DAYTOX Beauty in Balance; The Clean Beauty Brand from Germany

(AD/Gifted) DAYTOX Beauty in Balance is not a brand I'd heard of until a few weeks ago but in a nutshell it's a vegan skincare brand from Germany that you can shop online at Ocado!
I know Ocado already stock a few beauty brands but it's always interesting to try something new and it's extra appealing when you pop it in your virtual trolley along with the weekly food shop.

Daytox Skincare Review

A self-proclaimed clean beauty brand, DAYTOX uses 'allergen-free' perfume oils in place of synthetic fragrances and use something called BioDtox in their formulas. BioDtox is an active ingredient complex consisting of aloe vera, broccoli and citrus which the brand says strengthens the body's defenses and stops the formation of free radicals, therefore  protecting the skin from oxidative stress.
As you've probably gathered from the name, DAYTOX as a brand has a strong focus on the concept of detoxifaction, with every product designed to intensify the natural detox processes of the skin. They are a certified detox brand with products that are Dermatologically proven to be effective. While I'm not 100 percent comfortable with the use of the word 'detox' in topical beauty, I can always get behind a good product, which is exactly why I'm talking about them here today. 

I was sent two different DAYTOX products to try - the Day and Night Face Oil (£24)* and the Firming Day Cream (£26)* , both of which have already garnered quite a fan base here in the UK.
The Daytox Firming Day Cream is a rich facial cream with a triple hyaluronic complex to intensely moisturise, plump and firm.

The cream is invitingly glossy (a bit like an Italian meringue) and feels lovely and hydrating on. It's fairly 'inoffensive' in a way and I imagine most people would get on well with it. It absorbs beautifully and performs well under foundation and has a light, slightly sweet and clean scent.
Like the other products in the line, the cream is free from silicones, parabens and artificial colours and fragrances.

I have tried a lot of facial oils over the years and can safely say that the Day and Night Facial Oil is a good one. It absorbs quickly, leaving a dry-touch sort of finish and contains a blend of almond oil, argan oil and meadowfoam oil.

Designed to use any time of day (but I prefer facial oils at night as a general rule), it has a blend of antioxidants, essential fatty acids and Vitamin E to rejuvenate and stimulate the skin. As with most facial oils, you just massage a few drops into the face and neck after cleansing.

As mentioned, DAYTOX products are available in the UK through Ocado. As well as a range of facial skincare products, they also have some bath and body bits including a body wash, scrub, bath salts and body oil.
*Gifted Items

Nourish London Limited Edition Radiance Firming Facial Oil in support of Walk the Walk

Nourish London are a brilliant home grown beauty brand - they really do create some beautiful, effective products- and now they're doing something really special. 

The brand has just released a limited edition version of their lovely Radiance Firming Facial Oil* with a percentage of the proceeds going to Walk the Walk, the largest grant making breast cancer charity in the UK.
Nourish London are donating £2.50 from each sale of the oil (which retails for £25) to Walk the Walk, who organise power walking fundraising events throughout the UK and abroad, which gives participants the chance to improve their overall fitness whilst raising funds for various breast cancer charities and of course have fun doing it!

The oil itself is one I've used on and off before and can confirm it's a lovely, quality facial oil that can be easily incorporated into your routine.

Designed to improve elasticity, firm, hydrate and lift the complexion, the 98% organic facial oil is a blend of omega-rich oils including Macadamia and Pumpkin, with Rosehip and Borage oil and gently fragrant Geranium and Damask Rose.

French Marine Algae extract and Frankincense round things off nicely as they help to protect collagen, making the oil a decent addition to your stash- whether you're specifically into organic beauty or not.
It is up there with some of the more expensive facial oils I've used and it's worth mentioning that the Radiance Firming Facial Oil won the award for Best Facial Serum at the Natural Health Magazine International Beauty Awards

As mentioned, the Nourish London Radiance Firming Facial Oil is £25 with £2.50 of each sale going to Walk the Walk. You can find the limited edition bottle at Nourish London.

A little more about an upcoming Walk the Walk event - 

On Saturday 11^th May 2019, Walk the Walk will be holding its 22nd MoonWalk London at Clapham Common. Choose from walking The Full Moon Marathon (26.2 miles) or the Half Moon (13.1 + 2 miles) and see London's famous landmarks at night.

*Sample

Zelens Z-22 Absolute Face Oil

I've been enjoying trying out a few bits and pieces from the Zelens skincare range recently. It's founder, Dr Marko Lens comes across as very passionate and also very matter-of-fact so I feel like it's a real 'all killer, no filler' beauty brand which can be very refreshing and definitely piqued my interest as a skincare lover. I actually first discovered the brand around 10 years ago when I was working for a magazine on the Gold Coast - I remember going to the launch at Mecca Cosmetica and we got to play with all the products which seemed very ahead of the game and full of promise at the time. Of course this was before I was obsessed with cleansers and serums so in hindsight I wish I'd asked a lot more questions!

I pretty much want to get everything from Zelens on my face at some point but I'm being sensible(ish) and pacing myself (sort of) by sticking to a couple of products. I'll start here with one I've had on the go for the last couple of months - the Z-22 Absolute Facial Oil.
Since I had a baby, and I often wake up with a tight feeling, dry face, facial oils have been my number one, must have beauty product. I use one at least once a day, and while I appreciate the simplicity of a great quality rosehip or argan oil, Z-22 got my attention because it's a blend of A LOT of oils - in fact it contains 22, hence the name.

Incredibly light and multi-purpose, Z-22 was designed to replenish and plump up the skin, restore elasticity and even out tone and texture and leave skin looking and feeling more youthful and radiant. Like every other product, this oil is not in fact the fountain of youth, but it is a pleasure to use and I'm sure it's helping to make me and my skin look and feel more hydrated and comfortable than before, which is always a plus.
As mentioned, Zelens Z-22 is a blend of 22 precious oils including:

• Perilla (Shiso) Oil - omega-rich and antioxidant. The richest plant-source on omega 3 available
• Rice Bran Oil - soothes and hydrates
• Squalene - derived from Mediterranean olives, not sharks
• Camellia Oil -  rich in omega 9 
• Rosehip Oil - contains a vast range of vitamins including A, C and E
• Grapeseed Oil - rich in omega 6
• Bergamot Orange Oil - antiseptic, cooling refreshing
• Lemon Oil - toning, tightening and antibacterial
• Petitgrain Oil - antiseptic and great for blemishes
• Litsea Cubeba Oil (May Chang) - antibacterial, antiseptic and calming
• Orange Oil - refreshing, antiseptic and contains powerful antioxidants
• Lemongrass Oil - antiseptic, antibacterial and toning
• Cardamom Oil - refreshing and toning
• Lavender Oil - antiseptic, antibacterial and toning
• Rosemary Oil - antiseptic, antibacterial and stimulates circulation
• Maritime Pine Oil - antioxidant, antibacterial and antiseptic
• Geranium Oil - balancing, antioxidant and antiseptic
• Rose Oil - calming, soothing and antibacterial
• Green Tea Oil - rich in polyphenols, green tea oil is antioxidant and has shown to inhibit collagen break-down
• Jasmine Oil - moisturing and soothing with antioxidant and antiseptic properties
• Labdanum Oil (Rock Rose) - toning and tightening
• Basil Oil - refreshing with antibacterial, toning and antiseptic properties

It's safe to say that if you are sensitive to essential oils, this will not suit you but if like me you can tolerate them, you'll probably appreciate the blend. Interestingly, for a product that contains such a plethora of different oils, it doesn't actually smell of much. To me, it smells a little bit citrusy with a hint of the Shiso (which I really like) which is the signature scent of most Zelens products. Overall, it certainly doesn't have an overpowering nor offensive smell so would suit you if you're not a fan of heavily fragranced skincare.

Z-22 is designed to be applied to cleansed skin - I mainly use it like a serum before moisturiser - and can be mixed with serums/ moisturisers to boost the effects. I can't find information on the kind of skin type that this oil is aimed at, so I'd say it's suitable for virtually anyone, whether that's dry and dehydrated or combination or oily.

Zelens is a high-end brand so the Z-22 Absolute Face Oil doesn't come cheap at £70 for 30ml but I think it's a great introduction to the range. I'm now itching to try the Power-D Treatment Drops because I can't seem to find anything similar and it seems to be quite a unique product! You can find Zelens at Look Fantastic, Feel Unique, Beauty Bay, John Lewis, Selfridges and Zelens.

Trilogy Age Proof Collection

I'm sure I remember buying a dropper bottle of Trilogy Rosehip Oil years and years ago from a little boutique pharmacy when I was still in Australia. It must have been about 8 or 9 years ago and even back then Trilogy was the brand when it came to Rosehip Oil. Trilogy is a Kiwi brand and as with most beauty products made in New Zealand, you just know the quality is going to be high- it's almost a given when you think about the beautiful flora and fauna the country produces. From the much loved Manuka Honey and mineral rich volcanic muds and of course, Rosehips, NZ is almost mystical in its ability to produce natural beauty goodness. It's no surprise then that Trilogy is New Zealand's number 1 skincare brand and has developed somewhat of a cult following around the world now too. Since they produced those first batches of Rosehip Oil, Trilogy has gone from strength to strength and released numerous lines and ranges all based around the same principle- natural products that are concentrated, effective and unique. The latest range that I've been trying out is the reformulated Age Proof Collection, an edit of cleansers, creams and oils developed to help people everywhere 'embrace the  aging process in the same way they embrace the wisdom that comes with years'. 

The reformulated collection now contains Trilogy's breakthrough new ingredient, Glycablend™ which is a blend of four plant oils, each of which target different skin concerns:

• Pomegranate seed oil: Protects against free radical damage while promoting healthy cell metabolism 
• Blueberry seed oil: Improves circulation and aids in collagen production 
• Strawberry seed oil: An anti-inflammatory 
• Chia seed oil: Nourishing and strengthening, Chia seed oil is also anti-inflammatory and contains Omega 3 and 6

There are quite a few different products in the Age Proof Range and I've got three to show you- the Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream, CoQ10 Booster Oil and Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF15.

Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream

I don't have a great deal of experience in using cleansing 'creams' as such, but I can still tell you that this one is pretty great. Containing exfoliating fruit enzymes (papaya) and enriched with sweet almond oil and avocado oil, the Cleansing Cream is massaged into damp skin then can either be rinsed off or removed with a warm, damp flannel. I prefer the flannel/muslin removal method for extra exfoliation and so I can be certain every trace of the cleanser has been removed. I'm a bit funny like that. £27.50. Full ingredients listed below.

Aqua (Water), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Lauryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside (and) Glyceryl Oleate, Jojoba Esters, Xanthan Gum, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Morus Alba (Mulberry) Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Matricaria (chamomile) Flower Extract, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract, Glycerin (Vegetable), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Parfum, Titanium Dioxide, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid (and) Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Limonene, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Linalool, Dehydroacetic Acid (and) Benzyl Alcohol

CoQ10 Booster Oil

As an avid user of facial oils, the CoQ10 Booster Oil has so far left me very impressed. Subtly scented, the reformulated face oil contains the aforementioned Glycablend™ as well as Co-Enzyme Q10 and Tamanu, Black Caraway Seed and Macadamia oils. Designed to renew radiance and smooth fine lines, the oil can be used alone, under moisturiser or mixed into your foundation for a dose of dewy goodness. Two to three drops is all I need for my (rather large) face and I prefer to apply it onto still-damp skin. £31.50. Full ingredients listed below.

Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil, Nigella Sativa (Black Caraway) Seed Oil, Calophyllum Tacamahaca (Tamanu) Seed Oil, Co-Enzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone), Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil (and) Tocopherol, Vaccinium Angustifolia (Blueberry) Seed Oil, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Seed Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Parfum, Citral, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool

Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF15

I'll level with you- I did a little internal squeal when I first tried this moisturiser. I'm usually a total lover of the dewy skin look but I remember last summer I was pining for more of a matt effect moisturiser but was hard pressed tracking one down that wasn't packed full of silicone (I don't hate silicone in skincare products but just can't deal when it feels obviously silicone-heavy). Basically, this is the moisturiser I wish I had last summer. Brimming with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamins A, E and C, the moisturiser with added UV protection hydrate sand mattifies at the same time- absolutely perfect for warmer days when you fear the facial oil slick/don't want your foundation to slide off. Also perfect as a primer. Key ingredients include Trilogy's famous certified organic Rosehip Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and anti-inflammatory Licorice Root Extract. £29.50. Full ingredients below. 

Aqua (Water), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycerin (Vegetable), Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Matricaria (chamomile) Flower Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Triacontanyl PVP, Glyceryl Stearate, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Parfum, Citral, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin

Other products in the Age Proof collection include the Botanical Lightening Treatment, Hydra-Tone Softening Lotion, Replenishing Night Cream, Line-Smoothing Day Cream, Nutrient Plus Firming Serum and CoQ10 Eye Recovery Concentrate. 

You can find out more about Trilogy products via their website.

MBotanicals Rejuvenating Facial Elixir

Products that combine natural ingredients with a touch of luxury are right up my street and the Rejuvenating Facial Elixir from London brand MBotanicals is no exception.

Brimming with gorgeous skin loving oils including Prickly Pear, amino acid rich Blackseed, Rosehip and Watermelon Seed, the Elixir was designed to nourish and protect skin exposed to the pollutants and free radicals that come with living in the city. 

The prickly pear based facial oil is beautifully multifunctional and can be used as it is, under your moisturizer for an extra boost or as a luxurious night treatment. I've experimented with the Elixir in a few ways, in the methods mentioned above and also mixed in with my foundation which creates a really lovely glowing, dewy look. 

Just worn as it is, the oil absorbs quickly and beautifully yet creates a pretty, healthy looking glow that is absolutely perfect for wintery skin that could do with a pep-up.

If you tend to judge a facial product by its scent, I imagine the Rejuvenating Facial Elixir will impress- this stuff smells utterly beautiful. To me, it smells botanical and comforting, a bit like a flower bed after it rains, if you want to get poetic. Equally, if you are a visual person, the Elixir (and the brand as a whole) will appeal as the entire MBotanicals range features beautiful apothecary-style labels and packaging that make the various lotions and potions totally worthy of taking pride of place on your dressing table.
To use the elxir/ facial oil, you just dispense a couple of drops (the bottle has a pump which is slightly more convenient than a dropper) and massage gently into your face. The result? Glowy, dewy gorgeousness that feels light and fresh rather than heavy and greasy. I like.

A couple of drops is all I need for my whole face, so the bottle should see me through the spring at least.
As well as face and body care products (including some amazing sounding French clay soaps), MBotanicals also do Soy Wax Candles in fragrances such as Vanilla Bean, Rose Oud, Citrus Basil and Gardenia. Safe to say these are going straight on my wish list.

MBotanicals Facial Rejuvenating Serum is £32 at MBotanicals.

A'Kin Brightening Rosehip Oil with Vitamin C

I'm rather enjoying A'Kin Brightening Rosehip Oil for many reasons but here are my first two:

1. It's created by my fellow countrymen (as in, A'kin is an Aussie brand)

2. I really, really like Rosehip Oil anyway.

The newly launched Brightening Rosehip Oil with Vitamin C combines the natural powers of Rosehip Oil, Macadamia Oil and Vitamin C to create the perfect potion for post-summer skin. The reason this is an ideal addition to your Autumn/ Winter skincare stash is that it works to brighten and recondition the texture of the skin and reduce the appearance of sun damage. In other words, it gives your skin back what harsh summer sun rays may have taken away. The organic Rosehip Oil contains high levels of nourishing essential fatty acids, which, combined with the skin-brightening and and antioxidant properties of Vitamin C and smoothing, softening effects of Macadamia Oil, make it a naturally effective force to be reckoned with. Because Rosehip Oil is a 'dry' oil, this formula is incredibly lightweight and non-greasy and I found that it absorbs incredibly fast, leaving a subtle 'glow' rather than 'sheen'. Even though I don't mind a blatantly oiled up face in the evening when the temperature drops, it is pretty handy that this oil doesn't leave you greasy so it can be used just as freely in the daytime as it can at night. To get all science-y for a moment, A'kin uses the Supercritical CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) method to extract the Rosehip Oil. Basically, this method uses pressurised Carbon Dioxide to 'pull' the precious oily bit away from the plant. Extracting this way preserves the purity of the oil and in turn maximises the benefits, meaning that this particular Rosehip Oil is of a very high quality!  The addition of Macadamia Oil into the mix is for a pretty simple reason- Macadamia Oil has a very similar composition to the sebum that occurs naturally on our skin, so it helps the formula absorb even more as well as retain moisture. For all you green beauty types, it's worth noting that the entire A'Kin range does not contain parabens, sulphates, ethoxylated and petrochemical cleansers, propylene glycol, silicones, phthalates, mineral oils, DEA and artificial colours, artificial fragrance or animal ingredients. The company is also against animal testing. A'Kin Brightening Rosehip Oil with Vitamin C has an RRP of £24 for 20ml. You can find it online at A'Kin Beauty and in-store at Waitrose and Whole Foods. Post contains sample

Sunday Riley Artemis

Artemis is a facial oil I reach for daily so I'm a bit surprised with myself that I haven't been bothered to write about it until now. The dropper bottle of yellow tinged oil brings a little bit of joy to my day because I'm just so darn fond of it. I love the slightly lemony smell, the thick texture and above all, the fact that it's positively packed with delicious, skin nurturing oils that leave a gorgeous glow.

Sunday Riles Artemis Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil contains an array of plant oils including:

Pomegranate Seed Oil- Improves skin texture, contains high levels of anti oxidants and is rich in Vitamin A, C, E and K. A good all rounder really.
Milk Thistle Seed Oil- Combats redness and is increasingly included in herbal anti-acne products.
Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil- Conditioning and high in Vitamin C to revitalize the skin.

Black Cumin Seed Oil- An anti inflammatory oil that's known for its effectiveness in combating acne. It's also rich in moisturizing fatty acids and allegedly fights infection.
Lemon Ironbark- Part of the Eucalypt family, Lemon Ironbark is soothing, calming and is responsible for the lemony scent of Artemis.
Lemon Myrtle- An Australian medicinal oil widely used for its cleansing and purifying properties. It grows naturally in Queensland (where I'm from) and New South Wales and is a natural antiseptic.

Flax Seed Oil- Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. Anti inflammatory.

One of the most interesting things about Artemis is that it is particularly good for combination skin types, congestion, and those with oily complexions. While the thought of putting oil on an already oily face may seem like a big no no, so long as they are the right oils, it can have a great effect in clarifying and clearing the skin. I suppose this is why Artemis has become a firm favourite among oily/combo skinned folk- if the reviews are anything to go by.

A little bit of this oil really goes a long, long way - I use about a fifth of a pipette/ one drop for my whole face- and the dry oil formula means it absorbs beautifully, leaving you with a slightly dewy glow rather than an oil slick.

You can find Sunday Riley Artemis Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil at Space NK, Cult Beauty, Net a Porter and Blow Ltd for £60 for 30ml.