Sunday 26 February 2012

L'Oreal Paris Body Expertise 200ml Sculpt Up Gel & Nivea good-bye cellulite 200ml

L'Oreal Paris Body Expertise 200ml Sculpt Up Gel
L'oreal claim- for lack of physical activity, pregnancy, repetitive diets, weight fluctuations - over time, body contours begin to sag, are less taut and become more flabby, in particular on the stomach and buttock area.Immediate tightening effect, contours look smoothed. As soon as it is applied, the firming polymers contained in the formula organise themselves in an invisible network that contract when it touches the skin with a similar effect to a pair of body toning tights.
You can buy this from Boots or Superdrug Rrp £11.49 this is far to expensive for what it is.

I used this after a shower and applied it to my thighs and bottom its a thick sticky bluish gel that when applied feels really cool, I wonder if they do this to make you think its doing something amazing to your cellulite.
I didnt expect this to work its magic on the first application so I continued using it every day until it ran out which wasnt that long to be honest, 3 weeks tops.  Thats when I thought right its time to have a good look at my legs and  bottom to see the results.  Reluctantly I had a good look in my full lengh mirror and did as I always did cringed then quickly put my clothes back on lol.

Didnt see any difference a bit disappointed but then I dont think any of these creams are going to take cellulite away but we can dream.
A top tip is to drink more water and buy a soft body brush (boots sell good ones) and brush you thighs every night up towards your heart (never downwards as effects arent as good) I used to do this religiously but got a bit lazy so you must keep it up and it takes months to see a difference but worth it.
I would give it 5 out of 10 it was ok and did moisturise, well but its to expensive so if someone says you have to use it for months and months to see a result then I apologise as I just didnt think it was worth it. A body brush and baby lotion (which is like £1.50) will probably give you the same results.

New development
Nivea have brought a new cellulite cream out its called GOOD-BYE CELLULITE
So the sucker that I am I have purchased it, it would normally be £10.67 I got this for £5.33 so worth ia go if you can get it reduced.
Nivea stateNIVEA Body Good-Bye Cellulite. Anti-Cellulite Smoothing Gel-Cream. With skin's own L-Carnitine. Visibly reduces the appearance of cellulite
I will keep you updated.
Week one
Its definitely better than the l'oreal cream so far
skin is hydrated and soft so far so good still fair amount of the orange peel but time will tell.

Week two
Still liking this and skin looks smoother than a few weeks back I don't think my cellulite its going to disappear anytime soon buts its definitely helping in the battle of the orange peel.

Week Three
Its pretty much the same as week two but better than it was with nothing and if I can get it half price then worth but but wouldnt pay the £10 odd for it. Ill stick with it for now.

Avons Solutions Cellu-Sculpt 3X 150ml

Solutions Cellu-Sculpt 3X Avon 150ml Rrp £14
This is what Avon say

 Formulated with Lipo-Smooth Technology to help target problem areas and reduce the look of cellulite. The rich gel-cream works together with Avon's firsts tri-rollerball massaging head to help boost skin's microcirculation.

Dispense some gel-cream onto the 360 degree, tri-rolerball, massage head, then thoroughly massage the thighs, hops, abdomen and buttocks twice a day using small circular movements until the cream is fully absorbed. 150ml   

They have replaced Avon solutions body cellu-sculpt massaging anti-cellulite treatment with this as it states discontinued when I try to find the old version which was a better cream and it was 200ml.
Im not a fan of this it smells a bit odd and its sticky, the roller ball thing does nothing as far as im concerned its a gimmick that doesnt really do anything id rather use my fingers and hands.

Its way to expensive and I saw no change to my orange peel what so ever I didnt even finish using it all as I just didnt like the cream and Im quite easy going, even if this was on special offer I wouldnt buy it.


I have put two pictures, one of the old version and one of the new version neither one improved my cellulite but if you happen to be stuck in a position where you can get either one at a really good price then opt for the one without the silly silver balls lol.
I would give the new version 3 out of 10.
the old version 5 out of 10.

LACURA WRINKLE STOP SYN-AKE ALDI

LACURA WRINKLE STOP £4.99 ALDI
Aldi beauty creams
Lacura, featuring Syn-Ake – botox in a box!
THIS PROMISES
-53% forehead wrinkle reduction
-24% crows feet reduction
-82% wrinkle muscle activity

Syn-Ake is a synthetic substance which mimics the effect of a protein found in the venom of the Temple Viper Snake. Amino acids found in the venom block nerve signals telling muscles to contract, which helps to stop wrinkles forming as well as smoothing out the skin.
Quite a claim isnt it?  Well I bought this a few year ago it was £7.99 then.  I had heard it had sold out originally when first released. 

It came in a daunting syringe style tube which you depressed the top and the cream came out all very flash and fancy (theres a new cream out 2012 in the same design called Freeze Frame from Australia, I wont be doing a review its £49.99 from Boots and has terrible reviews so I wont be bothering.) 
I used this cream in the morning and it was very nice and had a faint pleasant smell, was white in colour and wasnt to thick, it went on really well and dried quickly.

The next day I didnt really see any difference and 4 weeks later I didnt either it did hydrate and my skin looked nice but not amazing my wrinkles were the same as ever around my eyes so I didnt feel I got the 24% crows feet reduction.  After 4 months and nearly 3 tubes later I thought it was time to call it a day and move on I couldnt even see a 4% reduction in anything.
I would give it 5 out of 10 I didnt have any form of reaction but then I didnt see any changes either.
And for the price worth getting it just to have as a moisturiser with the hope it might word for you.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 Refining night Cream 30ml

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream 30ml

I have heard a lot of raving about Retinol over the years its always something normally to do with acne and bad skin and how this ingredient helps clear this up.   It was said that someone with adult acne stumbled across this and noticed their wrinkles started to be less noticable is this an urban myth or a true story? Im not sure but I know it was prescription only a few years back.
Anyway I bought this off ebay after shopping around its all different prices if you type it into google you also get all different places from all around the world.
I paid £24.99 inc postage you can get it from this up to £34 depends on how much time your willing to spend shopping around for a good deal.
It contains as the title says 0.5 retinol now you can also go up to 1.0 retinol once you can tolerate the lower one.
This is the info I found


12 month shelf life from the day you open it,

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream with 0.5% Pure Retinol (30ml)

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 contains .5% pure retinol and is enhanced with the latest stabilization and delivery technologies to provide maximum efficacy. Retinol 0.5 is recommended for more sensitive skin or to help condition skin not acclimated to retinoids as a prerequisite to SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0.

Our retinol products help stimulate cell regeneration and build collagen to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots from both photo- and intrinsic- aging. Additionally, they help minimize the appearance of pore size, while correcting blemishes and blotchiness often associated with problematic skin.
Benefits.
  • Helps reduce appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, ages spots, blemishes, and blotchiness
  • Preserves optimal retinol stability and minimizes erythema commonly associated with the use of retinol
  • Ensures maximum amount of retinol reaches the target site
  • Will not clog pores and eliminates the need of additional moisturizer
Use.
If you have never used retinol products before, begin by limiting use to twice a week, then gradually increase frequency to every other night, and finallyonce an eveningas tolerated. Consult your skincare professional for a dosage schedule appropriate for your skin.

Apply a pea-sized amount of Retinol .5 to thoroughly cleansed skin in the evening. Carefully avoid the eyes and the corner of the eyes. To ensure optimal results, wait at least 30 minutes before applying any corrective or moisturizing products the same evening as applying Skinceuticals retinol

Ok so thats the hype, so getting down to the nitty gritty, I used it as stated its quite thick and white it has no smell and is easy to apply.
The next morning my skin was a little bit sore and itchy but I wasnt to concerned as it does say you should  build a tolerance to it.
I missed a few days out and retried it, but again my skin was red and a bit blotchy again.   After a month of applying this cream I just knew alas that I was never going to be a retinol user as I still had sore skin especially around my mouth,eyes and nose area, I was disapointed but we are all different (im just glad I didnt buy the 1.0 retinol)  So I went back to the drawing board again. I used this about a year ago so not a recent purchase.  I would love to know if anyone is sucessful with retinol as I do hear great reviews.  I thought it was a bit pricey and wish I could have go my hands on some samples so that would be advised before purchasing the full size.
I would give this 4 out of 10 but thats only because I reacted to it doesnt mean everyone will.

Monday 20 February 2012

Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator Eye Cream, 15ml

Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator Eye Cream, 15ml from £40
I purchased this from Debenhams £40 it was pay pay after all and I did have a moment of weakness.
Glycanactif™, a patented¹ combination of 3 glycans, to help increase youthful activity in skin cells.²






  • EYE CREME
  • An eye creme designed to refresh and relax the appearance of the eye area.
  • VISIBLE RESULTS
  • Immediately the skin around the eye contours looks smoother, feels suppler and appears soothed.
  • This cream promises a lot so as this is the area I feel I need the most help I am willing to give it a good go and share the results.
    Its a very small pot for the money (I will have to go easy with this) its gorgeous packaging of pinky purple. The cream is quite thick and has a pleasant smell not to over powering at all, although I do prefer when lotions and potions dont have an aroma as perfumes usually mean spots in my case.
    Week one
    I am at the end of week one now, I have seen no change at all I have asked several honest people I know and they still say my crows feet are still very visable they arent even that deep so to me it doesnt have to work as hard as maybe someone ten years older.
    As it is only week one I still have at least another 3 weeks to go to give it a fair go.
    Week Two
    There is no change at all, infact theres a bit of redness developing about half an inch to the side of my eyes which makes putting eye shadow on a bit difficult as the skins a bit dry. Still hoping though!
    I will keep you updated I have a pic of my crows feet which I will post at the end with a new picture to see if there is a difference heres hoping.

    Week 3
    Im really not buzzing about this cream it doesnt moisturise enough and when I put my eyeshadow on it goes a bit patchy due to a bit of dry skin thats developed just outside my outer eyelids I told you in week 2 I did have a bit of irritation well its eased up but left dry skin and of course the important bit the crows feet well lets just say no change and I keep wanting to apply a more hydrating lotion on top which defeats the object, oh well I will keep trying.

    Week 4 & 5
    I have to say Im bored with this cream now im not seeing any change to be honest some days I swear my crows feet are worse, ive nearly ran out of this and im going back to the drawing board.
    I have put 3 pics taken at different points within the 5 weeks.
    Its not like im a 20 year old model where people would say well you dont need it! Im a genuine woman who wanted this to work and sadly it fell flat on its pretty little backside.



    Ok the photos top to bottom week one to present day. one word from me on this experience.
    MEH.....


    Yves Saint Laurent forever youth liberator serum 50ml

    Yves Saint Laurent forever youth liberator serum
    This is the latest craze thats sweeping the UK its the new anti wrinkle cream that is:-




  • INSPIRED BY GLYCOBIOLOGY, OUR 1ST SKINCARE WITH GLYCANS
  • TESTED UNDER INDEPENDENT CONTROL
  • YSL.SKINSCIENCE has developed a patented1 powerful serum enriched with a combination of 3 glycans to help increase youthful activity in skin cells.²
  • This is promised to trick the skin into repairing itself, doest that sound creepy lol!!
    I havent bought this what I did do was go around all the Department stores and get free samples please do this as I have 8 now, so worth a go as they say each sample gives 3 days application, (it doesnt if gives you two tops well the way I use it anyway lol)
    If you want to buy it, its from £80 for 50ml,  comes in gorgeous pinky purple packaging
    You can also buy samples off Ebay I think £10 for about 10 samples worth trying rather than waste £80 especially if it doesnt suit you or doesnt work!!
    Ok so Im on week one  as I have 8 samples so a couple of weeks gives it a chance to see a change in my face.
    WEEK ONE
    By the end of week one my face does look slightly better and feels softer although when I apply it, it doesnt feel  as though its quite enough as Im used to a thicker serum or cream depends on what I use. so its hard not to put something else on top of it but I need to give it a chance.

    Week Two
    My skins looking ok no ones noticed any major change in my skin, Ive had a bit of a break out around my nose which I dont normally get, I tend to get the odd spot on my chin or forehead, my skins doesnt looked plumped or dewy but still early days.

    
    I have a few lines starting to appear around my mouth when I smile (guess I must smile a lot lol) they are the same as ever so no change at the moment there. Its not specifically for eyes so I'll miss that out as I have the special cream for that. The serum is light and does go on easy.  Best way to judge is spot your faults and keep an eye on them to see if theres any change.
    My husband thinks theres no change.


    Week Three
    The lines around my mouth remain the same so no change, but my skin does look better and when you first apply it small wrinkes do appear smoother until you wash your face or take off make up.
    I still wouldnt say I looked radiant, my spots have gone so assume it was just my skin acting up.
    I do like this but not sure yet if its worth the hefty price that YSL are asking dont think it does as much as promised but I will keep the updates coming.

    Week Four and Five
    Well I have give it a fair try and I still have another week or so left of the serum, I certainly wouldnt buy it for the price as Ive decided although my skin is nice its just not amazing, The crease around my mouth is still very much the same shape size and still creased!! no improvement what so ever I have put a few pics below, one of about 4 and a half weeks ago and one that I took today.  Im afraid to me the search is still ongoing, If this serum takes 3 months to work as some reviews are stating but then doesnt do what it lives up to then ladies remember youve wasted over £250 (3 months supply at £80ish a pot) for nothing might as well have got botox.(ouchhhhhhhh)



    The picture below looks a bit worse as im pursing my lips slightly more and camera is closer (I checked with hubby and he has confirmed its not worse or better than before using this serum, but that one pic is actually the latest one so as you can see its not going to improve that little crevice of mine anytime soon.

    Kick ass concealer soap & glory

    Kick ass Concealer soap & glory- shade light
    I bought this on a whim as I usually do!!  heard good things about this product so thought I have to have it.  I knew Boots sold it but when I went to the Metrocentre (its our local shopping place) in Boots they didnt have it so I was a bit disapointed, I then waited and went to another Boots only to find they had sold out!! So good old Ebay saved the day its RRP is £10 I paid about £8.75 so a little bit of a saving.
    Its comes in lovely black packaging and is a three system concept, the idea is you have concealer, spot cover, and a sealing powder, it is all very simply explained on the little black container.
    I tried the concealer and it is ok its a bit to thick, I tried putting it on with a brush and it looked to clumpy then I tried dabbing it on lightly with my finger I just seemed to get it everywhere and now theres a big dent in one side of the palette lol, the colour didnt really match my skin tone either it looked a bit crinkly under my eyes and lighter than my natural colouring, the spot covering meh!!  No way I may as well just write spot on my face and let everyone know as once again it didnt match my skin tone. the powder is ok its light and you just pat it on so I guess that one out of three.  I think you will be ok if your skin tone matches or if you can suss out how to put the concealor on neatly without making a mess, if your really pale give it a miss.
    I would give it 6 out of 10 as I think it will work on some people and if you have the time and patience to learn the tricks to put it on expertly you maybe onto a winner.

    17 Instant glow bronzing powder

    17 Instant glow bronzing powder
    I had one of those days where your shoping your itching to buy something a lipstick/eyeshadow just anything in the make up department.  I found myself looking at bronzing powders, I already had a Rimmel bronzer for everyday which I was on the verge of swapping for a clinique one but thats a different story, I wanted a bronzer for when I have a girly night out and need that bit more of a bronze sun goddess thing going on. A couple of my friends had recommended various ones but they had darker complexions than me so I had to keep my eye out for a lighter shade that would suit me and my casper look thing I have going on lol.
    I took a chance on 17 instant glow and glad I did it was really cheap and you can buy it in Boots for £4.59 ish. They also do the bronzing pearls if you prefer.
    I put it on over my primer (I dont wear foundation) and it went on nice and evenly, I had to build the colour up a bit but I am pale and most girls may need the medium shade,  Nice quality didnt cause me to break out the next day like some products.

    I would give it an 8 out of 10 really good price and will last ages but no built in mirror no brush so no frills I guess.

    Clinique almost bronzer light/med spf 15

    Clinique almost bronzer
    WOW WOW WOW
    I always used to use rimmel sun shimmer as I am pale and I dont really like the tango/ompa lumpa look so as my rimmel bronzer (£6.99 ish) was due to come to an end (just dregs in the bottom now) after 3 years!! I thought  although I did love my Rimmel bronzer it was time to see what was available in the big wide world, I wanted something I could use everyday to give me a nice sun kissed look.  I did some research on google and the choice is vast.  I stumbled upon clinique almost bronzer which kept getting good review after good review so thought why not, that is until I saw the price it was about £23 to buy which I supose if my last one lasted 3 years then it is an amazing investment really.  I checked amazon and ebay and found someone selling it on Ebay for £12.99 so I went for it £12.99 wont break the bank.
    When it arrived it was in a pretty patterened box and the bronzer itself was in a lovely brown gold square box very pretty. the bronzer is in two halves a darker one and lighter one I wasnt sure of the point of this as you want and even colour dont you?  The lighter shade on its own wouldnt really have done much, anyway its got a little brush tucked underneath the box inside, when I use it I just run the brush over the both colours a few times and brush in on all over my face/neck.
    it looked really nice and give me instant colour I was very impressed I had bought this to take away for a Valentines weekend and wore it through the day then just put a little bit extra on for the night time as you can build up the desired colour. I asked my husband what he thought he said I deffinately had more colour and it was an improvement (nice!)
    I would give this 8.5 out of 10 as ive only had it a fewweeks so dont want to over mark it.It does have spf 15 which is a bonus.

    Fake dont Bake 150ml fake tan

    Fake dont bake 150ml
    A woman at work wears this its only £1.50 from most pound shops or B&M after years of trying everything I can that was in the dearer range I thought I would go to the cheaper range.
    for £1.50 you have to agree that is an absolute bargain! I did the usual shower-exfoliate-moisturise.
    I rubbed this cream onto my skin it didnt smell all that great but then I havent found one that does, it rubbed in quite well and dried quickly so far so good.
    I let it develop overnight most of the ones that say they develop within an hour or so dont really live up to their promise Ive tried putting them on a few hours before going out and I dont look anything different and have had to wash it off because of the funny smell they give off then only to have to put on the instant tan just to have some sort of colour rather than be casper.
    The next day I got up and it had worked but alas on me it was a bit patchy, my legs looked fine my elbows werent very good and for some reason my forehead was darker and also patchy quite comical really well acording to my husband.
    I would give this 6 out of 10 only because it looked amazing on the woman at work and also a friend of mine who also tried it and it looked great on her to so it must just be me.

    Sublime Bronze Gel fake tan 150ml

    Sublime bronze gel face and body 150ml £12.39
    I bought this as I had heard it was really good from a girl I worked with who had used it, she looked a lovely colour so I was sold. I paid £7.99 at Wilkinsons im not sure if this was on special offer at the time it must have been as It was certainly not £12.39 seems a bit expensive for what it is. The packaging isnt exactly appealing either and doesnt jump up and hit you like some of the other brands that have made more of an effort.
    I used this over the weekend as I always think if it goes wrong on a week day (working day) then I will have none or little time to try wash/scrape it off. So I showered exfoliated and moisturised.
    Its a gel and it took ages to rub in and ages to dry it just seemed not greasy just well wet! I had to hover around the house willing it to dry im not much of a nudist and just wanted to get in to my PJS and relax with a glass of vino, I didnt like the smell it wasnt that nice and when it dried it continued to smell a bit unpleasant.
    The following morning I inspected my handywork and I must say I was very impressed it was a nice all over golden brown and not patchy anywhere I could still smell it so I did jump in the shower quickly.
    My friends did comment on it that evening when I went out for a pizza so any compliment is always good.
    I would give it 8 out of 10 but be willing to put in the time and effort with it, to be honest I use it more for special occasions like the races or a big night out.

    Sunday 19 February 2012

    No7 Facial self tan 50ml wear off

    N07 facial tan 50ml wear off
    In the uk we dont have very good summers and I pray every year that we will get more than about 4 weeks in the whole summer that are half decent. I think thats why fake tan is a big deal in the UK.
    This is from Boots No7 range its about £10 but I bought it from Ebay for £5.50 I applied it to my face as instructed it was ok it was a bit greasy to rub in to be honest and I didnt feel it had settled into my skin very well and I had the feeling it would probably give me spots if I used it often.
    I planned it so it would work its magic through the night.  The next day i was devastated my face was really uneven in colour my forhead was a dark uneven colour and around my nose looked terrible as well I had to stand and scrub my face with every kind of make up remover I could get my hands on evently after 45 mins and a very red face and a husband who couldnt stop snickering I finely got most of it off. The colour wasnt even that nice either looked more dirty than tanned goddess!
    I would give it 2 out of 10 and I dont even know why I give it that mark I just feel I must mark it with some score lol.

    Skin so soft Avon Soft & Glow 250ml

    Avon Soft and glow 250ml
    I purchased this by mistake I wanted just a moisturiser and spotted this it was half price and £2.49 so when it arrived it was then I realised it was a gradual tanning moisturiser well in for a penny in for a pound.
    I applied this the usual way after all the exfoliating (does everyone do this or is there an easier way?)
    I put  the the skin so soft straight on like I would with a moisturiser it was a thick milky cream that smelt ok it rubbed in really well it just smelt a bit strange like old biscuits. I went to bed and woke up with a bit of colour its not instant so if you expect to be a bronzed beauty then sorry this isnt for you.
    I did this regime for three days and I have to admit by the 3rd day I was happy with the colour and stopped using it.  The colour probably lasted 4 days max.
    The price is good Avon always have offers on and if they dont Ebay always has it cheap.  Great budget price ok so it takes a few days but you just swap your normal moisturiser for this and your done so your not doing anything extra really just a bit more rubbing in than normal of the cream.
    This product is even better if you already have a tan it really enhances it.
    Tip is though put a bit of E45 around ur knees,ankles and hands let it soak in for 5 minutes before applying this or any fake tan it really does help as those are the parts that look darker or streaky.
    I would give this 9 out of 10 it is really good for pale people recommended.
    I even used this up to my wedding day and will continue to use it.

    Piz buin summer sensation 125ml and ambre solaire self tanning milk 150ml


    I will start with Piz buin summer sensation 125ml retails between £5 to £7 no sunfactor
    I bought this via B&M I think most of the uk people will know B&M its a great discounted cheap shop that sells just about everything, you can also buy it via Ebay or Amazon, Superdrug, Boots.
    You all know how it works with every fake tan you are suposed to shower/bath exfoliate then moisturise and apply the fake tan that is the process you follow you do not however shave your legs like I did once and then wonder why the fake tan has developed in a weird pattern across your legs lol.
    I will cut to the chase this was the mouse version it wasnt too messy and it did go on ok and dried quickly which I thinks important we are all  busy and want things over and done with especially putting on fake tan so little time so many beauty regimes!!! I am fairly pale and in the winter I could be mistaken for a ghost. I applied this went to bed. The smell wasnt bad some smell awful.
    The next morning I was disapointed I had hardly changed colour and my husband certainly didnt notice maybe I was to far gone (in the paleness department) to be rescued, never mind I didnt really want to do the whole process again so soon!! It states it develops in an hour and last up to 10 days I usally find these creams last a good 3-4 days before they start to look a bit streakly or mottled.
     I would give it 4.5 out of 10 did nothing for me but went on well.

    Ambre Solaire self tanning milk 150ml £8.99 although you may get it cheaper if you look around no sunfactor
    Did the whole boring routine before applying this product, was a light cream like milk it rubbed in pretty well the smell was nice but then the smells seem to change some smell like biscuits while others smell ok but after a while start to make you feel a  bit sickly. It didnt make a mess either.
    Went to bed and woke up diving to the mirror to check out the result.
    I was quite impressed I mean I wasnt looking like I had had a week somewhere exotic but certainly I had colour and by the next day it looked even better and a little bit darker, my husband noticed but said he thought I smelt a bit strange the night before but thought I had just changed my moisturiser or shampoo . It states its a 12 hour hydrating cream but to be honest I never believe the hype its got that smell so it doenst get a chance to be put to the test as I have a shower to get rid of the strange smells these fake tans leave behind. (wish they would sort that out) It states it develops into a tan within an hour personally ive used this in a hurry when a sudden night out came up and I saw no difference whilst I was out apart from the smell. ( I am obsessed with the smells sorry)
    Not a bad price I would give it 7.5 out of 10.

    Please please girls scrub your hands after application no one likes teak coloured hands!!



    Friday 17 February 2012

    Elite eye antiwrinkle serum

    Elite eye serum
    I bought this via their own website after reading hype upon hype of this serum I know serum is ment to be better at getting deeper into the skin to repair wrinkles.
    It contains some ingredients that I have read really work, these are
    ingredients such as Argireline, Eyeliss, and Haloxyl.
    I was sucked in by all the advertising  on the internet so I ordered two bottles as it worked out cheaper it was $89 for one or just over $100 for two.
    The packaging is quite basic not fancy so it probably wouldnt jump out at you if you saw it in Boots they go on about the science part which I know is more important but still us girls do like pretty packaging as well. I used this for over two months when my husband (who was also secretly using this too!!) bought me another two for christmas. I dont know if it was just me but I did for a little while think this was working it wasnt until I saw a picture of myself one of those cringy ones when the lights directly on your face and reveals every nasty mark/wrinkle/freckle/vein on your face (you know what im talking about!)
    This pic was taken months after using this serum about 3 months I think so I cant say comparing this to another cringy pic taken earlier that year in a similar light that I looked any way shape or form better than I did months later.
    Reality check this although may work for others did nothing for me, I ended up giving away over half the 4th bottle to my mam to try and she never mentioned it so I guess it didnt blow her away either.
    5 out of 10 only because somethings better than nothing!
    If your trying some sort of wonder cream I would now advise taking a picture of the area you want improving then in a similar light do the same thing months later I am currently trying YSL youth liberator eye cream and have taken a photo of my eye area so watch this space as I need to give it time to do its so called magic.

    Athena 7 minute lift

    Athena 7 minute lift
    I bought this via ebay via USA and I paid £45 for the tiniest pot ive ever seen before lol 0.5 floz.
    The product is simply paste grey/white coloured paste to be exact, it doesnt really smell of anything.  You paint it on with a brush either neat or watered down straight onto wrinkles seems easy enough!
    I painted it neat straight onto my crows feet around my eyes, it has a freezing tightening effect and the idea is you dont make any facial expressions for 7 minutes until the paste sets.
    I did what was instructed and waited it went tight around my eyes and did seem to minimize my wrinkles but when the paste dried you could see the residue around my eyes so I had to gently wipe that away in which to me seemed to wipe alot of the product off! it was ok but as soon as I laughed a few times my wrinkles pinged back.  I have used this a few times (this time watered down) with a small make up brush I tend to use this when I know Im not going out and laughing a lot which is very are (as isnt that the point!) Anyway save your money its to much hassle to be honest and if you want to say put a primer over the top then it looses most of its power instantly.
    Dont believe the hype on the internet
    4 out of 10 at least I had a little bit of time wrinkle free (well untill I laughed!!!)

    Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Concealer

    Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Concealer
    I bought this via amazon and I think I got this for £14 but I think I just hit lucky as I know the Rrp is about £25.   I got the lightest shade I know there used to only be one and now there are a few different shades. I want to love this product but sadly I really dont I just feel its expensive and it doesnt really do a good cover job around my eyes, I dont have really massive dark circles or baggy eyes as such I have bad days when im tired and hungover and need that bit extra but this isnt in my opinion for a party animal lol! I think you would need something thicker. On a good day when Ive had a good sleep and feel fine then its really good and im impressed but 50% of the time im not overly amazed.
    Its a light cream as in texture and it goes on well but just becomes a bit transparent when its been dry a while and doesnt last by the end of my working day I look tired again. Oh well back to the drawing board.
    Id give it 5 out of 10 wish I could give it more as I know some people rave about it so much. But I cant see it myself.

    Avon Magix concealer vs collection 2000 concealer

    Avon Magix concealer
    I bought this via an Avon Rep at work it was on special offer at £5 and you got a free magix primer so bargain!! But I just googled it and they have discontinued it mind im not suprised as its rubbish it doesnt rub in it gives your under eye that crinkle effect so it ages you I was not a fan and I didnt even give it away to anyone as I felt I wouldnt be doing anyone a favour lol. The reason I have mentioned it as its all over ebay at like £3 plus so you maybe tempted to get yourself a bargain but really you may as well give that money to charity. 2 out of 10. Ps the Magix primer is awful well for me it was as it didnt rub in and felt waxy made me look paler and to top it off give me a lovely big spot on my nose.
    Illuminating collection 2000 concealer £3.99 in Boots
    I have this in shade 1 and 2 the reason being when I have a tan I use no 2 and no 1 the ghost transparent look I wear in the winter (not by choice but remember sun beds !badddd! girls.)

    These concealers are light creamy and quite good they arent fantastic but they do a fair Job and cover dark circles they do nothing for fine lines, it doesnt last all day either so you would prob need to reaply if you were out all day into the night. Id give it 6.5 out of 10 I tend to dip in and out of this product depending on how rich I am when I need a concealer at that time.

    Aussi take the heat vs Tresemme heat deffence

    Aussi take the heart & Tresemme heat deffence
    I have tried both of these sprays the first one was:-
    Tresemme Heat deffence, I bought the travel size from boots for £1.50 which I thought was a good price the normal price for full size is about £4.89 for 300ml, I tried this on damp hair as you leave it in, it wasnt greasy or sticky it was a clear light liquid and soaked into my hair well, I have straight brown hair which I have to straighten as its a bit coarse due to probably my age and  years of colouring didnt/doesnt help.  I used this for weeks and it was ok I didnt feel it was protecting my hair that much from the heat of my hairdryer and straighteners. People rave on about Tresemme products I cant speak for the others but this was average and I would give it 5 out of 10.
    The next I bought was Aussie take the Heat spray. Again this is a leave in spray it smells lovely and its clear and liquid again not sticky or greasy, You rub it in to damp hair and dry your hair as normal. (its sometimes wise to leave your hair to dry naturally if you can be bothered its good for it.)

    I used this for 3 weeks and I still am six months later I really like this it smells divine its light weight and the next day if you need to run the straighteners over your hair you do feel like its still protected I can definitely see a difference in the parts of my hair that are usually a bit dryer arent so bad now. Its about £4.99 the bottles a bit smaller than the Tresemme  about 150ml but it lasts for months and it is about quality not quantity girls. I would give it 8 out of 10.

    Andrew Collinge Salon Shine Design And Shine Gloss 40ML

    ANDREW COLLINGE DESIGN AND SHINE GLOSS
    I bought this product really by accident when I was mooching around superdrug looking for a bargain, I found this buy one get one free and im onto the second one and its two year later lol they have even changed the design since I last bought it but my friend assures me its just the same (shes uses twice as much as me) This isnt the cheapest hair serum there is but it lasts agesssss..... ranges from £4.45.
    Its a clear light serum which seems greasy when you first pump it out but it isnt when you apply it.
    You wash your hair straighten it or whatever you need to do, then simply put a little bit on your palm rub it through your fingers straight onto your hair I normally start at the part of my hair thats the dryest and work from there, (not to much or you may make your hair greasy)
    Excellent shine to hair and smoothes out those horrible split ends and I found it a lot less greasy than frizz ease and other major brands. 8.5 out of 10.

    Batiste Hair Shampoo

    BALTISTE HAIR SHAMPOO
    Im sure you have already heard or already use this product to be honest.........
    I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT THIS!!!
    If you have'nt used it then rush out to Superdrug, Boots,wilkinsons to name a few and buy it. I use this on the 3rd day after I have washed my hair not because I need it because I am Lazy and I cant always be bothered to wash my hair (we have all done it so dont tut!) This is the first thing on my list when I am sorting out my holiday must haves.
    I wont go on about it, its simple your hair is a bit greasy you spray it on under the hair is best beside the roots (where the grease is ewww) and it drys it right out, dont go to mad with it as if your a brunette like me then you look like you are going grey so short bursts and rub or comb it in.
    I would look around as I got a couple of cans of this in the pound shop so check for offers.
    Personally I think the original flavour is the best.
    It ranges from £2.50 to £2.99 to if your lucky £1. I would give it a bit fat 10 out of 10 woohoo.

    Saturday 11 February 2012

    Clarins beauty flash balm 30ml 50ml

    CLARINS BEAUTY FLASH BALM
    When I was 24 I was given a Clarins gift set and thought yack this is old woman beauty stuff and give it away how odd it seems that 16 years later im looking for it again but for myself to keep.
    I did some of my usual investigating on the net on how this cream fairs these days and was pleasantly suprised its doing very well and the reviews are mostly good.  http://www.makeupalley.com/product/ is a great website for some reviews and advice for all beauty things.
    I bought a 30ml tube of this from good old Ebay for £10 new what a bargain as I had went into Boots and it was £27.50 for 50ml quite expensive.
    I used this after my anti-wrinkle cream and it states that you shouldnt need to rub it in like a crazy woman which was true it glided on  it has got a very slight peachy pink colour to it but in no way shape or form does it colour your face its very moisturising and hydrating.
    I have used it for about a week now and I have to say its lovely, I put it on in the morning then I put a little bit of bronzer on top once its dried of course and im ready to go, like ive said before my skins quite good but it looks even better with this cream.
    it states the ingredients are

    Active Ingredients:
    - Witch Hazel and Olive tree extracts: tighten, promote radiance.
    - Algae extract: revitalises.
    - Bisabolol: soothes and softens.
    - Rice Starch: purifies the epidermis.             

    I dont think it helps or prevents wrinkles the ingredients arent any I recognise and I havent noticed any of my fine lines diminishing but its lovely for just brighter looking skin I would say its a primer as thats what I use it for.      
    I would give it 8.5 out of 10 deffinately one to put in your make up bag shame its a bit expensive. although £17.95 on cheapsmells.com.                                        

    AM/PM Anti-wrinkle complex Hydroxatone 30g

    HYDROXATONE 30G
    I had heard rave reviews about this cream from the USA and found a UK seller on Ebay and managed to grab a bargain for £19.99 inc postage you can get it from USA for around $79 or Amazon £39.99.
    I read a lot of reviews boasting about the ingredients which I do currently use in a different serum they are Matrixyl3000, Argireline, Hyaluronic Acid
    these three ingredients are suposed to be the key to staying younger for longer.
    The cream was a thick yellow colour I began using it at night as its an AM/PM so the best of both worlds.  I didnt notice anything good about the cream itself as it was far to thick and didnt rub in your face very well at all in the end I had to add moisturising cream or baby oil if my face was having a dry week.
     After 6 weeks I had to stop using it as the top of my cheek bones/bottom of eye sockets started to look a bit red and tender I did water it down the last week of usage but my skin was to irritated by then to make a difference, I do tend to gage these creams by checking the area around my mouth as you do tend to get indents when you smile and they become creases with age especially my age lol. But nothing about my face looked different ok so I dont expect the deeper eye wrinkles to totaly disapear (I guess botox is for that) but the fine lines hadnt budged.  I only used it on the very outer eye area as it doesnt state its an eye cream as well so you have to always becareful of this.
    Hubby didnt notice anything either and like me said the cream was to hard to rub in and smelt a little bit sourish, in the end I mixed the cream with baby oil and olay and give it to him to finish off, he asks if it worked and sadly I have to say no (hes 37 so hes not looking to bad anyway)
    If I payed £40 for it I would be very  disapointed so I can only give it a 4 out of 10.

    Benefit Girl meets pearl 12ml

    Girl Meets Pearl primer
    Another travel size yet again from Ebay £2.75
    very similar to That Gal another primer same sort of texture and according to  Boots description contains almond seed and seasame seed oil sounds all very nice but not sure if that makes a difference, well maybe to your pocket its £24.50 bit expensive for what it is.
    I read on someone elses Blog that this is more of an evening product as its got that pearlessence sheen glow thing going on. I applied it again after my antiwrinkle cream and it went on well enough but like that Gal I had a feeling it would be a bit dry around my forehead and nose so I mixed it with a bit of moisturiser, it was ok it didnt luminate my face or sparkle which is probably a good thing.  Once I put my powder on my face it just looked well kind of what it normally looked like, no dewy look for me!!
    They say put it over make up I tried this the second time I applied it and it just didnt work I looked a bit patchy.
    My advice wear it alone for a bit of a sheen to your face I think I am a bit to pale for this and alas to old as I dont really want a shiny lumnious face pointing out my wrinkles lol.

    6 out of 10 great for young flawless skin.

    Benefit Eyecon cream

    Benefit Eyecon
    Once again I bought a sample of Benefit for £2.75 via Ebay, this one promises to make your eye area brighter and improve dark circles I guess Benefits are trying to branch out down the antiwrinkle route, but once again couldnt find any ingredients that promoted the fact it would diminish fine lines etc just plant and fruit extracts that tackle dark circles well supposedly!
    The texture is like a light creamy beige cream it goes on very nice and hydrates the eye area instantly but after a month I wasnt seeing any difference still dark circled and baggy eyed as ever. I think they have a long way to go they need to use active anti-wrinkle ingredients or again advertise as this is something I do look for when searching the internet for new and exciting products.
    I couldnt find it on their website to give you a price from Benefit, the full size I believe is 14g and on Ebay its anywhere from £12.50 to £16 depending on the seller.
    I would give it a 4 out of 10 to be honest I really wouldnt bother with this.

    Benefit That Gal face primer

    THAT GAL PRIMER
    I bought this from Ebay £2.75 travel size as im always a bit wary of products promising the earth and falling flat on their faces theres always a lot of hype around Benefit products. Ebays quite good for samples and travel sizes before you invest in the full sizes worth giving it ago if your unsure.
    That Gal is £21.50 at the minute on their website or about  £16-£18 on ebay if you hit lucky.
    I used this on a weekend Ive learnt my lesson now and if I get a spot break out then its not so bad if its a weekend and im off work.
    I tried this after my usual anti-wrinkle cream routine. It didnt have a smell, now some blogs do say it had a nice smell but mine didnt smell of anything, it did glide on my face and my complexion did have a slight more pink look to it nothing major or life changing just a subtle change.
    I was quite pleased until my Hubby said that my nose looked really dry and flakey (hes never said that before) of course we were out shoping and I rushed to the nearest toilet to inspect said dry nose and yes indeed it was.
    Like all benefit stuff I think they are over priced I wouldnt buy it again as I would have to keep mixing it with a moisture cream so just seems like more hard work to me. I couldnt find any obvious anti aging benefits to using this either if it has then they need to promote them more.
    I would give it 5.5 out of 10  might suit less dry skin better but I didnt get spots so thats a bonus, my advice buy a sample and give it ago.

    Nip Fab moisture fix 50ml

    This is the 3rd and probably maybe not the last product I may buy from this range who knows!!
    Nip fab moisture fix 50ml contains hyaluronic acid, grapeseed oil,meadow foam seed oil ( im sure they  make this stuff up lol) it promises a youthfull glow.
    This is ment to be an ultimate moisture fix, I work in an office with air con and heating blasting away all day my skin gets really dry in the winter so thought I would give this ago its £17.31 it was'nt this much last year but thats the way things are these days.
    I used it before I used the primer but some days If I was lazing around I would use it instead of my antiwrinkle cream.
    I would say its ok theres better moisture creams like olay, aldi and L'oreal, No 7 etc out there and cheaper, it smells like the Sheer make up fix I used and also brought out mild skin break outs but I use it sometimes on my neck or hands (naughty) but it needs used up so might as well.
    Id give it 5 out of 10 its ok but does not give me a  youthfull glow at all!
    I would just like to tell you guys that TK Maxx have started selling these products at a much cheaper price not sure how or why but maybe worth popping in to have a look they sometimes have some bargains.

    Nip Fab sheer make up fix 40ml

    Nip Fab sheer make up fix
    You probably think I got some sort of job lot with these products but the truth is I got 3 for 2 at boots as we all do now and again.
    This product is 40ml and contains Osilift and Hyaluronic acid. Promises to plump, firm, even skin tone.
    As Im 40 and have fairly good skin (thanks to IPL yes I cheat) I dont use foundation so I used this alone, I started off my usual routine of putting on my antiwrinkle cream then as advised by beauty gurus all over the world of  leaving it 20 mins before adding something else.  The cream was quite clear and more like a serum it smelt nice and glided over my skin very easily, it did have a tightening feel after application and felt nice my skin looked hydrated but not really plumped out.
    Alas after a few days of using this I had spot break outs nothing serious just the usual T zone area but as I hadnt used anything else new then it could only be this I think its because its perfumed and I have fairly sensitive skin.
    I would rate it 6.5 they need to ditch the scent in it and make it plump the skin out like they promise. I also feel if you wear it alone and have spider veins, uneven skin tone then it wont be enough so I would prob advise something tinted or just a good antiwrinkle cream then staight to your foundation no point in wasting money.
    I think if you have good skin and wear foundation you would be ok as it drys quickly isnt sticky and for the price of £16.95 it wont break the bank.

    Nip fab dark circle fix 15ml

    NOT SO FAB
    I bought this Nip fab eye lotion for dark circles with hope in my heart that I had found something to get rid of my early morning dark circles, I dont know about you but for some reason about 6pm at night my face seems to look its best soooo unfair.  I bought this from boots and it wasnt cheap but neither was it that expensive.  I bought this for £15.95.
    The internet is a wonderful thing but it doesnt always give you the whole truth and nothing but the truth I swear some bloggers are paid to say good things about products, well im not one of them.
    The first few days I used it I saw no difference and it smelt kind of weird too not awful but not exactly lovely either the bottle is small and only 15ml so remember a little goes a long way, we have all done it poured out excess amounts to think well that little extra will hurry things along, well it doesnt!!
    I got my Husband to use this to as men suffer from all the same problems as women do they just dont spend all their adult lives talking about it or buying every new beauty product that comes out (Im so guilty of this).
    Well by week three nearly empty bottle and still dark circles and still using my concealer as much as normal so guys sorry it gets a 4 out of 10 and thats only because its hydrating.
    Oh nearly forgot my husbands opinion was "well that was a waste of money" (story of my life!!)