Lilly Loves

At long last, a subtle healthy glow for fair maidens. For those of you who are a true English rose complexion and find it difficult to get on the bronzer bandwagon then look no more. This two toned powder from Soap and Glory gives a buildable sunkissed glow which is neither too muddy or too shimmery when swirled together, or, swipe the darker shade under the cheekbone and the highlighter shade above for a contoured effect. The best bit? A very reasonable price of £12.26 from larger Boots stores.

For reference I am Porcelain in the Bobbi Brown range of foundations, NW10/15 Mac, Mont Blanc in Nars (bordering Siberia).

I think I’ve got an addiction to this lip treatment from FACE Stockholm. Glides on like liquid silk (if there was ever such a thing) and leaves my lips so soft. The first time I tried this my lips were quite flaky but within only a couple of hours there was an obvious improvement.

The packaging is sleek, as with all FACE Stockholm make up, and the price is not unreasonable if you want to see and feel results (currently £16.50). On the negative side there is no SPF which would be a nice addition as long as the texture would remain the same. However it is not something I would pack in my beach bag anyway for fear of it melting – It is far too precious for that. So, if you are concerned with those pesky rays just ensure your lipstick or gloss contains a minimum SPF15 for everyday wear and for those lucky enough to be soaking up the sun carry a specific SPF lip balm such as the Simple Sun Sensitive Protecting Lip Balm SPF30.

FACE Stockholm Matte Foundation

This is by far the best foundation I have found for my combination, sensitive and truly pale English rose complexion. I have searched high and low for the most suitable base ranging from the ridiculously expensive Chantecaille and Suqqi brand to the high street and everywhere in between.

Do not be fooled by its name. It does not look or feel cakey like you would assume with a matte foundation but instead leaves my skin with a lovely natural glow that is rather a silky matte (if there is ever such a phrase?). I would not it rule it out if you are on the drier side; simply apply a more emollient moisturiser or primer.

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Medik8 PRETOX Eyelift

PRETOX Eyelift is a professional strength anti-ageing eye gel designed to combat dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and uneven tone. It is formulated with four peptides: Reguage; Haloxyl; Tetrapeptide (Rigin) and Pentapeptide (Matrixyl) and is packaged in a 15ml hygienic pump dispenser.

This did a great job at leaving the eye area refreshed and moisturised and although I do not have ‘bags’ as such i do feel that any puffiness had diminshed in as little as 2 weeks. My dark circles however are hereditary and I have come to the conclusion that nothing is going to eradicate them. Having said that they are not that bad so perhaps someone with a more severe case would notice a difference after the recommended 6 weeks of use am and pm. Fine lines and winkles are not much of a problem for me yet so I cannot comment on its effectiveness in this area.

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This is a super soft deep cleansing microfiber washcloth at a fantastic price. Excellent at removing all types of cleansers on all skin types especially sensitive skins. Your organic make up may look great on your skin in the day but it’s not so great on your pillow! Currently priced at £3 from John Lewis stores.

Earthbound Organics Cream Cleanser

This is a great cleansing balm for normal, dry, sensitive and mature skins with minimal ingredients of Organic Sunflower oil, Rose water, Organic Camomile, Organic Calendula, Organic carrot and local beeswax.

Calendula is well known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties and is widely used externally for sunburn, excema and wounds slow to heal. Likewise Camomile, in particular German Camomile, soothes inflamed skin due to its primary active ingredient bisabolol which is also anti-irritant and anti-microbial. Rose water is well tolerated by all skin types.

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Neal’s Yard Remedies Rose Facial Oil

After reading many good reviews of this product I decided to give it a try for myself. It is now perhaps my favourite product for 2007.  Targeted at dry, sensitive skins I see no problem in using this for all skin types since it not only contains rose absolute oil but also geranium and patchouli. Whilst rose helps to calm redness associated with broken capillaries and irritation accompanied with itching and heat, geranium helps to regulate sebum production whilst containing anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties making it beneficial for oily and/or acne skins. Likewise patchouli also has anti-inflammatory properties but may also help to improve scarring or stretch marks. Interestingly it is used in anti ageing preparations and therefore may help lessen wrinkles. Combined with evening primrose, grapeseed and hazelnut oils this is a great all round product priced at a very reasonable £16 for 50ml.

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Neal’s Yard Remedies White Tea Facial Mist

This is another great product from Neal’s Yard Remedies. Contains White Tea; a highly regarded antioxidant that can help prevent premature ageing, and possibly skin cancer, by scavenging free radicals from UV rays, environmental pollution, stress and poor diet. Taken from Science Daily, Elma Baron, MD, and Director of the Skin Study Center at the University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University states:

“We found the application of white tea extract protects critical elements of the skin’s immune system. Similar to the way oxidation causes a car to rust, oxidative stress of the skin causes a breakdown in cellular strength and function. The white tea extract protects against this stress. This study further demonstrates the importance of researching how plant products can actually protect the skin.”

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Living Nature Purifying Gel Cleanser

A lovely refreshing purifying cleansing gel most suited to oily, combination and acne skin types. It is made with the natural antiseptic Manuka Honey which has antibacterial, antibiotic and antifungal properties. The gel also contains grapefruit, lavender and tea tree oil; excellent for blemishes. Its gentle lathering quality is down to Kumerahou oil extracted from the leaves and flowers of the Pomaderris Kumeraho plant. It leaves the skin soft and refreshed with a gentle radiance and is a great way to wake you up in the morning.

Price: £18.99 for 100ml. This is available online at www.naturisimo.com along with other selected products from the Living Nature range.

L’Occitane Floral Toner with Honey and Floral Waters

Part of the sensitive skin range this alcohol free toner is delicately scented with the soothing floral waters of lavender, lemon balm, orange blossom, rose and sweet clover.  It also contains mineral rich spring water from the Alpes and, as it name suggests, softening organic honey. The refreshing spray distributes well and leaves the skin feeling calm and hydrated wthout any residue or “tackiness”. This would be suitable for all skin types in particular sensitive and drier skins. I have experienced no problems on my combination skin. It is reasonably priced at £11 for 150ml and should you be unfortunate not to have a L’Occitane boutique near you it is available online at www.loccitane.com. Be warned postage and packaging is £4.95 and is only free on orders over £75!