28 September 2012

Keromask Camoflague Cream

I was never one for wearing liquid foundation; I always thought it was far too much of a faff, and quite frankly I just had no idea how to apply it. I attended an event last year (which you can read about here) where Keromask were launching the new Camouflage cream. 


Keromask is one of the few camouflage make-up brands trusted, used and recommended by the highly trained dermatology practitioners at the British Association for Skin Camouflage and British Red Cross Skin Camouflage Clinics. It is also recognised by the British Medical Association and remains as one of the few brands listed by the National Health Service as an effective solution for the one in four people in the UK who live with a skin condition. Keromask is an unrivaled cosmetics range designed for all skin types and suitable for disguising all skin imperfections.
(Keromask, 2012)


I assumed this product was some form of liquid foundation, and that was that, but in a matter of fact, this product is very universal. Yes, the product works in the same way as normal liquid foundation, but the coverage is just incredible. Acne/blemish marks, tattoos, dark circles, rosacea, vitiligo are some just of the skin imperfections that can be covered with this product. My first thought when I saw this was ''Nah, noway'', but after watching the demo at the event and seeing coverage building I was very impressed.

I did take some pictures of my face but I somehow manage to delete them. So I have taken a picture of a scar (got burnt with steam) on my arm, showing before and after pictures:


 . . . What do you think? I think it's really good and covers the mark really well (and that was only with a small amount). The scar is a little bit visible, but with a bit more product the mark would be completely covered. The beauty with Keromask products is if you don't find a cream that suits your skin tone you can mix and match with other creams in the collection, and still get the same coverage which I think is amazing. Although I like the coverage this product gives I did find however that as a person with oily skin, after an hour or so in pubs/clubs my face felt 100 times greasier and I couldn't wait to get home and take it off! Maybe there is something I should be using prior to using this product? But I felt very oily, however I still had great coverage at the end of the night. Not only can this product cover skin imperfections, but you can also go into water with it . . yes you read that correctly, you can, for example go swimming with keromask covering an imperfection on your body. I personally have not tried this, but I can imagine it would be interesting to see if the product really can provide coverage whilst submerged under water.
https://nationgesundheit.de/vidalista-online-und-ohne-rezept/

Overall my experience with the keromask camouflage cream has been ok; I love the coverage the product gives, I like the idea of being able to mix and match with other creams in the range, and the product packaging is sleek and modern. However the oiliness is something that is somewhat off putting and may possibly deter me from purchasing, unless I can find something that I can apply to my face before application??? . . . . 

Keromask Camouflage Cream* is £14.99 each and is available online at www.keromask.com

27 September 2012

REVIEW: Etat Pur A20 Zinc Gluconate, A22 Salicylic Acid 300, B06 Purifying Cleansing Gel and B20 Oil Free Quenching Fluid

It is no secret that I have problematic skin; blemishes and blackheads. I have tried so many things that I was nearly at the end of my tether, until someone tweeted about Etat Pur a few months ago. I have never heard about Etat Pur, so I proceeded to tweeting and asking about it and doing some research.

Etat Pur is a French brand that specialises in creating formulations that can be tailored to the individual needs. What sets them apart from other brands out there are the 2 sub-categories of products; ''A''  products are known as the Pure Actives which target problem areas, and ''B'' products are known as the Biomimetic Skincare which are your everyday typical skincare products, such as moisturisers, toners and etc.

'' . . . .A brand with a radically new product approach and a truly different spirit''.
(Etat Pur, 2012)

Having taken on board the positive reviews from bloggers and online articles about Etat Pur, I thought I would give their products a try. First impressions on visiting the website I really liked it; very fresh and clean, quite clinical, scientific looking (if that makes sense). The website is pretty straight forward and easy to navigate and I had no trouble at all. Before I could go ahead and order products, I completed a short questionnaire highlighting problem areas I wanted to treat. 

The results were generated tailored to my skin complaints and needs, showing numerous products which I could mix and match to suit. On this occasion I opted to choosing 4 products:    

*A20 Zinc Gluconate - . . . is recommended for its effect on skin blemishes (shine, spots, blackheads...). Their presence is often the result of significant sebum secretion and a disturbance of the microbial flora in the skin.
*A22 Salicylic Acid 300 -  . . .is indicated for various blemishes in acne-prone skin: spots, blackheads, skin blemishes... It is equally suitable for teenagers and people who suffer from occasional acne, in periods of stress, fatigue, hormonal variation or when the weather is hot and humid. 
*B06 Purifying Cleansing Gel - . . . This transparent gel with its fine, light foam gently cleanses the skin, without drying it out. Purified, the skin regains perfect balance day after day. Formula dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested on sensitive skin.
*B20 Oil Free Quenching Fluid -  . . .  combines freshness, effectiveness and respect for the skin. Ultra-light and oil-free, its light-as-air texture is immediately absorbed by the skin and does not leave a residual film. Refreshed and soothed, the skin is clean and soft.
(Etat Pur, 2012)

I proceeded to using these products for a month with high hopes they would improve my skin significantly, but unfortunately that was not the case.




The Pure Actives A20 Zinc Gluconate and A22 Salicyclic Acid 300 had received numerous positive reviews, many claiming to have seen a significant improvement in their skin. I hoped I would have the same positivity, but unfortunately I had no change whatsoever in my skin. I followed the instructions carefully, but I saw no improvement which I was very disappointed about. Although I saw no improvement the product was quite nice to apply; sunk in well to the skin and left no messy residue.

On the other hand the B06 Purifying Cleansing Gel I really like, so much so I have purchased another. This product I find very gentle to my skin; it doesn't leave my face dry, parched or irritated, but very soft and smooth. The  B20 Oil Free Quenching Fluid I also really enjoy using, and have purchased another since because I really like this product. My face is very oily, and I was beginning to notice my moisturiser of 10years (I haven't had it 10years, just used the same brand for 10years lol), was beginning to make me very oily, and by mid morning I looked like I had done the London Marathon! With this product it is of a gel form which I thought was different, but just went with it; it has a pleasant smell and once applied sunk in really well to my skin, leaving no oily residue. My skin thereafter is very soft, and feels like I have no product on my skin at all.


Etat Pur also offer customers the opportunity of choosing 2 gifts, and a surprise gift completely free with every order. I chose the Melting Moisturising Cream, Micellar Cleansing Water and Light Moisturising Cream. I haven't sampled the two creams, however I have used the cleansing water, which I have to say is amazing. I previously use to use makeup wipes by Keromask, but after receiving this sample and trialling, I will definitely be purchasing the full size. Micellar Cleansing Waters are very big at the moment in the blogging community. 

My experience with Etat Pur I would say has been ok; I am disappointed with the Zinc Gluconate and Salicylic Acid, however I am very pleased with the B06 Purifying Cleansing Gel and B20 Oil Free Quenching Fluid. The best thing about Etat Pur products are they are not 'breaking the bank'; they are all affordable, with the most expensive product being approximately £20.00 - bargain!

The Pure Actives - A20 Zinc Gluconate is £8.50, A22 Salicylic Acid 300 is £12.20,  Biomimetic Skincare - B06 Purifying Cleansing Gel is £7.70 B20 Oil Free Quenching Fluid is £7.80. Etat Pur also offer free delivery with your first order. And although your order is coming from France the delivery is pretty quick.

If you are interested in knowing more about Etat Pur, click here.

Have you purchased/tried Etat Pur products before?


26 September 2012

HoMedics Tanda Clear + Acne Professional Cleaning System

I often beat on about my troublesome skin over on twitter because it really does get me down, and I am curious to know what other sufferers use/do to combat their acne. I have tried soo many things and nothing ever seems to work for a long period of time. The only option I have not tried are treatments at clinics purely because I have dark skin and I fear a treatment or machine may do long term damage to my skin which would tip me right over the edge (my acne is enough!). Lately I have seen on the high street and online home devices that enable you to treat acne yourself, and today's blog post features one of them; HoMedics Tanda Clear + Acne Professional clearing system .

The HoMedics Tanda Clear + Acne Professional clearing system is a hand held device that claims to reduce redness and inflammation, clear existing breakouts and improve the overall skin condition. The device operates by giving blue light technology, along with a sonic vibration in order to open the pores. It also has a patented massaging treatment head, which combines the trio of acne fighting technologies (blue light, sonic vibration and gentle warming), which feels calming on irritated skin. 

Many users of this device have seen a decrease in blemish size in 24hrs, which I personally find astonishing. After one week users have reported a decrease in the number of blemishes, a reduction in skin redness and oiliness. According to HoMedics users will begin to see an overall improvement of their skin condition, and the decrease in the number of acne lesions (HoMedics, 2012).   

 






I have to admit I am a little dubious about using this product, but I am willing to give anything a try to beat the 'blighters' from appearing on my face, and leaving blemish marks. Although the product claims to be effective in 24hrs, I will be giving this product maximum 2 weeks trial, to see if the product lives up to its claims.

 . . .Watch this space. . . I will be back in 2 weeks with a results blog post.

If you are interested in knowing more about HoMedics click here. 

So what do you think - would this be something you'd consider, or are you not so sure?



25 September 2012

Are you on Instagram?


Most of you are aware, but for those who don't did you know I am on Instagram? Yep, I joined the ever so popular Instrgram world a few months ago, and it's pretty cool. My pictures are a mishmash of things from my everyday life, and I update at least once a day, if not, every few days.

 . . So come on over and join me at: serenityofbeauty
 
If you are on Instgram, leave your name in the comment box below and I will follow you (on Instagram that is lol).



24 September 2012

Origins Breast Cancer Awareness - 'Make a Difference' and 'Peace of Mind' Duo






October is fast approaching (the year is flying by), but the tenth month in the year always marks the month whereby we raise awareness for Breast Cancer.

Millions of women around the globe suffer from this disease that claims the lives of many women, and it is important that contributions continue in order to fund research and awareness programmes. Origins are one brand who strongly support Breast Cancer Awareness, and have modified one of their best loved products for the month of October.







Origins will be launching a limited edition duo which features two of Origins favourites on a pink clip; Make a Difference 'Rejuvenating hand treatment' and Peace of Mind 'On the Spot relief'.

*Make a Difference 'Rejuvenating hand treatment' 15ml - A powerful skin redeeming trio of key ingredients which include Rose of Jericho, cell-reviving Trehalose and Pandina Pavonica help skin rebound from dramatic dehydration while Scutellaria Baicalensis works to even out the look of skin tone. Vital moisture replenishes even the most dry, dehydrated hands.

*Peace of Mind 'On the Spot relief' 7ml -  containing soothing key ingredients such as Basil, Eucalyptus and Peppermint that help fight stress and fatigue.
(Press Release, 2012)

This cute little duo RRP will be £10.00, and £2.00 from every UK purchase Origins will donate to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and each sale from the Republic of Ireland €2 to The Cancer Clinical Research Trust.

 The limited edition Make a Difference and Peace of Mind duo will be able throughout October at all Origins counters nationwide. Whilst stocks last.

 

21 September 2012

REVIEW: Illamasqua Volume Mascara 'Nocturnal'

Some of you may remember last December a friend and I went to the Clothes Show Live, where I picked up lots and lots of goodies. I went past the Illamasqua stand and couldn't believe my eyeballs at the deal they had; 3 products for £10 . . .YES you read that correctly 3 products for £10! I took great advantage of this, and picked up a mascara, cream blusher and eyeshadow. I have previously blogged about the cream blusher and eyeshadow which you are more than welcome to go back and read. But today's blog post will be the Illamasqua mascara 'Nocturnal'. 

Out of all the makeup products that can be used on the face/eyes, my favourite has always been mascara. Illamasqua has always been a brand I wanted to try, and the mascaras  appeared to be really nice; very classy and promising to deliver what it set out to achieve. The volume mascara was only available in Lewd (blue colour) or Nocturnal (brown), and as I am one not to indulge in the bright colours, I opted for Nocturnal as I had never had a mascara in this colour.

''. . . .Bring out the power of your eyes. Illamasqua Volume Mascara’s building formula lengthens, thickens and dramatises to extremes. The unique design of the brush ensures fully-loaded lashes, while the smudge-proof formula guarantees that it stays put long into the night. Use your eyes to tease, tempt, tantalise''
(Illamasqua, 2011)


  


The mascara (I think) is quite small in comparison to others, with 9ml of product. The packaging is pretty basic, with the signature Illamasqua print on the wand and the outer packaging. The wand itself is quite short in comparison to other mascaras, and the brush I wasn't too fond of. That aside the consistency of the product appeared quite thick, but dry, which meant no smudging or mistakes when applying. Below are before and after pictures which are as follows:

 
 
 . . . .What do you think? I think the mascara has given my eye lashes some volume, although not a huge amount. The colour which I thought would be quite visible, you can hardly see which I really like. 

Unfortunately Illamasqua Nocturnal has now been discounted, however 'Lewd' is still available at the cost of £15.00! I now regret not buying more of this product because although the volume isn't as great as expected, I do like this mascara and always go back to using it (although I do realise I should part company with it!!!)

I am contemplating returning to Clothes Show Live this year in the hope that Illamasqua will be there . . .and who knows maybe I'll be able to pick up some more bargains on the last day again. . . . 

If you are interested in knowing more about Illamasqua, then click here.

What do you think of this mascara, yay or nay? Have you used Illamasqua voluma mascara before?


20 September 2012

Accessorize Intense Colour Lipstick - Smitten and Love-struck


I have never tried Accessorize makeup products before, but have heard a lot of positive reviews in the blogging sphere about this brand. A girl can never have too many lipsticks so what better way to kick off my first Accessorize makeup experience. When it comes to lipsticks I am somewhat a little picky, so when I heard Accessorize were launching intense lipsticks I couldn't wait to see what they were like.

'' . . .The long-lasting Intense Colour Lipstick Collection applies with a matte finish for a bang-on-trend lip look. With its expert formulation, the lipsticks will leave your lips ultra moisturised and kissably soft''.
(Press Release, 2012)




First thing that caught my attention with these lipsticks was the packaging; absolutely beautiful. So different and ornate that I often catch myself starring at the packaging trying to work out the different flowers, with the pretty detailing of little owls and butterflies. The lipsticks have the signature 'pull off' top, followed by the winding mechanism to reveal the lipstick. The top also offers a lipstick pot in the lid, which enables you to touch up and share with friends. Now I personally don't really see the point in the touch up pot because you have the lipstick, and the idea of sharing doesn't really 'tickle my fancy', especially when it comes to lip products. Nevertheless, it is a cute addition, although somewhat a little unnecessary perhaps?

The lipsticks themselves are of a matte finish, with decent staying power. The shades are bright (especially Love-Struck) with decent consistency. They also smell of vanilla which have a reminiscent smell of the MUA Love Hearts lip balm. I did find however that these lipsticks did make my lips look somewhat dry, and didn't look nice on me personally (hence no lip swatches). I do feel though if you are someone who likes a bright, statement lipstick 'Love-Struck' is for you. And if you like to play it cool, but with some colour and you are a nude lipstick kinda girl, then this one is for you. 


 Accessorize Intense Colour Lipstick Love Struck* and Smitten* are currently RRP at £4.95, and are available from Accessorize and Superdrug. Other available shades: Besotted, Heat over Heels, Infatuated, Love Sick, Obsessed, and Passionate

Are you a fan of the Acccessorize Intense Colour Lipstick? Or are you not so sure? Would love to hear your thoughts.


13 September 2012

Origins Spot Remover - Blemish Treatment Pads. . . .


If you are an avid Origins fan, then you may be aware of the original product 'Super Spot Remover Gel' that comes in the form of a teeny weeny bottle with product that you dab on and treat spots individually. That of course has been a huge success with many, and as a result has now taken a leap in the form of blemish treatment pads. When I first saw this I thought ''Hmmm interesting'', and thought that it would work in the same way as the gel but obviously covering a larger area. My spots tend to appear either individually or as a crop, so I figured using the pad version would be absolutely fine.


Now help prevent blemishes.
These clinically-proven, daily exfoliating treatment pads with Salicylic Acid, Clove and Oregano instantly help unclog pores to help clear, fight and fade active blemishes. Saw Palmetto minimizes excess oils and debris to help prevent future breakouts and blackheads. 
(Origins, 2012)

The formula for the blemish treatment pads are exactly the same as the gel; smell great, fresh, soaked in a good amount of product for each pad, where there is 60 in the tub. The pads themselves are smooth on one side and textured on the other, enabling you to exfoliate the skin whilst using the product. Originally I was going to give this product approximately 4 weeks trial before blogging to you all about it, but my experience unfortunately wasn't as positive as I had hoped.



After cleansing my skin one night I used this product. At the time of use, there was no sign of burning, tingling, feeling of stripped skin, nothing like that at all and I thought nothing more of it. A day after use my face erupted; spots on my chin and nose (never had spots on my nose before) and a few on my jawline - I have never experienced anything like it in my life. A product that I was so looking forward to using just doesn't seem to like me at all, which I found very disheartening as I wanted to love it so much. The spots that have raised their ugly head aren't blackheads (which is a good thing), but are whiteheads which will settle in time. But my face seems to have reacted badly as they are also quite painful and sore to touch.

You're probably wondering ''Why do a review on the product then?'' Well I was going to review the product after using it for a good few weeks anyway, but I always like to blog my experiences with things; whether positive or not so positive, and highlight my personal experience with something. On this occasion I wanted to blog my experience as the product is a highly talked (and blogged) about product that many seem to be wanting to try. A lot of reviews I have to say have been incredibly positive, and on this occasion I think I fall into the minority category on this one as it simply isn't for me. I still have the super spot remover gel (which I have had since last year, and still have loads of product left), and I think I will be definitely sticking with that version of the super spot remover family. Although on this occasion my experience with this Origins product hasn't been very positive, there are still many other products I adore from Origins, and will continue to use.

The Origins Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Pads* is RRP £22.00 and is available from selected Boots, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Origins online.

If you are interested in knowing more about Origins, please click here.

Will you be trying the Origins Spot Remover Blemish Pads, do you prefer the Super Spot Remover Gel, or are you not so keen on either? Would love to hear your reviews. 




11 September 2012

New! FashionistA Customised Palette

When I first started blogging I saw the odd few blog posts on palettes that you could customise. Of course, I thought ''Oooo this is rather nice'', but thought nothing more of it. More and more blog posts on these customized palettes were cropping up and it was then I decided to take note of the brand doing these palettes, which is FashionistA. 

I don't know a great deal about FashionistA (local Superdrug does not stock FashionistA products), but from what I have seen they have proven to be a big hit with many in the blogging community; purely for it's budget friendly products, and the idea of being able to customise a palette, which this blog post will be about today. 




FashionistA are well known for their ability in being able to allow the consumer to customise a quad palette, with shades/colours to suit their individual skin tone. With this in mind, FashionistA have launched several new Mono Blushers and Bronzers, naming each one after fashion capitals across the globe, which are as follows:

Matte Bronzers: LA, Paris, Tokyo
Merged Bronzers: Barcelona, Dubai, Rome
Merged Blushers: New York, London, Milan

FashionistA have also launched 6 merged mono eyeshadows which have been given 'fashionism' names, such as:  

Couture, Custom Fitted, Exclusive Collection, Fashion House, Stylish and Trend Setter

The palette I have customised features LA, Rome, Milan and Trend Setter which honestly I would never have chosen, but I love the colours, especially the eyeshadow Trend Setter, which is amazing.










I admit I am no 'whizz kid' when it comes to understanding the 'mechanics' and etc of eyeshadows, blushers and bronzers, but I have to say I am impressed with these, especially the merged blusher 'Milan' and merged bronzer 'Rome'. The colours are just absolutely beautiful, and when applied to the skin the colours have great pigmentation, although the bronzer LA isn't very pigmented on my skintone and somewhat looks a little lost. I found with all 4 of them to be incredibly silky smooth and soft. The merged eyeshadow offers something a little different in that is has a glittering finish that can be mixed and blended with other shades in the custom palette. And it can also be used wet to create a creamy eyeshadow or an intense eyeliner for a multitude of looks. 

The FashionistA Mono Blushers, Merged Eyeshadows and Matte Bronzers* are £4.00 each, and the Custom Palette* (red or black) is £5.00 - all available from selected Superdrug stores. If you are interested in purchasing FashionistA products online, then click here.

So . . what do you think? Is this something you'll be investing in, or are you not so sure?



10 September 2012

REVIEW: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat

Today I am going to blog about a product that many of you have probably seen and heard of, and that is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat. Although there have been numerous reviews and blog posts on this particular product, I thought I would 'hang fire' and wait a little while.


Waterproof when you want it to be. Lash Genius Clear Waterproof Topcoat instantly waterproofs, refreshes, and protects any mascara all day, without the typical drying or clumping. Its advanced, lightweight formula glides on smooth, dries quickly, and gives your lashes a touchable soft lacquer finish that lasts all day. 
(Anastasia, 2012)


When I started wearing mascara I always avoided purchasing mascaras that were waterproof because I always heard how much of a nightmare they were to remove (even with good eye make up remover). Not only a nightmare to remove but the finishing look always made the eye lashes look somewhat clumpy and not very nice in comparison to mascaras that were not waterproof. So when I heard about this product I was a little curious as I had never heard of the brand or the product but the concept behind it had grabbed my attention straightaway.





The Anastasia Lash Genius is a clear topcoat product that can be coated onto any mascara and instantly make it waterproof. It is quick to use, fragrance free, and easy to apply with a great wand. I decided to give this product a test drive, coating my eye lashes twice with my favourite Illamasqua Volume Mascara 'Nocturnal'. So here's the test . . .


 Before


 . . . In the picture I coated my R eye with the lash genius product, and I left my L eye free from product. I gave my eyelashes a good spraying with water, giving it chance to really soak into my lashes before proceeding to test the product. Giving both eyelashes a rub here are the results . . . 

 . . .A little disappointing. First thing I notice my R eyelash has shrunk a little, I have lost the length and volume I gained from my mascara. And the second thing I notice the product isn't completely waterproof as expected. I have seen previous reviews on this product, and a lot have had excellent results, so why I did not experience the same? I do not know, but I am somewhat disappointed. Nevertheless, although on this occasion my experience is not as great, I do believe however the product is still good; simply google to discover other blogger reviews.

Anastasia Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat* is currently available on the Anastasia website for $21.00, or UK customers can purchase the product from Cult Beauty for £7.50.


Hope you enjoyed this review. If you are interested in knowing more about Anastasia and other products, click here.




7 September 2012

We have a winner . . . .

Thank you everyone who entered my giveaway.

If I could give everyone a prize, I really would but on this occasion there can only be one winner. The winner of the 500 blog follower giveaway is . . . . . . 






Miss Sophie Olivia


An email will be 'winging' its way to you shortly.

Thank you to everyone who entered.