Showing posts with label Sun Protection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sun Protection. Show all posts

EUCERIN CC CREAM & SPF SKINCARE


Hi beauties. I hope you are all fabulous as always. Today I have some product reviews for you from the Eucerin range that were sent to me to try out. They are focused on SPF protection, but there is also a CC cream in the mix too so read on ......



With a long lasting matt finish effect this high factor daily sunscreen protects against sun-induced skin damage. With intense moisturisation it reduces the appearance of wrinkles on the face and decolletage.

This product has a very light texture and sinks into the skin easily. I wore it under make-up without any issue as it is not like some sunscreens that can be quite greasy. Although it has a mattifying effect it did not dry out my already dry skin. It just kept it even in texture.


Suitable for sensitive skin types and fair complexions. With a mattifying effect and tinted cream that also protects the skin from sun damage.

This is also very lightweight and sinks in really easily. It again mattifies, but does not cause problems for my dry skin. Although the product is tinted I would not say it gave me natural tan skin tone. The colour disappeared into nothing and instead the product worked as an excellent primer, especially under make-up. My imperfections were blurred and my skin looked more even prior to make-up application.

These two products are great as part of your every day skincare and if you are wearing it make-up routine.



Made for dry skin this water-resistant sunscreen protects against skin age-ing and pigment spots.


This non-sticky, non-greasy water resistant formula absorbs easily into the skin giving you a high level of sun protection.

These two products are easy to use and perfect for on the go sun protection.

Check out the full Eucerin Sun Protection range to discover your perfect combination of products.

Leave comments below of your favourite Eucerin sun protection products below with reasons why.



Love to you all

Vicky xx

BEAUTY FAVES 2014


Hello my lovelies. I thought it would be good to remind myself and share with you my favourite beauty products of 2014. Here they are with links to reviews so that you can see why I loved them :)













I love loads of the fragrances in this range, but this was my fave for 2014.
















Let me know your favourite beauty products from 2014 in the comments below.

Images not my own.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

BALANCE ME BB NATURAL PERFECTION SPF 25

Hi gorgeous people. It's Friday so let us take a moment to say hooray for the weekend. Okay so mad moment over I will now move on to my review.



Product information:

An anti-oxidant and super plumping BB cream to firm and smooth away imperfections, address uneven skin tone, provide skin with a flawless, luminous finish and protect against the visible signs of ageing thanks to the natural titanium dioxide-based sun filter. 

It works to prime, moisturise and protect with SPF and deeply hydrate. A lightweight super silky cream for even sensitive skin types to brighten and condition. 

Contains a signature blend of essential oils for intense hydration and 100% hyaluronic acid for super plumping and resurfacing of the skin. Natural oils are included to really nourish and enhance the skin. 

This product does not have a whitening effect just a warming mineral based tint for a beautiful glow and light coverage to highlight. Designed for a wide range of skin tones. Also contains redness reducing ingredients.

My thoughts:

Okay so let me start by saying that I do like this product and am still using it as my current everyday make-up base, but I am going to be honest and say that I don't feel all of the above happened for me.

I found no plumping, firming or smoothing effect. By this I mean my skin still very much showed through as the tint of this product is so light to me it is more of a hydrating primer and moisturiser. The coverage would be great for someone who has great skin and just wants a healthy glow as in a skin highlight not a tan glow. I had to use more concealer than usual as I have uneven skin and blemishes. Therefore I can not say that this product gives a flawless finish, but it is luminising.

It is super lightweight on the skin and easy to apply with fingers as I did. I like the SPF factor and the scent is amazing. Very cleansing and relaxing. I love inhaling it every time I apply it to my skin.

Because of the hydrating feel I would say it is conditioning and due to the glow it is brightening. I usually have some redness on my cheeks, but I wouldn't say it was reduced by this product. Therefore if you have really obvious blemishes this product really isn't for you unless you are going to use it solely as a primer.

So in conclusion I do enjoy using this product due to the priming, moisturising, hydrating, highlighting effects and the lightweight feel. Plus it's an easy product to apply every day. SPF is included so that's always a winner for me. The scent relaxes me and prepares me for the day.

The downside is that it didn't plump, firm or smooth my skin. It took more work with concealer for the coverage I like, but it does claim to be a highlighting tint product and not a medium/full coverage product. Although a flawless finish is also claimed.

Let me know if you have tried this product with your thoughts on how it works for you and your skin type in the comments below.

Also balance me are currently holding their 'Beauty Voyage' competition until the end of August. Whether you off on holiday adventures or on a stay-cation as I am this week they want pictures of your favourite balance me products on your travels. Simply tag with either #balancemeaway or #balancemehome depending where you are. Then share it on @balancemebeauty Twitter and Facebook. The best pics each week will win some balance me prizes.

Good luck to those who enter!

 This was a pr sample sent to me for promotion and review purposes, but all opinions of this product are my own.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

GIVEAWAY: NIVEA SUN PROTECT & BRONZE FACE

Hi everyone. Are you having a fab week so far? I do hope so. Today I have a fantastic giveaway that I am sure a lot of you will want to enter to make the most of your holidays and moments in the sun.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!!!!


Skincare and most of all sun protection is so important for all of us. Not only for health reasons, but in slowing down the ageing process. Nivea have within their sun range this fantastic Protect & Bronze Face cream in factors 30 & 50.

To find out more about this product check out my post on NIVEA'S ULTIMATE SUMMER SURVIVAL BEAUTY KIT. Also I have a post on the NIVEA SUN RANGE which I am a massive fan of by the way. It's the best sun protection I have ever used. I am very pale and I don't burn when protected by it :)

10 lucky followers will win a Nivea Sun Protect & Bronze Face cream each.

T&C's:

UK entrants only!

You must be over 18 or have your parents/guardians permission to enter!

There will be 10 winners winning one product each.

Comment below why you think you deserve to win with your full name and Twitter username.

Follow my blog via BLOGLOVIN' (I will check)!

The closing date to enter will be 5pm on Sunday 24th of August! Thursday 28th of August!

Winners will be notified on Twitter shortly after the closing date/time and asked to email their address details on to me so that I can ask Nivea to send out all prizes.

If you do not respond by 5pm Saturday 30th of August another winner will be selected.

Good luck to all those who enter!

Previous entrants will still be included in this competition. 



Love to you all



Vicky xx

POND'S INSTITUTE NATURAL BEAUTY & NOURISHING ANTI-WRINKLE CREAMS

Hi lovelies. I hope you are well and looking forward to the bank holiday weekend coming up next week. Today I have two face creams which were sent to me to review for you.


POND'S INSTITUTE NATURAL BEAUTY N CREAM

Although this product can be used on all skin types it is designed for young skin. This nourishing day cream has ingredients such as green tea to protect against ageing, glycerin to maintain the skin's water levels, fatty acids to strengthen the skin barrier and vitamin B3 to improve skin tone reducing fine lines, redness and discolouration.

I love the scent of this cream which is very refreshing and a perfect wake me up product. It's very lightweight and sinks into the skin easily.


Designed for dry and mature skin which ages faster causing fine lines and wrinkles to develop earlier. Providing deep care and nourishment, improving skin texture, giving a smooth, supple, healthy and illuminated complexion. With built in SPF 15 UV protection increasing the skin's barrier to sun exposure. Enriched with white tea extract and vitamin B3 skin is left flawlessly hydrated and soft.

This cream had a slightly thicker consistency, but it still blended into the skin with ease. 

I used both of these creams day and night and under make-up. They both worked well on my skin leaving it soft, supple and hydrated.

Pond's Institute products are available to purchase at Boots, Superdrug and Sainsbury's.

Let me know your favourite Pond's Institute products with reasons why in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

NIVEA'S ULTIMATE SUMMER SURVIVAL BEAUTY KIT

Hi lovelies. I'm back after a wee break from my full time job and blogging. I am back now fully refreshed and able to write posts with enthusiasm.

Nivea have put together an 'Ultimate Summer Survival Beauty Kit' which I have been trying products from over the lasts few weeks and want to share with you now.


So lets talk products ...........


This water resistant product has been formulated specially for the face containing natural plant extract to help activate the skin's natural tanning process so that even pale people like myself can gain a healthy glow while still being protected. This has a very lightweight, non-greasy formula perfect for hot summer days and nights.


Designed to provide intensive moisture for up to 12 hours. The scent of this lip butter is amazing. It's like candy for the lips without the calories, ha ha. By nature I am not a massive fan of lip butters in tins as I prefer to use a stick, but I have to admit that my lips have not peeled or chapped once since using this product. They feel so smooth and nourished. Raspberry Rose gives a very subtle, yet flattering shade to the lips. A baby pink milky tone that is great for every day wear. I tried it yesterday under a nude/concealer shade lipstick that I usually find hard to wear and it made it look fabulous. There was no obvious creases or patchiness and it didn't look unnatural on me like those shades tend to do.


In summer I think we all tend to be a little more active and just want to get outside as quickly as possible to enjoy the summer sun. These wipes are great to refresh the skin while removing dirt and make-up. The mesh design removes a little more product and dirt I feel than regular face wipes. They have a lovely scent too. I have also reviewed Nivea face wipes from this range for other skin types which you can see here!


Oh my gosh this I am a big fan of. It has a quick dry formula and contains kaolin mineral powder. The scent and feel of this product on the skin is amazing. This left no powder residue on my clothes or skin. I love the click and twist design. The scent instantly makes me feel relaxed somehow too.


This water resistant product quickly absorbs into the skin leaving no sticky residue. Perfect for spritzing on the go when enjoying your summer festivities. I have reviewed many products from the Nivea Sun Range here!

I am a massive fan of the Nivea Sun Range as I burn so easily even when using some sun protection products. That has not happened since I have been using Nivea's sun protection products. The Nivea Sun Range is not only essential for someone very pale like me who burns very easily, but I would recommend it to all skin types. It's now my go to sun protection which I am now sharing with my boyfriend and his brother, ha ha :)

I would definitely purchase all of these products in the future as they are definite beauty staples!

Thanks to Porter Novelli for sending me over these samples :)

What are your Nivea summer essentials? Let me know with reasons why in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

GLOSSYBOX: STARS AND STRIPES

Hi beauties and Happy Sunday. How amazing has the weather been? A little erratic I know, but then in the UK that's normal. Today I have my first impressions of this month's American themed 'Stars and Stripes' GlossyBox for you.




This cult American favourite is formulated with natural waxes, mineral pigments and antioxidants, providing moisturising long lasting colour and protection against the sun.

I have the shade Ruby shown in the swatch above. This to me is a real American girl shade. This blue based red is stunning and highly pigmented. It feels very smooth and glided onto my hand beautifully. It appears to be quite moisturising in texture and I think this shade in particular will last quite well, but I of course will need to test this out when I wear it. The quilted packaging design of the lipstick tube really appeals to me. There are 5 other shades within this range which I would love to try.


An oil and fragrance free lightweight, moisturising formula to even out the skin tone, reducing redness and brightening the eyes while keeping eyeshadow crease-free and colour-true for a lasting look.

Apply this creamy formula with the doe foot applicator to the lids and blend with fingers.

It looks very similar to the E.L.F. eyelid primer. It has a skin tone shade that blends away sheer. I am looking forward to seeing how well my eye shadows last when using this product.


Loved by celebrities and make-up artists this staple product is designed to soothe, relieve and moisturise dry, chapped lips.

I have tried this on my lips today. The balm does feel very nourishing and softening. There is a slight tingling from the menthol, but it is not uncomfortable on the lips. I am not overly keen on the scent as I don't really enjoy beeswax products. I don't really like dipping my fingers into products like this either, but I will use it anyway as it does appear on my first application to have a nourishing formula. These are currently on a 3 for 2 offer in the link above.


This is a non-toxic, cruelty free nail polish.

The shade Glossy Seal that I have has been especially formulated for the July GlossyBox so I don't think you will be able to get your hands on it, sorry. However there are some really gorgeous shades within the collection, including some fantastic duo chromes so check out the link above. I have not tried this brand of nail polish before so I hope it applies well and lasts well too.


This is a lightweight daily moisturiser that offers sun protection as well as revitalising, brightening and age-defying benefits. For normal, mature, blemish, oily and combination skin types. Apply to a cleansed face and neck.

This has a seal on it so I won't open it yet. This is another new brand to me so I will let you know how I find this product to work on my skin.

The stand out product for me in this box so far is the lipstick. It's such an impact shade that will instantly make you look like you have put a lot of effort into your make-up whether you have or not.

What were your favourite GlossyBox products this month? Let me know your thoughts on these products if you have used them before also in the comments below.

For more information on the UK GlossyBox click here and for the US GlossyBox click here.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

OXYGENETIX OXYGENATING FOUNDATION

Hey there sweet peas. I have a foundation/skincare review for you from a brand that is very new to me and kindly sent me a sample.



When asked if I would like to try this foundation I jumped at the chance as a good make-up base and flawless finish is a make-up lovers dream. Well it is in my book anyway. 

This breathable foundation has a 'healthier skin' formula while providing complete coverage. Said to be summer friendly: sweat proof, transfer resistant, water-resistant, staying put all day, great for sensitive skin, covering and calming redness/sunburn and containing SPF25 (can also be used over a high SPF suncream). It can be slept in because it's good for the skin, but I did not do this as in my mind it is still make-up. It does not clog pores. There are no oils, fragrances, dyes or parabens.

Claiming to be far superior to any BB or CC cream as it soothes, heals and replenishes moisture loss while giving a flawless, natural finish. 

This medically based foundation safely camouflages with the ability to soothe laser work, surgical scars and third-degree burns. Also working well for skin issues such as wounds, rashes, cracked, dry skin, acne, rosacea, eczema, bruising and other skin conditions. Recommended also following chemical peels or microdermabrasion. The healing process is sped up due to the product formula.

Available in 7 blue based and 7 yellow based shades which can be mixed for the perfect combination of tone.

I asked if I could try the shade Pearl as I think this blue based shade would have been the best suited to my skin. Unfortunately I was sent the shade beige which is yellow based. It did add a nice warmth to my skin and I made it work, but obviously it wasn't the best shade to try as I wanted to try a blue based shade. I thought I should make that clear as part of this review.

Here is an example of me wearing the foundation in this video.


I think you will agree that it looks pretty flawless. This was on a very hot day when I was very stressed so it did well. I am wearing it here with my liquid concealer applied under my eyes and on only a couple of blemishes as the foundation covers so well. 

When I tried it for the first time along with my more heavy stick concealer it looked amazing for about an hour then began to go patchy and separate so if you stick with a lighter liquid concealer or simply build the foundation up you should be fine.

This is a very buildable product, but usually I would only use one pump to cover my entire face and neck. I did not use powder to set my base, but then I don't usually use one anyway. 

It did last really well every day that I have worn it for the last few weeks. It felt light on the skin evening everything out to give a very natural medium coverage that could be built to a more full coverage.

I applied it with a stippling brush, but it's recommended to be applied with a sponge or a foundation brush.

Here you will find more product information.

To purchase this foundation try beautyisskindeep.com or effortlessskin.com

Are medically based foundations something you have already tried or would like to? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

NIVEA SUN RANGE

Hey there beauties. I am so sorry that I was MIA last week, but I just got so busy. I wish I could blog full time, but those bills got to be paid until that dream comes true.

Anyway on to today's post. I was recently gifted with some Nivea products from their Sun Protect & Refresh Range as well as the Nivea Sun In-Shower Refreshing After Sun Lotion and asked to review them for you guys.


Before I start my review I just have to say how cute is my personalised travel bag with my name on :)


A non-sticky, ultra moisturising consistency. Enriched with menthol for a refreshing sensation on application. The silky powder and soothing oils nourish and protect against the sun. Water resistant with highly effective UVA/UVB filters.

I applied this to my face and neck. It absorbed very quickly, smelt gorgeous and was definitely not sticky or greasy. It is cooling and the menthol is definitely within the scent, but it's not like applying a heavy duty mouthwash.


A relaunched, much loved beauty must have with an improved formula. A cooling mist with a light, silky texture. No oiliness, stickiness or white residue and is quickly absorbed. With highly effective UVA and UVB protection. Water resistant.

I applied this clear liquid to my legs and feet. It absorbed quickly into the skin. The only thing I don't like is that it smells like hairspray on application, but you don't really notice it after a few minutes.

I did not try the factor 50 in this product as it's just a higher SPF and I was happy with using SPF 20.


The Beauty Editor's favourite gives an instant cooling sensation with this refreshing mist. With highly effective UVA/UVB filters and a continuous menthol spray action leaving a light even layer over the skin. No stickiness or white marks. Can be used at all angles. Water resistant.

I applied this to my arms, shoulders, hands, torso and back. This clear liquid absorbed very quickly also. This one also smelt a bit like hairspray, but again this was unnoticeable after a few minutes.

Again I did not try the factor 50 in this product as it's just a higher SPF and I was happy with using SPF 20.

Applying any lotion all over for me always seems like a chore whether it's just everyday moisturising or sun care. These products make light work of these rituals. For quickness I would use as a preference the spray or mist. 

They all absorb really quickly with no stickiness or excess residue left on the skin which ticks all the boxes for me. 

I am very pale and although I love to lie in the sun I am always fearful of burning. I had been laying in the sun from 3pm-5pm as it is advised that you avoid sun exposure between 11am-3pm. I noticed slight redness on my knees, face and arms after 2 hours so I was sensible and came out of the sun. These products protected my skin really well as although I had redness I did not burn.


The latest wonder product from Nivea offering intensive moisturising to help soothe skin. This water activating lotion is to be used in the shower to instantly cool and refresh the skin after sun exposure.

In the shower apply all of your usual products including your usual shower wash. While the skin is still wet apply this product all over. I applied it to my face also and it didn't do me any harm, but be careful if you have sensitive skin as I am not sure that it was meant for the face. Rinse off the lotion and you are free to get on with your day or night. No residue will be left on your towel.

This lotion absorbed quickly into the skin. The baby soft scent is amazing and the product formula is so moisturising. It feels like a layer of silk surrounds the skin after application. Even my face felt like a baby's bottom. Even if you don't use this after sun exposure I would say this is a great product for impatient people like myself who just hate body moisturising. It takes all the hassle out of it. No sticky feeling. No white residue. No need to stand around naked waiting for it to absorb before you can get dressed. I love it. 

I am very happy with all of these products. I will certainly be more likely to step out into the sun this summer :)

Please note that although the SPF factors I used suited my skin you should use the factors that you feel are best suited to your skin type and length of sun exposure as well as perhaps the time of day.

If you have tried any Nivea Sun Range products let me know your favourites with reasons why in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

SUNSENSE SKINCARE SUN PROTECTION REVIEWS

Hi everyone and Happy Easter Bank Holiday Monday! Have you all been fully enjoying the Easter break? I do hope so. Today I have four products to review for you from SunSense. For those of you interested in protecting your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays which can cause sun damage, skin pigmentation, premature ageing, skin cancers and wrinkles I am sure these products from Australia's No.1 sunscreen brand will interest you.

SunSense are a family orientated brand producing products to protect all ages and skin types. SunSense products contain high-quality ingredients that bond quickly to the skin with most new formulations including Vitamin E and 3% niacinamide for healthier, younger looking skin.



Swatches as above



Apply 1 teaspoon full over entire face and neck after cleansing and 15 minutes before sun exposure. A mild temporary stinging may occur. If severe stinging or irritation occurs wash the affected area and discontinue use.

This white lotion comes in a bottle with a small hole at the top to disperse product and a screw top lid. The bottle did not collect product at the top over use. The product felt like most face lotions I have used, absorbing easily into the skin. There was a slight sting on one sensitive area of my face, but it was minimal and went away after a few minutes. My forehead became a little dry while using this for about a week. There is no scent to this product.



Shake well. Apply 1 teaspoon full over entire face, neck and chest after cleansing and 15 minutes before sun exposure. Avoid eyes and contact with irritated skin. If irritation occurs wash the affected area and discontinue use. Contact with clothing may cause discolouration.

This product comes in a flip top tube. It's not a greasy formulation. It has a sheer tint which is yellow based (as above). The product blends well into my skin giving a glow and evening out skin tone. This can be worn alone or under make-up. There was a slight sting again on a blemished area, but it went away as before. Cream does collect around the hole opening unlike the first product. I did have a dry patch appear on my chin within about 1 week of using this product. This has no scent.



Apply 1 teaspoon full over entire face and neck after cleansing and 15 minutes before sun exposure. A mild temporary stinging may occur. Avoid eyes and contact with irritated skin. If severe stinging or irritation occurs wash the affected area and discontinue use.

This comes in the same type of bottle as the first product. There is a slight stinging that goes away pretty quickly on blemished areas after application. This does have a tint also that I feel makes me look much more youthful, healthy and generally just have a glow. It is a more brown toned tint that was a little darker than my skin tone, but I made it work with blending bronzer over my chest area. The tint is definitely buildable for those wanting a slightly deeper tone. I did have dry patches on my forehead when using this again forming over about 1 week. This is also unscented.


LEFT: SUNSENSE DAILY FACE

RIGHT: SUNSENSE ANTI-AGEING FACE MATTE

I realise that it almost impossible to see these swatches. I had almost completely blended them into the skin so that you could just see the tone, yet get an idea of how natural looking they are.



Apply to clean, dry lips at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply frequently. This product leaves a gloss finish to the lips. If irritation occurs wash the affected area and discontinue use.

This comes in a squeezy tube with a screw cap. The nozzle does get messy with continued use. The product is a white cream balm (bottom centre in first swatches). When I first started using this product I loved it. There was no stinging sensation on application and the balm felt very moisturising and nourishing. Unfortunately my lips did not feel the same after a couple of days and actually felt a little sore. There was no change in the appearance of my lips, but it just felt like the product wasn't working for me. I did continue using it for the whole period of testing out all these products so a good few weeks, but my lips didn't feel any better.

Overall I would like to say that I don't think these are bad products. I do feel that they just didn't work particularly well for my skin type as most of them are mattifying and I have dry skin. If it wasn't for the drying effect the tinted products would be current favourites of mine.

Many thanks to Truth PR for sending these to me for free to test and review.

Have you tried any SunSense products that you absolutely love? If yes, let me know with reasons why in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

Facial Skincare: 4 Product Reviews

Hi lovelies and happy 1st of December! Oh my gosh the panic is setting in a little bit as I haven't bought any Xmas presents yet, eek! Oh well it always works out in the end.

Today's post is focused on facial skincare products.


T-Zone Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Exfoliating Facial Wipes ~ 99p for 20 wipes

I believe that I picked these up in the 99p Store. I thought these would be a good quick and easy step in my skincare routine to remove dirt and make-up, plus they have the added plus of being naturally anti-bacterial due to the tea tree and witch hazel. I don't think these worked any better than other regular facial wipes and to be honest I found the scent of them quite overpowering.


I received this product in my Pearl Lowe Spring Fever GlossyBox back in April. You can find full information on this product in that link. My first impression of this product was fab. It gives skin that lovely been out in the sun glow like a natural skin tint. I was however left disappointed as a big let down for me is that the product ends up flaking on my skin, even without make-up or anything else on top. I get these rolled up bits of product on my face making me look quite scaly. I have tried this on and off at different times to see if my skin was just being hormonal, but it does it every time. This also says free sample on the back so that's quite naughty GlossyBox!


This product I received in my October 2012 DIY Beauty GlossyBox. I can't believe it was that long ago, but I always get around to using products eventually. My first impressions and full product information are in the link above. I don't have anything to fault about this moisturiser, but then I don't particularly have very wrinkly skin at the moment. It felt lovely and smooth to apply.


Another GlossyBox product that I received in my June 2013 Summer Looks box. Full product information in that link. I wouldn't say that this particularly blurred my imperfections, but it did sink into my skin nicely. If you like cold creams you will like this. It kind of perks you up as you apply it.

So that's it for my facial skincare reviews today. I never enjoy giving negative reviews, but I hope that by always being honest and letting you know the pros and cons that I find in products you will hopefully find something that works for you. Always remember that what works for my skin though may or may not work for yours. 

What are your favourite facial skincare products at the moment? Let me know in the comments below.



Love to you all

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