Replenish lost salts and minerals with Erba Vita MgKC

Whether we like it or not, sweating is an essential function for our bodies to cool down in the heat - be it while exercising or just because temperatures reach soaring heights. Through sweat, we do not only lose water but also salts and minerals which are essential for our bodies to function properly. To counteract this, we are advised to drink at least 2 litres of water every day, but this only replenishes water levels in our bodies. To replenish salts and minerals, we need a little extra help, and this is where Erba Vita MgKC comes in.

Each box of Erba Vita MgKC comes with 20 sachets of powder containing magnesium, potassium and vitamin C that you dissolve in water and drink in order to replenish your body's mineral and hydration levels. MgKC also contains extracts of acerola which is rich in vitamin C, and also contains vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. It is also known that athletes use acerola to improve endurance. Baobab extracts further enhance the MgKC formula with their excellent levels of potassium and re-mineralizing properties. Moreover, Baobab has been identified by the World Health Organization as an optimum natural re-hydrator: in fact, when comparing the effects of intaking a solution containing Baobab to a standard saline solution, usually used for re-hydrating children affected by diarrhoea, the benefits registered were significant.

To get maximum benefits out of the product, it is advised to have 1 to 2 sachets per day, leaving at least 4 hours in between and preferably consume them between meals. If you suffer from high blood pressure though, it is advised to only consume 1 sachet a day because of the potassium content, but always consult your doctor or pharmacist. MgKC tastes of citrus which I like and they are great for travelling because of their size too! What makes MgKC better than other mineral-replenishing products? Well, it's sugar-free and has stevia instead (making the product suitable for diabetics) and real orange juice.

Staying hydrated has never been easier! Get yours from pharmacies and all Good Earth shops!

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Flormar Tropical Splash Limited Edition Collection

Summer is all about bright colours and Flormar is definitely on the right track with the brand's summer collection proposition for 2017 - Tropical Splash.

The collection boasts a vast array of products: 4 nail enamels, 6 lipsticks and 6 matching lip glosses, 8 eyeshadows, a mascara, 2 highlighters, 4 bronzers, 2 perfumes and 4 body mists - that's a mouthful isn't it?!

With all the bright colours available in this collection and the super stunning packaging, I was already taking note of which products to get from this collection when, much to my delight, I arrived home after a long day at work to a lovely surprise - I was sent some products from this collection to try out. I took them with me to a weekend getaway in Gozo to try them out and haven't let go of them since!

The packaging has summer written all over it with the ombre boxes reminding me of the perfect summer landscape - clear skies, cool blue waters and warm golden sands! The same ombre effect is translated onto some of the products too such as the lipsticks, whereas other products such as the mascara and bronzer have a monochromatic packaging.

Tropical Sun Bronzing Powder BR01 Maldives | Dramatic Volume Mascara Black
Tropical Lipstick 04 Orange Sunrise | Summer Metallics Eyeshadow 07 Emerald

Of course the product that caught my eyes first was the lipstick. I was sent the shade 04 Orange Sunrise which is an orange-based red. I have to admit that I am not particularly drawn to such shades because I am quite pale, however, I was surprised at how much this shade suited me! I like the buttery-soft formula on this lipstick, not to mention the awesome pigmentation and a smell that reminds me of watermelons - it can't get more summery than that!. I put this lipstick to the test for dinner and I am happy to say that it lasted all throughout. Naturally, it did fade away a little but for a regular lipstick that doesn't have a matte finish, I honestly didn't expect it to last that long!

As much as I prefer to wear bright colours on my lips, I just had to somehow incorporate this gorgeous emerald shade for a dinner date with my better half as it happened to match the dress I was going to wear. I used the eyeshadow to line my bottom lashes for a hint of colour though I wouldn't rule out the possibility to wear it as a full colour on my lids. Pigmentation is ok - not too strong but just enough for the colour to show up nicely. Green is one of my favourite colours and I think it complements my eye colour; even my boyfriend commented on how good it looked on so that's a big plus ;)

Next, I have one of the best mascaras I have ever owned. I have a couple more Flormar mascaras which I find to be of very good quality and they really give my lashes a nice, fanned out look but this Dramatic Volume Mascara outdid them all hands down! The wow factor lacking in the packaging is made up for with the exceptional performance of this mascara - it has the perfect brush to achieve a full fanned-out look which gives the illusion of wearing false lashes. It has a nice, deep black colour which coats the lashes in an even, non-clumpy manner. The only 'issue' I have with this mascara is that I would have liked it better to be waterproof since we are talking about a summer makeup collection but other than that, this gets a 10/10 from me.

Lastly, I have the ubiquitous product in every summer collection - bronzer. Compact bronzers are my favourite as you can build up the colour to your preferred intensity. I am really enjoying this one at the moment as it has a matte sort of finish that makes the product very versatile - you can use it for contouring, instead of a blush, or even to give you an overall tanned appearance. The compact even comes with a mirror inside and the bronze packaging had me in awe as soon as I took it out of the box, this is most definitely a go-to product! Moreover, the colour, BR01 Maldives is the perfect match for my light complexion.

Overall, I think you got the gist that I really like this collection, so thank you Flormar for sending these products over! Flormar has stores in Paola and St. Julian's which are worth checking out for some fabulous products at very affordable prices!

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Chic at the Beach

Here is another outfit post from my weekend in Gozo last week. This post, like the outfit post before it, also features a bargain from the River Island online sale. This time, it comes in the form of this gorgeous kaftan which matches my River Island bikini perfectly. I love how comfortable the material of this kaftan is and being white cotton, I really don't feel hot in it. I usually pair it with denim shorts when I am hitting the beach alone but for this post, I just wore it over my bikini (seen a little bit in the first picture).

Bikini, Kaftan & Sunglasses, all River Island | Sandals, Red Herring at Debenhams

Beach Bag Essentials

Hey all, I hope you're all enjoying your summer to the full whilst taking care of your skin with the right products. In this post, I wanted to share with you my essentials for a day at the beach.

First off, I would like to show you this cute transparent bag that was given to me during an event and I find the size of it to be perfect for travel purposes and days at the beach etc. as it holds all my bits and bobs in one place.

Now let's have a look at the actual contents, starting with, of course, sun block. I carry three with me, the reason being that on my face I use one with SPF50 (and the boyfriend likes to use the LRP one because of it's dry touch finish) and on my body I use another one which helps me tan faster. My current choices are Eau Thermale Avene SPF50 Cream, La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Dry Touch Cream and Lierac Sunific 2 Iridescent Milk Mist. A mirror is of course a must as well.

Sometimes, you just need to refresh your skin on the go and I always make sure to keep a bottle of thermal water handy. Right now I am using Vichy Eau Thermale which is paraben free and is suitable for sensitive skin. Of course I also like to keep my lips protected and for that I use Nivea Pure & Natural Milk & Honey lip balm to keep my lips smooth and moisturised.

To keep me smelling good all day long, I always make sure to pack this travel-sized Fa deodorant which has a floral scent that's not overpowering and won't make everyone avoid you because you're giving them a hayfever attack ;)

Since I am a little bit of a freak when it comes to hygiene, I always carry a hand sanitizer with me so currently I am using this one by Primark.

Lastly, I make sure to pack a wide-toothed comb, some bobby pins and hair ties with me so I can keep my hair in check and off my face ;)

What do you carry with you to the beach?

Event | Pupa Milano New Summer Launches

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the launch of some new products from Pupa Milano, all related to the upcoming summer season. The event was held near one of the most popular beaches in Malta, St. George's Bay in St. Julians at La Plage lounge. We were given the opportunity to sample the new products, all while enjoying refreshing summery treats and drinks freshly prepared by the La Plage kitchen staff.

Next, we had a presentation on all the products concerned, from anti-cellulite treatments (some of which already existed) to the new Pupa Multifunction sun care range and the summer limited edition makeup collection Bronze Fever.

Stephanie, Pupa brand manager, delivering the presentation

Here is a brief word about the different product categories and some pictures to introduce you to the fantastic world of Pupa Milano summer products. Starting with one of women's worst concerns, cellulite, Pupa addresses the needs of everyone with a comprehensive range of products that offer treatment at different intensities according to individual requirements. My favourite product has to be the anti-cellulite mud which is very practical and on par with today's hectic lifestyles as you don't need to wrap it for it to exert its action. The latest product to join the range is the Anti-Cellulite Active Concentrate which contains Hylauronic Acid molecules in two different sizes in combination with horse chestnut and caffeine. The range also includes a scrub which further enhances the treatment creams' action. The first results after using these products usually appear after 4 weeks following the instructed regimen.

Pupa Anti-Cellulite and Breast Enhancement ranges

Next, we were introduced to the Pupa breast enhancement range which is now re-formulated to prevent itching. Again, the products in the range are targeted towards different needs and are said to enhance breasts by up to a cup size.

Moving on, we have the Multi Function sun care range which covers everything from pre-exposure to after sun care for body, face, hair and lips. The range contains some interesting products such as the Super Tan Activator 3 in 1 which contains melanin stimulators to help achieve and maintain a gradual tan even before sun exposure; the Super Water Intensive Tanning which can be used to remove sea salt residues from hair and body; a Super Spray Invisible Tanning which also contains melanin activators and the Super After Sun Cream which is a shower gel and after sun in one. I was lucky enough to receive the latter product in my goodie bag and I really look forward to try it and see how well it performs. 

Pupa Multifunction Sun Care range

Lastly, we have the Bronze Fever makeup collection which as the name implies, revolves all around the typical bronze hues we associate with summer. The collection consists of eyeshadow pens, kajal liners, nail polishes, lip oils and cream highlighters to provide us with the ultimate summer glow. Pupa being an Italian brand from fashion capital Milan, the collection also revolves around an elegant and glamorous aura inspired by the Milanese catwalk shows, which is reflected even in the outer packaging of the products.

Which products are you most excited about? I know I want to get some of the eyeshadow pens ;)

Getting a Summer Glow

For a little break from Fashion Week posts, here are some tips for getting a healthy summer glow now that the soaring temperatures are finally here.

1. Keep your skin hydrated from outside and inside by using a good moisturiser and drinking loads of water. The latter will also help flush away toxins, giving your skin an overall better appearance. Alternatively, if you don't like water on it's own, why not try infused water where you add fruit to the water for a kick? ;)

2. Snack on fruit and healthy snacks such as anti-oxidant rich blueberries, goji berries and nuts that are rich in the good fats and oils our skin needs. While writing this article, this webpage has proven to be very helpful with providing healthy food recipes that I can guarantee are as delicious as they look! Have a look at Aloha's recipe centre for some serious food and healthy recipe inspiration!

3. Drink green tea as it also helps to eliminate toxins from the body. I like mine with a little bit of ginger to spice up the flavour.

4. Wear sunscreen everyday - no need to emphasise why, we all know the dangers of UV rays.

5. Exfoliate your body every other day and your face from once to twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells and boost circulation, exposing the healthy, glowing skin underneath! Don't have time to do that everyday? Easy, pick an exfoliating shower gel such as from Yves Rocher.

6. Lastly, fake a tan! My favourite bronzer is the Aero Minerale Makeup Mist in Malibu. I like to mix it with my moisturiser for a more even colour and application, plus it boosts hydration!

Do you have any other tips for getting a summer glow that you would love to share?

Review | Lierac Paris Sunific Preparateur Tan Starter Serum

Summer: drinks get colder, water gets warmer. Hair gets lighter, skin gets darker...and, hold on... I have a product to share with you for an even deeper tan!

I was introduced to Lierac Paris Sunfic Preparateur Tan Starter Serum last month during an event which launched the Lierac Sunific Range. The range comprises a number of products aimed at promoting a healthy tan and ultimately preserving it. Apart from sun protection creams, they even offer products to help prepare the skin for sun tanning.

 

Primers are all the rage as of late - there's face primers, eye primers, lip primers and now there's even tanning primers such as the Tan Starter Serum from French luxury skin care brand Lierac. Event attendees were given a full sized sample of this Tan Starter Serum to try and after using it consistently for over four weeks, here are my thoughts on it.

The packaging, albeit simple is very convenient and I love its golden brown colour - it has beautifully tanned skin written all over it! The dispenser is actually a pump which is always ideal with this type of products and the cap closes securely over it.

 

The serum itself bears a light orange colour and it smells divinely of sweet oranges which are in effect one of the key active ingredients in the product. The concoction of red orange citroflavonoids, carrot and jasmine extracts, fruit AHA's, Monoi oil, Shea butter and a trio of tan enhancers (achiote oil, apricot kernel and vegetable glycerine) promotes a uniform tan at a cellular level.

 

 

The product is suitable for use on the face and body and is recommended in conjunction with your usual regular care products. It is advised to use a product with a good SPF factor since the serum doesn't offer such protection - it is only meant to promote and maintain a tan.

 

I have been using this serum consistently for over four weeks now and my skin tans better and even if I skip the beach for a prolonged time, the tan is still maintained. The formula is quickly and easily absorbed into the skin and I like how it leaves a shimmery glow behind.  

 

I am honestly in love with this product and it has definitely become a summer staple!

For stockist information, kindly check out the Lierac Malta Facebook page.

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Review | La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid SPF 50+

In Malta, summer is already palpable...higher temperatures and sunny days are getting more frequent and consequently, I have been taking more care of my skin when being exposed in the sun.

 

I know I should wear sunscreen all year round, but I haven't got that habit yet. Having said that, come the month of May, I never go out without sunscreen even on cloudy days because it is common knowledge that UV rays still pass through and can damage your skin.

 

I for one, have not changed to my summer wardrobe yet and so my face and hands are the only frequently exposed areas but they still need adequate protection. Luckily, La Roche Posay, which are always at the forefront when it comes to sun protection products, have added a brand new face product to their Anthelios range and they have also refined the texture of one of their existing products.

 

For those new to it, Anthelios caters for the sun protection needs of children and adults alike and the range consists of a number of products. The first product I am going to review is Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid with SPF 50+ which is actually the revised formula product.

 

Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid is presented in a conveniently sized 50ml slim, plastic container which comes in a box along with an informative package insert.

 

 

As the name implies, the product is a very runny and fluid white cream which is meant to be applied on the face and its ultra light texture is specifically tailored for the needs of normal to combination skin. The product applies nicely and a little goes a long way. It is easily absorbed and dries to an imperceptible finish with no white marks and if doesn't feel greasy - a first when it comes to sunblock for the face.

 

 

Anthelios XL offers very high protection against UVA and long-wave UVA rays (penetrate deeper into the skin and accelerate the skin's ageing process. They are also responsible for sun allergy development) thanks to its patented filtering system which combines Mexoryl, SX and XL together with Senna Alata, a cell protector of natural origin. Consequently, it also offers an increased protection against UVB rays (stimulate tanning and are mainly responsible for damage). The formula is also paraben free, perfume free and is non-comedogenic.

 

Moreover, due to the high protection against UVA rays, Anthelios is suitable for the most sensitive of skins that are prone to sun allergies. 

Personally this is now one of my go-to sun protection products especially because it agrees so well with my oily skin type. I have not perceived any burning while wearing this product and it holds for a good number of hours. Of course, reapplying is a must to top up the protection level.

 

La Roche Posay Anthelios XL is widely available in pharmacies across Malta and Gozo. For more information, check out the Facebook page here.

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