Visible Brilliance - Elemis

Is it actually visible?

As you may well know from my previous blog, I’m testing which brand of micellaire solution works best. I’m still on the case and now testing the Nuxe brand. However, meantime I thought I will share with you my recent findings about the Elemis face serum – Visible Brilliance.

Its light and luminous texture glides evenly on the face. This serum works great under my daily moisturiser, my skin looks smoother, radiant and prepared for my make-up application. According to the Elemis spokeswoman, this is not a treatment product but one that makes your skin look radiant. Is it just me or it seems a bit too expensive (£40 RRP) for something we all could easily do with a make-up trick.

I’ve used almost a whole bottle of that serum and noticed not much difference to my skin. It makes my skin glow when it’s on but notice no difference that I would expect after using a serum. To be honest, I’m not really impressed with that product. It’s a great idea to use it as a boost when you need it (special occasions like wedding day – need to tell Stace about it!); however, if your skin does not lack lustre don’t bother. It smells nice and has lovely texture but considering the price the results are not that impressive. Instead, I would definitely recommend Decleor’s Aromessence Neroli oil, which is fantastic, especially when used as a boost under your night treatment.

Nevertheless, make your own judgements when choosing skincare. Remember what suits one, won't suit another… and stay beautiful!

Mags x
17^th May, 2010

My beauty secret - micellaire solution

My beauty secret - micellaire solution

I love spring… maybe with less rain and more sunshine but still I love this time of the year! It’s that time when my house and my facial routine needs spring clean action!

Last year I fell ill in May and the skin on my face went off track after a number of medications I was taking. My beautician said that it may take as long as a year for my skin to fully recover and she was right! I look (and feel) much better now… and it’s just about a year later!

During that year I have not rested on my laurels, though. I kept researching and trying ever so new products until I found what I think works best for my skin – micellaire solution! It’s a calming cleansing solution that works perfect for sensitive skin. It soothes irritated and fragile skin, cleanses face, eyes and lips perfectly without rubbing, and rinsing is not required.

Purete Thermale Solution Micellaire from Vichy is one of the ‘wonder’ products that I use at present. It’s available on high street for less than a tenner. You can find different brands selling this cleansing solution; however, not all of them are available in the UK. Hence, during my recent trip to Europe I purchased several different products of micellaire solution and my task now is to keep you posted of which one is the best of them all. As for now, I can tell you that Purete Thermale cleared my skin so much that my friend, whom I haven't seen since Christmas, said that I look like I've never had skin problems before. It was great to hear such a complement.

If you have any questions or comments, please tweet us @beautyu or email at info@beautyu.co.uk.

And remember, stay beautiful!

Mags x

10 May 2010

The Perfect Scent

The Perfect Scent

I got to thinking the other day how smell is such a powerful sense, and how the scent of something can really take us back. The smell of fresh cut grass reminds me of running through the fields in the heat of the summer sun, a coconut body lotion reminds me of a summer spent in Greece, and Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess reminds me of my favourite holidays. We often spend years trying to find the right scent for ourselves, and change the scent according to event, time of year and mood. And a scent has the power to uplift us and make us beautiful. I rarely leave the house without any make-up on, but on the odd occasion I have done, I have always walked through a mist of perfume. It has the ability to make us feel beautiful, truly beautiful from the inside out.

And so reader, here is my quest. I am getting married in 5 months, and am after finding the perfect scent. It has to be something timeless, that will always (hopefully!) bring back happy memories of fun, love and my favourite people being together. Do I stick with an old trusty from Chanel, or branch into something from Nina Ricci. (That's the power of Glee sponsorship for you ;-))

My wedding is to be a laid back affair abroad, so something light and romantic, but summery and fruity would be ideal. Answers on a postcard please. (well the digital version of a postcard.) Tweet us @beautyu or email at info@beautyu.co.uk. Please get involved!

Stay (and smell!) beautiful!

Stace x

P.S - Mags will be back next week with her great skin care high street finds!

28th April 2010