| |
The
Beauty Book...
a comprehensive guide to all the best products
on the market...
| Liz Earle
Cleanse and Polish
This award winning product is far and away the best cleanser on the market. It is all purpose and will remove make-up including mascara with ease. Used with water and a pure muslin cloth the cream is a delight to use on any skin type regardless of age, gender or skin condition. Especially suitable for sensitive skin it contains exceptionally high quality ingredients including rosemary, cocoa butter, and beeswax, chamomile and eucalyptus oil. Every skin type will benefit from its use and can be used twice daily for maximum benefits. The removal of dead skin cells is achieved with the use of the muslin cloth which gently exfoliates and ‘polishes’ the skin on a daily basis. Absolutely safe for use all over the face, including the eyes, and will not sting or strip the skin of its natural emollients, and yet its ingredients really deep clean the skin making it perfect for those with an oilier or problem skin. Simply a great all rounder at a fabulous price too - worth every penny of its price tag.
|
| Decleor
Cleansing Water Dry/Sensitive
This is an ideal toner for those with a drier or sensitive skin, yet still like the freshness of a toner. Its ultra gentle formulation will not strip the skin and is fragrance free. It has a thicker than water consistency that is instantly refreshing and smoothing and can be used to remove make up from both face and eyes. It contains Essential Oils of Neroli, Lavender and Camomile and Essential Waters of Rose and Mallow – all known for their soothing and calming properties. Perfect for a refreshing morning cleanse before moisturising there is no discomfort from dryness or tightness yet skin feels really clean and refreshed.
|
| Gatineau
Floracil Gentle Cleansing Lotion for Eyes
This cooling and refreshing lotion is possibly one of the best on the market. With extracts of chamomile and cornflower it gently but thoroughly removes all traces of eye make-up, even waterproof mascara. The lotion has the same PH as human tears and will suit most skins without causing irritation and without greasiness. When using eye make-up remover use a separate cotton wool pad for each eye and hold each pad against the closed eye without rubbing. Use very gentle downward sweeps to remove mascara until all traces disappear.
|
| Decleor
Hydra Floral Anti-Pollution Cream
In our opinion simply the best all-round moisturizer on the market. This light textured cream really does suit all skin types and is suitable for day and evening use. Decleor use the very finest ingredients in their products including natural essential oils and this product really delivers results. Although light in texture it is really nourishing and ultra-hydrating and doesn’t leave a greasy residue on the face. The cream leaves a wonderfully ‘dewy’ look to the skin giving it a youthful appearance and continues to ‘drip feed’ the skin during the day. With anti-pollution agents to protect the skin it also contains essential oil of Neroli, mint and orange blossom waters, wild pansy extract and micro-proteins of maringa all of which combine to provide the skin on the face with everything it needs. At just over £30 per jag it is realistically priced for the job it does and does last an incredible length of time – absolutely worth every penny it certainly earns its keep. Can be used in combination with any other skin care line it is excellent for sensitive skin too. With its beautiful aroma it’s simply the best!
|
| L’Oreal
Hydrafresh Dry/Sensitive Dermo-Expertise
This ultra hydrating cream/gel is simply one of the best on the market. For many people with a dry or sensitive skin many of the creams on offer are just too greasy in texture. And whilst a more mature skin can usually take a heavier weight cream, younger, dry skins can feel ‘overloaded’ with a heavy textured cream. This formula with its cream/gel combination is suitable for young and old alike. It has a fabulous texture on the face with no tightening sensation yet it plumps and firms even quite dry complexions. For an extra dry or very mature skin it would make an excellent day cram with maybe a richer formulation used at night, but for a 20-35 age group it is more than sufficient for both morning and evening application. The cream contains Magnesium and Calcium to strengthen the skin and vitamins C, E and B5 to energise it, with no greasy residue it is superb as a make-up base.
|
| L’OREAL
Hydrafresh Gel Crème Dermo Expertise
This lovely textured cream/gel is an ideal product for those who find traditional eye-creams too heavy. The cream in the formula moisturises the under eye area, helping to prevent wrinkles, whilst the gel firms and tones the skin to help avoid the ‘baggy’ look. The formula is cooling to apply and feels really refreshing and is particularly effective when applied in the morning. It contains active ingredients which have the optical effect of lightening dark circles and is enriched with vitamins and minerals. The product is very easy to use and the eye area feels instantly refreshed and hydrated – non greasy and instantly absorbed it can be used alone or worn under make-up.
|
| L’Oreal
Hydrafresh Normal/Combination Dermo Expertise
An excellent moisturiser for those with breakout concerns or oily T-zones, this cream/gel formula is ideal for moisturising without greasiness. Containing vitamins, magnesium and calcium it provides combination skin with all its moisture needs without increasing oiliness or shine. The cream/gel formula is really refreshing and easy to apply and sinks into the skin on contact. Ideal for younger skins too that many need moisture in some areas (cheeks, forehead) but light enough to use on the T-zone (nose, chin) without clogging pores. A perfect base for make-up.
|
| Liz Earle
Instant Boost Skin Tonic
The clue is in the title! This great smelling lotion really is a tonic for the face and really does give it an instant boost! Alcohol free, the liquid contains soothing and softening Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and calming, anti-inflammatory Chamomile. The cucumber extract calms, cools and gently tones the skin. All the ingredients are fabulous on sensitive skins as well as normal skin types - it will not strip the skin or irritate, yet refreshes and invigorates. Especially good at ‘waking skin up’ first thing in the morning use it alone or after cleansing before applying moisturizer. The tonic is also available in a fine-mist bottle which can be spritzed onto the face during the day. The lotion can also be kept in the fridge in summer to provide an instant cooler for the face. The rose water fragrance is wonderfully uplifting and is simply a must for those who appreciate the integrity of the quality of the ingredients. Competitively priced at around a £10 a bottle.
|
| Prescriptives
Intensive Rebuilding Moisturiser
This unique type of moisturiser stimulates the production of natural Glycosaminoglycans which help to maximize the hyaluronic acid and water in the skin. Basically this enables the skin to retain a maximum amount of water producing a softness and firm plumpness to its appearance. Its powerful hexapeptides boost production of collagen, which we all know is key to the anti-ageing signs on the skin giving an all over more youthful appearance. Definitely not one of the less-expensive creams on the market, but if its anti-ageing results you want then it could be an investment.
|
| Liz Earle
Liz Earle – Daily Eye Repair
This eye cream is really easily absorbed and not too heavyweight for the delicate under-eye area. Many eye creams just overload this tissue – thin, extremely delicate area causing puffiness, but this one really is gentle enough for daily use. It contains a mineral sunscreen to protect from UV light and has tiny, light reflecting particles which gives the appearance of brightening the eye area and helps to mask dark circles. Borage oil is wonderfully hydrating and good for repairing damage whilst the Echinacea content soothes and protects. To use place a tiny bead on the ring finger and gently tap onto eye area until cream is dispersed. Can also be used on ‘feather’ lines above top lip.
|
| Gatineau
Neck & Throat Gel
Up to the age of 35 most of us can use our regular moisturiser on the neck and décolleté’ area, but after this age, and certainly in the 40’s and beyond a separate neck cream is recommended. The skin on the neck can become lined and crepey even before the face and is a real age give away. This firming smoothing gel formula is a real wonder product and its effects can be seen almost straight away. Wonderfully soothing it really makes the skin feel smooth and velvety and firms the skin without it feeling tight. It appears expensive for a small tube but as with all Gatineau products a tiny amount really does go a long way.
|
| L’Occitane
Precious Cream Immortelle
A really gorgeous day cream from L’Occitane this cream has a fabulous texture. It feels truly luxurious and is silky-smooth offering a real comfort factor. The immortelle flower provides the essential oil in this day cream and helps to promote collagen synthesis, stimulating the skins microcirculation. Over time the skin feels firmer and plumper and fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed and softened. The immortelle oils also protect the skin against free radicals to prevent further signs of ageing and although the cream is nourishing enough for more mature creams it has a lovely light texture which will keep a younger skin looking good. Can be used in conjunction with a slightly richer night cream - very precious cream which has the same properties for maximum effect. Priced at around £34.00 for 50 ml.
|
| Elemis
Pro Collagen Marine Cream
This award winning company always deliver top quality products. As with many of their products, this daily moisturiser has anti-ageing properties and it’s easily absorbed formula will suit all but very dry skins. The cream contains the marine extract Padina Pavonica which has dramatic effects on hydration. Its non-greasy texture is suitable for combination skins and younger skins that are already showing the first signs of ageing. In trials the skins firmness and elasticity was dramatically increased and we found it to be really good as a base before applying make-up.
|
| L’Oreal
Re-Nourish Velvety 2 in 1 Toner Dermo Expertise
A really lovely textured cleanser and toner in one really. Although it possibly wouldn’t remove heavy make-up this all-in-one freshener is perfect for a morning cleanse in all over the face and neck. It’s slightly thicker consistency doesn’t ‘pull’ on the skin and the formulation, is very gentle. It contains Omega-Ceramides to strengthen the skin and is wonderfully cooling and refreshing without being at all drying. Ideal for those who don’t like a cream cleanser but find water too harsh on the face.
|
| Gatineau
Serenite Gentle Cleansing Toner
This is a really gentle yet effective freshener for the face which is alcohol free and will not dry the skin. It has a lovely yet mild aroma and can be used alone to remove light make-up or after a cream cleanser. Its also good for a morning cleanse to refresh the skin and with silk extracts it leaves the face really soft to the touch.
|
| Decleor
Source D’Exclat Radiance
This moisturiser really does give the skin an instant boost and radiance. Its lightweight, slightly fruity smelling formula is particularly good on skins that are dull and lacking in vitality. With an array of Essential Oils and Fruit Extracts the formula helps to protect from harsh external elements whilst giving the skin a boost. Enriched with Fig Gel and a vitamin complex the skin is instantly smoothed and moisturised and is excellent for younger skins. Also good for those with tired looking skin or those on medications which can de-hydrate and dull the skin, the cream contains tiny pearlescent particles to instantly brighten the complexion and give it luminosity.
|
| Liz Earle
Spot On
At the first sign of a breakout or blemish this formula can really help to reduce the angry, inflamed look of the area. It can be dabbed directly onto the blemish, either under or over make-up and re-applied as necessary. It contains tea tree oil which is antiseptic and antibacterial, yet it doesn’t dry out the surrounding skin, which can cause ugly flaking, due to the natural vitamin E content. Lavender inhibits spot-causing bacteria, helping to control ‘spreading’. Use as soon as you feel the onset or ‘tingling’ sensation of a spot for best results, but can really help even if a spot has already formed. May also be used on bites or infected cuts before dressing.
|
| Liz Earle
Superskin Moisturizer
This recently launched face cream is Liz Earles first anti-ageing formula and as with her other products is packed full of top quality ingredients. Anti-ageing creams very often do not offer a ‘comfort factor’ and can feel a bit mask-like on the skin. But this one is genuinely different. It contains Vitamin E to help protect from environmental damage with high levels of GLA and is rich in Omega 3. It has a lovely texture and is fragrance free and really does feel nourishing on the skin. The naturally active ingredients include cranberry and rosehip seed oils and borage - well known for its anti-ageing properties and for nourishing and ‘plumping up’ mature skins. Priced at around £30.00 for 50 ml a little goes quite a long way, but it’s also available in a 15 ml size for around £11/00 if you want to give it a try.
|
|
|
|
