Lilly Loves

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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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!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

Promising a”burst of radiance to the complexion” this elixir really does just that. Made without parabens and petrochemicals this refreshing spray is fraganced with 100% natural aromas of grape, orange blossom, rose organic balm mint and rosemary.

It is a little pricey at around £25 and therefore I do not use this as a toner everyday, despite it being skin smoothing and pore tightening, but rather as an occasional finishing touch to my make up or as a skin pick me up on those less than perfect days. The spray distributes a fine, even mist and is therefore perfect for setting make up. The shelf life of the elixir is 15 months and is 115ml (although you may be able to buy a smaller handbag sized version) and not only is it a lovely product but comes in a gorgeous recycleable bottle. Madonna is said to be a fan.

A'kin Rose & Geranium Pure Creamy Cleanser & Toner in One

After stumbling across the advertisement for this range in the Organic Life magazine I just had to view their website. Not long after this the Rose & Geranium Pure Creamy Cleanser & Toner in One was on my bathroom shelf.

This is a lovely creamy cleanser that is suitable for normal, dry, sensitive or mature skin types. It contains soothing geranium oil which has a balancing action on the skin by regulating sebum secretion as well as anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties and is therefore suitable for normal to slightly oily/mild acne skin types. The addition of rose makes it particularly suitable for sensitive skins with broken capillaries or inflammation. Rose is renown for its rejuvenating properties and combined with geranium has a lovely sweet, floral smell; a perfect combination.

The cleanser is suitable for the removal of eye make up (except waterproof mascara) and a little goes a long way. With all cleansers apply to dampened hands first before massaging into the skin. Not only does this facilitate easier application but less product is used. It can be wiped or rinsed off and does not leave any greasy residue, instead a soft dewiness that illuminates the skin. For those with normal skin but with a tendency to oiliness on the T-zone I would recommend this cleanser for night time use only. I personally use this as the second step in my cleansing regime after first removing my make up with jojoba oil. Since this cleanser contains witch hazel it is not necessary to use a separate toner. Personally however I do prefer to tone separately and will no doubt add the {A’kin} toner to my ever increasing collection in the very near future. The [A'kin] Rose & Geranium Pure Creamy Cleanser & Toner in One is a part of The Purist Company product range.