At our last #itwbn meet up we all received goodie bags filled with loads of fab products from McSharry's Pharmacy (http://www.mcsharryspharmacy.com). Included was the NeoStrata Glycolic Treatment Peel and it couldn't have come at a better time. My skin was in dire need of a good exfoliation and I just love AHA & Glycolic Acid peels as they work deep down into the layers of the skin removing any signs of impurities and dead or worn out cells that may build up whilst brightening & tightening the skin. The thing I love about the NeoStrata brand is that it has been developed by leading America dermatologists therefore giving me great faith that the product will actually do what is promises. Earlier this year I attended a NeoStrata training day and learned that the whole range are medically driven and clinically trialed and that the creators Drs. Eugene Van Scott (Dermatologist and Master of Dermatology of the American Academy of Dermatology AAD) and Dr Ruey Yu (Dermatopharmacologist) are internationally recognised for making the ground-breaking discovery that Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) have profound beneficial effect on human skin. The range is actually prescribed by dermatologists frequently in America. NeoStrata products promise to improve visible signs of ageing & sun-damage and treat various dermatological conditions such as acne, dry skin and hyper-pigmentation. If you want to read more about the brand and their products just click here (http://www.neostrata.ie). So back to the Treatment Peel I tried out. This home treatment peel aims to "exfoliate the dead and dull surface layers of your skin to revitalise your skins healthy appearance. High strength AHA's then stimulate the process of cell renewal to reveal new, fresh skin on the surface". This is my 2nd NeoStrata Glycolic Treatment Peel and I'm glad to say it didn't disappoint this time round either. In the kit you receive
You start off by washing your face with the cleanser and then you apply the Citriate Soloution to the face using the pad. I pay special attention to my fine lines and any problem areas such as my chin area where I get frequent breakouts. If you are using it for the first time you leave it for only 30 mins but after this you can leave it for up to 3 hours. After this time you wash off the residue once again with the cleanser and then apply the Bionic Face Cream which is super healing and soothing. Now none of these products smell amazing - more of a chemically smell but I don't care if it does what it says. I usually put in on a day I know I'm not leaving the house but the peel itself is actually clear so you can go pick up the kids or run to the shop if needs be. When using the peel it is very important that you follow all instructions and to wear SPF everyday. There is usually SPF in your daily moisturiser or foundation anyway. And if you suffer from very sensitive skin this may not be the product for you. So what did I think As I mentioned earlier this is my 2nd time to use this product and I can honestly say it won't be the last. I had some slight flaking around my nose after the first application but that just proves the exfoliation is working. My skins looks clearer, brighter and smoother and my fine lines definitely look softer. And it just seems like there is more of a glow to my skin. Also my makeup always applies better after using this peel. This really is a keeper for my skincare routine!!!! NeoStrata is available in McSharry's Pharmacy (they have stores in Galway, Athlone, Athenry and Castlerea) and also on their website (http://www.mcsharryspharmacy.com) for €52.95. It is also available in pharmacies nationwide. Glycolic Acid is the way to go guys!!!! Thanks for reading
Until next time....As always....Be Happy! Susie xxx
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Hey Guys Just a quick blog to let you know what's in my Powder Pocket box this month. Doesn't it look pretty. I love the pastel blue shade and the theme is for the month is Sweet Treats. So let's dive straight in!!! First out was the Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme. This is a brand I have never tried before and that's one of the main reasons I love these boxes - it lets you try out loads of new stuff from brand you may not have used before. Anyway what is the Exfoliating Enzyme I hear you ask. Well basically it is a chemical exfoliant that contains pineapple and papaya enzymes to sizzles away dead skin. Now I am a huge fan of chemical exfoliants and love the NeoStrata range which contain ADA's (alpha hydroxy acids) the strongest chemical exfoliator available on the market (my skin can tolerate them). However if you have sensitive skin you will be better of trying an enzyme based exfoliator. Chemical exfoliants increase you skin cellular turnover and exfoliate from the inside out. No more scrubbing your poor skin with beads & sand & feckin fruit particles :-). The Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme promises to help reveal brighter, more refined-looking skin and as with all chemical exfoliators improve the penetration of your serums and moisturisers. It is gentle enough to use twice or three times a week and you simply apply it to clean, dry skin and leave it on for two minutes. Then re-activate it by massaging a little warm water into your face and then leave it on for an additional three to five minutes before rinsing well. I cannot wait to try it out and will let you know how I get on with it. RRP is €49.00 for 60mls. (We received a 30ml bottle in the box) Next out was Great Lengths Daily Moisture Shampoo. (I love receiving mini shampoos as they are great for travelling). Firstly I thought this shampoo was aimed at only those with hair extensions but Great Lengths use human hair in their products so it is perfect on your own hair also. It promises to protect your hair again the environmental damage & premature ageing, will help increase volume and give maximum shine. I am away next weekend so will report back to you on how I get on with it. Full Size 250ml RRP €17.99 (We received a 50ml sample size) How cute is this - A Ciate Mini Nail Polish. It is a beautiful pastel lavender shade and perfect for summer. Full size RRP €10.95 Now this is interesting - Hollywood Eye Magic Serum. Now this is something I have never even heard of before. It promises to work in minutes to reduce the appearance of lines & wrinkles, reduce eye bags and puffiness and diminish the look of dark circles. I'm not really a fan of these "miracle in a bottle" type products but I will give it a go for the fun. Full Size RRP €75 for 15mls bottle ( We received about 1ml) And last but not least is the Kinvara Skincare Absolute Cleansing Oil. I absolutely love Cleansing Oils so was very excited to use this product and the fact it is Irish only adds to the attraction. I have tried this over the weekend and not only does it smell amazing it does a brilliant job of removing all my makeup including eye makeup. I just warmed a few drops between my hands and massaged it onto my skin. I wet a facecloth with hot water, hold it over my face for a few seconds and then simply wipe away. Magic!!! This will definitely be on my shopping list. Full size RRP €19.95 for 100mls. And as a little treat we received a pack of Love Hearts to top it all off. So that's it for another box. I thought this was a great box and will definitely be using all of the products. If you want to subscribe all you have to do is log on to http://www.powderpocket.com and sign up for only €15 per month. Until next time....As always....Be Happy!!!
Susie xxx Morning SkincareI am NOT a morning person and I could hit snooze 10 times before actually getting up. So it generally doesn't leave me with a lot of time to get ready before heading out the door to work. Therefore my morning skincare routine is quick and simple. I start my morning by cleansing with Garnier's Micellar Water. It removes any oils that might appear during the night, doesn't leave any residue and makes my skin feel clean and soft after use. I then apply my Botanics Hydrating Radiant Youth Eye Cream. I have been using this for about a month now and its a lovely simple moisturising cream that keeps the eye area well hydrated. It is a great cream for anyone looking for a basic everyday cream. I have however just invested in the NeoStrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Cream. It promises to "target tell-tale signs of ageing around the eyes by building and plumping the deep layers of the skin and crow's feet and puffiness are effectively targeted for exceptional results". I will do a full review on once I have had a chance to try it out. I have been using the No.7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum of late. I'm not quite sure if I like it or not. I had been using the Clarin's Double Serum and noticed my skin tone & texture had improved but since changing to the No. 7 serum I haven't noticed any difference. I am going to finish it anyway and will let you know what I think at the end. I then finish with Una Brennan Super Facialist Neroli Firming Day Cream. I absolutely love the smell of this product and it leaves my skin super soft. The Una Brennan Super Facialist range is great and cannot wait to try more of their products. Night SkincareI always try to double cleanse at night to really ensure my skin is cleansed of the days makeup dirt and pollution. I start with the Garnier Micellar Water as this takes off most of my makeup and eye makeup. I then use the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm. This is a lovely product. It is solid but liquefies when warmed between your hands. Apply all over the face and it melts off the day's dirt and any stubborn makeup. I use a warm muslin cloth to remove it and my skin always feels clean and fresh afterwards. I use my Botanics eye cream and No.7 Serum again and then use the La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5. It is very rich and quite greasy but I love it. It soothes, protects and repairs whilst I sleep. Little tube of magic! Weekly TreatmentsOnce a week I use the Una Brennan Super Facialist Tea Flower Pore Purifying Clay Mask. It comes out white in colour, smells quite herbally (is that a word) and dries quickly. Leave it on for about 15 minutes then simply wash it off with a hot facecloth to reveal smooth well balanced skin. It doesn't dry out my face and leaves it feeling super clean. Then once a week I use the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque. (Obviously not on the same night as the Clay Mask - I usually use this over the weekend or Monday night). This stuff is a life saver the morning after a night out, when you have had at least one bottle (of wine!!!) too many. It is super re-hydrating, packed full of vitamins and smells amazing. Simply apply a layer all over your face (I even apply it to the eye area) leave for at least 20 mins ( you can leave it on as long as you want) and then rinse off. You will be amazed by how radiant and refreshed your skin will look. About twice a week I use my Nip + Fab Glycolic Scrub Facial Polish or my Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Cleanser Brush for a good exfoliation. The Glycolic Scrub contains both glycolic and salicylic acid which chemically exfoliate the skin and has fine granules to phsically exfoliate. It really improves the texture of my skin and leaves it bright and smooth. I use the Olay Cleansing Brush with whatever cleanser I happen to have in my bathroom at the time . My skin always feels soft and glowing afterwards like I have just had a facial. Oh and I always remove my makeup before using this brush otherwise it can stain the bristles. So that's basically it. Now my skin is still far from flawless but it has been looking better lately and I am putting it down to most of these products. Is there any product's you think I should try? Let me know in the comments below. Don't forget...Be Happy!
Susie xxx They say it can affect up to 50% of us and I know alot of my friends complain about it. Keratosis Pilaris is a genetic skin disorder which cause little red bumps in patches on your upper arms or thighs and resembles chicken skin. No one has figured out what causes it but hopefully today I might have something to help get rid of it. And with summer fast approaching (yes I know we live in Ireland but when that week of sunshine does arrive you want to be ready for it) its time to start prepping out skin. You can reduce skin roughness and redness by taking lukewarm showers and using a mild, soap-free cleanser. Also applying moisturiser daily helps. These two products have been tried and tested and proven to help get rid of these nasty little spots. Eucerin Intensive 10% Urea Treatment Cream/Lotion Dermatologists often recommend a moisturizer that contains urea and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). AHA's help exfoliate rough, dry skin, and urea provides intensive moisture. This combination of exfoliation and hydration works to reduce KP bumps. Eucerin Intensive 10% Urea Treatment Lotion contains Lactic Acid (a form of AHA) to exfoliate and Urea to hydrate. It is available from any good pharmacy and costs approx €12. NeoStrata Lotion Plus This fab lotion is formulated with 20% AHA (glycolic acid), a chemical exfoliant which does all the scrubbing for you. It works to dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. NeoStrata claims that it “correct signs of aging, even and brighten skin tone, and improve skin texture”. It is fantastic for keeping your skin smooth. Oh and for fake tan lovers this is an amazing product. Not only does it keep skin smooth and soft it helps your tan apply more easily and fade more evenly. And it even works on ingrown hairs. So over all this is a fantastic product. It is available in selected pharmacies nationwide RRP €23. So I hope that helps a little. Has anyone tried either of these remedies before? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time...Be Happy! Susie xxx
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AuthorLover of all things beauty, Makeup Artist, Blogger & Wife . I am always on the look out for the perfect makeup or the best beauty product so keep reading to follow my never ending quest! Categories
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