Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant

I've been fascinated for some time by all the praise surrounding Alpha-H and their products, and when I was in need of a new facial exfoliator and noticed their products were on 3 for 2 at Beauty Bay, I thought it was time to take the plunge.

The Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant is  a fairly unique experience as far as facial exfoliators go, smoothing and brightening without the use of harsh scrubbing particles.

The packaging is standard for Alpha-H - clean and minimal, with an almost clinical look to it.  

To use, you flip open the top to reveal a large hole from which a small amount of white powder is dispensed. The directions for use indicate that you should use  two  of the amounts of powder for application. The great thing about this dispensing system is that it dispenses the correct amount of product each time, so it is impossible to pour too much out which is great for minimising wastage!

You pour two applications into very wet hands and it transforms into a smooth paste which is then massaged into your skin for up to a minute.

What struck me with this exfoliator is that it doesn't seem to be gritty at all! It almost feels like some kind of mask, and at first I didn't believe that it was actually doing anything!

Over the past month using this on a daily basis, my skin has become noticeably smoother and I have suffered hardly any breakouts, so I have to conclude it works!  The only disadvantage is the high price, which at £32 may make me reconsider repurchasing.  If you are someone who invests a lot in your skin care regime though, this would be an excellent choice.

Verdict
A surprising twist on traditional exfoliation, this exfoliant leaves skin both  smooth and soft, and it is great to find something that isn't harsh and abrasive to the skin, but still packs a hefty punch. If you can overlook the higher price point, this could be a great addition to a skincare regime.
4/5 
Price- £32
Where to buy - Beauty Bay, Salon Skincare  Cult Beauty

Mini Haul - Alpha-H, Davines, Max Factor and Dior

A quick post to show what I have bought / received this week.  Sorry for the quality of the photos - I wanted to get these up and my flat has awful lighting!

Alpha-H  Daily Exfoliator and Alpha-H Handcream

I was after a new daily scrub and I’ve heard good things about the Alpha-H range.  I purchased the handcream as Beauty Bay were doing a promotion where you got a free Alpha-H eyecream if you purchased two products and I always need handcream!  The eye cream didn’t arrive though as it was out of stock grrrrr!!

Davines Nou Nou Illuminating Shampoo

I’d heard several people rave about this shampoo for coloured hair.  I’m wishing I had also picked up the conditioner too as I didn’t realise I am almost out of my Tigi Dumb Blonde.   I may have to do another order!  Not that impressed by the packaging though, it looks a bit like something I could have done!

Max Factor Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday

I won this a while ago from a giveaway with Special K.  It looks rather bright so I’m not sure if I will have the confidence to wear it outside the house – it may be donated to my mum as she is the Red Lipstick Queen!

Rouge Dior 351 in Elegant Pink

Another prize from a giveaway, this time from Pink Lady Apples!  I love winning lipsticks!  I haven’t tried any Dior lipsticks before and this looks like a very wearable, bright pink so I’m looking forward to giving it a try.

As an aside, Boots are currently running a giveaway where you could win one of 5000 Benefit Lip Glosses.  You need to buy 2 bottles of Diet Coke, scan the leaflet listing the promotion (I found this attached to the fridges next to the coke) and swipe your Advantage card.  I love Benefit glosses so fingers crossed for this one!

Have you tried any of these products?  

Review: The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion

Do you feel like your skin is feeling rough and unloved during the winter months, as you go from your heated house or office, to the lashing wind and rain?  If so, this scrub may be for you!

The Body Shop has a whole range of vitamin C products for your skin which are meant to help your skin repair itself and stay healthy.  To be honest, the amount of vitamin C in these products is probably minute, so I'm not too sure about these qualities, but I love a good scrub and the mention of 'microdermabraison' swung it for me!

The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion face scrub is a treatment that I use once or twice a week after I've cleansed my face and removed my makeup. I apply small amount to damp skin and use small circular motions to exfoliate, paying particular attention to any dry areas on my cheeks and to my t-zone, where my skin can be especially congested.

 

When I heard the word microdermabrasion, I instantly thought that this would be rather harsh for my skin but I was pleasantly surprised that this wasn't harsh at all.  The exfoliating beads of garnet are teeny tiny and feel like very small grains of sand.  They don't feel too scrubby although as there are so many of them you can really feel them working.  You need to be careful how much oomph you put into your scrubbing though, you have to be very gentle whilst rubbing it in.  I also have to mention the scent, as it smells like a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice!

I always make sure to moisturise afterwards and I've found by using this a couple of times a week, it really makes a difference to the condition of my skin.  It feels smoother and certainly softer.

Verdict

This scrub is perfect for those who like to really feel their skincare actively working whilst they use it.  I would think it is probably best suited to those with combination skin to help regulate it  and would advise those with sensitive skin to stay away as it would probably be too harsh for you.  It isn't super cheap at £12 a tube but given that it is a weekly or twice-weekly treatment, it will last a  long time and The Body Shop often have offers online and in store.

4/5

Price - £12.00

Where to Buy-  The Body Shop