Lilly Loves

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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The Co-operative Group's Plan Bee Campaign

Almost 4,000 of Britain’s best-loved cosmetics are reliant upon the honeybee for their production. Worryingly, the British honey bee is dying out and with the honeybee gone many of our must-have beauty products, including 643 brands of mascara, 589 lipstick products and at least 453 moisturisers, would cease to exist, according to The Co-operative Group.

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Salt of the Earth Totally Natural Deodorant

Salt of the Earth’s unscented natural mineral salt deodorant is an impressive odour protecting crystal stick made of only Ammonium Alum. Application is easy and mess free with no sticky feeling or annoying white marks. Simply, it felt like there was nothing there which I admit at first felt a little unnerving. Whilst you won’t be smelling of roses there is little chance of that offensive body odour that usually accompanies sweat since this helps to neutralise the bacteria responsible for such smells. Because it is not an anti perspirant you will perspire which some may find unappealing but is preventing a natural bodily function a good thing? Now for my take on the science behind it:

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What made me wander into the baby care aisle at my local Boots is still a mystery to me. I am neither pregnant, planning to become pregnant or have any little ones as yet. Nevertheless I could not bypass this wonderful white tub staring back at me. The red writing of “Rose Hip, Evening Primrose, Borage & Wheat Germ with Shea and Cocoa butters” alerted the beauty junkie in me especially since it also stated “fragrance free”; a must for me whilst suffering from patches of excema on my body and hands.

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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.

Definsil Rescue Serum

I came about this product whilst searching the internet for something to hydrate my itchy, sore, eczema inflamed hands after trying numerous products so far. This has been my best find yet. The two main ingredients are Cardiospermum halicacabum seed extract, otherwise known as Balloon Vine, and Echium oil cold pressed.

Referring to an article from the website from where this serum was purchased trials have shown that skin redness may be reduced by up to 35% within 15 minutes of application and skin sensitivity reduced by as much as 50%. The important claim of these extracts is their ability to calm the itching associated with such conditions and by doing so the itch/scratch cycle which so often results in weeping, bleeding skin and sometimes infection, is stopped thus allowing the skin time to heal and rebalance itself albeit with the use of conventional treatments until the area is improved.

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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.