Kerstin Florian Correcting Rescue Creme

When it comes to dry and dehydrated skin, sometimes even with the richest creams, they can’t quite quench the skin. Have you ever tried creams where they sit on top of your skin leaving a greasy film but never quite sink in and deliver the comfort and hydration that your skin needs? 

As someone with perpetually dehydrated skin (Yep, it's a total pain despite me drinking 6+ litres of water daily, but that's a whole other story!) I'm forever trying out new moisturisers, creams, serums, lotions and potions in the hopes of finding "the one". 

The most recent addition in my quest is the Correcting Rescue Creme by Kerstin Florian.

Kerstin Florian Correcting Rescue Creme promises to strengthen skin’s natural protectant for hash weather (especially those who ski) and is the ultimate weather proofing product. When I first picked up this product, I was thinking to myself surely this product WOULD deliver the hydration my skin needs and sure enough it did deliver.

But first, onto some photos.

Bright orange lid with embossed logo

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water), C12-20 Acid Peg-8 Ester, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate, Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Carbomer, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum (Fragrance), Disodium Edta, Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract, Glucosyl Hesperidin, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Yeast Extract, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Harpagophytum Procumbens Root Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, Limonene.

Benefits:

Ultra-moisturizing, protective crème acts like a calming blanket to shield the skin from extreme climate conditions

Rich formula with a high concentration of fatty acids rapidly improves hydration and enhances the skin's ability to retain moisture

Anti-inflammatory botanicals help soothe redness associated with rosacea-type skin conditions

Paraben-free, natural fragrance

"These ultimate corrective products based on hyaluronic acid, vitamins and glycolic acid treat, repair and refine the skin. Reveal healthy vibrant skin and improve skin texture, sensitivity, uneven skin color, fine lines, loss of elasticity, hyperpigmentation, dull or dry patches, clogged or enlarged pores, blackheads and acne scarring."

I was really impressed to see handy little spatula included with this. It's a small token I wish more skincare brands would include with their jars and pots as I know personally, I hate dipping my fingers, no matter how clean they are, and despite washing them just prior, into pots of creams and lotions for fear of contaminating them with bacteria. Ok, so I probably am leaning towards the OCD side of the scale there, but I'm all about the spatulas for scooping out product! I always give my spatulas a quick spray of 99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol) after each use to ensure they're hygienically clean before their next use also. Anyways, I will just say that I was very pleased indeed to see the Kerstin Florian branded mini-spatula included - other brands please take note! :)

The jar itself contains a pretty generous 50ml of product, compared to the usual 30mls or thereabouts you normally get. It's housed in a nice thick, clear plastic jar with a matte silver screwtop lid.

Hygiene insert is also included to ensure you don't have any leaks or spills when travelling.

Kerstin Florian Correcting Rescue Creme promises to strengthen your skins natural protectant for harsh weather conditions and is the ultimate weather proofing product. When I first researched and read up on this this product, I was thinking to myself surely this product WOULD deliver the hydration my skin needs and sure enough it did deliver.

Texture wise this is rich, creamy and very unctuous. It has a luxurious feel to it and absorbs into skin fairly quickly, leaving skin well hydrated with a nice dewy finish. 

In addition to its ability to quench dehydrated skin almost instantly, I am most impressed with how well this moisturiser can keep my skin hydrated without leaving any greasy residue which is a total skincare bugbear of mine. In fact, this worked so well I could use this both day and night. Since I’ve began using this, I had no issues with dry, tight and flaky skin! Praise the bejaysus!

I've been using this for the past month as a day/night cream along with a facial oil (which I'll be telling you about shortly) and it's working an absolute treat. I've been out in the elements quite a bit lately, what with last minute Christmas shopping, panic buying, and generally strolling around taking in the sights and sounds of the festive Galway Christmas Market and this Rescue Creme is really living up to its name!

The Kerstin Florian Correcting Rescue Creme has definitely made its way to the top of my Winter Skin SOS and Dry Skin Rescues.

Who will love this: 

Those with normal to ultra dry skin, even combination skin with dehydration can benefit from this. Also great for sensitive skin as this calms and soothes irritated skin.

Priced at €60

Available from: 

Beauty Boutique

The Marker Hotel Spa

Knockranny House Hotel Spa

Yuletide Treats from YON-KA

If you're a regular reader you'll know that I have a lot of love for YON-KA - the French luxury skincare brand really delivers on quality and it's a personal favourite of mine when it comes to keeping your skin in check over the winter months due to the brands hard working yet gentle on your skin formulas which are made from 90% natural ingredients.

I normally stock up on skincare during the winter months in the run up to Christmas as there's normally great value to be had with the various gift set offerings - usually making a saving on the RRP.

When I came across YON-KA's 2013 Christmas offerings I thought they were too good to pass up and wanted to share them with you all. The range features three beauty clutches containing products which target hydration, vitality and body softness.

The Hydration and Vitality clutches contain two full size products 

and one miniature whereas the Softness clutch contains two full

products.

Absolute Hydration

The Hydration set contains the brands three most hydrating and comforting products, namely Creme 28 a day cream, Hydralia an intensely hydrating and hardworking serum and Masque No. 1 which is a personal favourite of mine - see review here

Next on my wish list is;

Absolute Vitality

These products are designed to be radiance boosting - which

sounds like they might be the perfect pick-me-up after one too 

many mince  pies and glasses of mulled wine. This set contains 

 Pamplemousse (Which happens to be one of my favourite words

 - Pamplemousse, I could say it all day!) which is apparently a 

celeb-fav day moisturiser. You'll also find night cream Phyto 58

and last but not least, my hero product Masque No. 1

Last up to complete the trio is;

Absolute Softness

This is one for the body care lovers out there! All that rich food, late night partying and central heating doesn't do your skin any favours, however this looks to remedy this as it contains Lait Corps a velvety hydrating body milk along with Nutri-Protect, a 3-in-1 repairing hand cream, so there'll be no excuses for chapped and dry hands with this in your handbag!

I think these a lovely, well rounded selection of some of YON-KA's best loved products all wrapped up in a cute clutch. I think Mammy Morte be in line to get one of these as it was her who initally introduced me to the brand back in my teens when I frosted white eyeshadow and glitter was the height of glamour and sophistication - oh the shame.

Pricing and Availability;

Absolute Hydration Set - £80 / €95

Absolute Vitality Set - £78 / €93

Absolute Softness Set - £52 / €62
YON-KA Shop
Renaissance Skincare



Are any of these sets calling to you the way they are me yet? :)

Betrousse - Absolutely Fabulous, Darling

Well sweeties (I'm channeling Eddie here!) I'm back again with a brand spanking new Betrousse box today.

The latest Betrousse edition is called "Absolutely Fabulous" (I wonder if they've been catching up on some Ab-Fab re-runs?)

Friday Fragrance: Elizabeth Arden Untold & GWP

After Makeup, my second passion is most definitely perfume. I spend far too much on the stuff and have too many bottles that I'll probably never end up finishing up, so I really shouldn't have splashed out on yet another fragrance but I couldn't possibly resist when a lovely sales assistant aroused my olfactory senses with a splash of the latest launch by Elizabeth Arden, Untold.

Super Facialist by Úna Brennan - Rose-Hydrate Double Cleanse Method

Hello my lovelies!

I have news of another exciting skincare range which has just been launched by Boots throughout Ireland. The range is called Super Facialist by Úna Brennan. Originally from Northern Ireland,  Úna  Brennan is London’s best kept beauty secret and facialist to the stars - and she has now launched an exciting and long awaited new skincare range that has been created exclusively for Boots. 

There’s not a beauty editor (or Notting Hill celeb) who hasn’t sung the praises of facialist  Úna Brennan who has been dubbed " elusive beautician to the stars". She’s been reviving people’s faces with glowing results and reviews for years and now finally, we can experience the very same results in the comfort of our own home.

The range is divided into three regimes – Hydrate/Rose, Deep Clean/Tea Flower and Firming/Neroli and there are a total of sixteen products.

All Super Facialist products are free from mineral oils, petrochemicals, animal ingredients and synthetic colours and they are not tested on animals - all of which gets a huge thumbs up from me!

I've been testing out the "Double Cleanse" method as recommended by Úna Brennan.

“Cleansing oils are the best way to get rid of all traces of the day on skin, including make-up and suncreams. Used as a pre cleanse for the skin, a cleansing oil will help dissolve all the oil that has hardened with impurities and found itself stuck in your pores“  - Úna Brennan.

Deep cleansing is the foundation of good skin. The Double Cleansing Method is the cornerstone of the perfect skincare regime – it promotes healthy, balanced and properly cleansed skin. It thoroughly removes the daily dirt, dust, oxidized sebum, dead skin cells and residue from make-up, sunscreens and skincare that accumulate on the most exposed part of the body: your face. Freshly and deeply cleansed skin is also the optimum base to receive and greatly benefit from the positive effects of treatment products. Úna believes that at a very basic level the skin needs water in the cells and to be able to breathe - The Double Cleansing method will help eliminate waste from and oxygenate the tissues at the same time resulting in a pumping, vibrant, glowing, healthy skin at any age and for every skin type from the inside and out.

The products from the range I've been trying out are: The Rose-Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil and the Rose-Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser. The two products work in conjunction together to leave your skin thoroughly cleansed and feeling really clean.

Miracle Makeover Facial Oil:

Comes in a handy 30ml Glass pump bottle which easily dispenses just the right about of product, so there's no waste.

This dual purpose ‘wonder-blend’ of aromatherapy essentials oils can be used to pre-cleanse by deeply penetrating the skin and loosening oils that clog and block pores. Potent vitamin rich oils including Cucumber, Sweet Almond, Avocado, Calendula, Carrot and Sunflower act to hydrate and calm dehydrated sensitive skin and moisture trapping Glycerine draws water into the outer layer of the skin helping to make skin more supple. This oil smells and feels incredible and can also be used as a nourishing and calming treatment.

Creamy Calming Cleanser:

Comes in a very generous sized 150ml squeezable tube.

This is a gentle glycerin based cleanser enriched with Cocoa and Shea butters along with Pro-vitamin B5 and a blend of natural Carnuba and Candalilla waxes. The waxes breakdown impurities and remove make-up from delicate skin without leaving it tight or dry. Infused with White Willow extract, known for its ability to enhance skin cell turnover, this cleanser will easily remove the oil and any impurities left on the skin leaving it cool, calm and refreshed and able to breathe again.

The Rose-Hydrate collection has been specially formulated to hydrate, soothe and balance even the most sensitive skins. There are five products in the range, each one lightly scented with luxuriously soothing Geranium and Rose oils, to deeply hydrate, comfort and protect skin in need of extra care. Formulated with key base ingredients including Cocoa and Shea butters, Marshmallow Extract, Cucumber and Almond oils, chosen especially for their ability to nourish, soothe and replenish moisture to even the most sensitive skins..

Given that I have dry skin, which can be on the sensitive side at times, I was really looking forward to trying out these Rose-Hydrate products. 

The Miracle Makeover Oil is a fabulously scented, luxurious oil that nourishes your skin from within and is very effective at removing makeup (it glides through mascaras and eyeliners in a cinch) sebum and leaves your skin silky soft.

Once I have given my skin a pre-cleanse with the Miracle Makeover Oil, I then do a second cleanse followed with the Calming Creamy Cleanser.

The Calming Creamy Cleanser is a lovely, thick and rich moisturising cleanser which is delicately scented due to the addition of geranium and rose oils. The second time round cleansing removes any traces of makeup, dirt and sebum from your skin, to leave your face   looking and feeling visibly clean and refreshed.

I did not experience any tightening or dryness after using the double cleanse method, which can sometimes happen to me after cleansing my face. My skin felt soft and hydrated and there was absolutely no sensitivity or irritation after use.

The aromas when using the products made me feel as though I was having a professional facial in the comfort of my own home, the products really do smell amazing due to the addition of essential oils.

HOW TO DOUBLE CLEANSE:

Step 1: Pour a generous amount of Rose-Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil into the palm of your hand, run hands together to warm and slowly massage in circular movements onto the face, neck and décolleté to let the oil dissolve impurities and open pores. 

Step 2: Remove with a flannel dampened with hot water.

Step 3: Follow with Rose-Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser, apply generously to fingertips and using circular movements softly massage onto the face and neck, rinse with lukewarm water and pat skin dry.

So far, I've been very impressed by the Super Facialist range by Úna Brennan, so much so that I'm definitely going to pick up a few more items to include in my skincare regime.

You can now get both products in Boots nationwide.

Rose-Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil - €17.99, 30ml

Rose-Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser - €9.59, 150ml

I think the price point on these products is extremely affordable - especially with the quality of the ingredients that has gone into this range. When you consider how much a salon facial costs, I think that this range is a real winner!

NEW Argan+ Moroccan Oil Skincare Range Launched in Boots

Boots have just launched a brand new skincare collection featuring Argan Oil. The range is called Argan+ and it will feature an Argan Oil Elixir, Dry Body Oil, Body Butter, Body Polish and a Sculpting Serum.

Now there are already a lot of Argan / Moroccan Oil products on the market, however where this range differs is that it contains a unique blend of five highly restorative and nourishing oils compromising of: Argan Oil, Baobab, Kukui, Moringa and Sacha Inci, each of which have been hand selected and combined together to form an all natural blend which is the Argan+ range.

I've been using the Argan Precious Oil Elixir from the range and all I can say is, WOW!

Moroccan Argan Oil, known as ‘liquid gold’ due to its amazing transformational

properties, is a prized and expensive ingredient. Used for centuries by the Berber tribe in

Morocco, traditionally to treat dry, irritated skin and now highly valued by skin

specialists for its soothing properties. Rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants, Argan oil

helps to protect the skin’s oil barrier, shield against free radicals, improve elasticity and

protect against skin ageing.

Argan+ sources its prized Moroccan Argan Oil from Marogania, who support the sustainable development of Morocco through educational projects.

This multi tasking hero product targets skin ageing, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, dry and dehydrated skin, hair and nails. It has been expertly formulated to easily absorb into skin, protecting the skins precious hydration levels, leaving it feeling rejuvenated, moisturised and smooth.  

You only need a tiny amount of the Argan+ Precious Oil Elixir to get the desired effect. With this product, less is more. The directions on the packaging state that is can be used on stretch marks, dry skin areas and even as a facial oil. It also states that it can be added to your regular moisturiser to enhance it's moisturising and hydrating benefits. This means you can give any old moisturiser you have laying about, an extra boost - no need to splash out on a new expensive, moisturiser to get the increased nourishing effects!

It can also be used as a hair oil treatment and can be used on nails and around the cuticle area to nourish and strengthen your nail beds.

I've been using this in a number of ways - after giving my feet a makeover with my Micro Pedi I apply some of the Argan+ Oil to my feet - pop on some cotton socks and the next morning, voila - silky, soft feet!

I've also been adding this to my regular skincare regime by using it as a facial oil, and when I feel my skin is in need of an extra boost, by adding a drop or two to my moisturiser. My skin is looking and feeling great these days, I really think that the Argan+ oil is making a noticeable improvement in the hydration of my face.

My favourite use so far for this however, has been using it as a hair treatment. When I've finished washing my hair and whilst it's still damp, I like to add a few drops to my hair, brush it through then let it dry naturally. The condition of my hair has never felt so silky or soft before, and I have coloured hair, I've noticed a definite improvement in shine and manageability.

My Top Uses for Argan+ Oil:

1. Facial and Body Moisturiser: Massage into your face, neck and anywhere else that needs moisturizer morning and night. Don’t forget your elbows, knees and other areas that tend to get dry.
2. Nails: Massage argan oil into your cuticles, nails, hand and feet next time you give yourself or get a manicure and pedicure. Apply argan oil to your hands and feet and cover with socks and sleep with them…your hands and feet will be soft and hydrated in the morning.
3. Split Ends: Massage argan oil into the ends of your hair to prevent split ends.
4. Scalp Rescue: Keep your scalp moisturized and healthy by rubbing argan oil on it prior to taking a shower, let sit 15-20 minutes.
5. Lips: Use argan oil instead of a lip balm. Use it alone or, for additional moisture and a creamy texture, mix 2 parts beeswax or mango butter with 4 parts argan oil, melt over a double boiler, stir and pour the mixture into your favorite jar.
6. Luminizer: After applying your makeup, take a very small amount of argan oil and spread it in both hands and gently dab your cheekbones to give your complexion an extra healthy, dewy glow.
7. Hair Smoothing Serum: Argan oil is both a finishing and styling product for hair, straight, curly, and everything in between.  Apply a small amount after washing hair and then to tame frizz while styling.
8. Bye Bye Blemishes: Make your own blemish treatment, blending one part argan oil, one part tea tree oil and one part lavender essential oil.
9. Scrub: Make your own sugar scrub: mix sugar, honey and argan oil. Rub gently unto the skin until the sugar dissolves. Rinse well.

You can get the Argan+ Skincare range from Boots nationwide.

The Argan+ Precious Oil Elixir I have been using is well priced at €17.49 for 50ml.

Have you used any Argan oil products before? I'd love to hear of new ways to use Argan Oil, if you know of any, please let me know! :)

Human+Kind - Skincare with a Conscience

Hi Guys!

I've been making a real effort with my skincare routine of late - I always start off with good intentions to double-cleanse daily with a facial oil and a cream cleanser, using a toner afterwards each time, exfoliate 3 times a week, use a serum underneath my moisturiser, use a day time moisturiser, a night time moisturiser, eye cream etc...

Alas, somewhere around the 10-14 day mark, I start to slip and get lazy. It can be too much to keep up at times - I mean, who really has the time to go searching for designated day and night moisturisers each and every day when you're in a rush first thing in the morning?

Cue my delight when I discovered  Human+Kind All In One Day and Night Cream which promises 24/7 hydration.

Human+Kind has created their range for women everywhere who are tired of wasting time and money on unnecessary products, Human+Kind is a new ethos in skincare for today’s time pressed woman – simple, superior natural and dependable beauty products that multi-task as much as they do. Fuelled by a mission to challenge the beauty Industry’s conditioning that we need product after product for different areas of our skin and different skin types, Human+Kind creates a pared down approach to skincare developing superior, natural formulations, capable of multi-tasking and benefiting skin types of all ages.

Human+Kind are a wholly Irish company and all of it's products were developed in Ireland and are made in Cork.

Not only that, but Human+Kind creates all natural and highly concentrated formulations combined with scientific advances to create superior formulations that are dependable and work. Armed with scientific evidence that a great number of skin care problems are caused by the products used to prevent them; chemically overloaded creams which cause allergic reactions, over-emollient moisturisers which can clog pores and anti-wrinkle creams that actually induce wrinkles because of skin irritation, Human+Kind formulations are all made using natural healing and restorative ingredients.

The range features just 4 products - no gimmicks offering a plethora of products aimed at different skin types here - just 4 quality formulas using only the best in natural ingredients to provide skincare solutions that really delivers.

The skincare range consists of:

All-in-one Anti-Ageing cream 50ml

All-in-one Body Oil 75ml

All-in-one Family Remedy cream 75ml

All-in-One Day+Night Cream 75ml

I've been trying out the All In One Day + Night Cream and I have to say, I love it!

As you can see the packaging is gorgeous - it's really eye-catching! The product comes in an attractive polygon shaped cardboard box featuring geometric designs and patterns.

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tricaprylin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado Oil), Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Sucrose Stearate, Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract, Althaea Officinalis Leaf/Root (Marshmallow) Extract, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Juniperus communis (Juniper Berry) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Xanthan Gum, Linalool, Limonene.

The product comes a handy, squeezable tube coming in at 75mls.

All Human+Kind products are created exclusively using natural ingredients such as

Jojoba, Onopordum and ‘nature’s Botox’, Achmella, that decrease the likelihood

of experiencing allergic reactions, clogging pores and irritating the skin. Not only is

Human+Kind purely organic, but it’s a single-step skin treatment as well. 

The Day + Night Cream contains:

 Aloe Vera soothes, hydrates and nourishes
• Marshmallow - soothes and calms with active anti-inflammatory properties
• Rosehip Oil – a potent source of vitamin A, its regenerative action reduces wrinkles and signs of premature ageing 
• Centella - heals and treats scars and blemishes

"Light and non-greasy, this cream quite literally quenches thirsty skin, locking in vital moisture and skin nutrients, delivering long lasting complexion protection. Using only nature’s finest ingredients Human+Kind All in One Day and Night Cream has been formulated with a moisture-retaining blend of aloe vera, natural vitamin E and a slew of essential oils including centella, marshmallow, juniper berry and rosehip."

I'm really enjoying using the Day + Night Cream - first of all it's a time and money saver being able to use the one product both mornings and evenings. It's a lovely light and non-greasy formula which feels refreshing on the skin. I can suffer from sensitive skin at times and I'm pleased to say that I did not note any sensitivity or irritation at all whilst using this, in fact it feels lovely and soothing.

I also have dry skin which can result in dry and flaky patches at times - this cream does a great job at keeping my skin nourished, moisturised and hydrated 24/7 - just as the product claims!

I love the fact that this cream is free from parabens and any added chemical nasties. I fear I have put far too many synthetic chemicals on my skin in the past, so it's nice to be able to give it a break and revert to an all natural product to get my complexion back in shape and give it a "detox" of sorts. 

I've been so impressed by the Day + Night Cream that I'm now eager to try out the Body Oil and Family Remedy Cream as well!

The Day+Night cream costs just €23.95 - with FREE worldwide shipping!

You can buy Human+Kind skincare online here - http://www.humanandkind.com

List of stockists here: http://www.humanandkind.com/where-to-buy/

You can also pop over and say hello to them over on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/humanandkind

A little birdie tells me that there will be a fab competition running for the month of September to win a whole years worth of Human+Kind Skincare goodies! So keep your eyes peeled for that!