Elemental Herbology Facial Glow: a review

December 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Ever since my discovery of Ren skincare in 2006, I’ve been dedicated to using only natural products on my face. Although a definitive link between parabens, preservatives commonly used by the cosmetics industry, and cancer has not been found, the long-term effects of such chemicals are unknown. After doing some research, I concluded that it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to facial care and thankfully, my skin hasn’t suffered. The even better news is that as awareness levels increase regarding skincare ingredients, more brands are putting out natural alternatives which actually work. Nude skincare (backed by Bono’s wife Ali Hewson) and Elemental Herbology are two really good examples as they commit ample resources to clinically testing (not on animals of course!) their naturally derived bio-actives.

Frustrated by the harshness of Clinique’s Turnaround Instant Facial, I decided to try out Elemental Herbology’s Facial Glow. According to their website, the company develops products to combat not only aging but seasonal changes such as flakiness brought on by central heating and high winds. Plus, ingredients are responsibly sourced through fairtrade (read more here: Our Philosophy & Commitment | Elemental Herbology). This is all well and good but the bottom line is that the impressive list of ingredients in the Facial Glow including papaya, Jojoba beads (less abrasive than micro-dermabrasion), manuka honey and a complex of vitamins, work as advertised. Specifically, the product promises to exfoliate and to revive skin damaged by harsh environmental conditions. After using Facial Glow once a week for three weeks now, I have noticed a considerable difference as my skintone is more even, the flakes on my T-zone are gone and the beads don’t cause my sensitive skin to go all red immediately after rinsing. In sum, I’d highly recommend this product especially if you’ve reacted poorly to other exfoliants. At £39, Facial Glow is not inexpensive but the 50mL jar will last months so the cost per use is still worthwhile.

 Elemental Herbology products are available for purchase through the brand’s website Elemental Herbology or at Space NK stores.

Facial Glow

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Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica: a review

November 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

For me, Kiehl’s is the skincare equivalent of comfort foods like mac n’ cheese, never trendy but always popular.  During stops living in NYC, Milan and London (twice), I’ve made the occasional purchase of the cult Creme de Corps and baby lotion for Sophia (I do like that their products are suitable for sensitive skin) but that’s about it. Recently though, they’ve upped their game with the introduction of Midnight Recovery Concentrate which has many beauty editors all excited and Rosa Arctica cream, the subject of my review.

I bought the latter during the course of my seemingly never-ending search for a good day moisturizer to use in winter when my skin is extra dry (I confess to liking a warm house). Whereas in the summer I simply apply Super Goop’s SPF 35 lotion, the colder weather calls for a heavier cream. The key ingredient behind Rosa Arctica is the “Resurrection Flower”, also known as Haberlea Rhodopensis to you botanists, which has regenerating powers that are not diminished even in extreme conditions. While I’m not sure living in London qualifies as an extreme environment, I do like the concept of a naturally occurring solution to dehydration.  The consistency is thick but not at all greasy, making it possible to apply sunscreen underneath if necessary, and has no artificial perfume smell which is quite a pleasant change from other brands. I’ve been using it for about two weeks now and I’m very happy with the results. My skin is no longer parched and as a result, my make-up sits much better. Plus, and maybe this is my imagination, the added plumpness has the effect of younger-looking skin. At £45 for a 50g jar, Rosa Arctica is not cheap but as you only need a small amount, the cost per use is worth it.  I think my quest is over!  

Available at Kiehl’s (online and in stores) and Space NK.

Kiehl's Rosa Arctica cream

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Nanoblur: a review

October 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I was reading the Daily Mail’s Femail section the other day when an article about a new cream caught my attention (Nanoblur, a new wonder balm, claims to ‘blur out’ any wrinkles or spots. But does it work? | Mail Online) Usually dubious about “miracle” products that supposedly airbrush your complexion when in fact they are nothing more than super expensive highlighters (Clarins’ Beauty Flash comes to mind), I barely glanced through the piece. However, I couldn’t believe the accompanying photo of Nanoblur where right on the box is the claim “10 years younger in 40 seconds”. My first thought is that Canada, where the brand is located, must not have truth in advertising laws like here in the UK but I must admit that it properly got my attention!

Unlike the aforementioned highlighters, Nanoblur uses the smallest possible particles to blur out imperfections such as discoloration and wrinkles. As a result, it’s meant as a finishing product which you put on after makeup is fully applied. I was intrigued by their claims as well as the £19.99 price (Nanoblur Optical Skin Cream 30ml – Boots) so I decided to road-test Nanoblur. As instructed, I patted the cream on after my foundation and found that as long as I blended well, my base didn’t smudge. Immediately, it felt as if a film had settled over my face and when I looked in the mirror, I did notice that I had a more even skin-tone. Less successful was putting Nanoblur on over my concealer as the product was clearly noticeable over such thin skin. After some trial and error, I found that applying Nanoblur first acted as a sticky base allowing concealer to go on more smoothly and stay put for longer. On the whole, I’m not sure it totally lives up to the hype but I am impressed enough to purchase it again, especially given the favorable price point.

Nanoblur

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