Velvet Lashes: Diary Of A Skincare Loser

Friday, 10 January 2014

Review: Healgel Eye and Face

Hello Loveys,

New year new you is what seems to be on a lot of peoples lips, eating healthy, heading out to the gym or buying a fitness dvd, its all about health and feeling good. A lot of people forget that you also need to ensure you are looking after your skin, one of my resolutions last year was to make sure that I had a skincare routine, a resolution I actually stuck by and am continuing! So when I get offered to review a skincare product I get super excited as love finding out about new brands products available, and more importantly I love sharing them with you so here is a new brand to me *HEALGEL, a brand created by British plastic and cosmetic surgeons, an actor, and dermatologist biochemist a varied team!

Healgel is an aqueous gel that "soothes, repairs and protects skin", I was lucky enough to try the following two products.

Healgel Face, an "anti-ageing formula for firmer, smoother and replenished skin". This creamy white gel sinks into the skin beautifully, it made my skin feel smoother and the scent reminded me of walking into an essential oil boutique, with a scent of lavender which isn't overpowering and it contains Omega oils to "nourish dehydrated skin and restore elasticity". This product also contains Arnica and Madecassoside with "powerful peptides and biodynes to initiate a uniquely soothing and collagen boosting process" with added hyaluronic acid. This sounds like a bottle of heaven for my skin! I would recommend this to you lovely blog readers, but don't expect drastic changes to the skin, it isn't a miracle gel or a product that would transform but it is a product that makes the skin feel hydrated, soft and smooth, it has a handy pump and I like the clean simple packaging. I applied this at night time and in the morning, whenever I woke after applying it my skin would appear brighter and soft so I would say give it a go as its a lovely all rounder. Priced at £48.00.

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Healgel Eye a product to "lift, brighten and revive" formulated to "help diminish the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines". This gel isn't as creamy as the face product, it feels water based and I did find this product did not sink into the eye area as I hoped so felt like I was patting away for a while. The product has a subtle herb scent with a hint of lemon which was pleasant, it states it is "instantly lifting", I wouldn't say it does that as I wouldn't say it was botox in a bottle which I imagine is instant. It is a gel that I would be interested to do a before and after photo with, where I could see if it actually makes a difference to my fine lines as I didn't notice much difference, it felt cool and it was good to use as a makeup base as it wasn't sticky which I dislike with a lot of eye products. This product contains peptides, biodynes, hydraulic acid, Arnica and Madecassoside liposome which also feature in the face product, it also contains a "light diffusing element to give a youthful radiance", I would say it adds a light glow to the skin area which helps my dark circles! I would not pay £32.00 for this as it didn't wow me for that price tag, have you tried this? If so what did you think?

For more information or to purchase these products click Here

A xx

Have you tried these products? What did you think?

A xx

Review: Ginvera

Hello Loveys!

*Todays review is on two products from Ginvera. Ginvera was established in 1985 by Dr Tor Lam Haut in Singapore. Ginveras mission is "To be a caring and innovative organization that brings youthfulness, beauty and health to the public." What I like about this company is that not only do they care about the consumer but they also care about the staff which is rare to get nowadays!

The packaging is green which runs through most of the brands products, with metallic green lids which I find is a nice touch, I am not particularly keen on the colour but I always like metallic added to products packaging.

Ginvera Marvel Gel is an exfoliating gel that removes dead skin which "produces new skin cells to replace aging and dead skin cells everyday." This product can be used daily which "removes dead skin cells that clog pores, cause and support blackheads, thus eliminating and preventing formation of blackheads which can lead to pimples".

Here is what Ginvera claim the product can do for you

1) Removes blackheads painlessly
2) Softens the cornified layer and gently removes dead skin cells
3) Refines pores and reveals finer, smoother skin
4) Fades pigmentation spots and acne scars
5) Removes oil seeds around eye area
6) Regulates and balances oil secretion, prevent pimples
7) Evens out skin tone to give skin clarity
8) Dull and rough skin becomes smoother and fairer
9) Stimulates skin metabolism, skin becomes younger
10) Allows rapid and instant penetration of skincare products applied subsequently

The great thing about this product is by removing the dead skin cells helps the skin produce new skin cells. I expected this product to be like other exfoliators where you have tiny grains which can sometimes be quite harsh to the skin, but instead it was a smooth green gel. I applied this gel to my dry skin and massage it in, to my amazement I could feel skin lifting in tiny fragments, not in a scary way at all!! It was satisfying in a weird way, I could see how badly my skin needed to be exfoliated as I had quite a bit! I literally was hooked from that moment, my skin was so smooth and soft after I used this product. My skin appears brighter and have not had any blemishes since using this! Literally am obsessed! Would highly recommend this, its a tube of magic for the skin!

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£19.95

http://www.janiro.co.uk/products/ginvera-green-tea-marvel-gel-60g

Ginvera Repair and Nourish Night Cream is a cream that I have used every night since receiving it, it is a lightly fresh scented moisturiser that feels rich on the skin. The cream has Lycium extact that helps promote skin cells oxygen intake and therefore promoting a brighter complexion. It also contains Biogel and Ginseng which help cell renewal and absorption of nutrients. Ginvera states it is formulated to help "skin cells in repairing and renewing at night". The cream has Ginveras famous ingredient Green Tea which is rich in antioxidants to protect the skin against harmful free radicals and helps the skin from aging as it protects against UV rays.

I rarely use night cream as find it can clog up my pores and make my skin feel oily after a few nights of use, but this one feels different, my oil levels feel controlled, whereas normally with my combination skin I can have an oil overdrive on my T-zone, but the combination of the gel and night cream seem to help. I love that this cream has a light fresh scent which sinks into the skin making my skin feel super soft to touch it isn't greasy or sticky. I also find you don't need a lot of the product to feel like your face is moisturised.

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Moisturiser, Green Tea, Ginvera, Green, Skincare, Review, Blogger, Marvel, Gel, Exfoliator,

£22.95

http://www.janiro.co.uk/collections/ginvera-green-tea/products/ginvera-green-tea-nourish-repair-night-cream-50g

Have you tried these products or any other from Ginvera?

A x

Diary Of A Skincare Loser #4

Hi Loveys,

Hope you are all well! So entry four, how am I doing? Well I think you will all be super proud of me!!! I have been following a skincare routine!!! Heres what I have been using.

Cleanser.

Dermalogica Cleanser and Toner

I have been using Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser. This is actually my mans cleanser that he uses. This cleasner is used on a damp face, apply then rinse off with luke warm water. This is a clay based cleanser that helps oily congested skin. It states it is a "unique combination of water soluble Kaolin and Green clays that absorb excess oils while extracts of Sambucus, Ivy and Lemon refine skins texture and help prevent future breakouts". This cleanser feel slightly tingly when applied, It cools the skin and leaves it feelng refreshed and clean. I certainly enjoy using this and feel my skin appears clearer and brighter.

Toner.

I have been using Dermalogica Multi-active Toner. This toner is a spray that i spritz onto the skin after it has been cleansed. This toner states it gives "critical hydration with this ultra light, refreshing facial spritzthat hydrates the skin while smoothing the surface.Moisture binding humectants plus soothing lavendar, bath mint and arnica help condition the skin and prepare it for proper moisture absorption." This toner is a cool spray that adds a refreshing splash of goodness to my skin, my skin feels clean, and non greasy. I definately want to keep using this spray which yet again is the mans!

Moisture, eye cream and lipbalm

Moisturiser.

This is the bit I am going to have to have recommendations for, I have combination skin. The night cream I had was far too heavy so started to use a sample I received in an advent calendar which is called ESPA Lift and Firm Moisturiser. It states it is an "active complex to help smooth lines, sea amber stimulates collagen and elastin." It also contains anuse and antioxidants. The moisturiser smells gorgeous, a spicy floral scent that sinks into my skin and leaves it feeling moisturised rather then greasy or heavy.

Eye cream.

I have fallen in love again with my Balance Me Eye Cream. An eye cream that calms and soothes the eye area, I find the scent prepares me for a lovely nights sleep. It states its "soothing, brightening and lifting", I would agree, though it isnt a miracle and I wouldnt any eye creams are miraculous, but I enjoy using this and feel I am looking after my ever wrinkly eye area!

Lip balm.

I have always used Balmi before bed to leave my lips soft and moisturised. I currently own the coconut and the raspberry scents. LOVE LOVE!!! They certainly leave my lips feeling super soft so would highly recommend them.

So this is my current routine.

Anything you would recommend?

A xx

Balmi Lip Balm

Diary Of A Skincare Loser #3

Hello everyone!

Last post was me hoping to organise my dressing table and routine! I certainly have done that, be proud!! So lets see how I get on with that and whilst I am trying to stick to it I am also learning about the routine, what does each step mean and why is it important? Here are my honest answers, and answers experts would give.

What did cleansing mean to me?

So first things first cleanser, I used to think cleanser was what you used to take off your makeup, it took most off and if I wanted I could do it twice to ensure all of my makeup was completely gone. I admit I have used baby wipes or 3 in 1 cleanser wipes as a quick go to. In my eyes as long as my makeup was off I thought I was doing a good job.

What would the experts say?

cleansing present participle of cleanse (Verb)

Verb

Make (something, esp. the skin) thoroughly clean: "this preparation will cleanse and tighten the skin"; "a cleansing cream". Taken from Google.

Cleansing gets rid of all the dead skin and dirt that can gather on our skin after a days work or play. Our skin needs rejuvenating, a chance to "breath", it needs to be cleansed to reduce clogging up of pores, reducing fine lines and for your skin to appear healthy and bright. It also helps boost blood circulation around the face.

What did toning mean to me?

This was something I rarely did, it was just another form of cleansing, which seemed to tighten my skin and get rid of any dirt or makeup left on my skin.

What would the experts say?

Toning helps to get rid of any dirt or cleanser left on the face. It helps restore the natural PH of the skin allowing the skin to be hydrated, which is important in reducing the appearance of fine lines.

What is eye cream?

Something my mama would always use religiously, that she applied gently under and around her eye that had a pretty smell. I started to use this now and again.

What experts would say?

Eye cream is a type of moisturiser for the eye area that helps reduce and prevent fine lines, some can reduce puffiness and discolouration.

What is moisturiser?

A cream that helps my skin feel softer and helps if certain areas are dry. Never used night cream until recently, though day cream was a regular used item.

What would the experts say?

A cream helps boost collagen that the body struggles to produce the older we get. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. Moisturisers help to keep skin hydrated, nourished, softer and calm. This is a must for helping to give a youthful appearance.

So as you all know, I am not a skin expert, so the answers may not be exactly what an expert would say, but its my interpretation of how I have understood what they all mean and therefore how I see what an expert would say to me.

Any tips?

Axx

Diary Of A Skincare Loser! #2

Hello Loveys!

Hope you are all well. I can imagine you are hoping I have learnt some lessons in the world of skincare, I'm afraid I am still not down with the kids! Sigh! So here's the latest.

I have been so tired lately with the family being ill and me playing nurse, sleepless nights and little time. So there is my reason for this dreadful confession, drum roll......I have been using, wait for it, BABY WIPES!!!!! my skin is screaming at me, I am face palming like you wouldnt believe. I owe my skin an apology, big time, so I need to make some urgent changes.

I met the lovely Sasha from Beauty Bird blog, check her blog out! We had a great chat, she is knowledgeable when it comes to skincare so out came the notepad and pen to get her advice. I have a combination skin type, with the oily t-zone. I have been using baby wipes to take off my eye makeup and base then my Alpha H Liquid Gold every other night with lip balm. So thats no eye cream, serum, moisturiser or cleanser, oh dear. I asked Sasha for the order of skincare, the order we looked at is the following. Cleanser, toner, serum or face oil then moisturiser, eye cream and lip balm morning and evening. My face must of said seriously morning and evening and all that!!! Oh no! But the little voice in head cried at last, lets do this. I was ever so excited to get home and sort my skincare but I arrived home to find plenty of tidying and cleaning! Tonight I am going to use a cleanser, toner, moisturiser and eye cream. My skin hasnt been great lately and quite oily, I am wondering whether the moisturiser I have been using in the morning is too heavy? So I am going to go back to my trusty Aldi moisturiser. I am going to look into the products I have and try to look at organising my bedside table so that I dont forget. Step one to help make changes!

Any tips to help loveys?

Image from Google

Diary Of A Skincare Loser!

Hey Loveys,

Here is a little series for you lovely readers! A diary of a skincare loser is about my struggles to stick to a routine, struggle to understand and carry out skincare!! Hope you enjoy this series! If you have any tips for me I would appreciate it!!

Image from Google

Day 1.

So my skincare, what does it consist of?! Urm, lets be honest not much!! I wrote a post about my struggles with skincare but my determination to keep going and set myself a routine to stick by, heres the link http://www.whispersfromangels.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/my-skincare-routine.html

So did I achieve this? Well....not really!

I have always been good at taking my makeup off but never good at cleansing, toning, moisturising at night, eyecream, masks, scrubs the list goes on! I never ever have had a morning routine! Should I feel embarrassed? I put day cream on, that good enough? I hear you all screaming at the screen right now! Sorry guys, what a fail I know. So currently here is my night time routine. I use either Bioderma or my Loreal Micellar Solution, then depending on whether I remember or can be bothered I will use Alpha H Liquid Gold every other day. My eye cream- nope not using that anymore which is a shame as I loved it, I just feel like I want to get to sleep quick so to the quickest possible. I know eyecream would take seconds, but thats how Im rolling at the moment. I am using hand cream every night and lipbalm. Am proud of those! Pathetic compared to most of you I know. Then there is my morning routine, urm right what routine? I use a day cream before applying my foundation. Shocking?

Image from Google

So, beauty lovers out there I am crying out for all to advise me and suggest things for me to use and do day or night, I am a working mummy on a mission to change the way I approach skincare, I am 28 with combination skin needing a boast, and encouragment to give me a kick up the backside. Now do I talk on behalf on others or am I one of the few who are basically crap?

HELP!

A xx