British Skincare

skinChemists Bee Venom Facial Serum

- Vicki 2 Comments
Skin Chemists Bee Venom Serum

Skin Chemists Bee Venom Serum

skinChemists Bee Venom Facial Serum*

I’ve been using this serum for a couple of weeks and I have to say It is easy to see why the Bee Venom range is skinChemists best selling collection, not to mention the Duchess of Cornwall’s skincare product of choice. With over 50 years experience skinChemists offer quality skincare that delivers results.

Bee Venom has become a very popular ingredient in skincare over the past few years and it works by:-

Fooling the skin into thinking it has been stung, the Bee Venom causes the body to increase the level of blood circulation to the application area, encouraging heightened production of collagen and elastin. This increased production restores a plumper and firmer skin structure, slowing down skin sagging and dramatically reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

The main ingredients in Bee Venom Serum are:

  • Bee Venom which aims to plump and firm the skin while stimulating collagen production
  • A blend of Amino Acids aim to balance the skin, whilst improving skin clarity and encouraging an even skin tone for a brighter complexion.
  • Hyaluronic Acid aims to maintain moisture within the skin

It has a lightweight gel consistency which after you massage it in to the skin feels like it almost evaporates. There is no sticky, greasy residue left behind and It leaves the skin feeling very soft, hydrated and visibly smooth. It feels great layered under your other skincare and gives you a nice base for makeup. I also like that it has a subtle sweet scent.

This is a perfect addition to your skincare routine for Spring as it plumps your skin and leaves it with a fresh, healthy glow. Coming from a very wet, dry Winter this is exactly what my skin needed.

** During the month of March if you use my code LETSTALKBLOG this Bee Venom Facial Serum will be reduced from £135.00 to £19.99 which is an incredible saving **

*PR Sample

Merumaya Gentle Exfoliating Toner

- Vicki 8 Comments
Merumaya Gentle Exfoliating Toner

Merumaya Gentle Exfoliating Toner

As most of you are aware British skincare brand Merumaya have been a favourite of mine for a while now, they’re always expanding their range with innovative and affordable products. The Gentle Exfoliating Toner is their latest offering and once again they have produced an affordable product that rivals even the more expensive brands.

Merumaya Gentle Exfoliating Toner* £17.50

I always like to use a toner as part of my skincare regime so I was very excited to start using this new Exfoliating Toner and see what the results were. The packaging is much like the rest of the Merumaya range which is simple and user-friendly The product itself is packed full of active ingredients some of which give immediate results and others that are more effective when used over a period of time, I have learned that skincare isn’t always about those instant gains but often about looking after your skin every day in order to see long-term positive results.

I will let Merumaya explain the most scientific stuff,

  • Natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) to gently yet effectively peel away dead skin, detoxify, cleanse and refine pores to reveal fresh smooth skin. It contains a complex of moisturising active ingredients to prevent skin drying out after the exfoliation.
  • Natural AHA’s Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are proven to act as exfoliants, loosening and removing the top layer of dead cells by decreasing corneocyte adhesion. This reveals the new skin cells below. Natural AHA Complex provides a superficial peel action resulting in an improved surface appearance for a fresher, smoother look to the skin. AHAs help to remove dry skin and can be useful in treating blemished or problem skin, unblocking and cleansing pores.
  • Hyaluronic Acid is highly prized for excellent hydration which helps provide plumpness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Natural Betaine is an osmoregulator manages water balance in skin cells. It can hold 1.6 times its own weight in water. It hydrates and softens the surface of the skin resulting in a soft and even finish.

I found this toner to be very gentle despite their being acid in this product, so don’t be put off by that. The acid is great for gently removing the dead skin, dirt and stubborn makeup you may have missed when cleansing. Removing this build up on a regular basis keeps your skin clean, evens out skin tone and helps your skin look more radiant.

Reducing the build-up of dirt also stops your pores getting clogged up which helps reduce blemishes and blackheads. I have noticed my skin feels softer, smoother and fresher.

This 128ml bottle will last a good amount of time because you only need a small amount each time and the dispenser is good at only allowing a little product out at a time.

Once again Merumaya has made a product that will work on all skin types and that you can afford to repurchase time and time again. Let me know if you have any favourites from the Merumaya range, I would also recommend trying their Melting Cleansing Balm and the Iconic Youth Serum.

What I also love about Merumaya is their focus on promoting #BeautyHasNoAge – so their products are not focused or targeted at Anti Aging but feeling positive about our age and embracing the changes that happen as we grow older. I love this positive message and Maleka, the incredible lady behind the brand has made a video all about it which I encourage you to watch.

*PR Sample

Products Currently in Use #2

- Vicki 2 Comments
Products Currently in Use

Products Currently in Use

So I’ve used up almost all of the products in my last ‘Currently In Use‘ post & thought it was time to switch things up and add in a few new products. I love switching up my skincare and consciously looking at my stash and rotating products, it means I use up more things and discover some gems that have been languishing at the back of the cupboard. These are just four products I have added to my routine, I do use more than this but these are the latest additions.

DHC Pore Face Wash

I have tried a couple of skincare products from DHC and never been disappointed, this is a Foaming Cleanser but don’t be put off by that, It is sulphate free and won’t strip or dry out your skin. It’s gentle but effective at removing makeup and dirt so your pores are not enlarged by dirt, I wouldn’t say it reduced my pores but its very good at unclogging them and helping remove dirt and excess sebum. This cleanser is also a gentle exfoliator and ‘has been blended with two caring exfoliants: pear juice alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) which help refine the complexion, and softly abrasive baking soda which dissolves dirt and eliminates impurities’.

This cleanser leaves my skin feeling refreshed, clean and looking radiant, oh and Its has a light grapefruit scent which is nice and uplifting. I use this at night and you need the smallest amount, honestly a pea-sized amount, you will be surprised at how much it lathers up. Another fantastic product from DHC, it’s easy to see why they’re one of Japans best selling brands.

balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm

I love using balm cleansers and they’re my favourite way to remove my makeup and this one from balance Me has gone right to the top of my favourites. Not only is it a fantastic balm cleanser but it has tiny oat powder in too which act as a very gentle exfoliator so your skin is not only left extremely clean but it’s also polished and smooth. Love a good two in one! This has a thick balm consistency but it feels so nice to massage over the skin and really break down the makeup remove all the dirt and grime from the day. It’s great for both Normal & Sensitive skin

  • Normal skin: Shea, Mango and Cocoa Butters dissolve make-up and deeply hydrate, creating a radiant, balanced complexion for all skin types.
  • Sensitive skin: Rosehip Oils help to soothe sensitivities and encourage healthy cell renewal.

This has been getting a lot of use since looked it out & my skin has never felt as smooth and soft. This is a great affordable cleanser and if you’re looking for a new balm cleanser then look no further!

Liz Earle Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash*

This smells like a luxurious spa or a summer holiday to Italy, it’s beautiful and when I use it in the morning my whole house smells incredible. With foaming agents derived from soap bark, corn and coconut plus soothing organic oats it leaves my skin smooth and hydrated. This massive bottle will last me until this time next year, I have been using it every morning for over a month and it still feels like its full to the brim. It contains ‘Naturally active ingredients include organic oats, natural source vitamin E, plus orange flower water and ten pure essential oils to lift spirits and delicately scent the skin.’ It’s the perfect uplifting product, its crazy how a scent can affect your mood & these citrus aromas are so nice and refreshing. I’d say this product is indulgent by so very worth it.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

This product comes as a dry powder which you mix with water in your hands and massage over your face. It’s not grainy or abrasive but turns into a paste-like consistency. It smells like porridge which is strangely nice and familiar (I eat porridge every morning). This is meant to be used after you have cleansed, but I have used it in the morning & only used this, it left my face clean and smooth.

  • Rice Bran and Rice extract gently microfoliate skin surface to facilitate penetration of the brightening complex.
  • Papain Enzyme and Salicylic Acid help dissolve excess surface cells.
  • Skin Brightening Complex of Licorice, Aspergillus and Grapefruit helps even skin tone.

I have used this 3 times over the past couple of weeks, I’m not 100% sure if its a product I need in my skincare routine. Especially as the DHC & balance me products also have exfoliating qualities. I think I will do a more in-depth review of it once I have been using it a little longer.

Let me know if you have used any of the products in my current line up or let me know what new skincare you have added to your routine.

Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However, if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.

Katherine Daniels Skincare

- Vicki 1 Comment
Katherine Daniels Skincare Products

Katherine Daniels Skincare Products

British Skincare brand Katherine Daniels

I love discovering new British brands and when this Katherine Daniels parcel arrived on my doorstep I was excited to try everything out.

Their skincare comes in easy to follow steps which makes everything so simple.

Step 1 – Essential Cleansing Milk

Step 1 – Essential Toning Lotion

Step 2 – Concentrate For Dry Skin

Step 3 – Sensitive Skin Cream

So caring for your skin has never been easier, we would all love to have the time & the money to have facials every week but that’s just not reality for most of us. So it’s nice to use skincare to create an almost Spa at Home type of feel & Katherine Daniels products are luxurious and have been created to treat the most common skin issues and conditions so you can really care for your skin at home!

Concentrate For Dry Skin*

This is a very lightweight but nourishing serum packed full of incredible skin benefits such as

  • Concentrated seaweed peptides – to protect & defend against ageing
  • Phytosqualane & Tryglicerides – to hydrate and nourish
  • Extract of Myrtle – Increases cell tissue life
  • Vitamin E – which helps protect from free radicals

This is a lovely serum if you are noticing fine lines and wrinkles, it plumps the skin and over time helps reduce them. It’s very rich and nourishing, it leaves the skin feeling smooth and is the perfect serum for the colder months. If you have dry sensitive skin then this will be a great addition to your routine.

Essential Cleansing Milk* 

This cleanser is so light in texture, I haven’t tried that many cleansing milks so I wasn’t sure how I would get on with this one. It is a very gentle and you use it on damp skin and massage it in, to break down makeup and dirt then use a damp warm cloth to remove. It has a soothing scent and it the cleanser left my skin feeling clean but not tight and it was very effective in removing my makeup. It contains these key ingredients

  • Red Seaweed and Blue Micro-Algae Extract – Which boost Collagen and Elastin within the skin
  • Glycerine – This helps to hydrate the skin and prevent moisture loss

So its also a good hydrating cleanser and will help your skin look radiant and plump. If you like to use a cleansing milk then you should check this one out.

Essential Toning Lotion*

I was excited to see this toner was alcohol-free so it’s not going to strip your skin or be too harsh. Toning is one of my favourite steps in my skincare routine. This one calms and soothes the skin, so its great for cold weather when my skin tends to be more sensitive and prone to redness. This contains some lovely ingredients too

  • Blue and White Lotus Flower Extract and Mastocarpus Extract – Both are excellent for relaxing and soothing the skin

This leaves your skin feeling comfortable and smooth, ready for the next step in your routine.

Sensitive Skin Cream*

This is a gel moisturiser which leaves my skin feeling velvety smooth and incredibly nourished. This feels like it sinks into the skin immediately, it’s not greasy or heavy and is a lovely smooth base for makeup. This also contains Phytosqualane which is a key ingredient in nourishing the skin and keeping it looking supple and radiant.

Katherine Daniels is a brand to keep your eye on, their products have a nice simple feel to them. They’re all really good quality and I have enjoyed them in my skincare routine. All four of the products in this post are Paraben and Mineral Oil Free.

To see their product range or find a Katherine Daniels salon near you visit www.katherinedanielscosmetics.com

Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.