Pietro Simone Dewy Reboot - a Luxury Skincare Gift Idea

(post contains sample) 

Luxury skincare brand/celebrity facialist Pietro Simone has just released a new range and it's definitely got my attention. The FIERCE collection is Simone's third range, with every product created using traceable, sustainable, vegan ingredients.

Combining high-end luxe with environmental consciousness, the FIERCE range is about empowerment and great results, with the collection made up of 18 face and body products.

The product I've got here is the Dewy Reboot and, as well as having a fantastic name, it's designed to 'reboot' the complexion thanks to a host of beneficial ingredients.
Bio-engineered Peptides and 100% stabilized Ascorbic Acid combine with the antioxidant Glutathione and Gold particles to create a radiant, dewy look. The Peptides act in something called Photo-modulation, which is a process that triggers the skin to convert light energy into cell energy, creating that coveted dewy look.

The Ascorbic Acid, Gold and Glutathione target environmental damage and work to even tone.
Dewy Reboot features 4 different types of Hyaluronic Acid, as well as Marrubium Vulgare Extract (a type of mint) which tackles blackheads and improves the texture of the skin.
Rounding things off, a probiotic compound balances, soothes, strengthens and improves moisture retention.
As you've probably gathered, Dewy Reboot is very much a multi-tasking product and I think a great introduction to the FIERCE collection. It would also make a great gift for anyone interested in skincare!
Designed for every skin type, the serum is silky in texture, a slightly thick liquid that absorbs very nicely.
Pietro Simone recommends applying a few drops to the face using fingertips, rather than covering the palms and then applying, to avoid unnecessary absorption into the hands and therefore wasting product.
I love the slight shimmer in Dewy Reboot- it makes the serum seem extra luxe and instantly adds a touch of glow. As with all Pietro Simone products, Dewy Reboot (£85 for 60ml) comes in a glass bottle, which feels satisfyingly weighty and is of course better for the environment than plastics.
You can find Dewy Reboot and other Pietro Simone products at Pietro Simone, in store and online at Harrods and at Oxygen Boutique. 

Dermatude Meta Therapy Skincare

Meta Therapy is a 'facelift alternative' that combines skin rejuvenation, anti-aging, hydration and recovery in one unique treatment. Standing for Medical and Esthetical Tissue Activation, Meta Therapy is 100% natural and offers visible results without the use of fillers, botox and other invasive techniques. The brand behind the Meta Therapy concept is Dermatude and they've also developed a range of skincare products to both complement the Meta Therapy treatment and use as stand alone products. I have the Dermatude Stem Cell Reactivator Serum and Active Hydra Booster Cream and have dipped into both on and off for a good few months now. For some reason I had assumed that as they are complementary to the professional Meta Therapy treatment that they would feel a bit 'clinical' to use, but they are actually quite luxurious!

Dermatude Stem Cell Reactivator Serum

The concentrated formula contains PhtyoCellTech Malus Domestica - which is a 'liposomal preparation' of Swiss apple stem cells - and Q10. The apple stem cell preparation stimulates the production of new skin cells and provides a firming effect while antioxidant Q10 works to reduce signs of aging. The Reactivator Serum feels like water on the skin and contains tiny micro-capsules that burst on application.

It's unscented, so suitable for people who are irritated by fragranced skincare products. The serum can be used anytime but I mainly put on a pump or two at night under my night cream. It has an instantly quenching effect which is very, very welcome at the moment because my skin has been unbelievably dry since I had my baby three months ago. You can find out more about the Stem Cell Reactivator Serum here.

Dermatude Active Hydra Booster Cream

This rich cream is another total skin thirst quencher. Delectably thick, the cream is packed with Sodium Hyaluronate which is similar to Hyaluronic Acid but has a smaller molecule and is therefore absorbed into the skin more easily. Ideal for dehydrated skin (like mine *cough*), the rich cream contains Shea Butter and Sunflower Oil and is also fragrance free.

 

I reach for this cream when my skin is feeling really tight and dried out and it's just like giving it a big glass of water. You can find out more about the Active Hydra Booster Cream on the Dermatude site.

For more information about Dermatude as a brand as well as their innovative Meta Therapy treatments, visit the website here.

Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar Reveal #20

I'm not going to lie- when I found out that the Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar featured a bottle of Dr Sebagh Serum Repair, I did go through a few drawers to track it down. Once I knew it was in drawer 20, I was secretly applying it now and then. I'm glad I can now enjoy using it without any guilt!


This is the full sized 20ml bottle - you can find it at Liberty for £69 here.

Nighttime Skincare- New Additions

There's just something lovely about the pre-bedtime skincare routine isn't there? It's one of the best parts of my evening- having a hot shower, double cleansing my face, exfoliating, toning, then (the best bit!) gently patting in whichever serum or oil I'm loving and topping it off with one of my night creams. All before tucking myself in for my nightly dose of Law and Order.

Bliss.

I've recently added a few new bits to my bedside table that I've been alternating between and think any fellow skincare fanatic needs to know about.

Fresh Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy

Ok, so it's fair to say that I want pretty much everything from Fresh (observe my previous wishlist here) and now that we can order from the brand online in the UK, buying all the things is now a terrifying reality. I had a little sachet sample of the Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy and liked it so much that I went on to buy it. The serum can be used at any time of the day but I like to use it just before I get into bed so I can freely spread it around my lips without fear of judgement. Containing Acmella Flower extract to plump out deep wrinkles and sugar to soothe and moisturise, the serum is touted as an age-defying treatment, but I just like the way it makes my lips feel. I just know this is going to be one of my favourite things come winter.

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

Every blogger and their dog has an opinion on Luna but so far I'm undecided on just how brilliant this blue oil really is. It's my first retinol product and I do use it most nights. The oil has certainly not done anything bad to my skin but at the same time I haven't noticed a huge difference as yet. I'm also not keen on the 'not for pregnant women' warning on the bottle. That said, I haven't met a Sunday Riley product that I don't like and it's definitely a luxury item and a real pleasure to apply. I also love the scent. And the fact that it's blue. OK, I like it. Case closed.

Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Creme

This is quite a light textured night cream so I actually started using it a couple of months ago when it was still warm. I can't deal with heavy creams in summer, so this was pretty much spot on for what I wanted - hydration and gentle exfoliation without the heaviness that comes with many night time treatments. The *Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Creme features Glycolic, Lactic and Fruit Acids to promote cell turnover for that coveted 'wake up glowing' effect which is balanced nicely with nourishing Primrose Oil and Shea Butter. For me, the shea butter pretty much seems to sit in the background quietly while the acids do their thing, making it a refreshing alternative to really slippery, buttery creams. The night cream sinks into skin almost effortlessly and doesn't leave a film on the skin, which makes me think this would be a good night time option for oilier skin types too.

Nude Skincare Advanced Renewal Overnight Repair Mask

If you want to be strict about things, this is a mask, but it's also perfectly fine to use nightly as a rich cream. It works in the same way as Origins Drink Up in that  it's designed to be left on and absorbs into the skin overnight. The mask is very thick and sort of melts when warmed between your fingers. It contains Shea and Cupuacu butters, so is exceptionally rich and very, very soothing. The most appealing ingredients for me are the fig extracts and honey that may be responsible for the mask's subtle, comforting scent. Delish.

Bottega Verde Honey and Lime Night Cream

I picked up a jar of the Honey and Lime Night Cream from the Bottega Verde store in Alghero recently, mainly because I believe I need any skin care that has honey in it. That, and I had decided that I simply needed to sample some Italian skincare to ensure I had an authentic Sardinian experience. Obviously. While the plastic packaging is nothing to write home about, the actual cream itself is rich, indulgent and perfect for thirsty skin that's had a bit too much sun. Featuring a grape seed oil and Shea butter base, the cream is enriched with honey and lime tree extracts and turned out to double up as a nice after sun treatment for my sunburned thighs. Still not sure how that happened.


Post contains sample

Complex 27 Bio-Soothing Lifting Serum

I've got a lot of love for M.E Skinlab and the Cosmetics 27 line, so as if I was going to deny my skin the chance to try one of the new Complex 27 serums.

There are 3 brand new serums in the Complex 27 range - Complex 27 C Bio-Perfecting Correcting Serum, Complex 27 R Bio-Restorative Regenerating Serum and the one I've been using - Complex 27 L Bio-Soothing Lifting Serum.

While all three serums sound more than appealing, I'm really glad I've been trialling the soothing serum because it feels nothing short of gorgeous on my face that may or may not have caught a little bit too much of the summer sun recently.

The serum contains active ingredients such as Calendula and Lemon Balm and Lettuce Waters (renowned for their soothing and relaxing properties) yet is virtually fragrance free and ideal for sensitive skin.
A light, milky consistency, the Bio-Soothing Lifting Serum is designed to smooth out the complexion, counteract redness, visibly diminish signs of stress and tiredness and, of course, soothe sensitized skin.

The main benefit I have found from using the serum is that it is incredibly soothing and refreshing which is simply perfect for this time of the year - especially since Britain has seemingly borrowed Australia's sunshine in recent weeks.
It's worth noting that immediately after application my complexion is pepped up and glowing, so it's a perfect treatment for the morning (though it's designed to be used both morning and night) when you want to wake your skin up and fake a solid 8 hours of snoozing.
The formula absorbs pretty quickly, leaving the skin feeling smooth, so perfect as a primer for underneath your foundation.

The Complex 27 Bio-Soothing Lifting Serum is a gorgeous treat for the skin and I'm enjoying adding it to my skincare routine at the moment - if anything for the beautifully soothing effect.
The serum is packaged in a compact, airless 30ml bottle and is available from Mr Porter for £90.

Post contains sample - words my own

Max Factor Ageless Elixir Foundation Review

While a lot of people are going nuts over the Max Factor Whipped Creme Foundation I was eager to get my hands on the Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 Foundation. I was initially drawn to this foundation for two reasons.

1. I'd never tried a Max Factor foundation before (!)
2. It's a 2-in-1 Foundation/ Serum hybrid and you've gotta love a bit of skincare in your makeup.

I've been trying out the Max Factor Ageless Elixir in shade Beige 55 and I've found it a pretty good fit, despite the fact I've been trialling fake tan as well - that is where Benefit Hula comes in very handy.

 The Ageless Elixir Foundation comes in a pump bottle that dispenses the perfect amount of product for a decent application.

 The formula is quite mousse like and light - a texture that feels rather lightweight on my face. The foundation is a blend of coloured base and a 'special elixir' that contains anti-ageing ingredients, SPF 15 and pigments that reflect light.
I found that the foundation blended quite easily and provides a medium to heavy coverage with a fairly moisturising and natural finish. The moisturising element of the foundation is especially appealing to me at this time of year as my skin gets pretty dry and tight in Autumn/ Winter.

All in all I think the Max Factor Ageless Elixir Foundation is a lovely high street base with a just-about-bargain price tag of £12.99. I'm glad to see affordable brands rival the likes of YSL in the serum foundation stakes (not to say I wouldn't love to give the Youth Liberator a go).

If you don't trust my opinion on the foundation, there is a plethora of good reviews about the stuff on the Boots website that you can check out here.

What do you think of serum foundations?

L'Oreal Youth Code Luminize Super Serum!

I'm totally into serums at the moment and lately I've been putting L'Oreal Youth Code Luminize Super Serum through its paces.

The original Youth Code collection hit the shelves a little while ago but the 'Luminize' version contains all the nifty anti-ageing components of the original, with the added bonus of illuminating particles to instantly improve the appearance of the skin.

The selling point of the Super Serum is that it's a 2 in 1 product - the high concentration of vitamin Cg (a slow release form of vitamin C) goes to work on refining texture and banishing pigmentation while the luminescent pearly formula creates a healthy glow instantly.

The formula itself is quite light and refreshing with a strong yet pleasant citrus scent and one pump of the serum is more than enough for one application.
While I've not seen a huge difference in my skin (yet), I can say that this is a pretty decent product and I'll be using it to pep up my dry complexion this autumn.

L'Oreal Youth Code Luminize Super Serum retails at £24.99 for 30ml at Boots but is currently on offer for £16.66.

Have you tried anything from the Youth Code range? Thoughts?

Thanks for reading :*

Biotherm Skin Ergetic Anti-Fatigue Serum

I'm a little obsessed with serums lately and while I don't want to go overboard on serum related posts, I feel that this product definitely deserves a special mention,

Presenting Skin Ergetic Anti-Fatigue Serum by Biotherm

At first glance, this just looks like your average serum, but I can assure you that it's definitely far from average. The really unique aspect of this potion is that it comes in 2 parts that are combined by you, which makes for a seriously fresh skincare experience. Extracts of Soya and Apple (to increase cellular energy) and Sugarcane and Lime (to gently exfoliate and enhance radiance) are the active ingredients in one of the components, while Broccoli extract is the star ingredient of the other.

So how does it work?
When you open the box, you'll come across the glass bottle filled with liquid (as pictured above) and a silver sachet that looks a bit like something you'd find at a space station.

Zip it open, and inside you'll find a little white capsule.

This mysterious little customer contains 'sulforaphane-rich'broccoli extract in the form of bright yellow powder. In case you were wondering, sulforaphane is a compound that works on defending the skin as it stimulates the production of detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes. Each little capsule contains approx 150 broccoli sprouts :o

Once the capsule has been removed, you then unscrew the dropper from the serum bottle and screw the capsule on in its place.

Then you simply press down on the top of the capsule until it clicks...

...releasing the powder into the serum. Hurrah!

Then it's just a matter of replacing the dropper top and giving the bottle a jolly good shake to combine the ingredients.....

...then waiting 24 hours to ensure the powder dissolves properly.
I haven't photographed it, but there's actually a section on the side of the label where you can write the date you mixed the two components together. This is a good idea because the mixture is only active within a 3 month period, because the aformentioned Sulforaphane has a limited shelflife when suspended in liqud. A very fresh concept indeed!

The end result is a milky, gel like serum with a rather fresh fruity scent. It smells a lot like apples and a bit like broccoli, and i find it a real pleasure to use. Skin experts Biotherm claim that this serum will make you look more awake and radiant with a smoother complexion.
I've only been using it (morning and night) since last monday so I can't comment on the end result just yet, but I'm loving it so far. The texture of my skin is distinctly softer and smoother and my foundation seems to be smoothing on more easily.
The serum is available on Amazon.
Have you tried Biotherm Skin Ergetic Anti-Fatigue Serum? What do you think of the 'click, mix, apply' concept?

Thanks for reading!


*PR sample

Skincare Gets Personal

So we all know that no two skins are the same and when it comes to the epidermis, we've all got our issues. Dehydration, breakouts, smile lines, crows feet, oily in bits, dry in parts, flakey on the cheeks, spotty on the chin, I could go on but I'll spare you. :)

Today I was introduced to something created on the basis that our complexions are as unique as we are - a personalised skincare system called Forest Secrets.

Forest Secrets Try Me Set

Of course there are already loads of great products on the market that are tailored to individual beauty concerns, but Forest Secrets is particularly interesting for a few good reasons:

1. There are only 3 (very concentrated) serums/elixirs in the line which are mixed together according to your skin needs.
2. It's up to you to combine the products yourself. You can't get more personalised than that!
3. The products are 100% natural, GMO free and vegan

The Serums

iRejuvenate PLUS Elixir

Containing Lupin Seed extract for elasticity and collagen promotion, Organic Argan Oil for nourishment and antibacterial Honeysuckle extract, this face oil is easily absorbed and light. Used in conjunction with the iRejuvenate PLUS Serum, the elixir forms one half of the iRejuvenate PLUS anti-ageing system. 

iRejuvenate PLUS Serum

So this serum is the second half of the anti-ageing system, and contains Chlorella Extract which fights collagen deconstruction, radiance encouraging Monk's Pepper and plant derived Kinetin to improve texture.

iBright Serum

This serum is designed to tackle skin pigmentation and contains the extract of the very rare and rather expensive Matsutake mushroom. The mushroom was used in ancient China as a means of brightening the complexion and preventing/ treating discolouration.

The serums/elixir are housed in very cute glass bottles with pipettes.

Forest Secrets personalised skincare consists of 2 core systems: Anti-Ageing and Anti-Blemish.
The Anti-Ageing system consists of the iRejuvenate PLUS Elixir and Serum, while the Anti-Blemish system includes the iRejuvenate Plus Elixir and iBright Serum. Each product comes in 15ml bottles.

A great way to discover the system is to go for the Try Me Set containing all 3 products in little 2ml bottles. This way you can find out which serum combinations work the best for you.
The products come with 'recipe' suggestions according to your skin concerns. For example, here is the suggestion for combination skin:

Morning: For the face and neck, mix one drop of the iRejuvenate Plus Elixir with two drops of iRejuvenate Plus Serum and apply to the skin. For the “T” Zone (the forehead and nose area) use one drop of iRejuvenate Plus Serum.Night: Blend 1 drop of iRejuvenate Plus Elixir and three to four drops of iRejuvenate Plus Serum and apply to the face and neck area.

It's way too early to tell you if this range works for me but I wanted to share it because I think it's a really cool concept. I love the ritualistic feel to Forest Secrets, it just adds that bit more to that little pampering buzz I get from using gorgeous skin products. The serums have a light, sort of velvet texture, while the elixir is more oily and nourishing. Did I mention how lovely the products smell too? Beautiful!

The Anti-Ageing and Anti-Blemish systems retail for £70 (for two 15ml bottles) while the Try Me Set is £15. You can also purchase the products individually for £35. The products are very highly concentrated so a 15ml bottle should last you up to 6 months.

To discover more about Forest Secrets or to try out the products yourself, visit their website here.

Have you tried Forest Secrets? I'd love to hear you thoughts :)

Hannah Rose xxx


*PR samples



Latest in Beauty

2011 has certainly been the year of the Beauty Box - Enticing packages of deluxe samples sent  to your door every month for around £10 - it's any beauty addict's dream come true. I've definitely been tempted by this revolutionary concept and of course I've already succumbed to the allure of Boudoir Prive and Feel Unique, but there's another similar box of goodies doing the rounds that's definitely worth a mention.

 Latest in Beauty is a 'try before you buy' beauty service offering members a monthly box for the teeny price of £1, so now beauty lovers who have been longing to get involved with the sample box phenomenon can do so for less than the price of a bus ticket!

Of course, because the cost of the box is so tiny, the samples are generally a lot smaller than those you find in the £10 boxes, though products such as perfume vials are the same size. If you order a Latest in Beauty box, expect sachets rather than bottles and tubes, but don't let that put you off, as you'll often receive 2 to 5 sachets of one product so you can get a real feel for it.

Latest in Beauty is unique to the other boxes because you actually choose your samples - one each from the categories of skincare, make-up and fragrances and hair and body. I think this is a nice touch because you can select a product you're actually interested in, and if there isn't anything that takes your fancy, you can just check back later and pick something suitable.

I picked my samples and ordered my box on Friday and it arrived today - talk about speedy service :)

Here's a peek at my samples this month:



The Samples

SKINCARE

4 x sachets of Lavera My Age Concentrated Lifting Serum

This serum was created to lift and plump the skin, fight signs of aging and make the skin appear more youthful. I haven't tried this one yet, but I'm a bit obsessed with serums at the moment so I won't be able to hold off for long :)

HAIR & BODY

1 x sachet Nicky Clarke Moisture shampoo, 1 x sachet Nicky Clarke Moisture Conditioner

I used the Nicky Clarke shampoo and conditioner last night and I'm happy to report that it's a really nice product. I have one major criteria when it comes to hair products - that they smell nice - and this range definitely fulfills it. Containing static eliminating wheat protein and ultra nourishing Moringa oil, these products left my hair feeling (and looking) rather nice indeed! Something worth mentioning is how incredibly soft my hair felt immediately after rinsing the conditioner out. It wasn't that slimey feeling you get with some conditioners - just an undeniable softness. I realise I might sound a bit like a Pantene advert right now, but it's true!

MAKEUP & FRAGRANCES

Keraskin Immuniste Youth Drops Elixir

This is my favourite sample from Latest in Beauty so far - an extremely cute little glass bottle of Keraskin Immuniste Youth Drops.

To be used on cleansed skin before your day or night moisturiser, this serum is an extremely concentrated skin plumping superstar.  For the makeup and frangrance category, I opted for the 'mystery sample' and this is what I got (though I'm not sure what it was doing in that category), so it was a really beautiful surprise.
I love!

The glass dropper contains 4ml of the serum

Latest in Beauty operates on a pay as you go basis, and you are only charged once you have ordered your sample box. Once you've signed up, you'll not only have the chance to order your samples for only £1, but you'll also have access to product reviews, competitions and specials and of course the option to purchase the full sizes of your samples if you so happen to fall in love with them :)

Check out Latest in Beauty, if you're a beauty junkie on a budget I promise you'll love it.


Hannah Rose xxx

Advanced Night Repair

Last month I was lucky enough to nab one of the coveted tickets to the How To Get Into Beauty event at Marie Claire's London HQ. In association with Estee Lauder, the event was essentially an intereractive seminar featuring Marie Claire's Beauty and Style Director Lisa Oxenham, Estee Lauder's Communications Manager Anna Rozelaar and Global Makeup Artist for Estee Lauder,  Alan Pan. The event was interesting, informative and above all, lots of fun as Lisa and Anna gave guests invaluable insider advice and Alan did a fantastic makeup masterclass using Estee Lauder products.

After being inspired beyond belief by these fabulous people, we were reminded of the goodie bags waiting patiently under our seats (as if we'd forgotten) and it took all my strength not to peek inside until I was out of the building, up the road and on the underground.

As well as the October issue of Marie Claire, we also received some fantastic deluxe samples of Estee Lauder skincare and makeup. All the samples were gorgeous, but the two I was chomping at the bit to try were the  Serum and Eye Cream from the Advance Night Repair range.

The samples were very cute - a 7ml bottle and 5ml jar and both still have quite a lot of product remaining after being used religiously for over a month :)

The Advanced Night repair Synchronized Recovery Complex serum is an award winning formula that claims to do all kinds of fantastic things to the skin but above all, endeavours to improve the appearance of the signs of aging. 

Containing all the vital ingredients of the serum, the Advance Night Repair Synchronized Eye Recovery Complex gets to work on the delicate skin in the eye area, tackling fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles, dryness and uneven skintone. Phew...

I've been using these two since I received them at the event and I can honestly say that the texture of my skin has definitely improved. To apply the serum, I pour a small amount onto the back of my left hand, then apply it with the fingers on my right. The funny thing is, the back of my left hand has become a lot softer, I'm guessing as a result of having the serum on it every night. Surely that's a good sign!

The eye treatment has a very slight chemically smell that I found a bit scary at first, but it is a pleasure to apply thanks to the silky, gel like texture of the product.

I really like these products, and I think they were a great addition to the goodie bags at the Marie Claire event. I think I'll be asking for the full sized serum for Christmas (£54 for 50ml)

A great example of the fact that samples lead to sales :)

Now, with a face full of Estee Lauder potions, I'm off to bed to let them work  their magic ;)

Thanks for reading!

Hannah Rose xxx