Monday, 24 May 2021

Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15.

Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15.

skincare
Shield the skin from environmental pollutions when applying the Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 daily. Typically CC creams are used to colour correct the complexion by helping to correct skin tone imperfections while also improve dullness, sallowness, dark spots and redness. Formulations have now evolved to not only provide a tint to the skin but also include ingredients that your skin will benefit from when applied. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the products.

Benefits Of The Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15.

The Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 is scientifically proven to completely shield the skin from urban toxins and heavy metals while also supporting and protecting the skin microbiome (skin flora) that helps keep it healthy. The formula also contains a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with hydrators and humectants to keep the skin hydrated throughout the day. The full ingredients are as follows:

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice - Moisturising with humectant properties, it also soothes and has anti-inflammatory benefits to support the skins regeneration. 

Dicaprylyl Carbonate - Emollient that gives a formula a velvety feel while also helping spreadabilty of sunscreens and solubilizing them in a formula. 

Isoamyl Laurate - Emollient that helps disperse pigments in a formula while helping a formula be velvety, silky and non-sticky.  

Zinc Oxide - Physical sunscreen with broad spectrum protection while also being able to treat skin irritations. 

Glycerin - Moisturiser and humectant that keeps the skin lipids hydrated, protects against irritation and supports the barrier function of the skin. 

Sorbitan Olivate - Emulsifying to help water and oil ingredients mix and not seperate.

CI 77891 Titanium Dioxide - Colourant which is a white pigment to give colour to a product.

Cera Alba Beeswax - Emollient to help skin become soft and smooth while also used to thicken a formulas texture. 

Lecithin - Emollient and water-binding properties that also helps water and oil ingredients mix and to create liposomes. 

Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate - Plant based ingredient that soothes the skin and has emollient benefits. 

Silica - Provides mattifying properties and helps to thicken a texture of a formula while also suspending insoluble particles. 

Aqua/Water - Solvent to dissolve ingredients. 

Cellulose - Provides mattifying and absorbent benefits while also thickening a formula.  

Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea-buckthorn) Fruit Extract - Antioxidant that shields from free radicals while also supporting the skin. 

Hypericum Perforatum (St. John's wort) Extract - Contains carotinoides that protect the skin while also supporting the skins regeneration and repair process.  

Quercus Robur (Oak) Bark Extract - Astringent that contains tannins that help with skin inflammation.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract - Green tea is an excellent antioxidant, UV protectant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial.

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract - Antioxidant with UV protecting benefits.

Sodium Chloride - Viscosity controlling that helps thicken up a formula.

Sorbitan Caprylate- Emulsifier that helps water and oil ingredients mix while also boosting preservatives.

Palmitic Acid - Emollient to help the skin become soft and smooth while also helping to thicken a formulas texture. 

Stearic Acid - Emollient while also stabilising water and oil formulas. 
 
Propanediol - Solvent to dissolve ingredients while also having moisturisation and humectant properties to hydrate the skin. 

Benzoic Acid - Preservative. 

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid - Low molecular weight that acts as a moisturiser with humectant properties, 

Sodium Hyaluronate - Moisturiser and humectant to improve hydration for all skin types.

CI77492 - Colourant iron oxide yellow that when blended with the colourants below creates a flesh-toned finish that is used in makeup.

CI 77491 - Colourant iron oxide red, can create pink tones in makeup. 

CI 77499 - Colourant iron oxide black that controls darkness of the colour (in a foundation) while also when combined with the colourants above creates a flesh-toned shade.

Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C) - Antioxidant which is a form of vitamin c. 

Sodium phytate - Chelating to keep the product the same over time once opened.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E) - Antioxidant that also provides emollient benefits for the skin.

Vanillin - Fragrance of vanilla. 

Potassium Hydroxide - Sets the pH of the formula. 

Application Of The Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15.

Dispensing the product is made easy by the squeezable tube and nozzle to control the amount you wish to use but don't be put off by the colour that does appear darker before application. The non-runny texture is perfect to apply to the face and neck before buffing and blending with your fingers or a brush that leaves the skin feeling perfectly comforted with a natural looking finish. The directions do state you can apply this on its own or over a moisturiser but i personally use this differently as i like to seek products with a higher SPF included. I apply the cc cream over my SPF30 or 50 and find that because the formula and texture are so brilliant in providing a natural looking coverage with its added skin care benefits included, my skin feels perfectly nurtured without feeling greasy or looking overly shiny. It also creates an excellent base under makeup by acting as a non-silicone colour correcting primer that ensures to support and shield the skin throughout the day.

Available in two shades light or medium and suitable for all skin types it is priced at £27.00 and available here: Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 x Neil. 

Friday, 21 May 2021

Olverum Body Polish.

The Olverum Body Polish 200ml.

skincare
The Olverum body polish is a staple skincare product that should be included in your skincare routine because not only does it contribute to improve the skins health it can also influence your wellbeing. The skin naturally sheds every 30 days in a continuous cycle to remove the dead skin cells but sometimes these cells do not shed properly and the results can appear as dry, flaky patches while also trapping sweat and blocking pores. Read on to discover more about the gentle but effective body polish that leaves the skin visibly smoother while feeling a lot softer. Suitable for all skin types the Olverum Body Polish is vegan and cruelty-free, free from artificial preservatives, fragrance and colourants, Silicone, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Sulphates, Phthalates, Parabens, Triclosan and animal derived ingredients  Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product.

Exfoliate The Skin With The Olverum Body Polish.

Incorporating an exfoliator or polish skincare product into your routine regularly will help prevent the typical signs as mentioned above while also helping to improve skin texture by leaving the skin smoother and softer. The Olverum body polish combines sustainably-sourced Papaya Enzyme that helps to dissolve and remove dead skin cells and has some wound-healing and anti-inflammatory benefits while also including the two physical exfoliants which are Bamboo Extract and Pumice. Light in weight with a creamy texture, the body polish also features Hydroclay that draws out any impurities, Bergamot, Lavandin and Geranium Oils that boost elasticity, botanicals Grapefruit Oil and Fennel Oil to re-energise with the rejuvenating scent of Patchouli Oil and Ylang Ylang to influence your wellbeing. 

Application Of The Olverum Body polish.

Applying the luxurious spa-quality body treatment to dry or damp skin using circular motions will not only help manually remove any dead skin cells present because of the two physical exfoliators present in the formula but you will also boost blood circulation and lymphatic drainage when using this method on application. Ideally you should also leave the body polish on the skin for at least 5 minutes to allow the papaya enzyme to thoroughly remove the dead skin cells and damaged keratin that can build up on the skin and form small bumps. Rinsing the skin thoroughly and then patting dry, you will be amazed on how silky soft the skin feels while the texture of the skin is dramatically a lot smoother!

Exfoliating the skin not only improves the skins health but it also allows your other products to penetrate and function better, prevents ingrown hairs if you shave, and creates an even base if you like to use fake tan. The Olverum Body Polish is presented in a 200ml glass jar and priced at £38.00 while it is available to purchase from here Olverum and SpaceNK xNeil.   

Wednesday, 19 May 2021

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.

skincare
Soothe and rehydrate the skin when applying the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml. Formulated with 96.3% snail secretion filtrate with humectant sodium hyaluronate, the gel lotion hydrates and protects the skin from moisture loss with its lightweight texture. All COSRX products are formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that alleviate irritated skin. Hypoallergenic, Dermatologist tested, Cruelty FREE, Parabens FREE, Sulfates FREE and Phthalates FREE. 

Application Of The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.

The alcohol free Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is suitable for all skin types and should be the first product applied to the entire face after cleansing or toning because it is an "Essence" before any serums. I really like how this is fragrance and essential-oil free so can easily be tolerated around the sensitive areas of the face such as the eye (though do not get it into the eyes) and the mouth area while the full ingredients are as follows:

Snail Secretion Filtrate - A combination of proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, glycoprotein enzymes, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides and trace elements including copper, zinc, and iron that helps to aid in repairing the skin. 

Betaine - Moisturiser and humectant to keep skin hydrated by controlling cell water balance. 
 
Butylene Glycol - Humectant that attracts water while also aiding in helping ingredients penetrate into the skin and giving a nice texture to the product.  

1,2-Hexanediol - Solvent for ingredients and boosts preservatives while also having humectant and emollient properties.
 
Sodium Polyacrylate -  Thickens up water-based products while also stabilising ingredients and has some water-binding properties. 
 
Phenoxyethanol - Preservative to stop the product turning bad 
 
Sodium Hyaluronate - Skin identical ingredient that has humectant properties and can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water. 

Allantoin - Soothing and promotes wound-healing while also protecting and softening the skin. 
 
Ethyl Hexanediol - Solvent that dissolves ingredients to be used in a formula. 
 
Carbomer - Turns a liquid formula into a gel that is non-sticky and feels pleasant on application.  

Panthenol - Pro-Vitamin B5 soothes irritated and compromised skin while also helping to hydrate and moisturise and support the skins barrier function. 
 
Arginine - Semi-essential amino acid that is skin-identical that moisturises and hydrates the skin while also helping wound healing.   

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml. 

Snail Mucin is collected safely, NO snails are harmed in the process! After collection, it is then processed as a cosmetic material as COSRX is ALL FOR CRUELTY-FREE! I really like how lightweight it feels on application while it absorbs quite quickly to leave the skin feeling fresh without any greasiness or stickiness. Ideal to use all year round in any climate, it works great under any moisturiser or sunscreen without any pilling or flaking off and can be applied both morning and night. Add the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence into your skincare routine for smoother and hydrated skin priced at £14.85 and available here: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence x Neil. 

Saturday, 15 May 2021

Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen Light/Medium 60ml.

Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen Light/Medium 60ml.

skincare
Discover the reef safe formula that is the Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen Light/Medium 60ml which is developed without chemical absorbers oxybenzone & octinoxate which may be damaging to coral reefs and sea life. Designed with daily use in mind the UVA & UVB broad spectrum protection is provided by the highly stable and non-irritating zinc oxide that acts as a physical block rather than chemical sunscreen ingredients that absorb them. I personally like zinc oxide because its offers other benefits which are helpful to the skin such as treating skin-irritations and healing wounds while even though it can leave a white cast, tinted versions are now available to counteract that problem. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the products. 

Application Of The Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen Light/Medium 60ml.

Presented in a tube for easy dispensing it is required to apply the required amount which is two finger lengths or two teaspoons 20 minutes before any sun exposure. Reapplying every two hours or more frequently when sweating and/or if you are swimming (the formula is not water resistant) is required but reapplication is made easier with this formulation if your wearing makeup by dispensing the required amount onto a beauty blender and reapplying over the top. The Australian made sunscreen is vegan friendly and cruelty-free while the full ingredients are as follows:

Active: 
Zinc Oxide 215mg/g - Sunscreen 
Contains: Phenethyl Alcohol - Masks the smells of other cosmetic ingredients with a rose like scent and it can be found in other essential oils while also having antimicrobial activity and boosting other preservatives.

Inactives: 
Aqua - Solvent for other ingredients.

Isoamyl Laurate - Emollient which is a natural silicone alternative and helps in dissolving UV-filters in sunscreens or dispersing pigments in a formula.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride - Emollient from coconut and glycerin that keeps the skin nice and smooth.

Sorbitan Stearate - Emulsifier that helps water ingredient to mix with oil ingredients. 
 
Cetearyl Alcohol - Non-drying and non-irritating, this fatty alcohol has emollient benefits while also stabilising oil-water formulations. 

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate - Viscosity controlling that thickens a formula to help with texture.

Caprylyl Glycol - Emollient and moisturising properties while also boosting other preservatives. 
 
Glyceryl Isostearate - Emollient while also having emulsifying properties to form a uniform mixture of water and oils that typically don't mix. 
 
Xanthan Gum - Viscosity controlling to improve texture of the formula and emulsion stabilising to stop water and oil ingredients separating.  
 
Polyhydroxystearic Acid - Dispersant or dispersing agent that is typically used in titanium dioxide or zinc oxide sunscreens to help with an even application and reduce the white cast while also stopping water and oils separating.  

Cetearyl Glucoside - Emulsifier that gives skin a soft and smooth feel while also helping spreadability of a product. 
 
Sucrose Cocoate - Emulsifier that helps stop water and oils from separating while also being an emollient keeping the skin soft and smooth. 
 
Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Fruit Oil - High omega fatty acid content with tocopherols (Vitamin E) and carotenoids (Pro-Vitamin A) that has skin-regenerative properties. 
 
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil - Antioxidant benefits from the Vitamin E while also having emollient benefits from the nourishing and moisturising fatty acids included.

Glycerin -  Moisturiser and humectant that keeps the skin lipids hydrated, protects against irritation and restores the barrier function. 

Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract - Emollient with soothing benefits, it also supports the skins acid mantle while also having anti-inflammatory properties.
 
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract - Antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial benefits.

CI 77492 - Colorant which is iron oxide yellow. CI 77491 - Colorant which is iron oxide red.
CI 77499 - Colorant which is iron oxide black. 

Potassium Sorbate - Preservative to stop the product going off, typically used with other preservatives to boost effectiveness. 

Parfum - Helps the product smell nice. 

Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen Light/Medium Or Medium/Dark.

The Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen is available in either light/medium or medium/dark shades but don't be put off by the colour that you see when dispensing the product. It does appear darker to begin with but glides over the skin easily and disperses the colour excellently to be sheer with a slight tint before absorbing quickly. I was quite surprised on how lightweight it feels on the skin and does not feel greasy or sticky (even throughout the day) while a slight scent can be detected but soon disappears after five minutes. It does not ball-up or flake off and because there are no chemical sunscreen ingredients included in the formula you wont get that dreaded stinging or watery eyes!  

Add the reef-friendly and non-greasy sunscreen into your daily skincare routine which is priced at £14.95 and available here: sukin spf30 sheer touch face Sunscreen light/medium 60ml. x Neil. 

Monday, 10 May 2021

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion.

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion.

skincare
Refresh and soothe the delicate eye area when applying the Liz Earle eyebright soothing eye lotion morning and night. Not tested on animals and suitable for vegetarians the natural active ingredients included in the formula are the herb eyebright, witch hazel, aloe vera and cornflower that all contribute to cool and soothe sensitive eyes while also revitalising. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product. 

Clean And Refresh The Eyes.

Twisting up the cap of the bottle and dispensing the non-oily lotion onto a cotton pad or reusable bamboo cotton pads, you can now sweep over the eyelids and lashes to clean and refresh the eyes. I typically like to apply this product after cleansing and for an intensive treatment i leave on the eye area as a soothing compress for 10-15 minutes, you can even store the bottle in the fridge for a cooler experience especially when the weather is warm/hot. 

Suitable For Contact Wearers.

I love how the lotion refreshes heavy and tired eyes while also soothing and cleaning the eye area which is ideal for hay-fever sufferers or for anyone who struggles with streaming and irritated eyes. Suitable for contact wearers, the eye lotion takes care of the outer eye area while any eyedrops or eye spray will repair the oily layer of the natural tear film which may have been disturbed by environmental factors such as staring at any screen for too long, air-conditioning or central heating.

The Liz Earle eyebright soothing eye lotion is priced at £8.00 for the 50ml sized version and is available here: Eyebright™ Soothing Eye Lotion x Neil.   
© Blonde Male
Maira Gall