somewhat sceptical as this is not a prescription product, you can buy it off the shelves so it can’t be that strong. We shall find out over the next few months. This contains 0.2% pure retinol and retails at £25, at the time of writing you can pick it up for £16.66 from Boots.
The last product I want to introduce you to is perhaps one of my favourites mentioned here today. This is the Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream* and it is just gorgeous. This is the first night cream I have used from Antipodes and I am hoping it won’t be the last, this is pure joy to apply to my skin at night. It is lightweight, hydrating, cooling and soothing on my skin. I have never really incorporated probiotics into my skincare routine (I think I did a good few years ago and never went back to it), so this is something relatively new for me for want of a better word. It contains Kalibiome AGE Probiotic which is a high-performing, non-live ‘good’ bacteria, plant-based Hyaluronic Acid and native New Zealand Mamaku Black Fern which helps stressed skin’s depleted moisture levels (remember, I told you what can cause dehydrated skin above), resulting in plump and hydrated skin. I do agree with this, my skin does feel bouncy and it looks visually hydrated afterwards. As I said, I like this a lot. I also like the purple colour and the scent which I find really relaxing and calming for the evening which is of course when I am applying it. Overall, a great new launch from Antipodes. If you fancy trying this out, you can find it online for roughly £45.
So, there we have it, a huge skincare round up of some latest releases and new products that I have personally never tried. Have you tried any of those featured here today? Let me know.
*This post contains PR samples, for more please read my disclaimer.
