Current Skincare Favourites!

I am, I confess, a skincare-oholic. I love products, lotions and potions that promise to make my skin clearer, brighter, younger, firmer. I am ruthless, though. However appealing a product may be, it has to work to become a permanent fixture in my skincare regime. So many products give me blackheads and blocked pores, so I have to be very careful to only use noncomedogenic products and oils. That being said, I think I've found a pretty effective regime, so I wanted to share it with you!

Make up removal

I love Superdrug's Clearly Youthful Cream Cleanser for removing my make-up at the end of the day. It dissolves my makeup with ease, plus it contains AHA/BHAs to give my skin a bit of an exfoliating boost. When my skin is feeling dry or rough, I leave it on for a minute before wiping it off with a warm wet flannel. This cleanser is not supposed to be used on the eyes, so I rub a little petroleum jelly over my eye make-up before wiping it off with my damp flannel.

If I'm super tired I will use a wipe to remove my make-up. I usually use Superdrug's Micellar Cleansing Wipes, but lately I've been trying Faith In Nature 3 in 1 Facial Wipes, which are good, but I'd prefer if they were fragrance-free.

Cleansing

Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Softening Cream Cleanser is amazing. It's a gently foaming cream that cleanses thoroughly, yet still leaves my skin soft and supple. I use this morning and evening, with my Superdrug Konjac Sponge or a flannel if I need extra exfoliation before makeup application.

Serum

I'm currently starting to see results from Active Solutions Vitamin C Serum from Sr-Skincare. Vitamin C has such a potent effect on the skin, it can reduce the appearance of sun damage, boost collagen and promote skin healing, plus it helps protect your skin from oxidative damage. I use this morning and night after cleansing. Twice weekly I mix in 1 pump of Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment. I've definitely been noticing an improvement in fine lines.

Moisturiser

Even though my bottle has clearly been through the wars, I've had great results from using Hemp Oil to moisturise. It's noncomedogenic, super moisturising, plus it helps regulate oil production. 

Sunscreen

I believe the most powerful anti-aging product is always going to be sunscreen - that's why I'm on the factor 50 all summer long! This summer I've been using Kiss My Face Face Factor SPF 50. I really like it, but I do wish it was fragrance-free. 

Lip Balm

No skincare post would be complete without lipcare! 

Lately I've been loving Pacifica Color Quench Lip Tint in Vanilla Hibiscus. I get super dry lips, and this is so creamy and moisturising I can't help but slather it on all day! It's supposed to be a lip tint, but it's so translucent it doesn't really add any colour at all. I would consider one of the darker colours to actually give my lips a tint, but I'm fine with using this like a regular balm.

If I'm leaving the house I'll use Superdrug's The Little Protecting Pink Tin SPF 15 before my lipstick. Sorry, mine's got bashed up a bit in my bag!

Mask

A firm favourite of mine is the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask.

You just mix it with a little raw apple cider vinegar to form a paste, then apply to clean skin and let dry. It's really great for unblocking stubborn clogged pores. I would recommend using it at night, though, as it leaves you with a slight pink flush! I like to mix in some oats to make it more moisturising.

So those are my skincare favourites! Feel free to leave your vegan skincare favourites in the comments!

Til Next Time,

Emma

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zk'in Certified Organic Skincare Review

I am a skincare addict. Cleansing, exfoliation, moisturisation are my mantras. My way of life. So when I was given the opportunity to trial a 100% vegan skincare range brand new to the UK, I was rather excited!

Yeah, I suppose I could review it, or whatever...
(gif via tumblr, source unknown)

Before we get onto my review, you better get out your notepads, because I'm gonna educate you on the brand.

zk'in is the brainchild of Grace Culhaci, who created the brand after developing a skin condition during her first pregnancy. The whole range is certified organic, cruelty-free and vegan! 

Things I love about the brand- 

1. They are kind to the planet 

Image via graphicstock

• Products contain no petrochemicals (which come from fossil fuels)
• They use recyclable packaging from sustainable forests
• They are mostly palm oil free except for a small amount of sustainable RSPO certified palm oil where unavoidable
• They aim to be carbon neutral, and their waste management practices have achieved 95% diversion from landfill
• The ingredients are produced using organic farming, meaning no harmful pesticides or herbicides are introduced into the environment.

2. They use clinically active ingredients, with evidence backed by independent clinical trials. 

Image courtesy of Renjith Krishnan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I like to know that the ingredients in my skincare are going to be truly effective. It's a huge thumbs down for me if products use folk remedies, old wives tales or even homeopathy to make claims about their efficacy. I need evidence!

3. They don't use unrealistically photoshopped models. While they will still 'tidy up' their images (removing stray hairs, adjusting lighting, etc) zk'in vow to be honest in the representation of their models.

zk'in model Tanya Linney. Image via zk'in

Things I don't love about the brand

1. They promote the fallacy that natural = good, and synthetic = bad. I like that natural products are often better for the environment, but that doesn't mean that synthetic ingredients are always chock full of harmful toxins and carcinogens. 

Excerpt from zk'in's Honest Beauty booklet 

The most common cosmetic preservatives are parabens. Parabens are often demonised because they are mildly oestrogenic, which makes people panic and assume they are going to cause oestrogen sensitive cancers, like breast cancer. Parabens are 10,000 to 100,000 less potent than the oestrogen the body makes naturally. They do not build up in the skin or organs, have never been found to be carcinogenic, and they biodegrade easily in the environment. Parabens occur naturally in some fruits. (Source)

2. They promote a dangerous alternative cancer treatment.

In the brand's promotional Honest Beauty booklet, the CEO, Grace, mentions using 'vitamin B17' to try to treat an inoperable tumour pressing on her optic nerve. This is actually not a vitamin at all, but laetrile or amygdalin, a substance that produces cyanide when digested. (Source)

Excerpt from zk'in's Honest Beauty booklet

The idea is that the cyanide kills the cancer cells, but there is no evidence that this works, and the treatment poses major risks of cyanide poisoning. I understand too well how it feels to be clutching at straws with your health, while the medical field shrug their collective shoulders. It is one thing to choose a potentially dangerous alternative treatment for yourself, but quite another to promote it with no mention of risks in an unrelated skincare booklet.

Make of that what you will, but now...

On To My Review!

I received four full size products, and some samples of their other products.

Calming Cream Cleanser, Hydrating Mist, and Relief Moisturiser

Brightening and Hydrating Masque and samples

 As you can see, the products came in cardboard boxes. These may be recycled, but I couldn't help thinking it would be better for the environment if this extra packaging was done away with altogether. 

Calming Cream Cleanser, Hydrating Mist and Relief Moisturiser

I like that the packaging is hygienic (no fingers dipping in tubs, introducing bacteria). I would've preferred to get a little more in the full size products, though. 50ml of moisturiser doesn't usually last me long! Luckily with most of the products a little goes a long way.

Brightening and Hydrating Masque, and samples.

The Calming Cream Cleanser is a soothing and hydrating milk. It dissolves heavy make-up with ease, even mascara (although it's not meant for eyes, and will sting if it gets in there!) I love that it contains oats, one of my favourite ingredients for hydrating and soothing sore or inflamed skin. My tip is to find an old pair of laddered tights (clean!) and cut the foot off. Fill it with a couple of good handfuls of oats, tie it off, and hang it from your bath tap letting the warm water run through it. Great for sunburn or eczema! Anyway, the only fault I can find with this cleanser is the smell - it kind of reminds me of play-doh!? 
zk'in Calming Cream Cleanser is £15.95 at Love Lula.

The Hydrating Mist is very refreshing, and I really feel it boosts the skin's hydration compared to just moisturiser alone. It has a very strong lavender scent, so this might be a little much for people sensitive to fragrances and essential oils. It would be great to mist on to rejuvenate your make-up after a long day. Hydrating Mist is £22.95.

I was surprised by the Brightening and Hydrating Masque. I was expecting it to be a white, creamy moisture mask, but it was a clay mask! It smells of essential oils and cocoa - again, these products are not for you if you prefer fragrance-free skincare! The mask leaves the skin slightly flushed, a common side effect of clay masks, but I found my skin was a little brighter and clearer the morning after I used it. Brightening and Hydrating Masque is £29.90.

L-R, Calming Cream Cleanser, Brightening and Hydrating Masque, Relief Moisturiser.

The one product out of the bunch that disappointed me was the Relief Moisturiser. It was nowhere near moisturising enough for my skin, which felt tight and flaky five minutes after application! I thought this might be just because of my unusually dry skin, but after several family members tried it, the consensus was - not moisturising enough. Relief Moisturiser is £29.95.

The Rejuvenating Moisturiser,  which I got a sample of, is better, but still not quite rich enough for my liking. The Line Smoothing Serum is a thin, silky lotion, almost a gel. A little goes a long way. It is supposed to help prevent crow's feet by having a weak paralysing effect on the muscles - like a topical botox lite. I'm not sure if I'm imagining it, but I think my fine lines seemed slightly diminished after use. The product seemed to dry quickly to an invisible, almost film-like finish, which made it a little difficult to rub moisturiser or sunscreen over the top without disturbing it. 

Overall, my favourite of the products I got to try was the Calming Cream Cleanser,  by far. The products do all have a strange kind of scent, which I'm guessing is the natural preservative they use. It is made from bitter orange, radish root, vitamin E, essential oil isolates and basil extract,  and is strangely listed on the ingredients as 'parfum (natural preservative)'.

Would I purchase these products after they run out? Maybe the cleanser, but not the others. While the clay mask and toner are good, the smell is too strong, and I can find similar products cheaper than these. 

Verdict 

The products are priced a bit higher than I would've liked. The company has great eco credentials,  but products are too strongly fragranced for me, personally. 

Zk'in products are available to buy in the UK from Love Lula and Zynergy.co.uk. 

Til Next Time,

Emma
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The products in this post were provided to me free of charge for review purposes. My reviews and opinions will always remain unbiased and impartial. Please see skimlinks disclosure in the sidebar.

B. Firm Day Cream SPF 20 Review

I am a skincare fanatic. I carefully choose what I use on my skin, determined to get the most bang for my buck. All whilst keeping it cruelty-free and vegan, of course. So I thought I'd share with you a product that has been through my rigorous testing regime, and passed with flying colours.

B. Firm Day Cream SPF 20

B. Skincare has three 'phases'. Phase One is for the first signs of aging - to use in your 20s and 30s. Phase Two is for use in your late 30s and 40s, and Phase Three was created for mature skin, 50 years or older. Let me just say that I disregarded this and went straight for Phase Three. My skin is very dry, and products tailored for older skin are usually richer - helping to lock moisture in. Plus, when I have a choice of potent anti-aging ingredients or weaker ones, it's a no brainer, right? Surely it's better to stop a wrinkle as it is forming rather than waiting til after the damage has been done? 

So rebel me bought Phase Three B.Firm Day Cream in Superdrug, on special offer at £6.97 - that's over half price! I couldn't resist. The cream is bursting with anti-aging ingredients, Reforcyl, a blend of plant extracts which supposedly 'Measurably improves skin elasticity by 16% in just 4 weeks', niacinamide, a B vitamin which helps to reduce hyperpigmentation when applied topically, and a tetrapeptide. Peptides are amazing for anti-aging, and have become something of a beauty buzz-word in recent years. Peptides are chains of amino acids - a tetrapeptide contains four. Protein is made of amino acids, and your skin is made of protein (namely collagen). When collagen breaks down, your body recognises the amino acids left behind, which stimulates it to make more collagen. Peptides are able to penetrate the skin, tricking it into thinking its collagen is breaking down, which means, hey presto, more collagen is produced!

This is all brilliant for anti-aging, and I do feel like my skin has been firmer since using it. I'm most impressed by it's hydration - it's very difficult to find a product that will quench my thirsty skin and leave it feeling soft for longer than five minutes after application. This product delivers. The product page boasts that it 'Significantly increases hydration by 72% after just one day's wear', and I'd believe it. This must be due to the high levels of hyaluronic acid - another beauty buzz-word - a powerful humectant which helps the skin retain water. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the skin, but levels decline as we age. 

The main reason I bought B. Firm Day Cream is not only for its impressive anti-aging arsenal, but because it contains SPF 20. According to research, the sun's UV rays account for 80% of skin aging, and most of this isn't happening on your summer holiday, but every day, even in cloudy conditions, and in winter. So if you're interested in looking young for as long as you can, skincare with SPF is a must.

The cream is thick and absorbs well, with a light fragrance that isn't overpowering.

Another thing I like about this cream is how well it applies under make-up. I've had issues with moisturisers pilling into little balls of product when you try to apply make-up over them, but with this it went on very smoothly, almost like I was wearing a primer. I also can't bear strong 'perfumey' fragrances in skincare, and this has a light, fresh scent which is almost undetectable. 

A moisturiser has to tick a lot of boxes to impress me, and this one has managed it, plus it's a bargain! Suitable for vegans and certified cruelty-free by the BUAV. You couldn't really ask for more!

Til next time,

Emma

xXx

Product was bought by me. All opinions are my own. Gif from Imgur.

Moisturiser - my favourites and an epic fail!

Moisturising - probably the most important thing you can do to look after your skin. I can always tell when somebody I'm working on doesn't moisturise - the skin will be rough and tight, with fine lines caused by dryness and occasionally, the skin will be oily (skin can produce excess oil to try to make up for a lack of moisture). A good moisturiser will feel like it injects life and plumpness into your skin! But that's the problem - finding a good moisturiser is often an expensive process of trial and error.

The key is to buy moisturiser according to your skin type. If your skin is more oily, you need a lighter, water based lotion. If your skin is drier, you need a heavier oil based cream. If you have normal skin, you need something in between, the best of both worlds. Ideally, see if you can take a sample to see how it works with your skin. For daytime, your moisturiser should contain an SPF (this is vital from springtime to autumn).

If you are over 25, I recommend using a moisturiser with anti-aging properties. Prevention is really better than cure - what's the point of waiting til you look like a wrinkly raisin to use anti aging products? By that point it's too late - signs of aging can be slowed, but not reversed (without surgery/expensive procedures).

My skin is ridiculously dry. If I don't moisturise within 1 minute of cleansing, my skin becomes a tight, flaky desert. (If you look closely, you can see tumbleweed). Here are some of my favourites -

Lush- Skin Drink. For so long this has been the only thing that worked on my skin - it's super nourishing. It's pretty heavy duty, so only use it if your skin is seriously dry. Alternatively, you can use it on dry patches, or put on a thick layer, and leave it for 15 minutes as a mask, before wiping it off with a hot flannel. Be prepared for the smell though - it smells musty and natural. I personally like when a product smells of it's ingredients rather than that godawful artificial granny perfume smell that so many cosmetics have. Some people arent keen on the smell - but it's not too strong and doesn't linger after application so it shouldn't be a problem. £10.95

Lush Imperialis - This is a great all-round moisturiser for combination or normal skin. I used to use this back in the day when my skin was oilier from hormones, and it's lovely. It smells a bit lavendery and herby, and your skin feels soft and fresh after use. This is a favourite of mine to use on clients and models before make-up, as it absorbs quite quickly. £11.45

 

Origins A Perfect world SPF 25 - A good daytime moisturiser with added anti aging ingredients. Not as moisturising as my beloved Skin Drink, but leaves skin very soft and is an excellent base for make-up. Suitable for combination to dry skin. £31


Tip for oily skin! If you want to use a non-greasy moisturiser, but also want to nourish your skin with anti-aging preperties and the like, try using a serum. They are designed to use under moisturiser, but you can skip the moisturiser and still get all the anti aging action without being greasy!

Now for the bad -

Faith in Nature Intensive moisturising cream. This cream is now sitting on my bedroom floor in disgrace after leaving my skin covered in a thick, sticky film that wouldn't sink in. It does nothing towards alleviating dryness, despite the word 'intensive' on the bottle. Awful under make-up, pills leaving little balls of solid moisturiser on your face - not the look I was going for! I tried it out for a few days before I finally couldn't take it anymore and I switched to something else.
I really wanted to like products from this range, it's all vegan and contains natural organic ingredients, but after the stinging face wipes, the 'meh' conditioner and now this, I don't think I'll be trying any more of their products. £6.39

Bonus awesome product -

Holland and Barrett Vitamin E oil- Pure 100% vitamin e oil - this is a lifesaver, especially for dry, aging, sore or scarred skin. Vitamin e oil is a powerful antioxidant and helps the skin to heal and repair itself. I like to mix it with a lighter moisturiser at night time, use neat on damp skin, or use topically on dry spots and the fine lines under the eyes. It's also great for when you have a cut or a scrape - it makes it heal in no time. The above bottle is 70,000 I,U for £7.59, for external use only. (I have no idea what I,U means, but it shows how concentrated the vitamin e is. Therefore higher = better.) I get the 30,000 I,U one for £6.19- it is often on sale for cheaper, has a lemon scent (due to lemon oil) and can be taken internally too. I like to put some on my skin and take some in my drink, so that my skin is being looked after inside and out!

Emma
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