New Uriage AGE Protect Anti-Ageing Skin Care

Let me start this post off with an apology to you, my readers for I haven't had the time to properly sit down and write a blog post or two in the longest time. Not because I was running out of ideas, because there is a whole backlog of products I want to share with you here, but because life got in the way. I have currently gone back to wedding planning and it is almost time to start looking for furniture for our home too so my plate is quite full at the moment, not to mention my full-time job. But anyway, rant over, I am back today with a fantastic anti-ageing skincare range from Uriage.

If you know me, you know how much I love skin care and even though I have my absolute favourite products that I wouldn't trade for anything else, I still enjoy going to product launches and see what innovations different brands come up with to address all the concerns.

The latest event I got to attend was the launch of a new anti-ageing skincare range from Uriage and in a teaser picture on Facebook and Instagram stories, I asked you what you think is an added environmental factor that is contributing to premature skin ageing. No one seemed to know the answer even though it is all around us and more common than we think. The answer? Blue light!

Yes, the light that emanates from smartphones, computers, tablets, etc is making us age faster! Who would have thought that?! Well, luckily, French skincare brand Uriage took to launching a whole new outlook on anti-ageing skincare with their comprehensive range AGE Protect. It's pretty clear that the products in this range aim at protecting our skin against daily exposomes (environmental factors/exposures we are subjected to, that can be linked to an individual's health status, including the skin's ageing process). More specifically, and this is what makes Uriage AGE Protect range unique in the realm of anti-ageing skincare, these products have a Blue Light Barrier. This patented technology is the first of its kind and as the name implies, it is targeted against the effects of blue light on our skin.

Of course, the basis of the products is Uriage thermal water which by now, I think everyone and their mother knows about its benefits in skin care products. The other active ingredients in the AGE Protect range are retinol, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, dragon's blood, vitamin C, vitamin E and of course the patented Blue Light Barrier (BLB). Thus the formula has both protective and corrective ingredients.

The BLB creates an exposome shield, thus creating a healthy environment. The shield is further enhanced by Filmexel which produces a second-skin effect to prevent adhesion of pollutants to the skin. As for retinol and hyaluronic acid, we all know that these two ingredients combat pigmentation, wrinkles and promote healthy-looking skin respectively. The AGE Protect range is very comprehensive and comprises 3 products for daily use (Multi-Action Cream, Multi-Action Cream with SPF 30, Multi-Action Fluid) 2 targeted products (Multi-Action Eye Contour, Multi-Action Intensive Serum) and 2 night products (Multi-Action Detox Night Cream, Multi-Action Peeling Night Cream). They are tailored for all ages and can also be used by men. However, they are not advised for pregnant women since they contain retinol.

I look forward to trying out the products that were kindly gifted to us, especially the eye contour cream and I'd be happy to share my thoughts on them in due time. Thank you once again to Uriage for having me :)

Review | La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Anti-Aging Serum & Hyaluronic Acid Cream

It's no secret that La Roche Posay is my favourite skincare brand for a number of reasons - widely available, affordable prices and products that actually work for my skin type!

I have been sharing some snaps on Instagram and Facebook of two new products from La Roche Posay, belonging to the latest range, Hyalu B5, which addresses anti-ageing for sensitive skin. The products are a Hyaluronic Acid Cream and serum, with the serum being already available locally while the cream will be launched at a later date this year.

The Hyalu B5 range features two key ingredients, essential in anti-ageing care - Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5 which aim at re-plumping the skin, whilst keeping it super hydrated. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is already present in our skin and it has a high affinity for water, thus, using products which contain HA, increases water levels in our skin, making it look plumper and ensuring adequate hydration levels.

HA levels in our skin deplete over time and by the age of 50, it is estimated that we would have lost 50% of the skin's original HA levels. This decrease in HA leads to impairment of the skin's self-repairing mechanisms, of which HA is at the very core.

In fact, the LRP Hyalu B5 range is indicated for correction of wrinkles, loss of volume and elasticity, tired and dull skin as well as post-procedure recovery, even on sensitive skin. It is known that sensitive skin types age faster and take longer to recover due to micro-inflammatory stress within the skin that breaks down the collagen fibres and HA.

The formulas contain two different molecules of HA, one lighter than the other - High Molecular Weight HA and Low Molecular Weight HA. The High Molecular Weight HA is responsible for forming an invisible moisture barrier at the skin's surface, which holds water and consequently fills in fine lines and wrinkles. On the other hand, the Low Molecular Weight HA is able to seep deeper into the top skin layers to stimulate and re-activate the skin's repair mechanisms for a plumper look. These two different HA molecules work in synergy with the Vitamin B5 to replenish the skin's moisture barrier.

Hyalu B5 Anti-Wrinkle Care Hyaluronic Acid Cream - Price TBA

First up, Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Cream which is meant to be used as a moisturiser. The cream is available in a 40ml format which is more than enough because you need a minute amount and you can also take it abroad with you.

It has a light consistency with a rapidly-absorbing formula which doesn't feel heavy. In fact, I use it morning and night after cleansing my skin and never had issues with my makeup not lasting during the day or my skin feeling tacky at any time. 

Hyalu B5 Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Serum - €34.20

Now, my favourite out of the two! I love serums so I was delighted to try this one out. It has a gel-like consistency and you can either use it with the pipette or without. I personally prefer the pipette as it is more hygienic and easier to control the amount of product that you use. The jar contains 30ml of product, so again, it will last you for a long time.

The verdict

And now for the final verdict - do these products pass the test? Yes, they do! The very fine lines around my eyes have diminished in the last couple of months that I have introduced these two products in my skin care routine. Also, both formulas are nice to work with, hence they both get my seal of approval!

La Roche Posay products can be purchased from all pharmacies.

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Event | L'Occitaine en Provence Aqua Réotier Launch

A couple of weeks ago, an e-invitation from one of my favourite brands, found its way to my inbox - it was to do with the launch of the newest skin-care range from L'Occitaine, Aqua Réotier and the dress code for the 'do was yoga wear.

I panicked a little as I really do not own anything that is anywhere near to being classified as gym attire except for the pair of H&M leggings I ended up wearing. Nonetheless, I made my way to Sanya Spa within the Hilltop Gardens Residence in Naxxar to see what the event was all about.

The Event

As soon as I reached the venue, I took my time to take in the tranquil surroundings while I walked towards the spa to meet the other bloggers and influencers who were attending. After exchanging friendly greetings with the organizers and L'Occitaine brand manager, I was offered a refreshing glass of cucumber-infused water which I must say was a very welcome refresher.

Bloggers & influencers in attendance
L to R: Dorianne, Natalya, Marie-Claire, Taryn, moi, Jade

The event started with the Sanya Spa staff offering us a glass of Kombucha - a fermented sweetened black tea drink that is intended to benefit our digestive system. The tea is fermented by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts which includes 'saccharomyces' (yeasts that break down sugar) and bacterial components which oxidise yeast produced alcohols to acids. I found it to have a very different yet intriguing taste to what I am used to - I thought it smells of hot sauce(!) and to be honest, it did have a tingling after-taste, yet I couldn't stop drinking it!

Next, we moved to our mini yoga session with Yaz from Yogibeans. I had done Pilates in the past but never yoga so I was curious to see what it involves. I could feel my body relaxing through the poses Yaz was instructing us to do with her soothing and calming voice. It was what my body and mind were craving to relax actually and I'm so glad I got to participate in the class.

Video by Marie Claire Fashion Blog

Subsequently, it was time for the range launch from L'Occitaine en Provence. Tamara Burr was invited to give us a live demonstration of the Aqua Réotier skin care routine and along the way she also gave us really helpful hints as to how to take better care of our skin (more on this further down).

After the demonstration, we got to participate in a flat-lay competition which Marie-Claire and Taryn won and we also got to taste some heavenly vegan delights and macarons.

Flat-lay created by yours truly

About the Aqua Réotier range

L'Occitaine en Provence Aqua Réotier product range
photo from uk.loccitaine.com

L'Occitaine's Aqua Réotier range is tailored to promote moisture and hydration to the skin and consists of 5 products:

- Water Gel Cleanser

- Moisture Prep Essence

- Fresh Moisturizing Mist

- Ultra Thirst Quenching Gel

- Ultra Thirst Quenching Cream
all of which contain water from the Réotier Spring in Provence, the brand's 'hometown'. The water from this spring is 10 times richer in calcium than other thermal springs in France. This high level of calcium is key for the skin to maintain its natural barrier function and to retain moisture and hydration. Along with Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin, the water from the Réotier Spring ensures your skin gets adequate hydration all day long.

Réotier Spring in Provence
photo from uk.loccitaine.com

The regime is fairly simple - cleanse, prep, intense hydration and refresh. Tamara recommends double cleansing if you're wearing full makeup to ensure the skin is really clean. Thus, start with a makeup remover to remove all traces of makeup. Next, wet hands and pour a little of the gel cleanser and work into a light lather, massaging the emulsion in upwards circular motions avoiding the eyes. next comes the essence to prep the skin (this acts as a toner) followed by the cream or gel depending on your skin type and then finish off with the face mist which can be re-applied as often as you'd like throughout the day as it is a refreshing thermal water.

I got the Water Gel Cleanser and Ultra Thirst Quenching Cream in my gift pack which I am already using and I can already see a big difference in the parts where my skin tends to be dehydrated - my skin already looks plumper and hydrated!

#BeThirstyFor Campaign

Together with their new skin-care range, L'Occitaine have launched the #BeThirstyFor campaign which aims to push individuals to pursue something they have always wanted to do.

Thank you L'Occitaine for having me, I look forward to having more hydrated skin with Aqua Réotier!

The event was organised by Infiltrend in collaboration with L'Occitaine en Provence.

New Skin Care Finds | Lierac Paris Double Cleansing & Hydragenist Product Ranges

As much as I enjoy planning and organizing events, I never though wedding planning will be as stressful. We have a little more than a year to go and with May being one of the peak months for weddings in Malta, we struggled to find a venue we liked which was available and the stress definitely took its toll on my skin - I was breaking out uncontrollably until we settled on a venue so of course I resorted to a skin care routine that helped my skin get better in a matter of days. Apart from Eau Thermale Avene's Cleanance range, I've been using a few new products from Lierac Paris too, namely, their new additions to the essential range, all of which offer double cleansing.

I was delving into double cleansing at the end of last year thereby I was delighted when the people behind Lierac reached out and offered me deluxe samples of their newest products which I will gladly share with you in this post. What exactly is double cleansing? Double cleansing usually involves layering two cleansing products during your skincare to make sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed and free from makeup and pollutants.

I will start with the Foaming Cream Double Cleanser which is meant for makeup removal, gentle scrubbing and anti-aging. I found this product a bit too rich for my skin but nonetheless, it does an excellent job at all it claims to do. The cleansers transforms to a gentle cleansing foam on contact with water and leaves the skin fresh and purified with floral notes of jasmin, lotus flower and gardenia.

The other two products in the range require no rinsing and they are the Double Toning Gel Lotion and  Double Cleanser Micellar Milk. These are more up my alley especially after a long day when all I want to do is just remove my makeup and go to bed. I don't like removing my makeup in the shower - I prefer taking it all off in front of my bathroom mirror so using products that require the use of a cotton disc are sometimes favoured over gel cleansers especially when I am not wearing any or too much makeup. I find that the cleansing milk is an effective makeup remover and leaves my skin feeling clean even though I don' rinse it off. The toner, on the other hand, has the perfect consistency which enables it to be easily absorbed and help keep my skin toned and hydrated. They both transform into water on contact with the skin and the milk also features the same floral notes as the Foaming Cream Double Cleanser.

The last two products that I want to talk about are from the Hydragenist range which is aimed at younger skins and targets their adequate hydration as the name suggests. I'm going to start with my favourite - the serum! During these last couple of years, I have been making it a point to include serums in my skincare routine and so far I have only used Lierac serums. I love the smooth, velvety texture and my skin feel re-energized immediately after application. The other product is a moisturiser. I like to use this mostly in the evening as during the day I prefer to use something with SPF in it. It is light enough not to make my oily skin feel oilier and it does a great job of keeping my skin hydrated.

Lierac is one of my favourite skincare brands but these two ranges have definitely got to be at the top of my favourite skin care products from the brand! Did you try them already?

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Review | Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Range

If you're looking into taking better care of acne prone skin, then this post is for you. I have been trying out the Cleanance range from Eau Thermale Avène to deal with a couple of nasty breakouts due to eating way too much fatty food during the festive season. I was actually introduced to the range a couple of months ago, when I was invited for a presentation about Cleanance at Villa Mdina in Naxxar.

Dr. Lawrence Scerri, one of the leading dermatologists in Malta delivered a very interesting presentation about the different types of acne, what causes acne and the medical treatment available to treat it. Anyone who has suffered from acne at any point in their life knows the impact it has on our day to day life and activities. Women tend to pile on layers and layers of foundation in an attempt to cover up the pustules and scars. Men are also badly affected and this can impact work and their social life.

As you know, I have tried and reviewed skin care products for oily skin from other brands before which I still find them to be very effective and use these products on a daily basis. However, being a beauty blogger, I still like to try similar products to see how they compare. Today I have some products from this same Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance range which were given to me at the event.

Products from the Cleanance range suit my skin type, which is oily to sensitive where I get occasional pimples. The foundation of any great skincare regime is an effective cleanser. I am favouring the Cleansing Gel to remove all traces of makeup and dirt from my face at the end of the day without my skin feeling dry. I have also used the Cleanance Micellar Water and it is just as effective if you want something milder. I generally use micellar water for a quick clean in the morning while I tend to reach for a gel cleanser in the evening.

Cleanance Expert and TriAcnéal Expert are your best bet to take care of blackheads and stubborn blemishes respectively. Both products have a light texture that is rapidly absorbed and don't feel greasy. I like to use them even under makeup to protect my skin and prevent spots from getting inflamed. In fact these two are my favourites because I can see the results within 2 - 3 days.

Lastly, I have Cleanance MAT Mattifying Emulsion which is a light moisturizer that keeps skin shine free for longer. I sometimes use this as a makeup primer because it gives makeup an excellent hold and I don't need to touch up during the day.

What makes Eau Thermale Avène products different from other brands is that all of their products are packed in a sterile environment making them a sterling choice for people with sensitive skins. Eau Thermale Avène products can be bought from all pharmacies in Malta and Gozo.

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Vichy Normaderm Skin Care Routine for Oily, Acne Prone Skin feat. Normaderm 3-in-1 Scrub + Cleanser + Mask

In Malta, most skin types fall into the oily skin category and consequently, there are a lot of individuals who have had to deal with acne at one point or another in their life. I guess I was one of the lucky few who never got acne despite my oily skin but I still get the odd inflamed pimple(s) every now and then which is when I switch up my skin care routine specifically to tackle them.

My latest discovery in the quest for clear skin, comes in the form of a 3-in-1 Scrub + Cleanser + Mask courtesy of the lovely people at Vichy who have kindly sent over the product along with some samples of the Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel and Corrective Anti Acne Treatment. I have used the products for the past month as I usually like to do with skin care products before I can share my opinions about them. 

The Vichy Normaderm range is specially formulated for treating frequent acne breakouts, blackheads, enlarged pores, pimples and excess shine. The three products in this post are only a small part of an extensive range of products within the Normaderm range.

I'm going to start with the Normaderm 3-in-1 Scrub + Cleanser + Mask which has recently been re-formulated. The product comes in a 125ml tube and as name implies can be used as a scrub, cleanser and mask. In each case, it ensures a deep clean to unclog pores, minimize their appearance and mattify the skin for up to 3 days. If you have very oily skin, the mattifying effect may last less. To use as a cleanser/scrub, all I do is just lather some of the cleanser onto damp skin and rinse it off with plenty of water. To use as a mask, I apply a thick layer and leave it on for 5 minutes before rinsing off thoroughly with warm water. I usually apply the product as a mask once a week and seeing it only takes 5 minutes, it's perfect for busy lifestyles. It is recommended to use this product once or twice a week whereas for the rest of the week, the use of a gentle cleanser is advised.

I usually prefer gel cleansers so I found Normaderm 3-in-1 Scrub + Cleanser + Mask to be a little too rich for me to use as a cleanser. As a mask, however, this works brilliant! I can still reap the benefits of the product as a scrub while rinsing it off. The product contains 25% Kaolin clay, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Zinc, pumice and 5% Mineralizing Thermal Water to make the formula an effective one. I notice that after using this product, my skin stays matte for longer and skin looks much brighter and smoother.

I have also tried the Deep Cleansing Gel and Corrective Anti Acne Treatment to get rid of my pimples and I am happy to say that the routine works well. The spots were gone in less than a week after using this routine. I really like the Deep Cleaning Gel for it cleanses my skin thoroughly without drying it while the Corrective Anti Acne Treatment ensured that no pimple marks are left on my skin! Oh and one last thing, the Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel is excellent for taking off Vichy Dermablend and Dermablend 3D Correct foundations so it doubles up as a makeup remover as well!

Picture courtesy of Vichy Facebook page

Vichy Normaderm can be found in all pharmacies around Malta & Gozo.

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Introducing Human+Kind Natural Skin Care

It seems that nowadays, everyone and their mother are more aware of the benefits of eating natural, unprocessed foods and this holds true even for cosmetics - most of the time, natural is best! Today I am introducing you to Human+Kind, one of the latest brands to join the Paloma Cosmetics Portfolio.

Part of the Human+Kind product range at Roseberry

About Human+Kind

Human+Kind is an Irish skin-care brand which as its name implies, it is Human in providing effective, natural skin care solutions, + Kind with its no animal testing policy and environment-friendly approach. The brand saw it's inception in 2011 in Cork, Ireland and was distributed to a few select countries at first and gradually expanded to more markets. Their original and still a best selling product is the Family Remedy cream which individuals who suffer from psoriasis and eczema continually sing their praises for. All products from Human+Kind are free from parabens or petrochemicals.

I was kindly given two products from the range - the Watermelon Hand+Elbow+Foot Cream and the Apple & Herbs Sensitive Conditioner. The packaging of each product is without a doubt striking and very appealing - they have such colourful motifs, they are sure to brighten up your bathroom! Let's have a look at the products individually.

Human+Kind Watermelon Hand+Elbow+Foot Cream - €7.95 for 50ml

First up is the Hand+Elbow+Foot Cream and I have the one that smells of Watermelon, yumm! The smell reminds me so much of summer which is precisely why I like to apply this cream before going to bed - I can go to sleep with happy thoughts on my mind, plus I wake up with baby-soft hands in the morning :) I make sure to use just a little bit though because otherwise, it doesn't get absorbed and just sits on your skin for quite a while. It works equally good on the heels and elbows and contributes to softer skin especially as far as our driest skin points go.

The key natural ingredients that make this product so effective are, Aloe Vera extract, Shea Butter, Marigold Oil, Centella asiatica extract, Avocado Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil and Cocoa Seed Oil. All of these ingredients are known for their richness and hydration properties as well as their ability in boosting circulation and promoting skin regeneration among other benefits.

Human+Kind Apple & Herbs Sensitive Conditioner - €9.95 for 200ml

Next I have the Human+Kind Apple & Herbs Sensitive Hair Conditioner. My hair is very fine yet it tangles easily and if I dare not condition it, it just doesn't look good. I found this particular conditioner to be a little thicker than my usual ones but it hasn't altered the oil levels in my hair so that's good. It smells nice and leaves my hair looking glossy and feeling soft so this definitely gets a full 5 stars from me! It is marketed as a 2-in-1 product for it soothes sensitive skins and it gently nourishes the hair. The key ingredients are Aloe extract and Marshmallow root/leaf extract which helps alleviate skin irritations.

I think Human+Kind is a promising brand and I am looking into buying the Family Remedy Cream to treat a minor eczema outbreak I currently have.

Human+Kind is available at Roseberry, Valletta and Melita Health and Beauty, St.Julian's.

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Discovering Estee Lauder Skin Care at Franks

Skin care is my favourite part of a beauty routine - having a nice, smooth canvas makes for easier makeup application and better results. I joined the Estee Lauder VIP Session held at Franks The Plaza on Friday the 29th of September to discover more about this luxury brand and what it has to offer.

The Estee Lauder brand saw it's inception in the year 1946 when Mrs. Lauder wanted something new to offer to women in terms of skin care back when only a couple of products were available on the market. The first shop was opened in Sachs, New York and Estee Lauder products were deemed expensive by customers, hence, to boost sales, 'samples' of the products were given out so that clients can try before they commit to buying the full sized product. As a matter of fact, the term 'sample' was coined by Estee Lauder. They even offered gifts with purchase to make the client feel more special.

Following a run-through of all the products offered by the brand, one could easily deduce that it is all about creating innovative formulas that deliver the promised results. Their skin care ranges target all skin concerns and most of the products are even multi-purpose. For example the cleansers have ingredients that pertain to both a conventional cleanser as well as a makeup remover. They come in different formulas to suit everyone's needs and of course, there is a complementing range of products for an all round caring experience.

Estee Lauder is mostly renowned for it's serums and it is in fact considered a serum brand. Their best seller has to be the Advanced Night Repair which can be used by anyone as it is considered as a preventive product. It acts onto the deeper layers of the skin and contains Hyaluronic Acid to plump the skin. Apart from the Advanced Night Repair, the Estee Lauder brand carries serums for other skin concerns such as dehydration, oily skin and pigmentation.

There are even the more luxurious brands for mature skin types, which promise to aid in restoring youthfulness to the skin thanks to a higher concentration of Hyaluronic Acid. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this session and look forward to attending more of them to discover more luxurious brands Franks has to offer. If you'd like to join, do follow the Frank's Facebook page to know when the next session will be held.